The Girl in the Shadows

Chapter 10

Saturday Evening

October 19, 2019

I stare up at the intimidating house before me. It's a cookie-cutter of my own which is located at the end of the street. Two, large windows take up space on either side of the dark oak door. Directly above those windows are two more windows at the second floor. One, I know, looks into Steven's room, the other into his father's home office. Off to my right is a regular-sized garage where, usually a car would sit. Tonight, though I know both of Steven's parents are out to dinner, which is why he invited me to grab a bite out. A loose translation of 'let's pig out on McDonald's and junk food'.

The door in front of me opens and I jump like a skittish cat. My frown deepens and I look up to meet my childhood friends' confused and concerned gaze. His brows are furrowed. "Hey, how long have you been out here? Why didn't you come in?" He questions and his eyes dart around the space around us. Most people are home or out with their friends right now. It's becoming too cold to just loiter outside for no good reason.

"Just lost in thought. You ready to go?" I turn not waiting for him to respond. There's a whispered curse and some shuffling behind me before I hear the door slam. A moment later Steven is falling into step beside me.

"Everything all good Car? You seem a little distant and distracted."

I cast a glance towards my childhood friend and, for the first time this week, really take him in. Over the last few days, I'd been here with him physically trying to help him through his transfer student issues but, mentally I'm ashamed to say I was never there. Not really. I was always stuck in my own thoughts. After the talk with Seth earlier and coming to terms with myself I realized that fact.

I've been here physically for the last two years but I've never been here mentally.

I smile. "I'm okay."

I'm sorry.

I nudge him and continue, "So, tell me how things are going with your jester." At the words Steven's face warms, turning a soft red in the dimming light of the evening. It's an amusing sight and one that has my smile turning genuine. I've never seen him like this. For as long as I've known him, Steven has never had a crush on anyone.

At least not that he's ever told me or none that I've ever noticed. It feels a little bit... refreshing.

"Hmmm." I hum my tone holding an underlying chuckle. "Am I to assume that means things went good yesterday?"

Steven lets his gaze travel up to the sky and gives a half-hearted shrug, his hand lifting to rest on the back of his neck. "Yeah, I guess it went okay." Despite the nonchalant words and actions, I can see him trying to hide his smile. I squeal in delight and wrap an arm around his waist, pulling him into an awkward side hug as we walk.

"Oh my god! That's great, Steven! It worried me when I left, what with the way the atmosphere was when Seth dragged me away."

"It was a bit... strained." He flinches as he says the words no doubt remembering back to the conversation. "Nothing neither of us couldn't handle. I think," he pauses and chews on his words as if trying to find just the right ones. I let him take all the time he needs, not wanting to rush. This is a big thing for him. "I think we needed that, though. At least, I think I needed it just so it would push me to let everything loose, you know? It gave me a drive, to be honest with him and myself."

At his words, the events of this morning rise to the forefront of my mind. My lips draw into a taut line and my stomach does a little somersault.

Be honest, huh?