Wicked Games

2. Out of the Blue

                                                     2. OUT OF THE BLUE

We were now two minutes away from Jase and, his girlfriend, Emilie’s house – at least, that was what I had been told. By now the sun had began to set so the sky was adorned in a beautiful array of purples, blues and oranges. Being locked up for 3 years had certainly made me appreciate the simple things in life that most people let pass by without a second glance. If you were so much as caught doing something as ‘pathetic’ as watching the arrival or passing of a new day inside, disastrous consequences would indeed follow. Certainly, many had been made examples of.

Coupled with an hour’s journey in the car, the day’s events were definitely taking their toll on me. Timely, too, since… apparently, we had just arrived. Pulling up the small driveway unnerved me to no end. Not wanting to blow a lid when it fully caught up with me, I forced myself to inhale and exhale with a steadier rhythm. From the outside, it looked like young Jason had really hit the jackpot.

It was a fairly large house with immensely inviting glass windows and an equally-large front garden furnished with gorgeous flower arrangements. It wasn’t too surprising since the area that we had driven in through was decorated with similar generously-sized story book houses. It didn’t look like the typical bachelor pad you would expect from a twenty three year old. To be fair, not every twenty-three-year-old male was in a serious relationship so I suppose a family home like this one was fitting for Jason’s new life.

The car came to a stop and with a silent nod and reassuring smile from said man, I reluctantly got it together. After a quick push of the side-door, I swung my leg over the car seat, hopped out and shut the door behind me. I realised that Jase didn’t head towards the boot to retrieve my suitcase and I was about to question him until the front door flew open.  It was then a gust of wind and a petite blonde made their way towards me, both with the apparent intention of squeezing the life out of me. 

The unfamiliar contact was neither welcomed nor comfortable as I awkwardly stood, my limbs hanging idly by my side, whilst her head made itself at home below my chest. Startled, I turned my head towards Jason indicating that she needed to back off. Thankfully, he got the message and made his way over to where I still lacked the ability to move, trapped like a deer in headlights.

“Em, give the kid some space,” he chuckled.

She did as he said and stepped back only to full-on beam at me. Between the staring, the premature hugging and this seemingly everlasting smile, I was floored.  Why was she so happy? I stared right back at her trying to maintain a neutral expression.

I had to say, hiding my puzzlement and deep shock from this stranger was a task.

Although for some reason, unknown to me, I felt like the overly-enthusiastic woman would not be a stranger to me for long.

After all, when was the last time someone had appeared so happy to see me, much less a complete stranger? Knowing where I had just come from, she should have been at least a little apprehensive and definitely not comfortable enough in my presence to radiate such a positive welcome.

Mirroring her actions, I – discretely - gave her a once-over; she was no big-foot, standing at my chest, she was a couple of feet shorter than me. This didn’t detract from her obvious beauty however; wearing a red dress that looked like it was made for her, her nails were the same shade. Golden, her shimmering locks were tied back in a modest pony tail and on her feet were, just as simple, ballet flats.