Mad Hatter |George Daniel|

26

"I'll be home around nine love." Matty called out from the kitchen, clanking plates together as he made his lunch. I god ear my book page and get up from the sofa, walking to where his voice was. I found the curly haired bloke sealing up his backpack and grabbing a water bottle from the fridge. He smiles at me, walking over to push his lips to my forehead. "Be good." He pinches my cheek.

"No promises." I reply, a slight giggle leaving my lips as he walked out the front door. The house is quiet aside from Navi snoring in the loft. To stall time I showered and made myself breakfast, did my laundry then found myself bored. I had those girls numbers from last night, but I didn't want to call them. Obviously.

Instead I decided to stop by George's work, to see what was up there. Maybe gossip about what happened to him. No one there new my face or my name. I wanted to be nosy. I wanted to explore what Gee's life is like outside of the house and my life. I wanted to know what other people thought about my love at work.

So I slipped on my jacket and a pair of boots, made my way out the door while grabbing Matty's bike. The weather was moderately okay for now, not too cold, not too hot, a slight breeze pushing me. Pedaling down the side of main street I pass pedestrians like I am ghost. Non of them eye me, most moves as if I was a breeze coming their way and others I had to maneuver around. Eventually my all down hill ride came to an end when I wheeled up to the library. It was infested with young wailing children and elderly people. How did Gee stand being here...?

Walking in I take my hood off, casually strolling down one of the bookshelves, skimming my finger along their spines. I wondered what books George has touched too. Biting my lip I slide one out. Flowers In The Attic by V.C. Andrews. I flip it after examining the cover. For a second I drained myself into the reading the back, sitting down on the floor, leaning against the shelves. I'm so drawn to it I couldn't tell how long I was on the ground reading it until i felt another body take a seat next to me.

"It's been awhile." The blonde calls out softly, a toothy smile on show. I close the book, leaving my pointer finger to hold the space I was at. I stare back at the green eyed girl, blinking questionably. Her blonde hair is pulled back, stretching her face back into the pony tail.

"Didn't think you'd notice me." I admit, tucking some of my own hair behind my ear, nervously looking to the ground. I can't believe she's here, right in front of me.... "It's nice to see you, Olivia." My voice quivers.

"Luana." She states, sighing happily. "My mom and I miss you like wild." I nod, not looking directly at her. It hurt to much knowing what I've done to her family.

"I bet." My voice is so bitter, bland and blunt.

"You didn't come to his funeral...I expected you to be there honestly."

"Macen and I weren't together for that long Olive. I don't want to be rude about your dead brother but, he wasn't the best to me. I don't think he really deserved me to see him buried." I admit, setting the book back on the shelf, standing to try and walk away but she's blocking my path. 

"Why do you think he did it? That guy..."

"I don't have time for all these questions Olivia. I really should be getting home. I'll-"

"I get you don't want to see me because I might remind you of him but-"

"Later Olive. Really." I hold up my hand to stop her speech, walking past her bumping shoulders and not looking back once. She doesn't follow. My heart felt hot, my palms started to sweat. Seeing Macen's sister at a time like this was so unbearable, I could not imagine seeing his mum at this moment either. The guilt I swallowed last night seemed to fill up my throat again. It makes everything hard to breath. Rushing back outside to Matty's chained up bike I start to tell myself this was a horrible horrible horrible idea. My shaking hands fumble the twist lock freeing the bike from the rack so I could climb on and get home. The whole ride was up hill, I biked halfway until I got off, walking my way up the last street.

All I could think about was Olivia's eyes and how much color has been drained from them since I last seen her. George and I did that to her and it made my heart ache. After making it to the house I perch the bike against the front door. I key the front door but it's already open...I swore Matty locked it when he left.

Walking in I can only hear a rustle come from my bedroom and I get a sick feeling in my gut. Matty couldn't be home. The only other person with a key was Matty's brother and he would've texted us if he was coming by. Setting my phone and shoes on the ground mat near the door I slowly creep up the steps. Taking one at a time, holding my breath and gripping the hand rail. I thankfully light enough to avoid creaking our floorboards so I make it up the flight like a birds feather. The noise is loud, like someone was moving papers and sheets around. The door is wide open but I can't see too far into the room. My fingertips run along the popcorn walls as I inch closer.

When I peak inside I am taken back, everything in my body feeling completely wired, sensing I was not in a good position. I shouldn't have came up here. I shout: "What the fuck?!"