Beautiful Liar

I wrapped my arms around myself to keep warm and walked as quickly as I could in high heels on the snow-dusted street, to my house. I’d left my coat, boots, and keys at Lydia’s house, but I kept a spare on the front porch. Upon reaching home, I glanced back and sped up the stairs when I saw Slater walk out her front door and head toward mine.

Shoot!

With trembling hands, I finally gripped the key hidden beneath the dead potted plant and tried to slide it into the lock.

“You sure left in a rush.”

I jumped, turning to face him, my back pressed against the door.

“Slater, I—”

With heavy feet, he climbed the porch stairs, looking so different than I remembered, so much harder, meaner.

“Open the door.”

I shook my head, fear making me shake all over. I had to crane my neck to look up at him when he came closer. “What do you want?”

“I want to go inside. It’s cold out here.”

His voice hadn’t been harsh that night three years ago.

“I don’t remember you being hard of hearing, MacKayla. Open the door.” When I didn’t move, he added, “I’m not going to hurt you.”

The realization that he was here to do just that made me shudder, the memory of his big hands, the damage they could do...

“Well, not yet, anyway.” He chuckled and held his hand out, palm up.

I looked at it, confused.

“Key.”

I dropped it into his hand and moved a bit so he could unlock and open the door. “In.”

I obeyed, not having much choice at the moment. I turned on the lights and drew the curtains closed, one eye on him the entire time.

This was it. It was time to pay, and I owed dearly.

*Text modified for website.