She nodded, and I went to lock up the last of the horse stalls before ushering her out of the barn. The thunder cracked again and lightning lit up the sky.
I locked up the barn, only letting go of Rae for as long as I had to, and then we quickly ran towards the house as the moon disappeared behind the clouds. The lightning streaked across the sky again, seeming angrier, as if the weather knew of the shift in our moods.
Chapter 41
Rae
We got inside the housejust as the floodgates opened and the rain began to pour.I stood at the window, watching the storm. It felt like the storm in my mind was rushing with the same intensity as the one outside.
Caleb kicked off his boots and came to stand by my side. I didn't move, didn't speak, I couldn’t. What should I say to the man who just gave me the feeling of freedom and love, only for him to deal with my ex right after? I hated myself for bringing him into this mess, thinking I could just start over with him without burdening him with my past.
“Hey, Sunshine, when you're ready to talk, I'm here. You're covered in half the barn and the field.” He let out a breathy chuckle, trying to lighten the mood for me. I wanted to respond, but it was like I was physically incapable of doing so. Caleb continued, "I'm going to go get you some comfy clothes to change into, okay?”
I nodded and whispered my thanks to him. It was all I could manage at the moment. He kissed my temple and went into the bedroom.
The rain on the roof was deafening. I heard the soft footsteps of Duke behind me. As if he knew I wasn’t ready to speak or play, he curled up at my feet, just being there.
I heard Caleb in our room, opening and closing drawers as he spoke to someone on the phone, I could only assume was my dad. The rain made it almost impossible to hear him, or really anything.
Thunder rolled and shook the walls of the house. I stood at the window, still staring out at the rain and my chest felt tighter. Lightning struck. My breathing started to accelerate, and I felt like the walls were closing in on me like that night the power had gone out. I needed air. I needed space, so I stepped out on the porch and, without thinking, walked out into the storm.
