Mortal & Malignant

IMMINENT

I sprung out of the car abruptly and in a flash, made it to the door before Adrian could. 

"I'm the one with the keys, you know," I heard him yell out as his swift footsteps came closer towards me.

I moved to the side to get out of the way, as I knew I would be blocking the door.

Moments after he opened it, I pushed past to get to the kitchen because I had heard my stomach rumbling only minutes before.

"I didn't think danger could make you so hungry," I opened the fridge and began to search the top two shelves for food. 

"Just don't put me out of home after i have to replace everything," he snickered quietly to himself, but I knew he wouldn't be laughing long after I ate his dinner.

Roast and potato leftovers wrapped up in gladwrap, sitting on the third shelf. 

I heard Adrian slouch his body onto the couch as I grabbed the film off the roast and put it in the microwave.

"You know, I still can't believe this is happening. I just feel like I haven't processed this properly. To think that you could be gone forever in the next 5 minutes," I turned around to face him and saw him fiddling with his hands.

"I survived the first time, I'm sure I'll be fine. You know I'll find you again, and same goes for mum and dad. I can't have them asking about something that doesn't exist," Suddenly i remembered, I hadn't told Adrian I lied to my parents, and I wouldn't know how he'd feel about it either.

I scratched my head and looked down at the ground.

"What are you talking about Serenity? What did you tell them?" He looked concerned, but more overly interested.

"I told them I'm going on a trip with my class, it's the best excuse I could think of. I didn't really plan how i was going to say goodbye to them until I got there," I heard the beep of the microwave setting off before I removed the food from inside, and reached for a knife and fork on the dish rack.

"I smell roast. Are you eating my dinner?" I watched as he threw himself from his chair towards the kitchen but instead of snatching it, he stared at it intently. 

He gave a sigh before slowly backing away and leaning on the counter.

"Honestly, I should give it to you. You'll need to eat properly before you go anywhere," I gave a grin before digging into the food immediately, as I decided I didn't want to sit down and eat. 

I could almost feel the indigestion coming on, but i had grown used to it.

"So, you told them you'll be gone on a trip for a while? I know you don't want them worrying but why would you tell them that?" I went to speak through a mouthful of food, but knew it wouldn't be the smartest decision.

I swallowed what was left in my mouth and put the knife and fork down momentarily.

"I don't want them to think about me right now," I thought I would be having another word with him, but I stopped myself and knew I had looked ridiculous throwing my utensils as I picked them up again.

I scoffed what was left on the plate before putting it in the sink beside me.

"Should we go outside for a bit? I did want to see the stars. They look so bright tonight" I began gazing towards Adrian's screen door, the garden looked beautiful that night.

"Yeah, of course. I didn't make a perfect set up out there for nothing," he said.

We both slowly began to stand up and wander towards the door.

Adrian walked out in front of me and opened it before I could, while showing a smile of satisfaction.

"You really are taking chivalry seriously tonight, i never thought I'd see this day," I looked into his eyes and I couldn't help but admire his lips after the kiss we shared.

I took a step outside and stood beside him.

Did it mean something to him? 

I almost feel like he'll be alone when i leave, and it's the only reason he had this outburst, and the only reason he attempted to be affectionate.

Adrian smiled and waited for me to move further away from the door, knowing I took my time when i was feeling abruptly nervous.

I walked towards the right side of the veranda before he closed the door and followed behind me.

I swivelled around to look at the photinia hedges, blocking off any view from the outside world.

We stood on his back veranda, admiring the stars and how they light up the sky.

We slightly took our gaze away and sat down at the new Nardi step table he had bought weeks before.

"Is it just me, or do the stars look brighter tonight?" Adrian asked.

I stared back at the night sky but saw no difference.

"I think it looks just the same as any other night, and you're just saying that," I put my elbow on the table and put my face in the palm of my hand. 

He looked at me with a smirk as I saw him from the corner of my eye.

Suddenly, there was a ear shattering sound coming from inside, similar to the sound of a bullwhip cracking.

I felt a rush of cold blood running through my veins. 

The inevitable had found me.

We both jumped out of our seats and backed out onto the grass while keeping our eyes on the glass sliding door, which was the only thing separating us from the inside.

I felt bile rose up in my throat as I feared for my life, once more.