Last Summer 🔪Scream 1996

Ch. 6: Gold Doves

I walk up to the door, fixing my messenger bag as I reach up and knock on the solid wood. I turn around, looking around at the peaceful day as I wait for the door to open. I see a couple walking down the road, pushing a baby stroller as they smile and laugh together.

I smile as I watch them walk down the street, in their own world as they enjoy life. They get to the corner right as the door opens behind me, causing me to whip around with a small smile.

"Hey!"

"Hi..." Stu leans against the door frame as he watches me, a smirk on his face. "You're early..."

"I am?"

He nods as he smirks, stepping aside to let me in. I smile as I walk inside taking the view in as I look at study the beautiful architecture. Stu shuts the door as he watches me, an amused look on his face.

"What're you doing?"

"Hmm?"

I look back at him with a questioning look on my face as he crosses his arms. I look around again as I take in the little details of his house. He uncrosses his arms as he shoves them into his pants pockets, a calculated look on his face as I smile again.

"Just taking in the scene..."

"What?"

He looks at me confused as I point out the small details aloud.

"The dark, wooden floors...the frame work...the chandelier hanging in the two story ceiling that gives an amazing view of the upstairs...even the decor is a nice touch..."

"But you saw it the other night..."

"Yes...but it was packed full of rowdy teenagers...not the best way to observe a space. Here...it's like a still frame of everyday life...a snapshot of the Matcher house hold...we could not be here and it would still look the same..."

"Huh..."

He looks around us, taking everything in as if it's the first time seeing it. I see the clock and realize that it's already past one. I stand up straight as I turn back to Stu, finding him already looking at me in an undefined look. I smile as I adjust my bag before brushing a fallen strand of hair behind my ear.

"Sorry...I'm wasting time..."

"Right. Come on."

He leads me towards the kitchen, where he opens the fridge and grabs a beer. I look at him confused as he offers it to me.

"Uh...no thanks."

He shrugs before putting it back and grabbing a can of Sprite. He gives me the same look as he offers it to me. I smile as I grab it, watching as he grabs one for himself before shutting the door on the fridge.

"Thanks..."

"No problem..."

He opens it and chugs about half of it as I watch in astonishment. I gently open my own before taking a sip, lowering it at the same time as he finishes his drink. He looks at me as I look at him with a small, polite smile.

"Let's go..."

He smiles as he leads me upstairs and over the parlor as I stop and look down at the different angle. I move around, getting different views as I smile and bite my lip subconsciously.

This would be perfect for a shoot...

"What are you doing now?"

I look up as I hear Stu laugh, seeing him leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. He has that same smirky smile on his face as he watches me study the rooms in his house.

"Uh...just looking.."

I laugh awkwardly before clearing my throat, shift as he stands up straight.

"Really....what were you looking at?"

His tone goes dark as I gulp, looking up at his serious face. I clear my throat as I brush my hair back again.

"Uh...I-it's kinda 'em-embarrassing..."

"Come on..." his face softens again as he steps towards me. "You can tell me...I told you about my grades, right?"

"Uh..."

He steps back, holding up his hands as he looks down. I stare him down as I grip my bag and drink, not knowing if he was okay or not. I glance towards the stairs as I rethink this whole thing.

"Look..." I look back at him, seeing him looking at me like a wounded puppy. "I'm sorry...a few things were stolen the other night when I was having my party and it's put me on edge..."

I nod as I throw on a smile, still gripping my bag as he rubs his hand through his hair and towards the back of his neck. He looks at me as he scratches his neck, blowing air out of his mouth as he sighs heavily.

"I know you were here the other night and you just looked like you were eyeing my great-Aunt Suzan's gold doves..."

I look at him in surprise as I hold up my finger, pointing at myself. I didn't know if I should laugh or storm out as I process what he just said.

"You think I stole something?"

"I don't know...you could be a klepto for all I know..."

I can't explain it, I really can't, but I feel myself burst into laughter as he watches me with a smile. I shake my head as I cross my arms, looking down at the Doves in question.

"I can say they are beautiful...and I do like gold...but I don't think they'll match my...decor..."

It's his turn to laugh as he looks at me, a large smile on his face. I look at the same clock that I saw earlier, seeing that it's already almost 1:10. I look back at Stu as I fix my fallen hair again.

I should have brought a headband or something...

"We should probably get started..."

I clear my throat as Stu bows, directing me in the direction of his room as his head is lowered. I giggle as I pass him, watching him in amusement.

"This way, my Queen..."

I laugh more as I shake my head, continuing towards the one open door on this floor. Stu falls into line next to me, walking with his hands in his pockets as he glances at me every once in a while. I smile as I act like I don't notice, my eyes straight ahead as we walk down the hallway.

When we get to the room, Stu blocks my path. He looks at me as I give him a confused look, wanting to know what is going on. He puts both hands on my shoulders, looking deep into my eyes as my look gets more confused by the minute.

"Okay...what you are about to receive is a high honor among few. Only those worthy of my fortress shall pass. If they fail to reach the criteria, they shall parish down below. Do you think you are worthy enough, my Queen?"

"Yes?"

I laugh in a confused, yet amused, way as I look at Stu. He looks at me more seriously as he steps back, holding out his hand. I look at it confused as he stares me down.

"If you believe to be worthy, close your eyes and give me your hand."

I do what he says, the confusion staying in my body as he grabs my hand. I feel myself spin around as he guides me into his room. Giggles leave my mouth as I feel the motions and the slight breeze that comes from spinning in a circle.

I finally stop as I feel hands on my hips, steadying me as I catch my breath. I grip the arms holding me as the spinning stops and my giggles settle. I feel a chin rest on my shoulder as a breath fans my skin.

"Open your eyes, my Queen..."

                             🗡🔪

A/N

So a little bit of psycho Stu....followed by sweet and playful Stu....yeah!!!

Drink water!!!!!!!

Love
-the Author