LIE

Chapter 12

Hunter:

"C'mon guy!" I prodded. I'd always been trying to get the new guy -- my roommate -- to get up and hang out with us. He never moved, he'd just hide in the corner on his bed. He never spoke, I didn't know his name -- even if it has been six months since he got here.

I tried to pull him, but he'd freak out on me and Carte would burst in and scold me; telling me to leave him alone. I was a persistent person, so I was intent on getting him up and moving. He kills the happy vibe of this place, so that's one reason. Another reason; he seemed lonely and upset. And no roommate of mine is allowed to be upset and lonely!

In a way he creeped me out; he wore a hood all the time and his black hair covered most of his face, and he just sat there curled up and trembling! God. What happened to you?

I'd bring him food. He wouldn't eat or move. I brought him water. Nothing. I don't even know if he slept. If he did, it'd probably be in that position. The only time he moved was to go to the bathroom. When he did, he'd keep his head down and hide from everyone.

"One day, guy. I'll get you to hang with us." I said pointing at him as I left.

I closed the door behind me. 

"Huuunteeer!" My favorite six year old blonde called.

"Laylaa!" I called and stooped down with my arms out. She jumped into them with a giggle.

"What can we play today?" Layla asked.

"I dunno. Wanna play hide and seek with the others?" I asked excitedly.

"Yes!" Layla responded.

She hopped off of me and ran down the hall calling the others.

Eventually they all emerged from their rooms and followed us outside.

"Hide and seek again?" Little Jenny asked.

"Yes." I responded.

"Not it!" Lee shouted before running off.

"Not it!" I then yelled. Not letting that happen again.

"Not it!" Layla echoed.

Jenny pouted. "Fine." She huffed.

"To twenty!" I said before running with Layla.

We hid behind the house wedged between bushes. Layla insists on hiding with me.

"Where's Jackson?" I whispered to Layla.

"Sleeping." Layla whispered back.

"It's Sunday! He should hang out with us! Tomorrow we won't be able to." She exclaimed.

"Shh." I shushed her.

We had school during the week, of course. 

I looked up. We happened to be right under my room. I looked at the window. Nothing. He hadn't been going to school; I don't even think he was enrolled.

"Ready or not, here I come!" We heard Jenny shout.

It took a while, but she finally found us. 

"Why does Lucky never play with us?" Layla asked as we walked to our favorite tree.

"Who?" I questioned.

"Lucky. I heard Mrs. Emily talking about him a while ago." 

"So that's his name." I muttered.

"Why does he always stay in you guys' room?" Layla then asked.

"I don't know, Layla. He won't speak to me." I responded.