Alone
I threw the front door open and tossed my suitcase across the room for funsies.
“You’re gonna break all your stuff trying to show off.” Ari nudged the door shut and followed me in. “Since you’re so strong now, you wanna take this up to my room?” She dropped her bag in front of me.
“Sure thing, skippy! Except not really.” I laughed and walked around it to sit on the couch. “When’s your dad coming back?”
“He should be here in about an hour.” She smiled and sat beside me, but it faded when she saw my frown. “What’s wrong?”
“Everyone’s abandoning me. I haven’t seen Dennis since I came back from my jog this morning and nobody knows where he went, your dad isn’t back yet, you were in class all day, I haven’t seen Sean—”
“Because he insisted on following me to all of my classes,” she interrupted. “The second I was inside the school building, he popped up out of nowhere. I don’t need a babysitter. No one has tried to kill me lately and no one’s attacked you, either.”
“I think it’s cute. He’s worried about you.
You should be happy, ‘cause I’m sure as hell not going to any classes to protect you.
” I laughed as she muttered more complaints.
“But I haven’t seen Dennis, I haven’t seen Sean, your dad isn’t even home yet, and Mateo was playing video games the whole morning while I was packing. ”
“Why were you packing the entire morning? We didn’t have that much stuff.”
“Okay, fine. I threw everything in our bags for like two minutes and then I was doing jumping jacks and having a dance party in their living room until you came back.” I giggled at the fact she caught me. “That doesn’t change the fact that Dennis disappeared and nobody loves me.”
“Stop being dramatic. He’s probably in your room right now.”
“You think?” I leapt up and ran for the stairs. Maybe she’s right! I haven’t seen him all day and I have no idea where he is and it’s getting really inconvenient, because for some strange reason I’m starting to miss him. “Dennis?” I pushed my door open.
Empty. I thought he’d be on the window seat playing with his lighter but he’s not here. I looked at the ruined comforter instead.
“Fuckin’ pyromaniac.” I spun and headed downstairs, going from sad to annoyed. He could at least say bye before leaving forever.
“Are you gonna eat?” Ari looked up as I entered the living room. She had a sandwich in her lap and the tv on. “I know you don’t need to anymore, but I kinda thought you still would, since you love food so much.”
“I can’t. Too excited.” I sat beside her.
“Excited about what?”
“Life! Also, Super Emy doesn’t need food.” I struck a fancy pose. “Only regular Emy eats. Super Emy is mighty and powerful and sustains on her own. I bet I don’t even need blood anymore.”
“How long did you sleep last night?”
“I didn’t,” I said proudly.
Ari considered me for a minute before turning back to the tv. “You took your meds today, right?”
“Yup! Stop asking it’s annoying. It feels so weird being home. I don’t know what’s happening but I kinda miss being at their condo already.”
“Eh, I’m good either way. I’d rather have my dad home.” She stopped flipping channels and landed on the news.
“Three more bodies were discovered in the early hours of this morning. This is following yesterday’s horrific murder of a young man identified as Kiro Hall—”
“Eww.” Ari covered her eyes when they showed another glimpse of the Kiro crime scene. “I wish they would stop showing that.”
“Just like every other murder in these newly unfolding cases, all three bodies were drained of blood. Authorities say not a single one shows evidence of previous injury that could explain this anomaly. Autopsies are currently underway. Death tolls are going up rapidly due to the recent increase in crime, bringing the current total to an astounding nine unresolved murders within the past five months. Police suspect this is the work of a serial killer and recommend no one goes—”
I tried to listen while they gave instructions but it’s so hard to stay still. I don’t have time to sit and do nothing.
“Maybe I do need Sean to babysit me. I can kinda see why he’s so paranoid.”
“I’m gonna do laundry.” I hopped up and grabbed my bag.
“Can you throw mine in with yours?”
“Sure thing, skippy!” I actually got her bag this time and carried it with my own. “Do you want me to wash everything in here?”
“Yes, please. And can you separate the colors this time?”
“Nope, too much work. I’m throwing it all in. One big load. They can all be friends and spin together.”
I escaped to the laundry room right as her phone started ringing and started a load with all our things together. I climbed atop the washing machine and leaned forward, twirling a lock of hair while I gazed down the hall. Ari’s phone call is over and she’ll be here any second now.
“Move my colors away from all your black.” Her annoyed voice preceded her.
“Perfect timing!” I beamed as she entered the room. “Was that your dad?”
“Yeah. He can’t come home today.” Her feistiness faded and was replaced by disappointment. “Something came up at work and he has to stay for a couple more days.”
“Did he say why?” I stopped twirling my hair. She’s so sad.
She shook her head, then jumped at the sound of footsteps. I was already off the washing machine and ready to attack—‘tis my job to protect my favorite cousin if something happens. But before I could enter the garage Sean walked out of it.
“Hey,” he greeted us as he entered the house.
“Sean, why would do that? You almost gave me a heart attack!” Ari picked up an object and threw it at his head.
“At least Emy’s reflexes are getting better?” He laughed and dodged when she threw something else.
“Why’re you here and why’d you come through the garage?” I hopped back onto the washing machine as a third object flew past.
“Yeah. What’s wrong with you? Why’re you creeping in through garages like a weirdo?” Ari crossed her arms, waiting for his response.
“I came to see what’s wrong. You’re sad.” He looked at Ari, whose glare softened at his genuine concern. “I was nearby when I felt it, so I figured I’d make sure you’re okay. Did something happen?”
“Not really. It’s just my dad can’t come home today after all and I miss him. He’s never gone for this long.” She was trying to hide her disappointment, but it didn’t work. I rubbed her back, gently stroking my nails to sooth her.
“If you guys are lonely or something, you can always come back to our place.”
Ari and I glanced at each other, having a silent conversation. She seems okay with it and it’s fun for me to have entertainment while she’s off doing nerd shit.
“You wouldn’t mind?” she finally asked.
“Not at all. You can stay as long as you want. You’re both easy to live with. It’s not like either of you are super high maintenance or anything. Well…” he trailed off and they both looked at me.
“Me?” I gasped, glancing around for someone else. All I found was a wall and laundry supplies.
“Yes, you. Who else is behind you?” Ari laughed while Sean tried not to smile.
“It’s not bad. You’re just a little high maintenance.”
“And by just a little he means you take ridiculously long to get ready and you hog the bathroom for hours at a time.”
“Rude. I’m keeping myself pretty. It’s not my fault it takes a long time to maintain a certain level of perfection. Especially without mirrors.”
“Wait, but what about Dennis?” Ari asked. “I feel like he would mind a lot more than you and Mateo.”
Sean glanced at me before saying, “Trust me, he won’t mind.”
“Speaking of Dennis, where is he? I haven’t heard from him all day and he was gone when I came back from my jog.” I pouted when Sean gave a noncommittal shrug. “He must be ignoring me.”
“He’s not,” Sean said. “Why would he ignore you?”
“He’s not?” I perked up. “Yay! We’re still friends.”
“And you’re sure Mateo won’t mind, either?” Ari asked.
“He won’t care. If any of us did, I wouldn’t offer. Really, don’t worry about it. If you wanna stay longer, our house is open. If you don’t, no pressure. It’s up to you.”
Ari hesitated before looking at me. “You wanna?”
“Sure, why not,” I said. As long as Dennis isn’t ignoring me I am a happy camper!
She turned back to Sean with a timid smile. “I guess we’ll stay with you guys until my dad comes back.”
“Good. I can tell you’re starting to enjoy our company. Especially mine.”
“No, I’m not. I’m just bored.”
“No, you’re not. I can hear it.” He laughed and ducked when she threw something else.
“You promised you wouldn’t do that!”
“I can’t help it.”
“Yes, you can, Sean. You promised—”
“Try to shank him!” I interjected. “That’s what I would do.
Except it can’t work with Dennis because he’s a vampire.
But you might have better luck. Can you read minds, too?
I’m gonna go pack us some new clothes. I’ll pick you out something pretty.
” I ruffled Ari’s hair and hopped down, giggling as I snatched up our empty suitcases and skipped away.
We need to switch it up if we’re going back over there.
If I can’t bring my own closet I can at least bring a fourth at a time!
And Ari needs more clothes in general. Her wardrobe is so boring.
I repacked and repainted my nails, then went downstairs, throwing both suitcases along the way. Nobody has time to set things down.
“Did you throw my suitcase?” Ari asked as I joined them in the living room.
“Yes, ma’am!” I plopped in a chair. “Do you know where Dennis is yet?”
“No, but I’m sure he’ll come back, eventually.
” Sean stood and pulled keys from his pocket.
He separated one and tossed it to Ari. “Here’s my house key.
I have to go to work, but you guys can go back whenever you want.
And if Mateo’s not home you can still hang out and everything.
I should be back around midnight. Help yourselves to food or whatever you want. ”
“You’re just giving us your key?” she asked, flipping it over.