Message in a Bottle

Blocked Calls (26)

Chapter 26

*Ciara's POV*

I was unpacking my things and settling in, I figure I'd be staying here for quite a bit of time. Mason and I are staying in the guest bedroom, which has a wooden armoire with a flat screen tv inside and a red rectangular shaped bed against the wall. The light switch is a mirror (which I find myself looking in constantly) and overall it's just a nice place that I could call home for some time.

Mason is occupied on the carpet with a toy Harry had bought him. That reminds me, I have to charge my phone so when Harry calls it won't die. I was also thinking about calling some people and finding a job somewhere, but I don't think I could manage Mason and a job. Also, I don't even have a car. So, that's an idea leading to nowhere.

I rummage through my suitcase, which isn't full of much at all. Only the outfits Harry had bought me were in there, all of my other clothes were still at Mike's. I find my thick black phone charger and pull it out, it's tangled in with some clothes. While I'm inserting the charger into a socket, I hear a knock at the door which startles me.

"Oops, didn't mean to scare you!" Mrs. Renold apologizes, recognizing my small jump. "But dinner will be ready shortly, is Mason allergic to anything?"

"No, he's not. Thank you, I'm just getting situated in here." I smile.

"I never thought I would see you back here, I thought you had everything figured out." She says with a dim look on her face. When I was younger, I would spend a lot of time with Jordan and her family. I would live here for weeks at a time and just stay in the guest bedroom and forget about my life at home. I think my parent's were relived to have me gone for a bit, as bad as it sounds.

"I did too," I suck in a breath and fold up a pair of jeans.

"We all have some set backs in life, but you're a strong young lady. When you were younger, I knew you would grow up to be a wonderful woman, and seeing how you turned out doesn't surprise me one bit. Just as I expected, beautiful, caring and independent. Three characteristics many ladies lack now a days," she giggles a bit. "But we're glad to see you back! We've missed you tons!" Mrs. Renold takes a short pause, but doesn't hesitate to begin a new sentence. "Even James has asked about you recently, I'm sure he'd be more than delighted to see you!"

"Jordan told me about the party, when is that coming up?" I pause and give my full attention to Mrs. Jen/Mrs. Renold, I guess it didn't matter what I called her by.

"Next week! We're throwing a party for his return! Maybe you can bring your boyfriend Harry?"

"He is not my boyfriend," I laugh.

"Well," she smiles, "whatever that charming lad is to you, you should bring him. I'm sure he likes a good party."

"I'll think about it," I tap my finger agaisnt my leg. I wonder if Harry would think me inviting him to a party is too clingy, or too soon. We just spent a full three weeks together, it feels nice to have a break from eachother. But then again, it feels weird not having him around. Part of me is still expecting Harry to walk through the door with that tiny grin on his face as he says something funny, but I know he won't. Even though it was such a short duration of time, I was just becoming used to having him around to make me smile, or protect me.

"Anyways, I hope you like spaghetti," she says before she closes my door and leaves. I hear her feet clack agaisnt the floor in the hallway until they become a quiet muffle.

"Mason, when was the last time we ate spaghetti?" I ask him, obviously not expecting an answer. I look over to him, he's so perfect. His innocence is so pure, it makes all of these struggles worth every moment.

I soon finish unpacking and getting everything straightened around, I pick Mason up and set his toy on the bed. "This is all too much, don't you think?" I ask another question, once again, expecting no response. "All of your baby pictures and documents are at Mike's house- how will we get them back?" I look into his green eyes that look almost faded but bright at the same time. He was pinching at my mouth, I pretend I'm going to bite him, which makes him laugh. "What will we do?" I wonder, more asking myself than anybody.

He wraps his tiny finger around my pinky, swaying it around. I stare at him, he is the most precious thing in the entire world. Everything about this little boy I adore. How could somebody threaten an innocent child that has done nothing but bring happiness and joy to others? If anything, I should be the one to blame.

I'd do absolutely anything to protect Mason. If it takes me getting shot, I'd do it. If it takes me getting tortured, I'd do it. I'd do anything to protect my little boy, he's the only thing I will never let anybody take away from me.

"I love you more than anything," I quietly whisper as I stroke Mason's hair.

Mike disgusted me at this point, this was the last straw. I can't believe I fell in love with him, the thought of kissing him makes me cringe and makes me feel sick to my stomach. I shut my eyes, trying to forget about the memories Mike and I shared. Unfortunately, they will be drilled into my
head forever, no matter how hardly I try to forget.

I go to the front of the mirror, touching up at my hair. I have a stray piece that won't cooperate no matter where I put it. I stick it behind my ear, hoping it won't poke back out. I pat my legs, not knowing what I was going to do here for the next however long I was going to stay. It was embarrassing for me to go house to house staying with people, having them supply Mason and I with everything while I do nothing in return.

I turn on the television, falling onto the bed with Mason next to me. I click through the channels, nothing looks good enough to watch. I blow out air, covering my eyes with my fingers, wishing we would get called down to dinner to save me from my roaming thoughts.

I feel like I want to take a nap. For the amount of time I've been sleeping, I'm surprised at how exhausted I feel. My head feels heavy and my eyes are barely able to stay open. I felt myself drifting off into sleep before the phone began vibrating.

I spring up, suddenly awake. It had to be Harry, who else could it be? It's sweet that he's already thinking about me after not seeing me for about an hour or two. I click the green button to answer, a bubbly feeling inside my veins. When I place the phone to my ear I hear nothing but heavy breathing, which catches me off guard.

"Haha, real funny guys," I said, trying to hide my raging concern. Nobody besides Harry, Louis and Jordan know my number, this had to be some kind of practical joke.

The lingering, loud, breathing continues, it's the type of breathing you hear in scary movies. The number is blocked, and I feel my hands begin to tremble. Did Mike find out my number somehow? Without another peep, I end the call, throwing the phone onto my bed. I watch it fall in horror, wondering who could have been on the other line.

"Hey, dinner's ready." I hear Jordan call from the doorway. Her voice startles me but I quickly collect myself together and grab Mason, trying to calm myself down before I head down to eat.

*

Hey guys! Hope you guys are enjoying the story! If you have any advice on improving my writing, I'd love to hear it! As long as it's not rude or anything, feel free to share your thoughts! I'm open to all suggestions!

I've been really busy, but I made sure to make time for writing! Your comments seriously make my day like I find some so amusing. I hate Mike too by the way hahahaha

Please vote and keep up the amazing comments. They make me so happy omg(: