Learning to Breathe Read Free

greenery about the area but I managed to find a path that led down near the water itself. It was extremely peaceful just listening to the gentle noise of the water hitting the rocks.
    I didn’t venture too close to the edge but it was still spectacular to look at. Apart from some birds chirping, it was completely silent. I allowed myself to relax, grateful that I was distracted and couldn’t think about the nightmare. I took a few deep breaths and closed my eyes, revelling in the peacefulness of my current situation.
    However, my moment of serenity didn’t last long. I glanced at my watch and was shocked to find that the dial said it was now 6.43am. I took one last look around me and headed back to the car. I made my way back into town and found an open newsagent’s. I bought milk and a newspaper for my mother to read and made my way back to the house.
     
    I found my mother standing in the kitchen, spooning some coffee into a mug. She turned to face me as I stood in the doorway.
    “Morning, you’re up early!”
    I shrugged. “Yeah, I wasn’t really that tired.”
    I noticed her furrow her brow at me but she merely said “Hmm” and turned her attention back to the kettle, which had now boiled.
    I was relieved when she didn’t question me further – it was way too early for me to have to pretend that everything was just fine and dandy. I poured the milk over my cereal and ate my breakfast in silence. When I had finished, I glanced over at my mother – she was reading the paper quite intently.
    “Do you need any help to unpack today?” I asked, already knowing what the answer would be.
    She shook her head at me. “No, you can do whatever you want honey. Go have some fun.”
    I nodded to her and left the room. Once I was out the front door, I debated about where to go. I really didn’t want to go shopping but I figured that I could go into town anyway and maybe check out the library. My decision made, I made my way over to my mother’s car again.
    However, before I even got the chance to unlock it, a girl around my own age approached me.
    “Hey, you guys have just moved in, right? I’m Harriet, welcome to the neighbourhood.”
    I took a good look at her – she was very tall and skinny with long blonde hair and bright blue eyes but she also had a friendly smile. I was still unsure about making friends here but Harriet didn’t seem too horrible so I decided to take a chance.
    “Hey, yeah my mum and I just moved in yesterday – I’m Darcie.”
    She beamed at me . “Nice to meet you. Listen, I know you probably have to unpack and all but a whole bunch of us are heading over to the spring later. Do you wanna come?”
    I stared at her for a moment, wondering if someone could possibly be this nice to a complete stranger. I shrugged off my negative thoughts and smiled at her.
    “Actually, I don’t have to unpack – my mother’s insisting on doing the rest – but yeah, I’d love to come.”
    “Great, have you got a suit?” S he looked at me expectantly.
    Fear gripped me but I managed to swallow the panic that was threatening to choke me.
    “No, I – I’m not – I don’t think – I mean, I probably won’t go in … so I don’t need one.” I managed to sputter out eventually.
    Harriet threw me a curious look but accepted my answer regardless. “That’s okay – some of the other girls don’t like going in either. We’re thinking of bringing a picnic down since the guys want to go just before lunch. Does twelve-thirty suit you?”
    I nodded. “Yeah, do you need me to bring anything?”
    Harriet shook her head. “Just yourself. So, I guess I’ll see you later then. I’ll pick you up at twelve and then drive us both over.”
    “Yeah, okay … thanks. I guess I’ll see you then.”
    She threw me another warm smile before she headed off inside the house to the left of me.
     
    I spent most of the morning in a café in town, leisurely reading my book and people-watching. Pretty soon, it was