Searching for Safety

Chapter 3

  I spent the rest of my day in silence, even though I could feel my voice coming back, I didn't want to talk anymore. I was so consumed in my thoughts that the day passed by so quickly I found myself confused. I walked out into the parking lot with Izzy and Ryder, Alec and Clary were walking ahead of us holding hands. Izzy rubbed my back and smiled at me sympathetically.

"Feel better Elaina, drink some warm tea or have some ice cream." She laughed winking at me. I smiled and nodded.

"I'll see you tomorrow, text me if you won't be here though so I know not to wait outside forever." She said chuckling, I nodded and she started walking to her car. I began to walk toward the gates but Ryder grabbed my shoulder.

"My car. I'll drive you." He said leading me toward a parked black mustang. I shook my head and slowed down but he didn't seem to notice.

"No, I can walk it's fine. My house isn't far." I said, my voice was soft, but not scratchy anymore. He stopped walking and looked at me slightly surprised.

"When'd you get your voice back? You've been quiet all day." He said I looked down and shrugged.

"A while ago." I said sheepishly. He shook his head with a small smile and began walking again, leading toward his car.

"Well either way, it's the least I can do. Throwing up isn't that great on your body, and since it was my fault it'd be a real dick thing for me to not at least make sure you get home okay." He said. I looked at him confused as he opened the passenger side door for me, and then watched as he bucked the seat belt for me and got in himself.

"Why do you think it was your fault?" I asked as he started car, realizing I was in his car now. He looked at me and then looked behind us so he could back out of the parking spot.

"I don't think, I know. You said it was from anxiety, and I was the one making you anxious." He said pulling onto the main street.

"Now, how do I get to your house?" He asked, I looked at him for a second then sighed and started giving him directions as he drove. It took not even five minutes to get there. I got unbuckled and opened the door, then turned and looked at him. He was starring at the house, his eyes seemed intense. I cleared my throat softly and started to get out.

"Thank you." I said.

"Who do you live with?" He asked still not looking at me, I glanced at the house and back at him.

"My mom and dad. Why?" I asked confused. He turned the car off.

"I'm coming in with you." He said getting out of the car, my eyes widened as he rounded the car over to me and pushed my door shut.

"W-what? No. Why?" I asked rushed. He took my bag off my shoulder and swung it around his.

"Because I am." He said, finally looking at me. His eyes were so serious it frightened me a little, but there was something more there. I sighed and started walking to the door, him right next me. I noticed the blinds were pulled shut and my pace slowed, they were usually open, mom liked the natural light. I tried the door but it was locked and I stared at it confused.

"Don't you have a key?" Ryder asked, I nodded and reached for my bag.

"Yea, the door just is usually open." I said shaking my head and unclipping my key chain from my backpack. I heard a loud slam from inside the house and hurriedly unlocked the door, throwing it open and rushing inside. The house was a wreak, things were thrown all over the place, a vase was broken in the living room, several plates and cups were shattered on the floor in the kitchen. I looked around feeling panicked and saw a deep red stain on the counter. I ran my finger over it and gasped slightly, my stomach dropped and I took a step backward.

"Blood...?" I whispered to myself shakily. I grabbed a large knife from the knife block and spun around, rushing through the house.

"Mom! Mom where are you!?" I yelled. I heard a cry from upstairs and ran as fast as I could up the steps and into my parents room. The knife fell from my hand and I stumbled backward clasping my hands over my mouth. My dad was sitting on the floor crying, one hand over his mouth, the other holding my mom's lifeless hand. I was dizzy now, tears clouding my vision as I crumpled to my knees in the doorway. My dad looked at me and pointed a harsh finger at me.

"It's your fault! This is your fault!" He screamed venomously. I flinched and sat there frozen with shock. He threw a picture frame at me and I jumped up and ran back out of the house as he screamed curses at me.