Wayward Wolf

Burden

Raymond

All morning the words, "Don't go," had been at the tip of my tongue. Maybe I should've just grown some balls and told Eve that I wanted to see her again, needed to see her again. I'd tried so hard not to become attached to her, but it isn't something I can control. I'd never had problems with keeping everyone at arm's length because there's never been anyone around. Eve is just impossible not to get attached to.

I stand at the front door as the sound of her hurried steps crunching in the snow fades away. The feeling of her pressed against my front lingers, her face against my chest and her... generous chest pushed onto my abdomen. Her scent still surrounds me and will be hanging around my house for at least a week if not longer. How I won't go insane while it fades, I'm not sure.

The sound of a car continues down the road until it disappears entirely. A part of me wondered if Eve would come back, but she must've thought I didn't want her here. I'm not surprised seeing as I couldn't even manage to hug her back. I was in shock, partially because I hadn't been expecting it and also because it's been a long time since I've had human contact. Frankie isn't exactly the physically affectionate type.

Maybe it's for the best she doesn't come back. All I would be to her is a burden. I can't cook, can barely clean, and I don't need anyone to tell me I don't have the best personality. I don't even know what I look like anymore. The last time I saw my own reflection I was an acne riddled fourteen-year-old.

After closing the door, I shuffle back to the living room and collapse back against the couch. Everything is quiet, too quiet. I've gotten used to Eve's constant rambling the last couple of days and going back to hearing nothing but the rustling of branches outside and the pipes settling in the walls is odd.

I don't know how long I sit there with my eyes closed when the silence is broken by the sound of a vehicle outside. At first, I hope it's Eve coming back, but I can hear the squeak of the fan belt and know that it's Frankie. He still hasn't gotten it replaced. I listen to him kill the engine and walk up to the door. When he knocks, I don't bother getting up to open the door. He can either come in himself or go the fuck away. I'm still a little pissed from our phone call yesterday and I just don't have the will to get up.

"There's a car on the side of the-who the fuck was in your house?" I hear him take a deep breath. "Do you have a woman in your house, Ray?"

"Did," is all I say, trying not to pay attention to how much the word burns in my throat.

"Damn," Frankie crows, shoving my head forward from behind. "Did you finally get laid?"

I scoff and fall onto my side on the couch. "You say that like you aren't a fucking virgin still, Frankie."

"You obviously didn't get any or you wouldn't be so fucking grouchy. Well, if she doesn't like you, send her my way."

Snorting, I listen to Frankie wander around my living room like I'm hiding Eve behind the TV. "That wouldn't end well."

"Why the fuck not, huh?" Frankie hisses, coming to stand in front of me. I know I hit a nerve. Frankie isn't like me. He wants a partner, a family, a warm body to come home to at night, but he hasn't had much luck in that department. Our family is notorious thanks to Jerry.

"She's a Scott, dipshit. Her older brother would put you six feet under before he let you within five feet of his sister."

"That's why she smelt familiar," I hear him mumble under his breath. "What was a fucking Scott doing in your house?"