The Guard Job

Chapter 8

Song- Fight Song by Rachel Platten
Chapter 8
My hands shook as I clutched the picture in my hand. My parents... "You ready?" Evie asked as she popped out of nowhere. I shoved the photo back in the bag and nodded.

"Yep!" I said way too enthusiastically. Her eyes narrowed at the bag but just nodded. She walked towards the exit. I followed and the rest of the shopping trip was quiet and awkward. My head was filled with questions. What does the letter say? Who is it from?

We walked out into the parking lot to see Crash waiting there. He looked at us and went into the car. "So, what's up with that bag?" Evie asked gesturing towards my blue bag.

"It's just a bag I found on the floor," I said as if it didn't mean anything.

"Really?" Evie drew out the word and I nodded,  quickly. She was about to say something but she stayed quiet. We got in the car and it was quiet. The silence was not lifting. The music played softly in the background. Evie's eyes focused on the passing scenery while Crash's was on the road. I let out a nervous breath and I closed my eyes. I felt tears well up and I blinked them back. Why? I don't know. I haven't cried in so long. Eyes burned the side of my head. I opened my eyes and turned to Evie. She stared at me as if she was trying to figure me out. I squirmed unable to take her stare.

The car came to a complete halt. Crash parked and walked out. I exited the car as quick as I could. Evie followed and she turned towards the other side. "Where are you going?" I asked Evie. She turned towards me and shrugged.

"You need the space right now and just so you know I don't know how to deal with crying people. I'm just going to leave," she pointed to the other dorms. I looked at her with wide eyes. "You are more readable than you think you are," she stated. I am? She turned on her heels and walked away. I nodded and mumbled a Thank you I knew she couldn't hear. I ran towards our room and shut the door. I took a deep breath as I slid down. I drew in a shaky breath as I let the tears I held in all these years out.

When I stopped crying, I took the letter out of its red envelope. I opened the paper up as I started to hiccup.

Dear our sweet Aralynn,
You finally grew up, we see. It's not time for you to meet us yet but we miss you sweetie. You grown up to be beautiful. Remember, please don't reveal your score. You will put yourself in danger. We are doing the best we can to protect you. All you need to know right now I'd that you are special to us and everyone. You have a purpose but it's not the right time. Please, stay safe. There are things in this world you do not know of yet. We love you.
Love,
Mom and Dad

I fingered the paper as I looked down in sorrow. I folded the paper back up and put it back in the bag. I laid the bag behind my bed as I grabbed my towel. I needed a shower. I, tiredly, made my way towards the shower.

After a quick shower, I exited the bathroom to see Evie sitting on her bed and looking at her phone. She shut her phone as I came in. "So you're good?" She asked and I nodded. I stayed quiet for several minutes and so did she.

"I'm tired, I'm going to sleep. Talk to you tomorrow," I said, dismissively. She nodded and I turned over in my bed. As I fell asleep, I heard shuffling but I shook it off only to think it was Evie just walking to the bathroom. I drifted off in to the dark abyss that I call my escape from reality.