His Indulgence || Book Two

Shadow

Spending the night with my mom was incredibly needed right now. Everything was going well until she asked the expecting question of what had happened between Eric and me.

I gave her a vague answer, being careful not to give her too much information. "We got into an argument, and I didn't know who else to run to." I told her.

She gripped my hand and smiled as she caressed my back, "You could come anytime you want, darling. Don't hesitate."

Needless to say, I spent the rest of the night bundled up on the couch watching reality TV. Eventually, my mom went in her room and slept.

I couldn't help but feel terribly guilty that I didn't convince Alessandra to stay. She could be in danger for all we know.

Just as I was lost in my profound conscience, I had realized that I saved her number on my phone. The least I could've done right now was send her a text to check up on her.

Then, I recalled that I had last left my phone in my car. With that sudden thought, I tossed the blanket off me and hopped on my feet, heading out the front door.

A cold breeze brushed my ruffled hair off my shoulders as I made my way toward my car. The street was dim and fairly quiet. Being one in the morning, I expected it to be that way.

Across the road, a streetlight flickered in front of another neighboring house, nearly ready to burn out. Though, it still casted enough light for me to make out the shapes of cars and buildings. Nothing had been out of place or unfamiliar, and so I proceeded calmly.

Then as I got closer, I caught the sight of a silhouette. So small and lanky, it must've been a female. And she had been watching me, nearly two small houses away.

I jerked back in surprise, unable to reach the car since I had been frozen dead on the driveway.

She was close enough that I was able to notice her ragged clothing and unbrushed dark hair. She was also certainly close enough that she could see clearly through the living room window.

The shadows covered her facial features, but I already had an idea of what she looked like. It had to have been the same girl who was following me around. There was no doubt in my mind.

The shadow stood there for a brief moment, barely noticeable. Then it stepped back, disappearing into the darkness of the tall trees and cars on the far side of the block.

Ice-cold fear raced through my body as I scrambled back, nearly falling onto the pavement. I could hardly feel my feet touch the ground as I raced back inside, not daring to turn back.

Once inside, I quickly locked the door and attempted to steady my breathing. As I waited for the drumming in my ears to slow, I turned off all the lights inside and peered out the window, hiding behind the curtains.

The shadow was nowhere to be seen. Which ironically gave me more goosebumps.

She could be anywhere, I thought to myself.

At that moment, I wanted to call Eric. Then, it occurred to me that my phone was still in my car, and unfortunately I didn't memorize Eric's number. There was no way I was going to leave the house till it was daylight, and even then it still scared me.

There were rare moments like these in which a home phone was desperately needed.

I spent the rest of the night staring out the window, on alert if I seen the girl again. I didn't know what I'd do if I did. I thought about calling the police, but I knew it'd make me sound delusional. I'd get sent off to a mental institution as soon as they'd hear I see people who probably don't exist.