Chapter 9
Chapter Nine
Dara
I lay there in the stillness for what feels like hours, mulling over the night until I’m ready to scream. I’ve been contemplating this crazy arse plan for the past thirty minutes and I’m ready to roll with it. I spring up, looking toward the clock. It’s just past three and I need to get moving before Kayla notices I’m gone.
As quietly as I can, I sneak into the bathroom that’s between our bedrooms, turning on the light and leaning against the door until I hear a soft click. I brace my hands on the vanity, watching myself in the mirror. I look like shit. My hair’s all over the place, my makeup smudged beyond repair, and my cheeks are flushed. I pull my bra off and slowly turn around, praying to whoever is up there that the tattoo has disappeared and it was all a dream.
I groan. It is still there. What in the fuck?
Spinning around, my hands latch back onto the vanity. I double over, trying to catch my breath. I’ve been running on adrenaline the whole night and it’s starting to wear off. I’m exhausted, but I can’t break down fully. Not yet. I have to get through this then I can rest. I reach into the shower and turn it on, calming myself by taking deep breaths in and out. The hot steamy water covers me, and my whole body starts to relax. I put some body wash onto a luffa and start scrubbing my back roughly, hoping it will just rub off. But with no such luck. I let the tears run down my face and the water washes them away.
Today is the day I was due to head off on my hiking trip. As I briefly lay in bed this morning, I got to thinking that maybe it would be a good idea to just go—leave and get away. Let my home, the forest, clear my head. Let it guide me in the direction of my next move.
I turn off the water and stand there for a beat. I have to do it. I need to get out of here. Kayla would literally not let me go. She would no doubt lock me in the house and hold me hostage. But she does know me better than anyone and might understand my need to get out into the clear air and surround myself with wildlife and greenery.
I quickly grab a towel and dry off before brushing my wet hair and chucking it up into a messy bun. That will have to do. I don’t have the energy or time to dry it. I need to move before Kayla decides to check on me. Hopefully, she will have her hands full for the next few hours thanks to the guy from the club.
I tiptoe back to my room and get dressed in my tight army-patterned pants and a tight black T-shirt. My backpack is already packed and ready for my trip. It’s got all my essentials: two pairs of pants, two T-shirts, one thermal sweatshirt, a blanket, and my sleeping bag that is rolled up tight and tied on top of my bag. Plus, I have the clothes I am wearing, my waterproof jacket, and hiking boots. I also have a good 4-litre water bottle and hydro food.
I sit back on my bed contemplating if I should wake Kayla up and say goodbye. I really hate just leaving her a letter explaining where I have gone. She will be pissed off at first, but she will eventually understand. I could be back sooner rather than later. I will have no phone reception, so I turn my phone off before leaving it on the table next to my bed. I tie up my boots, grab my backpack, and quietly sneak out of my bedroom. I head into the kitchen, where I scribble Kayla’s letter.
Pulling the front door closed behind me, my heart is beating faster and I’m feeling as though I’m going to get caught at any moment.
After a quick ride down to the car park, it’s eerily silent and I feel vulnerable. Clutching my backpack closer to my body, I practically run to my car and shut the door before pressing the lock button. I let out a heavy sigh and start the engine. There is no turning back now. I am so anxious to get to the forest—I take the back roads and drive a little over the speed limit.
I turn up the music, hoping it will help calm my racing heart. It feels as though it is going a million miles an hour, thumping rapidly against the seat belt.
The song changes and Lady Gaga’s ‘Poker Face’ blares through the speakers. As I continue along the highway, it gives me time to think. I wish I had stayed with the guys, so they could explain what the hell is going on. Those four seemed like they were expecting this—they knew what was about to happen. But, how? How on earth could these strangers know when I can’t figure this shit out myself?
I will come back at some point and try to find the guys again if the tattoo is still there. I can just imagine Kayla. After reading the letter she will have a total meltdown.
My car screeches as I make my final turn up the mountain and pull off the road to the adjacent dirt road, which takes me farther in the direction of the forest.
After driving for another thirty kilometres, I pull into the side of the road coming to a stop in the empty car park. Being so early in the morning, the place is deserted. Not many people make the trip this high up in the mountains at any time. They normally hike farther down on one of the easier trails. Which suits me just fine. I don’t want to see anyone. I need quiet time to clear this fucked-up head of mine. As selfish as it is, I need the forest to myself.
I park my car and get out to stretch my muscles before retrieving my backpack. I chuck my car keys into my bag and zip it up.
I walk into the forest. I am ready to roll.