𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐌𝐞

Chapter 15

When Sheldon wasn't busy with cheerleading and Keenan she made it a mission to break me out of my depression. My aunt was due back in three weeks and I welcomed the chance to feel safe at home again and not just because of the recent burglary. I'd decided to wait until my aunt got back to tell her about it. I didn't want her to worry or cut her tour short.

There wasn't any way to explain the birthday card and photo to her since it was connected to Keiran somehow. Lucky for me I haven't been dragged back to his house again since I found the gun and locket in his closet but that also meant I had no way of figuring out his connection to the girl.

I decided to leave that part out when I told her. I knew that keeping it all from her was dangerous and irresponsible but I needed her away from Six Forks as long as possible. I was sure Keiran would get tired of me soon. I'd never known him to be seen with one girl for long.

I was on my way to meet Sheldon at the local burger joint. I wanted to invite Willow but she still wasn't talking to me. I felt a pain in my heart every time I saw or thought about her. When this was over, somehow I would make it all up to her.

The restaurant was jam-packed and I expected no less but Sheldon just had to pick here of all places to go. I walked in and scoured the place for her. The restaurant expanded a couple of years ago to accommodate the amount of occupancy the place experienced on Friday nights. It usually only lasted until someone decided to take the party to their house.

"Lake!" I looked behind me to see Sheldon pushing through the crowd looking extremely boho in a long, colorful maxi skirt with two splits in the front that made her legs peek out when she walked. She wore a dark green tank top and a long feather pendant. Her hair was in two braids with a thin headband to accessorize.

"You look like Willow," I said, surprised.

"Thanks! We were talking about fashion the other day and Willow suggested this look when I told her I wanted to try something different."

"How is she?" I asked and tamped down the jealous feeling.

"She misses you."
"How do you know that?"
"She's your best friend. Why wouldn't she miss you?" "I haven't been a very good friend."
"The thing about true friendships is that they are resilient as hell."

I was about to respond when someone passing through the crowd bumped me. "Seriously of all the places, why here?" "Come on, Lake. Don't be such a Debbie Downer.

Where else would we go anyway?" I knew she was right. I just didn't like the possibilities of who I could run into.

"Are there any tables left?" I nearly had to scream to be heard over the music and people.

"Do you even have to ask? I was thinking, when they turn this into a house party, we should go."

I remembered the first and last time I went to a house party. Of course Keiran was there so it ended badly. Brian Lassiter, a senior in high school and the quarterback had struck up a conversation with me because his little brother was a fan of my aunt's books. He wanted to know if he could get a signed copy for his birthday when Becky Daniels came out of nowhere screeching and hollering about me flirting with her boyfriend. When she slapped, I swung and hit her back and that's when Keiran hollered that I was starting fights. The kids who house it was kicked me out and I was never invited back to a house party.

"Not a good idea."

"Why not? Keiran hasn't been after you these past couple weeks so it should be safe right?"

Except when he sneaks into my bedroom in the dead of the night. "I don't know. Last time I barely escaped with my life."

She rolled her eyes and said, "Now who's being dramatic?"