All That's Left

Chapter 19 | Vania

Two years ago

Dorian's car pulled into our driveway, the headlights casting long shadows across the front yard. They sky was dark, a clear night with stars scattered like glitter against black velvet.

Dorian turned off the engine and turned to me. "You sure you don't want to stay with us? Or I could stay with you, keep you company for the night?" he asked for the second time that night.

Dad and Uncle Elly had gone camping for the week, like they often did when they were younger, leaving me alone at the house. Every time the camping week would come around, I'd go stay with the Lowe's. That's why everyone was surprised when I told them that I'd be staying at home, this time. Things felt different now with Cali in the picture, at least to me. Besides, it was only for a week, and Dad would be coming back tomorrow morning.

I smiled, shaking my head. "Thanks, but I promise I'll be fine. Besides, you need to study for your exam tomorrow. And I'm sure Cali wouldn't be to happy with you sleeping over at another girl's house."

Dorian frowned slightly, glancing away. "I think she's starting to come around. She'll need to accept that you're a big part of my life, Van. If she can't, then I don't think our relationship will work out." His words took me by surprise, mirroring the same sentiment I once told Lucas about my friendship with Dorian.

Cali wasn't bipolar, but for Dorian's sake, I hoped things worked out for them. They didn't need to end up like me and Lucas, hence why I was distancing myself slightly from Dorian.

We sat in silence for a movement, neither of us wanting to say goodbye. Finally, I broke the silence. "I should go inside. It's getting late."

As I stepped out of the car, Dorian followed suit, coming around to car to stand next to me. "At least let me walk you to the door," he insisted when I sent him a questioning look.

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Always the gentleman."

We walked up the driveway to the front door in silence, the sound of crickets filling the night air. I unlocked the door and turned to face him, leaning against the doorframe.

"Seriously, Dorian, I'll be okay," I said softly.

He nodded, but I could see the worry in his eyes. "I know, I know. But you know the drill, Van. You need anything, you call. And if I call you and you don't answer for whatever reason that may be, I'm coming over."

"Deal," I agreed, even though he was acting as if we didn't live in one of the most quiet, safest towns there was. "Goodnight, Dorian."

"Night, Van," he replied, leaning in to wrap his arms around me. I hugged him back, relishing in the comfort of his embrace. Man, I loved his hugs. As Dorian reluctantly let me go, he gave me one last look, as if I was going to disappear at any moment.

I watched as he drove away, his taillights disappearing down the street. The house felt eerily quiet as I stepped inside and locked the door behind me. I walked through the dimly lit house, flipping on lights as I went.

In the kitchen, I grabbed a glass of water and leaned against the counter, taking slow sips. I wasn't used to the silence that greeted me, and on several occasions I had found myself wishing I had agreed to stay at the Lowe's like I always did.

Finishing my water, I made my way upstairs to my bedroom and kicked off my shoes, then walked into the bathroom, letting the warm shower wash away all recent worries. After my shower, I wrapped myself in my towel and stepped back into my room, feeling the cool air against my damp skin.

I walked over to my closet and grabbed my pajamas. As I was pulling on my pants, a faint sound outside made me freeze. My heart races, a cold prickle running down my spine. For a moment, I hesitated, not wanting to look. But determination to finally find out what was happening made me glance out my window which was right next to my closet on the adjacent wall.

The yard was empty, with no sign of anyone or anything out of the ordinary. I let out a breath, shaking my head. The wind had probably rustled the trees, or one of the neighborhood cats had wandered by.