Set Me Free

Chapter Eleven

The girls were all standing outside bundled in their jackets. A police cruiser was parked on the drive, they’ve been talking to an officer for over half an hour. Upon showing up to the house they informed them briefly on what they found and they did an initial search and found nothing, aside from Juno’s butchered garments.

“If we have any further questions or if you think of something, please, give us a call.” The officer turned away with the tip of his hat and he and his partner walked back to their squad car.

The fact that the cops didn’t find any other evidence, or anything sign of foul play only made it more difficult for Juno. With a weary sigh, she contemplated what the next step should be. 

“Listen, I’m going to go stay at Jackson’s for the rest of the week, it’s his week before shipping out again.” Callie frowns, her eyes glistening at the thought of Jackson leaving again. All Juno knew was that Jackson was in the military, but that’s as much as she knew. He’s been on tour and recently came back but seems like he’s being called again. Callie quickly shakes it off and smiles.

“What about you two> I really don’t suggest staying here, at least not now. It gives me the creeps. You can stay with us, might be a bit cramped, but I’m sure the four of us would have fun and make do.” As appealing as the idea is, she didn’t want to be a bother and ruin the time callie and Jackson have together before he leaves. 

The three of them stare up at the building. The tower two story loomed over them, it’s front windows seemed to be watching them. The sun wasn’t out today, hiding behind the gre, ashen clouds. A cold chill blew with the strong winds. A prickling sensation tickled the back of her neck, her stomach sank like lead. Juno had a vague sense that someone was watching them.

“Well, I’ve got some girlfriends I can stay with. Don’t fret! They’ll find the pervy sleaze soon enough. You’ll see.” Emra spoke so matter-of-factly that she wanted to believe her, and did feel slightly happier and uplifted. Emra was right, Juno thought. The police will find whoever did this. Juno shouldn’t have to worry. Thankful that somehow, despite everything, Emra always keeps a cheery attitude. It was contagious and Juno found herself smiling with her sisters.

The days were starting to get darker earlier as Winter approached. Even now, a cold chill sweeps the yard like blowing ice. Soon it will be december. With a groan Juno forgot she still has christmas shopping to do.

“How are you holding up?” A deep voice spoke soothingly from behind. Juno nearly jumped out of her shoes in fright.

“Ahh!” She was so distracted with her thoughts, jumping in her skin like an olympic vaulter. “Holy s**t!”

With today's series of events being spooked did not help calm her erratic heart. Holding her chest she willed her heart to slow before it bursts. Closing her eyes she counted to 3. Trying as hard as she could to calm herself. 

“s**t. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to spook you.” Juno looked at Nix. Her eyes looked behind him and saw he drove his car today. A black FJ Cruiser sat in the driveway. She’s surprised she didn’t hear him drive up. Shows how distracted she is. Juno’s sisters said goodbye and told her to call them when she decided to stay the night. With a final look at Nix, they both vanished in their own vehicles and left.

“No, it’s fine. Just, very creeped out.” Nix was watchful, his gaze absorbing the house with an intense look. His jaw was set like granite. 

“Juno.” 

“No” Juno blurted out. She recognized that look on his face. It’s the same looke Kevin would give her when he was going to order her about. The same one men make when they plan on making decisions for her instead of consulting. Thinking they know what’s best for her, without asking Juno what she wants.

Narrowing her eyes at him in defiance, she lifted a finger at him. “First, don’t tell me what to do. Don’t.” She raises a second finger while holding his gaze, showing him she wasn’t willing to back down. His eyes were hard as they bore into hers, his emeralds darkened, a mental war of attrition rode the current between them.The wheels churned behind his gorgeous eyes but she refused to let another person dictate her life.

“Second, I also refuse to have someone scare me out of my own home. I won’t give them the satisfaction!”  She wasn’t willing to just get up and leave, even if she didn’t feel comfortable any more in her own home. She would just have to remain extra vigilant. To anyone else it would sound absurd, stupid even. She just couldn’t find it in herself to just run away. 

“Juno, tell me you aren’t serious.”There it is. Nope, she concluded. This is the part where he tries to convince her. Frustrated with men like him, a headache tearing at her skull like a rabid beaver, the day taking its toll on her weary mind. Rubbing her temples, alleviating some of the strain, she headed back inside the house. Nix followed after her.

“I am and don’t try to convince me otherwise.” Opening the front door she went inside.

Squeezing through the door behind her, he kept pace. “This is beyond stupid!” Juno stopped abruptly, fuming in anger, she jabbed her finger into his solid chest. It may not be rational, but it was still her decision.

“You don’t get to tell me what I can and can’t do. You aren’t my father! And furthermore, I hardly know you! I Know you’re keeping things from me, I just don’t know why you won’t open up.”

Nix took a step back. “Don’t turn this around on me to distract me from the fact you’re making a grave mistake.” Nix was angry now, his bangs dropped low which made him look menacing. His eyes blazed with heat, and coldness. Juno opened her mouth to intercept but Juno bulldozed on.

“Someone, SOMEHOW, got inside your house, carried you to your bedroom and wrote on you like some sort of f*****g claim! And you expect me to be fine with that!?”

Jabbing her finger into his chest again, tears threatening behind her eyes. She didn’t want to show him how much this scared her, how much she’d just wish he’d listen. Instead of arguing, just listen.

“No I don’t! I’m not asking for your damn permission!” Stepping forward, she stumbled back a step, his voice growling low.

“Fine, then I’ll stay.”

“Fine!” She yells standing straight, squaring off with Nix towering over her, like a wolf hovering over a bunny.

“Fine!” Throwing her arms up exasperated, she marched up her stairs to her bedroom. Marching up the stairs, Nix hot on her tail, she stomped into her bedroom and slammed the door in his face. Nobody said she had to be polite, and besides, she felt like he deserved it. If anything else, it allowed her to vent off some overflowing steam.

“Ugh!!” With an aggravated screech she called out through her door. “Don’t make a damn mess!”

Juno undressed and hopped into the shower hoping to wash away the stress knotting up her body. Turning the water off, she reached out and grabbed her towel, wrapping it around herself, she heard a voice. Very faint, but it sounded oddly different from how Nix sounds. Someone was singing, tilting her head  she focused on the sound. “I can’t believe he can sing.” Excited with a new puzzle piece that was Nix, she scrambled and got dressed. Without any underwear she had to simply make do with a pair of shorts and hoodie that hung low to her thighs. Perfect for lounging, she added. Standing in front of her mirror she dragged the comb through her long hair, wondering if maybe she should dress up a little for Nix.  After a few warring moments she shrugged and figured he wouldn’t care and she’s quite comfortable.

“What the hell. This is as good as it gets, and besides I’m tired.” Opening her bedroom she tiptoed into the hall as quiet as a ninja. Nix sang from somewhere below, his voice was light and carried with it, a melodious tune. Like a wolf howling into the moon, his voice crooned through the halls, both sorrowful and hopeful, uplifting even. Sneaking down the stairs she hoped she could catch him by surprise. Stretching her toes out she touched the last landing. Loud racket came from the kitchen. 

“Water and light, this is us. History falling down. Hope rising up, we’re the here and now, all that came before…” Nix’s voice was magnificent. It was soft and lyrical as he sang. Lulling her into a trance, she leaned her head against the hallway, enthralled. HIs words circled around the house, circling around her. Warmth pooled in her belly and her worries about the day were washed away. 

“Can not stay asleep, we’re not children anymore…” The last note was a mere whisper. He must have been referring to his brother. Juno was afraid to ask.

“Does it really matter?” She asked herself. She knew the answer. It didn’t matter, not really. Nix stopped singing, taking a chance she peeked around the corner. Nix was gone, her eyes scanned the empty kitchen.

“Are we sneaking up on people now?” Nix suddenly spoke from behind her, making her jump again. He must have slipped through the living room and came up from behind.

“Christ man! Stop doing that!” Holding his palms up apologetically. He reaches out and pulls her into his arms, laying his chin on top of her head. Her flustered state calmed immediately. His body absorbing her worries and fears, taking them all away. With a contented sigh, she held him tighter.

Juno’s heart was still beating rapidly, and it wasn’t from the fear, it was from the close proximity with Nix. His woodsy smell enveloping her in it’s grace. His firm hold, held promises, quieting all outside disruptions.  His presence melting away any doubt that plagued her mind. She wallowed in him, in Nix.

“My poor heart. Today has just been one thing after another. I Don’t think it’s had a proper time to settle down.” She laughs into his chest.

“I’m sorry about scaring you. It’s a habit that I have trouble with.” He tucks a strand of hair over her shoulder, his lips leaving a kiss on her temple.

“I like learning all these things about you. It doesn’t make you seem, fake, unreal. A ghost of my imagination.” Nix’s breath was warm, a hint of cinnamon, his rough palms lifting her face to his. Looking down at her, searching her soul with those penetrating eyes. 

“Trust me, Love. I’m not fake.”

“So, big guy. What were you doing in the kitchen? Sounded like you were having a war with the pans.” Stepping out of his arms she wisped into the kitchen. Pots and pans scattered across the counter top. A cookbook was perched in the corner, the pages open. 

Was Nix trying to make food? The idea had her smiling in glee. Heart shaped butterflies took flight around her head.

“Were you going to cook?” Uncharacteristically he looks away embarrassed. A blush dominated his face. It was adorable watching him become boyishly flustered. Her fingers smooth across his cheek, and gently turned him to face her. Rising on her toes she planted her lips against his.

“So, what shall we make handsome?” Nix’s eyes light up, grinning excitedly.

“Well, I saw this page here and well….it looks delicious.” Moving over to the island she looks at the page. “Peruvian Empanadas?”

“Well not sure if you know hot to cook, cause I certainly do not. I’m good at bagels and placing loads of cream cheese on it. Probably enough to make me lactose intolerant.” Laughing at her own joke, her stomach grumbled at the images covering the pages. The food does sound good though. Looking at the ingredients, her nose scrunches up. 

“Well...if you're really set on this we would have to head to the grocery store and grab some of these things here, listed.” Opening the fridge revealed exactly what she expected. It was empty for the most part. She never did stock up since she moved back into the house. Opening the cupboards she already knew that she’d find just as much as she found in the fridge. Not much. 

“Sounds great. I’ll drive.” Walking past him she ran up the stairs and tossed on a pair of long pants. Racing down Nix was waiting with her coat. Turning around he helped her into the jacket. His fingers delicately, and slowly buttoned her up. She had an inkling he was enjoying this with a large grin. “You just wanted to get closer to me, didn’t you?”

“Every given opportunity. How could I possibly pass that up.”

Big Mart was busy, but not so busy that the aisles felt claustrophobic. They found themselves in the freezer aisle, a large sign advertising pints of chocolate brownie Ice cream. That’s a no brainer. Reaching in she grabbed three, one for her and Emra and Callie. They would be upset if they knew I got some and none for them. Dropping them in the cart she almost closed the door, but with a quick glance at Nix, she quickly snatched another Pint.

“You said sneaking became a habit, why is that?” Nix rubbed the back of his neck as we entered another aisle. He waited until the only other person shopping the aisle left leaving just them two.

“I was in a gang when I was younger and it just happened to have been something I was good at. Other than my brother of course. He’s the one who could move around like a ghost and nobody would ever hear or see him.” He says, his eyes haze over, like he was reliving some memories.

“Your brother? He was in the gang with you?” Juno couldn’t help but continue the questions. This is the most NIx has opened up to her and she will take it all. She grabbed onto the opportunity with everything she had.

“Ya, Hunter. He was younger than me by five years, but he followed me all the time. I didn’t approve of it, but we had no parents and no family, except each other. We only had each other, we were the only family we needed. We took care of each other.” Nix spoke fondly and with love about his brother. Admiration and pride laced in his tone, but carried a deep darkening shroud. She had a feeling the story wasn’t going to get better.

“What happened?” She asked.

He opened his mouth but promptly snapped it shut. A cold aura took hold as he shut himself down and stalked away, disappearing at the end of the aisle. With a heavy sigh, she at least got something from him. Not as much as she’d hoped but, she just thought he needed time. It must not be easy for him to speak so freely about something that he clearly doesn’t talk about to anyone. Coming back around the corner he approaches with oregano and salt.

“You said we needed these, right?” He was avoiding the question. Eventually, she told herself. Eventually he’ll open up.

Standing in line behind a few customers. The young cashier was slowly grabbing each item, if he moved any slower she’d die of old age. Suddenly the urge to pee struck like lightning. Crossing her legs she attempted to hold it. But as she watched with excruciating slowness, the cashier wasn’t going to be done in time before she pees all over herself and the floor.  

Grabbing Nix’s forearm to get his attention, he turned and noticed her crossed legs.  A brow rose in question.

“I really have to go to the bathroom. Can you--” He pulls his wallet out, a million watt smile beaming at her.

“Go, I’ve got this. I’ll wait for you outside, ok?”

Bowing her head, her body bucking with her as her cramps increased. “Thank you so much! I’ll repay you! I promise!” Rushing towards the back of the store, following the signs that marked the bathroom, she rushed into the women's washroom. It was empty and fairly clean, but she honestly didn’t care about the cleanliness at this point. Rushing into the first open stall she relieved herself with heavenly pleasure. 

“Phew…”

Washing her hands in the sink she noticed a woman enter the washroom. Her head swiveled all around her, her eyes were wide. She looked scared, which made Juno look around the bathroom as well.  The woman was acting strange and it was freaking Juno out. Watching the strange woman in the mirror, she ran to each of the stalls then came straight up to Juno. Spinning around in case she had to defend herself. The woman grabbed Juno’s hands, freaked out Juno tried to pry her hands free but the woman's holds was firm.

The female looked around the same age as you, if not younger. Her clothes look torn and ragged. Her red hair was dirty, a few twigs clung to the mass of red. Was she a homeless woman? Juno tried pulling her hands free again.

“What the hell lady!”

“You are in danger! You have to get away from him!” 

“What? What are you talking about. Get away from who?” What was she talking about? The strangers eyes were wide and slightly unfocused.

“From who?” Juno repeated.

‘He did the same thing to me, makes you feel safe and secure. Just like his brother.” She screamed in panic.

Juno’s eyes swiveled to the bathroom entrance hoping someone needed to pee and come to her rescue. “What the hell are you talking about? You aren’t making any sense. You better let go!” 

“Flee! Flee!” She screeches, inching her face closer to Juno. Panicked eyes swiveled about like an owl. Her lips shivered, a blue hue tinting them.

“Juno? Are you still in there? I have your phone and it’s been awhile. You ok?” Nix was just outside the bathroom. Juno was about to call him, but then the lady leaned in further, panicked and frightened.

“Don’t fall for his tricks…” She whispers, finally letting go of Juno’s hands. She ran out of the bathroom leaving Juno confused. 

“What the hell just happened?” 

“Juno?” Nix called her again. Taking a calming breath she met Nix outside the bathroom. The day is just getting weirder and weirder.

“Did you just see that woman who just ran out of the women's bathroom?” She asked Nix. The strange womans rambling sounded like she was talking about Nix. 

“Sorry. But I didn’t see anyone. Why? What’s wrong?” How did he not see the bizarre woman run out of the bathroom. He was standing right there waiting for Juno, so how could he not have seen the crazy woman? But why did it seem like she was talking about Nix, and why was she saying that Juno was in danger? Could everything that’s happened today be because of Nix? Was he the one who broke into her house? Juno cast her eyes up to him skeptically. Suspicion starting to take residence in her heart.

“Nothings wrong. Sorry, I took so long.” Juno kept stealing glances at Nix. Could that woman really be talking about Nix? That thought ping ponged inside Juno’s head for the rest of the night.