You Watched Me Fall {A Novella}

VIII: Secret Angel

Copyright © M.T.Wilson 2012 - All rights reserved

I really loved writing this chapter and I hope you enjoy it to. Though I was worried I might have tried to introduce too many new characters in one chapter, let me know what you think.

VIII: Secret Angel

    The sound of shouting from outside Cohen’s room woke me that morning. It was still fairly dim inside and I rolled over, looking over the bed to where Cohen had set up his sleeping bag. Except he wasn’t there.

    “Cohen,” I whispered. There was no reply. I sat up harshly, fully awake now. “Cohen?” I hissed.

    The sleeping bag was open but empty.

    There was laughter out in the hall and I remained motionless, fearful of attracting the attention of the people outside. Where was Cohen? If someone came in here they would see me, sat in his bed. That wasn’t something I wanted to have to explain.

    The door was opened and the shadow of a person stepped into the room quickly, shutting the door behind him. The light was flicked on and I shut my eyes, wincing from the brightness.

    “Sorry,” said the person.

    I blinked my eyes open to see Cohen coming towards me holding a plate of toast and a steaming mug of tea. My tensed muscles immediately relaxed.

    “Here, I brought you breakfast,” he said, sitting on the edge of the bed and handing me the food.

    I ate ravenously while Cohen watched me silently. “What are we going to do now?” I asked once I’d finished.

    “What do you mean?” he asked.

    “Well, how are we going to explain my sudden appearance in your room?” I took a sip of tea, looking at him over the top of the mug.

    He frowned. “Well, you could climb back down the side of the house and knock on the front door, though it’s not dark and someone would probably see you.”

    “Why don’t we just go downstairs and say that I came in this morning?” I suggested.

    Cohen shrugged. “I guess.”

    After checking that the landing was clear, Cohen led me to the bathroom and I went inside. The cool water from the tap that I splashed on my face was refreshing and I stood there a while with my hands on the sink. I would have taken a shower but it might have arose suspicion; after all why would I be taking a shower here when I’d arrived that morning, when I could take one at home?

    Once I was done I rejoined Cohen on the landing and we went down the stairs together.  Just as we reached the bottom someone jumped out from behind a plant pot and I grabbed hold of Cohen’s arm instinctively. The boy glared at us from over the top of his water gun, which I hoped was empty, and atop his head was a hat far too large for him with leaves tied to it.

    “Mo, an unknown intruder has been identified,” the boy said, I estimated he must have been about eight.

    “Joe,” Cohen said. “This is Isa, she’s a friend.”

    “How do we know that?” another boy came to join Joe who looked completely identical, down to the wisp of blonde hair and the freckles on their noses. She assumed this must be Mo.

    “She’s trusted, okay, guys?” Cohen said impatiently.

    “Fine then, be like that grumpy guts,” Mo said before turning to Joe. “She’s poisoned his mind so he doesn’t want to play our games.”