Chasing the storm

Chapter 10: Running on Empty

(Rowan's POV )

By the time I stepped back into the main area, everyone was awake, scattered around the dimly lit gas station.

Oliver tossed a protein bar my way. "Eat."

I caught it but didn't move.

Across from me, Caleb and Sienna sat next to each other, talking in low voices.

I clenched my jaw and turned away.

Ava stretched, looking around. "So, what's the plan today?"

"Survive," I muttered, ripping open the wrapper.

Sienna sighed. "You're in a great mood, as always."

I took a bite, barely tasting it. "Didn't get much beauty sleep. Probably because of all the arguing that happened in the early morning"

She tensed. "If you're still mad, just say it."

I scoffed. "Mad? Nah. Just thinking maybe next time I should let Caleb handle everything, since he's so good at playing hero."

Caleb set his protein bar down. "You really wanna do this now?"

"Do what?" I shot back. "State the obvious?"

Sienna pinched the bridge of her nose. "Can we not do this again? It's too early for whatever testosterone war you two have going on."

I exhaled sharply, pushing up from my seat. "Fine. I'm gonna get more supplies."

Oliver blinked. "Dude, we already—"

"Not enough," I cut in, grabbing my jacket. "Stay here."

Sienna stood immediately. "You're not going alone."

I stilled, my fingers tightening around the fabric.

Of course she had to say that.

I turned, slowly, my expression blank. "I don't need a babysitter."

She crossed her arms. "And I don't need to argue with you every five minutes, but here we are."

Ava looked between us, wide-eyed. "Uh. Should we be worried?"

"No," Sienna and I snapped at the same time.

Oliver muttered, "Yeah. We're definitely worried."

---

I stepped toward the door.

Sienna followed.

"Go sit down," I muttered, reaching for the handle.

"No," she shot back. "You're being reckless again."

I huffed a bitter laugh. "Oh, please. Now you care what I do?"

Her jaw clenched. "I always cared, you idiot."

That stopped me.

For a split second, I forgot how to breathe.

Then I shook it off.

I stepped closer, lowering my voice. "Then maybe you should act like it."

Her lips parted, but nothing came out.

A long, stretched-out silence followed.

Then she exhaled, rubbing her temples. "You know what? Fine. Do whatever you want."

"Gladly," I muttered, pushing open the door and stepping outside.

She didn't stop me this time.

But for some reason?

I almost wished she had.

---