The trouble with Debbie

chapter 6

"Deb?" he called out. She unlocked the door and stepped out on to the landing. "Thank you." she forced a smile. He walked to her in 3 long strides and hugged her tight.

"Stop thanking me," he smiled, "he's gone but, it seemed too easy. I think he's coming back. He drove away in a different direction from last night, I don't think he really left. He's hiding. Probably waiting to see if I leave or if you make an appearance."

A million thoughts ran through Debbie's mind. Was Matt on drugs all of a sudden? Was he always this nuts? What would he be like if she ever spoke to him again?

"What are you thinking?" Keiron asked her.

"Everything," she replied honestly, "he's acting like we were more than we were. He didn't seem to want me this much before. He never had time for me longer than it took to have s*x. He had time for a new 'girl' so why not just move on with her?"

"I think I better stay here tonight." Keiron sat down on the velvet stool at the dressing table.

Debbie spun fast on her heels to face him, her eyes opened wide.

"No," she answered, "that's not necessary. Besides, I don't know you. YOU might be insane!"

Keiron laughed loudly, "I never said I was sane! I'll sleep in the spare room. At least for tonight, incase mad Matt comes back. But tomorrow, you call the police and report him."

Debbie sighed audibly, "Okay," she mumbled, "I guess I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel uneasy about Matt right now."

"Alright, it's settled," Keiron smiled, "let's go downstairs, lock the front door and watch tv. You need to relax after all that."

Debbie looked at her phone, "You go and set up something to watch," she told him, "I've gotta call my cousin first. I won't be too long."

"Okay," Keiron nodded, "When she asks, I'm tall dark and handsome, crazy smart, funny and strong. Exaggerate the funny and strong."

Debbie laughed and pushed him out of the room, "just go downstairs you nutcase."

She sat down on her bed and dialled her cousins number.

"Hey girl," Klara beamed, "how are you today? are you coming over?"

"Not today, I'm gonna stay home and take it easy. We'll meet up for lunch though, Tuesday. I'm working from home tomorrow." Debbie smiled, "listen, Matt has officially lost his s**t. He's turning up here and shouting through my letterbox..."

"Wait what!?" Klara screamed, "why didn't you lead with that? Get a bag packed and get over here right now! And call the police!"

Debbie slapped her hand on her forehead, "Honey, I'm ok, I promise. The new neighbour is keeping an eye on me, he's gonna stay here in case Matt comes back. I'll call the police tomorrow." Klara listened to Debbie explain everything that had got them to this point. She struggled not to judge the insanity of the situation and struggled even more to not worry about the strange hero currently sitting in her cousins living room.

"Relax Klara," Debbie sighed, "I can hear your fear through the phone. I'm safe. He's gonna sleep in the spare room, in the morning I'll report Matt. Then it's done and dusted."

"So, there's just gonna be some random, sexy guy staying the night..." Klara tried.

"Goodbye Klara." Debbie laughed and ended the call.

Klara let out a frustrated growl and chucked her phone on the sofa next to her.

"What's wrong baby?" Tony asked her, "Debbie still having man trouble?"

"Matt has gone loopy apparently, pretty much stalking her. The guy from next door is staying the night but she won't tell me anything about him."

Tony kissed his wife, "Debbie will be fine. She's a smart woman, she wouldn't let this guy in her house if she felt he was dangerous. Anyway, Friday, we introduce her to Ronny, they hit it off, piece of cake!"

By mid afternoon, Debbie had finished cooking dinner. They paused the third Marvel movie of the day and sat down to eat.

"I think I've eaten more times with you in 24 hrs than I have with my mum in six months." she joked.

"I haven't seen my mum in about a year and a half," he smiled, "she came to visit me in Texas for a few weeks. I'm going to surprise her on Friday."

Debbie smiled at the light in his eyes as he spoke about his mother.

"Do you have siblings?" she asked as she shared a portion of chicken to his plate.

"One brother," he frowned, "but we're really not close. I don't really like to talk about him. How about you?"

Debbie understood not to push him for more information about his brother, she nodded, "I have an older sister. Half sister. We talk every now and again but, not much. She lives in Tottenham. Where were you based before moving to Texas?"

"I lived in Clapham." he replied.

"My cousin lives there, over looking the common."

"I still have friends in the area," Keiron explained, "it's nice there."

After they had eaten all they could eat, they sat in the garden to enjoy the last of the days sunshine. They shared a joint and a bottle of homemade ginger beer. Before they knew it, it was 10.45pm. Debbie stood up and stretched out, yawning at the same time. She looked at him.

"I better get to bed," she smiled, "the spare room is all set up, there's towels in the en suite and there's a new toothbrush and toothpaste as well."

"Were you expecting me?" he laughed.

"My cousin always falls asleep here so I always have over night supplies, she laughed, " I'll see you in the morning. Help yourself to whatever food and drink you want and don't be offended that I'm locking my door."

"No problem," Keiron chuckled, "Goodnight Debs."

"Goodnight Keiron." she turned and went up to her room, locked her door and went straight to bed.

Keiron figured he might as well go to bed now too. He finished his ginger beer and returned the glass to the kitchen. As he climbed the stairs, he noticed he was passing photographs he hadn't even bothered to look at yet. The one in front of him right now was Debbie as a bridesmaid, standing with the bride. They both looked beautiful but Debbie shone in this photo. He eventually moved on up to the spare bedroom. He laid on the bed and turned on the small flat screen tv.