Beneath His Mask

Chapter 9- The Storm Brews

Hey everyone :) Thanks so much for reading up to this point. I just want to thank everyone who votes, comments, or added The Next Door Neighbor to a reading list. I tried tagging everyone but Wattpad was giving me trouble. 

Enjoy the next chapter!!!

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I scowl in the mirror out of frustration. 

Apparently a storm is brewing on the east coast, and it's heading right for Bayville. I guess the humidity is going haywire because my hair does not agree with nature whatsoever.

Turning to glance out the window, I observe the large grey clouds that hang above the houses. The sun has gone into hiding, replaced by the large cotton-ball looking structures. As for the wind; it blows the trees and water in every direction, taking miscellaneous objects along with it into the air. 

"Reagan, get down here honey!" Aunt Vicky beckons for my presence as I, for the last time, attempt to throw my hair up in a bun.

Today I played it casual- leggings and a Victoria's Secret Pink sweatshirt make up my comfy outfit. I mean, who wants to get dressed up on a day like this?

"Coming!" I shout down the stairs, grabbing my phone on the way out from my room.

I hear the sky rumble in the distance, which makes me run down the stairs faster. Hey! I may be old but storms still scare the shit out of me!

"We have guests," she says from the kitchen, as I hear the clattering of dishes.

Who could it be? Uncle Bob is away working most of the time, so he doesn't qualify as a guest. It must be someone important enough to meet. 

I turn the corner from the parlor into the kitchen.

Oh.

My.

God.

"Hey, Reagan."

Zach.

He's with that kid Luke- the two live together in the neighboring house, like they had mentioned.

My AUNT invited over THESE HOOLIGANS?

I feel my heart rate pick up in my chest as I try my best to casually walk over to the black granite top counter without falling on my face. Sitting down on the stools, I manage to greet the two of them back.

Luke stands near the glass sliding door, which is near the kitchen table to the left, looking outside.

I, however, am feet away from Zach who leans up against the silver sink.

My Aunt rushes to the oven to retrieve something- but she never EVER cooks. What is this?

"What's up?" I manage to ask, nervously fiddling my fingers. It doesn't help to have mr. fancy pants staring at me from the sink. I contemplate telling him to take a picture...

"We are having a small storm party!" she exclaims, using her butt to close the oven as she takes out her cookies.

Am I stranded with these nitwits for the night?

"I just checked my phone. It says the rain starts in half an hour and will continue until 1 am," Luke says from across the room, fiddling with his phone.

Speaking of phones, I slyly pull mine out and send Jennette an alert.

SOS. Come over. Now.

I sure am not going to survive a night with Zach in this godforsaken house!

"Who are you texting?" Asks, oh... who may it be? I wish it was the wind.

"None of your concern, Zach." I snap, clicking my phone off and shoving it in my pocket to get rid of the evidence. His face twitches into a grin as he must realize I do NOT want him here.

Zachary strides over to the seat next to me, leaning his elbows over it. He's so close to me now that if I turn my head, our faces may touch. OK... calm down Reagan! Calm, cool and collected. You can do this. 

Looking straight ahead, I mumble something to him.

"Do you need something?"

"Nope, just want to stand here." Zach replies in a husky voice. I shudder.

Then I casually get up to get a glass from the cabinet, pretending I need water. I kind of do now that Zach is hovering in my kitchen. 

My phone beeps in my pocket. Knowing who it is, I pull it out of my pocket just a little bit and read the message.

Why? 

I make a face. Screw Jennette's curiosity! She needs to respond to my SOS' as soon as I send them, like in Pretty Little Liars.

BECAUSE. I NEED HELP COME NOW!!!

I respond frantically, loosing my cool. 

It is going to  be a long night.