Bella's Hunt

SIXTY-EIGHT

When I get back to Westview, I stop to by myself some food at McDonald's, of course. As I'm driving down my street, I can't help but stare at Hunter's house. It was pitch black outside, the only light was coming from the street lamps that illuminated the thick snow on the ground. Hunter's car was parked on the curb, in front of his house, and the lights inside were off.

It was only ten-thirty... So why is he asleep?

I park my car in the driveway before making my way inside. I quietly shut the front door behind me and walk into the kitchen. My eyes roam over everything as I set my food down on the counter.

My head snaps towards the stairs when I hear soft thumping upstairs. "What the hell?" I whisper before walking upstairs. I swing open the door to my bedroom and my eyes widen when I see Hunter sitting on my roof, completely unaware that I can see him.

I stare down at the stupid boy who came crawling through my window. His body drops on the ground and he rolls over, still not seeing me.

"Ugh." He stands up and dusts the snow off of his ass. "Fuck..." He hisses. I stand behind him, still wearing my coat and boots and holding my duffel bag. He finally turns to me and stops in his steps. "Bella?" He asks with wide eyes.

"Hunter..." My voice is shaky and dry. "Why are you breaking into my room?"

"Well... It technically isn't breaking in since your window wasn't locked."

My heart jumps in my chest as he stares down at me. We're both quiet for a few seconds, which gives me time to get a good look at him.

He's wearing a black sweater and a pair of dark jeans. His hair is disheveled, strands sticking out in random places. His skin has become more pale and there are dark rings around his eyes.

My brows furrow as I stare at him. How does he manage to look this perfect?

Hunter is in my room...

I open my mouth to say something, but nothing comes out. We both continue staring at each other in silence. "H-Hunter..." I stutter and his eyes soften. But he quickly looks at the ground.

A few moments later, his eyes flicker up to mine and his brow creases. "Have you been crying?" He asks, taking a step towards me and I fell my heart jump again.

"N-No," I say instantly, rubbing my hands up and down my cheeks. I drop my duffel down onto the bed before taking off my coat and turning to walk out of the bedroom. "Why are you here, Hunter?" My breath catches in my throat when his name leaves my lips. I hear his footsteps following me downstairs.

"I-I... I brought you your present." He states and I turn towards him with furrowed brows.

"What?"

"I-uh- I got you a present for Christmas. And I was just going to leave it in your room... Since you were gone... And... what you said on the phone..." He averts his eyes and I feel mine beginning to burn.

"H-Hunter-"

"Here," He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small black, velvet box. He holds it in front of me and I shake my head.

"I-I can't take that from you." I say sadly and his eyes meet mine.

"It's yours, Bella. I got it for you."

My heart sinks when he calls me 'Bella'. I hate it when he doesn't call me by my nickname...

Well, you earned it, dipshit.