i don't feel safe anymore

Part 2

Sebastian slanted the strange girl another glance. She was pressed against her window, watching the lush, tall evergreen trees pass by in a blur. At one point, in the quiet drive, she had fidgeted with the radio, and now a gentle song calmly played. When the window fogged up from her breath, she pulled back and traced her finger against the cold glass. Sebastian turned forward. Up ahead, in the dark, narrow road that continued through the woods, he saw his turn. He pulled up onto a private road that led to his house.

As they drove up the long driveway, he spotted her through the corner of his eye lean forward in her seat. Her lips agape and her wide emerald eyes rounded. He parked in the driveway. When he turned off the ignition and got out, she hesitantly unclipped the seatbelt and followed—still seemingly awe-struck by his home and the nature that surrounded it. She cranked her neck back to take in the full exterior, muttering something under her breath. The ghost of a grin wavered on his lips.

Sebastian unlocked the front door, and the first thing that caught her eye was the full floor-to-ceiling windows in the back. Her lips parted. The entrance was a short and narrow hallway. On one wall, a high mirror hung above a small table with a marble bowl Sebastian had thrown his keys into, nearly making her jump from the sudden sound. She took a few steps forward, her eyes taking in the scenery. She wiggled her toes on the soft carpet beneath her feet.

Her chestnut head turned right, and she eyed the kitchen. The style was modern industrial. The countertops and island top were a smooth black marble, the low hanging light fixtures, and cabinets a dark grey. She turned left and took in the spacious living room, just beyond that was a hallway with more rooms. The entire back wall was a wide inviting window that showcased the pool and field of trees. During the day, it filled the house with so much natural light. She walked up and pressed her hand against the floor-to-ceiling glass. Sebastien gazed around. At first, he wasn't sure if he'd like it out here, secluded from the world. But the house was passed down from generation to generation, and since Sebastian was an only child, that left him with a fantastic deal. Now, all he had to focus on was his work; he could fully dive into it. And soon, he found inspiration in nearly everything. It made working mostly from home more peaceful.

He trailed a little ways behind, letting her take in everything with sudden anticipation. He observed her expression carefully; watched as she ran her hand over the small table that pressed against the back of the black leather couch in the lower living room area; watched her gaze momentarily at the island in the kitchen and then at the tv mounted next to the stone fireplace in the living room. He felt a surge of pride at her visible wonderment. Sadie had never looked at his home and belongings the way this strange girl did. Sure, she liked the life he was willing to provide, but she always voiced her opinions on how he could do better—it was discouraging.

"There's a sheriff that lives nearby," he began, and she gave him a pointed look over her shoulder, "I'll just give him a call and see what we do." He pulled his phone out and tapped on the screen, but it remained black. "That's strange," he murmured as she turned away flatly. "Must've died." Didn't he at least have half a battery left? How long had he been trying to contact Sadie?

"Oh-kay, well . . ." Sebastian slanted her a glance and eyed her filthy gown. Now in the light, he could see grass stains and dirt marks. "Should we at least get you a change of clothes or something?" Sebastian was beginning to feel like he was talking to himself. It's like she wasn't even listening to him anymore. He eyed the dirt smudges on her frail shoulder and the leaf tangled in her hair. "Maybe a shower . . . something to eat." She finally turned to him from the window, her small hand pressed against the glass. That certainly got her attention.

Okay, Sebastian thought to himself, she'll take a shower, and I'll clean her clothes in the meantime and try and find her something to eat—seemed like a plan. But then, what next? "Let's get you a change of clothes, and you can take a quick shower."

He walked past the living room into the hallway, and she quietly followed like a shadow. He led her into the room just at the entrance of the hall—his and Sadie's room. Sebastian went to the large dresser and opened one of Sadie's drawers. He pulled out a pair of black sweats and a red tee. When he slanted her a glance over his shoulder, he found her taking in every inch of his room. Her wide emerald eyes running over everything. A prick of curiosity pinched at his thoughts. He suddenly found himself wondering what she was thinking. Her expression wasn't giving much away, and a part of that gnawed at Sebastian. He closed the drawer and led her down the hall to the bathroom. The black marble-top counter ran along the narrow interior. In the mirror, she could see a shower on the opposite side of the room. Sebastian walked ahead and put the clothes on the counter for her. "I can go ahead and wash your dress for you while you shower," he said. Without a word, she slid the straps off her slim shoulders and let the nightgown pool around her feet.

Sebastian quickly turned away before he could see an inch of her exposed skin. He stared at the black marble and waited until he heard her step into the shower, sure to listen to the curtains slide into place before he glanced to check.

Perplexed, he grabbed the dress and gingerly shuffled to the door.

As it closed behind him, she peeked over her shoulder through the crack in the curtain. In the mirror's reflection, she watched him disappear.