Byron's Secret (Slenderman Romance)

Chapter 39. Walking Home

"－So I had to drop these off somewhere so I wouldn't be late." I explained, looking at Martha in the eye as I point at the bags on the ground.

She slapped my back, "I already told you!" She laughed, "It's fine. Rachel also explained it before she left."

"Yeah, but I don't like relying on people too much, it just doesn't feel comfortable." I said for the hundredth time, "Really, thank you so much, Martha." I gave her a small smile as I grabbed onto the four plastic bags.

"Anytime, Joy." She held the door open for me, "Better head home fast. It's already dark."

I simply gave her a nod before I walked out of the diner, breathing a sigh of relief. I took a short glance at the black sky before the harsh wind blew on my face, messing up my hair. I shook my head as I realize how tired I was. Seriously, I had to run to the store this morning and went into panic because I thought I was going to miss my class. I even caused trouble for Rachel and Martha－Well, she said it was nothing, but I still don't like it when my actions cause people inconvenience. Maybe that's why I don't really tell people about the stalkers breaking into my house.

Even Byron was late because of me.

I stopped under a lamppost, dropping the heavy bags as I rest. Stretching my arms, I thought of today's events once again. This morning, Dylan told me about his headache at the diner and that he heard static. That can only mean one thing since he's the only one who heard the static. They know he's here.

I should text him to let him know I'll be home soon.

With that thought, I took my phone from my bag and messaged him, "I'm on my way home."

It's really dark. It's almost seven. Byron and I were the only ones in the school after finishing our classes, though he stayed behind. He's just so busy. I work at both the college and high school, but arts is more on performance and activities rather than tests and quizzes, so I don't have to check a lot of papers like him.

I honestly want to repay him. If he ever needs help, I'll definitely lend him a hand. Ugh, it's always like this. Whenever I ask someone for a favor, I get really antsy and I can't just let it go, I keep trying to think of ways to compensate. I'm just really grateful that Rachel, Martha and Byron helped me out. I mean, it's not that big of a deal, but something like that rarely happens to the old friendless me.

There was a sudden gush of wind, making me shiver. I wasn't wearing anything, but a blouse and the thinnest pants in my closet. I'm fucking freezing.

Paranoia crawled its way to me as I realized that I was the only one on the streets. I looked around, but everything looks pretty normal－which is good.

I hurriedly picked up the bags and used all my strength to walk faster. Just a couple of minutes more, and I'll reach my house.

As I turned to a corner, I saw a familiar, tall figure from up front, "Byro－!"

I quickly bit my tongue to stop myself. Shit. I did not want him to see me with these groceries. I'm sure as hell am not going to tell him that these aren't for me, but for the dumbfuck living in my house. Even if it's Byron, I can't tell him about Dylan, especially now that we're outside. Someone might hear, you never know.

For a second, I thought he didn't hear me. But my hopes died when he turned around and looked at me. I unknowingly turned my head to my side with my hair covering my face, thinking that he might not recognize me if I did so. Once I realized that it was a stupid move, I quickly turned and looked back at him. Byron gave me a questioning look as if wondering why I called out to him.