Kingdom Come

Chapter Eight:

                  
What just happened? Alice thought to herself as she leaned back against her front door after letting herself in.

She felt warm and fuzzy and yet her house was quiet as she stood in the dark. The feeling vanished as she smelt something different, a scent she didn't recognize: Tobacco and some sort of cologne, strong and woody.

She noticed on the coffee table, the William's wedding photo had moved slightly to the left, the air stale and cold. She swallowed hard, her heart racing.

Was someone else in the house with her?

Alice felt uneasy as she stepped closer into the living room, expecting someone to be around the corner.

She paused, her heart pounding. She tried to listen for any sound in the darkness. Alice could swear she heard footsteps coming from the kitchen, almost like someone was dragging their feet. She felt a chill run down her spine as she hesitantly made her way towards the kitchen to investigate.

The moment was broken when the William's walked into the house, just arriving home. Their smiles on their faces; they were unaware of anything as they turned on the lights, the yellow glow welcoming to a scared Alice, her eyes wide.

"Hey Al. Are you okay?" Kevin said to her, walking past as June walked into their bedroom with what looked liked shopping bags.

Alice looked around once again. Fear filled her veins as her mouth went dry.

"Yes, I'm okay."

June returned to the living room, taking notice of Alice's uncomfortable stance.

"Alison. What's the matter?" Her voice was strong, unmoving as she went into protective mode.

Alice looked down at her fingers, "It's okay really. I just got a bit scared for a moment."

The Williams both stared at her for a second, breaking the silence when Alice moved into her bedroom, closing the door behind her - a little quicker than usual.

Turning on the light, her room looked normal, yet that same smell was there. She didn't notice anything missing as she settled down to her desk, turning on the lamp beside her.

Alice tried to shake off the feeling. Was someone in the house while she was out? What if she had arrived home earlier and without Clayton! What if they were still somewhere in this small house, waiting for her?

She shivered at the horrible thought.

A moment later, she gave up on trying to focus on some French homework, changing from her clothes into PJ's and she pulled out the hair tie with a gentle tug, letting it float around her shoulders. She quickly placed her phone on charge.

The Williams were waiting at the dining table when Alice walked from her bedroom, deciding to look for food instead of sleep.

June glanced at her as Alice decided to sit beside Kevin, "Alice, honey. Dinner is simple tonight. Chicken pie and steamed vegetables."

Alice thanked god it was plain as she poured herself a glass of water. She was still working on eating right and getting enough sleep, well, the latter was a work in progress.

They ate in silence, the TV noise, soft in the background, acting as a buffer while Alice focused on the chicken pie in front of her.

She then couldn't help thinking about Clayton and their kiss, his warmth against her.

Such a schoolgirl crush moment, Alice thought, feeling a little giddy.

"How was school today Al?" Kevin said, taking a sip of his beer in front of him.