Chapter 9 A Friend
678words
"With what?"
"You're not planning on running for the hills screaming 'crazy people over here!' are you?"
She blinked as if she had no clue what I was talking about. "Why would I do that?"
"It's what everyone does when they find out what my parents do for a living." I straightened up. "Well, except for Jaxon back in fifth grade. He pretended to like me so he could get into my parent's good graces. He was on a mission to document the existence of all things that goes bump in the night."
"That sucks," she said. "I'm not them, and I can promise you, I'm here because you look like a great person. And," she laughed, "You're so not boring."
"Thanks," I rolled my eyes, grinning.
Ember glanced past me at a stack of boxes piled in the corner. "What can I help with?"
"Oh, those have my dad's equipment in them," I nodded toward the boxes. "My stuff is in the caravan in the back. I have to unpack clothes and a few essentials, and that's about it."
We passed my dad poking at a vase inside the small hallway, an intent expression on his face. I had to hold back a snort as we headed outside, and I didn't miss the inquisitive look on Ember's face. Knowing my dad, he thought the vase belonged to Benjamin, the ghost.
"Does this thing lock up?" It was Ember's first question as we entered the caravan.
I turned and nodded. "Yeah, it does. Why?"
"You should live inside the house with your parents. It's safer."
"What's going to get to me?" I scoffed. "Bigfoot? Your crazed brother?"
She laughed with an uneasy expression. "No, but it's…" she shook her head. "I wouldn't be comfortable alone in a caravan."
I shrugged. "It doesn't bother me unless you know I have to worry. Something you're not telling me?"
Ember glanced away, finding the poster I stuck above my bed interesting. "You like elves?"
"It's from a computer game," I explained. "That I can't play anymore because we don't have the internet over here."
"You can use your mobile network. It's a bit slow, but it works."
"Yeah, unfortunately, I need it to work fast. Otherwise, it's unplayable." I had a feeling Ember wasn't into gaming, so I changed the subject. "What do you do for fun?"
"Read, swim. Fishing with my grandad," she answered. "But if I get to go into town, there's a lot of places to hang out. You should go with me sometime."
"That's sounds—"
A loud clatter from outside made us both jump. I lifted a hand to my chest, breathing out a shaky laugh. "I'm guessing my dad has decided to move his business outside."
Then Kayn appeared inside the doorway, producing a string of curses under my breath.
Ember rolled her eyes. "You gave us a heart attack, dumbass."
Kayn's gaze lingered on me for a few seconds before it flicked toward his sister. "The old man is looking for you."
"Now?" When Kayn inclined his head, Ember groaned. "Are you serious?"
"That's what I said," Kayn sounded bored. He was looking at me again, and I could feel heat blossoming on my cheeks. I turned away, busying myself by folding clothes.
Ember sighed. "I'm so sorry, Carly. I promise I'll make it up to you."
"It's okay, I understand. There's always—"
"No, you won't," Kayn interrupted.
I spun around, annoyed. "What the hell is your problem with me?"
"Kayn, could you stop being complete...Ugh. Could you for five seconds be nice to Carly?" Ember glowered at him. "You won't die."
"Is that so, sis?" He cocked a dark brow. "Now you know that is complete B.S."
"What the—"
Ember turned to me. "I'm sorry, again for my…" She gave Kayn a deliberate look, "Jerk of a brother. See you later, okay?"
I nodded, offering her a weak smile. I wasn't too sure about that.
