Don't Keep Me Waiting

Chapter ~7~

I was at home when the doorbell rang. I was a little surprised since we never got visitors. My dad had to go back to work so it was just me and the staff again. I went down stairs and in the lobby was Cameron and Bear. I went over to them and Cameron gave me a nervous smile.

“Hey Nia.”

“Hey Cameron.” Bear pulled on his leash and tried to come over to me. “Hey there big guy.” I crouched down and Cameron gave Bear’s leash some leeway. He came right over to me and rubbed his face on mine.  Bear sat in front of me and I petted him. “What brings you and Bear here?” I asked Cameron.

“Nate wanted you to watch him. He knows Bear really likes you so he thought you would like to watch him for a week.” Cameron was way too nervous. Something was up.

I stood up and looked at Cameron doubtful. “Do you think I’m stupid Cameron? I know what’s going on.” Cameron got really nervous. “Nate thinks I’m in some danger so he wants me to have Bear so I’ll have some sort of protection.” Cameron was looking around really nervous.

“Listen Nia. You’re right but I agree with Nate. If you won’t let him protect you, why not let Bear?” I thought over Cameron’s words. It wouldn’t be awful to have Bear here. Bear was adorable and sweet. And he must have been a good protector.

“Fine” I said giving in. Cameron smiled. He gave me Bear’s leash.

“Walk him twice a day and I wouldn’t give him any human food. It upsets his stomach.”

“Okay.”

“Have fun. Stay safe.” Cameron left and I felt a little unprepared. I have absolutely nothing to take care of a dog.

I sighed and looked down at Bear. “I need to get you some stuff.” I pulled Bear out and to my jeep. I had a bit of trouble getting him in but I did it. I drove to the nearest pet store. I grabbed Bear’s leash and he jumped out. We went into the store and there were gasps from a few of the people. I smiled and pulled Bear. I got a cart and I went down the aisle. I grabbed a food and water dish, two bags of food, and a few other things I thought he would like. The cashier was staring at Bear like he had never seen a dog before. I know he’s a big dog but he didn’t have to stare. Once everything was loaded into the car I went home. I let Bear off his leash and he went to sniffing the place. I let him wander while I set up his food bowl and such.

Bear was pretty quiet; he just stayed by me all the time. When I decided to go to bed Bear decided he wanted to sleep in bed with me. Lucky for him I had a big bed or that wouldn’t have happened.

The week went by and it was pretty quiet. Bear was fine and nothing was out of the ordinary. Nate had left me alone but I found that I really didn’t want that anymore. We would look at each other but we never talked. It was Friday after school and I was walking Bear. I took him to a dog park. We had to leave since all the owners were complaining. They all had these tiny dogs and were scared of Bear and what he might do to them. I decided to take Bear for a walk down the road. Somehow we had gotten into a neighborhood of abandoned houses. It was really creepy.

I was walking when I noticed something. There was a black van parked at the end of the road. It hadn’t been there when I had walked past. Was I being followed? As if bear picked up on my rising panic Bear whined. I tried to calm myself and I kept walking. We turned the corner and sure enough the van parked at the end of the street. My muscles tightened. Bear growled. I’m being followed. I kept walking and tried to act as if I hadn’t noticed. I pulled out my phone. I called Nate’s number. It kept ringing and ringing. My heart was beating fast. I really needed to hear Nate’s sure voice. I suddenly needed the safety that he guaranteed. “Come on Nate pick up” I said under my breath. I heard a door open and I looked back. Guys were getting out of the van. It looked like they had guns. Oh God.