The Boy in the Woods (2014 Wattys Winner, Wattpad Version)

Chapter 3 - Tears On My Pillow

As time passed, it became apparent they weren't going to talk about anything else and with nothing to say on the subject, she remained silent, the familiar ache in her chest getting worse.  She was glad when Annie brought out a pineapple upside down cake and a dish of whipped cream, signifying the end of the meal was near. 

When Uncle Jonathon began serving her cake she dared to speak up.  "Just a small slice, please."  

He shot her a withering glare, but she was relieved when he gave her a smaller portion than Douglas.  By time they were finished eating, she was exhausted and ready to go to back to bed.  Douglas excused himself, mentioning homework and she took his cue.

"May I please be excused," she said, already starting to stand.

"Not yet," her uncle said sharply, and she dropped back in the chair.  "There's something I need to discuss with you."

"Okay," she said faintly.  Her heart began pounding in her chest, afraid of what he was going to say.  Had she done something else wrong? 

"There are only a few weeks left of school and as far as I'm concerned, it's not worth having you enroll.  By time you get caught up, the school year will be over." 

He looked at her, challengingly, as if he was daring her to disagree, but she felt relieved.  Facing a new school and meeting new people wasn't something she wanted to do.  She knew there would be questions about why she was there, and what had happened to her parents.

"Okay," she replied. 

"You may leave the table now," he said dismissively.

"Thank you," she mumbled, not knowing if it was the correct response.  Luckily Annie walked into the room with a tray to clear the table, taking his attention away from her, and she made her escape.

As she went down the hallway, she heard her footsteps echoing through the dark rooms on either side of her.  It felt creepy and she softened her steps.  When she reached the top of the stairs, she saw Douglas's door open and after thinking about it for a moment, she went to his room, hoping if they were alone, he'd be more willing to talk.

He was seated at his desk, reading from a text book, while he fiddled with a pencil.  His room was exactly the same as her father's bedroom, with identical furniture and the same cream striped wallpaper, but his looked more lived in.  There were clothes on his bed, a jacket hung on the back of his chair, and sports trophies were on his dresser.  Above it hung a bulletin board with photos, postcards, and other memorabilia pinned to it. 

"What?" he snapped when he noticed her.

"Nothing," she said, trying but failing to make her voice sound casual. 

She tried to think of something to say while he scowled at her. 

"Do you mind?" he said finally.  "I'm busy."

"Sorry," she mumbled, backing away. 

Why did he dislike her so much, she wondered sadly as she went to her room.  It didn't make any sense.  She hadn't done anything to him.  

When she closed her bedroom door, it echoed through the large room.  Listening to the silence that followed, she took a deep breath trying to ease the ache in her chest then went to the wardrobe.  Once she'd changed into her nightgown, she brushed her teeth in the bathroom, the cold tiles chilling her feet.  After turning out the bedside light, she slid between the frigid sheets and tucked her feet inside her nightgown to try to warm them, pulling the blankets tight around her. 

While she shivered under the bedding, a blast of wind hit the windows, making them rattle and she looked up with surprise.  Shadows on the wall looked like monster arms waving around and she sat up with her heart racing.  Looking out the window, she saw a bright light mounted on the garage illuminating tree branches waving in the wind.  For the first time, she noticed lit windows on the second story of the garage.  Then James walk past one in a white undershirt and she realized he must live there.