Chapter 21
Weeks passed and soon Fall faded into Winter. Ice crystals covered the trees each morning; frost covered the grass, giving the Earth a Winter Wonderland appearance. Fog invaded the field; it looked menacing as it came through the forest trees. I pulled my blankets away from my body quickly, a shiver went down my spine, and I went over my coat rack and grabbed a sweatshirt to pull over my tank top. I put my hair up in a messy bun and opened the door. Gerard stood there as he did every morning.
Ever since I came back from the bike ride with Mikey, Gerard had been keeping a very close eye on me. I hardly had any time to myself, and if I did he was still within ear shot. Mikey had been kept at a distance, anytime he would try to come a talk to me Annika would take him away with some stupid excuse.
"Good morning Brook," Gerard grinned, he took my hand and kissed it gently.
"Morning," I replied groggily.
Gerard wrapped his fingers around mine and led me downstairs, the smell of bacon and eggs filled my nose. Once in the kitchen I saw Skye cooking exactly that. I saw Ray and Frank talking. I looked over to Mikey and Annika; she was talking while he looked immensely bored. Something was going on between Annika and Gerard, because they wouldn't let Mikey and I within twenty feet of each other.
The conversation I had overheard still haunted me, Gerard would kill for what he wanted. What that exactly was I wasn't sure, but he felt Mikey could get in the way. And if Mikey did, well he doesn't need to be in the picture.
I knew I had to make it seem like I knew nothing of what Gerard was planning, because if I were to slip that I knew something, well I didn't want to even think of what could happen. Gerard and I sat down at the table.
"Good morning," Frank grinned at me.
"Morning Frank," I smiled back.
Once breakfast was served we ate in a tense silence. Nobody seemed to want to talk, I would glance up at Mikey every once in a while, our eyes would meet for a second and then we'd get back to eating. Soon everyone finished their breakfast, we washed our own plates and I started to leave the kitchen behind Gerard when someone grabbed my arm and pulled me away. Before I knew it I was in the library and I was staring into familiar eyes. Mikey.
"Hey," He breathed.
"Hey yourself, seems like we haven't talked in a while." I giggled.
"I know I don't know what Gerard and Annie are up too but they won't let me anywhere near you." Mikey scratched the back of his head in confusion.
"I've been noticing the same thing, but I don't know why either." I mumbled, Gerard's haunting words swimming in my head.
"I was thinking that we could sneak out, maybe go for a ride?" Mikey shrugged.
I bit my lip, thinking it over. If we were caught Gerard would be furious, he might hurt Mikey again. I couldn't deal with seeing him getting hurt. But on the other hand, we haven't hung out in a while, and I really do enjoy spending time with him. He makes me feel safe, and I can be myself around him.
"Um…sure why not." I laughed nervously. Still not thinking if this was the best plan.
But I went upstairs and got dressed nonetheless. And within minutes I was waiting for Mikey by the front door. I was actually quite surprised that Gerard hadn't come looking for me yet. Mikey tip-toed down the stairs, a huge smile on his face. I really did like his smile.
"Are you ready," Mikey winked.
I just nodded and Mikey opened the door. Someone stood there, her fist raised an angry look on her face. A look I knew all too well. And it belonged to none other than my mother.