Bruises (On Hold)

Chapter Four

I walked up the Morke's driveway, trembling in fear for I haven't been in Landon's house since before the accident, nor was I planning to ever be. But of course his father is a kind man that I used to hang out with as a youngling.

Let me just take a step back real quick so I can just keep up with what I'm walking into.

*2 hours earlier*

I entered my house, closing the door behind me.

"Dad, I'm home," I spoke out loud knowing very well that he wasn't in the house.

I didn't know why I even bothered to speak knowing he was at work. I guess in hope he would respond and be the man I once knew him to be. But in reality, that's not going to happen.

I set my bag down on the black leather couch in the living room that had an open doorway to lead towards the kitchen. I took off my shoes off to let my feet be free from the closed space.

Walking into the kitchen, I grabbed an apple as I passed the bowl of them on the counter. The bell rang right as I took a bite out of it. My eyebrows shot up in surprise, my mind immediately questioning who it could be.

I slowly approached the door, looking out the window real quick to try to see who it was. I couldn't make out the face, but it was a tall man, that seemed to be in his late 40's.

I shrugged, opening the door I quickly realized the man was James, Landon's father. I almost choked on a piece of the apple I had taken a bite of before I opened the door.

"James?" I said in between coughs.

He chuckled a bit at my coughing fit and my surprised expression.

"Lila! It's been a while." He exclaimed.

I nodded weakly, a small smile making it's way onto my face. He smiled back with such a wide bright smile that it almost made mine grow bigger.

Almost.

"Anyways.. I wanted to invite you to dinner tonight like old times. It's been way too long since you've visited." He explained to me.

My jaw visibly dropped. I was speechless, no words at all could form into my brain. I did not want to go to his house. As much as I loved and missed him, my hatred and fear for Landon overthrew that.

"I um.. I don't know about that James.." I stuttered a bit.

He sighed, pulling out the puppy dog eyes that he knew I could never resist, even as a child. I know, sounds silly, an adult using puppy dog eyes on a teenager, but you'd be surprised.

"Come on Lils! It will be like old times.. we can catch up too. I miss you dearly, I miss having my second daughter around." He persuaded.

I looked at him for a moment before sighing and running a hand through my hair.

"Alright, fine. But make something good to eat buddy." I ordered. I know it sounded rude, but it was the way we were with eachother. Plus he's a chef, you can't blame me for wanting his good food.

"Of course Lila, only the best. Anyways, Landon will be there too. I asked him to join us for the dinner. At first he rejected, which confused me, but eh I got him to give in." James admitted, his blue eyes locked on mine.

My breath got caught in my throat and for a moment, I almost forgot how to breathe.

"Alright.. Sounds good to me." I lied smoothly.

He nodded, turning around to walk back home.

"See you in two hours Lila." He said, his voice full of joy.