Steal My Soul

03 | bobbi

Bobbi

The more I stared at the box of envelopes the more I realized how big of a mistake I made.

Ever since Asia left she had been sending Ken and me letters so we'd keep in touch. I was supposed to give Ken his but I kept them and when Asia would ask me why he wasn't messaging back I'd say he's really busy.

It's not too late.

I could give them to Ken right now but what will he think of me then? He'd be pissed for sure.

Ken had trusted me to send them to her and I hadn't even sent out one.

I had to burn them.

All of them.

And back sure they never knew the truth.

It wasn't fair. I was always second to Asia as we fought for Ken's attention when everyone knew that he and Asia weren't right for each other.

I thought the whole idea was dumb in the first place when we all could have just called each other like normal people. But Asia and Ken said it made everything more sentimental. We'd be connected no matter how far apart we were.

But all I feel is anger and jealousy. Maybe I was even a little afraid that I could never have the same connection that Asia and Ken had.

Who was I kidding?

Their chemistry was nothing compared to us and now that she was back in town I wouldn't stand a chance. Ken was the only person in the whole world that I cared about more than anyone. And I was willing to do anything not to lose him.

Whatever it takes.

I pulled out a matchbook from my coat pocket and struck it, tossing it into the box. Then I watched the flames grow and flicker in the breeze. The letters disappeared in an instant and the sense of guilt I had was gone.

The flames leaped, destroying everything in its path and I didn't know if I was satisfied by the blackened remains or the warmth.

Then I heard a tree branch snap behind me. I spun around on my heel and lifted my lantern to my face.

"Who's there?"

Another snap followed by inaudible shouts.

My legs wobbled and I suppressed a shiver. "Hello?"

Then there was a scream.

My blood ran cold.

I should get out of here. But something was pulling me towards the trees and I decided to follow where the shouts were coming from.

There was a man and he swung some kind of package over his shoulder and walked away. I was close behind him, wincing every time leaves would crunch under my boots. He pulled a knife from his shoulder and I gasped.

He turns and I hide behind a nearby tree, my body covered in sweat. When I've counted to ten I peek out and see him grimace in pain.

Then he wiped the blood that seeped from his shoulder and kept walking. I took staggered breaths as I continued to watch him.

He reached a small house and disappeared behind the door and I waited patiently in the dark for his return.

"Why are you following me?"

I let out a shriek and jumped at the deep voice.

As I turned around slowly, I came face to face with Darius Quimby.

He was terrifying in every way.

His sharp eyes, rugged skin, piercing glare, and his face looked as if it was trying to take shape but failed.