She Ain't From Around Here

13 | runner fox

I DID NOT SLEEP.

I always had trouble falling asleep and I couldn't deny I had constant insomnia.

When I got up, my body felt unsteady and ached with pain. I was somewhat used to it now.

I rolled to the other side of the bed and checked the analog alarm clock on the nightstand and realized it was half-past seven.

I groaned and got up from the bed and sat at the edge of it.

I rubbed my sore neck, soothing the pain as I did that.

In reluctance, I did my usual morning routine before I came out of my room and walked to the kitchen.

I spotted Clint and Rosie lounging on the kitchen counters casually talking to Doris.

Too weary and sleepy to deal with them today, I turned around to go back to my room unnoticed but my plans were stopped when Rosie's ringing voice interrupted my retreat. "Look. Elaine's awake!"

Damn kids.

I gritted my teeth before saying, my tone, flat and bored. "What?"

"Elaine." Doris chided, shooting me a warning look. "They came to see you."

I sighed and mumbled. "Fine, whatever."

I took a seat at the dining table and caught a glimpse of Rosie hopping off of the counter, skipping towards the table, and sitting opposite me.

What now?

"Yes?" I asked, my voice remained dull.

"Soo." She dragged the word. "What are you gonna do today?"

Nothing. "Important stuff."

"Like?" She inquired.

I don't know? a kip in peace?

"Elaine is going to help me milk the cows."

"Yes." I agreed before I comprehended Clint's words. "I'm what?"

"You're going to help me milk the cows." He repeated, his voice was smug.

I chuckled without humor. "Over my dead body. I'm not doing that."

"C'mon." Rosie raved. "It'll be fun!"

I looked to Clint who cocked his eyebrow in amusement.

"No." I pressed on.

I noticed Doris shooting me a look; silently telling me to agree to their request.

I folded my arms and stood firm on my word. "No."

"Blood idiots."

It was cold in the barn and it smelt like fresh hay and cow poop.
And for some odd reason, I didn't feel like hurling.

I hugged myself to prevent myself from freezing to death.
I was glad I decided to wear a thick knitted cardigan.

"Where is your sister?" I asked, rubbing my arms for warmth.

"In the kitchen." Clint prompted. "She gets hungry easily."

I nodded in understanding and then my gaze drifted to the white and black spotted farm animal; obnoxiously chewing on some hay with thick slobber dropping on the ground.

I stared at it and it simply mooed.
Clint tilted his head. "Don't tell me you're scared of her."

"I'm not scared," I admitted in a defense.

"You're scared of dogs." He pointed out with a knowing look.

I replied, flabbergasted. "I-What? No. I'm just scared of your dog."

He scoffed in disbelief and then gestured for me to sit on a stool which I reluctantly did.

Before anything, my phone rang loudly in my back pocket.
I gave a not-so-apologetic smile.

I realized it was Joanne's number that I recently stored on my phone.

I chirped when I picked up the phone. "Hey!"

My best friend seemed out of breath. Like she had just run a mile or listened to the latest, surprising, and interesting gossips.

"Elaine." She quickly got to the point in a rush.

Definitely going to be gossip.

"You know Runner Fox?" She inquired, her voice was increasing in excitement by the second.

"Yeah..." My voice became low and wary.

Then she announced, her words shocked me.

"Your sister is dating him."

Hi guys!
Hope you enjoyed this chapter.

PS. If you're interested in seeing the aesthetics of Rosie, Ashley-Anne, Elise, and Joanne, check out my Instagram!