Zugzwang

Chapter the Last

“You can’t just run out like that, Anna.” Gabriel lectured me.

“It was just to Noelle’s house. Calm down, Gabriel.” I retorted.

Gabriel raised his voice slightly, “Something could’ve happened to you.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’m pretty sure I’m fine now.” I stood up from my place on the couch and went to my room. Luckily, Gabriel didn’t follow behind.

There was nothing wrong with me staying at Noelle’s for a few hours. We were in the protection of her room and her house. There’s a high chance we weren’t followed.

Once 2 AM hit, I heard Gabriel’s door open. The only reason I knew it was his was because his room was downstairs and the noise was low but audible.

After the heavy wooden front door shut, I left my room. Last time I witnessed Gabriel leave, I said I would see what he’s doing. And that’s what I’m going to do now.

I quickly put on those flexible flats that you would normally put in your purse at a party that you wore obnoxious heels. They were a nude colour. On anything but wood and carpet, they were torture. But, they were quiet and that’s what I needed.

I followed Gabriel’s car all the way to Hunter’s house. When I realized where we were going, an empty hole formed in my stomach. As Gabriel parked his car in front of Hunter’s house, I hid behind a large bush.

I watched Hunter, along with a few other guys, greet Gabriel. They talked outside for a few minutes then walked inside. I was only across the street so I couldn’t hear what they were exactly saying. My gut was telling me to leave but my heart wanted me to stay. Being the girl I am, I stayed.

The guys weren’t inside for long; probably about half an hour. Then again, I didn’t have anything to go by. All I had on me were the clothes on my back. It felt cold with the breeze although if there wasn’t a breeze, I would sweat.

Again, the guys talked outside. But this time, they were louder. One of the guys was talking about a television show, Under the Dome. When he was done, he got in, what I presume to be, his car and drove off. Three others, including Gabriel, did the same. Hunter was standing by the door of his house with his hands behind his back.

Paranoia of him seeing me made me put my back to the bush and face whoever’s house was in front of me. The person’s lights were out so they must’ve all been asleep. It was 2 in the morning. I would be too.

I stayed quiet and controlled my breathing so that even I couldn’t hear it. I had my knees pulled up to my chest to take up less space. My head was a few inches under the top of the bush.

I didn’t make any noise but that apparently wasn’t enough because a muscular body placed itself beside me. I jumped out of my skin and accidentally bit my tongue.

“Well hello there.” The deep voiced man said. I looked at him and all I could see was a silhouette of him but it was obvious who it was.

I gulped and smiled awkwardly. “How’d you know I was here, Hunter?”

Hunter chuckled. “You are not as sneaky as you think.”

I stayed quiet. The sound of Hunter’s voice seemed to fill a void in my stomach. I missed him. I missed them all. But then again, I have Chris now.

“You are not supposed to be here.” Hunter said sternly.

I looked at the grass and nodded. “I know. I was just curious to where Gabriel was going.” I mumbled.