Chapter Five: Peace doesn't always last

I lose track of time while watching the rain through my bedroom window. The downfalls of having a comfy chair right next to it. I have no work or plans today, so I decide not to change out of my oversized sweatshirt and leggings.

I have thrown my hair up in a messy bun, not wanting to bother with it. Nothing could make the day better, minus winning the lottery, and that won't happen since I have never played.

The small side table next to my chair holds my magnolia teapot, a cup, and a saucer all arranged on a small tray. While I might not be the biggest fan of my name, this set is really pretty.

White background with a fully bloomed magnolia and surrounded by greenery. Mamaw bought it for me when I was little. I am not sure where she got it, but I think she said that it was handmade.

Pouring more tea into my cup, I return the teapot to its spot on the tray. Sipping my tea brings me peace, or at least the illusion of it.

Thinking about my date with Keiran makes me wonder if I should have given him more of a chance. He may have been nervous about meeting me.

I peek over at my craft basket and a book next to my chair. I have been trying to teach myself to knit and crochet for a bit. Studying

my latest project attempt, it is looking more like a granny square than the last one, and this makes me extremely happy.

My doorbell rings and I can't imagine who it is. Jenna is at her job at the local library, Keith is at the local police station, and Dixie is teaching. My parents and sister don't know where I live, at least last I knew they didn't.

According to one of my clients, Miss Opal, who lives next door to them, told me last week they thought I moved out of state.

After putting my cup and saucer down, I make my way to the front door. I hear a second knock and I yell out. "I'm coming."

I open the door, surprised to find Keiran standing there looking around at the street. This shocks me, and I wish I had my phone on me.

"Keiran, what a surprise to see you! What can I do for you?"

He finally looks up at me, and I get chills.

"Miss Magnolia, it is lovely to see you. I hoped to come for a visit."

I glance behind me, and my house is in no condition for visitors. Not that it is a true mess, but I would feel more comfortable outside with him.

"How about I make us some tea and we drink it on the porch? It will take me a few minutes. Plus, I should get dressed."

This seems to not please him, but he nods in acceptance.

"You look beautiful as you are, but tea would be lovely. Is there a chair that is yours?"

I point to the closer one and he sits in the one farthest from the door.

I go inside and lock the doors as quietly as possible. Quickly turning on the stove, putting fresh water in the tea kettle, then I make my way to my room. I gaze out my window and notice what I think is someone staring at me. I try to act calm and make it seem like I am just getting clothes to get changed; however, I not only grab clothes but my phone.

Making my way to my half bathroom in my room, I make sure that my window is closed, locked, and blinds are down.

I call Keith and thankfully he answers on the first ring.

"Whatcha doing, Mags?"

I have a hard time speaking when I hear his voice. "Keiran," is all I can say aloud.

"What's wrong with Keiran?" I can sense the concern in his voice.

"He's here, but there is someone looking in my bedroom window…"

Next thing I hear is the sound of a chair scratching a floor and mumbling.

"Stay where you are, Maggie. Lock whatever door you can and stay where you are! I am on my way!"

I lock the bathroom door and go into the corner. Times like this, I wish this was a full bathroom.

I hear a car starting and sirens blasting. Keith is talking to someone, but I'm not sure who.

"Alright, Mags, come on outside, I'm here."

I rise to leave the bathroom and still see someone looking into my room. "Still outside my window..." I start quietly.

"My partner is going over to your window now. I am going to talk to Keiran. Pretend you don't know I am coming."

I say okay and stay put.

Of course, now is when the kettle sounds, informing me of the water boiling.

"Did you make tea water, Mags?"

"Yes, it's ready, I'm sorry…" I say. I am trying not to cry.

"It's okay, we've got everything under control if you want to come out."

I stay on the phone as I try to regain my breath. "Give me a minute, please."

"Of course, you want me to call Jenna? She should be getting off work soon." Keith asks with concern in his voice.

"I don't want to bother her…"

I am interrupted.

"Well, too late. I already messaged her and she should be coming straight here."

I finally get my nerve and get up. I walk my way to the kitchen and keep hearing voices shouting outside. When I make it to my kitchen, I turned the water off, taking the kettle off the burner.

Finally, I head to the front door, Jenna is waiting with a concerned expression.

"I am sorry to bother you, Jen."

She looks at me with horror. "Why would you think you were bothering me? As your best friend, I need to be here. Keith wants to talk to you, my dear." She pulls me out of the house and into her arms.

I allow myself to be pulled and we walk towards where Keith was standing with a few other officers and Keiran.

And someone that I don't think I know.

Keith looks at me and comes over to me. "Maggie, thank you for calling me. You did the right thing, my dear."

I nod before taking calming breaths and look at the man who was outside my window. He is still wearing the mask he was wearing but is in police custody.

"Do you know who that is? Can you tell me anything about him?"

Keith shakes his head no and is about to speak when the masked man begins struggling against the officers holding him and his mask gets knocked off during the scuffle. I'm shocked when I see who is under the mask.

How? Why?

What did I do to deserve this?

AN:

Thank you all for your support in my story! It means the world to me. AS always, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to message me. I decided to change posting day (hope it works for you all!) because Fridays and weekends can be tough.

Thank you midnite serenade for all the help you have given me with this story and the main idea!

Monica..thank you for making my words pretty! Without you, this story would be a mess!

Izzy for all your help with prereading and helping me work out issues.

And Dani for my main banner! I love it!

Any teaser banners I make.

I don't own Twilight. I just write the incident reports when characters misbehave in my brain.