Lock and Key

Chapter 4

Ryder hadn't come into my, his, room all day. And I was still starving from the little food I would allow myself to choke down. My stomach rumbles as if the little tyrannosaurus rex your mother told about was still roaring at me to feed it before something bad happens. I try to take deep breathes to subside the rumbling.

I've been through worse I've been through worse I've been through worse.

The deep-rooted noises still erupt in my stomach, despite my attempts to quiet my starving self. If I were to go find the kitchen, I could make something. I doubt that they would poison all of the food that they would consume. It sounded like a good idea until I heard voices coming from a far away hallway. Both were hushed but still loud enough for my sensitive ears to pick up. I knew one was the scary lady with the weapon behind her back, and the other, I have no idea. But I know it was a guy, a deep, hoarse voice. Maybe scary lady's husband, or boyfriend, I don't know her life.

"She is still very scared, you can't go and do that right now. Harper, please, let her get accustomed to you. You don't have any idea what she is thinking right now or what she has had to go through by herself," The man whisper shouts at his wife and or girlfriend. I could hear her scoff.

Clearly she doesn't like me.

I understand that. I intruded her home and taking up all her son's time nowadays. Wasting food on someone who won't even eat it. I'm not the most perfect house guest.

But I won't be here for long. So she doesn't need to worry.

"I know that Rodger, but Ryder asked me to check on her every once and a while. How am I supposed to do that with you not letting me into my own son's room!?" She says, a little louder now, clearly irritated. I'm now standing in front of the closed door that connects Ryder's room to the other parts of the house, pinning a perceptive ear to the door, to better hear what they are saying.

"Harper, I will take care of it. From what you have told me about her reactions, she clearly does not trust you. I want to be able to see for myself what has got the full attention of my son. What could be so important that he had to miss a full week of school just to sit in there and only come out for food that seems to never be eaten. Please sweetie, let me do this," He is begging now, from what I'm hearing. He sounds really nice. Soft. Caring. Protective. Sweet.

But I taught myself never to judge, never make false judgments, never think of any possibility of hope that there is anything but negativity and pain and loss. Positivity and tranquility are dead, always will be. I hear someone sigh, appeasement. She gave in. Good. I don't want to see her, for a very long time. She scares me, almost as much as him.

"I'm going to check on her, stay here," His voice gets louder as it walks towards my room. I scramble from the door to the other side of the room where I have been hunched over for the past couple of hours. The same spot I was in six days ago. I tuck my head in between my knees as I pull them up to my chest. I'm trying to slow my breathing so I don't have another panic attack. Only Ryder can help me with that. The only one who knows how to handle me.

Oh my god.

He missed school to help me. Why would he do that for someone he barely knows? How could he put his education on the line for a girl that's just going to leave once I get my bearings? Wouldn't his friends ask where he is? He never checked his phone once when we were together. I am not worth the risk of failing a class or two. I am not worth the risk of expulsion or suspension. I am not worth anything anymore. So why is this guy trying so hard to make me feel better when I don't deserve it?

I will never know.

The door opens slightly and slowly opens. He clearly knows what he's doing. He pokes his head in and scans the room for my body. When he doesn't see it, he steps in and closes the door behind him. His back is to the closed door, still scanning the room. He stands there for what seems like hours.

He was very tall, very broad. His face was stern and set into a concerning yet determined look. His eyes were cobalt blue, lighting strikes in them. Whips and lashes of blue scratches across the surface of his eyes. Little specks of grey here and there, very different. Very strange. His hair was a dirty blonde folding over on itself. Casual, yet mature. It never strayed from its position as his head swayed back and forth in search of the lost girl his son had found over a week ago.

"My name is Rodger Mitchell. Ryder is my son and I would like to talk to you if you would permit me so. My wife, Harper Mitchell, may seem scary to you, but I assure you that she is very sweet and not trying to kill you, or do anything else to you. I promise," I promise, "I know that you only talk to my son, but I forced him to go to school today, though he did refuse and did throw a little boy's tantrum when I told him Harper and I would take care of you." This earned a small chuckle from me. Rodger's head turned slowly to the direction of my little corner space. He made no move to come closer.

"I would like to meet you face to face, if that's ok with you," He takes one step forward and I make no effort to stop him.

So he takes one more.

And another.

Until he had crossed the room and could now see me in my corner. Which has become a place of solitude and comfort that I will not allow anyone to taint. Not even Ryder. Rodger gives me a slight smile and sits on the edge of the bed, as far as he's allowing himself to get so that I feel comfortable. I look up at him to see him staring at me, I look away and stare at the lines in the floorboards. The only thing keeping my eyes from wandering to his unusual eyes.

"Can I ask you some questions?" He asks quietly. Almost low enough that I couldn't hear, but I could, and I did. I give him a slight nod. He lets out a tight-knit breath, about to ask his first question of what I am guessing is to be the first of many.

A/N-Hey Guys! I was able to finish the chapter a little bit early. And I know it's a little short, but it's better than nothing. I will have the next chapter out on Wednesday as promised. Until then happy reading!