Find Me

10 • Scare

"Yes Mom?"

She answers with a bit of hesitancy in her voice, "Would you like to go on a walk with me after I clean up the kitchen?"

I purse my lips together. Even though I can't blame her for wanting to get out of the house, it feels too nerve-wracking to leave. Although Officer Jenkins hadn't said anything about having to be cooped up in here all day, so it should be okay to head out for a little while.

"Yeah," I answer, letting a small smile work its way onto my face. "That'd be great."

Mom nods stiffly, standing up with her plate. "Okay, I'll be done in a few minutes."

"Alright," I reply, gulping down the last bit of cold milk from my glass. Then, I stand up and put my plate down by the sink. "I'll go get ready."

Not bothering to wait for her answer, I turn and walk back down to my room. The sunlight peaks through the curtains that hang over my small window, making me feel a little uneasy. Wetting my lips, I shut them fully, causing darkness to envelope the room. I feel safer knowing that I'm not being watched.

Or at least think that I'm not.

Running a hand through my tangled mess of hair, I grab my sweater and a pair of shoes. It's not a very cold day, according to the thermostat sitting on the kitchen counter, but I just want to wear something cozy. I need that comfort right now.

Before leaving the room again, I stop at the mirror that is screwed into the wall by my door. My round blue eyes stare back at me, gray flecks lining the edges of my irises. Long brown hair, which frames my face, disguises the fact that I look younger than I actually am; Laura says that I look older with my hair down.

Said, I correct myself.

Turning away from the glass, I head to the kitchen again, shutting the bedroom door on the way out. When the door slams behind me, the house turns disturbingly silent. The only thing I can hear is my own breath, fast and uneven.

"Mom?" I question, hoping that she had just gone outside.

There is no answer. Slowly, I creep towards the kitchen, my eyes darting around nervously. Is he here? Has he broken in? Where is Mom?

"Mom," I call a bit louder. My breath catches in my throat as the front door slams shut. Footsteps echo across the ground, each step mimicking my heartbeat.

I let out a huge breath of relief as I see Mom standing at the end of the hall, her long hair curling around her coat-clad shoulders. He's not here. I'm safe.

Mom raises an eyebrow. "Are you alright, Skylar?"

I curl my lip in disgust at the name, but try and play along as best as I can. I don't know who could be watching. "Yeah, I just thought you were--never mind."

Her eyes flash with guilt as she realizes what I mean. "I'm sorry; I called you before I went outside. I was just grabbing the mail."

"Oh," Is all I say. I guess I hadn't heard her when she called to me...

We stand for a few moments, embracing the silence. I steady my breaths, which I realize still haven't completely balanced out. Being paranoid is something I wouldn't suggest anyone try; it's not fun.

"Are you ready to go?" she asks after a few moments.

I glance uneasily over her shoulder before nodding, "Yeah, I guess."

________________________________________________________________________

I know this chapter was shorter...but the next few will be longer :)

Almost 8K views, 5K more than 2 weeks ago...thank you guys so much!!

A new book, 'Deadly Obsession', comes out May 15th! More details to come soon!

Please Comment/Vote/Follow!

xXAmy_CXx