The Watchers

Chapter 6: I Know You

Mid way through the day, I get a text from Philip saying he wants to see me and apologize. Right after I get one from Eli asking to see me.

I avoid my dad and take the boys out with me, texting Eli to meet me at the park and ignoring Philip. I walk the boys back to my actual house, which is three houses down from my grandmother's, and unlock the front door, letting them into the average sized three bedroom, two bathroom house.

Lance leds the way, running excitedly to their room with Lucas walking nervously behind him.

I look around at the open living room, tan couches, black, square end tables and couch table, and pictures hanging on the wall.

I move over to the wall and gaze at the pictures of my mom holding the boys as babies. Her standing over them at countless birthday parties. Her helping them unwrap presents and holding their hands while they were dressed up for Halloween.

I look at a picture of my mother in a pale blue sun dress covered with little pink flowers. The willow tree she leans against fans its leaves down around her. She stomach is extended in front of her as she gazes down at it with her thin lips stretched into a small, kind smile. Her hands holding her swollen stomach carefully.

The way the sun hits the picture is beautiful, and I love that part of it. It was the first picture of Mom and I that Dad had ever taken.

I continue gazing at the photo until a tiny voice interrupts my focus.

"Celeste? Aren't you going to get dressed?"

I turn and look down at Lucas. He is holding a small red and blue shirt in his hands, struggling to fit his tiny arms into it. I smile softly and crouch down to him, pull the shirt over his head and onto him, and ruffle his soft, brown hair through my fingers.

"I will. You help your big brother now."
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I walk the boys down the street, holding Lucas's hand while Lance walks a few paces in front of us. I watch the area around us, hoping to run into Eli on the way to the park, or avoid Philip completely...

We arrive to the park, and Lance takes off for the jungle gym. Lucas tugs my hand towards swings. I continue looking around for Eli. I notice a shadow hiding under the jungle gym and a pearly white smile attached to the shadow.

"Sissy," Lucas squeaks as he notices the shadow and latches onto me.

"I know, Lukie," I say softly.

I pick him up and slowly and cautiously walk towards the shadow.

"Who is that?" I ask before the overly sweet perfum starts burning my nose.

Lucas buries his nose into my shoulder. The smile disappears as the shadow turns into human features. Eli's piercing eyes gaze out at me as he leans his whole body towards the edge of the shadows.

"Hello, beautiful," he says calmly. "Nice weather we're having."

Lance stops running and is standing in front of Eli. His body hunched over and trembling slightly. Eli looks down at him with a smile spread across his face, fangs showing behind his pale pink lips. Eli squats down to Lance's height.

"I've met you before," he says gently. "Don't worry about me. Play on the jungle gym."

Lance looks at me before turning away from us and going to play on the park's equipment. I wearily watch him, but I carry Lucas over to the swings. Eli slips from the shadows, following me to the swings. His harsh perfume stinging my nose. I set Lucas down, and he climbs on a swing.