Chapter 3

In the afternoon Richie went to his therapies, he answered the questions that were asked, explained his feelings and tried to figure out why he drank so much, but he already knew why. He thought it was an easy reason, he was lonely, alcohol made him forget that. He couldn’t solve that problem without finding someone he could love.



During dinner he found Sarah again at the table and took the seat next to her. “So do we skip group therapy again tomorrow?” He whispered, not noticing the little jump she made and how she shifted away in her seat.
Sarah tried to laugh. “You sound like were in high school.” She remembered the times she would skip classes back then too. She'd go to the beach or hang out around the mall with her friends.

“I didn’t go to class all the time then either.” Richie said. “Aha, though guy huh? What should we do instead of group therapy then?” Why did she say that? She didn't want to go and do something with him. She couldn't take it back anymore either.

“We can explore the grounds.” He hadn’t been outside yet and actually wondered what was out there to see.

She liked the idea, the premises was very big, it was a nice piece of nature and she could stay further away from him. “Good, but after breakfast, I need coffee in the morning first. I’ll show you around afterwards.” Did she just say she would show him around? Why?



The next morning Richie didn’t bother to hurry up and get ready, he had already decided not to go to group therapy, he wasn't into group hugs with strangers, he thought about that for a second. Fans were strangers, but that was totally different he decided.

His guitar was staring at him when he came out of the shower, it needed to be played and he knew it. He picked up the guitar and sat down on his bed and laid it across his lap. Placing his fingers on the frets, thanks to the calluses on his finger tips he couldn’t feel the strings as he pressed them down and stroked his thumb down over the strings. The musical sound that came out could be improved he thought. Laying the guitar down on his lap, he reached over to his guitar bag and got a guitar pick out and made the same sound again. Better.

When he was sure everybody would be gone to the group therapy session he put his guitar into its case and went downstairs.

As he had thought, there was nobody downstairs. He knew he shouldn’t go to the office, they’d notice him and Tina would get angry this time. Looking around the open space there was nobody else and no sign of Sarah either, she must still be in the kitchen.

He made his way to the kitchen; walked inside and saw nobody. Yesterday Sarah was cooking but there was nobody at the stove and nobody sitting at the table. The room was empty.

He’d hoped she would be here, he really wanted to be alone with her again, her to show him around the grounds. The night before he had been looking forward to it but now she wasn’t there.

It was almost 10, he decided to make breakfast any way, and maybe she would still show up. There was some bread left on the counter by the 4 piece toaster. He put a slice of bread in every space and turned on the toaster. Opening the fridge, he leaned into it, looking what was in there. After having a mental debate to have orange juice or milk, he closed the fridge and turned on the coffee machine instead.

The toast popped, he turned around and looked around for peanut butter in the cupboard above it.

When he finished his toast and was about to turn around to get the coffee Sarah walked into the kitchen. “There you are. I thought you weren’t going to show.” Richie said, happy to finally see her. She looked great, even though she wasn’t wearing anything special, it was all her.

“I wouldn’t do that.” Sarah smiled, it was exactly what she had done. “I overslept.” She spent the whole night wondering what skipping therapy with him meant. It was typical for her, always over thinking everything a guy did. What did it mean that he wanted to explore the grounds with her? What would happen if they went outside? Then she'd get scared. “Aren’t you making eggs for me?” She couldn't believe why she kept asking questions like that.

“Not if you love your life.” Richie joked, he was a horrible cook. “I can share my toast though.” He said, holding out a slice of toasted bread for her.

Sarah carefully took the slice he was holding and sat down a few chairs away from him, eating the toast. He shared his food with her, now what did that mean?



A little while later they did the few dishes there were and put everything away. “Ready to go?” Richie asked when he threw the dish towel on the counter; he was eager to go out, he’d been inside for two days and wanted to smell the fresh air and feel the wind. It was spring after all.

Sarah looked around, thinking of something she had to do before but couldn’t think of anything. “I guess so.” She said, not sure why it sounded like she didn’t want to. “Are you sure you want to go?” Richie asked her, it seemed like she wanted a way out. “Cause you don’t have to if you don’t want to. I can go sit in my room.” He shrugged at the last he said.

“No, come on, let’s go.” Sarah said as she quickly walked out of the kitchen, looking over her shoulder to see if he was following her. Now she had no choice but show him around, she really had to stop doing that.

They walked through the open space behind the office to the glass wall. Sarah found the door and carefully opened it without making a sound.

She started walking and Richie caught up with her, walking next to her. He looked out over the premises. “I didn’t think it would be this big.” He said as he saw the pond, with a few benches surrounded by trees. It almost looked like a park.

“They’re just missing horse stables.” Sarah joked as she continued to walk towards the pond. Horse stables? She thought to herself, stupid! Richie chuckled at her joke. It was a lovely day out, the sun was shining and a light breeze of wind swept up. It was great being outside.

They sat down on a bench by the pond, looking over the water. Not knowing what to say, they sat quietly.

They both sneaked glances at each other every few minutes while neither noticed the other. The silence they were in was quiet but not too uncomfortable and they weren’t sure if they should break it or just enjoy the peacefulness of the view they had.


Go to the next chapter