Read Mere Mortal Page 12

Six

  My parents lived comfortably, without much noise, now that all their children had flown the coop. Both my sisters were married with children and my half-brother had just tied the knot. Children were still pending in that picture. On the outside it was a white paneled house with a two car garage. Inside it was littered with the toys of grandchildren, countless family photos, and a veritable hurricane of family togetherness.

  Whenever I came home my mom made my favorite meal and asked about work. In spite of the horrible time I was currently having I did look forward to a meal made by my mom. I tried to focus on that as I left work and drove to the suburbs.

  I drove around the block once to search the shadows. It unnerved me that Jessica had fled her apartment. I didn't want to let on just how terrified I was when Sean told me, but I was scared out of my wits. Jessica was out there somewhere waiting for me.

  Uneasy, I pulled into my parents' driveway. I hadn't seen any lurking figures, but that did not mean they weren't out there. I cut the lights on the Rav. Nothing moved. The front door was twenty feet away. I could get to it and unlock it in under a minute. A good time, but vampires were faster. Steeling myself for the worst I took a deep breath. Flinging myself out of the car I ran for the door.

  I felt a cold sweat break out on my back. I fidgeted with my keys, trying to find the right one. Groping around in the dark I found the lock and key and forced them together. Something stirred in the bushes at the neighbors’. My fingers stopped working. I could do this; just turn the key a little more.

  I steadied myself with both hands on the doorknob. Turn and push. The door gave way and opened before me. Whatever moved hissed and spat. I jumped through the threshold and closed the door. I locked it. The whole house was dark and quiet.

  Feeling safer now I texted Sean and Chris. I begged Chris to take care of Sasha until I came home. I climbed the stairs to my old room. I had no extra clothes, so I stripped down to my underwear and climbed under the covers. I'd have to leave early so I could get home and change. My body gave way to exhaustion once my head hit the pillow.