Kraal

Chapter 16: Rose

Thankfully, the next day was Saturday. I couldn't face college, going about everyday life as though nothing had happened, as though I hadn't just been thrust into a horror story.

I was desperate to see Josh, to talk this through with him. I'd even thought about going to his house, but I thought that would be edging on desperation. Besides, he knew where I was if he wanted to talk to me.

I did, however, have another surprise visitor that day. When I finally dragged myself from my bed and into the kitchen, I found my dad sitting at the table, his salt and pepper hair brushed back off his face, his coat still on like he was ready to leave at any moment. Mum was there too, resting against the kitchen units and eyeing Dad with nothing but contempt.

"What's going on?"

Dad turned and rose from his seat. "I've come to take you home, Rose."

"What?" My eyes darted to Mum, her face was screwed up in anger.

"You're not taking her anywhere."

"That's not your decision." Dad didn't look at Mum when he spoke.

"Things not working out with the Homewrecker?" Mum had clearly picked up on my nickname for Dad's new girlfriend. "Think you can just walk in here and take your family back."

"I only came for Rose." Dad said.

"Why now, Dad? You barely even spoke to me when we left." I folded my arms across my chest defiantly. This was nothing compared to being attacked by a werewolf.

He frowned a little. "Things were difficult then, and you were so angry. I thought you might need some time calm down."

"She's not going with you." Mum said through gritted teeth.

"Hazel, please, be quiet." Dad snapped.

"Don't talk to her like that," I said. "She's right, I'm not going with you. I'm staying here with Mum and Gran."

"It's dangerous here, Rosie," Dad said pleadingly. "I've seen the newspapers, teenagers being murdered. There's nothing for you, here. Now go get your things."

"No."

"Rose, this isn't a discussion. Got get your things, I want to be back on the road in half an hour."

"Dad, you're not listening to me," I said, raising my voice. "I'm staying here."

"Right then, you'll have to go as you are." He grabbed me around the upper arm and started hustling me towards the door.

"Get your hands off her." Mum shouted, batting at dad's shoulders. He was much taller than her, and broad across the shoulders, so her blows probably felt about as powerful as the flutter of a butterfly's wing. 

I clung on to the doorframe, my fingernails scrabbling at the paintwork.

"Stop being silly," dad said. "Don't you want to see your old friends again."

"Let...go...of...me."

"What's going on?"

I looked up to find Gran at the front door, Ryan at her shoulder and – my heart almost leapt out of my chest when I saw him - Josh.

"Charles, let go of my granddaughter." Gran said evenly.

"Stay out of this April," dad said. "This is none of your concern.

"You're manhandling my granddaughter, in my home." So it is my concern. Now let her go and leave, before have you removed."

Dad snorted derisively, but I saw his resolution wane as he took in Josh and Ryan. They both looked much more intimidating than I had ever seen them before, stood side by side, taking up much of the hallway.