Unlock the Past

Chapter 8

Hey guys! Sorry this is kinda a filler chapter. I've been sick and couldn't think very clearly. Let me know if there are any mistakes and hopefully I'll update soon!:) thank you for reading I love you guys!! Enjoy!

I stepped into the library, welcoming the scent of must and the thick pungent of pages filled with ink. I let the surrounding books fill my whole presence, leaving everything that has happened today at the door.

Because I didn't have...time... I neglected the need for shoes. But luckily I was just wearing some comfy grey sweats and a long black tee-shirt, with a blue hoody over it. I throw the hood up so I'm not recognized by anyone, wouldn't want to scare anyone with my sudden appearance.

I walk down the narrow isles and trace my hands over the ancient books. Some are stacked in the rows, others are neatly settled in, obviously not touched. Those were my favorite ones; ones that are over looked and ignored. Only a few people have actual been graced by their multitude of words. They are pure. They are innocent.

I pick one up, but in the process I drop the one next to it. Dust billows on the floor from the impact and I start to bend over to pick it up.

"Here, let me get that." I look up and see the face of Mrs. Mudstone, the wife of my doctor and a family friend. "Oh! Chloe dear, you gave me a fright!" She clutches her chest, calming herself. I take a small step back to create more space.

Mrs. Mudstone is the owner of the book store. Before the incident I would always come here to escape school and to just take a breather. Mrs. Mudstone would always be here to help me find some books, and in return I'd help out around the library. We had a bond much like a grandma would have with her granddaughter. She has three boys and a daughter, but they've all been out of the house for a while.

"I'm so happy you are alive! My husband mentioned some of your conditions, but I'm not going to bombard you with many questions. Obviously you are here to escape something, or someone." Her thin eyebrows raise and her wrinkled forehead contorted even more in question. I let out a sigh and let my shoulders slump.

"Come on sweet pea, lets go unpack some boxes of the new shipments." I follow without hesitation.

***

We spend hours together. Mrs. Mudstone blabbering about latest gossip, and the new recipes she's been trying to perfect. I just listened attentively and nodded every once in a while when needed.

"Oh dear! It's already six o'clock! I should get you home, your parents must be worried sick!" I left the house at around noon, so I am probably in so much trouble. I feel my lips slack down and my head bow.

"Don't look at me like that! You have to face them anyway," She navigates her round body around the isles and I regretfully follow her along.

***

When we make it to my street I notice a cop car and many neighbors out side. Mrs. Mudstone grabs my hand and I tense, but I let her lead me to my front door. She knocks a couple times and the door opens almost immediately.

"Chloe Marie Stone, do you know how much trouble you are in." My mother stands there with her hands on her hips and her face red. The anger that is radiating off of her seeps into me and I cower back into Mrs. Mudstone and shake in fear.

"Cathy, I am so sorry. I walked into your daughter and we just got so caught up catching up. Your sweet daughter here has been helping me all day with the library. I hope I didn't get her in too much trouble, it was completely my fault." Mrs. Mudstone says every word so sweetly and innocently. My mothers face relaxes and she loses the tension in her shoulders. Mrs. Mudstone has always had great influence on everyone in town.

"Oh, Sheryl! It's nice to see you. Thank you for watching over Chloe, we've just been so worried about her." I roll my eyes and slip past my mother into the house.

In the living room, Ashton, my dad, and two cops sit in chairs and on the couch. When I walk past them they all lift their heads and see me.

"Chloe, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you," Ashton looks so torn up, and even though I was only gone for a few hours, I could see the starting bags under his eyes. My father and the police seem like they're about to say something but before they can, I give Ashton a slight nod and head up the steps.

When I make it to my room I sit on the bed and pull up my sketch book and start to draw.

Right in the middle of my drawing the door slightly opens and Brandon comes in.

"Hey, kiddo," He gives me a weary smile and I raise an eyebrow. "I heard mom talk to dad about school." My eyes widen and he chuckles. "That's what I told her," He comes over and sits on the edge of the bed. I start to feel slightly uncomfortable but shrug it off. Brandon would never hurt me like he did.

"But maybe you should, I know it'll be really hard and you might be behind but you should give it a shot." I take a blank piece of paper to write down something.

I was still taught the required information while I was gone. Well, I read everything he gave me.

I hand the paper over to Brandon. The first sentence I have said- well communicated- since I've been found. But I knew I could trust Brandon, he hasn't pressured me to do anything and all he has been doing is offer support. He reads over it carefully and looks at me.

"You were given books with the needed education and you're all caught up?" I give a slight nod. "Wow that's really amazing, sis." He smiles and searches my eyes. I've always wanted to impress him. With Brandon being three years older, he's always been my protecter. Making him proud was something I'd always strive to do. I guess old habits die hard.

I almost smile, almost being the key word. Brandon falters and hands the piece of paper back, making sure not to touch my fingers. He gives me one last small smile and walks towards the door. "Mom said that you'll need to start school next week, I'm sorry I couldn't get her out of the idea." He closes the door and leaves me in silence.

One week... How am I going to handle this?

BTW thank you so much to roxieb12345 for the new cover!! I love it! Be sure to follow her and Nicole171Taylor they're awesome