A Faltering self (Distorted Reality book 2)

Chapter 45- Tension fizzles out

(Maddy's POV)

We sit at the table, and until now, I didn't think how awkward it would be. Matt to my right on the same side as me, and Kalston to my left, close enough to touch, but around the corner of the table. They have only been passing up to this point, and I realize that I never introduced them to each other.

Do I need to? Is that the right thing to do, or do I just not?

'It's a little late, now, isn't it?'

'Great, you dropped the ball on that.'

Yeah... I think I'll leave it. If they want to know each other, I'll leave that to them.

'Not very nice, is it?

"So, are we praying?"

Asher speaks up after he puts the last of what he wants on his plate. Railey laughs softly at his usual bluntness before Indy speaks up.

"Yes, we're praying. Would you like to be the one to lead us, Ash?"

His eyes stay on his plate as they seem to bug out for a moment before he speaks again.

"No! I'd rather not do that. It's Bailey's home, she can pray."

To the average person, it might seem like he's deflecting because he's not much for God, but ironically, it's Bailey who's not. She plays believing mostly for her mom, but hearing her on the right day, she is in a middle ground right now of whether He even exists. I decide against every fiber of my being to take the step to lead.

"I'll, uh, I'll do it."

I see Kalston hold his hands out before noticing him pull them to themselves when he looks around to see everyone else doing the same.

Everyone closes their eyes, and I do the as well before feeling eyes on me once I begin praying.

"Dear heavenly Father, We come to you in prayer to thank you for the blessings of today."

The stare grows before whispers come from my right side, which makes it harder to focus on the words I say.

"Stop caring so much." 

"Thank you... Thank you for, food, and us, together."

"She's a bad influence on you."

"Please, bless the food... we're about to eat."

My eyes barely open to scan where the whispers are from as I see a flicker of a dark figure behind Matt's shoulder.

"You're on a string, and you're-"

"Help this evening... to be... end well. Help us all to get home safe... and..."

The whispering cuts off as the flickering figure shifts, and I notice what seems to be a head with hollow eyes staring at me before it disappears.

Is that... Is that what Matt meant when he said them? Does it follow him? His...

There's a word for it, what is it?

There's a tap on my foot from Kalston, and I realize that I fell from praying and continue back.

"... Help us to have a good rest of the evening. In Jesus's name we pray, amen."

Looking around, I notice Bailey's gaze on me. She gives me a look that conveys her concern, and I know later will come questions I'd rather not answer.

"Man, this looks great. You did great on the sweet potatoes, Bailey."

Kalston takes the attention off me as Bailey's focus is on him instead now.

"Thanks, it's a family recipe."