His hands came to rest on my knees, and I thought my heart was going to leap from my chest. His touch was electric, like a spark that jolted through me into a place deep inside. The sun’s rays filled the room, though I hardly noticed, as I was locked in his gaze.
“
Do you understand?” he asked.
I took a breath to steady my nerves. “You can’t keep me here.” I couldn’t hide the tremor in my voice.
“
Yes, we can, and we will.” Callon’s tone was final. “There’s a lot you don’t know or understand yet. Get used to the idea of us being around. You’re not going anywhere.”
I didn’t reply. My mind froze, unable to form coherent thoughts, as we remained entranced in each other’s stare. This was going to be harder than I’d imagined; I’d never seen such determination.
Callon eventually withdrew his hands and moved away, much to my relief, but I remained seated. The rest of the day passed. I didn’t say much, too consumed with contemplating my options. Callon’s eyes never left me as I moved around the house. Did he expect me to run out the front door while he was watching? Night came, and Colt stayed in my room once more.
I woke early the next morning, and made my way down the hallway and into the great room. Callon was seated in a dark corner of the kitchen, arms folded across his chest. I paused before I rounded the corner. I couldn’t see his face, but I knew he was staring at me. Like a panther awaiting its prey, he watched my every move. I lowered my eyes. It was a bit unnerving to know he could intimidate me this way. I didn’t like it one bit.
The piano in the corner of the room overlooking the forest beckoned me. I sighed. Back home, whenever I needed to think, I’d usually go out running or sit down and play my heart out. Since running was out of the question, this was the next best thing. I proceeded to the piano, sat on the bench, and started to play.
The music was my own melody that spilled out from within. There was no way to describe the change it made in me, except that it was soothing, calming, restful.
As I played, I let the sorrow and pain pour over the notes. I hadn’t played since graduation, and only now did I realize how much I’d missed it. I laid all my emotions out on the keys, visible only to those who knew how to read me.
My mom always knew when something was bothering me; she could tell by the tone of music I played and the fact I always closed my eyes to really absorb it all. The thought of her provoked my tears. The bitter saltiness ran down my cheeks, souring my lips. How I wished she were here to hear me play, how I wished I could show her how much I loved her. Never again, I vowed. Never again would I hold back my words of love.
My mind was still a jumbled mess from all the recent events. My melody continued, as my mind turned to sort through the trailing thoughts. What did I know so far? Colt had been with me, along with my parents, to watch over and protect me, to keep me a secret. Why and from whom? It made no sense.
I was never anything special
.
I lived a normal life. My parents never once made me feel different, never once said anything that would cause alarm. My mom had said they wanted to talk to me about something, something I was old enough to know. Would it have been the secret? I would never know. They were gone and could never tell me.
Callon insisted I should trust them. Trust the people who had been hiding their identities from me for years—secretly watching me as I remained unaware. I was supposed to just fall in line. This didn’t work for me, at least not yet.
As I continued to play, the haze over my mind began to lift. A plan was coming to life in my head; a way I could get away from Colt, Callon, and Daniel, if even just for a little while so I could escape into town and find out what was in the safety deposit box. What I would find might reveal what my parents hadn’t been able to tell me in time.
The plan was formed. I could do this. I
would
do this. I would probably pay the price later, but it would be worth it. I needed to find out who I was.
I finished my last note, let out a sigh, and looked up. I didn’t realize how long I had been playing, but the sun was now streaming through the trees. I also appeared to have attracted an audience.
Callon was sitting in the chair to the right of me, his stare at ease, if a little curious. Daniel was sitting on the fireplace hearth, and Colt was on the couch. No one spoke, but their gaze tracked me as I walked toward the couch to put on my shoes.
I would have to be polite, let them think that I was more accepting of the situation, but not go overboard. I was going to become an actress, as they had been actors in my life. I would bide my time until my chance would come and I could go through with my plan. I wasn’t going to speak to Colt if I could help it. I still didn’t know how I felt or what I wanted. He would just have to wait until I was ready.
I needed to break the silence. I looked at Callon and politely asked, “You want me to make you some breakfast?” I was referring to all of them.
“
No, we’re fine.” Callon rose, drawing closer. “Let me show you where the pantry is.” He pointed to the closed door on the kitchen wall. “There’s cereal, granola bars, and such. We tried to pick out items that you might like.”
I nodded and opened the pantry door, pulling out a box of cereal. He pointed to the cupboard containing the bowls and opened the silverware drawer. As I poured my cereal he stepped behind and opened the fridge, setting the milk carton before me.
Leaning against the counter, I ate breakfast quietly, avoiding visual contact as much as possible. An occasional glance revealed Colt staring nervously, and Callon’s cool stare, filled with distrust. Daniel was occupied with the television, laughing from time to time. My presence didn’t seem to have any effect on him. He seemed happy-go-lucky, like not much bothered him.
I washed and rinsed my bowl, pausing for a moment searching for a towel. At once a hand appeared with one. It was Callon.
“
Umm, thanks.” I was a little surprised; I hadn’t heard him move closer.
His eyes met mine. The corners of his lips twitched, as if he wanted to smile, but it never made it. “You’re welcome.” He hesitated, and at last managed a smirk. “Are you better this morning?”
I raised an eyebrow. Was he trying to put me at ease or did he think I was up to something? That stare of his always left me feeling vulnerable, like he could stare right into my soul and know my most intimate thoughts.
“
I’m fine.” I put the bowl away and set the towel on the counter. I really wasn’t in the mood to talk. I needed to be cautious if he was already picking up I was plotting something.
I lowered my head and bit my lower lip. I needed to slow down. I had thrown a novel into my pack just in case I had time to read, and now was as good a time as any. I wasn’t going anywhere, today.
After retrieving my book from
my backpack, I sat down in the chair in the far corner of the great room.
This new novel would be a good distraction. I could read and see how the day presented itself, what clues I could pick up on.
I unwillingly lost myself in the book while the trio moved about the house. The story was more engrossing than I’d imagined. I made myself comfortable in the chair, sitting sideways, allowing my feet to dangle off the armrest. I caught them glancing my way, uneasy. Inwardly I smiled. It felt good to be the one putting them on their guard, rather than the other way around.
Colt seemed to linger the longest, waiting for me to speak. I’d not been this silent since we’d first met; I knew it was killing him. It wasn’t all that pleasant for me, either. I wasn’t as angry as before, but I wasn’t just going to cave and forgive him that easily. I wanted him to suffer just a little bit longer.
Callon made lunch and brought it to me. “Thank you,” I said as he set it on the armrest by my head.
I turned and pulled it into my lap and proceeded to eat, wiggling my ankles in the process. I was the only one eating. Strange, since they hadn’t wanted breakfast either. Maybe I had been too absorbed in my book and didn’t notice them eat.
After a
while, I decided to go outside and sit on the porch and read beneath the warm sun. All three were watching as I walked out the front door and found a comfortable seat on the porch.
They followed, no doubt to keep me in sight. The sunlight trickled through the trees and a charming breeze touched my skin.
“
You should really find something more interesting to do than watch me read.” I didn’t look up from the book, fighting down a smile. They were milling around on the porch.
”
Must be a good book,” Callon muttered.
“
Yup.” Obviously, I was the first in their witness protection program, as they didn’t seem to know what to do.
Daniel and Colt stepped off the porch as I glanced up. They had a football and began tossing it back and forth. I watched until Colt caught me and winked, and I immediately pulled myself back into my novel. But I could already feel the heat in my cheeks. Argh! I’d been caught staring! I listened as Callon hopped off the porch as well and they all began horsing around.
It was hard not to watch what they were doing because they were being so rowdy. I gave up reading and let my eyes wander. Daniel was annoying Colt and Callon with his antics. He moved about with a light touch to his step. It was really quite entertaining as they interacted with each other. I found myself smiling even though I didn’t want to.
They joked around for most of the afternoon; I was assuming part of it was for my benefit. The day slid by quickly and soon, dusk had come. I entered the house, they followed inside, and this time Colt brought me dinner. I was still annoyed as he handed it to me.
“
Thank you,” I said stiffly.
“
You still mad at me?” Colt questioned.
I glanced down before I answered.
“
Yes.”
He stood for a moment regarding me, before walking away. He had made me a grilled cheese sandwich. I scanned the room and again noticed no one else was eating except me. I frowned. I ate and then took the plate to the kitchen, washing it and putting it away.
Still a little tired from the latest headache and failed escape, I decided to head to bed early. I turned towards the trio and announced, “I’m going to bed. I’m still tired.”
“
You are? Do you still have your headache?” Callon shot to his feet, his brow furrowed with concern.
“
No, just tired.” Without any further words I departed for the bedroom. I changed, washed up briefly in the bathroom and crawled into bed. The window was open and it provided a cool breeze.
I closed my eyes. All I could do was bide my time. Weariness took hold, and I quickly drifted to sleep.
Chapter 7
I
woke to birds chirping outside my window. It was a peaceful sound, unlike the riot inside my heart. I remained distant with Colt as I’d been processing this new situation, but was starting to get withdrawal symptoms. He was here with me, but I missed him—missed the way our relationship used to be.
It was quiet when I entered the great room. Colt saw me first and flashed a large grin, which melted a little bit of the ice I had built up as protection. He and Daniel were playing cards in the corner and Callon was reading. The moment I entered, Callon was on his feet and walking towards me.
“
Are you feeling alright?” He raised his hand to touch my wrist. I backed away, confused.
“
Yes, why?”
“
You slept over ten hours last night.” Was that warmth I was seeing in his hazel eyes? I quickly shook it off. This was
he who must be obeyed
speaking.
“
I must have been tired.” I shrugged, but his question made me curious. I glanced around, wondering if it would be worthwhile to probe for more information. What could it hurt? “So are you a doctor or something, Callon? Is that why you’re constantly asking me questions about how I’m feeling and deem it necessary to check my pulse?”
“
Yes.”
My shock must have been evident, as he was smiling.
“
You’re a doctor?” I repeated in disbelief.
“
Yes.”
“
Shouldn’t you be at work then?” I was a little sarcastic.
“
I’m on sabbatical,” he calmly replied. I swore I caught his eyes twinkling with amusement.
I huffed and went into the kitchen. I bet he was really enjoying watching me play stupid. My stomach growled as I began digging in the pantry for some cereal.
He was a doctor, interesting
. At least that would explain why he’d been so interested in my medicines.
Dr. Callon had followed me and was inspecting my cereal pouring. I decided now was the time to ask. I had made some observations over the past week, and was confident I’d covered all bases. It was time to put my plan into action.
“
Callon, I’ve noticed the three of you don’t eat much, and I was wondering if I made dinner, would you eat?” I fiddled with my fingers, looking down nervously. “You won’t hurt my feelings if you’d rather cook for yourself. I just want to know.”