Lost Dad: Dan Smith

Forty Seven: Knock at the Door

First off: Thank you so much @k0w4lczyk for the votes and comments! <3

Second: Prepare for shit to go down.

Third: PREPARE FOR SHIT TO GO DOWN.

Finally: PREPARE FOR SHIT TO GO DOWN. 

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Laura POV:

One of my favorite (reoccurring) dreams was just replaying in my mind. It was just walking around my old apartment, and every detail. My guitar in my room that I miss so much, my mom's closet with the cookie tin full of things Dan had given her, the bathroom painted orange with faint yellow swirls, and even the fire escape with a cruddy fire pit sat in a corner. It's one of the few dreams that I can seemingly control. It allows me to stay in certain rooms I've been missing. I usually spend a lot of time in my old bedroom which was next to the kitchen. I had started paining a mural on the wall and was about a third of the way done before the incident. In my dream, I can finish it. I finish it with what I know now. The wall was covered in my favorite things. My instruments ruled a whole ½ of what I had finished. I had started on my friend's smiling faces. Maddy, Kaylee, Me, Jenna, and Mom all are in a row near the top. I've now added Ethan, Michael, Drew, Dan, and the other guys in Bastille. They've all been so kind to me. I made sure to add Dan right next to mom. Before I had met Dan, I had painted what I imagined him to look like. It wasn't finished. My imaginary Dan had dark messy hair, but wasn't the same style. He also had crystal blue eyes and glasses. I had made his face a lot thinner and more triangular. In my mind, I've corrected it so it looks like him. I've also finished the rest wall with the WWCOMMS logo, a cityscape shadow of London, and a crossword puzzle of song titles. It's so beautiful, and I wish I could bring it to life. It's nearly 3:00 AM and I hear footsteps outside the flat. A man is muttering into the phone. I can't make out exactly what he's saying, but he seems frustrated and annoyed. 

"Are you sure this is it?" He whispers into the phone. His voice sounds near, like he's just outside the front door.

 "Yes! 78A!" He says. That's our apartment number! 

"You said there would be..." The voice fades to mumbles. I know that voice anywhere. Dutch. What is he doing? I didn't think he would come for us. What do I do? Wake up Dan? I should make sure the door is locked all the way. I climb out of bed and use my phone as a flashlight. I slip out into the main room and shine it at the door. 

"I think someone's awake. I'll call you back, Paul." Both locks on the door are set to lock. I doubt he would try to break in, but I don't know how badly he seeks revenge for lying to him. I just wanted him to go away! My heart races as he tries the doorknob. What do I do? I don't want to wake Dan. I don't want to call the police because that would wake Dan and Dutch would be gone by the time they show up. I don't want to talk to him through the door, because that would be extremely stupid. He would know that somebody is here and would recognize my voice. He jiggles the doorknob more violently and I hear a scratching. He's breaking in. Crap crap crap crap. In my panic, I decide to arm myself. I dash to the kitchen and grab a large sharp knife. I don't think I could bring myself to use it, but I can intimidate. I feel a cough running up my throat. Not now, lungs! Despite my extreme effort to keep my cough in, I cough loudly. 

"Hello?" Dutch says. Without thinking I reply.

"Excuse me," I say in my best old lady voice, pinching my nose. "Some people are trying to sleep, young man!" I scold. 

"I'm sorry, Ma'am." Dutch says. "Do you know where I can find the Smith apartment?" He asks. I can't possibly direct him to another flat and risk someone getting hurt. I pinch my nose again.

"There are no Smith's that I know of in this building." I say. "Now run along before I call the police!"

"I'll be on my way..." Dutch replies. I don't think he bought it. "Have a good night!"

I don't reply.

"Hello..?" He says. 

"I said run along!" I say. 

It strikes me immediately. 

I didn't speak in the phony voice.

"Where did the faux accent go, Laura?" He asks.

I pinch my nose. "I'm sorry, that was my daughter in law." I say, knowing theres no way he'll fall for it.

"Open the fucking door Laura." He whispers. "I have a gun. We can do this the easy or hard way."

"I wouldn't believe you for one damn minute, Dutch." I say.

"Come out and I'll fucking show you." He mutters.

"What makes you think I'm not armed as well?" I threaten.

"With what? A fucking microphone? Is Daddy gonna sing you out of this?" He teases.

"I've become a smarter, much more strategic person since you last had me alone. You don't know what you're dealing with. I can handle things, unlike me from just a few months ago. You know the Laura that can't even hold her head high enough to look you in the eye. Now, I can see you clearly. I don't need help." I say. I decide that if I ramble nonsense about developing courage, I can buy time to text Dan.

Me: Please wake up! Dutch is at the door! He know's I'm here.

"Bullshit! You-" Dutch scoffs.

"I didn't say I was finished!" I say, gaining momentum. 

Me: I'm buying time and talking to him. He tries to pick the lock when I'm not talking! Please help me.

"You are completely oblivious to my capabilities. You don't have any idea what's coming for you Dutch. Back down now, or I'm calling the cops." I say.

"I thought little miss independent said she doesn't need help!" Dutch taunts.

"You asked for it!" I threaten.

Me: I'm sorry for talking loudly and waking you up, but if you hear me this is what it's for. I'm not actually on the phone to the police now.

"Yes, hello." I say, pretending to be on the phone. "I have an attempted breaking and entry."

"Fuck, are you actually on the phone?" Dutch asks. "Put the phone on speaker!" 

"Shush!" I say loudly. "Apartment 78A at the Greywaters."

Me: He knows I'm not actually on the phone. 

Dan: Fuck I'm coming!

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CLIFFHANGER, BITCHES.