The Asylum On Chestnut Street

Chapter-5

"Kyle," I blurted out his name.

"Wendy," he smugly replied. His blue eyes gleamed with humor.

"What are yo--- when did you---- uhh..." I looked at Brenda for help, feeling kind of embarrassed that kyle may have witnessed us fighting about him, but all she did was, stay silent and stare. I didn't blame her for not speaking though. It was undoubtedly an awkward situation. "how long have you been standing here?" I finally asked, daring to look back up at him.

"Not long," he was still smiling, but something about the way the corner of his mouth twisted up, made it feel kind of off, like he was lying to me.

"Oh," I choked out. "Well.. Um.." I glanced at Brenda, who was loosening up. "This is my friend----"

"Brenda," Brenda eagerly finished me. She flashed kyle a pretty smile and recovered from that awkward moment, a lot quicker than me. She was officially back to her bouncy, talkative self.

"Yeah...Brenda.." I quietly echoed.

"I just turned sixteen, but I act a lot older than I am," she boasted, batting her long eyelashes.

Kyle nodded approvingly, "I act a lot older than my age, as well" he said. He stuck out his hand for her to shake, just like he did when we first met. But unlike me, Brenda accepted his handshake, and I swear I've never seen her look so ecstatic in my life.

"Nice to meet you." She half-smiled, half- puckered her lips.

Kyle politely brought his hand back to his side "The pleasure is all mine."

Brenda blushed at that, shyly tilting her head. "So how old are you?" She asked, standing up taller.

"Eighteen!" I squealed out, attempting not to be a third wheel.

Brenda looked at me with slight disgust, as if I were a bug, and Kyle simply smirked, shaking his head.

"Anyway..." Brenda dragged on, dismaying me. She flipped her silky brown hair over her shoulder. "What brings you out here, kyle?" She asked making her tone raspier and deeper. She was trying to look mature, and It bugged me so much that I envisioned myself dismantling the breaks of her blue bike.

Kyle shrugged, shoving his hand to his pocket. He was wearing a black wool coat and dark jeans. "It's getting colder,everyday. I figured I'd enjoy some nice weather while it lasts."

"Yeah, me too" Wenda agreed, "I just love weather"

I audibly snorted at that line but no one seemed to notice.

Brenda started talking with her hands and spoke of the weather and the way it plays a role in our everyday life. Meanwhile, kyle continuously nodded his head to show that he was paying attention. I half-zoned out, staring at the concrete that was scattered with colorful leaves.

I picked my head up when I sensed a movement from Kyle, and watched him pull a pack of his cigarettes and a lighter out from one of his pocket.

"Kyle!" I reprimanded, interrupting Brenda's ongoing chatter.

"What?" He managed to ask with a cigarette between his lips.

"You told me, you'd quit."

"And I am," he assured me, "it's already four in the afternoon and this is my first one today." He lit the end and inhaled some smoke, "it's the process, Wendy."

I bit my lip and slowly nodded. "Alright," I decided to agree "as long as you're still quitting."

Brenda, of course wanting to look cool, piped up. "Hey! Can I have one!?" She asked, her eyebrows shot up to her hairline, and a massive grin spread across her lower face.

"Bren, that's not a good idea" I informed. "Didn't you learn this in health? It's very addicting, especially at a young age."

She stuck her tongue out at me, although it was playfully. I saw a hint of annoyance in her muddy brown eyes. "Shut up, mom." She said. Although, it was heavily laced in sarcasm, I still felt a small pang in my gut by her words.

"So can I have one or what?" Brenda pressed, smiling flirtatiously at kyle.

Kyle looked at me and held my eyes for a few solid beats. His face was serious and analyzing mine carefully before turning back to Brenda. My heart and mind were racing with anticipation.

"No," was all he said.

"OK." She pouted.

I was about to say something, but I didn't remember what, because a disturbing laughter started to fill the silence; I froze, feeling the thumping of my heart speeding up. Suddenly, everything was quiet in the moment and I wasn't able to hear the distant chirping of birds, or almost a silent him of nature, let alone the words Brenda was mouthing to kyle. Everything was mute, except for that haunting laugh.

heee heee heeeeheeee....