Hidden Close (Jr. Year)

Chapter 23

Part 23 Of The First Draft

Today was the first time we dared to step foot outside since Carlita's treachery. Both Perry and I felt as if nothing mattered at the moment besides each other. We hadn’t been alone for that long. Perry was taking me to a movie, and I couldn't be happier. It was a comedy, but I feel that any other movie would have made him too emotional. He's strong, I'll give him that, but like any other guy he's afraid to show his emotions. Sometimes, I crave that but right now, I'm just happy to be out with my beloved darling.

We arrived at the movie theater early. It was one of the nicer ones that was not too far from the school. We got in the line for popcorn, and Perry said to me,

“Gosh...it feels like it's been a million years since we have been out. I hope Becky will be okay.”

I didn't want to tell Perry about Becky's depression, especially now. Perry worries enough as is.

“I'm sure she'll be fine. Can I get a soda, too,  baby?”

Perry smiled, and gave in,

“Of course.”

We got the sodas and the popcorn and went in the room where our movie was showing and sat down in the back. I want to make out with him so bad. I know that I'm young and in my parents eyes I'm suppose to be mature, but I still am a teenager. Before the movie started, we shared a deep kiss together. It was magical. As the movie started, I rested my head on his shoulder as he held me close to him. I cared little for what little was on screen. The movie flew by, and I decided to check my phone before we got up. Becky had texted me, telling me she was okay. Thank goodness. As I put my phone away, Perry glanced at me, and a smile graced his face again. This date couldn't have gone anymore perfect, that is, until we reached Perry's black car.

Becky was standing by our car. She saw us,  and informed us,

“Renee saw someone near the house. She thinks it was a watcher. Her and Lana had to kill it. If it had made it back to Carlita, I....I think we would have been in real trouble.”

Perry got in the car, and the two of us followed. He took a shortcut home and we rushed to the doorstep of their house where Renee was standing, waiting for us. She told us, quickly and quietly,

“They’ll come back here. We need to find a way to conceal the house better. Whenever someone leaves, they are coming. Mom has been studying their patterns. She admitted she's already has killed several of the scouting watchers herself. She didn't want us to be alarmed but now she is worried. She wants us and Lana to keep watch whenever we come and go, if possible. I....hate this. We are prisoners now in our own normally peaceful home. It's just like old times now.”

Perry, although he is normally the type to take things with a brave face, seemed slightly disturbed. I didn't bother him. I instead went inside after giving both him and Renee a tight hug. Right now, I just wanted to sit down and literally cry. When I made it to the living room, Lana was there, sitting quietly with a light on. When she saw me, she asked, while looking me in the eye, sincerely,

“I’m sorry you have to go through this. Somehow, I feel responsible.”

I gave Lana a puzzled look, and asked,

“How so, Lana?”

Lana signed, and covered her face, explaining,

“When I came into your life, I brought Judge Jackson and Nel's presence with me as well.  Somehow, I thought that they might be connected. Don't ask me why.”

I pondered her words, and then teased her, hoping to make her feel better,

“You are too hot to not want around. Smile,  babe.”

Lana blushed, and laid down on the couch. I sensed that I wouldn't be sleeping anytime soon. I eventually asked Lana, hoping she wasn't already asleep,

“Lana.....will we ever be free? Sometimes I just want to howl at the moon.....”

Lana laughed, and then told me, her voice kind of low and real personal,

“You know, for the longest while, I was the same way. Every day was a struggle for me when I was younger. When I had my nervous breakdown, I felt I was that same weak little girl again. With you and all the others, though, I feel stronger, strong enough to stand. By the way....I told Wes to hit the bricks. I feel bad about Brad...can’t even face him now. I know what that means....and I just hope he forgives me...”

Lana started to quietly sob, and that only testified to my own mortality. I got up, and held her close, soothing her,

“Sister, my sister....you are even beautiful when you cry. I love you.... I always want to be by your side....but sometimes we can't have what we want....yet, honestly, I bet Brad still likes you....”

Lana stopped her tears, and then I knew they were truly about him. I wish I could patch things up between the two. Maybe I will. Lana’s hair is all tossed and matted, but...still I don’t think any man or women could say no to her. I stroked her hair, and told her this before I went and laid back down,

“Lana, you don't have to be afraid. Please don't ever lose your pride. I love you dearly, my beautiful sister.”

My much needed sleep came. Becky slept near me, and I couldn't feel anymore loved. Our problems will have to wait....at least until the morning comes. When I arose, Renee was in the living room, bags under her eyes and coffee at her side. She must have been up all night and on guard duty. When she saw me, she smiled. She's amazing, she really is. She might be one of the reasons I am still fighting. I can only hope that I'll live long enough to call her my sister-in-law.