Running Through the Dark

Chapter 33

Chapter 33

ANNA'S POINT OF VIEW

After I had packed up my stuff from the spare room, I walked down to the car. Inside, Madelina and Niall waited until I had closed the trunk and shut the car door. Niall stepped on the gas, and the car slowly rolled out onto the road. After a few minutes, Niall turned to look at me. I smiled at him, but I was surprised when he didn't smile back.

"What the heck Anna!?"

"What?" I asked worriedly as Niall pulled off to the side of the street.

He unbuckled his seat belt and reached across my body as he spoke, "What were you thinking, not wearing a seatbelt? Something could have happened!" I allowed Niall to click my seat belt before I addressed him again.

"Sorry, Niall, I just forgot I guess, but it's not that big of a deal,"

"I just don't want you to get hurt, that's all. I care about you," His voice had gotten quieter a he continue to speak.

I blushed deeply as he put his seat belt on and his hands took hold of the steering wheel again. He looked both ways as he merged back into the lane,

"Madelina, is your seatbelt on as well?"

"Yes" she spoke quietly.

I know this transition hasn't been easy on her. To find out her first boyfriend was cheating, and suddenly becoming part of this mess I call my life. But this past week we have been living with the boys has made us close friends.

This reminded me of a thought I had earlier this morning, "Madelina, how far away is your school did u say?"

"Nearly 7 minutes why?"

"How is your roommate?"

"Honestly she's a bit of a druggy.. but nice enough. Why Anna?"

"Would you consider living in an apartment, with me perhaps?"

"I...I would love to, but I am quite short on money."

"Don't worry about it, the owner of our apartment building won't make me pay,"

"Why is that?"

"He owes me"

Madelina spoke a small 'oh' as Niall pulled up to the familiar brick building.

•••

"Niall, go on up and introduce Madelina to Emma, Kam, and Kavya," Niall nodded as he stepped into the elevator after Madelina.

I waited at the desk as I rang the bell for help. After nearly five minutes, I rang it again. Another ten minutes followed. Out of options, I climbed over the desk and walked swiftly into the back room. Instantly,the smell hit me like a brick wall; like raw fish and mold. The room was cluttered with boxes of garbage, and pointless knick knacks. Light snores came from the ratty old couch as my eyes, unfortunately, were met with probably the most disgusting man I've had the displeasure of meeting. I glanced around the room, in search of something that would satisfy the angry feelings I had towards this man. To my right, I picked up a can of beer that was opened. Ignoring the sticky substance on the outside, I attempted to dump it on to his head. Instead, however, all that came out was a chunk of mold. It fell to the ground and the thought of what else was inside made me want to throw up. I grabbed another can, and after swishing it around to make sure it was still liquid, I threw it in his face. When he didn't stir, I threw the aluminum can as well. He began to grumble as he slowly awoke. My nerves started to rise, I was alone in the same room with probably the sleaziest man alive. With his eyes still closed, he spoke.