How To Disappear - KiVi [Engl.]

Chapter 16

She wishes it were easier – wishes Bea had informed all of her friends and family members that she was alive and well, waiting to see all of them again. Maybe then they could come to her front door and wait out front in a single-file line with tear-filled eyes and ridiculous smiles.

But that's not how these things work. Instead, Chiara's sitting in her car parked in front of Ruslana's house debating on whether or not this is the best option available. She imagines Ruslana's reaction – perhaps her face would turn a pale shade of white, or maybe she'd pass out. Or maybe it would be a combination of the two, first the –

"Hello? Can I help you?"

Chiara hears a tap on her car window and she turns abruptly to see no other than Ruslana knocking against the glass, red hair tied back into a ponytail and sweat dripping off her forehead. She has on running shoes, so Chiara assumes that was what caused the exertion.

Ruslana's eyes widen a bit and her lips part and then her face freezes entirely, hand still hovering over Chiara's window from where she had been knocking moments earlier. Chiara cautiously opens her car door and watches as the redhead takes a step back to give her room, her face still drawn into the same look of shock and confusion as before.

Once Chiara's fully out of the vehicle, she shoves her hands into her pockets and manages a simple, "Surprise."

Ruslana's lower lip shakes as if she's about to speak, and then she passes out.

"Seems about right," Chiara mumbles to herself as she stares down at Ruslana's body that's crumpled up against the pavement. She crouches down next to the woman and shakes at her arm, "Ruslana? Ruslana, wake up. Come on, dude, this is, like, the worst coming home reaction ever."

Ruslana comes through after a few seconds of relentless shaking and slowly takes in the sight of the girl hovering over her. Just as her eyes lock on Chiara's own, they start to flutter and roll back in her head once more.

"No! Not again!" Chiara groans and lightly slaps Ruslana's cheek, "Stay with me, Rus."

"I'm..." Ruslana manages to choke out, "I'm okay."

"You sure?" Chiara asks and leans back a bit, helping the redhead into a seated position.

Ruslana nods and then utters out a faint, "Water."

"Yeah, water. Of course. Do you think you can make it to your kitchen?" Chiara asks, jumping to her feet and reaching out for Ruslana's palms. Ruslana nods and takes her hands graciously, slowly lifting herself up.

Chiara keeps an arm around Ruslana's waist and guides her towards the side door of her home that leads directly into her kitchen – grateful for the short walk from her car to the house. Chiara quickly fills a glass to the top with tap water and hands it to Ruslana, watching as the redhead drinks all of it in what must be a world record and then hands the glass back.