I can’t tell.
Either way, I wasn’t supposed to spend this time thinking about a clown that scared me half to death… okay,mostlyto death, if I’m being honest.
I still have nightmares of those flashing lights. Of monsters and sharp teeth. Of that bloody axe in my mouth and a hot, wet tongue on my—I suck in a breath as the memory assaults me all over again.
Dizziness overtakes me, and I have to stop and hold onto the edge of the brick building to keep myself steady.
“You all right?” Kane asks from the porch, and I blink through the haze covering my eyes. I didn’t even realize I’d made it back home already.
“What?” I ask, staring up at him. “Oh,” I say when it finally registers what he said. “Yeah, I’m good. Just got, uhm, lightheaded.”
“Did you eat today?”
“No?” I ask, confused.
“Why not?” he inquires.
I pause for a moment as I slowly make my way up the stairs. The thick clouds in the sky are blocking the moonlight, making the night appear even darker than usual. When I reach the top step, I drop down onto it and let my head fall to the side, resting against the wooden beam there.
“I forgot,” I tell him honestly, too tired to come up with another answer. I’d already messed up. There’s no point in lying now.
“You forgot to eat?” Kane asks softly. I don’t sense any judgment, but my skin prickles, regardless.
“Everyone forgets to eat sometimes,” I snap back softly. It’s rude—and I don’t want to be rude—but my face heats with embarrassment, and I’m feeling shameful.
He throws his hands up in front of him in a placating gesture. “Hey, dude. I’m not judging you. I was just asking.”
I let out a deep breath and let my eyes fall closed. A breeze blows past, and it feels good against my fevered skin. “I know. Sorry. I just don’t feel well.”
“I can see that,” he says as he drops down on the steps beside me, hands resting on his stretched-out knees.
“Saying I look like crap?”
“Yes,” Kane deadpans, and it makes me snort. He bumps his knee into mine, and I flush at the contact, however innocent. Good thing it’s dark out and he can’t tell how easily my face gives me away.
Blasted paleness and lack of bodily control.
It’s quiet between us for a few minutes as we stare out into the night. The city is surprisingly quiet, only the sound of traffic in the distance to keep us company.
“Want me to make you something to eat?” Kane offers,shattering the silence that’s made a home between us. “Might help you feel better.”
That makes me smile—a real, genuine smile for the first time in days. “You know, that actually…” I trail off when my phone buzzes in my pocket.
My stomach sinks.
No one that’s not in this house has my number—except for my parents andhim.
I swallow the lump that’s lodged itself in my throat and slowly pull my phone out. The screen illuminates the darkness as I unlock it to find a text from that same number.
Unknown:
Miss me yet darlin
Before I have time to process the first text, another comes through.
Unknown:
Because I miss you
