Hey, sorry that its late. The holiday weekend has kept me kind of busy. Before we get started there are a couple things I would like to say.
First, I would like to make you all aware of another author on this sight. LoneWolfSniper. She is currently working on a great story that is... almost as good as mine. I'm just kidding. She is a wonderful author and I'm sure she would love it if you could check out her story.
Second, DaughterOfNoOne, thank you so much for your reviews. I love hearing your input and can't wait to hear more. Everyone, please, and I mean please feel free to leave a review and let me know exactly what you think about the story. Don't hold back on any of your oppinions. I love to hear what you all have to say, good or bad.
Third, I am so sorry that I haven't been that consistent with the chapters. I promise that I am not finished with the story yet and plan to keep writing it to the end.
Now back to the story:
Tick.
Tick.
Tick.
I flinched. My skin pricked with every one of them. It seems silent in the day, but as soon as the world darkens it's the loudest noise in the city. With every tick the night grew shorter, and the day came closer. With every tick I lost time. With every new tick fate's new deed could already be done.
Several times I had tried to get up but my body would refuse, never letting go of the bedding below it. Sometimes I would try to give up and fall asleep, but sleep would never come to me on a night like tonight. It would prick at my skin and twist my mind into a mental hell, but
"Come on Miss," I whispered, "Night is growing old." With a final push, the bed left me and I was on my feet.
My feet light, I hurried to my door. It whispered a soft squeak as I pulled it open. The darkness of my room followed into the halls. It didn't matter, though. I knew this house better than the back of my hand. I turned the handle, holding it taught as I pulled the door shut. I turned it into its slot, never letting it make a sound.
I took a few steps, and then froze.
The air was still. Nothing moved. I perked my ear. Not a single sound around me.
My fingers found the wall and traced it as I continued down the hall, counting each doorframe it hit.
Soon my fingers felt the wall disappear as I made the turn.
I took a step. And then another.
It creaked.
The air tensed. I froze. My hand flinched back from the wall. I froze. My hand tensed against the wall. I was instantly on my toes. I looked back. Waited. Nothing moved. No sound echoed anywhere. Eventually I could almost feel the ticks of the clock from my room.
My foot rose, and the creak whistled its eerie chimes again. I took a silent step and continued down the hall. My hand found the wall again.
I was quick getting past Jonathan's room and returned to my pace once I had passed.
All the way at the end of the hall, I found the room. My finger stopped at the edge of the doorframe. My other hand found the doorknob. I turned it carefully, not letting it ever make a sound, before pushing it opened. I stepped in, the door barely making a creek as I pushed it shut.
I twisted the lock.
With me in the room was a crib. Caleb let out a little snore just as I stepped forward.
His one arm was crossed over his chest. I traced my finger down it from his elbow. His skin was warm, bright.
Alive.
His little eyes fluttered open. He smiled.
I couldn't help it. I smiled back. He let out a little giggle.
"No!" I quickly brought my voice down to a whisper. "Shhhh," I traced my thumb over his eyes. "Go back to sleep." I lifted my thumb, and they fluttered open.
Come on, I almost growled. I placed my fingers over his eyes again. Sleep child, sleep.
They fluttered open again.
Letting out a sigh, I guided my hand below his neck. The soft gentle skin warmed as I lifted his head from its pillow. My other hand reached to grab it. My hand flinched against the cloudlike fabric.
It felt like a while before I slid it out and picked it up. The pillow was small. It was still warm from when it held his head. The golden stitching held it all together perfectly. I flipped it over. Caleb was stitched in flawlessly across the surface in blend of silver and gold.
It was just like him.
He let out a little giggle.
I looked back down. He had sat up, his big gold eyes staring up at me. His mouth opened into a big smile.
I closed my eyes, feeling myself smile back.
I pushed him back down, "Sleep," I begged, "It will make this easier for both of us."
He opened his mouth. I flinched as he let out a yawn. I leaned forward.
And stopped. I froze. Caleb's head fell to his shoulder. The air shivered around me.
Just do it! I ordered. You have wasted enough time as it is.
His mouth opened again. It wasn't a yawn.
I pounced on him. I forced the pillow into his face. He squirmed, his arms useless at his sides.
He let out a whimper. I pushed down harder. I could feel his nose through the fabric.
It wasn't long until he finally went still. I lifted the pillow. Big gold eyes stared up at me. Through me. I raised his head. His neck was icy against my skin. I shivered.
I slid the pillow back under his head. I slid my hand over his eyes, closing them shut. I pinched his wide mouth shut.
I stepped back. "Two down, Three to go."
