Hollow Hatred

Chapter Five

           When I got up the next morning, I was relieved to see Seth had already gone to work. I was still in shock from yesterday. I've never been man-handled before, and honestly, I didn't like it one bit. He pushed me, threw me, and screamed at me all because I wanted to call the police. I don't trust him anymore, and he can kiss KFC good-bye! I'm no longer his KFC-ordering-slave.

           On the less-of-a-down side, I don't have a ride to school.

           The alarm on my nightstand read 6:02am. I groggily got out of bed and went straight into bathroom. I took a long shower and got out when the hot water ran cold. Since Seth wasn't home, I had the freedom to walk around naked. I took a towel from the rack, and walked to my room with it in my arms. I walked into my room and was met by a chilly breeze. A shiver made its way up my spine. I unfolded the towel, wrapped myself up, and looked at the vent on the ceiling. It wasn't blowing. I furrowed my eyebrows and canvassed the room.

           My window was open.

           I didn't open my window.

           My blood ran cold, and it wasn't because of the second breeze that swept into the room. I ran over to the window and slammed it shut. I looked at the lock. It had been tampered with.

           I stood frozen for a few minutes and listened. The only thing to be heard was my breathing and rapid heart beat. My mind was racing and reacting to the possibilities that could happen if there was an intruder in the house. I could be mugged or beaten or ... I looked down at my myself. All I saw was the towel.

           I quietly grabbed some clothes from my dresser and walked back to the bathroom. I closed the door and locked it. After putting on under garments, I slipped into a pink tank top and covered it with an ivory cropped lace short sleeve half-top. I pulled on some denim shorts with large purple rose printing and cuffed hems. I planned on wearing gold flats with the outfit, but they were by the front door. I silently brushed my teeth and hair.

          At times like these, I needed Seth around, but thanks to him, I don't have a phone. I can't call him. I can't call the police. I can't even call my father. But I can run fast. That's good Ari, I thought, be positive.

           Opening the bathroom door, I peaked out into the hallway. It was empty. The house was soundless and still. I tip-toed into my bedroom, took my pepper spray out of my bag, and went to survey the rest of the house. My heart was still pounding in my throat, and I hadn't taken a full breathe since I discovered the window. I crept through the hallway and made it into the living room. It was still plain and empty, and nobody was there. Seths tennis shoes were gone from the shoe rack, and my gold flats were hidden under my favorite pair of heels.

           I slowly crept into the kitchen, held up my peppy spray, and saw it was empty too. I let out a big sigh and let down my defense. Unless the intruder broke into Seths room, there wasn't anyone in here. Seth locks his doors so I won't be able to steal his volumizing hair care spray.

           After slipping into my flats, stuffing my bag, and checking all the locks on the windows, I left the house and sighed. It was 7:48am. School starts at 8:00am. The highschool wasn't that far a drive, but walking there was a different story. I could see my phone on the street, and from my doorstep, I could tell it wasn't salvageable.

            How can I get to school?

           A light bulb went off in my head.

           "Ariana?" Mrs. Shepherd said when she opened she front door.

           "Hi Mrs. Shepherd." I greeted. "I need a favor."