UNFORGIVABLE

CHAPTER SEVEN

Sorry it took a while guys. Long story. But I hope y'all good? 🤗Please #Staysafe guys, y'all to precious to lose. Muah 😘

Eight years ago

I could hear the three huge dogs barking as I inched closer to Roman's house.

They were all Hailey's bestfriends. She had always been fond of dogs. Immediately the dogs spotted me, their barking ceased and was replaced with the violent wagging of their tails as they try to playfully hop on me. I crouched down to rub their ears and each one of them pushed forward shoving each other to get their fair share of attention. I was saved by the gardener's whistling as he called unto them. They rushed to meet him probably thinking he had doggy treats or something edible for them. I waved to him and mouthed "Thanks" to him which he returned with a smile. Leaving them before the dogs find out there was no treat, I proceeded to the front door.

I knocked softly on the door but there was no answer. Then I tried jiggling the door knob and to my surprise the door opened. I knew they were probably around if the front door was not locked. As I shut the door behind me I looked around the big house. I've spent a lot of my days here. Between family dinner, celebratory occasions and sleepovers here but it always seems to me like the house gets a little bigger whenever I walk in.

Strolling into the spacious living room, I called out again.

"Hello?" My voice echoed. The sound probably should have travelled around the whole room and farther.
"Is anyone home?"

I was starting to suspect no one's home but I don't think they'd be careless enough to leave a house as big as this without locking the front door. Could they?
I should check upstairs, I thought to myself.
I headed up the massive spiral staircase.

"Hailey? Roman?" I call out as I walked up the stairs.
When I finally reached the top, I headed straight for Hailey's room door which was the closest from me and knocked twice before gently pushing it open. The room was empty.
Huh! I was really starting to think the Montgomery's were not home.

Might as well call them and warn them about their opened door.
I reached for my phone about to dial Roman's number when I heard some rustling noise. I turned around and the sound seemed to be coming from the room adjacent to Hailey's room.
Roman's Room!

Could it be? Maybe he's home alone. Then I heard more rustling. Please God let him be home. That would mean we would be home alone and I can talk to him without any unwanted audience.

I reached his door as fast as I could and hurriedly knocked. My heart threatening to burst out of my chest with joy. But the rustling stopped and there was total silence for a few seconds from inside his room that had me thinking maybe I heard wrong. But then, a loud thump sounded followed by more rustling.

Weird.  It sounded like he fell. I really hope he didn't hurt himself.

I knocked again impatiently.
"Who is it?" I heard Roman's voice ask. It sounded rough and strained.

"It's me." I said.

I knew he could tell from my voice that I was the one. So no further question followed. Just absolute silence again for about ten seconds, then more rustling. Louder this time. I leaned closer to the door and pressed my ear on it. Now I could hear whispering.

Why would he be whispering to himself? Unless--  Then it dawned on me. Did he have company? Was someone in there with him?

When I heard heavy footfalls inching closer to the shut door where I stood,  I hurriedly backed away a bit farther from the door. Finally there was a loud 'click' that signified that the door had been previously locked.