Rowdy || 18+ || RH

Chapter 6

The bank. I need to go to the bank and take out some cash to start putting in the bill envelopes. It's a shared responsibility here, and I want to make sure I'm pulling my weight. And maybe, while I'm out, I can pick up a few more things for my room. Some decorations, perhaps, or just a few more essentials.

I finish the granola bar, wrapping up the empty wrapper and tossing it in the small trash bin I'd placed in the corner. My room feels comfortable, but it's still a little sparse, and a few more personal touches might help me feel more settled in.

The thought of going out seems like a good idea, a way to keep myself busy and take another step towards building my new life. I'm not sure what else to do right now, and getting out of the house might help keep my mind from wandering back to Lyle and the life I left behind.

I grab my purse and car keys, giving the room one more look before heading out.

**

I unlock the front door with the key Fowler gave me and step back into the house, arms laden with shopping bags filled with clothes, decor for my room, and the shampoo, conditioner, and soap I forgot to grab earlier. The place is silent, and as I make my way to my room, I notice a sticky-note on the door.

"Emersyn, left for work. Here's my number if you need anything. - Fowler"

I frown, disappointed that I missed Fowler since I was going to ask about the laundry situation. Shrugging off the minor inconvenience, I pull out my phone and send him a quick text.

"Hey Fowler, it's Emersyn. Can I do laundry? I really need to, but I wanted to make sure it's okay."

Almost instantly, my phone buzzes with his response.

"Hey Emersyn! Yeah, that's fine. Go ahead."

Relieved, I smile at his quick and welcoming reply. I dump the bags on my bed and grab the laundry basket. I decide to take down the clothes I hung up earlier. The smell of Valarie's laundry soap lingers on them, not a bad smell, but not quite what I prefer. I carry everything to the laundry room and start a load, making sure to use the detergent I bought.

Back in my room, I start unpacking the bags, pulling out new decorations, a couple of books, and some additional personal touches. I place a small vase with artificial flowers on the desk, hang a framed quote on the wall, and arrange the new books on the shelf, filling in the gaps with little pieces of me.

I set up a new desk lamp and place a picture frame beside it. The room starts to feel more like mine, not just a space I'm occupying.

As I stand back to admire my handiwork, I feel a sense of accomplishment, a step forward in this new chapter of my life. The decor is simple, but it's reflective of who I am, and I feel a connection to this space.

My phone buzzes again with a message from Fowler.

"If you need help with anything else, just let me know. Have a great day!"

I smile, typing back a quick "Thanks!" before setting the phone down. I've got a little more unpacking to do, and then maybe I'll take a moment to relax and read one of my new books.

With the laundry started and my room gradually taking shape, I continue placing the new decor around. A soft pastel rug now lies at the foot of my bed, complementing the blues and grays of the bedding. A decorative mirror hangs on the wall, reflecting the subtle touches that are making this room mine. An elegant lamp with a delicate shade rests on the cheap bedside table I bought, alongside a scented candle that I decide to light. Its gentle vanilla fragrance fills the room, adding to the serene atmosphere.

There is a succulent in a tiny pot and a few other knick-knacks lining the otherwise empty shelves on the bookshelf. Everything has its place, and I'm filled with satisfaction as I step back and take it all in.

Feeling a little grimy from the day, I decide to take a shower. The water is warm and soothing as it cascades over my body, washing away the dust and fatigue. My new shampoo and conditioner smell like coconut and lime, a tropical scent that transports me to a beach somewhere far away. The soap is fragrant with lavender, calming and refreshing all at once.

I lose myself in the sensations, letting the water cleanse not just my body but my mind, allowing me to relax and truly feel at home.

But as I step out of the shower and wrap a towel around myself, I suddenly realize that all my clothes are in the laundry room. I scold myself for the oversight and peek my head out of my bedroom door, checking to see if anyone's around. The coast seems clear, so I take a deep breath and sneak through the house in only my towel, feeling both exhilarated and slightly embarrassed.

I switch the laundry out, tossing the wet clothes into the dryer and then rush back to my room, relieved not to have run into anyone.

With nothing to wear but my towel, I decide to lie down and read one of the new books I bought. I snuggle under the comforter, still in my towel, and lose myself in the story, the words taking me to another world.

The gentle hum of the dryer in the distance and the soft scent of vanilla from the candle lull me into relaxation, and as the pages turn, I can feel my eyelids growing heavy.

Slowly, without realizing it, the book slips from my fingers, and I drift into sleep, the events of the day fading away as I surrender to rest.

**

Jolting awake, I realize with a start that the sun is low in the sky, casting a soft, golden glow through the curtains. Panic sets in as I realize that I must have slept for hours. Without thinking, I jump out of bed and rush to the laundry room, still clad only in my towel. My clothes are dry, and I quickly switch them out and place them in the basket, ready to carry them back to my room.

As I walk back through the kitchen, I freeze in my tracks, noticing Marx sitting at the island, eating. He's staring at me, his eyes locked on mine, and I feel my whole body flush under his intense gaze. There's something in his look, something that makes my heart race and my skin tingle. His eyes are dark and knowing, filled with something that leaves me feeling both exposed and intrigued.

Realizing that I'm still only in a towel, embarrassment washes over me, and I clutch the laundry basket closer to my body.

"Uh, hi," I stammer, unable to tear my eyes away from his. "I didn't see you there."

He continues to stare, chewing slowly, then swallows and offers a small nod. "Hey."

I feel myself blush even deeper, and I shift from foot to foot. "I, uh, fell asleep and needed to get my laundry."

His eyes drop to the towel, then flicker back up to meet mine, his expression unreadable. "I see."

My mind scrambles for something to say, something to fill the silence that stretches between us. "I hope I didn't disturb you," I finally manage, my voice barely above a whisper.

He shakes his head, taking another bite of his food. "No."

I bite my lip, his short answers and intense gaze making me feel off-balance and uncertain. "Well, I should get dressed. Enjoy your dinner."

He nods again, his eyes never leaving mine. "You too."

I turn and hurry back to my room, my heart pounding in my chest. His look, his presence, has stirred something within me, something I can't quite put my finger on. A mix of excitement, attraction, and a hint of fear.

Once safely inside my room, I close the door and lean against it, taking deep breaths to calm myself. The way he looked at me, the way he made me feel, is both thrilling and terrifying.