He smiled at me and then knocked on Autumn's bedroom door. When there was no response, he glanced at me again and then knocked again.
"Autumn? Your friend is here." he said. When she still didn't reply, he turned to me. "Are you sure she came home?"
"Yes, sir, I saw her enter the house." I said.
His face filled with concern, and he tried the door knob. It was locked.
"Autumn!" he said sharply. "What are you doing in there?"
We heard the front door open again, and we both turned quickly and looked down the hallway. One look told me it was Autumn's sister. Caitlin. I could see the resemblance even though Caitlin took after her mother more and was taller, slimmer, and more striking, with more defined facial features, a narrower jaw, and higher cheekbones. Following behind her was a tall, dark-haired boy who looked like a junior officer, his posture firm, his face, especially those bright, sharp hazel eyes, full of self-confidence. He had a military-style haircut and wore jeans and a button-down, light brown, short-sleeve shirt.
"What's going on. Daddy?" Caitlin asked immediately, "This is Grace Houston," Lieutenant Sullivan said,
"Lieutenant Commander Houston's daughter. They just moved to Norfolk. and Autumn invited her to dinner tonight."
"Oh, great. Welcome." she said with a friendly smile.
"However, your sister has apparently locked herself in her room. Again." he added after a beat.
Caitlin's eves filled with both embarrassment and concern. She turned to the boy I already knew had to be Jarvis Martin, and he tucked the right corner of his mouth into his cheek and shook his head.
"Let me try," she said, and approached the door. We both stepped back. 'Autumn
, what are you doing? You have a guest here. Open your door," she said firmly, "You're embarrassing everyone, including Daddy," she added. She tapped on the door. "Autumn?"
A few moments of silence passed. I looked to Jarvis, who had turned away to pretend interest in a framed print of an old whaling vessel he surely must have seen many times.
This is ridiculous," Lieutenant Sullivan said. "Step away from the door. Caitlin."
Jarvis turned quickly and drew closer.
"Autumn, if you don't open this door instantly. I'll break it down," her father threatened.
I felt frightened and awkward standing there and took a few steps back,
"Maybe I should go," I said softly to Caitlin.
She just shook her head. "I'm sorry." she said.
"Do you need any help, sir?" Jarvis asked Lieutenant Sullivan. He looked excited, even pleased with the call to action.
Lieutenant Sullivan gazed at him, the fury now so intense in his face I could see it swirling in his darkened eyes. Without reply, he stepped back and then lunged forward with his shoulder, smashing at the door. I heard wood splinter. Jarvis stepped closer and did the same, this time the door opening so fast he tripped forward, barely catching himself to keep from falling to the floor.
I moved closer to the front door, feeling almost as if I should run away from the scene. My instincts were lifting their heads out from under the dark places where they slept and screaming all sorts of horrid warnings. My heart was pounding. I think I even whimpered at the sight of the two men charging into the room. Caitlin walking slowly behind them.
I heard her scream and Lieutenant Sullivan cry, "Oh, my God!"
I didn't wait to see why. My bones had turned to ice. I turned and ran out of the house, down the walkway to the sidewalk, and then continued running, confused for a moment and passing the corner I should have turned down to get to my new home. I realized it almost immediately and doubled back. As I headed down the street. I heard a car engine roar and saw Autumn's mother drive past me, her tires squealing as she made the turn behind me.
I broke into a fast walk and hurried to my house. The front door was open. Daddy and Mommy were standing just inside talking when I stepped into the house. They turned to me. My whole body was still shaking, and tears were streaming down my face and falling from my chin.
"Hey, don't cry, Sailor Girl," Daddy said, rushing to me.
"Oh, poor Grace, did you see her do that?" Mommy asked quickly.
I shook my head. "I don't know what she did, Mommy!" I replied, and quickly told them both everything.
"That poor girl," Mommy said.