Discovering the Moonlight

3

Chapter 3

The sound of the back door opening woke me up from the nap I had been taking at my desk. The clock read 10:30. “Dad, is that you?” My voice echoed through the empty house. No reply. I walked over slowly to my closet and grabbed the can of mace that dad had given me for protection. With mace in hand I slowly opened my bedroom door and walked quietly to the edge of the stairs. I looked down them but seen nothing but darkness. Looking both ways first I decided to see what the noise was. I descended the stairs very slowly trying to see if I heard anything in the process. I reached the bottom and flicked the hall light on.

A large boom came from the kitchen and I went running. My body carried me faster than I ever thought it would. Adrenaline pumping through my veins and my heart pounded so loudly in my ears. I reached to the kitchen and found my dad throwing grocery bags on the kitchen table. “Really dad? I could have killed you with this mace.” He turned around and began to chuckle as he noticed me holding the mace in a defensive position.

“I’m sorry sweetie; I didn’t mean to scare you. Oh and why did you leave the back door open?” His question completely through me off.  My confused expression must have shown on my face because his once chipper attitude quickly changed to that of an on guard man. I was instantly worried again.

“Baby get in here now.” He motioned for me to get behind him. “Stay in the kitchen while I go check things out.” He pulled his gun out of its holster at his side and slowly walked out of the kitchen. He was gone for only a few minutes but it felt like an eternity. He came back in to the kitchen and slowly put his gun back up. “I didn’t see anything, but promise me the next time you hear anything and I don’t answer just call the cops.” He moved over to stand in front of me. Embracing me in a hug he said, “I don’t know what I would do if me or your mother were to lose you.” His voice had now become grim.

“Dad its fine, I may have left the door open but I can’t remember. And yes, I promise next time I will call the cops.” I never even went in or out of the back door since I have been home from school.  I didn’t even want to think of the possibility of someone being in this house while I was studying by myself. I was officially freaked out.

He kissed the top of my head and gave me one final squeeze, “Now come on kido and help me put away these groceries.” His voice finally returning back to normal. I could still tell he was worried, I don’t believe he bought my bluff.

As I unloaded one of the brown paper bags of groceries I started to ask questions about the murder. “So dad, I seen you on TV earlier and might I add how handsome you looked.” I defiantly can say that sucking up was one of my talents in this family.

He looked over at me with an eyebrow raised, “No Claire I am not telling you anything.” His voice flat. “Plus it’s not like we know much at this time anyways.” He reached above me putting away some cereal.

“Oh come on dad, tell me something!” My voice becoming high and shrill. He hated when I did that and it usually worked like a charm every time I did. I started to whimper and give him the sad eyes trick. My dad was such a sucker for tantrums.

“Ok, all I know is that it’s a girl and she is around your age. I don’t know her name yet because her face was unrecognizable. We think a wild animal did it. That’s why I don’t want you walking out alone until we find what did this.” He gave me the condescending look that I knew was coming. He looked down at his wrist and seen the time. “Claire you need to get to bed, I will put the rest of this up.” He leaned over and planted a wet kiss on my cheek and scooted me out of the kitchen.

“Fine, goodnight.” I yelled from behind me as I went up the stairs to my bedroom.

I threw myself on the bed and crawled under the thick covers. What animal could it be? I know that we have bears and wolves but we never have had any attacks. My mind began to race with thoughts and questions as to what or who did this. I rolled over in bed and grabbed my headphones and put them in my ears. I always went to bed at night listening to something. As the music played in my ears I slowly fell into unconsciousness.