I took out the cassette and turned it around fitting the other side into the walkman. I put on the headphones on as Ghost Town played on it. I let out a sigh looking around. This is not less than any ghost town now as even standing alongside the river alone lying my back on my bicycle freaks me out. I have been continuously moving my gaze around the surrounding just to make sure I am safe here. Although there are many bypassers I still am full of doubts. Anyone can be, right? After the things happened in the past days. I didn't tell mom or dad about the cheat I got the other day as I might have gotten caught for going to Mr Gracia's house just like that. They would have banned me from going outside ever and I don't want that.

Aiden was against the idea but it's Aiden and I have the upper hand, always have had. It takes me no time to blackmail him with my overflowing emotions and he did agree even though he was frustrated and pissed off with my decision. He stormed out of the house as soon as mom came back. Mom did question me about it but I winded up saying we argued over stupid stuff and she laughed it out. I was glad for that. And since then Aiden has vanished. I thought of going to the court today as mentioned by Tyler but dropped the idea of going alone. Tyler creeps me out for some reason. His laughter. It's weird and even though I don't want to admit it, it does remind me of that shadow in the window. Thought Tyler is too dumb for that in my opinion. He won't be able to dodge the security that easily. But the question still remains as to how he manages to come every freaking time without getting noticed? How does he know the ways too well? He has been guarding for long no doubt about it. Aiden saw someone running to the backside but got vanished somewhere inside the woods. The guard, yes there is only one who knows about the stone though I didn't tell him about the paper and what's written inside in the fear that he might tell dad or mom or both. But he will soon and I am pretty sure about it. I will see it when happens but till then I am going to keep my search on. That note from the killer or whoever was it has just invoked me to go deeper when I never thought about it at the start.

That's how I am! I am stubborn and I like to go against what people ask me to do. That just provokes me more even when I had no intentions before. I will willingly go deeper to disclose what they are hiding no matter how scary it is. My hair was tied in two braids keeping them in place rather than ruffling and playing along with the cold wind as the scarf around the neck was keeping it warm. I rubbed my hands as the song went on bursting in my ears. I looked down at the boots and rubbed them on one another so the soil tucked on the top of them will wipe away but there was no point in doing it so I just looked ahead at the few men who were going deep inside the river by making a human chain to clean it up. Also in the hope that they might find some small fish to go on with today's meal. The women and men were going to the field. The grass was shining with the droplets of water on them looking as the peals dispersed on the ground.

The fog was covering the woods and the mountains making it impossible to look inside. But still, the long trees managed to peak through it. I could hear the noise made by horse carriage carrying some passengers who were decked up in black and white suits with a black round hat and were peaking through the windows by pulling the small curtain away. They let out the smoke into the air letting it dissolved past them as the carriage moved. I was glad it's not summer though as the dust these carriages and cars leave behind gives me a headache.

I whined when this brat pulled one of my braids back with force and I think I almost sprained my neck in the process. I glared to the side as Emily laughed her heart out after she was satisfied with the look on my face. I took out the headphones and pressed the off button on the walkman. Her loud laughter could be heard from anywhere. I saw some bypassers giving us a smiling look which I returned with a gentle smile. I shoved the walkman into my backpack and put it around me again.

"You know I hate it when you do that," I said and adjusted my hair. I threw an irritated glare at her but she was unaffected. I don't like when people touch my well-made hair. This girl has been playing with them since forever saying how much she loves the colour.

"I just love to annoy you," she said through her laughter. I rolled my eyes and let out a sigh.

"What mission are we on today?" she asked again getting excited all of sudden. This girl is making me nervous. I honestly don't want to push her into any trouble but it will be good if she knows about the events already and stay alert as none of us is safe here. Not anymore!

"Nothing in particular. I just want to know something about Mrs Wittnakar and if you got to hear anything about her from your dad?" I started trying to fill her up with my plan. Her eyes started gleaming as she looked at me paying all of her attention.

"The beautiful lady in most beautiful hats?" she asked raising her eyebrows at me. I nodded.

"Yes."

"What about her?" she asked with a frown totally not getting where I am headed to. Sure, I haven't revealed the most exciting part of the story yet. The meeting with Gracias and then the note from beloved killer.

"She met Mr Gracias a few days before he got killed," I said with a shrug still dodging the topic. I fear she might kill me and throw my body in this river before that killer does that by himself. Emily's frown deepened as she heard me.

I looked around to get away from her gaze. The fishers were pulling out the net from the river as they chatted away with happiness in their eyes.

"What? How do you know that?" she asked again as I moved my gaze back to look at her. I let out a sigh.

"I met his family?" I blurred out looking at the ground and playing with puddles with my legs.

"When and how?" Emily almost shouted in my ears making me deaf momentarily.

"Is that important?" I asked looking up at her. She folded her arms over her chest and gave me an unpleasant look.

"Yes, it is," she said with a glare, "You went alone? Why would you do that? Are you stupid?" she said further without letting me speak anything. The worry, the frustration, the anger clearly visible in her eyes which made me feel good for a brief moment.

"Will you hear out?" I asked in a calm voice trying to calm Emily down. She let out a sigh and moved her hair back to her ears. She nodded further giving me a hint to go ahead.

"I went there yesterday with Aiden," I said as the look on her face finally changed. She raised her eyebrows.

"Aiden? The boy is finally taking some interest? I am happy to hear," she said with a small chuckle. I smiled along shaking my head a little.

"And you found out this lady went to meet him? But why?" she asked again getting serious all of sudden. The look on her face said it all about her confusion.

"That's what I want to know," I said being in my own thoughts. I don't know how and why she is related to anything or if she is related at all. We are just shooting the arrows in the dark in a hope that one of them might make a crack and we will be able to see the sunshine but no luck till now.

"I have seen her with Aiden's mom mostly. Why don't we ask him?" Emily asked breaking me from my thoughts. I don't want to doubt Aiden or his family but this town is small and there are just a countable people who hold the status where they can get away without any trace so is that psycho from one of them? Or I am thinking too much? God! With this speed, I guess I might even lose it soon.

"He pointed at Mrs Clerk," I said letting out a sigh and looking around the place. I adjusted my posture and cycle along with it as I made it straight ready to start the adventure today.

"Rose's mom? That's true too," Emily said and I felt a little light that she agrees too. I stopped for a few moments moving my hand inside the pockets of the coat I wore. I fiddled with the wrinkled paper inside until I made up my mind and took it out.

"Besides, I got this yesterday," I said extending my hand in front of Emily who looked confused as her gaze moved between me and the paper. I kept staring at her confused face. She eventually decided to take the paper from my hand and unfolded it. Her eyes held shock and fright as she looked at the content written inside it.

"Holy shit, did you see..." she was asking but I cut her off as I know what her question is going to be. If I saw who threw this stone.

"No, Aiden went after him but whoever was it vanished into woods," I said what he told me. Emily shook her head blankly. I could see the worry on her face and that was the reason I was restrained to tell her about anything but as I said I have to for her own good.

"We should cut these woods first," she said and somehow managed to make me chuckle as she continued, "But, Faith, shouldn't you stop now? We shouldn't do anything ahead." I let out a sigh again and shook my head a bit.

"What about Mr and Mrs Anderson? They just let you out after this?" she asked as I gave her a look by narrowing my eyes.

"Hold on," she said widening her eyes at me getting me as she knows me too well, "You didn't tell them." I nodded with a smirk being proud but I don't know till when I will hide it. That guy from security would have told dad by now and he must be waiting for me sitting in his favourite chair in studies looking at his pocket watch in between while reading some documents.

"I will be happy if you come along but I can go alone too," I said with a shrug and started walking holding the cycle handle in and pulling it along with me.

"Let's just go," Emily said rushing after me and walking beside in no time, "More than the killer, you scare me now." I let out a small laugh but I could agree with her. Even I scare my own self nowadays.

***************

On our way to downtown to reach Edmund's house, I filled Emily with other stuff I got to witness in Mr Gracia's house. I told her about the whole conversation and the way she looked and how it made me feel sad. I told her about meeting Tyler to which she echoed my concern about Aiden. Even she feels he is in some deep shit and we should help him out which we will in no time but for that Aiden needs to let us in which he is not doing. So maybe we have to force ourselves in his life by breaking those barriers before he gets himself into ever deeper shit.

Emily also filled me about her dad and his weird behaviour lately. According to her he has gone maniac and is not less than any psycho. Emily heard him ask her mom if she saw anyone go inside his small office but obviously she didn't know. So he is taking extra care now. He just shut himself inside his office and spend hours without eating just staring at the wall filled with all the clues and sketches. He shouts when someone tries to enter the room. That is pretty scary which I agree. But it is justifiable with the post he holds. He must be having some pressure from higher-level people. Only if they knew how bad this whole thing is. I want to know more about the progress but not today, maybe! I don't want to make it so obvious to everyone and invite some new trouble to myself and my people.

Emily and I took the route filled with people all the way down so we don't have to be much scared of anyone killing us. But the thought of someone out there watching us and following us did creep us out in between. We continuously moved our gazes around shoving the people in the crowd. Within no time we were outside Edmund's big house which stood out from the rest. It was painted in some dark colours. It was different but nothing like beautiful. I would say that I won't be going inside willingly if I don't know the people inside. Edmund said he is going to have Rose over so we could chat with her regarding the things we want to know. We might get something.

Emily pressed the doorbell. The curtains from the above window got sided as Mrs Harris peeked at us. We gave her a small smile which she returned unwillingly. Emily and I exchanged a known look as we heard the footsteps coming closer. The wooden door got opened in the next moment as Mrs Harris gave us a full smile gesturing us to come inside. She excluded the greetings and told us that we will find Edmund in the backyard along with Roselia. We gave her a forced smile as Emily almost pushed me towards the back door which was going to lead us out. It was too much to even stand in front of Mrs Harris.

We hurried outside taking a leave from her as I saw Emily letting out a sigh of relief. I had no different expressions than her. We always have found Mrs Harris a little strict and not so welcoming that's why we always avoid coming over at Edmunds. She is just fond of Aiden and is in the best mood when he is around that was why I wanted him here today as he knows how to handle these kinds of awkward situations but he won't as he is on his ego trip and won't let it slide that easily.

I still have no clue as to exactly what happened between Edmund and him but ever since Aiden started his association with Tyler and Jake, everything fell out. I saw the slightest hope when Aiden punched Jake that day but I can't tell anything about those two.

Rose smiled and waved when she spotted us making our way towards the white round wooden table at the side of the garden between the trees. The four chairs of the same colour were placed around it. I got seated beside Edmund and Emily as I smiled at Rose. The table was beautifully decorated with handwoven table cloth above which was kept teapot with teacups and plates. Looking at the crockery set reminded me of my mother's collection as this was quite similar. The breakfast was kept light. The different varieties of bread were arranged beautifully in a tray with different types of jams. There was an option for sandwiches with a different type of fillings. The fresh smell coming out was irresistible. Rose gave us a formal greeting when I was done adoring the food, asking us about how we are doing as we are basically meeting after a long time. Edmund poured the tea from the teapot in the cup kept in front of us.

I took it and smelled on it for a few moments as Rose described the tea as high quality, freshly chopped coming straight from the farms of India. I sipped on it when I was content with the divine smell. The tea was truly marvellous. I guess I need to ask dad to buy a few for us as well.

I looked at Emily when I felt her poking my leg with hers. She gestured me to get to the topic. I know how much she wants to get out of this house as she basically feels unpleasant and uncomfortable in the surroundings of this house. I nodded gently when Edmund and Rose were discussing something. I adjusted my posture and kept the teacup on the table at front carefully.

"Rose," I called her out gaining her attention. Edmund and Emily already know about my intentions or rather let's say we have the same intentions. I continued again, "How is your mother doing?"

Rose looked confused as a light frown was formed on her face. I can totally understand her state of mind as I basically have never asked this question. I don't even know her mother that well. I wish Edmund could have asked the same but he gets scared in no time and later we need to wind it up so it's better this way.

"She is very well. Just busy with her work," Rose said regardless of her doubts about my intentions. I felt a lot easier.

"Great. How about Mrs Wittnakar?" I asked the main question. This time the look on her face said it all. She is doubting on another level.

"What about her?" She asked crooking her eyebrows at me and giving me a doubtful look.

"I mean I didn't see her in quite a time. I used to see her often when I would go to meet Aiden before so just thought of asking about her as she is close to your mother," I said blabbering whatever came in my head and I just hope I made some sense. Edmund and Emily were sitting awkwardly. Rose let out a sigh looking convinced by my answer. At least she showed it like that.

"Oh, I thought what happened to you suddenly," She said with a small smile. I smiled back at her awkwardly.

"She is good too but something seems to be off about her lately. She doesn't smile as brightly as before," she said gaining full attention from all of us. I already gave Edmund a little idea over the telephone while asking him to bring over Rose so we could chat about the same.

"What does that mean?" Emily asked with crooked eyebrows. Her voice was a little frustrated so I kept as hand over her so she could calm a bit. Emily looked at me and adjusted herself giving a sweet smile to Rose who was confused.

"You know how she is known to dress up as elegantly?" She said ignoring Emily which I was thankful for. Rose continued further fiddling her hands, "Lately she looks like a mess as if she doesn't even know what she is wearing or doing. She is disturbed on the next level."

"Since when?" I asked carefully not sounding obvious. She let out a sigh.

"I can't point out exactly when but I guess after what happened with Mr Gracias," she said putting a thoughtful face, "Or maybe just before that."

We three let out a sigh and exchanged looks which only we understood.

"I don't remember exactly," Rose said shaking her head a little.

"She works with Wright's, right? So maybe something related to them," she said as I gritted my teeth hard. Well, she didn't say anything but I don't want anyone to point fingers at Aiden or his family.

"Not necessarily," I said with a plain face trying to keep the irritation out of my voice.

"Yes but there is a possibility," she said with a shrug. That's it! She should stop pointing fingers blindly when her own mother can be suspect too. Though we haven't gone there yet.

"I don't think it is anything related with them," Edmund barged in. Emily and I looked at him being surprised. I didn't expect that to be honest.

"Because Aiden is your friend? Who has turned his back on you sometime back and hasn't bothered to look again?" Rose said letting out a soft chuckle. This woman is just getting on my nerves.

"Because he is dealing with his own shit," Emily said giving her a glare which was not so pleasant. Rose rolled her eyes and adjusted her hair which got dishevelled by the hit of wind

"Whatever it is. Don't take it personally. It's what my mom said so I just put it out," she said trying to get her act together but she has already gone far and we were pissed.

"Well then tell your mom that she is wrong," I said gritting my teeth again. Rose looked at me without showing any kind of emotions.

"The murder has nothing to do with Aiden or his family," I said again gaining a look from Emily and Edmund who moved their heads with lightning speed to look at me. But I was unbothered and didn't pay attention to what I was saying or just said.

"I was just talking about the distressed state of Mrs Wittnakar. I never said anything about the murder. I don't understand what is going on?" Rose said looking around at us. The doubt was clearly visible on her face. Shit! Now I regret saying that.

"You mentioned murder so we thought just..." Emily said trying to get the act clear. But Rose didn't look convinced.

"Is everything okay? What are you people up to? Edmund you have been away for some time as well," She asked moving her gaze to Edmund who looked slightly irritated.

"Nothing is wrong, Rose. It's just the same thing about her seeing the shadows everywhere and basically, she is scared about her family and us, all of us," he said casually shaking his head.

"Yes, don't worry," Emily said as I was not in the mood to talk with Rose again.

We didn't chat longer after that. I was ready to barge out of the house but Mrs Harris joined us sooner. And it got delayed. I was glad that Rose got out sooner after as her mother came to pick her up at the house. I didn't see her but she left from the door itself.

Edmund joined us which I knew with the way he looked. He was distributed since Rose mentioned Aiden and his family so obviously he would want to know more and most importantly talk to us about the same.

I took my cycle as we started walking back together. The silence was filled between us as no one tried to speak anything. I could see the thoughtful faces of the two of my best friends as they were walking beside me. I know Rose's words are ringing inside our heads and the fear of Aiden actually related to all of this shit is surfacing us. He is any way acting out of his way lately so that thing just adds to everything. I could just pray what she said is wrong. But one thing that I know I have to do now is to confront Aiden. No matter what he thinks, I need to ask him directly about it.

It was past noon already but the coldness in the air was intact. The sun was still hiding behind the dark clouds. I sometimes feel like it's always raining in this town no matter what month it is. I used to like it a lot but now this dark weather just makes me sad. The look in people's eye has turned into suspicious as they look at every person with doubt. A shiver passes through my body every time I see someone wearing dark black clothes. My grip on the handle just toughens when the thought of last night pass through my mind.

It's been the second time the person dodged the security to get to my window. He knows me and my house very well. He might have been watching me or us all along. We are definitely not safe. The thought about living in that room alone at night creeps me out to the core but I got no other option.

I sensed Emily and Edmund halting beside me. I looked at them absent-mindedly not knowing what happened. They were looking ahead as I followed their gaze. I let out a sigh of relief finally looking at that familiar face which I wanted to see since yesterday night he left the house. A smile formed on my lips as Aiden walked towards us with not so pleasant expressions.

"We need to talk," he said looking at me with his expressions plain.

"We?" I heard Emily from beside as Aiden moved his gaze to look at her.

"All of you three," he said. I gave it thought without moving my gaze away from him.

"Is it about the note?" I asked studying his face carefully. Aiden let out a sigh and looked around.

"Can we go to our usual spot?" He asked, "The riverside?"

I looked at Edmund and Emily who nodded in understanding as we looked back at Aiden.

"Sounds good," Emily said. Aiden nodded watching her and turned into his tracks as he started walking.

I saw Edmund walking fast to match with Aiden and he succeeded as well. I heard Emily let out a chuckle. I smiled along with her. They didn't say anything but were just walking beside each other. I guess sometimes even silence says it all. I don't know why Aiden is doing what he is but I'm sure he has his reasons which he is hiding from us else he hasn't left Edmund ever. But I am even more sure that he still is and will always be there for him just like how he took his side by punching Jake that day.

The riverside was looking empty now with little to no rush around. We stopped by our regular tree. I took out the stand of the cycle and joined the circle.

"What is it?" Emily asked looking at Aiden. Edmund and I moved our curious gazes to him as well.

"You guys should seriously stop looking out for the killer. It's not safe. Faith, you got the note yesterday. Don't take it lightly," Aiden said with frustration and anger. I let out a sigh.

"I already told you that I'm not going to stop just yet..." I was saying when he quickly cut me off.

"Because he provoked you?" He asked raising his eyebrows. I didn't say anything. I just couldn't. He was right that I am playing with the fire but I would rather go ahead than to sit at home and get killed by that man.

"He might kill you next if you don't stop now," Aiden said again. I gritted my teeth. Sure he was saying it out of worry but it made me angry. The things Rose said flashed through my head.

"And you two? You are just following her blindly rather than stopping her?" Aiden went ahead looking at Edmund and Emily who looked down at the ground.

"I told her but you know that she won't listen," Emily said giving me a glare. I rolled my eyes.

"We can't leave her alone so..." Edmund was saying when Aiden beat him off harshly.

"So this is the best you could come up with?" He asked with irritation visible in his voice. Edmund couldn't say anything over it.

"You asked us to come here for this? I thought you found something," I said changing the topic drastically because if he is going to keep nagging me then I might end up fighting with him which I don't want.

"Faith," Aiden shouted. I could see his fists were clenched and the anger was visible on his face. I let out a sigh again and moved forward to grab his hand.

"Aiden. I know what I am doing and I want you to be with me and help me because we need you," I said holding his hand in mine and making him understand. I smiled a little to which he just let out a sigh, "All of us."

I looked back at Emily and Edmund who nodded their heads in understanding. The smile being constant on their faces. Aiden shook his head as I pecked on his hand and moved aside standing next to him.

"I was thinking about the notes you took out the other day," he started. We gave our attention to him.

"You said the number written on George was 10, right?" he asked looking at me. I nodded at him gently.

"Yes," I said.

"But then the killer in the past stopped right at 8. So where did the number 9 go?" He asked as I looked at Edmund and Emily. That's right! I didn't even pay attention to this fact because of all the events that unfolded after that.

Where the heck did number 9 go. I could see myself trembling a little. This shit is getting scarier. Someone is playing some wicked game with us. There is one more body lying somewhere around and we didn't know about it? Someone who got murdered before George?

"You're right," Edmund said looking worried sick, "Where did it go?" He asked further moving his gaze to all of us one by one.

"Meaning he has killed someone else as well?" Emily asked. I couldn't utter a word as I was still in shock as my heartbeats were raised.

"But who? And how is that possible?" Edmund asked again looking at Aiden. We moved our gazes to him as well. He shook his head negatively.

"No one reported anyone missing from the town," Edmund said. I nodded in understanding.

"Neither the cops found anybody," he said again.

"That is the thing. There is no record so maybe someone living alone and he has dumped the body somewhere where no one could find it," Aiden said. I nodded again. Edmund and Emily were in their thoughts as well.

"Why would he do that?" I asked after a few moments of silence.

"Maybe he is entertaining himself by doing so but did anyone notice?" Aiden said. That's true the killer is seriously a psychopath if he thinks that way. Whether he is the same from the past or anyone new.

"Hold on," I said remembering something suddenly. I don't remember sharing anything about the past with Aiden. I didn't share my research at the library. He sure knew I'm doing something but I never told him about the past killings. How did he know?

"How do you know that there were 8 murders reported in past? I didn't tell you," I asked the same question. His posture toughens as he looked at me with a blank face.

"You didn't even show any interest before," I said again. Emily and Edmund looked worried seeing the generating tension between us.

"Everyone knows what happened here, Faith," Aiden said and I could feel the brokenness of that voice. He knew I'm suspecting him of something that I had some doubt in my mind. I felt pathetic. I couldn't even take those words back. It was too late.

"I have lived my whole life here," Aiden said again without moving his gaze away. It was heavy and I felt uncomfortable. I hated myself at the moment. This was not how I planned to ask him about anything.

"That's true. Maybe I am thinking way too much," I said giving an awkward smile but failed.

"Are you guys suspecting me?" He asked again looking around at us. I shook my head negatively. The tears gathered in my eyes looking at the look on his face.

"You? Out of all?" He asked looking back at me. I shook my head rapidly as the tears finally escaped my eyes.

"I don't suspect you, okay?" I moved closer to hold him but he was fast. He took a few steps away from me. I started explaining myself to him before he runs away, "It's just you have been acting weird and then that Rose said Mrs Wittnakar works for you and the fact that she met Mr Gracias before he got killed and then she is disturbed so..."

"So you thought it's my family?" He asked making his voice a bit louder. The anger was feeling inside him and he was shaking. I felt fear looking at him at the moment.

"She didn't think anything. But you just keep acting weird," Edmund tried to control the damage but it's too late now.

"Because I hang out with Tyler? I told you, people, that I..." Aiden was saying but stopped abruptly. He shook his head with a sad smile.

"Forget it," he said and started walking past us.

"Wait, Aiden. We don't suspect you but we want to know what's going on with you," Edmund rushed and held his hand.

"I don't think you guys are worth it," Aiden said and jerked Edmund's hand away. He looked at me with rage and started walking again.

"Wait," I shouted, "We need to find out about the ninth one."

I knew that was a futile attempt and that I already have ruined things between us. Aiden didn't stop or looked at me but kept on walking ahead.

"I guess you have got trustworthy people on your side," he shouted back. The tears came out one after another as I kept looking at his treating back without moving my gaze.

He vanished on the road as I started to tremble without control over my own eyes. I felt Emily holding me from the side. She had her own eyes filled with tears but she still stayed holding me tightly and security in her arms. Why do I have to say that? Just why?

How obvious was that? He was born here and have lived his entire life here so he obviously could have known it. Why couldn't I think straight? Why do I have always have to be reckless?

The rain started pouring heavily when we made our way back to my house. Edmund and Emily made sure I reach the door and get through it. I waved at them as they walked away. I was drenched completely and I was glad for that. At least, no one would question me if I was crying.

"Where have you been?" I froze in my position when I heard dad. I looked at him and got the biggest surprise. Aiden was standing beside him. His face was blank.

"Aiden?" I said and moved closer to where they were standing.

"I am glad at least he told me everything about yesterday," Dad said as I moved my gaze back to dad. I don't believe it. I never thought he would do that. Why is he doing? Out of concern? Or there is something more?

A tear escaped my eye when my gaze meets with his blue orbs. He moved them away as soon as if he doesn't want to face me.

"Where is the note?" I heard dad again.

"Huh?" I asked absent-mindedly. Dad was stern and there was irritated on his face.

"I want the note and I want to know why you went there?" He asked raising his eyebrows. I still don't believe Aiden is the one to break my trust. I was in no state to answer any of the questions. The tears were flowing through my eyes.

"I wanted to know about..." I was saying but stopped when Dad glared at me. The look he held was of anger and frustration and I knew no matter what I say, I am going to get the wrath.

"And you think you could catch the culprit? Cops are doing their thing," he said.

"But I just..." I was trying to explain but he didn't let me do it.

"You won't be going anywhere besides school. Do you understand?" He said the one thing I feared the most. Grounding me! What am I suppose to do now? I can't stay at home and do nothing. The face in the window haunts me and if I stay calm then I might go crazy.

"If anyone wants to meet they can come to this house," he said again.

"But..." I was speaking but dad moved in his track and started making his way inside the house.

"I guess I made myself very clear," he said and vanished inside the house. I kept looking at Aiden with unbelievable expressions but he didn't meet my gaze. He started walking out of the door but I was quick enough to reach him and grab his arm.

He stopped and looked at me. The look sent shivers throughout my body. Did I understand him wrong before? My eyes were asking the thing my mouth refused to speak. Why did he do that? He got it and moved his hand over mine freeing himself from my grip.

"I already told you to stop," he said and left keeping me there alone in the almost dark room.

____________________________________