Cadestelle

Windchimes and Necklaces

I stared silently at the dashboard as Rider slipped sliently into the car seat. I fixed my gaze fully on the side of his face until he would look at me. When he did, his cloudy eyes almost looked mournful as he looked deeply at me. It was unlike him to look at me with such a bold bravado. I stared back begging with my eyes to tell me what my Aunt had told him. I knew he would never tell me, I apprehended that what my Aunt had disclosed with Rider wouldn't be repeated in conversation, but I continued to plead silently. He looked into my eyes for a second longer, before returning his gaze back to the steering wheel, bringing the engine to life as he inserted the key into the ignition. 

" Ho-how about we start this tour." He stuttered, quietly smiling. His unconfident poise had returned, apparently the intesity of his gaze was a mere spurt of unexpected courage.

I responded with a small nod. I was a little upset that no one was telling me what was going on. I tried to not let that upset me to much. I didn't want this car ride to be ruined by my distressed attitude. As soon as we started to drive I watched him closely. He seemed more tense than he usually was around me. I waited for him to make an attempt at a conversation, but he endured his silence. 

" Is something wrong?" I asked concerned, placing a light hand onto his arm. I watched him go rigid at the feel of contact between my hand and his arm. He looked down at my hand and tried desparately to hint at me to take my hand away. I stayed that way, wanting to watch him squirm at his discomfort until he would tell me what was going on.

" Please take your hand off my arm." He said almost sadly and guarded. I looked at him surprised at his reaction and slowly took my hand away. I felt like I had just been slapped shamefully. What the hell had my Aunt done to him? I saw as we entered the sign that read Welcome to Cadestelle. I stared bitterly at the beautiful roses covering the sign and started reasoning what my Aunt could have done to Rider. 

As we entered the small town, Rider was still silent and unmoving. He fixated his gaze on the road and his hands were gripped tightly against the wheel.

" You never answered my question if there was something wrong." I reminded him, stubbornly ignoring his obvious struggle in staying quiet.

" What?" He asked, never looking at me.

I glared at him, challenging him to look at me.

" Aren't you supposed to explain the different buildings and tell me about Cadestelle. I mean this is a tour." I growled. I was getting short tempered with his attitude and I longed to hear his attractive stuttering voice. Besides, hadn't he been so excited to take me on this tour? I had witnessed his excitement in what I thinkwas aking me out, but I wasn't so sure anymore. I despised my Aunt for whatever she had done to Rider.

" Well there are um, signs you can look at." he mumbled, pointing at the various boards and logos hanging from the different buildings. That was my breaking point. I was already new here, I deserved a little respect. What had happened to the shy handsome boy who had seemed to at least be interested in me. 

" Stop the car." I demanded. We were in the middle of a deserted street in the slum part of town. The buildings were abandoned and graffiti littered the dark walls. We were right next to a dark alley. I knew that it could possibly be dangerous, but that's what I wanted. I needed to worry him.

" What. No not here. If you wanna go home I'll take you home." He settled in a stern voice. I remained stubborn and crossed my arms to emphasize my anger and how done I was with the little knowledge I knew of what was going on between my Aunt and Rider. The blue eyed group are also hiding something about Rider the tiny voice added annoyingly. 

" Well that's too bad, I'll be fine walking home in this rain. Bye Rider, I'll see you around." I said haughtily about to open the door, even though the car was still moving.