Back To Black

Mystery Guy

After work, Kennedy suggests that we go out for drinks, but the last time I let her talk me into going out for drinks I ended up dating a pathological liar, who's name was something different everyday. So, I strongly refused.

When I got home, I anticipated taking a shower and watching movies on Netflix. As I walked into the kitchen, putting my keys and purse in the table, a weird feeling swept over me.

My instincts could tell that something wasn't right. Something was off, I felt the tension in the air rise like the air in a hot air balloon. Digging into my purse, I pulled out my mace a tucked it up the sleeve of my shirt.

Quietly, I snuck around the corner, into the living room and looking up at the second floor, I noticed a light breaking through the pitch blackness of my house. "I don't remember leaving a light on."

"That's because you didn't." My heart jumped out of my chest as I spun around, only to see my little sister, Ava.

"Ava?!" I tried to catch my breath, while she looked at me concerned.

"Whoa, are you okay?"

"No! You almost gave me a heart attack! What are you doing here?" I walked back into the kitchen and she trailed behind me.

"Didn't you get mom and dad's message? They had a last minute business trip, and so I'm staying here."

Taking the mace out of my sleeve, I put it back into my purse. Grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge, thoughts run through my mind. "No, I didn't and you couldn't have stayed with grandma and grandad?" Her eyes widened to my suggestion.

"Are you kidding me? There was no way I'm staying with them, why? So, I could listen to countless stories about the good old days, or how this generation doesn't mean anything, then grandpa will criticize eveything I do and compare me to when mom was my age, while having to work twice as hard than I already do on chores like cooking, cleaning, and being forced to smell prunes all day, and the occasional times I accidently walk in on grandma naked because she refuses to close the bathroom door, or wear a bra, I think not. Besides, who's better to watch me than my own sister?"

I sigh a deep, heavy sigh and remain quiet as I get my thoughts together. Ava stares at me, her eyes hopeful. "Fine, but don't think you can bring all that dtsma into my house, Ava."

"Okay." I know her all to well, so I stare her down.

"I mean it Ava." She throws her up her hands in defense.

"Okay, okay. I hear you."

"How long are you staying anyway?" Heading toward the stairs, she follows.

"A month."

"A month?! That's it I need a drink."

Later in the night, I talk to my parents and they help me to finally accept the fact that Ava will be staying with me. I was still feeling a little uneasy about it. Knowing Ava and her being part of the reason for me moving out of my parent's house in the first place. I couldn't help, but be leary to the fact that we would be under the same roof again.

The next morning, as I was getting ready for work, my stomach twist and turned that I had spent a night with Ava, but I was a bit releaved that I made it through the day without any funny business. I tried to take my mind off of Ava by remembering my date with Elliot today, and the thought of him brought a smile to my face.

I found myself spending more time in my hair and trying to pick the right outfit. After outfit, after outfit, I settled on a royal blue, short-sleeved shirt and black slacks. "You sure are dressed up.for work." My heart jumped at the sound of Ava.