Elijah's POV:

I was super late.

Couldn't say it was any different from the usual, but that didn't change the fact that at that moment time was running out.

I snatched up my backpack from the floor, searching hurriedly through the pockets, only to pause in irritation when my eyes landed on everything but what I was looking for. My gaze drifted to my watch, the crunch of time pressing down on me as I did a visual sweep of my room.

"Keys, keys, keys..."

Where could they be?

With one last glance, I hustled towards the living room, trying to remember where I'd placed them the night before.

"Yo, would you please hurry up?"

Wordlessly, I eyed the distraught brunet whose hands were placed on his hips in the likeness of a mom trying to get her kids to the school bus on time. I stifled a chuckle, sending him an apologetic shrug.

"We can go as soon as we find my keys. Have you seen them?"

For reasons beyond my understanding, Cole patted his pockets before shaking his head.

I mean, he wasn't going to have them anyway.

"There is no point in me going to class now. It will be over before we get there." He covered his face with his hands and shook his head. "I swear a sloth could move faster than you. I thought you were supposed to be fast, being our goalie and everything."

I cast him an unamused glance, deciding to ignore the last part.

"I am moving as fast as humanly possible." I grabbed my duffle, as he walked over to the couch, picked up the baseball cap that was perched on the edge of it, and placed it on his head backward. "We aren't going anywhere if I can't find my keys."

"For the record, my grandma could move faster than you," he muttered, reaching for his soccer bag. I chuckled lowly with a shake of my head. He wasn't lying. That woman sure could move. I

"Don't forget your water, man." I lifted my head just in time to catch the bottle Cole tossed at me, before throwing in another. He might not have been good at finding lost keys, but at least he was thoughtful. "We can't have you passing out from dehydration during practice now, can we?"

I raised an eyebrow quizzically. "Cole that was you."

He shrugged. "It can happen to anyone."

Deciding not to argue, I tucked the water bottles into my bag as he grabbed the three textbooks that were laying on the floor by the couch. I was fortunate enough to have mine downloaded to my computer.

"By the way, Hayden is hosting the team gathering this time."

On hearing that, I glanced up with a chuckle. "I don't know who thought that was a good idea. He's going to just love that."

The ringing whistle of Cole's agreement rang through the air, followed by a short laugh. Anyone could see that Hayden was a team player, just as much as he still liked to keep to himself.

"He'll probably be ushering everyone out of his place before everyone even gets there."

"I would bet on it, but I already know you're right."

Cole's responding laugh died down when his eyes shifted to his watch. "It's going time."

I glanced at the time on my phone. It seemed as if the world was moving in double time. I turned on my heels, relief flooding through me when by some miracle I spotted a glint near the couch on the floor.

So that was where the sneaky mother frickers got to.

I snatched them up, double-checking that I had everything before hustling after Cole. He didn't wait for me to lock up, before rushing down the stairs. I whirled around a second later, stopping short when a door down the hall opened, revealing a familiar face.

"You guys late too?" Hayse, my neighbor, and our soccer captain laughed, glimmers of sleep still lingering in his eyes. "I have a class with, Cole. Was going to ask him for his notes, but I guess that isn't happening."

I nodded. "Unfortunately. He's probably downstairs plotting my downfall." He had just begun to respond when his apartment door cracked open. Hayse paused, glancing down at the brunette who appeared in the doorway, a large duffel bag in tow.

"Hayse you forgot your..."

Blue eyes widened, as she trailed off, her eyes darting in my direction before going back to a now soft smiling Hayse. Huh. I glanced back at the girl.

The first thing that jumped out at me was that she was tiny, barely reaching his chest. But the second, and the most important thing was that she was wearing his jersey. All of the guys on the team made a point to let their girls wear their numbers at games, but Hayse never had given his away. Until now.

Maybe the reason why he looked so tired wasn't a mystery.

"Oh sorry," she mumbled shyly, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. Part of me believed she was about to crawl into herself. "I didn't mean to interrupt you guys."

Hayse shook his head, his expression softening, as his eyebrows raised. "It's okay, Elise." He reached out, wrapping a hand around the strap of the bag on her shoulder.

"Well, you forgot your bag," she whispered lowly, even though it was now in his possession.

Hayse's grin grew. "I can see that, Ellie. Thank you."

Elise smiled softly, her eyes not leaving his as she finally let go of the duffel. She squeezed his arm lightly, before sending me a polite wave and disappearing back inside his apartment.

Well, that was...interesting.

"I didn't know you had a girl."

Hayse eyed me, blinking slowly as if he'd forgotten I was there. He cleared his throat with a shrug, tucking his hands into his pockets.

"She isn't my girl." I raised an eyebrow sensing that the word 'yet' should have belonged in the sentence. He scratched the back of his neck, his eyes flitting to the door as if it was taking everything in him not to go back in there. "Yeah, she isn't my girl."

I just nodded, feeling as if he was going to be singing a different tune soon. She hadn't looked at him like they were just friends. But, I said nothing.

"Anyway, I will see you at practice," He said after a second. "Bring your A-game, Scott."

I tossed my keys into the air with a chuckle, taking a step backward. "I always do."

He nodded, just as I turned around, hurrying down the steps and out to the parking lot. The ground was slightly damp when I made it outside, a lingering petrichor scent following behind me as a reminder of last night's rain.

Cole glanced at me when I got in the car and I held up my hands. "I know, I know. Your grandma could have gotten down the stairs faster on me."

"Damn straight. And she is eighty-three years old." I hid an amused laugh. "You would think that by now, we would have gotten the hang of being on time," he added after we hit the main road.

"Yeah, I don't think that is something that most people have gotten the thang of either," I chuckled, eyeing the bustle of cars that were probably filled with students in the same boat as us. I peered out the windshield, as silence settled between us. I had just begun to appreciate the morning's stillness when Cole spoke again.

"Or maybe it's because you are always out so late. Like yesterday." I stilled his momentary pause hinting at his next words. "You know, I wasn't going to say anything but lately you have seemed different."

Called it.

My fingers tightened around the steering wheel, as I stared straight ahead, taking in the busy morning traffic. I'd just taken a breath, ready to reply to Cole when the car a lane overturned on their signal, beginning to get over without even looking to see that I was there. Panic clawed at my throat, and my seatbelt cut across my chest as I slammed on my breaks, white light flashing past my eyes. I clenched my jaw, my heartbeat erratic as I watched a car whip down the street, the driver not even slowing down to acknowledge the fact that they had almost caused a car crash.

"Elijah?"

The voice was an echo, taking a back seat to the jumble of memories that began running through my head as my vision tunneled.

For a moment I was lost, no longer in my truck and having been transported to the backseat of a red chevy that'd been a birthday gift.

"Elijah."

A heavyweight clamped down on my shoulder and I flinched, air breaching my lungs as I inhaled sharply. I blinked once, glancing at Cole whose eyes were on me warily. His concern remain unconcealed as his eyebrows were furrowed downward.

"You stopped the car," he said, glancing out the windshield before looking at me once more.

I took another breath, taking in that we had indeed stopped moving as I loosened my grip on the wheel.

Damn it.

Wordlessly, I nodded, finally acknowledging the honk of the other frustrated drivers as I pressed down on my accelerator, trying to shake away the images that played in my head. We drove without saying anything for a moment, but it wasn't long before the need for a distraction from my thoughts got the best of me.

"I couldn't sleep last night. Went to the Cemetery."

My voice was raspy, and my tongue had become sandpaper. Hoping that Cole didn't notice it, I continued to stare ahead, my body on alert as my eyes jumped from car to car, searching for any more lunatic drivers.

Immediately I regretted my words, the silence that settled in wake of my words being different from earlier, now lacking peace and embracing obscurity.

I shouldn't have mentioned going to visit my brother.

I mean what was he supposed to say to that anyway?

"I'm sorry...." Cole sighed, a second later, his words slow and calculated. "I wasn't thinking. Are they getting worse?"

"Just not getting any better," I replied quickly, knowing he was referring to the cause of my lack of ability to sleep through the night.

People were right.

Monsters did lurk in the dark.

"Have you thought about seeing anyone about them again?" I raised an eyebrow and he paused, his words slow and careful. "You know for the dreams. Like a therapist maybe. They aren't all bad you know."

I only shrugged at that one.

Maybe I should have considered his words, but that didn't change the fact that I didn't. A therapist would do nothing for me when it was my own memories that were the root of the problem.

Besides, I'd tried before. Well, it was more like my mom had forced the fifteen-year-old version of me to do so. That didn't work out so well. I shook my head, switching lanes to get away from a white car that was driving too close for comfort.

Some people didn't deserve a license.

"If it didn't work before, I doubt it will work now," I answered, giving away nothing more. "We've already had this discussion."

Cole shook his head.

"It wouldn't hurt to consider it, though. I think your lack of sleep is getting to you," he continued, "Coach has been up to your ass for the past few practices, and you barely stayed awake during our lecture yesterday." Cole glanced at me, but. kept my eyes ahead. "Do I need to be worried?"

I sighed, tapping my fingers along the rim of the wheel.

"I'm fine. I will get my crap figured out before the season starts."

I wasn't lying either. My game might have been off, but it was nothing sleeping pills wouldn't take. I just needed to start them back up again. Everything else...well, I wasn't sure that they would ever go away. But I had been coping for years now. I would continue to do the same.

"I just want to know that you are okay." Cole scratched his head, clearing his throat. For a moment there was a lapse in conversation but I could sense there was more that he needed to say.

I glanced at him, lifting my finger. "You don't have to censor your words with me. I'm fine."

Cole sighed. "Look, I know you don't like to talk about it, but I'm here if you need to, or just need someone to listen."

He wasn't usually the person to get emotional, so I was a little surprised at the concern in his voice. While he had always been there for me, it had been silent support. The kind where even if he didn't tell me every day, I knew that he would always be there when I needed him.

My throat tightened. "I know. Thank you."

A few seconds of silence passed, before Cole clapped his hands, with a serious nod. The worry was gone, replaced with an expression I was familiar with. The normal Cole was back, and gone was the worry. "Well alright. You caught the end of the game on Thursday, right? I knew California didn't stand a chance."

Clearing my throat, I listened as he began to ramble about the football game everyone had been talking about, grateful that the previous moment had passed. But even though talking about how I was doing wasn't always comfortable, I appreciated him more than he knew.

When we finally arrived, Cole sent me a nod as a goodbye, before jumping out of the car and walking briskly toward his class. Fortunately for me, I had a half-hour before my next class started. Since I had already missed my first one, I was in no hurry.

After I found an open spot, I got out, making sure to grab my backpack before shutting the car door. I had just texted Cole to let him know where I had parked when a car backed up abruptly from a parking spot, nearly ramming into me before it jerked to a stop.

For the love of everything good and holy, were they blind?

I exhaled when the door of the car flew open, revealing a blur of wild curls and panic.

"I am so sorry!"

My frown dissipated as I watched a petite form barrel toward me, apprehension furrowing her eyebrows and concern tugging her mouth downward. I wasn't so sure she wasn't going to run right into me, as she continued to move, lean legs moving swiftly.

I had never seen anyone look more scared in my life.

I hadn't thought it was possible, but her eyes widened even further when her gaze met mine, the diamond-like jewels glistening as she bit her trembling lip. I had no doubt it was in an attempt to hold back the tears. Closing her mouth, she tucked a curly strand behind her ears, bringing my attention to the rosy tips of her ears. I noticed the same hue settle over her cheeks a second later.

I knew I should have tried to reassure her in hopes of curing the apprehension that furrowed her eyebrows. Yet, even so, I just stood there.

She was...

There wasn't just one word to describe what she was.

The thick curly hair that framed her face, fell in wild waves, its eccentricity giving her a lively yet calming aura all at the same time. A full set of lips sat beneath a gently sloped nose, adding to her allure and settling pleasantly amongst the rest of her features that single-handedly redefined the definition of symmetry.

Damn.

It was her eyes that really did a number on me, though.

I swear they were solid crystals; the swirls of grey and blue mirroring tranquility and captivating me completely. They were like the sky right after a storm, contrasting against her dark eyelashes and golden brown skin perfectly.

Even though some might of said she was chaos, all I saw was her beauty.

Her pull was natural. Not at all forced, but innate. I was so busy taking it in, that I didn't realize that she was talking until I noticed the movement of her supple lips and realized I hadn't heard a word she had said.

"I'm so sorry." She sniffled, her cheeks reddening even further. "I didn't see you, I was in a rush, and was trying to move to a parking spot closer to campus." The wind whipped curls across her face as she spoke, her knuckles whitening from the force that she clutched onto a gray notebook. "Are you okay?"

Part of me wondered if I should've been the one asking her that, as she stood frozen, awaiting my response.

Sensing that her unease probably wasn't going to be lifted until I responded, I stepped forward with a nod.

"Yeah, you didn't hit me. Stopped just in time." For good measure, I spread out my arms, hoping it would prove I wasn't lying. "See, no harm was done. If anything it's my fault for texting and walking. So I'm sorry."

I tried a smile, waiting for her expression to change, yet fearful tears still lingered in her eyes. She shuffled her feet, grey eyes roaming my figure worriedly as if she hadn't heard a word I'd just said.

"Are you sure?"

"I promise. I'm perfectly okay. See no bruises. Not even a scratch."

"That still doesn't make it okay." She swiped the back of her hand across her eyes. "Gosh, I almost killed you. I swear I looked behind me before backing out, but you came out of nowhere."

I frowned.

Most people would have probably brushed what had happened off with a quick apology, but the emotion that lingered in her eyes gave away more than just mere concern for my safety. There was panic too, regret laying heavily in her eyes.

I didn't know why, since she hadn't hit me.

"Look-"

"Not that it was your fault," she exclaimed before I could finish, extending her hands as if trying to make up for any possible offense. "First, I nearly hit you, and then I insinuate it is your fault. You must think I'm a complete idiot."

I half listened-half watched as she began to ramble, noting the breathlessness and tremble of her voice. Anyone would have recognized the fear in her gaze, yet there was a familiarity to it the same person could've missed. One I knew that was carved by experience. One that made me wonder if there was a reason why she wasn't letting it go.

"Listen," I tried again slowly. "I shouldn't have been on my phone. Getting hit by a car would have bound to happen soon or later."

Despite my attempt, her mouth tipped down at the corners, a clear sign I hadn't made things better.

"I'm joking," I added, trying to amend my mistake. "Look, honestly, I'm okay. You have some killer reflexes. And I doubt that you would have hurt me. You weren't going that fast."

She winced, shaking her head. "Yeah, killer..."

The words were spoken so low, I almost believed she hadn't meant for me to hear them. They would have been funny if she hadn't looked so darn conflicted.

I shrugged. "Hey, I'm still alive. That has to count for something right?"

A small wave of relief washed over me when the corners of her mouth twitched upward. That was a step. She nodded slowly, and I cleared my throat trying to figure out what else I could say to widen the smile. Even though I was sure that any other person would have tried to leave the conversation where it was, I found myself reluctant to just walk away.

Partly because I still wasn't sure she wouldn't break down the minute that I turned away.

"I'm Elijah by the way," I added slowly, glancing around in order to keep myself from looking at her too long. the last thing I needed was to appear as a creep. "I haven't noticed you around here before."

I shoved my hands in my pockets, leaning back on my heels before I stuck out my hand and met her eyes once more.

"Rowan." She took my hand, her soft skin flush against mine. "I guess we've never run into each other until now." Rowan winced, closing her eyes. "Until now. No pun intended," she added looking at me with a watery smile. I returned her smile, finding humor in her joke and noticing that her tears had subsided. I sighed out an internal breath of relief.

Rowan.

It fit.

"I'm sorry, I'm not usually this emotional. I guess I was just kind of scared."

I shrugged. "I get it."