You Are Something Else, Juniper Zwinggi

Chapter 14

The police were already at the house by the time Emily and I arrived. Whoever had tried getting in was scared off by the alarm and didn't get the chance to do too much damage to our front door. The lock itself was smashed in and would need to be replaced but other than that everything was fine.

We were questioned and then asked to playback the security footage on Emily's phone. The night vision cameras by the door had caught a hooded individual trying to smash the lock with what looked like a crowbar. The perpetrator's hood covered their entire face and their bulky jacket made it hard to determine if they were male or female. There wasn't much to go on and since nothing was stolen, the police couldn't do much else.

"This was an isolated incident. No one else on the block has been broken into but we will keep this neighborhood on watch."

"Thank you," I said.

Jake and Miles had followed us. When the police left, they stayed. The boys didn't feel comfortable leaving us alone in the house so we they gave us a choice: let them stay over or we go to their places with the dogs. The security system was enough for me to want to stay which made Emily want to brave it as well.

Emily was very unsettled by the whole experience. I was proud of her for keeping a cool head but I knew she was really scared. She had never experienced something like this before but I had. My house had been broken into a couple of times when I was growing up. Once when no one was home and the second time was when Pat and I were home alone.

Mom set the alarm before she left and told us not to go outside when she was gone. The maid was there to watch us but when someone broke the lock and the alarm went off she freaked out and hid, leaving the two of us vulnerable. The security company called us and Pat answered. He stayed the most level-headed out of the both of us. The burglar stole some jewelry and made it to the end of the driveway before the police caught him. None of us were hurt but the maid lost her job and mom pretty much told us to suck it up and be tough.

"You okay? You're acting like this isn't worrying you," Jake asked as we entered my bedroom. Luka has been barking since the alarm went off and even when the police were there. He had been thoroughly freaked out. As soon as he saw me come through the door he hadn't left my side. He followed me into my bathroom so I could get ready for bed. Jake leaned against the counter and watched me brush my teeth.

"Honestly, I'm fine," I said telling the truth. I had to speak above the noise of my battery powered toothbrush. "I'm just worried about Emily. She's really freaked out."

"Maybe you two should sleep in your room tonight. Miles and I can crash in the living room with the dogs."

I spit into the sink and rinsed my mouth out. He was on the right track. Maybe I could calm her down in a way that Miles couldn't.

"I'll ask her if that's what she wants to do," I said and they followed me out of the room and across the hall.

Emily's door was open and the light still on. Knocking, I poked my head in and saw Emily teary eyed with Miles next to her trying to comfort her. Summit was in her lap, licking the tears off her face, vying for her attention.

"Em? Can I come in?" I asked and she nodded. Coming into the room and sitting on the bed I grabbed her hand. "I was wondering if you'd like to sleep in my room tonight. We can watch a movie and talk if you want."

"What about the guys?" She asked with a sniff.

"Don't worry about us. We'll hang out downstairs to make sure the doors are guarded," Jake said from the doorway.

"Okay. Is that okay with you?" She asked Miles and he kissed the side of her head.

"Of course. You have a girls night and we will have a guys night. We will see you in the morning." Miles stood from the bed and went to the door. I felt genuine love for Miles right then. He was perfect for Emily.