UNINVITED

Chapter 16

   
 
I stood tall in front of the mirror in my room, studying my reflection. I passed a hand across the homespun dress and sighed. This one will do for the evening. Clara had slept off early. The Bergers’ lights were on. They surely were waiting for my arrival.

     I neared the nightstand and glanced at the clock. Exactly six. I wasn’t late. Tucking my hair behind my ear, I bent down and placed my phone in the drawer, then walked out of the room.

     A little while later, I stood on their front porch, knocking on the door. Amy appeared in a gray knee-length dress, a warm smile plastered on her face.

     “Hi, Elodie. I’m glad you could make it. Come on in,” she said, her voice full of glee.

     She opened the door wider, and I walked into the big foyer, a glow from the overhead bulb illuminating the place.

      She stepped in front of me and guided me into the dining room.

     Alec was already seated on a chair, scrolling through his phone. He glanced up at me with a warm smile. “It’s nice to have you here, Elodie.”

     I smiled back. “I’m glad you invited me over.”

     “There,” Amy said, pointing to an empty chair, “have a seat.”

     “Thanks.” I walked to the appointed chair and sat in front of a neatly arranged table of chinawares.

     “I’ll be right back,” Amy said, disappearing into the kitchen.
 
     “Sure,” I said and scanned the dining room. It was similar to mine. Hardwood floor, antique furniture, and a single bulb hanging on the ceiling. No portrait. I hadn’t seen one in the living room either.

     Alec glanced at me. “I found some lockets online. Stuck between which ones to pick. Could you help?”

     “All right.”

     He rose from his chair and neared me. On his phone screen, I stared at three lockets. I scrutinized them. In addition to clothes, I dealt with jewelry as well, so it was easy to pick one from the three.

     I fingered the middle locket, the silver one. “This one will do. It’ll match with her leather.”

     “I also thought the same. Thanks.” He went over to the seat and sat slowly.

     “Don’t mention.”

     Amy returned with a saucepan and scooped the food onto my plate, then proceeded to Alec’s table and finally fetched some for herself.

     “Let me grab the wine,” Alec said and stood, stepping into the kitchen.

     While she set the saucepan on the side table, I looked up at her. “Can I ask you something?”

     She grinned. “Anything.”

     I glanced back momentarily, hoping to hear Alec bouncing out of the kitchen, but I could still hear rustling. He’ll take a while there.

     “How did you get the bruises on your neck?” I whispered, pointing to my neck.

     Instinctively, she pulled up the turtleneck of her blouse.

     When Tom started hitting me and leaving bruises, I tried to conceal them too. I didn’t want anyone to find out Tom was physically abusing me then. Was it out of shame? Fear? Or both? I still had no idea.

     Her fingers trembled at the mention of the bruises. She blinked rapidly, and I noticed her pupils dilating. She was scared, but of who? Alec? Surely she didn’t think he could hurt her with me in the house.
    
     “I-I... I fell and brushed my neck...” She finally trailed off.