Shadows
Chapter 4
charcoal gray above
K--K
Looking around i noticed the setting sun in my rear view mirror. I slowly pulled the keys from the ignition and reached for my sleek red bag resting on the floor between the passenger and my seat. From the corner of my eye i could see his grip tighten on the arm rest. my arm had brushed his leg seconds before reaching the bag.
"Sorry" I mouthed and pulled the purse into my lap. He accepted my apology with a stiff nod.
A queasy feeling filled the pit of my stomach as i adjusted my stare from his hand to the fading beige garage door in front of me. My eyes dared to turn and look at him once again and after a few seconds built up enough courage to try, but before they reached him his blurred figure jump swiftly out of the door. I sighed in relief and slowly mimicked his action. I don't know what had changed in that minute and a half but we went from getting along amazingly to this awkward silence. I met him at the back of the van and extended my hand offering to help him with his belongings.
"I've got it" He whispered politely and pulled the door shut. I nodded and persuaded my feet to move in the direction of my front door. With trembling hands i found the key and unlocked the deadbolt. As i stepped through the front door my mother ran to greet us, most of the awkwardness seemed to slip away, and for that i was glad.
P—P
"Mom This is Edward." I heard Keely's voice say as I offered Mrs. Teslow my hand. Which she Disregarded and pulled me into a hug.
"It's very nice to meet you sweetie" she said releasing me.
"Same to you Ms. Teslow"
"Please Edward, Call me Mandy."
"Okay, Mandy " She smiled and began asking me what seemed like a never ending list of questions about Israel. After minutes of interrogation the rapid fire began to fade out.
"How fascinating, now then are you hungry?" Mandy asked rubbing her hands together.
"No Ma'am Just a bit tired from flying."i lied
"Of course you are sugar" she cooed giving me another hug
"Mom could you lay off the sweeties and sugars, it's his first day here" i heard an embarrassed Keely Sigh.
"I don't mind " i replied forcing a chuckle
"See he doesn't mind!" Mandy said still not releasing me from her bear hug. "His mother probably does the same to him all the time right Edward?"
I bit my lip and dropped my eyes. There was no sense in telling her the truth that would only lengthen the hug. Not to mention the less they new of the real me the better. so i pulled myself together and assured her my mother treated me the very same. Smiling in satisfaction she finally let me go and turned to Keely.
"Why don't you show him where he'll be staying, Honey."
"kay mom" she said anxiously and motioned towards the stairwell. Relief flowed through me as i made my way up the stairs i had almost made it though my first day.
K—K
I could feel his eyes on me and it sent shivers down my spine, but these weren't ordinary shivers they were somewhat indescribable. I couldn't determine whether to leap into his arms or run full speed as far away from him as possible. So i just kept heading up the stairs. There was something strange about Edward, and it wasn't just the fact that i was drawn to him for reasons unknown to me. He was hiding something and it was oddly terrifying. We were reaching the end of the hall now. The house wasn't very large. The bottom floor consisted of my mothers bedroom,a bathroom, kitchen/dining room and a living room. The top floor had Two bedrooms, one bathroom.
"here we are" i said opening the door opposite of mine. "This is my brothers old room but make yourself at home."
"Thank you"
"Your welcome ." i walked into the room and turned right opening the door 5 feet from the entrance.
"This is the bathroom, That door leads to my room." i said pointing to the door nearest the shower.
"I'll give you the rest of the tour tomorrow. You look kind of worn out"
Edward nodded releasing a yawn. "I'll see you tomorrow"
it sounded more like a question than a statement. I shook my head slightly and began backing into the bathroom. I could feel my legs losing their strength again. I had to get out of here. I soon felt the reassuring chill of my doorknob and darted into safety.
P—P
My eyes lingered at the door in which she departed from. I was finally able to relax my stiff shoulders gradually began to loosen. I took off my jacket and placed it on the edge of the bed. This was going to be more difficult then i ever imagined. Two hours with the girl and i already had to resort to images of how to 'dispose of her' just to keep my mind set on the mission. Each idea i had more brutal than the next. I released a long overdue sigh and began unpacking my belongings. I soon fell into a zombie-like routine. Grab shirt put it on hanger place in closet. Grab pants fold horizontally over the hanger, place in closet. Repeat, repeat, and repeat again. Halfway through the duffel bag my fingers clasped around a cold metal object. I reluctantly looked down at the black .45. A sickening feeling rose from my stomach. I quickly jumped to my feet and rushed to the bathroom. That sick bastard. Only boss would be cruel enough to give me the gun that killed my mother 8 years ago. Minutes passed and with at flush of a toilet the evidence of my repulsion soon faded. I walked limply over to the sink to splash water cool water on my face. This wasn't going to be easy I once again reminded myself.
K—K
About an hour had passed since I left Edward in the room next to mine, and since then I had done nothing but continuously attempt to convince myself I couldn't fall for this boy. After several trials I found the heart wrenching solution to my problem. His photograph depicted no evidence of the pain he was able to cause, but I knew. Oh did I know. I fell for his stupid shaggy blond hair blue eye and sparkling smile apparently so did most other girls. "Brett" I sighed. Rubbing the spot on my chest where I thought my heart should be. It still hurt to think about him, but what did I expect of the man who sent my heart down the garbage disposal six months ago.
A long suppressed sigh tried to escape from my lips, but somewhere during my self pity episode I forgot that breathing was in fact necessary. thus, my sigh ended up sounding more like a hiccup than anything else. After regaining my usual oxygen intake I brushed my thumb across the glossy picture. In it I wore a gray stocking cap and matching scarf my cheeks and nose were gleaming red. Brett's arms were laced around my abdomen and his lips pressed gently to my forehead. I remembered the moment well. Too well in my opinion. I quickly tossed the picture off into the right corner and made my way toward the window.