She's just trying to scare me. I am safe. I have to be. Right? "Oh my God!" I said because I was so frustrated with myself. I jumped out of bed and looked out the window. It had to be about 4.
There was just a faint orange glow on the horizon. I walked out the door into the long quiet hallway. I heard soft snoring. Simon. I quietly made my way to the descending staircase. It was hard because every floorboard creaked with every step I took.
"What are you doing?" I jumped almost falling down the steps. I turned to face Derek. I glared at him "Going down the stairs. Do I need your permission?" He grunted a "no" so I walked down the steps. "But next time don't stomp." I continued walking and silently fumed.
Derek came down around 6. I was watching the early morning news when I saw him walk through the doorway. I mumbled a "good morning" to him as he did the same. He sat on the opposite side of the couch and continued to not talk, I followed suit.
We stayed that way, unmoving until Andrew came down with Simon and Tori trailing behind. "Well, aren't you two up early?" Andrew said with a smile. I tried to smile back but it was hard to fake.
Simon smiled at me and I tried to smile back. I didn't want him worrying about me more than he already was. Tori looked unhappy as always and muttered something about waking up at the crack of dawn.
Andrew sat down in a chair and motioned for Simon and Tori to do the same. "I would like to talk to you all.' We looked at him… waiting. "No one has been here for a while if you haven't noticed." Tori snorted but he kept going. "I don't know why, but I've got a bad feeling about this." We all looked at him. "I'm not saying we're leaving but we have to stay on red alert. Just in-case." I was so tired of those stupid three words. Every time they were said something bad always happened.
I looked at Simon and he looked back at me. There was a look of sympathy on his face. But I didn't want any sympathy. I wanted to be able to do everything without having to get that look. I wanted to be strong for everyone else including myself. Aunt Lauren was out there somewhere and she needed me to be strong to.
I looked away and tried to stop thinking about Aunt Lauren, but then my thoughts wandered to Dad, then to Liz, and Rae. Tears started to sting my eyes but I blinked them back. I have to be strong.
The day went by without Andrew for most of the time. Derek continued to act distant. It made me jittery, on edge. Simon was constantly by my side and Tori was always somewhere near. Andrew went shopping for groceries and more clothes for all of us. He asked for our sizes we gave him them no questions asked.
I laid on the couch watching T.V., when Andrew got back. He tossed 6 bags my way and 6 to Simon who was at the end of the couch my feet propped up on his legs. "Thanks" I said smiling a genuine smile. He smiled back. "No problem Chloe." Simon said his thanks as I sorted through my stuff. There was a ton of cute stuff from Aeropostale, Forever 21, and Charlotte Ruse. I'm going to have to pay him back sometime.
Simon also seemed pleased with his things. I could tell by the smile on his face. I couldn't help but suppress a smile to. We had actual clothes! That had to be worth celebrating. I bet you Tori was beyond thrilled. I heard Tori squeal. Yep she's happy enough.
We sat down to dinner at 7. It consisted of homemade macaroni and cheese with sloppy joes. Not Tori's first pick nor mine but it was still a hot meal that we hadn't had in a long time. So we both ate happily stuffing our faces to fast to talk.
"So," I said putting down my spoon."How much do I owe you for the clothes? I'm paying for Tori's and mine." Tori began to protest but I glared at her making her clamp her mouth shut.
"Don't worry about it Chloe. That was on me." "I can't possibly except that without paying you back!" "I insist." Andrew said smiling at me. I looked at him a little uncertain. "If you're sure…" "Positive!" He said with another smile.