Unseen Strings

Chapter 9

Angelina

"Are you just now getting home?" Stella asked with a bit of annoyance in her voice.

"Not exactly..." I started.

"We had to get something from my apartment." JJ interrupted. "It's for you."

Stella raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms, Johnny just stood behind her, looking moody and gothic.

"Just take it," JJ spoke a bit rougher, holding out a small box toward her. It had calligraphy on it, definitely not any I could read.

Stella rolled her eyes and took the box, peering at the calligraphy. "Did you get this," she sneered.

"No," he deadpanned, "Grandfather did."

"He's still alive??" She made a cringy face as she opened the box.

JJ just stared at her as she gasped a bit and pulled out a necklace. It was silver with a single drop diamond on it.

"That's fancy," Johnny finally spoke, "here," he held his hand out, and Stella passed him the necklace. He swiftly put it on her and she smiled a bit as she closed the box.

"Come on!" She rushed forward a bit and then pulled open the front door of the apartment building.

In retrospect, we probably should've picked an apartment with a doorman or a buzzing system...but those had been out of our price range.

I sighed as Johnny followed after her. I knew I should probably follow them, but a small part of me didn't want to. They were...clearly an item, but they made me feel awkward as hell. Johnny also wasn't a big talker, so that made things weirder. I subconsciously took a step back, but I felt a large figure behind me. My eyes shot upward, seeing JJ standing there.

"Oh, I'm sorry." I called out, walking forward.

"Don't worry about it," his voice was low and alluring. "Come on," he gestured forward at the door.

I just shook my head and walked toward the door. Before I could grab it, JJ had pulled it open and let me in first.

"Thank you," I couldn't raise my voice above a whisper as I went into the building.

JJ just smirked at me as I went inside.

Immediately I made a b-line for the stairs. I could still see Stella and Johnny leisurely walking as I started my trek.  I heard JJ as he pulled the door closed behind him and started to follow me up the stairs. His steps were like full forced of gravity each time he walked. Eventually he found his way in front of me...but that wasn't surprising considering the strides he took.

By the time I reached the door, JJ was waiting, my back pack slung over his shoulder. He was leaning on the door frame, staring at me.

My heart began to race a bit. I felt awakened as he stared at me, seemingly waiting on something.

"Uhm..." I managed to vocalize, "t-thank you," I looked up at him.

He smirked again, "you're welcome, Angelina." He pulled my back pack from his shoulder and passed it to me. "I'll be back tomorrow," he smirked. "Same time?" He raised an eyebrow.

I felt my heart skip a beat and my cheeks heat. I averted my eyes from his and shook my head.

"Alright then," I could hear his smile as I walked into the apartment.

The door swiftly closed behind me and I couldn't help but jump a bit as it slammed.

I slipped my shoes off by the door, expecting the ecene that would gave me when I walked further into the house. As I crept in, I was met by the image of Stella, her arms folded as she leaned against the counter. Her face was twisted in what seemed to be annoyance and worry. My eyes scrolled around quickly and saw no sign of Johnny, but her door was ajar, so I assumed he was there.