Secret Garden Of Eden (Secret Window Fanfiction)

Seeing It Through

The air was slightly cooler but only by minimal degrees. Mort ambled into the kitchen and peered inside the fridge. He grabbed a Mountain Dew to relive his parched throat. Within a few sips, he drank the whole can. He tossed it out and wiped the sweat from his brow. He looked at the clock. It was now past eleven. He needed to freshen up before she came here. He mildly scolded himself then rationed that he needed to be on his toes when dealing with teens; a cold shower would do him some good, clear his head.

Once in the bathroom, he removed his clothes and glasses. He turned the shower on and paused to look in the mirror. He rarely took off his glasses aside from when he went to bed and even then he doesn't see himself. He studied his own face through half hazy eyes and considered getting contacts. He smiled, revealing his newly straightened teeth. His braces were removed that day his house was vandalized. It was the only reason he was allowed into town, they couldn't deny him dental care. His gaze wandered to his chest for a moment. He wasn't exactly well toned but he couldn't deny that he was in good shape, not an ounce of flab. He hopped in the shower and in no time, or more accurately, seven minutes later, he turned off the water and toweled himself off. He dressed in casual clothes and in a rare moment, combed his hair and in an even rarer moment, put on body spray.

You never do that. What would make you now?

He shook his head. "I dunno. I felt like it."

Did you do it for her? For Eden?

He shrugged. "Maybe. No big deal."

Mort trudged down the stairs and plopped on his couch. He caught sight of his housecoat and decided to put it away.

And now you're tidying? You must really like her.

"Oh give it up." Mort said aloud. "I'm just trying to make the place look presentable."

Isn't that her job?

"She isn't responsible for my laundry."

She could be if you want her to be.

"Yes, but I don't want her to be." He said as he flung his house coat into a closet.

The crunch of gravel alerted him to the Prescott's silver car pulling up. He hurried out onto the porch and watched as the girl reluctantly stepped out of the car. She made a face upon seeing him and looked back to her mother as if to try and get out of her obligation. Her mother shook her head and Mort waved. Mrs. Prescott smiled and gave a small wave back. She stuck her head out of the window.

"When should I pick her up, Mr. Rainey?" she asked.

"Don't worry, I'll drive her home" Mort offered.

"Aw, that's very generous of you. Are you sure?"

He nodded. "Yeah, of course, I just need an address."

Mrs. Prescott laughed. "236 Molson Drive."

"I'll have her home in time for dinner."

Mrs. Prescott smiled then turned to Eden who was still standing some ways off from the house. "Now you make sure you mind, Mr. Rainey."

She sighed. "Yes, mother."

Eden's P.O.V

I watched almost helplessly as mother pulled out of the driveway and continued down the one dirt road away from the cabin, leaving me alone with the man that got away with murder.

"The hose is around back." Rainey said, the pleasantness gone from his voice. "There should also be a bucket and some rags. Start cleaning all this spray paint off."