Haunt

Chapter 7 – A year later

During the past year, Jenny had fitted nicely into the neighbourhood. There was Drake, now one of her best friends. Leon, her boyfriend of almost two months. Mindy, the annoying girl who was always just... There. Audrey was like a second mum, and Walter? Well... she just avoided him for her own sanity. And then here was Josh. Her very best friend.

With one book held firmly in her hand, she walked with her group of friends out of the school and towards the parking lot. Leon had one arm wrapped around Jenny's waist as he brought his keys from his trouser pockets and unlocked his car door.

"I'll see you later," Jenny said to anyone who was listening as she got into the passenger seat of the car. A few seconds later, Leon was sat beside her and began to drive out of the lot. She watched as Josh, Mindy, Drake and the nerds carried on walking to their cars, in conversations that made them oblivious to their surroundings. She watched her best friend placed his arm around Mindy's shoulders, dragging her closer to him and kissed the top of her forehead. Their relationship was still going strong. However, any feelings Jenny had for Josh had gone. Well, almost. There was still a twinge of jealously and pain when he looked deeply into Mindy's eyes and not hers, but it's better than it was. She had moved on to the best of her ability, and now had a boyfriend who seemingly cared for her. As long as Josh was, and would continue to be her best friend, she was happy.

"You ok?" The sound of his voice brought Jenny from her thoughts, and she realised she had been staring out of the window for quite a while. She spun her head around towards Leon, who took a quick glance at her but then concentrated back on the road once he knew he had got her attention.

"Yeah, sorry. I was thinking," She answered, brushing her hair back from her face.

"About what?" He asked, still not taking his eyes off the road. He had dark hair. It ended just above his shoulders, hiding his great jaw line, a feature which Jenny admired. A lot. He had dark eyes and fair skin, with quite plump lips. He wore the same syle of clothing as Jen. Skinny jeans, dark hoodie, converse.

"Nothing special," Jenny smiled and sat up. He then looked over curiously, but returned her smile without asking again. He pulled up to her house after about ten minutes and exited the vechicle with her.

"You know, you don't have to walk me to the porch everyday," Jenny said, knowing this meant absolutely nothing, as they stood before her front door. Leon raised one eyebrow cheekily, and then put his hand under her chin, tilting her head up. He reached down and kissed her lovingly. His hand swept down to her waist and he held her there as she locked her arms around his neck at the same time. After a few more seconds, he broke it off and smiled before saying, "I'll see you tomorrow,". Planting one last kiss on her cheek, he walked flawlessly down her drive and got back into his old car.

Jenny unlocked her door and stepped inside, doing her best not to trip up or something idiotic. After successfully entering the house and shutting the door, she found her mum on the couch with her back to her. Jen happily drifted onto the arm of the seat beside her and was about to begin a long story about something amusing that had happened that day when she noticed the bloodshot eyes. The tears that had not yet fallen. The blank stare into the muted television. Jenny hesitated before speaking,

"Whats happened?" Mary finally looked up at her daughter, sorrow stained in her eyes. A tear fell from one as she began to explain.

"Your fathers left. We had an argument last night and he... he said he couldn't take it anymore and walked out there and then. I thought he would be back by now but.... Oh Jenny," Tears started pouring out and Jen reached for some tissues to hand her mother,"I'm sorry. I don't think he's coming back," She sobbed. Jen sat silently, processing her mothers words. He had left? For good? Millions of questions bubbled through her mind, and she tried to settle on just one for now.

"W-why didn't you tell me? This morning?"

"Oh honey, I told you. I thought he was going to come back. I didn't want to ruin your day," The tears finally escaped Jenny and she sunk into the couch beside he mother. Mary wrapped her arms around her as her daughter cried with her. She knew there was no point hoping. He wouldn't come back this time. She just knew it. They remained in their position for about ten minutes, silently. Jenny then stood and walked to her bedroom, her mother hardly noticing, deep in her thoughts.

She collapsed on her bed and lied, unmoving, for an hour, thinking back to those old memories of the happy family of four. They had now gotten down to two. Sitting back up on her bed, Jenny held her head in her hands and took a deep breath, while wondering what would be the best thing to do. She needed someone. Just to be there. Not her mum, who was in the same, painful state as she was. She needed a friend. Josh. Flipping open her cell, Jenny dialed his number. While waiting for him to pick up, he wondered if she should have called Leon. He's the one anyone would expect her to call at a time like this, so why had her mind instantly gone to Josh?

"Hey, whats up?" He greeted, cheerfully. Realising she had no idea what she was going to say, Jen remained quiet for a while, before beginning to cry again, speechless. "Jenny? Whats wrong?"

"I... He...," She started, trying to compose herself and stop the tears falling down her cheeks,"My dad, he's left. I... I don't know... What to do..."

"I'll be there in a second Jen. Don't cry, I'm coming," He ended the call, and Jenny successfully stopped her crying. Placing her phone back into her jean pocket, she made her way to the front door. She couldn't stand to be in the house any longer. She walked to the end of the street and leaned against the wall, wrapping her arms around herself. He arrived faster then ever before and got out of the car with no expression on his face. Jen stepped forwards slowly, watching the ground. Josh swiftly walked over to her, not saying anything, wrapped both his arms around her shoulders, and rested his cheek on her forehead. She broke down and, as much as she tried to stop it again, sobbed into his chest. she gripped onto his shirt tightly, to make sure he stayed there. She needed him to be there. He didn't have to say anything. He just had to hold her for a while. It made her feel protected from the tragic world. It made her feel safe. And she knew, when he held her like this, that she was loved, by all her friends. She wasn't alone anymore.

A/N - Whoops, I took a long time on this one didn't I? XD sorry :') Anyway, please review this chapter and tell me what you think of it :) And Leon. He's completely made from my imagination. I think I fancy him though anyway XD. Also, this is a completely new topic now but I have a question. Is it wrong to fancy a cartoon character? I was watching Anastasia and Dimitri isn't that bad ;) XD He reminds me of Drake actually :) Haha, so yeah, sorry again for taking so long and please please please please please review 'cos it'll make me happy . :D

xx