Stargazer (Write Awards 2013)

Chapter 8 (Write Awards 2013)

Aaron carried me back to his house once my eyes became sore and the river of tears had stopped. He didn't question my attack even though I could see long red scratch marks down hair face and arms. When I opened my sore eyes I could see I was back in the lounge room of his house.

Aaron was busy in the kitchen and I could hear metal items clinking and him talking to himself as he went along. A few minutes later I could smell the delicious smell of cooked food wafting in from the kitchen. A few minutes later, Aaron came in with a plate full of golden bread and globs of white looking stuff. He set the plates down on the table just as my stomach let out a massive growl any Guard would be scared of. Heat crept up to my cheeks in embarrassment.

"French toast with scrambled eggs," Aaron said as he gave me a knife and fork. I held onto the utensils in shock and watched as he retreated and sat down in the chair which was dragged further back to give me space.

"I-I can't eat this," I said, gesturing to the food as I placed the knife and fork onto the table. The food smelt like no spices mother uses in her stews or other cooking. It almost smelt; spicy.

"How come?" Aaron asked with a frown. "You aren't allergic to anything are you?"

I shook my head, "no it's just. I don't have anything to give to you in return." I lowered my head hoping he will forgive me. You don't just walk into any home and take their food. You must present an offering in return for the food. Clothing material, candles, spices, jewelry or items which may be of worth to them. I had nothing except for the items I am wearing.

"Give to me?" Aaron asked in shock. I nodded, still keeping my head down. "Don't be silly. Just eat the damn food." Startled, I looked up to find Aaron with raised eyebrows and a small smile at the corner of his lips. Leaning forward he pushed the plate further towards me.

I couldn't hold in the urge to resist and I crammed down as much of the food as possible. The French toast tasted so good I almost asked for more. Until I remembered I wasn't alone and my guest let me eat his food for free. Once finished I placed the plate back on the table.

"Why do you need to give me something for food" Aaron asked, watching me eat with an amused expression on his face.

"Because you always give something in return. It's polite and-" I choked off, remembering that he didn't know anything about my life.

"And?" Aaron prodded, leaning closer. Sensing my hesitation his smile fell from his face and his eyes held a hint of worry. I sighed, sagging my shoulders.

"If you don't the Guards will come and take you away," I whispered, clenching my fingers into balls. There was a moment of silence and I could almost taste the shock in the air.

"They do what?" Aaron asked slowly.

"Take you away," I repeated. "Then you die at sunset."

"Die?" His voice was of course filled with doubt. I nodded and looked up. Aaron's eyebrows were lifted so high I would have laughed if it was in a different moment. His lips were parted and I could see him swallow.

"Yes," was my only response.

"Is this some kind of sick, twisted joke?" Aaron suddenly asked. Frowning I opened my mouth to ask him what he meant but he cut me off. "Don't lie! Did Stephen put you up to this? If he did so help me," his threat was left clear in the air, leaving me slightly afraid of him.

"Joke?" I asked. "You think I came here to joke?" Aaron was rubbing his face and pacing the room. I watched him as he ran his hand through his hair, a smirk plastered on his face.

"This is all a joke isn't it? To get me back for the shower prank? Jesus Stephen. It was a joke!" he muttered to himself as if this Stephen person was here.