I Look In People's Windows

Chapter 19

A/n - This is quite long so sorry about that. 

Fearless

"Can you work?" I hit the remote a few more times and pointed it at the TV to a blank screen. I turned it over in my hand, removing the back cover and switching the batteries around which did nothing to make it work. Yawning heavily, I set it down, brushing some stray curls out of my face. I felt miserable in here away from the others.

As much I didn't like being alone for this long, self isolation was a better option than facing them as the let down I was however I did need to make a quick trip for some new batteries.

I opened the door, ready to leave my room, stopping just short of walking right into Karma.

"Well, look who it is." I blinked a few times, realising she was in the hallway just outside my door. There was a mostly empty bowl of popcorn in her hand and as usual, a stupid grin on her face. I took a step back, my hand resting on the handle. "You know I was beginning to wonder if you'd ever show your face. I've been here a few days now and up until now you're the only one I hadn't seen."

"1989 said not to talk to you."

"Scared I'll bite?"

I huffed, crossing my arms. "No. What do you want anyway?"

"Why so serious? I'm just trying to have a conversation."

"I have other things to do."

"Like what? Having pity parties in your room?"

"What?"

"Oh don't pretend like you don't know what I'm talking about. I heard about what happened to you on Halloween. Doesn't take a genius to put two and two together about why you're stuck in there instead of parading about with Debut."

"Why do you even care?"

"I'm not heartless. And I don't think being couped up is good for you. No offence, but you look like a zombie. You're the country girl. You're supposed to be out and about, breathing fresh air, not stuck in there." I knew I looked like a mess. My hair was unkempt, eyes red from all the crying and pillows under my eyes due to my lack of sleep. Hearing her say that though made me even more annoyed at this situation. "Relax, I'm just joking."

I narrowed my eyes at her, my patience already worn thin. She just stood there in the hallway, bowl of popcorn in hand looking as smug as ever. I should punch her. That would wipe that grin off her face. Before I could decide on whether or not to do it, she spoke up again.

"So what were you planning on doing before I interrupted you?"

"I needed to get batteries for my remote."

"Well then, after you our fearless leader."

"You think you're so funny." I couldn't tell if this was her mocking me or just her usual condescending way of talking. She was always hard to read. You'd never know if something was a compliment or a veiled insult.

"While I've been told that I'm hilarious, I wasn't joking."

I didn't have the energy for an argument so I stepped out into the hallway, making sure to lock the door behind me, and made my way to the kitchen whilst she followed behind me.

While I fished around in one of the drawers where 1989 kept spare items, Karma spoke up again, looking through one of the cupboards. "So why the need to stay away from Debut? I thought you told each other everything?"

"It's complicated."

"I have time to listen." She pulled something out of the cupboard, turning it over in her hands before holding it out to me. "Granola bar?"