Elena
I’m taking my boxes out of my car. We just arrived at Mr. Callus’ house and it wasn’t what I expected it to be. I mean, my father’s house is way better than this. Why would Avera choose to move in with him? Because she’s pregnant with him?
Speaking of the devil, he smiles as he walks out to help my mom with her boxes. I want to avoid eye contact with him as much as possible, even though it doesn’t seem possible because from this day on, I’m going to be living under his roof.
“Welcome to my home, Elena.” he smirks as he backs my mom. I roll my eyes at him instead, and in my mind cursing the hell out of him.
I don’t say anything, or my mother doesn’t hear my voice yet, “Elena, didn’t you say anything to him back? He’s going to be your stepfather soon.” she says and I want to throw up. It’s evident in my face that I’m holding something that needs to be vomited from my mouth. Disgust.
“Avera?” I call her as she starts to walk to the entrance. She turns her attention to me. “Keep dreaming.” I roll my eyes, with a low hiss. Enough for her to hear.
“You are not gonna put up that sick attitude of yours here, Elena.” she points her finger at me. I don’t say anything again, my eyes are filled with tears as it goes a little silent when she enters the house.
I run my hands through my hair to take it from my face. I feel my phone vibrates in my pocket. I put the box down to take my phone out.
Ava Marcus: Hey, I’ve been waiting for your call the past six hours. Everything alright?
I choke back the tears, and I sigh a little as I bring my shaking fingers to text back a reply.
Elena Deloris: I’m sorry, something unexpected came up, Ava.
I text back, my mind travels to how this happens suddenly. Before we left, Ella was already on her way to the airport. It feels so lonely already. I don’t believe I would feel her absence this much, just as I still feel dad’s absence in my life.
Ava Marcus: What’s wrong? Tell me.
I can sense that she’s already tensed from her end.
Elena Deloris: I will tell you soon, I have to go now.
I text back, throwing my phone into my pocket. I have to go pack my things in and find my room. I carry my bag inside and I see him sitting on the couch, his legs crossed, I look him directly in the eyes and I don’t know why I feel my legs shaking as if I’m scared of his gaze. No doubt I feel betrayed. I hate this man and my mom still wants me under his roof. The list of people that I can’t trust just keep increasing.
“Don’t be afraid to come in.” he says, taking his legs down.
“Do you think I am? I think you got the expression wrong. You mistook irritation for fear. I’m not afraid, I’m fucking irritated!” I yell, but in a low tone so Avera doesn’t hear.
“Good, I see.” he folds his hands, nodding at me.
“I used to think you were a decent man, Mr. Callus. I wish you had shown this despicable attitude when dad was still alive.” I sneer at him, as his face goes red with a little embarrassment.
“Elena, keep those courage, you will need it sooner or later.” he taps on my shoulder and I shove it off instantly in aversion. I don’t know what he means by that, but if he thinks he would make me stop hating him, then he is in for a big disappointment.
“Elena, I need to show you your room.” Avera’s voice comes to calm my nerve down. I wanted to spit out something at him. He’s lucky Avera came and I don’t want to act rude with him around her.
“Sure.” I nod, turning my back at him and meet her at the hallway. I try to keep my head calm as I follow her upstairs. The pregnancy signs begin to show on her. Is that why she has to be home every day till she gives birth? What happens after that? Jeez, I just want to fast forward this ugly scene in my life.
I walk through the hallways. It is a little nice and it’s spacious. She walks to the left, then a corner she points at a door. “Here is your room. It’s clean, just pack up your stuff inside.” she demands.
After she left, I shut my eyes drawing in a calm breath. I twist the door handle, pushing it forward. I’m welcomed by the smell of dust and a little touch of fragrance, it’s as though someone came in here to add freshener and leave without getting the dust out.
I put my bags on the bed, and walk to the window side. I throw the curtains open to allow ventilation and the dust out. The room is almost looks like mine back in my dad’s house. It is comfy, and the bed is large. The only trouble is that I’m at an enemy’s house.
The day goes dark slowly, but all I can do now is just stare at my bags while I think of how to start putting them in the right place. I start with my clothes, arranging them into the closets, then my shoes. When I finish, I’m messed up with dirt, so I walk through the bathroom turning on the shower. I test it before I take my clothes off. I take my clothes off, lay down inside the bathtub, when the light suddenly goes out. I squeak out a sound at the sudden darkness that covers me.
Coming out of the bathroom, I walk near to my window. The light is dim, not entirely useful. The window is also close to my bed and I immediately see something. No, someone. My heart races as my fingers shake. “Who is there?” there’s nervous in my voice.
I try to look closer and the shadow is gone. Who could be there? And why this late? I still have my towel wrapped around my chest, when the light comes back suddenly.