Obsessed

Chapter 8

Chapter 8
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I slowed to a stop to catch my breath. The chilly air bit at my nose while puffs of warm fog escaped my lips, quickly vanishing as it rose into the air. The cold air felt delightful against my warm, tired, warn out body. 

I looked at my surroundings, knowing full well that I probably shouldn't be here. All I was accompanied by were trees, bushes, rocks, fallen leaves and dirt. The sky was a medium blue, barely beginning to pave the way for the sun's entrance. The color of blue the sky casted around me was enchanting. 

Why couldn't the sky stay like this forever? I wanted to live in this moment a little while longer. 

Though, the whole 'stalker' thing had died down a little bit, my family still advised me to never go anywhere alone. I couldn't help it, though. I was left restless in the middle of the night after a nightmare I couldn't recall. Nonetheless, it plagued my mind with sleepless and consuming thoughts. 

That's where the idea to go for a run came into play. I'm on the track team at my school and running had always calmed me and made me feel better. I figured a short run couldn't hurt. It was early in the morning and my family wouldn't ever have to know. What my family didn't know couldn't hurt them. 

Right?

I began walking back to my house, enjoying being alone for a little while. It was rather refreshing and part of me felt like a rebel. Could I possibly get away with making a habit out of this? It could be my own little secret. It had been a while since I could go and be somewhere by myself. Ever since 'that day' I've been forbidden to. 

Though, at times, like last night, having someone with me felt good. Alex came by my house sometime after Lila left and we ate and watched How I Met Your Mother on Netflix. I guess I had passed out on the couch and he had carried me to my room. I woke up and tried getting him to put me down, but he insisted. How he carried me up those steps with ease, I will never know. 

I could vaguely see the backyard of my house in the distance. Everybody should be asleep on this early Saturday morning. Myself included. 

I moved my legs a little bit faster until I hit off into a slow jog to get back to my house. Instantly I was greeted by Sam who ran up to the wooden fence. 

"Hi, pretty girl!" She stood on her hind legs and leaned her front ones on the fence as she waited for me to get closer to her. I rubbed her head and scratched behind her ear and down to the back of her neck. She happily swayed her furry tail back and forth. 

I climbed over the fence and quickly breathed some steam onto my hands before rubbing them together. Then I put them in the front pocket of my gray pullover sweater as I walked up to the house with Sam by my side.

"Shhh..." I put my finger up to my lips before slowly and steadily sliding the door open. Sam walked in before me and trotted off into the kitchen while I closed the door behind me and took off my shoes in the laundry room.  I stepped into the kitchen and was immediately startled when I saw four unexpected eyes looking back at me. 

I tried to say something, but my voice got caught in my throat. I was left standing there speechless. Never had I ever been in a situation like this. I just got caught coming back home from sneaking out. In the middle of the night. By myself! I only had a few seconds to try and read their faces. Was it worry, anger, fear, relief? 

"Ever Marie Moore! Where were you?!" Dad raised his voice at me. I subconsciously flinched at the anger in his words. He used my full name, I was in even more trouble than I thought.