sashaarielle

[sashaarielle]

Alone: Across The River, Chap. 4

We spent the night in damp clothes and talking about anything we could think of. We talked about the future, love, school. I think we stayed up until the rain stopped and the sun was peaking out. I love being with my friends, I wanted to soak up the night as much as I could before I had to go home to silence. At least Cooper was there and I know he's fine home alone after I gave him dinner and more water. 

But the future talk is what stuck, Ive thought about it many times. Ive wanted to go college ever since I was little. I've seen all the movies and shows where it takes the main character through high school and then the last episode of the show is them debating on what college to go too and leaving their family and friends and then graduating then the show ends. Why did the show have to end right after they graduate high school? I want to see what happens to them after high school. Do the couples still stay together? Do they still love what they're doing? Do they all keep in touch years later? This sparks up a memory I forgot I had.

 “Why does the show end after high school? Does that mean that after high school everything is boring?” A young Forest says while sitting on the couch with her dad. Her dad laughs, “God no. high school just tries to prepare you for college or whatever people want to do afterword. These types of shows are horrible at showing kids the real world.” her dad shakes his head. “ I mean don't get me wrong, it was fun and I got to meet your mom, but college and after was the best. I made better memories then I've ever had in high school. I thought I was always going to think back to the football games and the dances and the parties but I barely remember that now.” then mom walks in, eavesdropping I assume. “ That’s true, the drama that happens in school doesn't matter after high school. No one cares.”  They go on to tell me that I have my whole life to look forward too, I could go anywhere I want and study whatever I want.

 Dad wanted me to do whatever made me happy, even if it wasn't college in my future. I remember he said “ Go to college, don't go to college, move to a different country, live in a van and travel across the country. All I care about is that you are doing you and I'll always be here to support you. But I've always wanted to study nature. Dad always said if he didn't go into real estate he would have gone into environmental science or some sort of conservation field. He loved the forests around our old house. 

Now I see him in the trees by my house and I hear him in the wind blowing through the trees.

I miss you dad. 

...

After Aspen drops me back at home and her pestering if I'll be okay alone.

“Are you sure you'll be okay here alone?” she rolled down her window

“Yes, I've been alone her many times” I roll my eyes

“Hm, ill sleepover tonight”

“No you don't have too, really I'm okay.” I tell her

“See you at 7:30! I can't believe I have to work tonight”  she smiles and drives off before I could get a word in.

 I sigh and go inside. Im actually glad she insisted she stays over, I don't know why but it just feels a lot lonelier then normal here. 

Greeted by Cooper and I put my stuff on the table. I clean up a bit in the kitchen and head towards my room. I look at my digital clock.

11:50

Okay so I have until 7:30 until Aspen comes back.

“Okay so, I'm going to clean my room, Take a shower, read Romeo and Juliet, walk you and order the pizza.” I said to Cooper like he could understand me. 

My room is my prized possession. Green walls, with field guide posters covering every wall. Along with hanging dead flowers and these blue dragonfly lights mom got me for my birthday. I also painted my ceiling and doors. Butterflies flying around my ceiling and colorful handprints on the door. I like a room that feels really lived in. Not just some modernized grey and white room. But having a lot of stuff in my room makes it a lot easier for it to get messy. 

I also like to play music while cleaning or showering or reading. So I guess just listening to music 24/7. 

I shuffle my playlist and the first song to play is Lovers Rock by TV Girl. One of my all time favorites. I just love the rhythm to it. 

12:30pm 

I finally finish cleaning my room, but I got distracted a bunch of times after finding things I thought I lost forever. Now time for a shower. 

1:08pm

Okay after showering and doing skin care I put on some comfortable clothes. My green sweats and a wear sweatshirt because I always feel cold after showers. 

Now, time for homework.

6:00pm

After doing some reading, annotating and some math homework. I decide that Romeo and Juliet is a stupid book. im not going to go into it.

Time to walk Cooper now. I put his leash and and grab my headphones. He runs towards the trail and we get into sync with it. Walking the trail reminds me dad. He used to use any break I had from school to drive us out to national parks. It was always my favorite thing to do. We would always collect rocks from wherever we went and slept under the stars if mom let us, because she would always say “we would get sick”. 

We walk for a bit and stop at the flat rock area and sit there for a bit. Cooper likes to put his paws in and I don't usual let him because he always get dirty but today I'm feeling nice.

I lay my back against the cool rocks and stare at the fading blue sky above. Watching the clouds disappear.

“Hey!! Pretty girl and dog!”

Oh no.

no.

no.

no.

I sit up instantly. I see him. Foster in his black sweats and nike crewneck. Looks like he was about to go for a run. 

“Hey?” the river was quieter today, no need to talk over it as much.

“Oh my god! I have been coming back here everyday hoping you'd be walking by”

Really? it’s been two days. “oh well hi, Cooper and I just walk whenever I have time.” 

“Cooper? wow I know your dogs name before yours” He laughs and his lips pull into a crooked smile.

I laugh too. “Yeah I guess you do.” 

“You have a beautiful laugh” he says

I stiffen. I look at my watch it’s 6:45. How long was a sitting there? 

“Well it was nice talking to you again, but I have plans in a bit and have to get ready! Bye” I give a weak smile and start walking along the trail back to my house.

He starts walking too

“Plans? With your boyfriend?” 

I glance at him “I don't have a boyfriend” 

I didn't have to look over but I could tell he was smiling when he said “Well can I finally get your name before you go this time?” he says hopefully. 

“Bye Foster” I say teasingly 

what am I doing?

And Im finally hidden within my side of the woods and walk back to the house. I did hear though a faint. “Bye river girl” 

Exactly what I called him. 

Aspen is going to freak. 

...

Yay!! Another chapter! Hoped you enjoyed and get ready for the next chapter! Maybe Forest and Foster will finally meet..

[sashaarielle]

Claire’s house: Across the River, Chap. 3

It started to rain as I ran inside Claires house. I could hear laughter coming from inside the kitchen and I know Aspen is already telling them about Foster. I stand in the hallway for a second admiring my muddy shoes. The talk with aspen got me thinking. I didn't realize I've shut out boys for so long. I just never really cared. I have alot going on mentally and physically I just never really had time to think for myself. 

 I don't like Foster. I don't know why she’s making it a big deal.

 I don't like him,

 I won't like him,

 I can't like him.

 I talked to him for what? two seconds? I only had one encounter with him. He's literally just a plain boy.

 As I walk inside the kitchen, the table is already filled with bottles and food. everyone is sitting around playing cards against humanity. Aspen is standing waving her hands around in the air. 

“SO THEN SHE TOLD ME SHE DIDNT EVEN TELL HIM HER NAME!?” she says out of breath

“Where is Forest now? Did you leave her outside?” Gabe said

I laugh “ No, she's not that evil” 

They all turn and look at me. 

“Forest!”

“So we hear you met a mystery boy? Do tell.” Molly said 

I roll my eye “It was nothing. I was walking with Cooper along the trail, when this guy started yelling at me from the other side. We talked for a second and that was it.” I shrugged.

“Wow Asp really? Aspen made it sound like you just met the love of your life.” Claire laughed.

“Was he cute though?” Gabe wiggles his eyebrows.

“Yeah, yeah he was cute, but nothing major. I wouldn't risk my life for the guy” I said sitting down, grabbing the bottle from the table. 

“Okay, okay I think we bothered Forest enough lets do something!” Claire said. 

I give her a thankful glance. Thank god, It was already a mistake talking about River boy to Aspen. 

“Lets go outside! Perfect time to live that cinematic moment dancing in the rain” Aspen said and grabbed Paytons hand, I think they have a thing for each other but she keeps denying it. 

I think were all a little drunk so we all just go with it and it’s not horrible outside, the rain had lightened up but it was still coming down to get someone soaked. We danced around like we didn't have a care in the world. Like we were in one of those cheesy coming of age movies. 

I needed this. With everything going on, in my head and in the real world. It feels nice just being able to breath. 

...

short chapter! Im sorry!! I'm going to update a lot this week since it’s spring break and I promise they will be longer chapters! I just needed to give you guys a look into Forests social life!

[sashaarielle]

Aspen: Across the River, Chap. 2

It’s now Friday and Friday nights aren’t as exciting as you think. My best friend on the other hand...

Aspen. Asp, I like to call her, she’s my best friend, well best friend is an understatement. She’s been with me ever since I moved to Windbrook. I'm a very independent person but she really knows how to bring me out of my shell and helped me meet all my friends when I first got here. She is the queen of planning Friday nights out. 3am swims, midnight movies, hiking, surfing or even just chilling at home (which those are my ideas of the perfect fridays). She has always been the go-getter.

 “So what shall we do tonight?” She flops down on my bed and puts her head in my lap.

 “Stay home and watch a movie?” I say hopefully “Ha! You're funny, we're going to Claire’s, her parents are out of town and she has the whole house to herself, Molly, Payton and Gabe are gonna be there too!”

 I roll my eyes at her “I knew you already had something planned, why even ask me?” she gives me a sickly smile “to be polite”. I sigh and stand up, Grabbing my green jacket that used to be my dads. As we drove down my street I stare at the thick wall of trees, And my mind drifts off to Foster. Him being so friendly when we first met. Like he knew me somehow. Or surprised I was there. It’s a public park.

 “I met someone the other day” 

The car suddenly stops, I jolt and my seatbelt tugs across my chest. “WHAT?!” Asp says. “God, Aspen you almost just killed us”. “I literally just stopped the ca- wait that's not the point. Forest what do you mean you met someone, a boy, you met a boy? or girl? sorry you know I don't judge” We are stopped in the middle of the road and she’s staring at me so intensely. 

“Yeah, a boy but it’s not like that I was walking Cooper and had my headphones on and he yelled at me from across the river”. I try to look anywhere but her “what was he doing In the woods in the first place? burying a body?”   

“He was just skipping rocks, I don't know” she blinks slowly at me “Did you at least ask him his name?! You're the kind of person that would just walk away if I cute guy was talking to you”.

 “First of all, ouch, second of all, yeah thats true and I never said he was cute.” 

she rolls her eyes at me “oh come on, look at you, you're literally blushing thinking about it ” I sigh. “His name is Foster, He was really nice for a stranger, he told me he just moved here and asked for my name but I got scared and walked away”

“New guy? Foster? hm, I like it, sounds kinda mysterious to go along with the whole skipping rocks thing”.

 “I don’t think skipping rocks is mysterious”.

 She presses her lips together “It kinda is and besides, this is great! maybe you’ll see him tomorrow when you walk Cooper again.”

 “Maybe I don't know, you know I've never had any kind of relationship”. She head tilts slightly “Why though, I mean guys have liked you in the past and you just never seemed interested?”

My chest suddenly feels heavy. “Yeah, I know and I do like guys and find them attractive its just--” 

 Suddenly a car beeps behind us making Aspen drive again. The car falls silent hoping she won't make me talk about it again. I don’t know if Im ready to admit anything yet to anyone. “ You know it’s okay to like someone, I know how you feel about that kind of stuff but it may be good to get out there”. she says as she pulls up to a red light. 

I roll my eyes “you sound like my mom”.

“Well Mrs. C is never wrong” I don't say anything and we pull up to Claire’s 5 minutes later. “Well you and I are going to talk more about this later but for now I'm telling the others about Mr. Rock skipper” as she runs to the door. “DON’T YOU DARE” and I run after her. 

...

OMG! I am so sorry for abandoning this story. Junior year was stressful and now I'm a senior and bored so I'm back on it! I promise to upload as much as I can!!! 

[sashaarielle]

Walks: Across the river, chap. 1

check my masterlist for the other chapters!

Mom and I live in a two story house on Crossing avenue and we live right in front of some hiking trails and a river. The river is right in the middle and goes all the way across town and keeps going. I always wondered where it ends and where it begins.

...

 Right now I'm in my room laying on my bed reading a book for some school project. As I'm reading I broke out of thought when I heard someone calling my name. “Forest, come down here and take Cooper for a walk and i'm leaving in about an hour for the airport and I want to tell you some things I need done while I'm gone!” 

 I groan and roll out of bed, Moms a real estate agent who travels around all of Oregon. She works hard for the both of us. I wish she was home more. It gets quite lonely here by myself.

 I go downstairs to see my mom rushing around and getting a last minute dinner ready before she leaves. “Mom, I know how to cook, you don't have to make something every time you leave” I say while putting Coopers leash on “I know honey but I want too, leaving you is hard enough. I wish I could be home more for you. Sadly these people want to buy this house and it could be a big opportunity for me, for us.” I sigh and put my headphones on. She makes a decent amount of money, but she’s been working extra hard so she can put me through college someday. I feel bad knowing that she has to work to provide so much for us. I offered to help and get a job but she wants me to stay focused on school and live that high school experience. She used to tell me all about her days in high school because that’s where her and dad met. They were high school sweethearts. I understand that she needs go, but I feel like a lot of her stress is about me and how its harder without dad. 

“when are you leaving?”

“I'll be leaving around 6 so I'll finish this dinner and then my Uber will be here”. 

As I'm getting my shoes on for the walk she's telling me a list of things to do while she's gone such as making sure I feed the dog and going grocery shopping while she's gone. When she's gone I usually go out with my friends a lot and stay at school for extra studying. I enjoy staying home by myself. But it’s  lonely sometimes.  

 She hugs me a nice tight hug that gives off love and emotion. I hug her back and give a last goodbye before walking out the door. Cooper pulled me towards the trails right near the river and we were off on our little adventure even though we've been walking this trail for a while now. We moved into that house about 4 years ago so Cooper knows his way around. As I'm walking I start to think about high school and what comes after. Im 17 and I don't really know what I want to be yet. I spend half my nights studying for tests that don't even matter. Teachers put us through so much. like they need to chill.

 As I continue walking. I see a guy up ahead across the river. 

he’s skipping rocks?

 Brown hair, tall like tall, tall, i'm 5’5 but trust me he's tall. He's skipping rocks into the river but he looks up and we make eye contact. I look away instantly and continue to walk not even glances at him. 

 “Hey! You!” 

Of. course. he has to say something.

I stop and turn to him, he has a smile on his face. “Hi? Sorry I didn't mean to stare. its just I've never seen you before” I say. he gives me another smile and says “ It’s alright I take it as a complement for a pretty girl to stare at me. So what's your name, stranger?” 

 “And why would I tell you my name? seems kinda creepy..” I say I mean come on forest he can't do anything with a name he's on the other side he can't get you. whatever fuck it.

but before I could tell him he goes first. “ I'm Levi Nott , I just moved in, I have a dog named Luna and I'm an only child, and I start school at Rose-mont on Monday. there we aren't strangers anymore!” he yelled back at me.

  Wow, Rose-mont? the rich all boys school? I look at him thinking whether or not to answer him. Maybe ill have some fun with this.

so as the sweet girl I am. I don't tell him my name. 

 “Thats nice, nice to meet you and welcome to Windbrook, I have to get going now!” and I put my headphones back on and started walking. “Wait! Wait, come back, I didn't get your name!” he started walking along the river with me. “

Maybe next time! I have to go, things to do, people to see” And I start my way back to my house. I get home with Cooper trailing behind me and I see that moms Uber was here I run and give her another bone crushing hug.

 Once she leaves, the house is still. It's Just Cooper and I

...

Thank you all for reading the first chapter of my new book! Please check my masterlist for updates. 

[sashaarielle]

Masterlist!!

Here is my masterlist for stories that I will post here!! 

***

Across The River 

Prologue

Chapter 1: walks

Chapter 2: Aspen

Chapter 3: Claire’s house

Chapter 4: Alone

[sashaarielle]

Across The River (Prologue)

Forest. A unique name my father said. When I was younger I got picked on for my name, the girls at my school were cruel about it saying it wasn’t a “girly name”. It used to get to me but not anymore. Not after my father died when I was 13. He thought a forest was something beautiful. Untouched by mankind, a gift from mother nature, a beautiful thing when someone discovers it. I always looked up to my dad.

...

 He was a saint, one of the most selfless people I knew. He always told mom and I that he loved us with all of his heart.

 It was a normal day and I remember because I aced my math test that I was so worried about. Dad was so happy he took us out for ice cream. I thought it was the best day ever until that night. 

The next store neighbors house caught on fire. The firemen say it was faulty wiring and made my childhood home go up in flames as well. 

It was about 1am when I was woken up by my mom. She rushed us out the door and went back in to go get my dad. He was trying to stop the fire by closing all the doors but when my mom found him the ceiling collapsed. The firemen showed up and had to drag her out before she would get hurt too. 

 I always feel guilty looking back at that moment. I should of gone back in and helped him. Maybe the house wouldn't of burned down. Maybe he wouldn't of been standing where he was when the ceiling gave in. I heard my dad yelling for her to leave. Those were the last words we ever heard him say.

 Maybe if he were here mom wouldn't have to work and leave for weeks at a time. Maybe he could make her happy again. Sometimes I wished it was me instead of him. I mean I'm glad I'm alive, I'm glad I'm with mom. But a part of me thinks if I was the one to die in that fire what would life have been like? If a tree falls in the forest does anyone even notice? 

After the funeral, Mom and I packed everything up and moved closer to the coast. Dad always loved the coast and we were saving up to take a vacation there. But mom and I decided it might be good to get out of town. It’s hard having all those eyes on you at school and in public. Everyone knowing that your house burned down and your dad died. I didn't want to keep being seen as that. 

~

We moved to Windbrook, Windbrook was a small town. 15,000 people total. Beautiful little seaside town. Living in a small town has its perks, but it also has its downs. it’s September and I'm a senior now. I started many colleges applications and looked at many different colleges. But I have no idea what I want to do or study. but I have months to think about this right? I just need to focus on school with no distractions. 

...

Hello! This is my first post and story here on Tumblr! I'm excited to start this story and I hope you all enjoy:))