Running From Death

6: The Intruder

As if on que I heard racing steps climb the stairs.

"Lazarus, I know you're in here. What did I tell you about wandering into people's house?" It was annoyingly feminine. Lazarus switches his eyes to the door and swears. "That's my mother, please don't let her know anything I said. You don't know me." I'm about to answer when the door to my room opens.

"Ah, Lazarus, I'm so sorry Miss. He has no boundaries. Just wanders freely, no warning. Come on honey, let's go home." Then lady in her forties grabs his upper arm to lead him out of my room. She stops in my doorway and turns to me. Her hair is salt and pepper and her face has small stress lines. Lazarus' eyes were the sames as hers. "Whatever he said was nonsense, he has a little head problem." She taps her temple. "Did he say anything? You know, anything weird?"

"Um, just nonsense. Do me a favor, please. Keep your son out of my house. And next time knock. Next time won't be so lightly handled. If my parents found him you would have cops all over him." She looked offended so I decide to clarify. "They don't take this as lightly as me. He seemed harmless to me. I had my eyes on him. You should to." With a swift motion she turned to exit. Lazarus stole a look at me on his way out, a look of shock and amusement danced across his face.

I may just have that picture in my mind for the rest of my life.

•●•●

Our coffee machine may be my favorite thing in the house besides my bed. The smell of rich roast fills the air and I grab a purple mug from the cupboard directly above my head. The flow of classical music is in the background as I dance to the fridge to get the creme. Sugar is already placed by the pot and all I have to do is wait for the brew to finish.

The gurgling of the coffee pot informs me that it's about time to make my life-in-a-cup. As I reach for the pot the door bell rings. I gaze longingly at my ingredients, it will have to wait.

I take long strides to the front door. My hand grasps the handle when a second round of loud knocks fill the air. The person standing on the other side rushes in before I can see who it is. Hands reach behind my back to engulf me in a hug. Freaking out I flail my hands to punch anything I can reach. My hands reach the face of the intruder and a groan fills the air and I run to my kitchen to grab a knife. I grab the sharpest knife and scream as I hear steps coming closer to the room I am in. The steps getting louder, and louder, and louder. The corner of the room draws me near it.

My mind goes wild when I think about the possibility of the monster coming back. A single tear escapes my eye. I remember my parents leaving to go shopping for groceries and me so excited to have the house to myself. This may be where I die.

"You hit like a bear, you know that? All I wanted was a hug for saving my butt yesterday!" Lazarus steps into the kitchen holding his head with one hand, he cusses and moves his hand. "Ice would be nice." He says flatly. My mouth can't even form words so I just walk to my freezer to gather some frozen peas. When I close the freezer door he is standing right behind it. "What the hell!?!"

"I should be asking you that question, you hit me like your life depended on it!"

"You can't just run into my house before I invite you. I didn't even know it was you. What if I didn't want you in my house. Please tell my why you think this is somewhat okay!" I step back from him. His face softens as a visual to knowing he was wrong. "I thought my mother would have seen me. She doesn't like you. I had to move fast. She is-uh. Never mind. Just be glad it was only me." I scoff and cross my arms. My attitude towards the day plummeting downwards. "Incase you didn't realize, yesterday I found you in my room slicing your arm. I don't like your mom either, she danced through my house directly to my room and acted like it was normal. I almost stabbed you! I didn't know who you were and you were already hugging me!" I don't think he understood how terrified I was. My hands started shaking.

At first he looked guilty then a grin grows on his face.

"The look on your face; priceless." Lazarus let's out a laugh. I flip him off and toss the knife on the counter.

"I hate you, you fuc-"

"No, I'm not here for insults. I know you're probably mad, but I wanted to thank you. If you didn't go along with that yesterday and she found out I told you what I did, I would be dead. In a literal way. My mother, she is grade A crazy." I remember how peeved she looked yesterday, no way he got out of that with a little warning. Lazarus caught on to my confused look and continued with his speech.

"I got scolded, that's true. A major burn." He gave a small small. A car door shuts outside and we both turn our heads in alarm. Lazarus' lower neck had a welt the size of baseball. I note to mention that later.

The door flies open and a tall and thin Jeane stands in the doorway.

"You sneaky snake, Alexandra Hamm. Not even a week and you already have a piece of meat in the house; alone!"

"Already in her room on the first." My mouth dropped to the floor when I realize that remark came from Lazarus' mouth. I didn't hesitate to punch his arm. Jeane holds her stomach is laughter and then quickly stops. Her dark hair framing her long face perfectly. Her white smile is still on her face and she look between both of us. "But seriously, what's going on here."

"This stranger was just leaving," I give him the look to leave but he doesn't budge "or maybe not."

I turn towards Jeane and she wiggles her eye brows.