Too much Toast

"Shit."

Glaring at myself in the mirror. Why? Why did this always happen to me? My body visibly sagged releasing a sigh. I didn't want to do it. My hair was a mess, my breathe probably smelled and I didn't have pants on. Dammit...I'm doing it aren't I? I cleared my throat,

"Hey um...Vincent." My face reddened when footsteps shuffled outside the door.

"Yeah? What is it?" He said his voice muffled through the wood.

"I might need your help…" I tried to subdue my nerves. There was a pause before the door knob started to turn and Vincent's head popped in looking rather confused. It didn't take long for his expression to light up. I waved pathetically at him. Or tried to. The only part of my arms he could see was the stump of my left elbow sticking out of the t-shirt. My right hand was in a similar situation having never reached the arm opening and stuck wedged against my side. Thanking the heavens I had decided to put on a longer shirt before getting myself into this mess.

"I'm stuck." I pouted. It was enough to break the laugh he had been holding back.

"Don't laugh, just help me." Pressing my lips into a thin line in annoyance. My face felt like it was on fire.

"Okay, okay." he came over still snickering. "How did you even do this?" His eyes studied my predicament.

"I normally can fix it but with my shoulder like this it's hard to move it certain directions." I said glaring at my exposed elbow. His laugh cackled out again.

"You do this often?"

"Wha-n-no. I mean. I don't mean to! It just happens okay." I stammered completely avoiding eye contact. Why me. He took a moment trying to catch his breath, his fingers wiping tears from his eyes. My predicament was apparently the funniest thing in the world. He's lucky I can't slap him. Finally his amusement died down to a snicker again, and he began helping me wiggle free. With him holding the ends of the sleeve I was able to slide my arm back inside the shirt without too much pain. Now looking like a human burrito I felt confident I could get it right this time.

"Okay just get your right arm through first. Then we'll work on the left." He said as I slide my arm up and out the proper way. "Good, alright now the left one." He held the shirt off me so I didn't have to feel the cotton scrape against the cut. It took a few tries and curse words but my arm finally saw the light of day. I let out a sigh of relief. That was finally over with. Vincent moved behind me to the bed where he picked up the pair of pajama shorts I was going to use.

"So do you need help with the pants to or-"

"No," I snatched them from him. He laughed,

"Just checking, I'll go wait in the kitchen. I don't know about you but I'm starving." He made his way out of the room grinning. I shook my head and quickly slipped on the shorts, with no mistakes might I add, before following after him.

I walked into the dimly lit kitchen, through the balcony window in the living room I could see the sky brightening slowly. Luckily the sun only beamed into my window late in the day keeping the place nice and cool. Vincent stood near the sink peering into a cabinet, several others were popped open.

"Make yourself at home why don't you?" I said holding open the cabinet nearest to me which held all my plates and cups which seeing as I lived alone weren't many.

"Oh." He gave an embarrassed grin as he took a cup and moved to the coffee machine. I snagged my favorite mug and heaved myself up onto the barstool while it brewed.

"My cup has a penguin inside…" Vincent mumbled eying his cup suspiciously. I snickered.

"Yeah, it's a surprise when you finish your drink. You get to see his little head poking out of the coffee. See mine has a Giraffe." I proudly displayed my own mug.

"Oh-kay," His eyebrows rose emphasizing his sarcastic tone.

"What?"

"It's just," He paused

"Weird? I know. I get that a lot."

"A good kind of weird."

"Get that a lot too." my lip quirked in amusement. His palm rubbed the back of his head.

"Oh, that's right. I was going to make breakfast." I said sliding out of my chair. I felt a chill breeze as I opened the fridge door, hmm eggs and if there's some milk left - dammit out of milk. No pancakes then. Oh but maybe. I eyed the counter where half a loaf of bread sat. French toast, perfect.

"You like french toast?" I asked pulling my ingredients together.

"Yes. um, without the french part though." Vincent said filling both our cups with fresh coffee.

"Just toast?" He nodded his eyes glued to the bread. "Suit yourself, the toasters right over there." I brushed past him digging into the drawer that housed my spatula.

"Alright, now I just need my pan" I spoke to myself, "And then preheat the…that - is a lot of toast." I had turned to see a plate with at least five pieces of toast on it. Vincent himself looming over it, one slice stuck in his mouth mid bite.

"I like toast." He mumbled through the bread. His fingers hooked into the plastic holding the bread, slowly pulling it towards him. Acting quickly I leaned over the counter with my good arm snatching the bread back.

"Hey I need some too you know!" I shouted. Looking inside there was only two slices left. I glared at Vincent as my stomach growled. He smiled his teeth sinking into his second slice with a satisfying crunch.

"Next time bring your own." my lip downcast in a fake frown. He brightened at the idea.

"So you're inviting me back?" I nearly choked on my coffee. Why did I say that?

"Depends hows much bread you bring." I said nonchalantly turning towards the stove to hide the blush that creeped onto my face. Great Penelope, just invite this dude you barely know into house, let him eat all your damn toast! And then tell him he's free to come back. I sighed, too late to fix it now and besides I wasn't totally opposed to the idea.

By the time my food was ready he was pushing the final piece of toast past his lips. My gaze hovered on him as my mind wandered. He was strange that was for sure. I could easily imagine him being the kid in school no one really knew, he just existed at the back of the class while kids around him mumbled oh it just that kid. Something drew me to him though, made me want to know him. How he spoke or the way he moved. I couldn't put my finger on it. He just felt familiar. He looked up suddenly catching me staring. I blinked derailing my train of thought. Neither of us said anything as I moved past him towards the couch. Snagging the remote I flipped on the TV to fill the silence. It hummed to life, the screen brightening to an image of my favorite tv show. The two main characters were fighting for their lives as usual, swinging around steel daggers and decapitating vampires. I quickly punched the channel button, the last thing I needed was Vincent teasing me about what I watched. Flipping through several channels I stopped on a news reporter. Pausing with my finger hovering over the button still I stopped to listen.

"This story gets more concerning when you see the restaurants condition after her disappearance. Our reporter Scott Winters is at the scene now, Scott?" The woman said giving the camera a nod. The image changed to the unmistakable view of Freddy Fazbear's kitchen. The male reporter standing inches away from the spot foxy had been the night before.

"Thank you Brenda, you see the staff was shocked this morning when they came in for their shift only to find the floor covered in blood. Worse yet no one has heard from the night crew since the discovery. Records show that the night guard named Vincent clocked in and out last night. The same cannot be said for Penelope Marshall whose shift was supposed to end at midnight."

"Oh my god, Vincent." I said turning to see he had been watching from his seat at the bar. His face was surprisingly calm. Right he's seen this type of stuff before. I tuned back in as the reporter continued.

"Unofficially a missing person case, police say they will know if the blood is hers by noon today and until then they cannot make any conclusions of her whereabouts. Back to you Brenda." The image of the red floors was replaced by the smiling woman who changed the topic to an article titled Coffee Kills.

"They think I'm missing, maybe even dead. This is crazy." I said in awe. I felt a hand on my shoulder.

"Don't worry Penelope, I'll help clear this up." He said with a grin his fingers squeezing my shoulder lightly.

"How?"

"I'll just go over to Freddy's and tell them what happened. If you want I can mention that you're quitting as well" I nodded agreeing. Nothing, I mean nothing, could get me to work there again. I pulled out a pen and paper from the coffee table and scribbled a end of employment notice, signing my name at the bottom.

"There, just incase they need proof." I handed him the note.

"Alright, I'll head out then, you're probably tired from last night so maybe try and get some rest and if it works out I'll stop by later." He said quickly grabbing his keys and heading for the door.

"Vincent." I said making him pause as he opened the door. My palm grasped the edge of my shirt holding it tightly.

"Thank you, for everything." I met his eyes a small smile on my lips. He nodded his own crooked grin appearing before disappearing out the door. I stood for a moment not sure what to do. Oh god what will my parents think? Putting my plate away I went to grab my cell phone. Scrolling through my contacts to mom I hit the call button. It rang three times before I heard a shaken up voice on the other end.

"Oh Penny is that you? We were so worried what happened, where are you?" There was a momentary pause letting me know she was ready to hear answers.

"It's okay mom, I'm sorry I worried you. I am at my apartment everything's okay now." I replied hoping I sounded reassuring.

"What the hell happened?" I heard her sigh after a moment. I could tell she had been crying.

"There was just an accident at work, nothing serious. I quit so don't worry anymore alright?" I hated hearing my mom upset. "I'll tell you the whole story next week when I come home for Bo's birthday. Just make sure dad knows what happened too alright?"

"I will, honey. I'm so glad you're alright and promise me you'll never go back to that awful place. I lost one kid there I don't need to lose another."

"I promise. I love you mom." I said thankful she wasn't more angry with me.

"Love you too Penelope, be safe." The phone clicked off and I let out a shuddered sigh of relief. I was worried she would ask me the details, make me relive it. I wasn't ready. Alone now I suddenly felt the night catch up to me. My head weighed heavily on my shoulders while my eyelids began to droop. I walked back to the couch and slumped down on my side, my hand pulling down the light blanket I kept draped over the edge of it. Curling up I let my mind go blank trying not to think of Freddy Fazbears. It didn't take long for sleep to overtake me.

I stood before a shadowed curtain, it was too dark to see any color. I didn't need to look around to know I was standing in the Party room staring right into the darkness of pirates cove. I didn't see anything but I knew he was moving. Planning to attack. I turned and ran, I could see my hair swinging from side to side as I sprinted across the building. I looked behind me to see him catching up, my heart jumped into my throat. His body blured out of focus claws and shadow chased me. But his eyes stayed sharp with the intent to kill. I willed my legs to move faster but I kept slipping, my toes catching on invisible clutter. I felt weak and helpless. My lungs pumped air in and out. My hands scrabbling against the slick floor each time I fell. I'm not going to make it. I felt claws rip at me, my shoulder burning. My mouth gapped open but no sound came out. I can't get away. I turned the corner into the back office and dove under the desk. They won't find me here. I covered my ears waiting for the high pitched scream. Nothing. The fan buzzed lazily away everything else was still. I crawled out confused but no longer feeling sluggish. The hallway was blocked on both sides by two metal doors. A green light next to them telling me they were sealed shut. I moved to the opposite one I had come in and peered out the window. The hallway was dark, far too dark to see anything.

Whomp.

I jumped as something slammed into the window rattling the glass. Yellow hands pressed against the barrier while bright white eyes sparked to life. Chica. She smiled at me as she slammed her head against the glass hoping to break through. I stepped back my hands shaking. I jumped as the door behind me came alive. Something slammed against it repeatedly as if someone was knocking. Foxy. It must be him. Everything was so loud like the building itself was coming down. I covered my ears and ran to the machine that operated the cameras. The screen was hard to read none of the letter made any sense. My attention was caught by a red flashing symbol in the corner read the power percentage. 60% power left. Relief washed through me I can make it. Suddenly a new noise emitted inside the room, a soft welcoming tone I knew all too well. My eyes widened as I look at the source of the sound. Standing near the door foxy was slamming his fist into was a boy. His hair was light brown cropped to just past his ears. His eyes reflected my own. He smiled.

"Let them in." He said calmly. I could feel tears streaming down my cheeks.

"Bo…I can't."

"Let. Them. In." He said again his tone angrier. He reached a hand up towards the button.

"No! I can't you don't understand, Just listen to me!" I screamed. I was furious and sad and confused. He reached up higher standing up on his tippy toes.

"For once in your life just listen to me! When I tell you no it means NO." He didn't notice or care about my rage. His finger pressed against the red square. No! Dammit. The doors flew open and I was met with Four twitching pairs of eyes staring at me from the darkness. Bo was gone, I was alone. Foxy screamed and jumped his razor like teeth flying straight for me.

I toppled onto the carpet, my legs tangled together in my blanket. My breath hitched as I felt tears well in my eyes. Go away. Go away I chanted in my head pleading that the images would leave. I could still hear Foxy pounding on the door.

"Penelope? You there?" A voice called. I paused looking up. I was in my livingroom. Clouded sunlight illuminated my surroundings. Just a dream. I stood on shaky legs and moved towards the door where the knocking continued. Pulling it open to find Vincent with his hand raised mid-knock. His expression dropped immediately.

"What's wrong?" I wanted to say I was fine. That everything was okay and I had just had a bad dream. Instead my body chose for me, that choice being to burst open every emotional barricade I had in place. I blurted out the only thing I could before it was too late.

"I had a nightmare." With that the floodgates opened sending tears streaming down my face, my throat tightened as I let out a choked sob. He moved forward his hands wrapping around mine. He whispered calm words as he guided me back to the couch. Sitting down next to me his hand rubbed circles on my back as I hiccuped and fruitlessly whipped my eyes. Get a grip I told myself. You look like a blubbering fool. Vincent moved, grabbing the blanket off the ground and draping it over my shoulders. My fingers gripped the edges pulling it around me for comfort.

"Talk to me." he said quietly. I sniffled forcing my tears subside. Crying in front of other people made me feel like I lost control, like I was an open book with all my weaknesses out in the open to be poked and prodded. I knew if I didn't get it off my chest I would just bottle it up making matters worse so I decided to tell him.

"I was back at work with foxy and the others. They were chasing me trying to hurt me..." I paused. Vincent knew about Bo but with no details. My family and I had kept it quiet between ourselves for years.

"But that's not what scared you." He said matter of factly. Open book dammit. He read the hesitation in my eyes. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers brush my hair back behind my ear. "You can tell me." I nodded, my finger wrapping and unwrapping itself in a loose thread on the blanket.

"My brother was there. Bo. He let them get me." I said my voice small and weak. I wanted him to know. I had kept quiet for so long but now I felt that if I didn't say something I would burst. I took a breath and told him everything about that day years ago.

"Seriously Bo? We come here every day" I glared into his chocolate eyes.

"Every other day and mom said it was okay!" He whined back

"Mom always says that," I wanted to keep arguing but it was hard when we were already walking through the doors. I paid the admission fee for two kids and walked into the chaotic room.

"Look your friends are here, go play with them awhile." I saw four kids hanging around the prize booth. I didn't know them too well but they didn't mind Bo hanging around too much. The youngest of them seemed to get along with him well enough.

"Okay," He ran off. I watched from afar as they welcomed him. Dorning him with a bunny mask while the rest wore different animal faces. They were supposed to be the new animatronics but whoever designed them made a poor and cheap imitation. I sat at one of the nearby tables and pulled out my gameboy. Nothing at Freddy's appealed to me so I always brought a few games to kill time.

About half an hour passed. I looked up periodically to check on him. He stood shyly as the kids teased the younger brother of one of them. The only one without a mask I noticed. I didn't like watching Bo be a part of that. He probably didn't even understand how cruel kids like that could be.

"Bo" I called his purple bunny mask popping up in attention. I waved him over sending him scurrying towards me. "I have to go to the bathroom real quick and can't leave you alone that long. Come on." I wrapped my hand around his smaller one and pulled him towards the restrooms. The oldest kid noticed as he left the group but didn't seem to mind too much as he continued his harassment of his brother.

"Alright wait by the sink till I'm done then we can go see that robot you love so much." I promised.

"The yellow bear!" He squealed excited.

"Yeah that one." I said slipping into an empty stall. I was almost done when heard the bathroom door slide open.

"Hey Bo come on man, what are you doing in here." A voice that I recognized as the kid wearing the Foxy mask said.

"I have to wait for my sister."

"You're missing it, Bonnie and Freddy just got on stage. If you don't hurry they'll leave." Fox kid responded.

"No!" I heard a shuffle of footsteps.

"Bo don't leave without me, wait for a few more seconds."

"But Mr. bear is out. Imma miss him!" He wailed.

"Just listen to me and wait okay?!" I snapped. I heard the door open again. "Bo? Bo did you leave?" I called. No response. I clenched my fist. He never listened to me, he was going to be in so much trouble when I called mom. I hurried, only rinsing my hands before following him out the door. The door clicked shut behind me just as I heard the scream. My eyes widened. What the heck was going on? People were rushing to the stage, a man was yelling for someone to call the police. Where was Bo? I ran forwards towards the crowd. I heard someone whisper as I pushed past,

"One of the kids…"

"Bo!" I called as I ducked around the crowd adults. My mouth hung open as I made it to the front. Standing ridged was the golden animatronics know as freddy. His teeth were stained red. I looked down where a few adults knelt. A small body was lying on the ground. Motionless. I moved forward as a woman stood up giving my a view of the face. My hand flew to my mouth as I let out a shaky breath. It wasn't Bo. It wasn't easy to tell but it looked like the younger brother of the kid wearing the Foxy mask. I looked away trying not to gag. So much blood. But not Bo's blood.

"Bo?" I called looking around. Everyone was standing in a numb shock. So many people crammed into one corner.

"Bo where are you?" I called out again beginning to move through the crowd. My eyes flickered around the room. I didn't see him. I didn't see any of the other kids that had been playing with him either. I made it out of the crowd as police burst into the room rushing towards the stage.

"Bo?!" I continued to call. I felt a tug in my heart suddenly. Something I didn't want to admit but was undeniable at the same time. I knew at that moment that no matter how loud I called, no matter where I searched. I wasn't going to find him.

" The other kids were reported missing a few days later. No one ever found them." I finished looking up at him. Vincent's hand squeezed mine, his brow was scrunched while his teeth dug into his bottom lip.

"It's unbelievable...That something like that can happen with so many people there." he said with a shaky breath. I could tell he was trying to hold back his emotions, It was easy to see how it could shake someone up hearing it first hand.

"It was my fault. I couldn't get him to listen. If I had tried harder maybe-" I put my fingers to my lips holding in a sob.

"Don't do that to yourself." he pulled me closer so my head rested on his shoulder. "None of that was your fault." He held me snugly against him as I controlled my breathing trying not to cry again. We sat like that in silence for awhile until I was calm enough to pull away. His usual grin was back.

"You should get some more sleep. I don't have work for a few more hours so if you want me to stay for a bit I will." He said smiling at me. I glanced out the window, the sun was setting meaning it was around seven. I felt a yawn come on, I guess I was a bit tired still. Lets face it, my last nap wasn't very restful.

"Thanks." I said standing and making my way towards my bedroom. The couch was only comfortable when I took naps. Vincent followed me his feet silently padding on the soft carpet. As soon as I was close enough I flopped onto the bed my exhaustion growing as time passed. The bed dipped as Vincent sat taking off his shoes. I noticed he wasn't in his work clothes but instead a dark purple t-shirt and grey knee high running shorts. He didn't seem like the type to wear sweat pants so it made sense that those were his comfy clothes. I flipped onto my back and watched the ceiling fan rotate. My mind felt dull after reliving the past but at the same time I felt content that someone other than my parents knew. Like a weight off my chest. I spoke too soon as I suddenly felt my stomach gain a few pounds. I lifted my head to see hazel eyes staring at me from my waist. Vincent had propped his head on me like a pillow and was looking up at me curiously. I met his steady gaze letting him know I didn't mind. He grinned before sliding his arm around me pulling me close. His leg wrapping around my own. I wasn't sure how he fit in such a small space but he looked comfortable and I wasn't about to ruin it. Relaxing I felt my face heat up slightly. Closing my eyes and focusing on the warmth between our bodies a smile crept across my face. It was relieving that Vincent didn't mind hearing about my chaotic past. Most people would probably avoid conversations like that. He was definitely odd. Right now though I didn't care. Finally it felt like everything was going to be alright.