¨ Chapter Ten¨
The way the night sky cascaded around the figure sitting on the wall, made the person unidentifiable. I quickly grab my towel that laid on the nearby rock and wrapped it around my body securely. I moved stiffly as I picked up my clothes. Never taking my eyes of the dark shadowy figure. My vision still hadn’t regulated back to human normality, making it difficult to see if the person was moving or not.
I swallowed the fear that was climbing up my throat and began to walk towards the wall.
Act like you had just went for a swim, just get in your car and don’t look back.
I kept telling myself, trying to stay calm.
Once I made it up the stairs I could feel the figures eyes still on me. There was about ten feet of separation between the figure and I. it took all my power not to turn my head and look at the mysterious person.
I quickly through my clothes into the passenger seat then got into the drivers seat. I glanced up at my rear view mirror and my breath caught as the figure had vanished.
I drove away, with my pulse vibrating my body. I gripped the steering wheel dangerously tight as I tried to keep my mind focusing on the road.
Finally I pulled into the driveway. I glanced down at the clock before I shut the car off. 11:09.
I kept the towel wrapped around me, holding my phone and clothes as I trudged into the house.
I opened the side door, that was almost always left unlocked. The living room T.V was still on. As I could hear, the same show seemed to be on, as I could hear the boring narrator’s voice going on about our ancestors.
I couldn’t help to smile to myself thinking that Trethan was still trying to fathom “human history.”
I shut the door quietly behind me and headed into the living room. Trethan seemed to be in the exact same position as when I had left. The exception, his eyes were shut.
I tried not to make too much noise as I placed my phone and clothes on the counter.
“Your back.” Trethan says, in a scratchy voice. Making it obvious the he’d been asleep for awhile.
I turn around. “Yah… Sorry did I wake you up?”
“No.” He rubs his hand over his face. “I wasn’t really sleeping.”
I roll my eyes.
“Crazy party?” he asks, his eyes now wider.
Confused I glanced around, “uh, wha- Oh my god, sorry I uh-hold on.” I say embarrassed, it was clicking. I neglected to remember that I was standing In front of Trethan in a towel.
He begins to laugh. Now sitting up turning towards me completely.
“No, it’s not what you think.” I grip the towel tighter. “ I went for a swim after I left.”
He nods. “Ah, now that sounds more like you.” he says, in a playful tone.
My face felt hot, all I could do was smile sheepishly.
“yeah.. Im going to get dressed, head to bed, I will see you in the morning.” I say, still embarrassed.
He nods, “Sleep well.”
With that I quickly grab my stuff and head upstairs I shut the door behind me and change into an oversized t-shirt that Ben had left here awhile ago and some pajama shorts.
Before I knew it I easily drifted off to sleep.
………………………………...............................................................................................
I rolled over to the sun burning through my window. I moan as my eyes open in little slits as I begin to rub my face.
After a moment of laying lifelessly, I bring myself to a sitting position. I rub my hands over my face and slid out of bed. The floor was warm and my bare feet trudged to the mirror. I look at my reflection. How possibly could someone look this bad in the morning. I thought, as I turned away from the mirror and pulled a sweatshirt over my head. I quickly tied my hair up into a messy bun and headed downstairs.
I was greeted with my mom sitting at the kitchen table, she was typing away intently on her laptop. I noticed the clear pendant still around her neck. I couldn’t help but smile.
“Good morning.” I say, as I head to the fridge.
“Morning Sweetie.” she answers, never looking away from her computer screen.
I take out some cereal, and pour myself a bowl and take a seat next to her.
“Is Trethan up yet?” I ask, before I shove a big spoonful of frosted flakes into my mouth.
“Haven’t seen him.” she replies, in a mono-toned voice. It was clear she didn’t want to be bother.
I eat the rest of my cereal in silence. Once I was done I clear my bowl and head to the sun room.
I rub my eyes once more as I step into what is now Trethan’s room.
It was empty. My stomach drops a little as I examine the neatly folded bed sheets at one end of the couch and the pillow wrinkle free on the other side.
Where is he?
I spin around and head back into the kitchen.
“Mom, You’re sure you haven’t seen him?” I ask, trying not to sound too skeptical
“Nellie please, I’m trying to work.” she says, annoyed.
I roll my eyes and begin to pace around the kitchen.
Should I be freaking out? Well I guess I already am. What if he doesn’t come back? Do I even want him to come back? No. well yes. Oh my god breathe Nellie breathe.
I pinch the bridge of my nose.
I will give it few hours. If he hasn’t returned I will start looking.
Coming to a self conclusion I head back upstairs.
I tried to pay attention to getting ready for the day, but my mind kept wondering back to Trethan.
I looked through my closet and found a some ripped light washed shorts, that had just about been worn to their death. I slid them on along with a army patterned tank top. I braided my hair and laced up my maddens. I didn’t have the patience for makeup so I comprised with just tossing on my ray bans.
I picked up my phone and texted both Olivia and Adley.
Hey can u guys meet me at Kenny’s ASAP.
I shoved my phone into my bag and slung it over my shoulder. I think I was craving some girl time. Hopefully I could maybe figure out a way to tell them about Trethan.
I hurried downstairs.
“Mom I’m meeting Liv and Adley at Kenny’s” I say, in a more informing way, rather than asking for permission.
She nods.
My phone buzzed.
I pulled out of my bag as I headed to out to the beach.
Olivia: yeahhhh be thereee xox.
I couldn’t help but smile at my screen. How that girl managed to always be in a good mood still stuns me.
The walk to Kenny’s was only about five minutes. The beach was full, as always. I trudged through the sand until I finally climbed up onto the sidewalk.
I passed series of small beachside shops.
Finally I got to Kenny’s. A small dinner shoved between a nail salon and a tattoo parlor.
This had been a hangout spot for my friends and I, since as long as I could remember. And it never seemed to change. Same tacky furnishings and obnoxious red bar stools and matching booths.
I walked in, as always I didn’t bring much attention.
“Hey Nel!”
I glance to the direction of the voice and smile. Shirley waved me towards her.
Her light auburn hair was showing its age as I noticed the few white strands fall out of her pony tail. Her dark chocolate eyes were probably the only young thing about her that matched her personality. Wrinkles were visible on her forehead and around her lips.
Shirley had always been a good friend of my mom’s and apparently my Dad’s at one point. She knew my families secrets, or most of them.
“How’ve yah been!? It’s been awhile since you came to see me!” she exclaims as she embraces me.
Lavender and dish soap filled my nose. “I’m sorry,I’ve just been so busy.” I say, trying to hid my guilt.
“Ahh, the teenage years, I remember them like it was yesterday.” she says, winking at me.
I let out a easy laugh. Part of me wished I hadn’t neglected spending time with her, she seems to get most of me, or at least tries to.
“So are the girls meeting yah here?” she asks, referring to Olivia and Adley.
“yeah” I nod. “They should be here soon.”
No sooner than I said it, Olivia walked through the door.
“Speak of the devil.” Shirley rings.
Olivia spots both of us and smiles. “Hey guys.” she says, heading towards us.
“I will get you lovelies somewhere to sit.” Shirley adds, as she grabs some menus.
She leads us to a booth tucked in the corner of the diner.
“Here yah are” she sings, as she places the menus on the table. “I will be back and a few.”
We nod and Shirley dances away.
We both take a seat across for each other. “What’s up?” Olivia asks, concerned as her sharp hazel eyes stare at me.
I shake my head. “It’s really nothing. I just missed you.” I say, smiling uneasily.
I definitely didn’t think any of this through.
Olivia’s face turns sympathetic. “Awh, Nel I missed you too!”
“Sorry I’ve been so out of it lately.” I apologize.
“Oh girl, its fine we all have our times.” she say, with a sincere smile.
She had no idea.
“Yeah, tell me about it.”
“Hey guys.” Adley says, panting as she rests her hand on the table. Her light hair falls in her eyes.
“Where have you been?” Olivia asks, patting the seat as she makes room for her.
She takes a seat. “I had to dog sit.” she moans, as she buries her head in her hands.
Olivia begins to laugh. “Wow, your life sucks.”
“You’re telling me.” Adley groans, as she lifts her head back up.
Shirley trots back over to our table. “Alright girls, ready to order?” she asks, as she takes out her small pocket sized notebook.
“Can I have a Cesar salad please with a water.” Olivia speaks up, as she hands Shirley back the menu.
Shirley nods. “How about you too.”
“Nellie and I will have today’s special, with a coke.” Adley answers, cheerfully as she hands her both of our menus.
Shirley makes a scribble on her notepad. “Alright girls, be back in a few.”
Once Shirley dances off I turn my attention to Adley. “you didn’t even look at the menu, how do you know what the special is?”
She shrugs. “’I don’t, but I figured we’d be spontaneous.” Adley says, gleefully.
I roll my eyes.
“So what did you wanna tell us?” Adley asks, curiously as she fiddles with her jacket.
I hesitate. “Well, I guess I didn’t have to tell you guys anything, I just missed you too.”
I say, with a nervous smile.
Adley’s face melts into a sympathetic smile. “I missed you too, you kind of disappeared for awhile.”
“I know. Just so much going on.” I say, trying to hid my discomfort.
I almost felt like I was lying to them by not telling them about Trethan, or that I might be leaving. Forever.