Page 78 of Dare You to See Me
I take a step back but underestimate my proximity to her nightstand and bump it, causing the items to rattle. I hold my breath and freeze but she’s startled awake. Her eyes pop open but they’re unfocused and adjusting to the dark.
I take the moment to flee, running as fast as I can. I fumble with the doorknob, my hand suddenly weak and clumsy, and I can hear a scream. I get it open just in time to jump out and shut it behind me before I can be discovered. I tried to close it quietly, but it’s possible she heard.
I run faster than when D, Henny and I almost got caught stealing from the convenience store. The difference is this time I can get in my truck and drive away. I start it up and shift into reverse instead of drive, and slam the gas. I don’t want to take the chance of driving past and she recognizes me.
When I get to the stop sign, I jerk the wheel to the right and kick it into drive, tearing off into the night and quickly. Fear and guilt begin to settle in my stomach and it doesn’t feel good. I only wanted to make sure she was safe. I didn’t mean to scare her.
My phone rings after a few minutes of driving and Soleil’s name glows on the screen of my truck. I can’t answer while I’m in my truck or while I’m so worked up. I know I’m close to the garage, so I pull and regulate my breathing.
Dialing her back, I shake my head and clear my throat.
“Malik,” her voice is panic stricken and I feel utterly sick.
“Soleil. What’s wrong baby?”
“I-I think someone was in my house.” The way her voice quivers, I can tell she’s moments away from crying.
“What? Are you sure?”
“Ye-yes. I heard my-my front door shut and I swear, I felt someone in my bedroom while I was sleeping. Can you…” Her breathing speeds up and I can hear when she breaks down.
“Malik,” Kyle’s voice cuts in. “Can you come over here? I’m going to call the police but she wanted to call you first.”
“No,” I blurt, then cool my tone. “I’ll be right there. Don’t call the police just yet. Let me get there and talk to her to make sure it wasn’t a bad dream. Maybe she’s still worked up from Wesley.”
“Don’t you think we should get the police involved?”
“Is Dahlia awake?” I ask.
“Yes. We both woke up when she screamed.”
“Then don’t you think the cops will make Dahlia more scared? She was woken in the middle of the night by a scream and cops in her house would only make her more frightened. Just wait until I get there and then we’ll figure it out.”
“Ok, but–” I don’t wait for her to finish her sentence before hanging up.
I jump out of the truck and run into the garage, knowing Henny has t-shirts in his office. I don’t want to show up wearing the same outfit as when I left her house hours ago.
I find a Dare Garage t-shirt and throw it on. I grab a baseball hat and rip a hoodie from the hanger. While I’m grabbing a new wardrobe, a text dings.
Henny: Someone’s at the shop.
Me: It’s me. Don’t worry. I’ll explain later but all is good.
Henny: Okay. Don’t forget to set the alarm
Me:
With my key fob in my hand, I set the alarm, lock the door, and I’m back in my truck in minutes. I turn down Soleil’s street when I remember a pair of sneakers in the back that I threw in there the other day when I went to the park afterschool with Dahlia.
I pull over and switch my shoes out, then race off to her house, pulling up with a screech. I knock on the door and call out, “It’s me,” and wait for them to answer.
Soleil opens and jumps into my arms, much like her daughter does. I squeeze her tight as she wraps herself around me, and walk back into the house.
“It’s okay, baby. I’m here. I won’t let anything happen to you.” I kiss her head and smooth circles over her back.
I feel like such an ass, knowing I’ve caused her this worry. I’m the one who has made her cry when all I ever want to do is make her happy. I sit on the couch with her still circled around me, and open my arm for Dahlia who watches from where she stands next to Kyle.
Dahlia hugs both of us, rubbing her mom’s back just as I do.
