Awakening You (Unraveling You 3)

But the sunlight devours me

And burns my hands,

Singeing me to dust.

Chapter 5

Ayden

Last night was going okay until Lyric mentioned that we’d eventually have to tell our parents we’re dating. I never really thought about it too much, but once she pointed it out, I realized she was right. One day, they’ll find out about us, and I’ll have to face my unworthiness. Deep down, I’ve always known her parents weren’t going to be thrilled about the messed up guy next door dating their cheery, upbeat daughter. I was ruined the moment I was chained up in that house. Those days spent locked under that roof changed me, fucked me up, poisoned my skin with marks that will never go away.

To top off the declining night, I ended up sleepwalking to the front lawn, which was not only terrifying as hell, but also extremely dangerous, all things considering.

I have no memory of what happened until the point when Lyric woke me up, yet the moment Lila and Ethan return home the next afternoon, they expect me to recount the details to them.

After Kale, Everson, and Fiona are set up at the table, doing their homework, the three of us sit down in the living room with cups of coffee and cookies because Lila believes sugar eases tense situations.

“I really can’t tell you too much about what happened.” I pick at a loose thread in the knee of my jeans. “All I can remember is waking up and seeing Lyric.”

Lyric, poor Lyric.

Worried out of her mind

As she stared into my eyes

And tried to read what was hidden in my mind.

What would she see if she broke through the lock?

What I witnessed all those days I was trapped in the dark?

I wish she never had to see that side of me.

Wish. Wish. Wish.

Wish I could be the guy she deserves,

The one who touches her with everything,

Gives her everything,

Could give her undying love.

“What about the car?” Lila brings the brim of a coffee mug to her mouth and sips. She’s been pretending to be calm, but under the surface, I can tell she’s frightened about the ordeal.

“I didn’t really notice it.” I stuff the rest of the cookie into my mouth then wipe my hands off. “Lyric did.”

“Lyric said you were staring at it.” Ethan threads his fingers through Lila’s to comfort her. “And then it drove away the moment you got into the house.”

“If that’s what she said, then I’m sure it happened that way.” I lift my shoulder and shrug, unsure of what they want me to say. “I swear, if I knew more, I’d tell you, but I’m just as confused as you.” And terrified out of my mind.

I’ll never admit that aloud, though, because then they’ll only worry about me more.

I’ve lived with the Gregorys for over two years now, and they’re some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. Always wanting to keep me safe. Always trying to protect me.

“We know you’d tell us if you could remember,” Lila says, setting the cup of coffee down on the table. “I just think what we really want to make sure of is that you’re okay. I know it’s got to be hard, being stalked by these people and always worrying if . . .” She smashes her lips together as she emotionally tears up.

The clock ticks in the background. Out the window, the sun is shining across the clear blue sky, cars zip up and down the street. A neighbor is shouting at a dog, and a lady with bright red hair is strolling down the sidewalk. Her hair reminds me of blood and almost throws me back into a memory of when I ran into that house. I almost let the images through, because I want to help my sister, want to remember who the people were that took us. But my body constricts, forcing the images to fade away.

“I’m not sure what you want me to say other than I’m fine.” I blink my attention away from the window, pick up my cup of coffee, and gulp down the hot drink.

“Okay.” Lila casts a glance at Ethan. “Still, it has to be really, really stressful, especially when we don’t know if they’re going to show up again.”

She seems fairly adamant about pointing out the danger of the situation, and I’m not sure why. She knows I understand, so there has to be some other reason.

“Ethan and I worry about you,” she continues. “After the note and the car being out there last night, we think it might be a good idea if you aren’t alone very much.”

“Haven’t I been doing that already?” I ask. “Especially after getting that note the other day and then talking to the detective.”

“Yes, but . . .” She glances at Ethan again. “We just want to make sure you understand the importance of you following the rules and being safe.”

“Yeah, I understand the rules. Have for a while.” I glance back and forth between them. “Is there something you aren’t telling me?”

It wouldn’t be the first time they’ve kept stuff from me in order to try to protect me from the harsh reality.

“We’re not keeping anything from you.” Ethan leans forward in the seat and rests his elbows on his knees. “We just want to make sure you’re being safe, and you’re taking care of yourself mentally. We think you’ve been a little too quiet these last couple of months.”

“I’ve always been quiet.” Where are they going with this?

“We know that, but it seems like, ever since you found out about your sister, you’ve been even quieter.”

“We just want you to know how sorry we are that this is happening,” Lila adds, her eyes welled up with tears. “I know it’s got to be hard, especially after what happened to your brother.”

I flex my fingers as my hands begin to tremble.

My brother, gone forever.

Gone, gone, gone.

Just like my sister might be.

After we all miraculously made it out of the house alive, only one of us might survive.

Or maybe none, depending on the outcome.

It isn’t like I haven’t ever thought about it—that the Soulless Mileas could get ahold of me again—I’ve worried about it every hour of every day for the last four years. The note increased the fear, though, and made the idea very real.

“We just want you to know that we’re here for you if you ever need anything.” Lila stands up, crosses the room, and takes a seat beside me. “We love you, Ayden. If you need anything at all, you can let us know, and we’ll do whatever’s in our power to make it happen.”

It’s a nice offer, but what I want isn’t in their power—a normal life with my sister and without the painful reminder of the past branded on my flesh.

Then a couple of ideas strike me from out of nowhere, ideas I’ve contemplated before but have been too afraid to ask.

“There actually might a couple of things you can do for me.” I sit up straighter in the chair. “Could you ask the detective if I can read the letter my sister wrote? I want to know what’s on there.”

Lila’s expression fills with remorse. “I’m not sure they’ll agree to that, seeing as how it’s evidence.” She places a hand on my back, a motherly gesture, but still, the contact causes me to tense.

“Could you at least ask?” I ask, one step away from begging her. “It can’t hurt to ask, right? And maybe it could help me figure out what I’m getting into since she wrote the note right after she was kidnapped.”

“If that’s what you need, then I guess I can ask.” A deep frown etches her face, and worry lines crease the corners of her eyes.