Stealing in the Second Degree

Chapter Four

Chapter four.

I stuck my hand out of the heated mass of fluff that lay atop of me, and placed it ever so gently on my sweaty forehead. 

“Claire, turn down the heat.” I mumbled. “We can’t afford it this hot.” My eyes were still shut and I fought for seep to return to me so that I could climb back into dreamland. I was so comfortable. The bed felt like I was sleep on feathers-

Bed.

I shot up, panting. My eyes immediately adjusted to the dim light as I took in the enormous room around me. Everything was masculine. Even the smell. There was a cherry-wood desk that had papers cluttered all over it. A dark leather couch and a large television-the room reminded me of a living room. The windows had heavy drapes that were drawn shut. The bed I sat on must have been king sized, with dark sheets that felt silky. The comforter was as thick as the mattress I used to sleep on.

Panic and devastation ripped through me. I pulled myself from underneath the covers, my heart beginning to beat louder. I tiptoed to the door, as if I was afraid someone would hear me, and rested my hand on the metal knob, before tugging slightly.

It was eerily quiet as I walked down the hall, my eyes fixated on the grand, descending stairs. And then, there were voices. I froze.

“She won’t talk.” I heard Stefan say. “She’s petrified.” I frowned. Who were they speaking of?

“Get her some…candy or something.” Jason’s voice. I began to slowly creep down the stairs.

I heard a mumble, and I reached the final step.

“What’s your name, sweetie?” Austen spoke gently, his voice soft and hypnotic. I began to creep towards the front door, hoping I could make a run for it and go see-

“Claire,” answered a small, timid voice. Every bone in my body chilled and my breath caught in my throat. I froze.

There was a pause.

“Hey, Esme.” A voice sneered and I spun around. Jason was leaning against the doorways that led into the living room. “Leaving so soon?”

But I didn’t hear him. All I had eyes for was the fragile little girl clinging to Austen’s neck. Austen saw me and slowly set Claire down, turning her around in the process. She stared at me, before rushing to me. I crouched down to her level, wrapping my arms around her.

“You didn’t come back last night and I thought –“ She cut herself off and buried her face into my neck. 

“Shh.” I whispered, rubbing her back, but my eyes were warily fixed on Austen. His eyes met mine, challenging me as if to say: Your turn. I shivered and pulled Esme from her hold so that I could meet her gaze.

“Are you alright?” I asked, brushing away some bangs that stuck to her tear-dampened cheek.

She shook her head. “I’m all hungry.” She told me, sadly.

Claire:

I rocked myself back and forth. The lights in the cabin were still on, but my Looney Toons had stopped playing a long time ago. I shivered. Where was Esme?

I was so scared.

I must have cried myself to sleep that night, because I eventually woke up, and sunlight was streaming into the room.

I had looked in the cupboards for food, but Esme had not been able to do any shopping yet, and all we had was the container of cookies that Mrs. Pockshill had sent home with me. 

Esme had told me I could only have one, so I didn’t eat anything. I imagined my sister walking through the door, a basket of pastries and fresh oranges in her hands, and a comforting grin on her face.