A handle of a suitcase or something touches my fingers, and I drag it from under the bed. A small brown leathery case. I lay it down on my legs as I sit cross legged. My fingers burn.
“Stop it,” I hiss to myself in frustration. I shake my fingers to ease the burning sensation, but it doesn’t help. On the case is a small combination lock.
Shit.
Smoke fills my nose and despite my power, warning lights shine bright from under the door.
Fire.
But one way or another, it doesn’t come closer.
Footsteps fill the hallway.
Braxton.
I don’t have to look to be sure it is him. The way he prickles my skin is the only confirmation I need. The door opens and I see the shadows of the fire burn. I am kind of surprised he didn’t follow me earlier. Maybe he didn’t want to get dragged further into this mess. He sits down next to me without saying a word as my fingers drag over the lock trying multiple combinations.
“Her birthday maybe?” he suggests, without asking any questions. His voice is low and raspy, but it has something sweet in it. Maybe he is right. Think, Eliane. Her birthday. My fingers cross the code, but I can’t get the correct numbers in place because of my aching fingers.
“Aaahg!” I throw the case on the floor, leaving scratches on the wood. I focus my eyes. Burn marks. I left black burn marks. I rub my temples with my burning fingers, trying to calm myself down. Braxton grabs the case.
“What is it?” he asks. He seems utterly calm despite my anger. Normally, he is the grumpy one.
“February 16th.” I sigh. He shakes his head as he tries the code.
“That’s not it.” I press my face in my hands, feeling desperate.
“Sorry,” I whisper. “I have no idea what it can be otherwise.” My fingers feel hot on my skin, but the light around us seems to ease and even the sun goes back into the normal sunrise. I can hear Braxton try the code again.
It clicks.
I look up from my hands as he pushes the case into my arms.
“There you go.” He sighs, the corner of his lips lifting slightly. My eyes wide as I look at him.
“How did you do it? What was it?” I blur out. He closes his eyes and lifts his head back. My eyes trace the code on the lock.
2904
I try to wrap my head around the number standing on the lock. I repeat the numbers in my head, like a song on replay.
April 29th? No! My heart drops at the fact that Hazel saw it as an important enough date to use it for her lock. Manes I hate how much I mean to her. And how could he possibly know that date? That isn’t possible. I turn to him, but his gaze is already focused and waiting desperately to meet mine.
“The day your parents abandoned you,”he explains.
How can he possibly know that?
A yawn escapes my mouth, and my movements start to slow down.
“Your walls are down, Honey.”Braxton sounds worried, but I close my eyes. I feel my body collapse onto the floor and warm strong arms lift me up.
I blink my eyes, trying to see what is happening. Another silhouette sprints out of the house.
A blond hair stroke is being brushed away from my eyes and big fingers touch my cheeks gently. I hear fire crunch and things fall to the ground.
Fresh air brushes my skin and screaming fills my ears.
“No! Not our home!” someone cries out.
