Shadow

Chapter 26

"They didn't say much," I said, putting my used mug into the dishwasher, "They trust me... but they answered questions vaguely, enough information to satisfy, but not enough to reveal."

"What did you ask them?" Fraser asked, putting his mug onto the granite countertop.

"Couldn't ask much without seeming like I already knew everything," I said, resting my palms on the bench, "Just normal questions like what was going on at the alley that day and why they joined the Riverwells."

Fraser nodded and moved to put his mug into the dishwasher as well. After we all had our emotional moment, Vivian decided to make hot chocolate and we caught up on everything that happened between us. Needless to say, we ended up clearing the issue.

"They invited me to a party," I blurted, "Maybe I could get some more information tomorrow?"

"Really? That's great, shows they trust you," Fraser said, "I'm glad you're trying so hard Lili, it's endearing to see your determination."

"Thanks, Fraser," I smiled.

"I'm tired," Vivian yawned, rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand, "Stay tonight, babe?"

Fraser looked at his girlfriend as though she was the most beautiful thing she'd ever laid his eyes on, "Okay."

Fraser washed his hands under the sink and moved towards Vivian, enveloping her hand with his, and they shuffled upstairs after bidding me goodnight.

I pushed myself off of the bench with a small smile formed on my face. I turned the lights off, surrounding myself in the darkness, and walked upstairs, to find the comfort of my cozy bed.

...

My heart pounded against my chest as I pushed through the trees, hoping that they couldn't hear my small footsteps and heavy breathing.

My muscles were aching, but the voice in my head kept me going.

Keep running.

They will kill you.

My hands were in front of me, taking the impact of the branches and leaves covering my path. It probably wasn't safe for a 10 year old to be running through the forest at such an hour, but anything was safer than there.

Tears blurred my vision, but I couldn't stop. No matter how much I wanted to crawl up into a ball and cry, hoping this was all a dream. But it wasn't, and I needed to keep running.

A small yelp escaped from my lips as a gunshot filled the air. I looked back to the small yellow light emitted from the cottage that was visible from between the trees, worry etched across my forehead.

Whatever you do, don't come back.

My mother's words echoed in my mind, and I turned around.

I ran.

I ran until I couldn't feel my legs anymore.

I ran until I didn't know where I was.

I ran until I knew that they couldn't find me.

...

I woke up with a start, my black hair plastered to my face due to the perspiration. I pushed the wet strands out of my face and sighed. I hadn't had that nightmare in six months, they better not be resurfacing.

I pushed my blanket away and climbed out of the bed, walking into the bathroom. I cringed at my reflection in the mirror. My eyes were bloodshot and tears were dry against my pale skin. Groaning, I splashed water against my face, hoping that my eyes wouldn't have hideous bags under them all day.