OLD AND RUGGED, Lottie continued flipping through the dusty pages. All the while, she pursed her lips, movements slow and calculated. It had been a few years since this album was taken out because she could never find the courage. However, after finally meeting him face-to-face, she knew it was time. 

It was an album of her childhood. All throughout, it showed them at their best, looking into the camera and smiling. The reality, though, was much different. 

Lottie bit her lip, pushing it down the table. Then she sighed, feeling the side of her face. As much as she wanted to forgive and forget, she wouldn't. As much as she wanted to move on, she wanted to remember. This scar meant something; it was proof that her aunt wasn't fit to raise her. 

It was proof that she was a monster. 

After closing her eyes, contemplating, she dug it out of her pocket. It was a note, a hotel and phone number scribbled across. Then, at the bottom left corner, was the address to their new home. For a moment, she stared down at it, recalling just yesterday. 

Before parting ways, Eliott had penned the note after their heated discussion. Lastly, he mentioned that he'd be staying at the hotel for a few more nights.  And that Auntie wasn't there. 

Lottie shivered. At least he won't stalk us anymore. 

With that, she looked down at his number, paused, then reached for her phone. She needed to do something. Specifically, she needed a distraction. After pressing 'call', she nearly went to 'dial' when she scrolled down. When she saw Joseph's name, she mustered a smile. Maybe he was exactly what she needed. 

Maybe he was the perfect distraction. 

After the second ring, it was picked up, followed by a steady pause. 

"Joseph?" Lottie tried. "You there, pal?"

There was a low snicker on his end. "'Pal'? I don't know about that, Lottie. I still can't believe you questioned me yesterday."

"Well, at least it's Saturday," she said, rubbing her temple. "You're really not in the mood to talk, are you?"

"About what?" he deadpanned. "Are you gonna question me some more? Because I doubt it's to hang ou-"

"That's exactly why I called," she intervened, then paused, forming a response. "Joseph, I was wondering if you wanted to go to the movies."

At this, there was a long silence. "Wait," he managed, "really?"

"Yes. Really."

"Are you sure this isn't some test you'll later mock me for?" he asked a little too quickly. "Are you sure... you actually want to hang out? We've only hung out three times before, and it's been a while..."

She could hear his smile; his anticipation. "Yes, Joseph," she confirmed with a laugh. 

"Yes, as in...?" 

"Yes, I would love to go to the movies with you." Then she smiled, stroking her chin. "So, that's a yes?"

"But when?" Joseph asked, beginning to pace. "I'll be busy tomorrow since my parents and I are visiting my relatives..."

"Would today work?"

"Yes!" he exclaimed. "But at what time?"

"Would 6:00 pm work?" she offered, rising from the table. "If not, then-"

"Yes!" he repeated. 

"Well, I'll see you then. Remember, it's the movie theater out of town. Bye, Joseph." With that, she hung up. 

Are you super excited or super sarcastic?

Considering the notion, Lottie chuckled as she wandered the house, only to stop and frown. Slowly, she pressed her hand over the glass, matching his hand with hers. The muddy print was still there, faded over time. Then, in the same beat, she drew back, stiff. 

She needed to wash this off. It was only a reminder that her brother was nearby, waiting. 

After disappearing into the bathroom, Lottie came back with a soaped washcloth, then stepped outside. For a moment, she stared down at it, clutching the rag, face twisted. In the next, she scrubbed at the print until it was gone. 

When she returned, Lottie thoroughly washed her hands in the kitchen sink. Even though she had done so recently, they just felt dirty. Filthy, even. 

Lottie had always been this way. She liked her place to be clean and spotless, and she was no exception. Meanwhile, the woman recalled, her brother was the polar opposite. 

She sighed, pulling out her phone. It was 4:32 pm. Then, lifting her head, her smile returned. Maybe this was a good idea. As she made way for her chair, she fidgeted, heart pounding. 

Am I nervous?

Lottie scoffed at the concept, reaching for the remote. She was too old for butterflies, especially when she didn't even like the guy. However, about to press the power button, she tossed it back. "I should really find out what to wear."

After changing into a white tank-top, with a navy-blue jacket, she put on black pants. Then, as a final touch, she opened the bathroom mirror, eyeing the make-up. Instead, though, she shrugged off the thought. This wasn't a date; she didn't need makeup. 

Pulling out her phone, she then looked to the shower. It was only 4:48 pm, so she might as well. Even if I'd have to re-dress...

When all was said and done, she stood before the front door, phone in hand. Then, nodding, she twisted the knob, the evening's chill air biting her. 

It was time. 

-

"You look great," Joseph said, pulling her into a hug. 

Taken aback, she mustered a smile, returning the gesture. When they parted, she turned to the movies advertised on the walls of the theater. "Which movie do you wanna watch?"

Joseph followed her gaze, shivering within his loose t-shirt. "Well, what do you want to watch?"

This is already awkward. "Well," she said, "have you ever seen... the first Quiet Place? I thought the first was kind of cool."

"Nah."

Lottie gave him a double-take, her smile growing. "Okay, well-"

"I'm joking," he said back, giving her a nudge. "Let's just get inside. I'll pay!" Then he shivered some more as they walked side-by-side. "I've always loved the commercials."

However, she gently tugged him back by an arm. "Here." When he was turned, searching her, she laughed. "Take my coat."

"No, I'm fine," Joseph insisted, holding up a hand. "I'm sure it's warmer inside, anyway."

"Well-"

"Besides, it looks a little feminine." Then he chuckled, but kept a distance. "Let's just get inside, okay?"

"Okay." Lottie studied him for a moment. "No jacket."

-

When they were seated in the front, each with small popcorns, they shared a look, smirking. 

"I didn't know you had that in you," Lottie said, giggling. "Is this always what you do?"

In response, Joseph gave a shallow nod, then tossed a piece into his mouth. "Always."

"Well, when you said you'd pay, I thought it was super kind," she mused. "I just didn't know you'd find these popcorn buckets in the trash, then ask for refills."

"Well, it's certainly cheaper." Then he stared ahead, meekly adding, "I'm known for being a bit cheap."

With that, though, the commercials ended, each sharing one last look. From all around, there was a comfortable silence, anticipation in the air. 

For the first time in a while, her smile was genuine. As she continued on with her popcorn, she watched as the movie progressed, enjoying herself. This meant she was right; he was the perfect distraction. 

 Halfway in, however, was when a phone rang, full-volume. It was his. When it continued, she turned his direction, nudging him, only to freeze. The man was snoring softly, head tilted her way. 

Lottie swallowed hard. "Joseph." She gave him another nudge. "Joseph."

Suddenly, he jolted upright, reaching to silence his phone. "I'm sorry, Lottie. I..." After looking at the caller ID, he sighed, lifting his head. "I need to talk this. It's my mom and she's sick." 

Despite herself, she nodded a few times. "Go on, then. I understand." 

Joseph forced a smile, studying her face, before excusing himself. 

Only then did the first tear fall. It's time, she thought, gathering her things. I need to talk to him. 

I need to talk to Eliott. 

-

He picked up after a couple of rings. On his end, there was a soft exhale. "Well, have you decided?"

Lottie set her jaw as she trudged outside. "Eliott, I really want to know why." Then she paced the sidewalk, advertisements lining the building. "Are you there?"

"This is about years back, isn't it?" His tone was low; skeptical. "Is that really why you called?"

"Just answer me!" Lottie hissed. "Why did you never stick up for me?"

"Now that's a little dramatic."

"Really?" she pressed, stopping mid-step. "You think I'm being dramatic?"

"Yes, I really do."

"Well, she'd always treat you better, Eliott, so I guess you don't really know, do you?" Then she sniffled, hugging herself. "You've only got one perspective, after all." With that, she chuckled dryly. "But you're not dumb, Eliott."

"What are you talking about?"

"However, everything made sense after that photo album..." Lottie wiped at her eyes, but more came. "If only I had looked sooner."

-

Flashback ~

She slowly turned the pages, studying its every picture. All the while, she hummed, legs dangling from the kitchen chair. It was the day after her brother and aunt had looked through the photo album, so she decided it was her turn. 

By this time, her aunt was cooking macaroni on the stove. Occasionally, she'd peer at the calendar on the fridge, deep in thought. 

However, Lottie paid her no mind, smiling to herself. Moments later, though, she would reach the second to last page and pale. "Auntie?"

"Yes, Lottie?" the woman asked, not bothering a glance. 

"Why are you holding my brother?" 

This time, she paused, then snapped her a look. "What are you talking about?"

Lottie's breath hitched as she held up the album, pointing to a picture. "You're in a hospital bed in a blue gown... and you're holding Eliott." 

In a beat, her aunt had closed the gap, grabbing the album from her. "You always ruin things, don't you, Lottie?" she sneered, returning to the stove. "You always have to be so terribly nosy."

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say he's your son," Lottie mumbled, looking her over. "But that's not true, is it?"

In response, the woman drew her lips tight. 

"But that makes no sense." Suddenly, she was squirming in her seat, watching through narrowed eyes. "Right, Auntie?"

"You tell your brother and you're out of here, got it? I don't care that you have nowhere to go."

Hey, everyone! I know you don't have all the answers yet and might be wondering about how she got that scar. Slowly, the pieces are coming together, though. Whenever there's a flashback, it adds on to what happened. 

Anyway, it's time for our interrogation! As always, feel free to skip this. 

1) How long goes it take you to write a chapter?

2) Do you write for fun, or to become a professional writer?

Anyway, I hope you're all doing well and God bless. <3