Its personal

The smell of rain is what comforts you the most the following week.

It lingers in the air, casting a shadow over the town of Ormond. Claws hovering overhead, teasing its presence as the week rolls by slowly with a grey sky and chilly air that has everyone digging through the back of their closets for forgotten clothes. It was Tuesday and still those claws haven't unclenched themselves to allow the rain to fall. You begin to worry if the Friday before was the off chance of it raining.

You should be thankful though. As much as you love the rain, your walks home from school have doubled in time thanks to your short cut being completely checked off.

It wasn't easy to brush off the cruel prank even if you desperately wanted to. You tried not to give them the satisfaction of seeing you look uneasy on Monday at school, masking a stoic expression. Chris and Sarah walked by you that morning as if your presence blended into the blue paint that covered the school hallway. They all barely glanced your way which would have been normal on a different occasion, but the lack of attention this time was not normal.

You prepared for the whole school to be in on the joke, capitalizing on the prank and ridiculing you even more. Who wouldn't want to start the week off with the juicy details of the town's freak being chased down in the woods? But you were met with silence. The girls in the back of the class instead spoke about their upcoming dates or plans for the weekend ahead.

It should be seen as a blessing. A miracle. Everyone was brushing off the prank and you could- no, should do the same yourself.

But the slight limp in each step and the irritation that shocks through your leg when your jeans brush against the cuts decorating them, didn't allow you to stop it from plaguing your mind.

Those black eyes, standing out against the white mask haunted you. Shivers spread through your arm when you remember it glaring into your skin, the small head tilt as whoever was behind it watched you in amusement.

Were they really that crazy? Where the hell did they even find that ridiculous mask?

Perhaps you were wrong. Maybe there wasn't a knife after all...

You adjust the strap of your backpack on your shoulder, scanning the different containers of milk organized in front of you. The red denim jacket you borrowed from Jenny hugged your body tightly, protecting you with its warmth against the cold air of the refrigerator as you grabbed a small red gallon before shutting the glass door.

The shopping cart creaked as you continued to push it down the aisle, the milk accompanying the rest of the groceries you were ordered to collect after school.

You thought, staring up at the signs hanging above the different aisles, attempting to picture the list in your mind in hopes to remember instead of digging through the many pockets.

“Okay..” You muttered under your breath. “Eggs, butter, milk, and..”

You slowed, eyes skimming the aisles trying to pinpoint that important item. Something important, something you’ll definitely get yelled at for…

Pasta. You proudly remember, making a turn to the right, not paying any mind to the other shopping cart that turned into the aisle you were exiting. Both front ends bumped into each other in a hilariously loud crash, the sudden collision causing you to jerk forward before stepping back in a panic. "oh gosh, I'm sorry!"

You attempted to scoot your shopping cart the side in a hurry, peeking at the other person in shame only to feel your cheeks burn as your embarrassment deepened. The sight of red hair and a familiar handsome face, who looked as surprised as you, had you wishing the floor would open up now.

"Oh!" A soft chuckle escaped the man’s lips as he adjusted his own cart, his shoulders relaxing before he smiles at you. "I guess we’re even."

Eyebrows furrow in confusion at first , you recall the first encounter and try not shrink into yourself even more.

The lack of annoyance or anger surprises you but you don't show it. "At least it wasn't a car this time."

"Oh I would say a shopping cart is just as dangerous." He leans over to adjust the items you managed to knock over. Two wine bottles and a few tv dinners, you note. His tone is light, teasing almost.

It's hard to not let your eyes scan over him, taking in his appearance now that he was no longer being hidden inside a car. His red hair framed his face , barely brushing against his shoulders. A blue flannel covered his slim figure, unbuttoned for all to see the white turtle neck underneath.

He stood out like a spot of ink.

"You're okay?" He asks, putting a pause to your train of thoughts. "No injuries this time?"

"What?" You say quickly. The question caught you off guard as you notice his gaze flicker towards your knee for a brief second. "what do you mean?"

"Looks like you hurt your knee." He states. "You're leaning on your other leg, doesn't look to comfortable."

You blink in surprise. You didn't think you were that obvious, trying so hard to mask your limp.

“Oh yeah..I mean, yes. I'm okay. I'm just clumsy." You shifted your weight, suddenly aware. "I was hoping it wasn't that obvious."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to call it out. It's a habit." He says, letting out a small laugh before pointing at himself. "Journalist. I get paid to pay attention to small details for a living."

Right. You almost forgot why someone like him was doing here in a town like Ormond.

“Any luck on your story?” You ask before you chicken out, enjoying his sudden presence. “You stuck around longer than I thought.”

”Ormond has a lot to offer.” He answers, watching you as you finally push your cart forward, aligning his with yours. “It’s quiet.”

”Is it? ” You glance at him. “I told you, nothing much goes on around here. Nothing interesting.”

“You did.” He says lightly.

“Nothing ever happens. You’re out of luck here. “You state. Jed tilts his head slightly.

“I doubt that.” He states. “That’s when something usually happens.”

The statements sits with you, surprising you. Your cart rolls to a stop again and you hesitate on what to say. You knew you should be heading out soon, having everything on the list but his eyes were fully on you—warm, inviting. His friendly demeanor was different.

He suddenly clears his throat. “Oh. Uh..”

The red head suddenly holds his hand out towards you, a bit awkwardly but you cant help finding it charming. Something about him has you leaning towards him, letting his hand wrap around yours.

"Im Jed."

"Y/N."

Y/N. He repeats softly to himself before smiling. "Nice to officially meet you. Again."

You smile shyly, pulling your hand away quickly and shoving it in your pocket. The blush being from the way he said your name or the fact that he was so polite—you didn’t know. This was probably the time to excuse yourself, the pasta aisle being right in front of you.

But before you could decide whether to end the conversation, a familiar voice cuts between you two.

“Y/N?”

You turn. Bright pink scrubs uniform and curly hair coming into view, Jenny smiles as she stands a few feet down the aisle. Her eyes quickly scan Jed as she walks toward you two with a basket wrapped around one arm.

“Ah I knew I saw your hair earlier.” She playfully pulls a strand of hair, stepping closer to you before putting her attention on the redhead.

Jed straightens, a polite grin already growing on his face. “Hello.”

“Hi.”

“This is Jed.” You quickly answer, noting the small tension you didn’t understand. “He’s visiting Ormond, he’s a journalist.”

“Is he?” She hums, tilting her head and you’re aware that she steps a bit in front of you.

Oh god. You internally groan.

“Guilty.” Jed answers, either ignoring the sharp eyes she’s giving him or he's completely oblivious. You hope it’s the latter but with his profession, you doubt it.

“Well.” She finally says, lifting her basket slightly. “Perfect timing. I was getting more food for your friend.”

Glancing in, you note the different cans of cat food. You soften.

“Thanks!” You grab one and read the flavor. “Hopefully she likes these. I think she’s gotten tired of the turkey.”

“You take care of strays?” Jed asks and you nod.

“One. But she’s hasn’t been eating the food I put the past few days.” You sigh. “Maybe she’ll like these more.”

”She will.” Jenny reassures. “Are you almost done shopping? I can give you a ride.”

”Oh. You don’t have to—“

“It’s nothing,” Jenny cuts you off, placing her basket in your cart. “I’m parked right in front and it looks like it’ll rain soon.”

Jed smile doesn’t falter, he steps back and nods at you two. “Well I’ll leave you two be. It was nice seeing you again. ”

Jenny meets his gaze and smiles tightly, already starting to walk away while you wave shyly as you follow behind your older neighbor. You try not ignore the feeling of his gaze on you as you both disappear into an aisle.

Her car smelled like lavender, a hint of vanilla from the air freshener she used to mask the smell of cigarettes. You climbed onto the passenger seat. The relief of sitting and putting less pressure on your knee has you sighing as you click in your seatbelt.

“So..” Jenny lets out as she begins to drive, pulling away from the lot and makes her way out of downtown. “He’s older.”

”What?” You ask, turning away from the sight of a grey sky and towards her.

“That guy. Jed. He looks older than you. Definitely not from Ormond.”

You huff, crossing your arms once you realize what she was getting at. “And? We just bumped into each other.”

”I know.” She finally laughs, pinching your leg and you pull away. “I’m just saying. I noticed.”

”Notice what?”

“Oh you know..” She sighs. “How handsome he was..how red your cheeks were..how cute you looked, like you wanted the floor to eat you up.”

”Jenny!” You hiss , groaning and covering your face. “Please don’t. You were already acting like such a parent.”

”Hey, it’s my job to tease you and worry about you at the same time.”

You stay silent, ears burning. Jenny taps her fingers to a beat for a few moments before speaking again.

“I don’t trust him.” She starts and you roll your eyes. “But I don’t trust most men.”

You smile at this and look towards her. “He’s just a nerdy journalist, I’m sure he’ll get bored soon once he can’t find anything for a story and high tail out of here.”

”Come on. It’s not that bad. There’s..” She pauses, looking out her driver side window as though searching for something. “Okay. Yeah. There’s nothing.”

You hum and pull your non injured knee up to your chest. “There’s shitty people..and even more shittier people.”

She glances at you. “School still rough?”

You answer with a shrug. “This year they decided I was a slut. Apparently I was whoring myself out over the summer. ”

”Why are teenagers such dicks.” She shakes her head in disgust. “Jeez. Why come up with something like that?”

”Summer was boring probably.”

“What about Frank?”

You stiffen and stare out the window. “He’s..Frank? Always with his new friends and girlfriend.”

“I noticed,” She says, “he hasn’t woken me up in a long time from all that banging on your window.”

You smile. “Yeah. He wasn’t the best at being sneaky.”

Jenny stops at a red light and you shift in your seat, your eyes dropping to your feet and you see a map folded and tucked into the door. Along with an envelope with its contents hidden. As Jenny continues to drive, you carefully glance behind you and see a duffle bag. Clothes were sticking out.

She seemed to have notice your gaze lingering and says easily, “Sorry it’s a mess. I’ve been organizing some things.”

”Oh.”

You didn’t ask anything else. You never did.

“Well you deserve better. From those kids from school, from Frank. From this town”

“Ormond doesn’t change.” You state.

“People can. You can leave this place.” She says.

“I wish it was that easy.” You sigh.

“It can be.”

You go quiet.

“Hey. John's gone this weekend.” She states as she pulls into the driveway. “Work trip. He leaves Friday night. Maybe we can do something on Saturday?”

You blink in surprise and she continues before you can attempt to reject, “Movie night. You. Me. Popcorn and a bunch of candy. And I’ll even order us some pizza.”

”Really?” You finally say.

“Yeah. It’ll be fun.” She smiles and shrugs. You perk up a bit and nod, opening the car door and hop out.

”Okay.”

”Great.” She says, following your actions and grabbing some of her bags from the back. She hands you one of them with the cat food. “Saturday. I promise.”

“I’ll be there.” You finally say, before a shrill of a phone echoes from behind her front door. Jenny turns and starts up the steps.

”Feed the cat.” She says lightly. “And don’t let some handsome stranger distract you.”

You groan, walking away and waving her off. She watches you for a moment, longer than usual before finally heading inside.

The next two days go by faster now with the new plans. You bite down on the excitement, knowing that the plans could be cancel any moment but a part of you trusted her not to.

Friday night arrives and you lay in bed, fingers folding and unfolding the corner of the same page as you attempt to focus on the book that was assigned that week. The words blur together as you play your encounter with Jed over in your head.

A loud tap catches your attention, accompanied by a shadow casting over your window. Your breath catches as you sit up , heart lurching. For a split second, images of that ghostly mask flashing between treats come to mind.

Another tap.

You slowly get up, dropping the book onto the floor as you reach towards your curtain and pull it aside—Short blonde hair covered by a hood and a recognizable neck tattoos has relief flood through you. Frank’s face, illuminated by the street lamps stare back at you as you pull the curtains open wider.

”Frank.” You half hiss, half whisper. The window is pushed open. The wind blowing into your room. “You nearly gave me a heart attack !”

”Sorry..I didn’t think—"

“Yeah. You never do.” You snap before you could stop yourself. He goes silent. The words hanging there, sharper than you intended.

“I deserved that” He states, jaw tightening. You hug yourself, rubbing your arms as you both look at each other.

Frank sighs, stepping closer and places a hand on your window sill. He hates how much distance he feels right now. Usually he would have climbed through, no question whether he was allowed to come inside. But with the way you were looking at him, he knew not to overstep.

“I came to talk.”

You scoff. “I thought we don’t do that anymore.”

“Come on.” He nearly begs. “I’m doing it now. I’m trying.”

”This isn’t trying.” You say. “This is just..you."

Frank hesitates. Silence creeping in, allowing for a faint sound of a car driving by to break it.

“I shouldn’t have said what I said before.” He breaks first. “At school. I shouldn’t have been such an ass to you.”

“You shouldn’t have gotten expelled.” You fire back and Frank exhales sharply.

”I know.”

“And I probably wouldn’t have found out. You would’ve just left school and not bother to tell me anything.” Your voice tightens. “I have to find out from other people what goes on with you, like always—"

”Y/N-“

”Like I’m just someone you use to know. Like I don’t mean shit anymore.” You finally state, tears beginning to swell up before you can blink them away.

”That’s not—“

“You’ve been doing this for a year now, Frank.”

He grimaces and shakes his head. “What? Doing what?”

”Ignoring me. Forgetting me.” You list. “You got new friends, new girlfriend, new things to do. And I just..fall off. Things are different.”

“That’s not fair.” Frank voice breaks. “I’ve called you. I’ve came by many times and you begin to push me out.”

”Why? So you can make plans then cancel them last minute because you had to go to some party or tag a new building.”

”I just...” He trails off, the guilt beginning to swallow him. He looks away for brief second and sighs, rubbing the side of his face. “Julie and them..they’re different.”

You ignore the pang of hurt that echoes in your chest, swallowing it down. It was the truth, you knew this.

”Clearly.” You bitterly agree.

“You’re not them.” He continues, looking at you. His eyes were tired. He looked worn out, like something has been pulling at him nonstop. “You’re better than them. Than me. I know everything that we do isnt you. I never wanted to involve you in it because..you’re too good for it.”

Your tension disappears, his words brushing away that hurt from your chest. “Frank..”

“I thought I was doing good by separating you and them. I didn’t realize what was happening. I miss us.” He admits.

Another silence follows. A more gentle one. You allow yourself to step forward, leaning on the window as well. The smell of cigarettes and cheap cologne engulf you as you’re closer to him. You can’t help but think about how much you missed it.

“You hurt me.” You say softly.

“I know.” He states, full of regret. He leans in, and you could see the scar near his eyebrow that you gave him when you both were kids. “I’m not good at saying sorry. But I am sorry. For everything.”

He places his hand on top of yours on the window sill and you note how close your faces are. You swallow hard, watching him.

“You still hate my plan?” You remind him and he shakes his head, eyes falling to your lips before gazing at your eyes.

“I didn’t mean anything I said.” He says. “It’s our plan.”

“Really?” You sound too hopeful but you don’t care. You missed this so much.

Frank nods and leans his forehead against yours and everything just feels..normal again. Although you knew that he still has his legion, and some things won’t be forgotten—this was what you wanted. To have Frank by your side again.

Your noses are basically brushing against each other and you suck in a breath.

“Stay.” You finally let out. “Stay the night. Please? "

Frank hesitates and the reality crashes in. You pull away, disappointment settling in once again.

“I can’t.” He watches as you pull away from him, gripping onto your hand so you don’t go to far. “But..I’ll come back in a few hours. I just gotta take care of something real quick. And I’ll come back.”

“Sure.” You murmur and Frank tightens his hold.

“I promise.” His voice cracks. “I swear to you. I’ll come back. Stay up and wait for me. I won’t fuck it up. Please.”

The desperation in his voice has you pausing, slumping your shoulders and nodding.

“Okay.”

You lay in bed once again. The book has once again been forgotten, opened and faced down on your thighs as you tried to force your eyes to stay open.

Those claws had finally unclenched themselves. Rain thrumming along the roof like impatient fingers.

The clock on your nightstand mocked you, bright red numbers glowing in your otherwise dark room.

12:48 am

Each minute dragged its feet. Your chest tighten at the idea of him lying, your pitiful hope once again being your own enemy. It was a familiar ache, the kind you found yourself in a cycle with most of your childhood.

No. He said a few hours. So he should be here any time now, he never said an exact time. So you shouldn’t feel hopeless yet. You continue to tell yourself this, as your eyes begin to slowly flutter, slumber attempting to pull you under.

The faint murmur of the fan in your foster parent’s room ran through the walls, the small hum and the stillness of the home pushes you further. Your head rolls to the side as you think. Once he’s here, he’ll just wake me up.

You finally close your eyes

Something scrapes outside. Your eyes snap open, your breath catching. Sitting up from your bed, you instinctively look at your window. Waiting.

The sound came again, louder this time. As though someone shoe was scraping against the pavement, before the small noise of the trash can near your window being pushed slightly. You get up from the bed and move towards your window, pushing open the curtains as you try to glance out into the night.

“Frank?” You whisper, pushing the glass up, peeking your head out not caring for the fast drops of rain hitting your face. Your gaze moved left and right, but no sight of anything. There’s was no one. Frowning, you move back to shut the window again but something shifts.

Small movement to your right, towards the fencing that separated your home from Jenny’s. You stare at the empty space where you saw the movement before, attempting to make out anything shape or shift. Another noise, this time farther. On the other side of the fence.

You swallow hard. Okay. Weird. Maybe it’s a raccoon, or a possum. It could be anything. Or..You feel a bit of hope. Maybe it’s the stray. Did she finally come back after that long adventure of hers that kept her from coming to your garage to get her meals you lay out for her? The sudden thought of her returning has you quickly slipping your shoes on.

A random sweater on the floor gets thrown on , hoodie pulled over your head, before you quietly make your way down the hallway, clicking the door open as softly as you can. Slowly, you exit the garage and towards the side of the house.

Rain soaked your sweater in seconds but you marched through it, tightening the sweater on you and covering your face as you tried to look around the grass.

“Kitty..” you whisper, smacking your lips together to try to get its attention. You search behind the trash cans, even opening the lid to look inside but see nothing. “Shoot..”

A soft sound catches your attention again, your feet gravitating towards it. It leads to you the back of the house , the sight of small wooden fixture in the far corner of Jenny’s yard catches your eye , the fence blocking you from it.

Jenny wouldn’t mind. You grab on the top of the gated fence, pushing your foot into an open space and pushing yourself over. Moving towards the fixture, more small sounds escape from it. Small mewing before a familiar meow blesses your ears.

“Oh..” you whisper to yourself when you peek inside and see the stray, surrounded by blankets and a bowl of water near it. She wasn’t alone, smaller versions of her were latched onto her stomach, and you realize that you were right before. Her kittens paid no mind to you, too focused on their own meal while she gazes up at you.

She leans into your palm as you pet her head gently, scratching behind her ear.

“You must be so tired” You pout. “I missed you.”

She meows softly, her paw reaching out as she stretches, her babies protesting with their small sounds. You think of waking up Jenny, excited to show her the new addition to your makeshift family but you notice the sudden tension that takes hold of the small feline, her eyes shifting to behind you.

You turn your head, Jenny’s backyard empty but her back door was wide open. Her porche light was flickering like it was in its wits end, holding on desperately.

Weird. Did Johnny get drunk again and forgot to close the door? No. Jenny said he was leaving Friday night. He should be gone by now. Maybe it was a mistake from earlier and Jenny didn’t notice when she came home from her night shift.

Making your way towards the back porch, all the lights were off inside the home, the only source of light being from the faint glow of the porch light.

It was late. She was probably asleep. There was always tomorrow to check on her and scold her about her forgetfulness but something felt..off.

You stepped inside slowly, scanning the small kitchen. Everything seemingly looked in place, until you noted her telephone was hanging from its place on the wall. A constant beeping filling the silence as you pick it up and placed it back.

“Jenny?” You call out softly. No answer.

You move from the kitchen towards the living room. It was a mess. The coffee table had been knocked over, laying on its side as the continents such as newspapers, a vase and empty cups scattered along the floor. Pieces of glass littered among the floor. Your breath gets caught in your throat.

No.

“Jenny?” You say again more forcefully, shaking as you take in the scene. Every instinct told you to run but you couldn’t.

You pull yourself away from the living room and towards the hallway, being careful to not step on anything, afraid of breaking the dead silence. Your heart hammered against your chest as every scenario possible ran through your head.

John hurt her bad this time. He did this. He threw a tantrum, broke many things once again and—

A gasp rips through you, a sudden wetness under your foot causing you to slip, throwing you forward and landing on your knees.

Your hands hit the floor, sliding across some of it as you try to steady yourself. You bring your hands up to your face in horror, registering the dark red that stained your hands.

There was puddles of it. All over the floor, streaks of the liquid, warm and glossy. Trailing through the long stretch of the hallway.

You follow the trail with your eyes before they land on something wrong. A shape laid on the floor. Someone. They were still. Too still.

It’s as though you were in denial at first, but once the body came into view, it forced the reality. It all came head first. The metallic smell. Flooding your senses all at once.

No. No. No No No

Blood.

You scramble backward, breathe coming in sharp, broken gasps. Ears rang, your stomach lurched forward as you held back the urge to gag. Your chest tight as you try to let out a desperate sound, a sob, a gasp, you don’t know.

Outside, Jenny’s porch light flickered off.