Symphony Of A Serial Killer

Chapter 19: Sustenance

"Okay Dante, the good news is you were never going to be sleeping upstairs in my room. They let you rest up here because they were wanting to get dinner ready without worrying about waking you up. Plus Uncle Mark was on his way and as you now know, he's quite vocal and loud."

"Soo... where am I supposed to sleep then?"

"The guest room of course! Which is perfect because it's on the ground floor and has a window that you can climb out of once everyone goes to bed! No tip toeing down and up the stairs in the middle of the night, perfect!"

Of course her house has a guest room, why not, I mean they have everything else right? Nevertheless, the plan to get me out of the house was simple and seemingly easy enough. Guess the only thing I have to worry about is getting caught.

Then again no plan is fully fool proof and we're not exactly elite strategists so whatever. I nodded and sent a text to Missy and Lee saying I would try to meet around 2 AM at the park.

As I started to walk by her and head for the stairs, she embraced me once more, but this time she looked deep into my eyes while a mischievous smirk appeared on her face.

"We're so bad together! This is gonna be fun!" she chirped with widened eyes.

I was sure she was going to try and kiss me but she didn't, instead she rested her head on my chest and gave me a tight embrace while saying we should probably get back downstairs before someone comes up to check on us.

As she scurried down the steps, I was left stunned by her words, "Don't worry, I know when I'm beat. You won't admit it but no one compares to Missy."

If she feels this way then why is she helping me sneak out to see her, can I even fully trust her? Something always goes wrong, I'm prepared for that... but being set up is another thing.

While going down the steps myself, I quickly decide to feel out dinner and pick up on the vibe she's giving. If it's bad... then I won't go, even though part of me thinks its worth it and worst case scenario is I just go home and face James.

However after seeing that clip Lee sent, probably isn't the best idea to rest my head under the same roof of someone who's suspected of murder and who I just attacked on national television.

Back at the dinner table everyone was already digging in, my stomach grumbled as I took my seat and there was no doubt that the others heard it. Surprisingly everyone, including Mark chose to give me a free pass and not point it out.

There was a distinct silence at the table, it wasn't awkward... technically... but the only sounds to be heard were the scraping of forks on the plates as we scooped up bites of the vegetable casserole, or the teeth of our knives sliding across the china as we cut into our pork chops.

Not that the silence needed to be broken, but I would have thought by now she would have mentioned us switching rooms. Maybe she really is jealous of Missy and doesn't want me leaving her to go meet up?

"So... Mr. Fritz, thanks to Youtube I know why you were so quick to turn off the TV earlier." I said while looking at Caroline's dad.

Just like that, everyone froze. Well except for Caroline, instead I got that look that women give when they're burning a hole right through you. I expected hesitation but his response was almost instantaneous.

"Tell me son, does knowing make you feel any better?"

"Actually it does, not the act itself but the unknown is highly unsettling for me. If I were to stay here and actually feel relaxed, I'd have to be in the know. If that makes sense?"

"Everyone copes differently Dante, fair enough. My apologies for attempting to hide the truth from you."

"I swear you're an old soul." Caroline's mother chimed in, interrupting me and her husband's back and forth.

"I mean I suppose.. I hear that enough so it must be true I guess." I say with a subtle yawn.

"Still tired my dear?" her mother asked.

"Yes ma'am, its definitely been one exhausting day."

"That reminds me, after dinner you can grab your things from upstairs and I'll show you to the guest room."

"Oh.. okay.."

"We wanted you to get as much as possible so put you upstairs while we got dinner ready."

"Thank you Mrs. Fritz, that was kind of you."

"Of course! You're very welcome sweetie."

"Smart move, separating them like that." Mark added while shoving a piece of pork chop into his mouth. "This way you can preemptively hear them creeping on the stairs for that late night humping I mentioned earlier." he mumbled through his muffled chewing while waving his fork back and forth between Caroline and I.

Fuming, Mr. Fritz excused himself while calmly rising from his seat. Caroline and I locked eyes as her father made his way around the table. I glanced over to see Mrs. Fritz had turned a bright red while staring into Marks soul.

There was undoubtedly a rage growing within her that was spewing to the top. Like the lady she is though, she refrained and maintained her composure. Not that she needed to react at all because shortly thereafter Mark was unwillingly plucked from his seat.

"Hey now little brother!" he touted while attempting to stab another piece of pork chop with his fork.

Alas he found himself just out of range  as his brother walked away pulling him by his collar. Mark's chair hit the floor with a thud as he stumbled backwards while keeping his balance.

"Awe come on!" he pouted while reaching out for his plate defeating, still holding the fork as they disappeared around the corner into the next room.

"Well then, I think that about does it for dinner." her mother said while letting out a begrudged sigh.

Her mother stood up and gathered both her and her husband's plates. Caroline and I, frozen with embarrassment couldn't bring ourselves to move. Instead we sat there awkwardly looking at random things around the dinner table. I found myself fixated on the decorative napkin holder when her mother broke the silence.

"Yeah... this must be really uncomfortable but don't let him get to you two."

"Kinda hard when you're a guest in someone's home and meeting a classmate's parents for the first time and suggestive things like that are being tossed around you know?"

"I understand and you're right Dante, how about you head upstairs and gather your things to move into the guest room?"

"Mom" Caroline chimed in.

"Yes dear?"

"I hate that guy."

"I'm not too fond of him myself, but your father and his family were a package deal so here we are." she said with a light chuckle.

"Haha, mom you're the best!"

"This is also true." she said while wrapping her arms around her daughter from behind and looking down at her with a smile.

This was one of those adorable heart warming moments that was perfect to leave on. I started making my way towards the stairs when Mark walked back into the dining room with his brother close behind.

"Its been brought to my attention that my words may have been a tad on the inappropriate side." he said with air quotes while slightly looking over his shoulder at his brother. "To that effect I apologize for any offense my commentary may caused."

As he sat back down to finish his plate, he said it was nice meeting me and hoped I enjoyed the rest of my stay. Neither Caroline or myself spoke to accept that half-assed apology. Shaking my head, I made my way to the stairs and began making my way up.

Before they were completely out of view, I glanced down and saw her dad standing behind him with his arms folded. He's damn near watching over him like a prison guard while he eats, what the hell happened in the other room?