monsters Lurking in the Shadows

11

“Cierra, it has been far too long. I have missed you every second of every day.” He whispered as he wrapped his arms around me. I choked out a sob.
“I thought he killed you. After everything he has done to us. I thought he took you and that he killed you out there. I thought I would never see you again.” I cried into his shoulder.
“I know and I am sorry but I managed to escape a few months back. I had no clue where we were. I headed in the direction my heart was telling me to go. I wanted so badly to come home to you. I am so sorry that I could not protect you. I was just a kid myself.” I looked up into my brothers face as he whispered those words. He was a year older than me and he was my best friend from day one. I loved my brother so much. He always stepped in between our father and me.
“Cam, I know that you did what you could. I am so glad that you came back. Dad is back in the house. You have no idea what happened to mom while dad was gone. I got my own place. Oh, Uncle Harvey still has your room set up if you want to go there. I would offer you a place at mine but unless you want to live in the basement below the garage I am opening then you will have to wait until I turn one of the sheds into a guest house then you might want to stay and Uncle Harvey’s.” He nods his head.
“I have to talk to dad first. There are a few things I need to know. I will call you afterwards. Happy Birthday.” He said as he wrapped his arms around me and squeezed. He slid something into my pocket. I turned around to see that Drake and Darrel were looking at us like we were escaped mental patience. I walked back over and hopped in the car. I reach into my pocket and pull out what he gave to me. I couldn’t help but smile when I saw the necklace that we were saving up to buy when we were kids. They were a brother sister duo. They were custom made. His said Sisters soul and mine said Brothers heart. A single tear escaped. I did not know he has purchased them. I gently placed the necklace around my neck.
“Drake, we have to go to the pet store. I need to get something before we get home.” He pulls out of the driveway and heads towards the pet store. When we arrived, I headed in. I had called this morning to see if they still had the puppy I wanted to get him. When they did I asked if they could hold onto her until this afternoon and I would be in to pick her up. Thankfully they agreed.
“Hi, I am here to pick up the Huskey puppy. I called this morning and asked you to hold onto her for me. I am here to pick her up as well as gather all the puppy supplies needed is there any way you can help me?” I asked the cashier. They asked me to hold on a minute while they went to get the manager.
“Hello, you must be Cierra. I am so happy that someone is finally taking this little angel home. I already have a bunch of supplies gathered up in a box for her. I don’t usually do this but since she has been here longer than any puppy I know I am going to give her to you all you need to do is purchase the supplies. She is from my son’s dog so it is okay. I also have her papers here. Here is the little darling now.” I look and see the kid bringing an adorable little cream and white Huskey puppy. She was such an adorable little thing that I had no idea why anyone would leave her behind. Darrel takes her leash and Drake takes the box of supplies. I pay the lady and turn to leave when I hear a cry coming from the other side of the store. It was calling to me. I had to go and see what was going on. When I got there, I saw the cutest little puppy I had ever seen. She looked like a cross between a Doberman and a pit bull. She looked up at me with these beautiful blue eyes. I reached down and picked her up.  She instantly curled up into my arms and fell asleep. I looked back at Darrel and saw him nod his head. He knew what I was thinking. I couldn’t leave her here. Not after she chose me. I saw the lady smile and nod her head as well
“How much is she?” I asked.
“She was actually here as a giveaway. She is the last of her litter. She refused to get out of the little house long enough to try and find a family. I guess she was just waiting for the right person to walk through those doors. Here allow me to get some things for her.” The lady said as she headed off. I looked back at Darrel and saw that he had a smile on his face. I looked down at the little puppy and couldn’t help but be happy. She was going to make a great addition to the family. I had a feeling that she was going to be mine and Darrel’s dog. Soon the lady came back with a bunch of puppy supplies. She rung everything up and yet again Drake grabbed the box and I paid.
“Thank you for taking the two puppies. I had no idea what I was going to do with them. I would have taken them home with me but I have enough animals already. You can bring them over to visit anytime. I would love to see how they progress.” The manager said. I nodded my head.
“The Huskey is actually a gift for my brother. He has always wanted a dog and Huskey’s are his favorite breed so I had to get it for him. As for Belle here. She is going to be my little angel. Is there any way I could get you to get a few things personalized? Like tags, and jacket or something? If not then I can order them online.” I asked.
“I would love to. I won’t even charge you for it. Just bring them over from time to time and we can call it even. So, her name is Belle?”
“Yeah it means beauty so I thought it was perfect for her.” I explained.
“Okay I will have a few things in for her in about a week. Feel free to stop by and pick them up. Have a nice day and enjoy your new puppy.” She turned and headed back into the back room. The guys and I head out the door. We got back into the car and headed back to the garage. When we got their we headed inside with the supplies to paint the rooms. I wanted mine purple and blue with the ceiling black. Levi’s was going to be black and grey. The twins were doing theirs but I had no idea what colors they were doing. When we were done painting we opened the windows and let the paint dry. I head into the living room and see that the guys had already brought in mine and Levi’s stuff.
“Just transfer them into the closets. Mine in mine and Levi’s in his. After that you guys should head out with the truck to get your stuff. I need to go and get Levi. He rode with Uncle Harvey today.” I said as I grabbed my car keys and picked up the puppies. I headed out. When I pulled into the parking lot at school I called my uncle and told him that I needed Levi. Before too long I saw him head out and walk over to my car. He hopped into the passenger seat. When he was all set I headed out. I felt a little weight on my leg and looked down and saw Belle climbing into my lap. I smiled and scratched her ear. I reached back into the back seat and grabbed the other puppy.
“Close your eyes.” I commanded him. He listened. I brought the puppy up and placed her in his lap.
“You can look now.” I laughed. He opened his eyes and I swear he squealed like a little girl.
“Where did this precious little darling come from?” He asked.
“She is yours. I picked her up today. In the process I ended up with Belle here. She called to me. I had to bring her home.” I explained.
“Thank you, Cierra. You are the best sister anyone could ever ask for.” He picked the puppy up and brought her to his face.
“You are welcome.” I said as we turned down the road to the garage.
“Where are we?” He asked. I just smiled. We pulled into the parking lot of the garage and I hopped out with Belle in my arms. I saw Levi get out with his puppy in his arms as well. I lead the way inside.
“Welcome home Levi.” I chuckled as we headed into the apartment.
“Oh my goodness it is so nice. Where is my room?” He asked. I laughed. He is so predictable.
“The rooms are off limits right now. The paint needs to dry.” I explained.
“So, we are all going to crash down here in the living room for a couple of days?” He asked. I nodded my head. I placed Belle on the floor and headed upstairs to get my blankets.
“That’s your bedroom there. You are across from Drake. That is the twin’s bathroom and Then there is Darrel’s room. Mine is the door at the end of the hall. Our bathrooms are side by side. Grab your blankets and head down stairs. I have furniture arriving in two days so we are going to turn the living room floor into a giant bed. I had the guys remove the ugly old couch and table out to the garage. I figured it would make nice furniture for the customers.” I explained as I headed into my room. I walked into my closet and grabbed my blankets and headed back downstairs. Levi walked out of his room and wrapped me up in a big hug.
“You painted my room for me, didn’t you?” He whispered. I nodded my head with a smile on my face. I knew that he would love it. After everything was set up for the four of us to sleep comfortably the twins walk in.