Coiled (Book 1 of 2)

Darla

P,

The answer's yes, of course! Assuming it's a safe go on your end.

- R.

Reggie's latest note to me, one that'd just appeared in the pewter box I'd placed upon my writing desk. As I ripped a bit of parchment and began to excitedly scrawl my reply I suddenly froze and straightened up in my seat.

There!

There it is again!

Sure enough, the telltale sounds of someone standing quietly just outside my bedroom door. Not about to take any chances, I quickly slipped both Reggie's message and my half written reply into the back of the drawer. I'd barely shut it when the knock finally came.

"... Yes?"

"It's me."

Pete.

Practically flying up out of my chair, I moved for the door. I'd been avoiding Pete as much as I possibly could since we moved in here. But even I recognised that was a stupidly impossible ask.

After all ...

How do you honestly expect not to see someone you've agreed to live with?

My biggest issue was that I still had no clue what to make of what I'd come across in the crate that day, beyond the fact it terrified me completely. Most frustrating of all, I felt trapped. I couldn't openly confront Peter about the detailed log he'd been secretly keeping. For one, I didn't want to risk him knowing I'd stumbled across such information. Beyond that though, I couldn't imagine that he himself would dare confront me over meeting either Reggie or Evan.

So it's going to be an unspoken dance, then -

The two of us each pretending as though we don't know something completely damning about the other.

Until???

Who's to say?

I just don't know.

"Y/N?"

Pete, now calling out to me again. Moving quicker now, I reached the door and twisted at the knob as I reluctantly opened it.

"Hello Peter."

In my opinion, I did an excellent job keeping my voice even and casual. Believe me - not an easy feat.

Fake it till you make it.

... Till you know what to make of it, that is.

... I need to get a better read on him before I act.

Staring back at me, Pete flashed me a warm smile. And though I tried to return a genuine one back, it felt as though it took all my effort to turn the corners of my mouth upwards convincingly.

"Everything alright, Pete?"

"Oh, yes. And you? I've barely seen you."

"... I suppose I've been very busy with the move, you know?"

"Right. Of course."

The move was two weeks ago;

My window for being able to use that excuse is definitely near shutting.

At that, the two of us fell quiet, staring at one another awkwardly. Feeling entirely unsettled by standing so close to him, I crossed my arms and craned my neck as I gave a hopeful glance up and down the stairs, "... And Pads and Moony?"

"Out. Though I haven't the faintest clue where."

Great.

So that means we're all alone together here.

More silence. And then, just when I began to feel truly uncomfortable, he spoke up again, "... Just wanted to say hi on my way out. I've got a date tonight."

I swear my eyes nearly popped out of my head at that.

Did he really just say -

"... A date?"

Blinking back at me, Peter nodded slowly, "That's right. One of Mary's friends. A girl named Darla."

"Darla Larch?"

"That's it. That's the one."

"You have a date ..."

"Mmhm."

"... With Darla."

"That's right. A walk in the park then a light dinner."

I really - I really don't know what to make of this -

What sort of game is this?

His hands finding their way to his sides, he tipped his head towards me expectantly , "... What do you think?"

"What do I -"

"What do you think? Do you think I should go? Or should I cancel?"

I -

"You should definitely go. Of course you should, Pete."

"Because if you were to say -"

"Definitely go. Go on that date."

Sorry, Darla. I'm sorry I'm pushing him off on you. Though with any luck, you'll only know the sweet side - the side I so sincerely hope is his true side.

"If you're certain ..."

"Completely. Now go on, then. Don't let me keep you."

Staring back at me, Pete continued to stare at me, "Right. Sure."

Another brief and awkward silence as the two of us stared at one another. Finally stepping back, I began to slowly shut my bedroom door, "Well ... I hope you have fun Pete. Tell Darla I said hi."

"See you tomorrow, perhaps?"

Hesitating, I held the door still with one hand, "Actually ... I'm going home."

"Oh?"

"A visit to my parent's."

"Ah."

"Yup."

Merlins, this is painful.

End it now - end it now!

"How long a trip?"

"At least a week."

"The Order just issued that warning. There's reason to be extra cautious with travel, with frequenting muggle locations -"

"I'm aware, yes. Thank you."

Another long silence as we stared at each other carefully. Finally, he shrugged and began to back away, "Right. Well, see you when you return, then. Safe travels."

"Thank you Peter."

And with that, I shut the door.

But I didn't turn and walk back to my desk. Instead I lingered, ear pressed against the door as I waited.

And listened.

And waited.

Finally, after about half a minute, I heard the floorboards creaking beneath his feet, and then the sound of him slowly descending the staircase.

Ear still pressed against my door, I strained to listen until I made out the front door opening and shutting.

And then, when I knew he was finally gone, I ran back to my desk and flung open the drawer. Unfolding and flattening out the parchment, I scribbled my excited reply to Reggie:

- I'm on my way now. Can't wait to finally see you both.