The Bell House

A promise

Zak POV

I couldn't bare to see the tears forming in her eyes. Hearing her heart breaking in her voice, made me almost turn back. It would be too hard, I had to leave. When I grabbed the door knob, tears began forming in my eyes and I felt like I couldn't breathe. I had to get out.

"Did I mean nothing to you?" Her voice broke at the question.

"Goodbye Avery."

   That was it. I got out of there, not turning back. As I walked down the driveway I could feel eyes on me. The wind began to pick up and I heard my name from afar.

"Zachary..."

   I knew it was her. She wanted me to save her daughter but I just couldn't anymore. I refused to turn around and the wind now was so forceful it was hard to even walk. I pushed through it, making it to the road and that's when I bolted. I ran so fast I could feel the burning in my lungs. I made it inside the B and B, hunching over to catch my breath. I could feel tears behind my eyes and at that, I made my way upstairs before I was seen.

   I made it to my door but a noise down the hall caught my attention. It was Ms. Moore leaving one of the rooms. She spotted me, looking directly in my eyes and it's like she knew. Her eyes fell and I heard her speak,

"Oh dear..." She shook her head and looked at me with disappointment.

   Letting out a deep breath, I opened the door. I collapsed on the bed, burying my head within my pillow. It didn't take me long to get lost within a deep sleep.

   The following day, I was awoken to banging on my door. I could hear people talking outside, annoying me slightly. I looked over at the clock and noticed I had slept in. Jumping out of bed, I threw on some clothes and opened the door.

"Dude, you look like shit. What happened?" Aaron asked while looking me up and down.

"Slept in that's all. I'll have my stuff ready soon."

"Bro, what happened?"

"Avery..." I cut myself off.

"When your ready to talk about it, I'm here. I'll be downstairs loading up."

"I'm going to go clear my head, I'll be back soon."

   Aaron nodded his head and walked away, leaving me standing in the doorway. I finished packing, checked the room one last time, and closed the door behind me. I noticed Billy and handed him my bag.

"Can you take this down for me?"

"Sure thing man." He looked at me with concern but didn't bother to ask.

   I waited until the coast was clear and entered the room across from mine. I noticed the desk and headed to it, opening the top drawer. I picked up the picture, looking at it closely and smiling as I saw a young Avery standing in front of her mother. I started to hear footsteps outside of the room and before I could put the picture back, Ms. Moore walked in with surprised eyes.

"I have never met another living soul that has had so much curiosity. I see you found my photo."

"I didn't mean to intrude, I..." She cut me off. 

"It's fine dear. I understand. That picture was taken long ago but it feels like just yesterday I was watching those girls dance beneath the trees. I have to say, I notice alot and I kind of thought you and Avery had a chance. I've never seen her so happy."

"It's complicated, with my work and travel..." She cut me off again.

"Now your making up excuses dear. If you truly care for someone, nomatter the circumstances you find a way to make it work. It sounds like to me your pushing her away. I just don't understand why."