Invisible

Chapter 28 Doubling Back

It's a mistake.

My first thought in the morning as I sit up screaming from a nightmare worse than any I've ever had before. In this one he parted the curtain and turned to me, the cold eyes of my father caught mine and he pointed the gun at me, a manic grin spreading across his face before he fired. I can't stop shaking, or stop the tears from coursing down my face. The thought enters my head to end it all, cease to exist and end the pain.

I hate myself for it and I grab my phone. The second before I can hit Maggie's speed dial a text comes in.

H- 'can you meet me at the busses before I leave? I need to talk to you, in person.'

I stare at it, of course! Our conversation from last night, I'm such a bad friend! I never thought about calling him last night, after everything.

L- 'See you in 20.'

I'm true to my word. The parking lot is abuzz with activity but Hunter sees me immediately and runs over to my car. "Hi! I'm so glad you could come! Let me give you a tour!"

I start to protest but he sets off at a great pace and I have no choice but to follow. Once inside I gape at the size, it looks so much bigger inside than I could have thought possible.

Hunter doesn't stop, he walks through a doorway on the far end and I follow. Stepping through the frame I see a bed in the corner and several instruments lined up on the opposite wall. "Hunter?"

The door closes behind me. I yelp and turn, hand over my heart. "Don't scare me like that!"

"Sorry. It wasn't my intention." He shoves his hands in his pockets.

"This is really cool."

"Thanks, can we talk now?" He shifts uncomfortably.

"Sure, sorry about last night, I just-"

"Leah it's fine." Hunter sits on the edge of one of the two chairs, I follow suit and sit in the other. He seems fixated on my left hand. "So... Why did you say yes?"

"I thought you wanted to talk about your problems. Not mine."

"So it's a problem."

"That's not what I meant." I feel defensive and try to keep my cool.

Suddenly Hunter grabs my hand and squeezes, he looks right into my eyes and the ring digs into my finger. "Why did you say yes?"

"Hunter, ow!" I tug my hand back but he holds firm.

"It's not because you love him."

His words sting right to my core. "Jacob knows that."

"Why are you doing this?"

"Because... Because I'm scared!" The tears start immediately after and in ashamed of them. "I'm scared no one else will want me, or be willing to live with what I am. I'm afraid of dying alone!" My knees straighten and I stand hastily, ripping my hand from Hunter's grip. I try to get control of my breathing. "You're supposed to be my friend and understand and encourage. Not pressuring and judging the choices I make!"

"I'm sorry, I just thought-"

"What kind of advice could I get from you anyway? You're still hung up on a person that couldn't see a future with you. At least I have someone." Okay, that was below the belt, especially for me. I decide to leave before I say anything else I regret. "Goodbye Hunter."

"Leah, wait," Hunter stands and blocks my exit before I can react. "Please don't leave with things like this between us."

"I don't know what else to say. I-I need to go."