Cult of The Small Town.

Chapter 9: Getting home and staying home.

I decided after what I saw, I was ready to go home. Vince and I got in the car and shared no words past " I'm going to take you home and head home". I proceeded to drive him home and then drive myself home. The whole time I was driving home all I could see in my head was that innocent creature just laying there. It's dark outside, the drive back home has been quiet but it's almost over and that is a good thing. I need some sleep. I think That I'm going to be "Sick" tomorrow and not go to school. After what I saw, I'm so ready to just rest and then paint all day tomorrow. I'm home and of course all the lights are off. It's dead silent, everyone hasn't woken up yet so I'm going to sneak my way in. Thankfully we don't have any dogs, only cats. It will just be the challenge of the squeaky floors and the treacherous stairs. It does not help that my parents room is right across the hall from my mine. I'm heading in now that I've run this through my mind thirty times. I opened the door slowly then creeped in. I waltzed across the living room floor where I knew it wasn't squeaky. I approached the stairs with dread because this was about to be loud. I'm just praying mom doesnt get up for her early morning piss. I so dont fucking need that shit, not after what I went through tonight. I should probably think of something to say if she does walk out. What about "Oh mom, sorry I'm home so late, but I gave Vince a ride home and we got to talking.". Then she will assume the worst and think I was fucking him. Alternatively, I could always tell her that I was at Darcy's place. Then I could text Darcy and tell her to cover for me. Either way I've thought about it enough I'm going to wing it and head up these stairs to my safe space. I desperately walk up the stairs. I try to go as slowly as possible. The stairs creak as usual but, I'm just hoping that everyone is peacefully asleep. So far so good I am about halfway up the stairs.

Whew, I made it thank the gods, I really didn't need anymore questions tonight. I open my door, step in and take a deep breath. I whisper Im here, I made it. Then I kick off my shoes and start to get comfortable in bed. I didn't even bother flipping the lights on because I am beyond tired. I'm sure I will just pass out after I lay here for a Bit. It's nice to be in the comfort of my home, but my mind is spinning with anxiety and the way that deer was laid out like an art project. What if that was a person? Who could do something like this? I need to think about something else. How about back to the way that Vince shared his story so openly with me. What a shame about his friend Maurice. The fact that Maurice hates him astonishes me, all because he thinks that it's Vinces fault that his brother got convicted. It's so sad to lose a friend over something so sincere. I swear I need some melatonin because I cannot sleep to save my life. I mean really like this is an ongoing problem even when I haven't seen something traumatic.

My alarm goes off at a swift 5:30 in the morning. It feels like I got absolutely no sleep. Probably because I didn't get any sleep. I shouldn't be up right now, but if I wasn't awake I couldn't be fake sick to stay home today. I need some rest, what excuse am I gonna use today. I could just do what everyone says is the best thing to do and tell the truth. That's just not gonna happen though it involves way too much explaining. I walk out of my room to the bathroom. I can hear my mom rustling around getting out of bed. I still haven't decided what excuse I want to use to stay home. Im tempted to just say Im staying home today I need a mental health day and leave it at that. I do my morning routine, it never changes. I wash my face with cold water, brush my teeth, and then look in the mirror for about a minute and think about what I'm grateful for. I walk back into my bedroom to get my hairbrush and brush my hair so I can go downstairs and talk to my lovely mother.

I dreadfully march down the creaky stairs that I just had to sneak up less than 3 hours ago. My moms standing there getting a head start on cooking breakfast like she does every morning. Today it seems like she is prepping for french toast, eggs, and bacon. She hears me come down the stairs

"Good morning hunny, how are you doing this morning?" She kindly greeted me. Now I'm on the spot, what am I gonna say? Oh, well i'm gonna wing it.

" Good morning Momma, I'm not feeling too great today, I think I just need to rest. I think I'm gonna stay home." I replied to her.

"Leah, you look like you're not feeling well, Do you want some tea? Are you going to want breakfast?" she asked me. She sounded concerned. I think she could feel that something was off with me. I'm glad she didn't ask me any further questions.

" Yeah, I will have some food." I replied.

"You're welcome darling, after you eat you should go upstairs and get some rest." she said in her worried mom voice.

"Okay mom sounds good." I said back to her.