I've Been Waiting For You

Chapter 25

It was still raining when Markus parked his car in front of Mitchell's home. He turned off the engine, staring out at the falling rain.

"I'm going to follow you to the door."

"Markus, it's fine."

"It's not up for debate."

He rummaged in the back for a second, pulling out an umbrella from the back seat.

"I don't remember seeing an umbrella on the backseat earlier."

"It was underneath the seat. Don't move."

Markus got out, ran around to the passenger's side and opened the door, making sure the umbrella was shielding him from the rain. By the time they ran up to the door, Markus was soaking wet.

"You're soaking wet, Markus."

"Don't worry about it." Markus kissed him on the mouth.

"What do you mean?"

"I'll be fine."

"Are you sure? I don't want you getting sick."

"I won't get sick."

Mitchell still felt bad but kept the umbrella. "Drive safe."

"Go on inside."

Mitchell got out his keys to unlock the door. He entered the house, but instead of going upstairs he went to the window to watch Markus. Not moving until the car lights disappeared.

When he could no longer see the vehicle, he went upstairs to his room. Mitchell expected it to be locked but was surprised to find the door was unlocked. He knew he had definitely locked his door before leaving. His mom didn't have a key to his room and she wouldn't enter his room without his permission.

He slowly pushed the door to his bedroom open, but stayed in the hallway for a few minutes.

It was completely dark, so he couldn't see anything. He entered his room, switching on the light, bathing the room in a warm glow. He searched all over his room but nothing was missing.

"Malachi, is that you? If you're trying to scare me, it's not working."

There was nothing but silence.

He wasn't feeling any presence but it felt he was being watched by someone or something. He went to his trunk to get the candles Charlie had given to him. He lit four, placing one on his dresser, one on his nightstand and the other two in his bathroom.

The smoke drifting from the wick, perfumed the air with a sweet herbal scent. He took a deep, inhaling the scent, feeling the air becoming breathable.

He heard Raven meowing from the other side of his door so he went to let her in. She walked around his feet, rubbing her body against his legs.

"Raven, what were you doing out there?" He picked her up and she instantly burrowed into his chest, purring. "I'm good, girl."

Mitchell was still patting her when his phone rang. He quickly answered when he saw it was Markus calling.

"Are you already home?"

"Yes, I'm home. What are you doing?"

"I'm about to go to bed."

"Make sure to lock your door."

Mitchell frowned at Markus's tone of voice.

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm good. A bit tired."

"Take of yourself."

"Goodnight, Mitchell."