Page 108 of The Sun Sister
‘So when do you get out of here?’
‘On Saturday.’
‘Then how about I book both of us a ride across the desert before you go back to California?’
‘You know what?’ Lizzie’s face lit up. ‘There is nothing I would enjoy more.’
Having slept the sleep of the dead, exhausted from all the emotional processing of the day before, I woke at dawn next day to find Lizzie sitting on her bed in her robe, drinking a cup of coffee.
‘Morning,’ I said sleepily. ‘You’re up early.’
‘Yes, I can’t believe you managed to sleep through it with our dorm mate’ – she indicated Vanessa, snoring gently – ‘having nightmares. Every time I dropped off, she’d wake me up with her shouting. I gave up in the end and got up. She’s sleeping peacefully now, though. Poor little thing. She’s obviously very traumatised.’
‘I didn’t hear a thing,’ I said as I stripped off and put on my vest, shorts and sneakers. ‘I’m going for my run. I’ll see you at prayers.’
I jogged out of The Ranch, eager to arrive at the track before Miles and get my three circuits in. As I set off, I felt irritated that he was affecting the serenity of my morning runs. I was by the water cooler drinking a cup when he appeared at the start of the trail.
‘Morning, Electra,’ he said as I started to walk back towards The Ranch.
‘Morning.’
‘Listen,’ he said, changing direction and walking beside me, ‘are you avoiding me?’
‘Maybe.’
‘I told you I was sorry yesterday. Do I need to apologise again?’
‘No, no...’ I stopped and turned to face him. ‘As a matter of fact, I should thank you.’
‘Thank me?’
‘Yeah, it was partly due to you that I got some stuff out that I needed to.’
‘Oh, okay. Then we’re cool?’
‘Yeah, we’re cool.’
‘Then why are you avoiding me?’
‘I...I’m still working some stuff out.’
‘Right. And you don’t want me to say anything more that could complicate it?’
‘Yeah, sort of.’
‘Then I’ll back off.’
I watched him turn away from me towards the trail and swore under my breath. That had to be one of the most uncomfortable exchanges I’d ever had, and I had no idea why I felt so awkward around him.
After breakfast and prayers, I trotted off to see Fi.
‘Good morning, Electra. How are you feeling today?’
‘Lighter,’ I replied. Because it was true.
‘That’s great news. Want to talk about it some more?’
‘I...I’m confused.’
