The Invisible Girl

Chapter Six; Alone Together

The next few hours crept by slowly. By the time others started showing up, Luke had given up on trying to get me to talk. I could tell the exact moment he made that decision- he had looked so betrayed, his eyes uncertain, no trace of a smile on his face. I wanted to say something- I really did! But every time I tried a wave of terror washed over me, filling my lungs and robbing me of my breath. The drowning sensation was quickly followed by loneliness, each time worse than the last. Years of conditioning had rendered me mute in these strangers' presence.

At the same time, however, I had at least four different opportunities to dart out the door as people entered the house, yet not once did I attempt it. Something kept me here. The desire to have friends. I had come so close. How could I give up after coming this far? I was alone, but at least I was alone in company.

Glancing at Luke, I rewrote my last statement. I wasn't alone in company- Luke and I were alone together.  He was certain I had abandoned him.

Biting my lip, I stretched a hand out, debating setting a hand on his shoulder to reassure him. Loneliness was a terrible feeling, especially when you were around people. He didn't deserve that.

Luke suddenly turned as the last of his friends entered the room- Kota's room- and I pulled back, turning away. All seven of them were here. That was how many Kota said there should be.

I tuned their conversation out, worried I would cry if I listened to their playful banter any longer as they compared their schedules. I shouldn't be here anyways. What they talked about was none of my business.

I paced around the perimeter of the room, taking extra care to step lightly. Kota's bedroom was a spacious finished room above the garage. There was a door cracked open to reveal a bathroom, though I didn't dare try to sneak in- both for fear of brushing against the door and for moral reasons. I had decided years ago I wasn't going to use my invisibility to invade someone's privacy, and no one had given me permission to enter. Then again, no one had said I could be in Kota's room, either.

There was another door next to the bathroom. I suspected it to be a closet, as I saw no other doors.  I glanced out the windows as I passed, one facing the driveway, the other facing the road towards the front of the house. There was a bench seat at the latter, a couple embroidered pillows in the corners, but I was too restless to sit.

I winced as I brushed against the comforter on the bed, but the noise was easily covered. As it was in the middle of the room, I was forced to squeeze in between it and Luke as I paced if I were to walk the perimeter.

As I passed, I ran my fingers lightly across the computer keyboard, watching the monitor flicker to life as I bumped the mouse.  No one noticed, and I continued on, my fingers skimming the sides of books on a small bookshelf.

By eleven my fingers had grown numb with the repeated, different textures. Only then did it occur to me how invasive I might seem- touching all of Kota's stuff without his permission, or even knowledge. After that, I kept my arms at my sides, walking a few more laps before I finally decided to sit. Perched on the window seat, too restless to feel comfortable, I rested my head against the window, staring out across the street at my house.

It wasn't long before I fell asleep.

~ | ~ | ~

"-not kidding! She's out there, and she needs our help! And she won't get it because you're all too thick-headed to listen!"

I startled awake, instantly remembering where I was as a surge of adrenaline washed over me. I looked over at the boys just in time to catch Luke storming away, disappearing down the staircase. 

Worried, I stood, careful not to jostle the pillows on the bench, and tiptoed around the group of silent boys, noting their shocked expressions as they exchanged looks. It was like they were talking through eye-contact.

Shaking my head to clear the thought, I dashed down the stairs, cringing as I wiped drool from my face.

No one was there to see as I opened the door and slipped out. No one had bothered to follow their friend.