Ink Cursed

Chapter 7

Ink Cursed

Chapter 7

The sun is dipping far away back into its resting place. Not one bus had passed. Not even many cars have passed. I wonder where I am. What if Chase did this on purpose? No, he didn’t; I need to stop suspecting him. What has he done to me? Nothing.

I plunge my hand deep into my pockets and pull out my chilly cell phone. A cold breeze whips my body, and the bushes behind me rustle. I check my phone: five missed calls from Jared and two from my dad. This is plain proof that Jared should be my legal father. He’s so concerned all the time.

I call my dad back.

“Hello, Kam?” my dad speaks from the phone. He makes a gasping noise. “Why haven’t you told me you’re going out? You never came home.”

“Sorry, Dad,” I apologize, feeling weird hearing my voice calmed again. I run a hand through my hair and stand up from the bench. “I went out with a friend after school.”

Barbara’s voice comes from the background. I feel my eyes rolling.

“Will you be here so—”

“—don’t worry, you seem fine over there. It doesn’t seem you’re so lonely, Dad,” I say quickly and a bit brusquely. “But I’ll be home soon so don’t worry about it. Love you.” My phone beeps closed as it falls into my handbag.

Honestly, I don’t know where that tone of voice came from. I’m never rude with my dad. Seems today is a day a different day. It was Barbara’s voice that annoyed me. But he should have the right to see other women even though I just never thought about it. Naturally, I think of my mom, and feel she’s more fit to be with my dad. However, at the same time, I never want them getting back together.

Dad seems like he’s moving on. I shouldn’t blame but support him instead. Life goes on.

The wind whistles in my ears and my hair flies to the left as a swift breeze chills me. Wincing, I grab my jacket from my handbag and throw it onto my body. Does a bus even come by here anymore?

My phone starts to vibrate.

“Hello?” I answer quietly, feeling some fright ride in me as I realize the night is approaching, and I’m alone in the dark.

“Kam, are you all right?” Jared asks, gasping in relief. “I mean, why haven’t you been answering my phone calls? Why haven’t you called me back? Kam, did Chase do anything to you?” I detect a hint of jealously and scorn in his voice. “I swear I knew he’d be no good.”

“Jared,” I groan. “He didn’t do anything. I’m perfectly fine.”

“Then where are you? Your dad doesn’t even know where you are,” his voice comes out worried. “He’s been calling you, too.”

“Two times, not five, Jared,” I remark. “And I called him back; he knows where I am.” Jared is silent.

“And where are you?”

“In a club, getting high with three guys down my pants all at the same time, where the hell do you think I am?” I snicker, smiling to myself. A car passes by. The sun is down. Maybe I should ask Jared for a lift after all. I cut him off before he says anything. “—Jared can you come get me right now?”

“A-are you okay? Is everything all right?” he asks, extreme worry in his voice. “I-I’m getting in my car; where are you?”

Breathing out, I fiddle with my handbag. “A bus station.”

“Which one?” I hear his engine roar in the background. “Kam, answer me, which one?”

“I-I don’t know,” I say, starting to panic myself. Calm down. There’s nothing to be scared about. The dark is just a naturally frightening thing to me.