Chapter 22

The next few days, I didn't leave the house. My mind was too mashed for anything. Truly, I did absolutely nothing for days. I would lay on the couch and stare at the ceiling. Sit at the kitchen table in silence. I would wander the house aimlessly. I would attempt to apply for more scholarships, but my thoughts would make me pause. That knowledge bomb... shell-shocked me to my core.

I called into work (which was ballsy for my rocky attendance record). I wouldn't go for any walks or runs. I was just too dazed. And yes, too scared to leave and be attacked by a fucking demon. I even turned down a Saturday night out with Liz and her friends. Yeah, I couldn't believe she offered either.

Honestly, I think she asked only out of sympathy. She could probably see through the exhausted cracks of my façade. Regardless of the reason, I still hated passing that up – and made sure she knew I really did want to go. But it was hard enough trying to bond with Liz while she was alone. Add a few more friends and this withdrawn funk I was in... it wouldn't be good for me or them.

The doorbell rang at 8:30 as I was watching TV. Or rather watching the walls and ceiling. Liz was still getting ready, so I answered the door. The small amount of orange light left in the sky showed a curvy and pretty woman. She was maybe in her 40s, but definitely young at heart. She had a shimmery deep V-neck, a short skirt, and brown straightened shiny hair. Her wide grin said it didn't take much to get her excited. Liz told me earlier about this woman, Fiona. For being older than Liz, and much older than me, she apparently was always bubbly and hyper.

That description of her was quickly confirmed. "Oh my god! Oh my god! You must be Liz's little sister! Eeeee!" she squealed, giving me a big hug.

Smiling, I hugged her back. "You must be Fiona?"

"Aww! You already know my name. Your sis must brag about me constantly. Oh, I can't believe it! It's just so nice to finally meet you," she said in a bubbly voice, excitedly rocking us as we hugged. Pulling back, she looked me over with glee. "You look nothing like her!"

"That's exactly what I said!" I heard David chuckle. The sound of his front door closed, so he had just exited his unit only to walk down to mine and into sight. A man I haven't seen before was with him too. "Fiona, didn't I tell you? Look at the differences. You wouldn't know they're related."

"Well don't say it like that! She is gorgeous," she scolded.

"I never said she wasn't. She's pretty. Just not as pretty as me," David teased.

For living in a slow daze, it was hard to keep up – and hard mirroring their enthusiasm. David at least made it easier with his comment. I smirked. "David, you're just jealous. I know how you feel about my sexy legs."

"Well, learn to wax those brows like you do your legs," he threw back.

I snorted, shaking my head. Don't let him fool you, guys. My brows may be thick, but I plucked them and kept them in line. "You are just high maintenance."

The other man fondly glanced to David. "I can attest to that. You really are high maintenance."

"Jos, this is my boyfriend, Lonny," he gestured to the tall man beside him.

Stepping out onto the porch, I shook his hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm Josephine."

"For the record, I think your eyebrows look perfect and well maintained."

"Thank you."

This guy seemed like the humble one in the group. Which you would not guess by looking at him. Seriously, if I was forced to guess his occupation, I would said body-builder or a fitness instructor. The man's tall and robust frame displayed he was in over-the-top great shape. He didn't show it off either; he wore a shirt with his sleeves bunched up, modestly highlighting his muscular arms and chest. But his body and shaved took nothing away from his kind eyes. It was quite the contrast to David's leaner body and wild-card energy.

"Liz upstairs taking her sweet time?" Fiona asked with a smile.

"As always," I nodded.

She headed past me through the open door. "I'll bitch her out. Maybe she has better stilettos I can wear tonight too."

The two men and I were now alone on the porch. David gave me a loaded look and was quick to take this as an opportunity. He quietly closed the door so we had more privacy on the porch. Oh boy. This will be interesting if he didn't want Fiona to hear.

David smirked to me and spoke quietly. "Now that loud-mouth is gone, it's a good time to tell you this. From one former whore to a new one: you and any of your boytoys need to do better with timing."

I was beyond confused. "What are you talking about?"

Lonny spoke up. "Some guy was creeping around about 30 minutes ago."

"Yeah, next time you try sneaking someone in, wait until after we all leave," David said amusingly. "You're new to being a rebellious little hellion, but try not getting caught when you're in the mood for some dick. Waiting until Liz is out of the house gives you less risk and more reward."

Looking between them, my eyes grew. "Wait, wait, what exactly did you see?"

"Some guy was walking around the back of the house. He was getting quite close to David's flowers," Lonny snorted.

"If I learn he trampled my new fucking daisies, I will skin your new fuckboy alive," David scowled.

"Did... did he try to get inside?"

"I'm not sure. We had better things to do besides watching your contraband try to smuggle itself in."

I was instantly uneasy. "I didn't invite anyone over. I didn't try to have anyone sneak in."

David dramatically sighed. "Just like you didn't fuck some guy at that party? I told you to embrace the walk of shame. Now, embrace the climb-through-the-window of shame."

Instead of me spreading my legs, did they consider maybe someone was breaking and entering?! Why didn't that cross their minds first? I didn't have time to be annoyed. I was scared. My paranoid ass jumped to the worst-case scenario, but what else would pop up besides being hunted by demons? Hopefully, it was Jamie or Peter. With some daylight left, they must have seen the guy.

Crossing my arms, I bit my lip. "What did he look like?"

"Don't play dumb. I'm not busting you. Just offering some advice," he said more seriously, eyes shifting to the sound of the door opening.

Liz and Fiona stepped out. "I'm ready, I'm ready, nobody start a bitching war with me."

"We also did a stiletto swap," Fiona added towards the guys.

Liz and her darker and more casual eye-make matched her skirt and a frilly blouse. She turned to me. "Jos, we won't be out too late since someone decided to have kids," she said teasingly.

"They are worth it though! Sometimes," Fiona said.

"Not on nights when you have to cut happy hour short."

I passed on hanging out with these full-grown adults. I was already a third wheel to Liz and David, so these other people would make me a flat tire on the side of the road. I was sure I wouldn't have much in common with them, especially in my state of mind. However, after hearing that someone was sneaking around the house... I was ready to be the most grateful unwanted person in the group.

As they started down the porch steps, I caught Liz's arm. "I think I changed my mind. Maybe I should come along."

"You decide now? Jos, we're already late. Didn't you say you were feeling sick anyway?"

"I... I didn't feel great, but it's not bad. I think it's going away, so maybe I can come?"

She looked over my plain tee and jeans. "We can't wait any longer," she said sadly. "There is kind of a dress code so you'd have to change and get ready. Then by the time you meet us there, we'll probably be wrapping up the night."

That was that. I didn't know how else to combat her clear hints that I would be a last-minute burden. So, I watched in horror as everyone left. Arms crossed tightly, I couldn't move from my spot on the porch. I was flat scared. What if something managed to get inside? What if it was a demon? What if that demon was inside and waiting for me?

I wanted to leave just in case, but my keys were inside – and I was too terrified to go back in. I was terrified being alone out here too. Thank god I had my phone on me. Thank god Peter took it upon himself to put his contact info into my phone. I scrolled down until I found it.

'Peter (Don't Call Unless Emergency)'

Pressing it, it rang – and rang, and rang, and rang. Ugh, pick up asshole! Finally, a bored and husky voice answered. "Is this an emergency?"

"Yes! Peter, were you being stalkerish again? Someone was creeping around my house. Was it you or Jamie? I guess some guy was snooping around."

There was a pause. Then.... Click.

Oh my god! He hung up! I was stunned. If this didn't qualify as an emergency in his book, what the fuck did?! Was there a demon in the house? Was there one prowling around and watching me? Well if there was, I guess it doesn't matter! He didn't say shit, he hung up, and I was terrified.

Sounded like a good reason to call the cops.

Looking around the dim yard, seeing nothing but stillness and a few cars passing by, I tried evening my breath. Calling 911, I held the phone to my ear and waited.

"911. If this is an emergency, this is not the number you should be calling."

My eyes widen and I was stunned by the voice. I looked to my phone. "Peter?!" I dialed 911, called 911, but this was not who should have answered my call. "How did you pick up my 911 call?!"

"Why are you calling 911 in the first place?"

"Because I'm freaking out. How did it go to your phone?! I want the cops, I want 911!"

"I am your 911."

"No, 911 doesn't fucking hang up on me!"

"Well, this is a 911 call. And yet...." Click.

He did not just hang up on me again! Seriously?! What the fuck kind of protection was this? Breathing harder, I quickly dialed 911 again, trying to keep my fear at bay. It better work this time! Holding it back up to my ear, I bit my lip and waited.

The alarming sound of a phone ringing rippled the silent air. Jumping, I whipped my head to the right and saw it was Peter. Yes, he was here just like that! He was casually walking towards me from the other side of the porch. Holding his ringing phone, he sent my call to voicemail.

"Jesus! Where did you come from? And why do you get my 911 calls?" I hissed.

"You're predictable. I knew you wouldn't listen to me about not calling the cops," he sighed, glancing away. "You should be happy. My response rate is better."

"Apparently. You could have told me you were coming though."

Despite being annoyed, I already felt safer with him here. It was also comforting to know he was able to get here so quickly too. He must have used his wings to get here (and fast), right? Damn, I should have been more alert – or maybe he should be less stealthy. If there was one thing I was stoked to learn, it was his wings and him being able to fly. Mark my fucking words, everyone. If a demon does end up killing me... it better be after I see the asshole-angel take flight.

"I like to leave you guessing. What spooked you?" he asked, standing before me.

Over the first few chirping crickets of the night, I explained what David and Lonny saw: a guy snooping around the house. After getting the details – or rather the very few I had – he didn't seem frazzled by my information.

His face remained neutral. "Did they see him get inside?"

"No, but he could have. This was only 30 minutes ago, everyone just left, and I don't want to go back inside if someone or something got in."

He glanced over and scanned the house. "There's nobody inside. No demons."

"How do you know?"

"I'm close enough to sense it."

I looked in the opposite direction, eyeing the yard and tree-line across the street. "What about out there?"

"If there is a demon hanging around, it's not within my range."

"That's not a good enough reason for us to stay outside," I mumbled, heading in and holding the door for him to follow.

But Peter remained on the porch. "As long you're with me, you are safe."

"I would still feel better in the house."

"I would feel better not dealing with you," he said, catching my eyes. "You can't stay inside forever."

While having walls around me felt reassuring, Peter was my only true form of safety. What demon would come around and fuck with me if he was next to me? Only stupid ones I would hope. I didn't want to take comfort in that, but I really did. Plus, he was right (even though I didn't want to admit it). I couldn't stay inside forever. I sighed and stepped back out onto the porch with him.

"You need to keep living your life," he said.

"How?" I sighed, sagging into the porch swing angled in the corner. "Unless you are constantly by my side, you can't protect me. You didn't even know someone was creeping around until I hounded you for help."

"Between our senses, and staying close by, we can keep you safe. That's why it was beneficial for you to hang around with Jamie. That was probably him snooping around and keeping an eye on you. When I am out of town, you are his responsibility."

"You were out of town?" I scoffed. "You were out of town and got to me that quickly?"

He nodded.

That does make me feel a little better. That kind of speed along with seeing no vehicle in sight implied one thing though. "So you flew your ass here?"

He studied my gaze. "I did."

Wow. That was too cool for school, folks. I tried hiding my smile and shrugged, almost too nonchalantly. "Oh okay. Just wondering. No big deal." Clearing my throat, I quickly moved on. "Anyway, why would Jamie be walking around here?"

"He's been checking the perimeter since you haven't left the house. He's clearly just not subtle about it," he scoffed.

"Well, that's good to know it was probably just him."

"Trust me. We can keep you safe." The dimming sky illuminated his blank face. Leaning against the porch raining across from the swing, his shoulders beneath his gray Under-Armour shirt finally let some tension go. "You can't waste your life being scared."

"Why do you care?"

"I don't care. It's incredibly annoying to see fear dictate people's lives."

"Demons are hunting me. Remember?" I snapped.

"They sure are. What's something you like to do?"

I snorted, taken aback. Not just from that quick transition, but also his question. Any interest from him was usually foreign. "You mean, myself? Things that I enjoy?" Why did he want to know and where was this coming from?

He rolled his eyes. "Yeah. Things that make you happy."

Using my heel to mindlessly rock the long swing, I took a moment to answer. "Um... well, I love the outdoors. Nature, hiking, running the trails. That was a huge bonus moving here. I was in track every year and would go for runs back home, but the terrain and wilderness make it way better here. Um," I smiled, getting lost in my thoughts and memories. It's been a long time since I've indulged in these things. "I also played lacrosse since 7th grade. I loved, loved, loved lacrosse. I had to stop playing this past year, which sucked because it was my senior year, so that was a bummer. I used to be super competitive."

"School athlete, huh?"

"Athlete inside of school and out. Not sure if it counts, but me and my grandma have played some vicious croquet games in the past," I chuckled, pausing to ponder.

He contently listened and waited. "What else?"

"Oh. This was huge for me," I recalled with a grin. "It's been a few years, but I volunteered at the animal shelter a lot. I would walk the dogs, play with them and the cats. It felt good to help, but it was fun and the animals stole my heart. My favorite dog was Whinny. She was a pit-bull and just the absolute best dog."

"You like pits?"

"They're my favorite. They get such a bad rep," I shook my head.

"They do," he nodded.

"We didn't have dogs growing up, so it was like she was mine. I saw her nearly every day; I would always go there after school. I was crushed but so happy when she finally got adopted." I pursed my lips, realizing how much I've been ranting on. "Anyway, it doesn't take much to make me happy. I just like to have fun. I had some friends back home, so whenever I could get away with it, my friends and I would party. I wasn't that close with them, but we all liked to laugh. Yeah, those are some things anyway."

Peter didn't seem intrigued but he didn't seem bored. His deep brown gaze was simply thoughtful. Honestly, I was surprised. I figured by now he would have been annoyed, bored, or would have started watch-checking like usual. Instead, he seemed just... neutral or content.

"Sounds like you were limited on those things," he finally concluded.

I swallowed, staring at my lap. "Limited?"

"Yes. It seems like those things were pushed aside."

"Well yeah, of course. Other things were more important. I like having a good time, but I had responsibilities."

"Like what?"

"Like taking care of my family. My mom mainly."

"Was she incapable of taking care of herself?"

It's not like he cares, but I didn't mind sharing. The subject wasn't as sensitive as I wished it was. "My mom struggles with alcohol. Always has. I needed to be there to help her."

Talking about my dysfunctional home life wasn't difficult. The truth was plain as day. She was an alcoholic. Just like the sky was blue. However, I don't think he agreed with how I handled it. When I spoke of it before, I remember he implied it wasn't healthy. For now, it seemed like he was just strangely trying to understand.

"If she needed you, why did you leave?"

Talking about this part was more difficult. "Well, I finally had reasons and excuses. Like college. My mom always pushed college, and she has her boyfriend to help her. If it wasn't for those two things... I wouldn't have found the balls to leave."

"Moving here was your chance to come first."

It sounded so shitty and selfish out loud. Glancing down to the porch, letting the crickets fill the new night air, I sighed. "Right. I just wanted to be free and have fun."

"You can't have fun if you aren't a fun person though," he mumbled flatly.

Well, we could only be civil for so long. Leave it to him to flip on a dime and insult me out of nowhere. "Um, I am as fun as they come."

"You are wound up and anxious a lot of the time."

Seriously? Who was this bag of misery to judge? "Because I'm dealing with your un-fun ass and a bunch of demons. No, I am a super fun person."

"Prove it."

"Prove I'm fun?"

He nodded.

I had nothing to prove and I didn't owe this fuck-wad anything. But wow, he knew how to rile me up, make me defensive, and I wanted nothing more to put his smug ass in place. "You don't know what fun is, but alright, wait here." I headed inside and grabbed the worst purchase of my life: a box of wild berry pop-tarts. Instead of being berry-licious, they were a disappointment. Returning to the porch, I offered him one. "Here. Have a bite."

Confused, he stood straighter and took it from me. "Why?"

"Just try it," I said casually.

"Did you poison it?"

"I wish I did," I rolled my eyes. "Try it."

Just as he went to take a bite, I smacked it clear out of his hand. It flew a few feet and landed in the bushes. Yes, guys. This was my stupid and childish level of fun. "Oh no, you dropped it. That's okay. Here's another one," I said sympathetically, handing him the other pop-tart.

Stifling a smile, he nodded. "Yeah?" He took the second one from me... and waited, watching me. The second he raised it towards his mouth, I tried smacking it out of his hand again. Instead, he tossed it into the bushes himself. "Damn. I dropped it again."

"Peter, come on, stop fucking around and take a bite," I groaned, hiding my amusement. I opened another one and handed him one of the pastries. "Here. I'm being serious."

This time, I didn't ambush or strike. Instead I finally allowed him to take a bite. He was surprised I let him. "I'm stunned I didn't drop it this time."

"Me too." Then I whipped my hand out and put all my might into slapping what remained from his hand to the ground where it crumbled. I sighed loudly. "What is wrong with you?"

The corner of his lip tilted. "I guess I just subconsciously hate these pop-tarts."

"They're wild-berry, so that might be why."

"You're a dork," he laughed.

Wow. A laugh. It was weirdly... rewarding. Maybe just because it was such a rare sight and sound. Plus, it was nice to make the air a little lighter in the process. Letting up on my stern acting, I finally smiled. "I don't think there is anything funnier than walking into a room and randomly smacking things out of people's hand."

"This is a real art for you."

"Yes. You just need be mindful of what you're smacking out of people's hands."

"Like something glass?"

"Yeah. Or a dick."

"Yes, you should be mindful of that," he snorted with a warm smile, meeting my eyes. "Nobody likes to jack-off only to have someone walk by and slap it out of their hand."

"Unless they're into that."

"Right, then it's the ultimate fantasy," he said, eyes full of a warm humor. Yes, warmth and humor. Two things I didn't realize he possessed.

Relaxing back the swing, I smiled. "Anyway, did I pass the fun test?"

"Well, I can't tell you if you did. That would be a compliment."

"Right, we can't have that. I'm more comfortable getting insulted by you anyway."

"I'm sure you are," he threw back teasingly, but he quickly looked away. On a more serious note, he measured his next words cautiously. "Don't be afraid to have fun and keep living."

I snorted loudly. "You should take your own advice. I don't know if there is a fun bone in your body."

"You came here to be free," he stressed, ignoring my words. "You've put sports aside, your hobbies, your happiness, and your time. You've never been able to put yourself first. That is why you moved here. So now that you've finally put yourself first... don't let anything come before you again. Even something as scary as demons."

As if it was that simple. I scoffed and shook my head. "Says the dude that doesn't die."

"Exactly," he said more firmly. "I can't die. You will one day. You cannot waste your short life on fears and insecurities." Avoiding my gaze, he straightened and started towards the porch steps. "Call me when there is a real emergency."

Then, I watched him wander down the driveway and into the lurking shadows of night. Of course he had to wait until he was out of sight to probably fly away; he didn't want to give me the satisfaction of finally seeing it. Regardless, I did feel better and safer, but also confused and frustrated.

While I enjoyed not seeing the asshole side of him, I wasn't sure his hypocritical motivation was much better. It pissed me off. Such inspiring words didn't fit with someone who didn't live up to them. He wasn't free, fun, or carefree. I was already all those things, but pardon fucking me for being overwhelmed. Like what the fuck does he expect from me after my world has been turned upside down?!

I stayed in the swing, trying to discard his words. He didn't die, so he can't preach fear to me. He was miserable, so he can't preach having fun. His reality and world didn't get pulled out from under him. He wasn't in the state of shock I was. Only days ago, Peter dropped the weight of the world – literally the weight of a brand-new world – on me.

By the time I went inside though, I realized he was right though. I didn't realize just how long I've waited to finally enjoy my freedom. I can't let this huge bump in the road stop me. I let mom and her alcohol stop me before; I let the needs of the house stop me. Sharing all my likes and interests, it was sad how they all took a backburner. Everything got in the way of me coming first. And while demons and navigating a new reality was a whole different level... I couldn't let it scare me for the rest of my life. It was reassuring to know I would have protection. Even if it meant calling 911 to get his attention.

For now though, I was still in shock and processing everything. My mind was still a slug. Staying home only a couple more days wouldn't hurt. Right? 

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Sorry it took way to long. I just try to make things person so editing happens, different versions, rewording. Then needing to re-edit the new content. I need to start just writing and posting without a care like I used to. Anyway, hope you guys like it!