House of Horrors || 18+

Chapter 15| Hannah

Once I went back home, I decided to do some cleaning in the untouched rooms in the house. I've been spending all my time with Nathan or baking and I really haven't taken the time to do anything else to the house.

I know exactly where to start. The pink room is mostly clean and taken care of, save for a few random items here and there.

As I stand in the pink room, once Rosie's, the memory of finding that unsettling doll, an exact replica of me, lingers. It's baffling, almost chilling, how much it resembles me. I'd be lying if I said I haven't thought about it – wondered how the fuck it looks just like me. Maybe Nathan would know? I'll ask him the next time I see him.

Gathering the dolls, I box them up for the attic, wanting to preserve but not display them. I want this room to stay the way it is, just cleaner.

After stowing the dolls, I tidy up the rest, toys and stuffed animals tucked away. It's a solid two-hour effort, dusting and sweeping, to bring the room back to a serene state.

As my phone suddenly lights up, a chill runs down my spine. The message on the screen, from an unknown sender, reads ominously, "I know where you are, Hannah. You can't hide much longer." Panic sets in.

What. The. Fuck? I know this isn't from Nathan. So who is it from?

My stomach drops to my feet. It can't be. Could this be from Kyler? Fear grips me as I contemplate the possibility. I had taken every measure to erase him from my life, blocking numbers and social media, yet here I am, feeling hunted in my own home. Oh god, this is bad. He can't know where I am. Right?

Dread fills me as I slump onto the couch, my thoughts racing. It feels like Kyler's playing a twisted game, finding joy in my terror. I can't believe this is happening. Will I ever be completely free of him? He's taunting me. He's playing this game. He gets a thrill out of scaring me, taunting my life.

I need to get out of here.

Changing into some joggers and a cropped tank-top, I grab my headphones and my phone, deciding to go for a run. I need to go somewhere that isn't here.

I begin running. The streets blur past me as I push myself, ignoring the ache in my muscles and the tightness in my chest, until I realize I have no idea where I am. I ran too far. Shit.

If I ran back the way I came, I should get back. It takes me an hour to get back home. I didn't realize just how far I went. But I needed to. It was a necessary escape.

By the time I finally arrive back home, the sun is setting, the most beautiful sunset in the sky. Bright pink and orange paint the sky. A small smile appears on my face. I have always loved sunsets.

I make my way to the kitchen for a glass of water, drinking it quickly. My stomach grumbles not long after – I haven't eaten anything all day. I should probably make food. I want Chinese food.

Chinese food sounds perfect. I end up ordering enough for two, maybe three people. Tonight, it's just me, comfort food, and a cheesy rom-com. A perfect night.

While I wait for my food to get here, I walk up the stairs to my room so I can change out of my sweaty clothes. I choose gray sweatpants and a clean tank-top. Yes, I like my tank-tops.

Shortly after I change my clothes, my food arrives. I set the bag down on my coffee table, as well as a glass of red wine. Turning on the movie, I make myself comfy with a fluffy blanket and just relax – or try to. No matter how much I try, my thoughts overtake me.

Thoughts of Kyler and his constant taunting; and Nathan. I worry about him a lot. He's in a very vulnerable state right now, and I can't help but worry about him any second that I'm not with him.

Nathan's not just in my thoughts now; he's begun to carve a place in my heart, too. The desire to be near him grows each day, almost unbearable when we're apart. I really care about him, I want to be with him more than I am. It's becoming difficult not to spend every moment with him.

I want to see him, I think to myself. I chuckle at my own thoughts.

Putting away my leftovers, I head toward the stairs to the room at the end of the hall. When I moved here, it scared me that there was a room with a tiny door leading to the past; leading to another part of this house. But now? It's become one of my favorite rooms. I need to remember to ask Nathan about the doll. I feel like that's something he can figure out.

"Hi princess," he greets me the second I stand up. He's standing there in sweatpants and no shirt. His pants hanging dangerously low on his hips. I can't help but let my eyes wander.

"Ahem," He clears his throat. "My eyes are up here, princess." I blush. He makes me blush so easily. It's like I have a thought bubble above my head or something.

He walks over to me and throws his arms around me, hugging me. He breathes in my scent, right in my hair and I'll admit, that's really cute. I hug him back just as tight and just hold him.

"How are you doing?" I ask quietly.

"Better now," he whispers, a softness in his reply that lights up my heart.

We walk to his room and sit down in his bed. Just holding each other. Soaking up each other's comfort.

"I found something," I start, his attention sharpening. "A doll, in the pink room. It belonged to your sister, didn't it?" He nods.

"Yeah, that was Rosie's room," he confirms.

"The doll looked just like me. I mean, it even had my clothes and everything." He doesn't look surprised. He looks like it's happened before; like he's been told this before.

"Yeah, it's a part of the curse. My mother makes them from wherever she is now. She's dead but can somehow still make those dolls. Summer found one too. It's pretty well what led to her finding out my past." He looks pained.

"Well, that makes sense," I say. "Makes it a little less creepy, in a way."

Resting against Nathan, I let out a sigh of contentment. Being here with him, I feel an unparalleled sense of safety. Just pure comfort. Nothing – no one has ever comforted me in this way since my dad was alive. I miss my dad every day. If I ever told him about this house, and Nathan, he'd want to explore the house with me. He always loved creepy places. And he loved mysteries.

"What are you thinking about, princess?" Nathan asks, pulling me from my thoughts.

I find a smile touching my lips. "My dad," I confess.

"Tell me about him."

"My dad was the most amazing father anyone could ask for. He was my light, my best friend. Dad was the person I would go to for anything; advice, tips on baking, anything. He was so kind and caring. He was the one who taught me to bake."

"He sounds amazing," Nathan says. I look up, and he's smiling. Really smiling.

"I would've loved to meet him."

"I think he would have liked you," I say, feeling a tear escape. My dad would like Nathan, I know it. Dad never judged a soul. It didn't matter if you were white, black, gay or straight. It didn't matter if you were a unicorn. He was the kindest person to anyone.

"I miss my dad," I say.

"What happened?" Nathan asks.

The pang of missing him sharpens. "He passed away from a heart attack when I was sixteen," I explain softly.

"I'm so sorry, princess." Nathan kisses my forehead.

We spend the rest of the night talking, and enjoying each other's comfort. That has become my favorite way to spend the night.