The Animal Inside

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Fights, Flights and Frights

Kody was absolutely furious as I explained what happened.

“And he just let you get out of the car?” Kody demanded, his grip tightening on the steering wheel.

“I didn’t give him much choice.”

“I’m sorry. I should have taken you home.”

 “Why didn’t you tell me Adrian was picking me up?”

“Because it was supposed to be a surprise. A happy surprise.”

“That wasn’t the impression he got. He said you were supposed to tell me.”

“Obviously there was some miscommunication,” Kody said sheepishly. “I thought you would be happy to see him. He sounded like he was looking forward to spending some time with you. I didn’t realise it would turn out like this.” Anger was building up in Kody, I could tell.

“It wasn’t his fault Kody. It was mine.”

“Don’t stick up for him.”

“But-”

“Just don’t.”

“Kody, I was the one yelling at him, not the other way around.”

“You explained that. You don’t have to tell me again.”

“Then why are you so angry at him?”

“He can’t get it through that thick head of his that he hurts you. He doesn’t understand that relationships require work. He’s taking you for granted. He won’t talk to you for days and then, when he does choose to talk to you, he expects you to go along with it as if nothing’s happened. Maybe you yelling at him might be a good thing.”

“Why? What could it possibly achieve?”

“Maybe now he will understand that he hurts you. Maybe he’ll realise that you are important to him, and actually start paying attention to you.”

“That’s a lot of maybes.”

Kody gave a small chuckle.

“Well, we can only hope.”

* * * * *

“And now back to our breaking news story, the Regional Museum of History and Modern Art in Glaston was robbed today. The thief took the famous Gallagher Diamond, which was on display at the museum until the end of the month. Police have just released details of the crime.” The news cut to a press conference with the chief of police.

“The diamond had been replaced with a rock of about equal weight, and this note.” The familiar handwriting appeared on screen

Thanks for the diamond. You should really invest in some better security.

-Alley Cat

“If anyone has any information on this thief, please contact the number on your screen...”

“Well, I must say that that went quite well,” I said, switching the television off. All three of us were in the lounge room, watching the news. Kody and Adrian were both stretched out over separate couches, and I was curled up in an armchair. I think Adrian intended for me to sit beside him, but when he realised that wasn’t going to happen he lay down, taking up the whole couch. Kody was still in his night guard uniform, and I had changed into more comfortable clothing.

“I think you did great,” Kody said, flashing me a big smile.

“Yes, you did very well,” Adrian said. Kody shot daggers at Adrian, and Adrian looked away. There was an awkward silence.