Dark Shadow (Book 1 in DARKNESS DUOLOGY)

Twelve: Atonement

The drive into town was awkward. For me, at least. I didn’t know what to say as I was sitting next to Ridge in his truck. He insisted on driving since the bed of the truck would give enough room for any and all the supplies I’d be needing.

I just shrugged, nodding that was fine. Ridge had led the way to where his truck was parked. It was a Chevy he kept up but it wasn’t anything new like I’d expect it to be.

When he opened the door for me, I glanced at him, narrowing my eyes. “Thanks,” I mumbled, feeling my face heat up as I climbed into the seat. I had to practically hurdle to get into the truck thanks to my lack of height.

Ridge shut the door for me before heading around the front of the truck and got into the driver’s seat. He turned on the engine, asking if I knew which store I wanted to see first. I hummed, already jotting down supplies I’d be needing and muttered that there was only one art shop in town. It was more of a warehouse and that I’d be able to purchase most of what I needed there.

The whole ride was quiet other than the music playing at a low volume. Ridge attempted to make conversation with me but I just did a lot of “Uh-huhs” and “Mms” while sketching out ideas in the notebook. I think he figured that I needed to concentrate so he left me alone.

As we pulled up to the warehouse, I felt a giddiness arise. Marty’s Art Shack was my favorite place to visit. Dad would bring me on my birthday so I could buy a hundred dollars worth of art materials. It was one of my favorite days of the year.

I unbuckled my seat belt and jumped out of the truck, shutting the door. The notebook was pressed to my chest as I admired the store front that looked like it got a new paint job.

“Ready?” Ridge asked beside me.

I glanced at the close proximity and scrunched my nose, glancing up at him. Side-stepping to give a bit of space, I nodded, leading the way to the store then pulled out a cart from where they were stored. Ridge offered to push it for me. I shrugged, letting him since it would be easier for me to look at everything.

The store wasn’t as full since it was a week day. I personally liked when it was less crowded because the best deals were usually during the week.

We started at the far end of the store. One of the employees had mentioned that they were renovating and some of the shelves were out of sorts and so we were to take caution as we strolled the aisles.

“Do you have any idea what you’re going to draw?” Ridge asked. He was leaning on the handle of the cart, his arms crossed on it.

I tilted my head, squinting at the prices for the two brands of paint I preferred.

“Mmm… Not yet. I have some sketch ideas but they aren’t complete. I have to measure the square accurately and then get a better idea of what to draw. It’ll be easier to space everything out.”

I picked up a bottle of paint, frowning as I read how many ounces it contained.

“Can I see what you came up with?” he asks.

My small glance his way made me frown, scrunching my nose then looked back at the paint bottle. I replied that I didn’t have anything yet. Ridge questioned if I had not just said that I had “some” ideas.

“Yes…” I nodded, putting the bottle back and deciding to go with the second brand. “But I can’t just show those to you.”

“Why not?” Ridge ducked from one of the out of place shelves.

I didn’t have that problem, luckily, but I did have to maneuver around the ladders and stepping stools left in certain areas. It was kind of annoying because I didn’t want to fall over.