Davis's jaws dropped and his eyes widened, one hand on his hip while the other one was still busy holding the phone to his ear. He stared at me who was running to the kitchen carrying a big halibut. Since he's still online, so, that was the only thing he could do. He could not drop any comment yet. Nonetheless, I hope it doesn't break his focus while talking to someone on the phone. Looks like something serious is happening on the other side of the line.
This is maddest. Where can we put it then? And how will we eat it? I gaze at the fish from its head to the tail, back and forth, after I lay it on the counter sink.
"What the heck is that?!" Davis shouted on his way to the kitchen, finally.
"Mr. Fulton brought this for us. And looks like he forgot that there is only you and I who live in this house." I shook my head, hands on my hips, clueless about what am I going to do.
He walks towards the fish, "This is insane! It will be enough for a week's supply!"
Now both of us were like dazzled by the dead fish, "And ... do you have any idea, what are you going to do with this?"
He shook his head, "Not yet," rubbing his chin, "But I think I'm going to cut it into pieces first so that we can put it in the freezer."
"Great. Just do it, chef!" I tapped on his shoulders, cheering him on.
"Hey, D. About our shopping plan. I'm sorry I can't make it. I should go to the hospital, you know, work calls." He raised one of his eyebrows and pursed his lips.
I knew it, ever since the phone buzzed. A little disappointed, but I'm used to this kind of situation, "It's okay. I understand." Maybe I can help him to get the milk by myself, "I'll do it by myself."
"What?! Are you sure? You really ... can do that? Like ... alone?" he's truly overacted.
I rolled my eyes, "Oh, come on. Don't underestimate me, dude. I'm not that dumb. I know what the milk looks like."
He chuckled, "I'm not gonna lie, but ... you've changed, D. I mean, in a positive way. And I'm proud of you." His eyes sparkled, but I know, it was just a fake proud face. He's just literally sneering at me.
"Shut up! Now, just take it away from the sink since I'll continue with the dishes." I said, pointing to the lifeless halibut. This brown-haired man laughed in satisfaction then lifted the fish and grabbed the cleaver. Indeed, he should carry out the action against the fish outside, so it will not leave any smelly in the house. But how long will it take? How about his errand at the hospital? His errand means someone's life, right? Lest he forgets. I better remind him. "Davis, How's about your work? Is it okay with the patient?"
"See? You become very attentive, Delilah." Am I? I don't feel any change in myself, though. "It's okay. I told the duty doctor to give the patient a certain medicine. Not too bad actually, but I still have to go there. So, I can save this fish first. It won't take long, though." He started walking out, but suddenly stopped his steps and said, "Unless, you want to help me dissect this fish."
"No, thank you. Just ... go." I said, pushing him out.
It's ten o'clock right now, Davis has left about an hour ago, leaving me home alone, again. Even though he said that he won't be long, still, I'm lonely here. Well, seems like my day will always be like this, and I have to accept it. Actually, I could have worked, but somehow, I don't want to do it yet. Moreover, Davis has never been stingy to me, he always gave me more than enough instead. I don't mean to be arrogant, but if I have a job right now, it's not for money, but because I need friends and activities. Okay, the money is the bonus though. I need my brain to keep working properly, anyway. It is just, at this point, maybe I had drowned, way too deep, into my comfort zone.
I took the black denim jacket from the closet to wear. I know this jacket is not that warm, but I think it's just perfect to combine with my mustard sweatshirt and sweatpants. Also, this scarf which has one up-tone color from the sweatshirt will make this style chic even more. I don't want to go change my current clothes into an outing outfit since it means more laundry awaits. So, with one more thing to do, that is, put my feet into the sneakers, and here I am, Delilah in the simple chic style is ready to go to the grocery store for buying the milk.
I went out of the house and didn't forget to put on my beanie along with the mittens. Today, the weather is quite sunny, but still cold to me, so I let my hair loose to ease the coldness.
As usual, I plug the earphone on to enjoy the music while walking alone. This time, I start it with Ashe. Hopefully, I don't meet any moose or other wild animals that can pass at any time on the street. I just need to keep my eyes on and be more careful this time. Because Tom couldn't always just appear to help me. He's not a superhero though. He's just an extraordinary, charming guy, who always makes me blush and unconditionally accelerates my heartbeat.
After walking for quite a while, I finally made it to the store, without converging any obstacles on my way. Thank goodness. All I have to do right now is go inside, get a few bottles of milk, pay for it, and go home. Easy-peasy.
The bell that was hanging above the entrance chimed as soon as I pull the door. The woman cashier I know as Claris raises her eyebrows as she glances at me. I let out a smile at her. But when I found she didn't respond but looked at me sharply instead, I hurriedly pulled my smile back, and looked away. Pretend I've never smiled at her. Her gaze was pretty creepy anyway. I don't know why she puts on a face like that, but I don't want to know either. It doesn't matter to me.
It didn't take too long for me to find out where the bottle of milk was put on. And once I found it, I immediately took three bottles to put them in the basket. I don't think I need to buy anything other than milk. After all, there is nothing interesting to me here. So, I headed straight to the cashier.
Claris's face remain the same as before when I arrived at the cashier counter. "Hi," I said, eventually.
"Is there anything else you need, young lady?" That's her way to reply to my 'hi'.
I shook my head, "No. I think that's all." Then she nodded and gave me the total price.
"I'm glad you came here alone, but I'm still worried about you, though." Surprisingly, she said that while I handed her the cash. Why does she even worry about me?
"Worried? Worried about what?" I frowned.
Her shoulders slumped, glanced left and right, as if making sure no one else could hear what she was about to tell me, then leaned toward me, and whispered, "You should go find some help, immediately. It should be noted, that you're in danger, young lady." She's really complicated. I mean, she had been in creepy silence for a moment, then once she spoke, I have no idea where this conversation is going.
"I ... I don't get it." Still frowning. Really, it's all Greek to me.
"The guy who came here with you yesterday, he's a perilous fellow." She added. But still, it doesn't make me understand, it just makes me a little pissed off instead.
This is sick. I don't like to hear anything bad about Tom. He's undoubtedly a good guy. "Look, I don't know what you are talking about. And I just going to leave right now."
She looked so meant to her words, then she grabbed my hand, holding it. "I am extremely serious, young lady. Go get help!"
"I'm so done here." Through my last glare at her, I snapped my hand from her and hustled off of the store. She's literally a crazy woman. How can Mr. Fulton said she was good? From what perception did he see that??
A relief showered me as I am outside. Now I'm able to breathe normally. I can't believe I was panting seconds ago. When that woman said the bad thing about Tom, I felt like I was burned in anger, and my breath was stuck in my throat like it was going to explode at that time. What she said was unacceptable. She doesn't know anything about Tom, but she was able to judge him only by her first sight of him?! For serious?? She was maddening! And honestly, it's been a long time ago since I've ever been this mad in my life.
It was the time when Davis got beaten up by some cowards from school. I caught them at the schoolyard, after school hour when nobody was around. They punched and kicked Davis one by one, again and again. The cause was also damn ridiculous. It was all because one of their girlfriends got caught secretly admiring Davis. Although my brother always shrugged her off, still, the girl was just too kittenish to Davis. As soon as I saw it, I stormed toward them, and with all my might I punched right on one of those coward's faces. Obviously, that scene made them freeze.
What makes me so reckless to do that is because he is my brother. And he is utterly innocent. I love my brother that made me so indignant toward those cowards. I didn't even care if they will beat me up either. Surely, I will do anything for the people I love.
Wait, is it about the same feeling? Why I could be this angry with that old woman? Do I fall for Tom??
No way. It's impossible. I just met him. But what I feel inside is nearly the same as what I felt when I fell in love with Ryan years ago. What makes it different is just, that what I feel right now about Tom is way much stronger, and more passionate. I can even feel my heart beating faster just by saying his name in my heart. He really drives me crazy. Oh, shoot! How can he make me this nervous even when he's not around? But what else is it called if this isn't love??
I shook my head, dismissing my going nowhere thought. Anyway, today is too bright to be alone with loneliness. What else should I do? As I continued walking, I kept thinking of it. Hey, what about visiting Gloria? Yeah, I should do it again. The last time this idea appeared in my mind, I missed it by myself. But not this time. And I think I should buy something for her. What's good for her and her daughter by the way?
At that moment I saw a small flower shop. And in immediately I decided to buy some flowers for Gloria. Not perfect, but I'm sure it's good.
When I arrived at Gloria's house, the door was closed tightly. Faintly, I can hear the classical music from outside here. It convinced me that someone was in the house. I searched for the bell or something like that on the door, but there was nothing. I'll just unplug my earphone and then try to knock on the door. Luckily, I didn't have to wait long, the door is now open. I have put a sweet smile on my face to greet whoever is it.
As the door opened wider, I saw a girl in a wheelchair. She has red long straight hair, pale skin, and she's beautiful with those freckles on her face. The girl who was probably around eighteen years old looked at me with a slight frown. Maybe because I look foreign to her. "Can I help you?" Her voice is so soft.
Even though I smiled, I feel compassionate toward her. "Hi, I'm Delilah." I stuck out my hand. Trying to be nice and polite. She shook my hand and smiled. "Um, I'm your new neighbor, and days ago I've met Gloria. Is she home?"
"Sure. Mom is in the backyard. I'll tell her you're here." She spun the wheel, making her move backward. "Come on in, Delilah. Have a seat."
Certainly, this girl is Gloria's daughter. "Thank you," I followed her to step in, "Oh, and here, I brought you flowers. Hope you like it." I handed her the flowers.
Her eyes sparkling as she took the flower from me, "Thank you. These are gorgeous. How do you know I love flowers?"
It feels wonderful when we give something to someone, and that person really likes it. "Really? Well ... let's say that I am gifted." Did I just quote Tom? Yes, I guessed. We both giggled then she left me to call out to her mom.
I waited for Gloria while sitting on the couch and looking around the living room. Not much different from where I live right now. It's just cleaner than mine. Certainly, because this house has been inhabited for a long time, so it is cleaned more often. I'm sure my house will be like this later. Just a matter of time. Only if Davis and I are cleaning it diligently. Well, maybe it should be me who has to start it, Davis is rarely at home.
"Look at who's here. The gorgeous Delilah!" Gloria's loud voice startled me. She walked toward me and then gave me a friendly hug. Surely, I hug her back. "Thank you for the flowers, Delilah. Ethel loves it so much."
So, that girl's name is Ethel. "No mention. She deserved it. Your daughter is so beautiful, ma'am."
"Yeah, she's my everything," Gloria said as she took a seat in front of me. Her motherly face reminds me of my mother. How lucky Ethel is to still have a mother. "So, how's your day?"
"Good." I nodded. "Although there is not much I usually do, I love being at Healy. It's calmly."
"You're right, Healy is. Not as hectic as in the city, right?"
"Way too far from that actually. And this is what I've been waiting for, you know, living in a calming place. Surrounded by wildlife is better. As long as we keep an eye when walking if we don't want to be surprised by them." I have taken lessons from yesterday's moose incident.
"Wow, it sounds like you've been in the situation, haven't you?" she chuckled and looked at me with amusement.
"Exactly!" We both burst out laughing. I guess I embarrassed myself. We spent time together chatting, exchanging weird jokes, and laughing. She is really a kind and nice woman. This time Mr. Fulton was right, in saying that Gloria is a beautiful and nice woman, and so is her daughter.
Out of nowhere, I was so curious about what has happened to her daughter. I've been wanting to ask about this but worried if it offended her. I know it's kind of rude for me to ask, but I can't help it. "Gloria, what happened to Ethel? I mean ... I'm sorry for asking, and I totally understand if you don't want to tell me anything about that." Suddenly the atmosphere became quiet for a while. We both looked in the eye but there were no words that comes out from any of us. Damn, I messed it up. Then I said, "I'm really sorry, Gloria. Let us just forget it."
She smiles, "No, no. It's totally okay, Delilah." She raised her hand on her chest. "She ... she was attacked by something terrified." She paused for a moment. Her eyeballs moved upward, wandering as if reminiscing about the situation when that happened. Looks like our conversation will be very serious this time, and I'm all ears.
"It's been ten years ago. Ethel was just a kid. She was nine years old at that time. One day, Ethel and her dad, Henry, were hiking on the hill near Denali. I didn't come because I wasn't feeling well. While they were crossing the hill, suddenly a creepy figure blocked their track. Ethel said that a figure like that was so strange. It has clearly sharp fangs. Knowing that they were in danger, Henry ordered Ethel to run and hide. And whenever something bad happen to him, all she had to do is keep hiding until the situation is clear, so that she could get some help.
According to her dad's orders, despite it's way too hard to do, Ethel then ran away from her father and hid in a safe place. But apparently, from where she was hiding, Ethel could still see where her dad was with that creepy creature. With just one blink, the creature moves to attack Henry. It chokes and raises Henry's body like it is hanging him. Knowing that her dad was hurt, Ethel couldn't stop herself from keep hiding. With all her courage, Ethel got out, ran towards where Henry was and hit the monster with the rock she had grabbed from her hiding place.
Ethel succeeded to make the monster startled to release its grip on Henry. But the danger turned around. The monster seemed to be turning interested in attacking Ethel. With one swing, Ethel was blown away and hit a big tree. Her leg was even crushed by a large tree trunk that was broken as a result of the impact. That turned her semi-conscious. The monster didn't kill Ethel but instead turned back towards Henry, who was lying limply on the ground. Then, the monster brutally killed Henry with its fangs. Then just walked away leaving Henry covered in blood and also the helpless Ethel." Gloria shed tears at the brief break. I am palming my mouth because of that cringe story. I really didn't expect that.
"Was the ... 'thing' caught in the end?" I'm not going to lie, but this story definitely made me pretty horrified. How can I not? I live in Healy, the same place where that incident happened. And what exactly is that 'thing'?
Gloria looked down, "Unfortunately, not. It took months for the police to investigate, but they got nothing. They also couldn't just believe what Ethel was saying. She was just a little girl, and she was almost passed out when it happened. There was no other evidence at the time. Ethel cried and screamed every night. Told me that it was not an animal who killed Henry. It's clearly human but just looked ... different. Ethel said that was a guy, with red eyes, and sharp fangs. Most likely, it was really human but like covered in animal behavior. There is no way that someone would kill another in that brutal way. But still, no one believes in her. They said Ethel's story was so absurd. So, they finally concluded that Henry was dead because of the animal attack.
It made Ethel very upset, and depressed. She always blamed herself for Henry's death. Not only that, but she also felt that the monster always haunted her mind for a long time. That's why she doesn't want to go back to school and is always worried about meeting strangers. She was also resigned to the state of her feet. She thought it was better to keep quiet since she was reluctant to meet new doctors who were sure to ask her what had happened to her. By telling the incident, it will open the old scars. Actually, she needs years to recover from that worst day, yet the memory will remain forever in her mind. Poor Ethel."
For me, that story is kind of ... absurd, but real. I don't even know why I can say it was real, I just ... feel it. What a pity Ethel. At her age, she has to watch her dad be killed, right in front of her, brutally. I can't imagine how chaotic she must feel. Seeing her condition right now, surely, she has changed way much better. And I'm glad to know that.
After a while at Gloria's house, I'm a bit surprised because it was getting dark. The sun has almost set. Actually, my phone rang several times, but I kept declining it. Because at that time I was chatting with Gloria. It was Davis who called me in a hundred times. Maybe he had arrived home and couldn't find me at every corner of the house. I better get going home right now.
With one last hug, I said goodbye to Gloria and Ethel. I told them I had a great time spending at their house. And I don't mind doing it again someday. Hopefully, they don't mind either.
On my way home, I can't help but what Claris said is haunting my mind. Plus, Gloria's story also successfully filled my mind right now. My eyes were obviously focusing on the road, but not my mind. It was wandering somewhere. I can't believe that those things made me think this hard. There's a lot of 'what if' inside of me. Like, what if Claris was right that Tom is a kind of dangerous person? What if the monstrous thing from Gloria's story still exists? What if it comes to me? What exactly is it? A guy with red eyes, fangs, and that powerful. Whatever is it, it's villainous and hideous.
The sky is getting darker. I'm walking home alone, hugging these bags of milk, in this quiet neighborhood, and misty. Goosebumps! All my way home reminds me of Tom. Yesterday, I was passing through the same street with him hugging me, I didn't feel scared at all. But now, I'm all alone, and not gonna lie, without him, it's spooky.
Where is he? I haven't seen him today, but it feels like ages. Oh, I miss Tom. Badly.
Suddenly, from a distance, I saw someone on the side of the road, a different side of me. This is the first time I met people on this street, except Tom. This person's posture was almost the same as Tom's, only that Tom seemed to be taller than him. He was wearing black outfits, from head to toe, as well as his hair color. At the time we passed each other, we exchanged glances, and he wafts a wicked smile. That's creepy.
Seconds after, I'm too curious to not look back, so I did it. My eyes widened in shock as I found nothing behind. That guy is literally disappeared. Where did he go?? This is truly a straight path, and no house nearby but woods. Did he just walk into the brushwood? Very impossible, but possible. There may be a shortcut in that woods.
Well, I'll just shrug it off and focus on my way home. It's getting colder by the way. I need to hurry.
Moment later, I met a woman. Wow, is it suddenly crowded in here? I've met two people just in minutes. She's in the same distance as the man I met earlier. Her body was hot and mostly like a model that would make any girl jealous just by looking at it. Me? Honestly, yes, I feel it too, but not much. She was wearing black tights that looked like latex, and black high boots, which certainly showed up her body curve even more. For the top, she wore a long black coat which she lets the buttons undone so that we can see her black mock-neck shirt underneath.
The closer we were, the clearer I could see the makeup on. She applied it perfectly to her face. Her long black hair adds to her beauty. She looks so gorgeous. As we pass each other, she smiled at me. And I smiled back.
Same as before, I was so curious that I couldn't help but turn around to look at that woman again. Surprisingly, the woman is gone. Just as the same as the guy did before. What the heck?? I even pat myself on the cheek because I could not believe what I witnessed. What the heck is happening with those people? Why did the two people dressed in black just disappear? Is there really a shortcut in this woods?
Okay, it's getting weirder and creepy even more right now. I took a deep breath to calm my nerves. I need to stay cool and calm down. Whatever happens, just let it happen. I'm good. I'm okay. Everything we'll be alright. I kept saying that to myself.
My horror hasn't disappeared, when suddenly, from a distance I seemed to see the same two figures. The same woman and man. I couldn't believe what I saw. So, I blinked a few times. They disappeared, again. There is only fog all around me. Maybe I just saw it wrongly. Perfect, goosebumps rained me down.
Just seconds later, I feel like someone is stalking behind me. The hair on my back neck reacted. But when I looked back, there is no one. Damn it! What is wrong with me?! As I back on my track to walk straight ahead, I feel it again. I was very surprised when I found that woman was walking behind me. She gave me a scary look and smile. Even quickened her steps to approach me. Oh, shit! I feel terrified right now that made me walk at pace. I think I better meet the moose than this woman. She's beautiful but creepy. And I think I should run faster this time. I hug the bag of milk tighter and start to run, faster.
As I run even faster, I accidentally collided with someone. I stepped back so I could see it clearly. No way ... this is the guy that I just met. Definitely the same one. He just popped out of nowhere. What in the world just happen right now? Now I got trapped by two mysterious fellows. Both of them have pairs of creepy red eyes.
Wait, what?? Red eyes??
Fuck!
My eyes widened, and I swallowed hard, "What ... what do you want?" I'm panting. "Do you guys trying to ask me to play ... hide and seek?" That was a stupid question that just came out of my mouth. I slowly stepped back as the woman dashed next to the man. She's damn fast. "Well, I ... I'm sorry I can't. Actually, I have to go home immediately. You know, dinner's waiting." I shrugged. Trying to be as cool as possible. But I know it's not working. My heart is pounding. My voice trembled.
"Likewise with both of us." The man said in low voice. His eyes were sharply on mine.
"Good. Just let's ... go home, then." I said, then turn around, trying to be escaping from them.
He suddenly just dropped right in front of me. Wait, did he just fly?? "Wrong way, beautiful." He's right. I shouldn't be turned around. That's definitely the wrong way home. But what can I do? I'm panicked. The guy moves closer to my face, "Why we need to rush to go home when the dinner is already served." He licked his bottom lips as if there was a delicious steak in front of him. The woman then stood next to me, closer. Now I was flanked by a couple of red eyes.
"What ... what do you mean?" I tried to step back, but I ran out of space. These creepy people start to laugh in a horrible way, then the guy starts to grab my neck. Meanwhile, the woman smiled wickedly in front of me. She looks excited, satisfied, and impatient to pounce on me either.
The bag of milks just fell to the ground from my hands, as I struggle escaping of his grab. Until I feel he starts to lift me. This guy is so powerful that could easily lift my body only in one hand. It's hurt to the bone, and I can't hardly breathe. I kept struggling by kicking and gripping his hand off of my neck. His hands were so damn cold, as cold as an ice, and strong. What the fuck are they?!
Only in a split second, my vision becomes blurry. I'm running out of oxygen. I felt so limp and weak. My cheeks are now warm of the tears. My palms and feet now felt so cold, as if my blood stopped from flowing.
Where is Tom? Why doesn't he save me from this, like he did yesterday? Is this my time? Is it the end of my life? Is it my last breath?
Now everything is turning dark. All I can see is... nothing.
Only the darkness.