Chapter Nine: The Diner
We were the only ones at the 24/7 Diner that Spencer took us to. We all managed to fit into their largest booth. I sat in between Luke and Jack on one side and Jazz, Liz, and Spencer on the other side. I found myself feeling uneasy even though I was safe. I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were still being controlled by Matt, somehow…
“Hey, folks, what can I get you this evening?” The server walked over seeming cheery despite the lack of customers. I glanced at the clock on the wall 10:00pm. Holy shit that time already? I could feel my body aching but my mind was racing with unanswered questions. I know that I am safe with my team, but are Jack and I safe from Matt? Why would Matt let us walk free? He must have been really drunk to make a mistake like that. But was it truly a mistake?
“Coffee all around and the best burger and fries you have on the menu and a chocolate milkshake, please. Then whatever everyone else wants. I replied forcing myself to calm my thoughts.
“I’ll get the same,” Jack replied quickly. As if he sensed my uneasy mind he rested his hand gently on my hand under the table and lightly squeezed. “I feel so much better now that we are out of that terrible place.” He added with a sigh.
“Agreed,” I whispered, while relaxing my shoulders and letting my anxieties drift away as the rest of the team ordered their food.
After the server had walked out of ear shot Spencer broke the silence. “So Veronica are you going to be okay to sleep at your apartment tonight alone?”
“I would feel better if I wasn’t alone, honestly.” I admitted.
“If you don’t mind and it would make you feel better. I could crash on your couch.” Jack suggested, gazing at me. “It would also help me out in general, since I don’t have anywhere to go.”
“And we could park the van outside to make sure nothing happens to you,” Spencer added.
“Both would actually be really comforting,” I accepted, “Jack, feel free to crash on my couch for however long you need. You’ve kept me sane through this whole situation.” I muttered.
“Thanks. I appreciate you saving my life… again,” Jack chuckled.
“Alright that settles it. After we eat we will head over to Veronica’s apartment so we can keep watch.” Spencer stated.
Everyone nodded in agreement. The smell of burgers and fries filled the air as our food started cooking. Our food and milkshakes came out fairly fast. As my food was placed in front of me the smell of meat, cheese, onions, mixed with fried food was a smell I never thought I’d miss. Once we had settled the check we piled back into the team’s van.
On the drive over to my apartment I was quiet and so was Jack. Spencer and Luke started chatting about the fastest way to get to my apartment. While Jazz and Liz talked about how good their meals were at the diner. I gazed out of the window as the world blurred as we zoomed towards the comfort of my home. My real home that I hadn’t seen for close to a month now.
As soon as the van was parked in the driveway I hopped out ready to slip into my comfortable pjs and to sleep in my own bed by myself. “Thank you for everything, team!” I flashed them all a smile before shutting the van door, so I could grab the spare key to let Jack into my apartment.
“Nice place you have here,” Jack commented after he closed the door to my apartment.
Before replying I took in the familiar sight of my two room place. I could see my queen size bed through my bedroom door. “Thanks, it sure feels good to be home safely. I’ll get you some blankets,” I spoke as I walked to my bedroom to grab the extra blankets and pillows.
As I reached up to grab the extra bedding from the shelf in my closet I heard my bedroom door click shut. I didn’t think much of it since I had left it open and it closed by itself all the time. I had just finished gathering the bedding when I turned around and saw Jack. Only he looked… off.
“Jack, what’s wrong?” I asked. The way he was looking at me was unnerving. He has never once looked at me like that before. His lips were curled up showing his canines in a snarl. His icy blue eyes were filled with hunger, the look made me freeze, which was unusual for me. What the hell?
To be continued…
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