Just a Shadow in the Night (Mikey Way / OC)

Chapter 4

Emilia's P.O.V

I started to recognize the buildings after what seemed like forever. The dim street light illuminated the damp, cracked road. I checked the time, blinding myself in the process, to discover it was half past midnight.

I felt almost childlike in Gerard's presence. The way I had to catch up to him when he walked too fast, made it seem like he was determined to bring me home safely. I'd heard branches snapping off in the distance, and more footsteps than necessary, but when I looked around, there was only the two of us.

"You're being watched" My brain stated.

I let the thought sink in for a minute and I realised... maybe my brain is right. My breathing quickened once again from the panic that was rushing through my veins. Gerard must have noticed my change in attitude because he slowed down and turned around to study me.

"Are you okay?" He asked, in a worried tone.

"Y-yeah. How much longer until we get back?" I stuttered while playing with my sleeves and quickly glancing at him, then back at the sidewalk as I spoke.

"Not long, don't worry." He assured me as he guided me along by placing his arm around my waist.

I moved further away so he wouldn't be able to touch me. I heard him sigh at take the lead in front of me again. This time, he decided to make small talk.

"Where are you from?" He asked loud enough so I could hear him from in front of me.

"Canada." I replied as he stopped walking and gestured for me to walk beside him.

"It's cold there, similar to here. You should have worn a jacket." He stated bluntly.

"I guess." I mumbled as I thought of something to ask him. "What about you, where are you from?" I asked after a short pause.

"Here. I live with my brother, Mikey. You should meet him."

I pondered the thought. I just met Gerard and he wants me to meet his brother. Then what? Will he want me to meet his friends? I don't want friends. I'm okay with my cat, at home.

"I don't know..." I said hesitantly.

"Oh come on, he's super nice once you get to know him!" He exclaimed, before adding "And he's shy... just like you."

I glanced quickly at Gerard when he said that, to find he want already looking at me. The moon was making his eyes sparkle as he studied my face for my reaction, making me look away, feeling uncomfortable.

After another pause, this time longer. I sighed, "Fine".

I swear I could see Gerard jump for joy, or something along those lines. What a strange man.

We kept a steady pace, occasionally turning a corner here and there. Gerard would pull out his phone every once in a while and text someone, smiling down at me when he noticed I'd been watching. He was only, maybe 3 inches taller than me, but he looked down at me when we spoke.

Maybe it was my mind playing tricks on me, but I swear I saw figures of men in the distance. As we got closer, they disappeared. Anxiety built up in the pit of my stomach, and I bit my lip out of habit.

My feet began to get throb as we kept walking. "Fuck, ow, ow, ow." I thought in my head as I took each step. I could see my breath, and realised how cold I was.

I pulled out my iPod again after wondering what time it was. I blinded myself again as I unlocked it. The numbers read '12:45'. I sighed.

"How old are you?" I asked after a few minutes of silence, I felt like I was obligated to talk to him, since we were walking side by side. I hoped conversation would keep my mind off my pained feet.

"26" He said, quite proudly. "You?" he asked.

"I recently turned 17..." I muttered, feeling childlike again.

"That's because you are a child, you're a minor and he's 9 years older than you." My brain reminded me.

I sighed in response and shoved my hands in my pockets.

"Do you go to school?" Gerard asked, cocking his head slightly, looking at me for my answer.

"No, I lived in a province where high school ended in grade 11. I have a diploma." I explained. He seemed happy with my answer, nodding slightly.

---

"We're here." He informed me as I looked up to see my apartment.
"Thank you." I smiled at him, as I reached for the door.

"Hold on." He said, grabbing my wrist lightly, before continuing. "Do you have a cell phone?"

I nodded, and he asked "Can we exchange phone numbers? I'd like to keep in touch." He asked with a small smile.

Okay, time to weigh the pros and cons here. Pros- I'll have someone to talk to. Cons- I'll have someone to talk to, who I can't ignore. He could also be psychotic... but that's highly unlikely.

He called my name, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Hmm?" I answered; worried that he'd know I'd been thinking about it.

"So... can I have your number?" He pressed.

"Sure..." I mumbled taking my phone out of my pocket and shakily handing it over to him, taking his phone from his hand.

I wrote my number into his contacts and handed his phone back. He handed me my phone back moments later and we said our goodbyes. I watched as he walked away, not looking back.

When he reached his house, he unlocked the door and walked in. I opened my door with a small smile on my face.