The Circle

The Circle - Chapter Six

Six:

Collapsed and as out of breath as the two friends was a young man, sitting in an old and battered armchair with his head in his hands, breathing uncontrollably. April studied the figure slowly, not sure what to say at first as she glanced nervously around the room and back again at the man.

He was wearing everyday clothes like any other guy, jeans and a black t-shirt which was splashed with dirt, presumably from his getaway through the woods. The house on the other hand created a looming black cloud of doubt and the suspicion was impossible to stamp out.

It was a home.  

The main room was bare and cold but consisted of a small tattered armchair, a battered sofa, a desk, a dusty old TV and it was cluttered entirely with old books. Looking through to a bleak kitchen April spotted a few essentials such as a grimy looking cooker, on its last legs, as well as a kettle and fridge also in the same condition.

The figure continued to avoid eye contact at all costs.

"Alright guy, type, bloke... what the hell's going on here? You wanna tell me or let me punch it out of you?" Alex felt nerves envelope him as he said the words and his voice hadn't come out half as strongly as he'd hoped. 

"What's going on?" April added, realising she probably should have been a bit more forthright. At least Alex did that for the both of them, even if he did sound like a little kid on a playground and a lot less like a burly hero.

"I mean," she continued, trying to think of something constructive. "What's the crack with you following me? And... As well, you running off like that. I mean - I suppose that's not normal, or.... is it?"  

The figure didn't look up. 

"Look mate," Alex butted in pushing April aside. "There's no need to be ignorant, you've been following April and as long as you're messing with her, you're messing with me too mate! Do you hear what I'm saying?"

Saffie yapped for effect.

Alex's outburst stirred an unsteady atmosphere and the figure glanced up, aiming his hateful stare directly at April. This was yet another shock, of course, and suddenly April was overcome with embarrassment. He was without a doubt, the most attractive guy she had ever seen. Gorgeous beyond belief and in one split second April's aggressive plans and bravado faded into a distant memory and were replaced with a wave of curiosity. His chocolate brown hair was short at the sides yet long on top and deep perplexing hazel eyes screamed intensity as his gaze locked with hers for what seemed like forever. His jaw was strikingly chiselled and covered in dark stubble as his ripped shirt revealed toned arms and his muscles flexed with every small movement. Just his presence was enough to make April go weak at the knees and it was the first time that had ever happened. She could feel herself blushing fiercely under his penetrating stare as Alex fell silent and the three strangers faced each other awkwardly.  

"You're bleeding," April commented finally, not knowing what else to say and kicking herself inwardly for the inconvenience.

"That happens a lot," the man finally spoke, unlocking his gaze and reaching for a tea-towel to wrap around his wound. "You'd best come in. I should explain." 

"Damn right you should," Alex blurted as he slid past April and into the puzzling building, determined to get some answers.

Following Alex reluctantly, April walked over to the desk where a large stack of dense books were piled high and she sat down on the chair uncomfortably. It was the first time in a very long while that April stopped to consider her appearance and it wasn't often she was bothered with such trivial matters, but the presence of this mysterious boy caused her to think the unexpected and she cursed herself for forgetting the matter at hand. She'd never regretted not wearing mascara so much in her life.