Their Wattpad Love

Chapter 4

*Nick's POV*

I spent Saturday locked inside my bedroom, avoiding my dad. He went to the bar on Saturdays and I really wasn't in the mood to deal with him.

At about 9:00, I got bored of playing Black Ops, so I went on Wattpad to see if any of the books I was reading had been updated. I know Wattpad is mostly for girls, but I actually really liked it.

Sure enough, one of the books had been updated. There were three new chapters! The book was called The Neighbors, and it was one in the horror genre. I loved everything scary, whether it was a book or a horror movie.

In The Neighbors, there's this girl about my age whose next-door-neighbors are possessed by demons. It's really interesting, and the author does a really good job with her writing. Her username is @b_2000. I've never messaged her, but I've read all her books.

Anyway, I clicked open The Neighbors, and began to read from where I'd left off. It was getting so good! The main character was being toyed with by the demons. I loved all the detail in this book, even though it was creepy and sometimes gory. But don't most guys like that stuff anyway?

When I was finished with the three new chapters, I commented, 'Great job! I really like your book.' Then I exited Wattpad and opened up a real book I had to read for school. I know I probably should've done my homework before going on Wattpad (or playing video games, for that matter), but there wasn't that much today. I'd be fine.

The book assigned to us in English class was Julius Caesar, by Shakespeare. It was actually really good, if a little confusing at times. I only had to read two chapters that night.

When I was done, I studied my Algebra 2 notes. There was a big test on Monday that I'd been preparing for all week, and now it was only two days away.

School was pretty important to me. It wasn't just because I liked the work, but it also gave me an excuse to avoid my dad. And if I had really good grades at the end of high school, I could get into a prestigious college far away from him.

Look, I know he's my dad and he probably means well underneath the whole "I hate you" act. But every time I'm around him, I'm scared for my life. I don't really admit that to anyone-not that I have any friends to admit it to-but it's true. I hate my dad.

I can't wait to move out.

- - -

On Sunday morning, I slept in til 11:00. Our family never got in the habit of attending church, and this was my last day to sleep in for the week. So I took the opportunity.

When I finally did get up, I couldn't find my dad anywhere. He must still be at the bar, I thought. Although I rolled my eyes in annoyance, I was also secretly grateful for more time to myself.

I made myself some breakfast-two frozen chocolate chip waffles in the toaster-and poured a glass of orange juice. Sundays were the one day I actually ate breakfast.

After that, I found Copper and took him outside. He was excited to see me, and it brought a smile to my face to see him so happy. I wanted to stay outside and play with him a little longer, but then I remembered that I hadn't gotten dressed yet. I was still in my pajama pants, without a shirt. Luckily, none of my old-lady neighbors were outside watching.

"I'll be right back, Copper," I said to my dog as I tied his leash to a tree. Then I went inside to get dressed.

I picked out a NASA T-shirt and jeans, then splashed cold water on my face in the bathroom and put on my glasses. Everything became a little clearer after that.

Dressed and ready to go, I went back outside to play with Copper. But he wasn't where I'd left him. His leash was no longer tied to the tree. Before I could wonder how he'd broken free, I started freaking out. Where was my dog?

I looked around the yard, behind all the bushes and trees. But Copper was nowhere to be found. "Copper!" I called, hoping he would hear my voice and come running towards me. But there was no answer, not even a rustling of leaves as if he were dashing through the forest.

Tears threatened to spill down my cheeks, but I held them back. This wasn't a time to cry; I had to be brave and find my dog.

After about an hour, he still hadn't shown up, so I started walking down the street, looking for him.

I almost didn't see him. He was lying on the side of the road, blood spilling out of a wound in his chest. His eyes were dark and lifeless.

"Copper?" I said, my voice breaking as I approached him. It was then that I allowed the tears to fall.

- - -
Author's Note: I know this was a short chapter, but it was a sad one too, so I wanted to leave you guys with some suspense. The next chapter should be up soon!