Hope

Chapter Five

I hardly managed to get any sleep, but when I did I dreamed of Jeff killing my parents instead of Sophia.

I lay on my back, staring at the white ceiling. I was expecting- and hoping- that I would feel guilty or mad, but instead I'm numb. My body does, however, feel exhausted.

I her footsteps down the hallway; Jeff is awake. Or he never got any sleep.

I sit up, considering if I should go talk to him. But I doubt he'll want to talk to me.

Before I gather enough courage to go and apologize, the door slams shut and I hear his car pull out of the driveway.

After taking a shower I throw on jeans and a sweater that covers my fingertips. I tie my hair up in a bun and throw my bag over my shoulder.

I decided that it's best for me that I try and talk to Dr. Seuss, although our appointment isn't until three thirty but the silence in that house is going to drive me mad.

I take the longer route to town, mainly because I'm in no rush but also because, by taking the shorter route, I'd have to walk past my school.

I find myself walking into the small coffee shop Harry took me to yesterday. I have to admit, it is sort of comforting.

I sit down on the long wooden chairs and order a coffee and a muffin.

“Fancy meeting you here,” I look up to see Harry smiling down at me.

I don't return the smile. “It's either a major coincidence that you appear everywhere I am or you're following me. And I don't believe in coincidences.”

“This happens to be my favorite coffee shop.” He leans on the wooden table, his black shirt rises up to reveal a lean torso. I try to ignore that.

“So you aren't stalking me?”

“Nope.” He grins.

“It's a shame really, you would've been fascinated with what I do in my leisure time.” My coffee and muffin arrives and I take a sip, watching the waitress's eyes linger on Harry longer than necessary after asking him what he'll have.

He sits down on the chair next to mine. “Aren't you suppose to be in school or something?” I ask.

“Why? Tired of my company already?”

“Not yet.” I take small bite of my muffin. They taste like cardboard but I choose to ignore it because it's probably the only thing I'll eat today.

“I finished my education. I'm nineteen.”

I almost choke on my coffee. “Interesting.”

“You'll be surprised how many interesting things there are to know about me.” His grin lowers to a smirk.

“Oh? Enlighten me.”

“Well... I have a sister.” His coffee arrives and he thanks the waitresses who flashes him a smile so wide, it almost looks like a grimace. I roll my eyes.

“That's not very interesting.”

He clicks his tongue. “But she is.” He takes a sip of his coffee. “Tell me something interesting about you.”

“We never agreed on that.” But I continue anyway, “My birthday is in two months.”

“I expected more from you, Kathryn.” He shakes his head in mock disapproval.

“Ah, expectations bring disappointments.”

“C'mon, there has to be more about you than what meets the eye.” He raises his eyebrow.