lights are on, (but nobody's home.)

Chapter six: what's your name?

I laid on my bed, all morning, staring at the ceiling. My room was tinted icy blue, from all the snow outside. All I could think about was Julia, and how I will talk to her again, never hear her voice again, never see her again.
No matter how much I thought about it, the less it hurt. I couldn't cry or feel angry, or regret, or anything.

I was numb.

I glanced over to my clock, it read 10:07 am.
Today I have to be a waitress, for my aunt, Ms. Smith, and her nephew. Great. I still haven't eaten in over 16 hours, y'know. I feel great!

I got out of bed and stumbled over to my dresser. Grabbed out my clothes for the day: a red plaid midi skirt, a cream angora wool sweater, thick wool stockings, and my winter boots. When I got it all on, I left my room.
I made my way down the cold, dark stairway and into the foyer. Where I grabbed my coat and without a word to my aunt, stepped outside.

I forced my hands into my pockets and made my way down the icy path, Through the gate, and onto the sidewalk. It was nice and quiet, the only sound I could hear was the sound of my boot heels clicking on the cold concrete.
That beautiful silence was soon broken by a few familiar voices.
"AND YOU CAN'T MAKE ME!" Then a door slammed. I stopped in my tracks.
"You shouldn't have said that, y'know." A voice stated."yeah, he's right, y'know." Another voice agreed. "I don't care!" Then I heard the violent clicking of heels.

Then the gate of an estate opened, and three boys stepped out. They sauntered away then one of them turned around and saw me.
Then he strut over to me and introduced himself. "Hello, love. My name is Paul. Haven't seen you around town, love, What might your name be?" He bowed, then kissed my hand. I felt my face heat up, and then I snatched my hand away from his lips. "Dorothy. Charmed." I replied bluntly. He rose. "Beautiful name, love." He winked, then flashed him a quick smile.
I rolled my eyes.

I heard one of the two behind Paul clear his throat and we immediately turned our attention to them. "Excuse me," one of them who looked rather familiar pushed Paul out of the way. Nearly knocking him over. "do I know you from somewhere?" He squinted. "No, I don't think so- Oh! You're that douche bag from the schoolyard, John." I recalled.
"Glad you remember." He smirked.

"What about you?" I turned my attention to the boy standing by the gate. "What about me?" He pointed an objective finger at himself. "Do I know you from somewhere?" I sidestepped around John to get closer to the boy. "No. I don't believe you do." He responded. "What is your name?" I inquired. "George." He flashed a crooked smile.

My god that smile!

There was an awkward silence that plagued the four of us, then John interrupted. "Dorothy, tell me, where are you from?" He laced his fingers together. "I'm from New York," I replied while buttoning my coat all the up.

"do you have any siblings?" Paul squinted at me. My throat closed up a bit. "Um...no, no I don't." I stuttered. At that moment the four of us became very silent.
I guess John read the room and broke the silence. "Well, we best be going gentlemen. We have places to be. A good day to you, madam. Hope to see you very soon." John bowed and tipped his invisible hat. "Goodbye, Dorothy!" They all said in unison, before walking off. "Goodbye, boys." I waved them bye. Paul waved back happily and George waved shyly. John just pulled them by their collars before giving me a creepy grin and a slow ominous wave. "John! Stop it! you're scaring her!" Paul pulled him by the cuff of his sleeve. John just laughed maniacally and skipped ahead of them.

I snickered at the sight, before walking the other way.

~2 minutes later~

I walked back through the gate and back onto the frozen pathway. I was tired. So very tired.
I made it to the front door and placed my numb hand on the knob, but heard steps behind the door. A second later, the door swung open.
"Dorothy! What are you doing out there!!??" My aunt yelled. "I was going for a quick walk," I responded before walking into the house. "You are not allowed to go out without my permission!" She shouted while shutting the door. "Well, I just needed some fresh air." I quickly replied, before quickly walking upstairs.

"Dorothy??! Dorothy!!! Get back here!!!" my aunt chased me upstairs. "Yes, ma'am?" I halted my steps at the top of the staircase.  "Since you ran out without me knowing, you have to do all of the tidying up, before our guests arrive," she spoke each word breathlessly while taking a step up.
"Yes, ma'am." I turned to face her. "You have ten minutes before you begin cleaning." she pointed a subjective finger at me. "Yes, ma'am," I spoke, then proceeded to stroll through the cold, dark hallway.

I stepped into my bedroom And flopped onto the bed. I softly shut my sore, lifeless eyes. The silence was unsettling but comfortable.
I lay in silence with eyes closed, a blank mind, cold hands, and a flushed face. I've never heard silence quite this loud. It was wonderful. Until the peaceful silence was broken...

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Hey!!! I am so so so so sorry it took so long to get this chapter out. I just love procrastination!!!.
Your patience is greatly appreciated💗
Anyway! I hoped you liked the chapter💗
Have a nice day💕
- Claire:^)