The Mysteries Of Baker Town

Part 7: Salt

     I hurry off the front deck of Ben's house. I don't want him to come running out after me. I sniffle and wipe a tear from my eye before finally getting to the front door of my cabin. I just want to take a nice hot shower, cry and eat ice cream. And then go to sleep. I take a few deep breaths before turning the handle.

     As soon as I open the door all I can smell is alcohol. I look more closely to see my dad passed out on the couch with at least eight bottles of beer around the couch on the ground and on the coffee table. One was also in his hand. I shake my head and walk over to the refrigerator.

     I grab out tortillas, cheese, eggs, and salsa. I forgot that I haven't eaten anything but snacks for the last two days. I get out a pan and go back to the fridge for some butter. And then I remember that I need salt in order to make the egg burritos at all. I guess I will have to ask my neighbors for salt. Not Ben and Amy. A different neighbor.. I guess I could take a nice walk around the neighborhood. At night. Ugh.

     With a few deep breaths I head out the door to Ben's cabin. I didn't have anywhere else to go, I don't exactly have other neighbors that I know about. I pause before knocking on the door.

     "Why hello there. What a pleasant surprise. What can I do for you young lady?"

     I recognize this man as Jeremy. This is perfect! Now I don't have to talk to Ben or see Ben. Or for that matter his girlfriend. I gag at the thought.

     "Oh, um I was just wondering if I could borrow some salt."

     I laugh awkwardly and stop when he shows no emotion.

     "Ok then.."

     I say.

     Well this is awkward.

      "Salt? Huh.. why don't you come in? Wouldn't want you to catch a cold."

     Oh crap. I have seen this same thing in so many horror movies. I mean I have met this man and Ben is in there, if Jeremy tries to murder me I'm sure Ben would still save me. Unless they were ALL together on this. Ben luring me into his house with his good looks and his sweetness, and then Amy would distract me with her horribleness..?

     "Um, I guess"

     I follow Jeremy into the cabin.

   "Have a seat."

     As I enter I see that there are more people in the cabin. A boy, and another girl. This makes me feel a whole lot better. And then there was Ben and Amy who were sitting together on the couch. Damn it. I sit on a rocking chair across from where Ben and Amy are. I look around and down as I rock.

     "Um.. Did I miss something?"

     Jeremy says as he looks at me and then at the others.

     "Oh.. um me and Annika have met before. Earlier.."

     Ben says in an apologetic voice. I roll my eyes.

     "Yeah.. we sure have."

     I say with a sarcastic tone. I only do this to hide how sad I was about the whole Ben thing. I really hope it works.

     "God it's like I'm watching a movie. Hey Rob, why don't you make some popcorn?"

     The girl says with a laugh and a mocking tone. She has black hair that is tied up into a tight ponytail, and a nose piercing. She is about my height which is neither short nor tall. She is wearing a lot of makeup and her outfit is very goth like. Her high top boots are silver and make a loud noise when she drops off of the kitchen counter, where she was sitting.

     "That is  Beatrice."

     I wave and smile. She shakes her head and laughs again.

     "And that's Rob."

     I see Jeremy gesture to the boy behind the kitchen counter. He looks a lot younger than me, with short brown hair and and big blue eyes reminding me of my moms. He seems shy because he doesn't say anything at all.

     "Oh and there's also Phoebe."

     "Hi!"

     I here a high pitch sound coming down the hallway and into the living room where I am. A girl with tight yellow braids, grey eyes and a tight yellow top with blue jean shorts comes running out to greet me.

     "Oh my god! I love her!"

     She runs up to me and hugs me. I laugh out loud. She is super skinny and looks like one of my barbies that I used to play with when I was a little girl.

     "Hey Jeremy, should we order pizza?"

     A tall, buff teenager walks into the living room. He has blonde hair and brown eyes, and a bold face. With a strikingly hot jawline. I gulp as I feel a wave of heat work it's way up to my cheeks. He looks like any average jock that you would see at my high school. But way better.

     "Hey, who are you?"

     He says as he nods in my direction.

     "Annika, Rick,"

     "Rick, Annika"

     I smile. I see Amy roll her eyes from the corner of my eye. Can't have one, doesn't mean I can't have the other. Right? Why am I thinking like this? Well, I guess I could try and make Ben jealous. Showing him that I can move on real fast and that I don't have any feelings for him at all. Even though I do.. Rick extends his hand and looks me up and down. It's these moments when I wish I had big boobs. Rick would be good fling. I stand up and shake Ricks hand which is sturdy and smooth.

     "Beatrice, Rob, Rick, Phoebe, Amy and Ben.. this is Annika."

     "Hey Rick. How bout you order that pizza. Annika would love to stay and have a slice or two."

     Rick nods and looks at me again.

     "Cool."

     He says and walks off to a different room. I am not in the mood for burritos anymore so I agree to stay for a slice of pizza. But I am in the mood for a tall glass of Rick. I laugh in my head but stop when I see Ben staring at me. My heart throbs, I feel like the whole world can hear it beating out of my chest. Oh Annika. What have you gotten yourself into..