Imprint.

One

The clock turned to 12 and rang several times. The loud sound vibrated across the room, turning the small space into something much larger.

I ran my fingers over the chains, dried blood sticking in some places. There were cracks in the wall from the monthly wear and tear.

It reminded me of the first time I watched Will turn. He'd been in so much pain that I cried. I wanted to help but there was nothing I could do. Later, he assured me that he'd been through much worse but I knew he was trying to make me feel better.

A rock hit the window across the room then another.

I walked away from the chains and over to the window to see two boys in gray hoodies. Their hair was cut the same way: short and almost to their scalp.

The taller one looked identical to the shorter one except he wore a black necklace around his neck, hidden from view. From most people's view.

The taller one grinned. "Carter told me you were back in town but I didn't believe it."

"How did you find me?" I called back, leaning out the window. The white paint was chipping. We never got to fix the house up before...

He cocked his head to the side, his eyes raised.

All three of us knew the answer.

"I'm coming down." I yelled. I walked out of the room and into the hallway. The walls were still in good condition. The carpet was fraying as it had been when we lived there before. I jogged down the creaking steps, loving the way the bottom step sounded hollow even though it wasn't. The small foyer wasn't much of anything. There was a small table beside the front door with nothing but dust covering it.

When I walked out the front door, I ran right the taller boy's arms. My hold was tight but I knew he could handle it.

"How was college?" The shorter one, Bentley, asked, his hands stuffed in his pocket.

"It sucked." I said, pulling back. Then I hugged him. He pried me away after a few seconds, taking a step back even.

"You probably missed us too much." Dean asked, a grin on his face.

I rolled my eyes. "Speaking of... can I stay with you? I'm not ready to move back in with my mom and I can't really stay here."

He put a hand on my shoulder. "I thought you'd never ask."

"And... can you drive? I've been in the car way too long."

"Looks like you haven't changed a bit."

I punched his arm. "Shut up."

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"V, do you realize you're almost out of gas?" Bentley asked as he started the car.

"I only put in enough to get me here." I said, flipping the small paint chip in my hand.

"Here." Dean said softly, his voice close to my ear. It wasn't a question but I knew he wanted to know.

I nodded. "I was tempted to go to the cemetery but that just seemed pathetic."

"You're allowed to grieve, V."

"It's been a year, D."

"You were about to get married."

I looked up at him.

"Just justifying your reason. No need to get hostile."

I let my head fall back on his arm, loving the warm feeling he and the rest of them gave off. It was one of my favorite things about Will.