Drowning

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝟜: 𝕁𝕒𝕞𝕖𝕤

(Edited)

Dinner went by very slowly. There was a ton of tension and awkwardness. But, thanks to Harper, I survived the dinner. The boys kept asking me questions and kept trying to catch up with me. Of course, I didn't give them long answers. Just the normal, yes or no answers. I wasn't planning on getting to know them a lot. I only had to live here for a year. Only 365 days. Then, I get to go back to my real home. 

After dinner, Jake and Levi had to go out for a meeting at work. I call bs. It was already 7:30. Who needs to go to work for a meeting that late? I didn't press on the subject though. I was just thankful that dinner was over and I got to go back to "my" room. 

I was currently sitting on my bed reading a book. That was until someone knocked on my door. Harper walked in after I allowed her to come in. 

"Hey, what's up?", I ask, putting my book down.

"I just wanted to tell you again that I am glad that you came. I really missed you."

"Me too, Harper."

She smiled and started to walk out. I felt a bit guilty.

"Harper, wait."

She stopped mid-step. She looks at me.

"How would you like if we had like a movie-marathon?"

Her face brightened. "I would love it!"

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We finally got settled in my room. We had spreaded blankets and pillows on the ground. We changed into our pajamas. I was wearing an old band teeshirt and black Nike spandex. Harper was wearing a tank top and pajama shorts. 

All we needed now were snacks and sodas. 

"Shhh!", Harper whispered to me as we were walking down the hall to the kitchen. All the lights were turned off and it was really late.

We tiptoed downstairs. We finally reached the kitchen and we turned on our flashlights from our phones. 

"Here", Harper rummaged through the cabinet and grabbed some candy, stacking it on my hands. I grunted, nearly falling over. Harper quietly giggled. She finally got the sodas and we started to walk upstairs until we heard voices.

"Wait. Who is that?", I turn around and put the candy on the table. Curiosity got the best of me. 

"I don't know. It might be the boys."

"It doesn't sound like them though."

Harper follows me back to the kitchen.

"No one is suppose to be here. They always let me know when they bring home friends. Maybe you're just hearing things?  It's probably our brothers.", Harper tugs on my arm.

"Just listen."

We hear the murmur of voices coming down the basement. "I told you, it's just the boys."

We start to walk back until the door to the basement door begins to open, leaking light into the house, brightening up the house. We run behind the couch.

"Shit. We left the food on the table. We'll be in so much trouble for being up this late-", Harper stops mid-conversation when A golden-haired boy who looks around Levi's age walks out of the basement. Followed by older men. What really caught my eyes was a girl that looked to be our age also came out of the basement. 

"Thanks for the invitation. It was a pleasure doing business with you.", The golden-haired boy holds out his hand. Jackson comes out of the basement and shakes his hand. "It was nice catching up."

They walk towards the door and before they could get to the front door, all of our brothers walk out of the basement. Each talking with someone different. They all looked around Jackson's age. They all wore a suit and a tie. They look very formal. His friends? But, that wouldn't make sense. Why would Jackson's friends be dressed in suits and ties? They were talking to low that I couldn't comprehend what they were saying. 

Before they leave, Mason calls out, "Oh and Stella."

The girl stops and turns around. "Be careful with the twins. They tend to have a short temper and I already know that Bailey is going to cause trouble for us. We don't need them to start asking questions."

"Of course.", Her voice, as soft and murmurous as wings.

They finally left and my legs felt like they were going to give up on me at any second from kneeling for so long.

"Okay, we should clean up and then go to bed.  Be as quiet as you can and try not to wake up the girls.", Jake says. He starts to walk to the kitchen. God oh god. 

He turns on the light. The candy and sodas were in the center of the table. "Who left the candy out? Seriously. How many times do I have to tell you to put your stuff away when you're done with it." The boys walk into the kitchen.

"Wasn't me."

"Don't look at me."

"It was probably James."

"Hey!"

They all bicker while Jake puts the candy and sodas back. "Okay, I don't care anymore. Keep your voices down."

 Jake turns off the kitchen light and they all head back to the basement. 

Harper and I looked at each other. I nod, already knowing what she was telling me. One, two, three. I was about to get up, until someone was right next to us, facing us. Staring at us. 

James. 

945 Words

6/23/2020