Chapter 4
Subtitle: lost chicken.
_Tyrone_
Crimson Fields is one of those unusually quiet and boring little towns where nothing really goes on. My family and I couldn't find anywhere better to move to, and since we've settled into our new place, my top priority has been to blend in and make new friends. So far, I like it here. The town is quiet, yet its nosy people make everyone's business their own. I'm enjoying the new school and my new neighbor.
The school is okay. I've always been one to draw attention to myself, so I kind of knew I'd cause a stir in this new school. But all is good; I'll try to keep a low profile for my own good and for my family's sake. Friends... well, I'm still working on that. Trisha seems to be quite the chatterbox, and she's made it impossible for me to make new friends on my first day of school. She's been around me throughout most of the school hours, preventing the other girls from coming near me and preventing me from hanging out with the guys.
Then there's Freda and her friend Cindy. Freda is an interesting girl. Since the first time I bumped into her, I've felt my animal instincts kick in, but I've tried hard to suppress them. Glenda had already told me that when I meet someone like Freda, my body and soul will react. In my eighteen years, I've never encountered someone like her who pulls my body and mind towards her, making me very curious to learn more about her. I want to be close to her.
Bumping into her didn't exactly win me any points in her book; instead, it created a rather salty and unpleasant impression. I immediately tried to apologize and brush it off, but she seemed like a cold and icy person. It's going to be tough to get to her. Or it might have been easier to make friends with her if her clingy cousin hadn't swooped in and taken me away like I was some kind of claimed property.
I've noticed that since Trisha started talking to me, Freda has become tense and cold. It's bizarre. Cindy, on the other hand, is a really sweet person. It seems like the best way to get to Freda is through Cindy.
The wind blew furiously in all directions as I drove my motorcycle into the huge compound and parked it at the back of the house, near the garage. I used the back entrance to get into the house. One thing I've noticed about houses in this little town is that the fences are usually made of wood, bamboo sticks, or iron bars, and they're usually very short. This allows someone inside or outside the compound to have a clear view of both sides. The town is also very green, covered in flowers and trees here and there, creating a well-ventilated and eco-friendly atmosphere.
Sophia and Sonia were watching something on TV by the time I got into the living room. They seemed too occupied to even spare me a glance, but I knew they were aware of my presence. "Where's Mother?" I asked, looking at neither of them in particular. "She's locked herself in her room again," Sonia replied. "So, who got you two home from school?" I asked as I headed for the stairs. "She did," Sophia said nonchalantly.
I sighed. Mom's just not over what happened yet; she's still in denial and would lock herself up in her room for hours without coming out. Thank God the girls are used to surviving on each other's help; just get them food and their daily necessities, and they're good to go. As soon as I was upstairs, I walked down the hallway towards the bedrooms. Mom's bedroom is right opposite mine. I stood by her door and contemplated whether to knock or just let her be, but then I couldn't help it – I knocked gently on her door. There was no response.
I waited for a few more seconds before knocking for the second and third time, still, no response. "There's no use knocking on her door right now," I said to myself with a sigh as I walked over towards my room and opened it. My entire body felt really hot, although the weather in this town is pretty cool. There'll probably be a full moon tomorrow, which explains the current energized tension and behavior I have going on in my body. "I need a shower."
I stood under the shower for a good fifteen minutes, allowing it to run all over me from head to toe. I felt the tiredness in my body go away, but I also felt really sleepy and hungry. As soon as I got out of my bathroom, I heard a knock on the door. I paused. Has Mother finally gotten out of her shell, or is it just one of the twins? I grabbed a towel from where I had kept it before going into the bedroom and quickly tied it around my waist. Water still dripped down my body onto the ground, and as I walked towards the door, my feet left wet marks on the tiled floor.
With one click and pull, I opened the door to look at who was standing outside, and I was in for a good surprise. Look who's standing right in front of my door – Freda!
A smug smile crossed my lips as I stared at her. I could see the shock that registered on her face in an instant, and she quickly shut her eyes tight and turned around, backing away from me. I chuckled. "Hello, Freda," I called. I could hear her mutter a curse in a hushed, annoyed tone. "Good evening, Tyrone," she replied reluctantly. "Why don't you put on some clothes?" she asked without turning to face me. I smirked. "Why don't you tell me why you're here first?" I asked instead. "Well, isn't it obvious?" She suddenly turned with abrupt movements and thrust a well-packaged box of muffins toward me. I raised a questioning brow, and she sighed. "Don't give me that look! You know we're neighbors, and you didn't say anything." She accused me with an annoyed look on her face. I enjoyed seeing her act this way. I smiled. "Did I?" I asked nonchalantly. "Oh, please!" she cooed. "I wouldn't have come up here if your sisters had agreed to take these muffins from me!" She snapped. "Tell them to be careful with letting strangers into your home and allowing them to explore the house on their own; it could get really dangerous." She advised with a smug face, then thrust the box of muffins into my arms. I quickly gripped it before the whole box of muffins would tumble to the floor. Freda then turned around and ran down the hallway like a lost chicken. I smiled and leaned over the door as I watched her back disappear. She looked really cute, and the way she tried so hard to act annoyed just enticed me and made my curiosity tingle.