Chapter 2

Closing the door behind me I made my way to the kitchen, dropping two bags on the counter. I had decided to get some food before I did anything else otherwise I would put it off all together and end up not eating until my family got back. Finding the shops wasn't too difficult, it was asking someone for directions that was the difficult part for me.

I had never been good with talking to strangers and was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. It took me 15 minutes to pluck up the courage to ask someone. The only reason I managed to was because it was a little old lady. My safest option.

I quickly put everything away before making a sandwich and heading to my room. Quickly checking my phone (it was charging) I plopped down on my bed, eating the ham and lettuce sandwich like there was no tomorrow. I groaned placing my hands on my stomach.

I tried, I really did.

Having an eating disorder wasn't fun, at all. It had started about a year ago when my best friend died in a car crash. All I wanted to do was sleep after that and when I was awake all I did was cry. I never really got over the incident I just learnt to put it in the past. My eating was so bad I ended up in hospital and it made me realise so much. I didn't want to go back there so even though it ends with me being in pain, if I haven't eaten I force myself to. Even if it is just one thing.

It is a battle I face every day but I hope I manage to overcome it. I'm not doing it for anyone else I want to do it for myself. I don't want to hate myself anymore. I want to like who I am and feel confidence not shame and disgust. How am I meant to help my family if I am a mess?

Flopping onto my back I let out a huge sigh. Placing my hands flat onto my stomach I close my eyes trying to relax and calm down my stomach.

Seven minutes had passed before a huge bang penetrated my ears causing me to jump. Slowly sitting up in my bed I swung my legs off the bed, feeling the cold wood under my bare feet. It was probably something from outside, I tried to reason with myself. I cleared my throat and as I was about to get up on the bed again there was another bang, this one sounding closer.

Taking a deep breath I stood up, exiting my bedroom. Looking either way down the hall there was nothing in sight. Another bang. It was coming from my right. Taking a cautious step in that direction I stalked the noise which kept repeating itself every 30 seconds. Suddenly I realised, I recognised the sound. It was similar to when you chucked a ball against a wall.

And it was coming from the attic.

Jumping up to reach the string to pull down the stairs that lead up to the attic I cursed. Why was I so small?! It took me four jumps before I managed to grasp it and yank down the steps. My foot paused on the first step. My courage dwindled rapidly. What was up there? Was it my imagination? I didn't know but I was scared because something could be up there and I was all alone in this big house. A part of me cursed at not going back with my family.

I needed to check so I shakily went up. Poking my head warily through the gap at the top I took a swift look around. Empty. I pushed up and crawled inside, standing fully once I was in. The place was genuinely empty. So, was I hearing things then? It had happened before but not for months and it was only once.

I slowly started to move around the attic. Why not have a look around now that I was here? I spent the next hour looking through boxes and bags. Something's were interesting to look at whilst other held no attraction for me. Going into a corner my eyes widened. There on a mannequin was a black rubber suit. After the initial shock my lips went into a smirk.

Well, looks like the old owners were into some kinky shit. Good for them! Cheering them on in my head I took one last look at the thing before turning my body so I could get back down the steps. Before my entire body was out the attic I stopped. The hair on my arms stood on end. There is was again - the feeling of being watched. It was a ridiculous notion because I knew no one was up here. Quickly calming myself I rushed down and pushed the ladder back up before rushing back to my room.

Later that night I surprised myself by feeling hungry so I decided to head to the kitchen to make something to eat. Simple pasta and cheese. As I poured the pasta into the pot (adding a little salt) there was a knock on the back door. My brows furrowed as my head snapped up. From the angle I was at I couldn't see who was at the door. Moving my feet I shuffled forward and carefully cracked the door open.

Stood on the opposite side was a young boy. He looked around my age with messy curly blond hair, pretty dark eyes, dimples (he smiled when the door opened) and seemed pretty tall. Well tall to me as I was tiny.

"Hello?"

"Hi!" The difference in our voices was apparent. I was quiet, shy and nervous and he was loud (well, louder than me), happy and confident. "I thought I would introduce myself. I usually come here when I'm bored, that's why I am here. I came in through the garden but I saw you through the window and thought I would introduce myself... and maybe apologise for trespassing. In my defence I didn't know anyone had moved in, I thought it was still empty."

He said all this very fast so it was difficult to keep up, thankfully I managed to get most of it. The entire time the smile never left his face.

"That's alright." I mumbled, looking back to the pot on the stove. "Um, what's your name?" Oh god, that's sounded so rude! His face never changed.

"Tate!" he replied. "Yours?"

"Ruby." Silence followed and I started to feel uncomfortable. Plus I needed to check on the pasta. I regretted it as soon as it left my mouth. "Would you like to come in?" He nodded his head before coming in and I quickly shut the door and rushed back to check on the pasta. Giving it a quick stir I set the wooden spoon back down. I looked up to see Tate looking around.

"It's nice here isn't it?" he asked me. Did he genuinely want my opinion or just making small talk. I went for nodding my head. "Is it just you?" Apparently he wanted me to talk causing me to sigh.

"No, my parents and sister too."

"Where are they?"

"Back at our old house packing."

Tate jumped up on the counter and I couldn't understand the look of complete fascination upon his face when he was looking at me. Why was he looking at me like that? The strange boy watched me as I finished my food. Watched as I drained the pasta, put it into a bowl and watched as I took the pregrated cheese from the fridge and sprinkled it on top of the pasta. Placing everything in the sink I grabbed a fork.

"Um, would you like anything?" I asked, suddenly feeling embarrassed. I should have asked him earlier. He simply shook his head, thanking me anyways. Taking my food into the living room I sat down on the couch. Tate followed me and copied my action.

"No TV?" he asked, raising his eyebrow.

"No, it's back at the old house." I took a bite of pasta.

"How long til they are back?"

"Two more days that I know of. If it has to be longer my mom will let me know." I took another bite.

"So, what are you meant to do to entertain yourself in this house that has nothing?" Tate folded his legs under himself, turning his body to face me more. I shrugged.

"I have my laptop and a book. All I need - along with my phone. I have music on them, some movies downloaded onto my laptop, data on my phone so... I should be fine." Tate just grunted before looking around the room. I was nearly done with my pasta. "So, where do you live?" I cringed after asking him. Sounded so creepy.

"Next door."

"Really?" I asked shocked. I didn't expect that. He simply nodded his head with a small smile. I suddenly realised how comfortable I was in talking to this random boy considering I was terrible with strangers. I decided to let it go. I walked back to the kitchen placing my bowl in the sink. I glared down at the dirty stuff in the sink. I really had no energy to wash them right now. Shrugging, I could do them later, I went back to the living room.

Tate was now stood up and in the centre of the room. Awkwardly shifting from one foot the other I stared at him. I didn't want to be rude and ask him to leave - I couldn't bring myself to do that especially when I was bad at making friends. I could possibly try making friends with him since he lives next door. I offered him to stay which he seemed ready to accept. I ran to my room grabbing my laptop and phone.

I wanted to make friends but wasnt ready to let him into my room yet. My room was always my place of safety and I didn't want to let him in right now (despite not really having anything in it).

Plopping down on the couch next to him I placed the black laptop on my knees, suggesting to him a movie. So we did. Two movies to be exact and we never spoke once which I found a little disconcerting. After the second movie was over Tate shifted. It was then that I realised he hadn't moved at all through both films. Weird.

"So Ruby... how old are you? I never asked that earlier."

"Oh I'm, I'm 17."

"Me too."

"Oh that's great. At least I will know one person at school." Tate frowned and looked at me with a sad smile.

"Sorry, I dont go to school. I'm homeschooled." he admitted. I felt like I was a balloon just deflating. School was not my thing and sure I would be with Violet but we weren't in the same year.

"That's fine." I gave him a fake smile but I hoped he bought it. Silence wrapped around us like a warm blanket. Strangely the silence wasn't uncomfortable. "So Tate, do you have any brothers or sisters?" He shifted slightly but I caught it - he looked uncomfortable and I didn't know why.

"I have a brother and a sister." he replied distantly. I decided not to say any more on that subject. "So why did you decide to move here?"

"Oh," I laughed awkwardly, tucking some of my brown hair behind my ear. "It's a long story."

"I have time." He gave a cute smile.

"It's getting late. Don't you need to go home? Your parents will start getting worried." I dodged. He looked to his lap with a pout. I could tell he didn't want to go but I didn't know why. Eventually he looked back up before standing. I stood too and walked him to the front door.

"It was nice meeting you." I stammered, blushing when he gave a wide smile. He was really cute.

"It was nice meeting you too." He paused for a few seconds before continuing to speak, putting his hands in his pockets and looking a little unsure of himself. It was the first time all night I had seen him look shy. "I was wondering... could I come over tomorrow? I could keep you company since you will be on your own."

I bit my lip thinking. I didn't really mind being alone but it would be nice to see him again. He didn't seem like a creep at least. I nodded my head, agreeing he could come round tomorrow. After he left I went upstairs and decided on having a shower. I spent about 40 minutes in the shower all together before getting out, squeaking when the cold air hit my body.

Quickly wrapping my towel around my body I went back to my room, crawling under the thick blanket. I was lucky I also brought a change of clothes with me so I had a new outfit for the next day. However I would have to make do with what I already had for the day after that. I was praying my family actually arrived the day they were meant to so I wouldn't have to keep wearing the same clothes.

Surprisingly I fell asleep about two minutes after I laid down and didn't wake up once. When I did wake up I stretched my body while letting out a huge yawn. Sitting up and wiping my eyes I blinked a few times trying to see better and adjust to the light.

I decided to lay in bed for a little until my body started to wake up more. When it did I got up and got dressed into my other outfit; black shorts, black fluffy socks and a long sleeved dark purple top. Brushing my hair and teeth before heading downstairs I flopped on the couch.

I suddenly felt lost. I didn't know what to do. I wondered what time Tate would be coming round? Jumping up I decided to wash the dishes from last night. As I was drying my hands I heard a knock on the front door. Rushing towards it I wondered where my excitement was coming from. I only met the boy yesterday and I didn't even know it was him. But who else could it be? No one knew I live here yet!

Taking a steady breath I opened the door. I was right, it was Tate. He was in simple jeans and a short sleeved top. He smiled widely at me, full teeth and dimples making my heart beat faster. Stop it! You hardly know the boy. Stop being pathetic. Letting him in I shut the door and ran a hand through my hair.

"You look pretty." he commented, tilting his head to the side. It was cute, damn him. I blushed and shook my head.

"I'm not even wearing makeup." I protested.

"Even better. I hate girls who cake their face in that stuff. So much better when they go natural." he replied smoothly.

"So you're anti-makeup?"

"No I mean don't get me wrong, I don't mind girls who wear it. I just don't like it when there is too much." he argued, stuffing his hands into his pockets. Does he do that when he's nervous?

"Oh." I said pathetically. Was that all I could come up with? Really!

"So, what do you want to do?" To that I had no answer. I didn't want to suggest a movie since we did that last night but had nothing else to say. "Want to maybe listen to music? Show me what you like?" Thank God he saved me. I grabbed my laptop and we settled back on the couch.

I played for him some of the music I listen to. Green Day, Blink 182, Slipknot, Simple plan, Nirvana, AC/DC, Johnny Cash, Linkin Park and more. Apparently we had common ground on some of my music choices - especially Nirvana.

We spent the morning listening to music and chatting about nonessential things. It was really nice actually, relaxing and comfortable.

Around 2pm when the sun was high in the sky, shining brightly, we headed out back to sit in the garden. "So why did you always come here?" I asked curiously. He had told me he always snuck into this house.

He took about 15 seconds to answer me. "I just... don't like being at mine."

"How come? And fyi you can tell me to shut up if I'm being nosey." This caused him to give me a little smile but I could tell he was thinking hard about something.

"Me and my mom don't get along very well." he breathed.

"What about your dad?"

"He's dead."

"Oh my god, Tate, I am so sorry." I placed a hand over my mouth. I felt so bad because his face dropped and he was looking at his lap, playing with his hands uncertainly. I carefully shuffled closer to him, putting my hand on his knee. "I didn't know."

"It's okay. It was a long time ago." he responded quietly. Slowly he moved his hand before placing it over mine. We both moved our hands so our fingers could wrap with each others. We sat there for a while in silence, me placing my head on his shoulder, looking out across the garden in peace.