Stay Together Chapter 20 by Maira Dawn
Chapter 20
(COPYRIGHT©2024 MAIRA DAWN)
“We’ll take the first watch,” James said to Emily. “The rest can try to get some sleep. We hadn’t planned on stopping for the night, but maybe this is better, anyway.”
His daughter nodded, but trembled slightly. James understood. Just because they were inside didn’t mean they were completely safe.
He threw one last log on the fire Ian had started and tamped it down. With no blankets, the group was likely to get a little chilly through the night. Then he sat back down on the floor next to Emily and leaned against the wall.
Across the room, Liz and Micheal used two of the couch pillows for comfort. Liz had given Nancy the third one, and the others used their backpacks.
Not an especially cozy situation, but better than it could be. And they had four sturdy walls between them and whoever had been stalking them outside.
He glanced Andrew’s way. The boy had his back to them, his head on his backpack. James’ jaw tightened a bit. He’d have to keep an eye on him. Something about the boy unsettled his daughter.
James woke to Elizabeth’s lilting laugh. He rubbed his eyes and stretched, knowing he’d have to make do with the four hours of sleep he’d gotten once Ian and Andrew took over the watch. To his relief, no one outside had disturbed the group through the night.
He glanced at his wife as she stood beside Andrew. Her blue eyes sparkled as she chatted animatedly with the boy.
“So, Andrew,” Liz said, “what were your plans before all this happened? College?”
Andrew’s easy smile never faltered. “Yes, ma’am. I was hoping to study engineering. I’ve always been fascinated by how things work, you know?”
Liz nodded. “That’s wonderful. Emily’s always been more into literature herself. But I’m sure you know that since you go to school together.”
Andrew’s gaze flicked briefly to Emily, then back to Elizabeth. “She’s incredibly brave, Mrs. Alden. The way she’s handled everything that’s happening . . . it’s inspiring, really.”
Elizabeth beamed, pride evident in her voice. “She is, isn’t she? We’re so proud of her.”
James frowned. Now that he was paying attention, something about Andrew’s demeanor set his teeth on edge. The boy’s charm seemed too polished, his words carefully chosen to make a mother happy.
“You’ve been a great help too, Andrew,” Elizabeth continued. “We’re lucky to have you with us.”
Andrew ducked his head, the picture of humility. “I’m the lucky one, Mrs. Alden. Your family’s been so kind to me.”
James glanced at his daughter to find her staring at her mother and Andrew, her hand on her stomach and a sick look on her face.
What wasn’t she telling them? What was really going on with Andrew?
Andrew’s voice drifted over, smooth as silk. “I’m just so grateful for your kindness, Mrs. Alden. You’ve all been like family to me.”
If anything, Emily’s posture became more rigid. James glanced from her to Andrew.
Yep. Something was off. The boy’s movements seemed too controlled, his smiles too calculated.
James moved closer to his daughter and kept his voice low. “What’s going on, sweetheart?”
She shook her head, seemingly unable to meet his gaze. “It’s nothing, Dad.”
But James saw the distaste, and perhaps fear, flickering in her eyes. He glanced back at Andrew, catching the boy’s intense gaze.
Their eyes locked for a moment before Andrew smoothly turned back to Elizabeth, laughing at something she’d said.
A surge of protective instincts rushed through James. He caught Emily’s eye, raising an eyebrow in silent question. She gave a barely perceptible nod, confirming his suspicions.
“We need to talk,” James whispered, his voice urgent. “Soon.”
A few hours later, when they were once again walking the road. James matched pace with Elizabeth. “Looks like whoever was trying to spook us yesterday is no longer here.”
“I agree,” Liz said. “I’ve been watching the woods too and haven’t seen anyone.”
“Maybe they were just passing through, like us.”
“If so, I hope they just keep moving.”
James nodded, hesitated a moment, then said, “There’s something else we need to talk about.”
Liz raised an eyebrow.
“Andrew.”
“Andrew? What’s the problem?”
James pushed a hand through his hair. “Something’s off about the kid.”
“Off? What does that mean?”
He sighed. “I don’t know. But Emily feels it too. She doesn’t seem to like him.”
Liz cast a puzzled look at her daughter as she walked ahead of them with Nancy. “I hadn’t noticed that before.”
“When has she ever mentioned the kid? They’ve supposedly been in school together for years.”
“I’m not sure,” Liz replied. “But their class is big. Perhaps they’re not in the same courses.” She shook her head. “James, honey, I don’t see it. You’re being paranoid.”
“I’m not,” he insisted. “Emily’s on edge around him. Haven’t you noticed?”
“She’s a teenager, James. Everything makes her uncomfortable.”
“This is different. I can feel it.”
“You’re just being a dad - overprotective,” Elizabeth said, patting his arm. “Andrew’s been nothing but helpful to all of us.”
After a few hours of walking, the group stumbled to a halt in a small park, exhaustion covering their expression. Even James found himself stiff and ready for a rest. What hadn’t seemed all the far when they started was becoming something they hadn’t been prepared for. Modern life had taken a bigger toll on him and, it seemed, everyone else too. They weren’t up to two such grueling days.
Picking out a big gnarled oak tree, he slid down the rough bark to the ground and slumped against its side.
“Fifteen minutes,” he called out to the others. “Rest up.”
When he heard groans, he almost added his own. James shook his head at himself. He’d better buck up. Things were going to be a lot more physical from now on. Best to get used to it.
He’d think about that later. For now, he’d just lay his head back against this here tree.
From the other side of the it, he heard a familiar gasp. Emily.
James opened his eyes and looked around. Across the small open area stood Andrew. The boy was staring at his daughter.
Taking a peek around the tree, James saw Emily huff and cross her arms, deliberately looking away from Andrew.
Good for her. Better to let him know how she feels about his attentions.
But the boy didn’t appear to get the message. Instead, he casually walked over to Emily, all easy smiles and concerned looks.
James lowered his eyelids to appear to be asleep as the boy crouched beside his daughter. “You okay, Em? You look upset.”
Emily’s voice was strained. “I’m fine.”
“You sure?” He reached out, touching her arm. “You know you can talk to me, right? About anything.”
Emily jerked away from him. “I said I’m fine.”
Andrew’s eyes narrowed for a split second before his face smoothed into a mask of understanding. “Okay, okay. Just . . . I’m here if you need me.”
As he walked away, the unease in James’s stomach grew. Em was right. Something weird was going on with that kid.
Continued . . .
Please remember this is a developing story and in a rawer state than what I publish. As such, it has only been self-edited and you will see some errors.
In addition, some changes may occur between now and publishing, including major storylines. I try to avoid this, but it sometimes happens.
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