2. River

River

I know I shouldn’t be thinking about her—I know this—and yet I can’t stop. Maddy has this way about her, one where she can draw you in with a simple smile. Then again, her smile definitely isn’t simple. It’s gorgeous—she’s gorgeous.

“Goddammit, River, stop obsessing,” I mumble as I dump more ice into the bathtub.

I’ve never obsessed over anyone like this before, and for a good reason. Liking someone will only lead to heartache because, in the end, I can’t ever be with her.

The ice lands with a clink inside the large porcelain tub that’s in my en suite bathroom. My phone is on the counter, buzzing, announcing I’ve received a message. I want to check it, but I need to get into this tub before I psych myself out. So, sucking in a huge breath, I climb into the bathtub full of ice water. I feel like the air has been ripped from my lungs, but I latch on, rapidly breathing in and out until it’s been long enough. Then I hop out, nearly eating shit as I do. Thankfully, I stop myself from landing on my ass, grab a towel, and wrap it around my waist. Then I walk over to the counter to collect my phone, teeth clattering together as shivers roll through my body. When I note who texted me, I can’t stop the smile from spreading across my lips.

Maddy: Dude, what the hell kind of advice was that? I feel like I just died from hypothermia.

Me: It’ll get better. I promise. If it makes you feel any better, I just got done taking an ice bath, and I feel like I’m about to die.

Maddy: If it doesn’t get better, I’m never taking your advice again. Just kidding. Sort of …

She’s so feisty. I think I like that about her. I never thought that’s what I’d be drawn to, since I’m mostly quiet. But the way she smarts off sometimes …

I shake my head as it begins to veer down Lustful Thoughts Lane. Then I quickly dry off and get dressed in jeans and a long-sleeved shirt before styling my hair. I have class in about half an hour, which means I have a bit of time to work on researching into this dead bloodline. I feel bad that I haven’t told her anything about that yet. At the same time, I don’t want to stress her out if it turns out to be nothing.

I’ve spent the last handful of days looking into the family and trying to figure out how their bloodline ceases to exist. But someone has gone through a lot of trouble to ensure that no one finds that out. All of the books available online, ones that have information about family bloodlines, have pages missing from them. I have an inkling this is intentional, but why? What happened to the Everfords was terrible.

I collect my laptop from my desk and get situated on my bed. Then I open the tab that has an article I was skimming through late last night. But, once again, nothing comes of it. It truly does feel as if someone has wiped the internet clean of this mystery.

I waver, chewing on my bottom lip. Finn said Maddy didn’t appear to know anything about this, but what if she does? And even if she doesn’t, I believe I need to tell her everything I know, not just about this but also with the society targeting her.

I collect my phone and send her a message.

Me: Hey, do you want to hang out tonight?

Maddy: Are you trying to be my bestie again?

I can’t help smiling. I can picture her sitting on her bed, reading the message with a smile on her face, her eyes lit up, so beautiful …

Me: Yeah, I was thinking we could go to dinner and then for a drive. Not on the northside, obviously. But maybe near the lake or something.

Maddy: Sounds like the perfect place for you to murder me.

Me: Why would I want to murder you???

Maddy: ’Cause I’m gonna gripe every time you make me do hill climbs.

Me: You’ll get used to it. And no, I’d never want to murder you. I like you too much.

She doesn’t respond right away. And when I reread my message, I realize I got kind of weird by telling her I like her.

Maddy: We can hang out, but the place we eat has to be cheap. I’m talking like tacos for two for a dollar or something. Like from a taco truck.

Me: I’d say I could pay, but I know how that’ll go.

Maddy: Look at you, catching on to my ways. ;)

I’m smiling again. It’s not normal for me and feels weird, but I let it be.

Me: I’ve never actually eaten at a taco truck before.

Maddy: I didn’t want to stereotype and assume so, but I kind of did. I promise it’s good.

Me: I guess I’ll find out. I’ll pick you up at six.

Maddy: Sounds good. See ya then.

I set my phone down, scoot the edge of my bed, and rake my fingers through my hair. I’m nervous about telling Maddy what I know, but I think what makes me even more anxious is that spark of excitement in my chest that I feel over knowing I’ll be spending time with her tonight.

I made a vow a long time ago that I can’t fall for anyone. If I do, it’ll only result in heartache. And I can’t do that to myself, or to Maddy.