Concealed

four

"Where do you think you're going?" My father asked as I trotted down the steps of my home.

"To Liam's," I simply stated.

"Whatever, be safe and don't do anything dumb. If you need me call me," he said keeping his eyes glued onto the flat screen that sat on top of the stone, unlit fireplace.

I walked out of the door, and the brisk air surrounded me. I rubbed my hands together for warmth, and I could see my breath form into puffs.

From across the street I could see Noelle's front porch light on. I jogged over there and walked up the stone pathway to her front door.

I knocked, and rang the door bell waiting for an answer that never came.

Her car was occupying the driveway, and I could see lights flickering through the curtains that concealed the inside of her house.

I knocked again, more aggressively this time and rang the doorbell another two times and still received no answer.

"Noelle?" I called. My body began to form chills under my clothing and I wrapped my arms around myself for some warmth.

"Noelleee?" I said again. I opened the storm door that sealed off the front door, and turned the knob to find it was open.

I hesitantly turned it and stepped inside, to find a mossy green couch to my left, and a Christmas tree directly infront of it that glimmered multiple colors of the rainbow and was showered with an assortment of ornaments. The TV next to the tree was on, and flickered an unfamiliar infomercial.

"Noelle? Is anyone home? It's Harry." I walked straight into her kitchen where Noelle and I argued earlier. I found unread mail on the counter and mud tracks on the creamy time floor.

"What the hell happened here?" I mumbled to myself, as I followed the mud tracks right. It lead me through the dining room to a pale yellow door that matched the walls of the room. I heard noises coming from behind the door but instead of intruding I decided to eavesdrop.

I pressed my ear to the door firmly and tried to hear the muffled voices as best as a I could.

"No Noelle we had a deal. You can't get out of your plans tonight." A mans voice spoke.

"But I completed my tasks early, I can't have one night off?" She said sarcastically. I can imagine her dark hair spilling over her shoulders as I'm sure she stood with her arms crossed.

"No you get no nights off Noelle and you're aware of that. Since when do you want a night off anyways?"

"Because I work hard and I want a Friday night to myself for once." She shot back.

"Bullshit, that's utter bullshit. I swear to god Noelle if it's because of a boy I-"

"It's not, I promise." She cut him off. What would it matter if it was with a boy? She's a senior in high school who gives a fuck.

"Well stay away from that boy that lives across the street. We don't want him knowing anything, and if he happens to find out anything, and you know the consequences to come if he does. We've been watching him, and he'll try to find out so don't give in, do you understand?" He barked. Venom laced through his voice as he spoke. He's been watching me? My head is spinning and I'm utterly confused.

"I know, I know. He won't find out anything."

"Good girl, now because of you're cooperation, I'll give you the night off. But I'll be back tomorrow afternoon,"

"Thank you, and yes. I will do extra if you need me to," she said. What the fuck is going on.

"Alright, nice chat Noelle. Have fun tonight." He said and I heard footsteps getting louder. I sprinted out of the front door and ran fast as I could into my house.

I slammed the door shut behind me as I was greeted with my fathers snoring. Beer bottle surrounded him and I'm sure he's passed out drink. I looked at my watch and noticed it is eight on the dot.

Should I still pick her up?

She did get out of whatever the fuck she does to go with me tonight, I think.

I'll just see if she still wants to go.

I walked out of my house and walked slowly to Noelle's. There are no traces of the man being here and it was like whatever I heard never happened.

I took a deep breath of cold air trying to rid my thoughts and confusion, though I know I'll being swimming in questions later but I don't want to ask her anything because I wasn't supposed to know.

I knocked on her door again, and she answered. Her purple dipped hair fell in curled ringlets and her black lashes were curled to match. Her green eyes were rimmed with black, and she wore a black v-neck with deep teal pants and black Keds.

"Hey, are you coming?" I asked. She smiled and nodded and I was greeted with the soft green in her eyes as she walked away from me but returned with her purse and a coat.