Shackled by Lies

Chapter 7

Chapter 7

We hardly spoke a word all the way to the Estate.

I found a little pleasure in the fact that his eyes lit up a little at the sight of the large building I pulled up to. He immediately wiped the look from his face, turning back into the calm and collected guy I knew him to be. It wasn't really that different from what I was used to. It was reassuring to know he was still the guy I left behind that day a few weeks ago.

When we got out of the car, I was a little relieved to realize none of the other guys were here yet. By the loud sound of the radio blasting some old music from within the house, I knew Mr. and Mrs. Walsh were here.

Steven looked a little reluctant to get out of the car but when he did, he gave me a questioning look and I was kind enough to point towards his duffel bag.

"You better take that." I stated.

He looked even more stunned at the fact that he was going to be living here. He picked up the bag and threw it over one shoulder.

I took hold of his hand in reassurance before leading him up the steps to the house and then pulled out my keys and unlocked the door. I received another questioning look and smiled at him.

"The people who live here are really welcoming and decided I was a part of the family they've thrown together. They gave me a key last weekend so I could come and go as I wish but I don't live here like you're going to."

He didn't respond. His brooding silence taking over as the nerves rode him hard.

I felt satisfied at the fact that he felt like I did the first time Travis and Dan brought me here. I shoved open the door and the music blasted us full force. Instead of turning and leaving, I grinned and rolled my eyes at the childlike demeanor these adults had. I had to physically pull Steven in the direction the music was coming from.

We finally ended up standing in the doorway of their large kitchen, watching as Mrs. Walsh sung along to the music while dancing around the room and making lunch.

Mr. Walsh was seated at the kitchen table watching his wife with sparkling eyes, the book in front of him long forgotten.

I glanced up at Steven's face to find a small smile pulling at his lips but as soon as he saw me looking, it turned back into a thin line and he threw me a discreet glare. I chuckled at his dark look and walked over to the radio before turning down the volume.

Mr. and Mrs. Walsh both looked at me with confused gazes before their smiles returned.

"Well, look who showed up early today?" Mrs. Walsh stated and placed her hands on her hips. "Aren't you working today?"

"No Mrs. Walsh, Mr. Everest told me I had done a good job this week and gave me the day off." I shrugged one shoulder and leaned against the wall. My gaze switched to Mr. Walsh who seemed to be the only one of the two who actually noticed Steven's presence. "Though, I have an idea he gave me the day off because Steve finally showed up." I nodded towards my friend.

Mrs. Walsh gasped in shock when she finally saw my friend. Too my utter surprise, she bounced up and down twice while clapping her hands and then ran over to Steven. She swiftly pulled him into her arms without a seconds thought.

My mouth dropped open at her actions and I saw Steven stiffen completely, sending me a panicked look. I slowly closed my mouth before smirking over at him.

He sent me another glare before awkwardly patting Mrs. Walsh on the back.

"Sweetheart, I think you're scaring the poor lad." Mr. Walsh spoke up from the table.