Crimson Collars

LAUREL

< Chapter III>

My little sister had found a friend and I wasn't going to ruin it for her. She had a tough time at that, to be honest I think she inherited that from me.

    We walked silently toward a large white house with lit-up windows giving a warm glow to the black menacing night. Finally as we climbed the steps and rang the doorbell.

    There was the obvious inquisitive question that was always asked before opening the door,

"Who is it?", asked a  familiar male voice. While I tried to remember who it reminded me of, the boy said

"Aw come on Carter! Just open the door!". The door swung open to a smiling face. Oh my god. It was Carter Scots. He probably thought I was a stalker.

    A flush crept up into his cheeks as he realized I was the girl he had vented out to earlier. Olive and Rory rushed into the house, seeing our weird look that we

sent to one another.

"Hey Psychiatrist, I didn't know I was up for another appointment." he said grinning

    "Well what do you know. I didn't  know you lived here." I said. "Anyway I got to go. My mom will be wondering where I am.". He grabbed my arm as I was walking down the steps.

Laughing, I said,"Again? What's with you and my arm?" I asked. "Nothing." he said embarrassed, as he cleared his throat he extended his arm toward the inside of the house,

"Would you like to come in?", he asked shyly shifting his feet. Wow, his family must be very self-conscious about their feet I thought as I heard myself say,

"Sure why not?".

    Entering his house wasn't a new experience for me. I heard the soft clicks as my shoes met the floor, ran my finger down the highly polished wood table, and glanced up toward the dazzling chandelier being blinded from its shine.

I entered the kitchen to find a woman with pulled back black hair and fine lines by her mouth.

"Harriet?", I exclaimed incredulously.

"Laurel?", she asked while drying her hands hastily on a dish towel.

We embraced tightly. When we drew back she asked "So hows the family?".