Lifeless

Chapter 9.

I was utterly shocked when she opened the door and stepped aside for me to enter. As I looked her over, I could see why she did it. She looked drained. Like she didn't even have it in her to fight me. I felt bad for it, but I wasn't going to let this opportunity pass. Hell with my luck, by tomorrow she will be screaming at me again. I was going to take what I could get.

I look at the house that used to have so much love, to find it all gone. The white walls were completely bare. The home didn't even looked lived in. The walls that used to be lined with beautiful pictures of family, friends, and gatherings were gone. It made the atmosphere feel cold, and unwelcoming. It reminded me of Ally. The change in her. A girl that used to have people flock to her because she was so open, caring and outgoing turned into a woman who was shut off, and dead to the world. Left behind.

I made my way into the kitchen, knowing that Ally would follow me. It was the same as the rest of the house. Completely spotless. I searched the cabinets for a vase, finally spotting one under the sink. I put it under the facet, and let the water fill some of it up. The awkward silence was killing me. I slowly unwrapped the flowers I had gotten her, and set them in their place. Turning I saw Ally surveying my every move. I didn't say a word as I passed her and headed back to the living room. As I set the flowers on the coffe table, they seemed almost completely out of place. A house so bare, with just a twinge of light that the flowers gave off. It didn't seem right.

Finally I turned around and stared at her. As I looked her over, I saw her face looked the same as last time. This time, I looked her whole body over and grimanced. The bright fitting clothes were no more. She was in baggy sweats and an over size t-shirt. They didn't hold one ounce of light. She looked like she belonged in this house. Like she was fading into her surroundings. She wore a pale gray shirt with dark gray sweats and a pair of black flip flops. Her once beautiful hair was pulled up into a messy ponytail.

"Come to dinner with me?" I had to break the silence. It was suffocating.

"No." She simply stated. My lips twitched, wanting to smile that she still had some fight left.

"At my house. We won't go anywhere." I tried again.

She seemed to think for a moment before her shoulders slumped in defeat. Perfect.

"Let me shower." She almost gritted out.

"You look perfect how you are now!" I smiled this time, not wanting her to change her mind.

"I said, let me shower!" She turned and stomped her way up stairs. At least she was still a little fiesty.

"Just come over when your done. If you don't, I'll be back and drag your ass out of this house!" I yelled so she would be able to hear me. I laughed when the only response I got back was the sound of a slamming door. This should be interesting.

I was just happy she agreed. She needed out of this house. No wonder she was never happy or anything. I understand she wasn't ever going to be the same, but when you surround yourself with nothing but dull and sad environments, of course it will have a change on your mood. I was already starting to feel down just by looking at all of it. What I really didn't understand was how could she even stand being in the same house everything happened in? I wouldn't be able to do it. I don't know anyone who could. Ally was strong though, she always had been. I just needed to remember that. My mom was right, she may be a shell of a person, but you can never get rid of the fire that runs so deep through your veins. It just takes the right things to bring it out, and I was the perfect person for the job!

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An hour later, and dinner was almost done. If Ally didn't show up soon, I was going to hold true to my word. She knew that though. I was going to give her until everything was completely finished, then I would barge in and carry her over my shoulder screaming if I had to!

I had just finished setting the table when I heard a small knock on my door. I smiled, smart woman. As I opened the door I was a little surprised at her appearance. She still looked dull compared to how she used to look, but she was wearing jeans that actually fit her. Her shirt was still gray but wasn't as baggy as the last one. Her hair had a little more shine to it, that when the sun's last rays hit it, the red was prominent. It was also down and not pulled up on top of her head. She was carrying a bottle of wine, and looked nervous. A huge smile replaced my grin, she was trying and that's all that matters!

I opened the door wider and moved to the side so she could enter. My eyebrows scrunched in confusion as I saw her look both ways outside as if someone was watching her before she darted in the door. What was that about?

We didn't say a word as I made both of our plates. I had prepared a dish that was easy to make and one I knew she liked. Spaghetti and garlic bread! We sat in silence as we both started to eat. I was surprised when she got up and retrieved two glasses for the wine. She poured them slowly and then returned back to eating. I remained quiet wanting her to speak first. She didn't disappoint.

"I wrote you." Her voice was barely a whisper.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"I wrote you. A letter. While you were away." She spoke with more confidence.

My face turned to confusion again. "I never received a letter from you Als." I spoke with caution not wanting to upset her. I hope she wouldn't mind me calling her by one of the nicknames I had given her.

"That doesn't surprise me. I knew you would write me back if you had gotten it. I just wanted you to know." She turned her head to the side, her har falling in front of her face, hiding from me. She was nervous.

"When did you write it?" I asked wanting to keep some conversation going. I heard a sigh, before she began whispering again.

"Two years ago."

I completely paused in eating when I heard that. Slowly setting my fork down, I rose from the table. She had written me when everything happened. My heart started to ache again. I walked over to the other side of the table and kneeled in front of her.

"Look at me Ally." I tried to coax her, but she shook her head no.

I sighed, and stood back up. I went behind her and slowly pulled her chair out from underneath the table. Walking back around to her front, I bent back down and picked her up. She didn't resist me as I held her close to my chest and walked to the living room. If anything she snuggled closer to my side. I gently sat down on the couch, cradling her thin body across mine. I ran my hand through her hair as she buried her head into my neck, and started to sob. I told her I was sorry for not being here for her, and that I would never disappoint her again. I would be by her side for now on. Just like it used to be. I never once told her that everything was going to be okay, because I knew that wasn't true. I wasn't going to lie to her. I don't know how long we sat there while she cried all of her sorrows away. She was finally letting it all go, for however long she had held it in. I was just glad that she was letting me help her along the way.