Counting Sheep

Chapter 32

Hello everybody!<3 I've got a new chapter for you and I AM SO FREAKING EXCITED!! This chapter was so intense to write and I am so ready for you guys to see what happens. I cannot wait for all of your comments and whatnot! They really do make my day even when I am having a really hard time. So, thank you for that. Also, make sure to pay close attention. All I am going to say is that not everything is as it seems... ;) I will upload soon so keep your eyes open. I love you! -Hannah

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CHAPTER 32: Hazel snuggled closer into Layla's arms, seeking the warmth and comfort there as the movie they had put on finished, the credits beginning to play on the screen. Layla looked down. "I always love watching Stewart Little," Said Layla as she dropped a kiss on the girl's head. Hazel didn't look at her only whined softly in her throat.

"What is wrong, little one? What is going on inside that head of yours that is scaring you so much?" She asked in a soft whisper. Hazel finally met her gaze, fear shining brightly in them. It made Layla's heart ache.

"How about I make us some sundaes?" She asked, forcing a smile.

She would try anything as long as it meant she got to see a little bit of happiness in the little girl's eyes.

Finally, Hazel nodded her head, making Layla smile for real this time. Getting up, she crawled out of the fort, knees groaning their protest as she pushed herself up to bend down and look in.

Hazel curled up under the blankets further, cuddling the cat to her chest while she pulled pillows to her front in back in a way of protection.

Sighing, Layla turned and trotted into the kitchen. She grabbed some vanilla bean ice cream, peanut butter chocolate drizzle, bananas and chocolate sprinkles she had in the cabinet above her fridge. She was glad she could do something for Hazel even if it was something as small as making her an ice cream sundae—just as long as it helped, somewhat. Plus, it was good for Layla, too. She was almost sick with worry over Julian, wondering if he was in danger. She knew that there wasn't anything she could do from so far away.

Licking the large drops of ice cream from her fingers, she walked over to the sink to wash her fingers under warm water, squirting the fragrant lemon-vanilla soap into her palm as she stared out the window. Layla noticed with dismay that the storm was only getting worse. It was around 4pm and it looked as though it was 8pm instead with how dark and angry the sky looked. Rain slashed with an unrelenting fury at the windows, sounding more like balls of ice instead of drops of water and the trees beyond Layla's backyard almost bent at an angle with the force of the wind that pushed against their sturdy branches.

Grabbing a washcloth, Layla dried her hands and grabbed two clean spoons from the sink when she heard a bang outside. She stopped quiet, brow furrowing as she heard the sound again. It was coming from the back patio.

She felt that same familiar tickle of fear at the center of her sternum to well in her stomach, but she pushed it away knowing that each time she thought someone had been trying to get into her house had been something completely explainable.

Still, she wasn't going to risk it.

Grabbing the same sharp knife she had used to cut the bananas in half, she went to the back porch door and pulled it open, eyes flickering to the left and then to the right.

Nothing.

She opened the screen door, the last barrier between her and the enclosed back patio.

Absolutely nothing.

She looked both ways and realized that it was the patio swing swaying back and forth and hitting back against the stone of the house, grinding with each hit. Layla released a heavy breath and went back inside, making sure to lock the door behind her.