Unfinished (Chapter-8)

Arden hops out immediately after me when we arrive to my house to walk me up to the door. He follows me quietly, until we reach the threshold, I move to search through my purse to find my keys. Head down, and digging through my bag, I say. "Thank you for today, I had a great time."

Finally, pulling my keys out of my bag I look up at him to see him watching me with a small smile. Gone was the uncomfortable look from earlier when he stood on my porch. "Of course." We stood there a moment more before he steps closer to me, reaching up and tucking a stray hair behind my ear. His hand still cupping my face, I crane my neck back to look up to see him leaning forward.

Before his lips could meet mine, there was a loud bang from the other side of the door, causing us to jump back. I look through the little window by the door to see Cassy's retreating figure. Cursing under my breath, I turn back to Arden to see him looking worried. "Maybe, I should check to make sure no one is in there before you go in? Figure out what made that noise."

Shaking my head frantically, I put myself between him and the door. "No! No need. I uh- I kind of took in a stray cat last night, it probably knocked something off the table. No big deal." I rant, while opening the door, and stepping in, making sure that there wasn't much room for him to peek in. "Um, thank you again- for today. I had a great time! I'll see you around, goodbye!" Quickly shutting the door and leaning against it.

I wait until I hear his footsteps retreating off of the porch before I push off of the door. "Cassy? Cassy where are you?" She didn't answer me, so I decide to go search for her. Walking up the steps I could hear movement in one of the spare rooms. I haven't even been into them yet to clean them out, I didn't feel they were as important as the rest of the house.

Walking in, I notice the room is done up with pink paint, and has a fairytale looking bed. Looking at the small desk in the corner, I notice a picture of Arden and Cassy at what looks to be a school dance. This must be her old room. Cassy is laying down on the bed, face first. I approach her cautiously. "Cassy?" She whips around, tears floating in her eyes, as she looks at me with a hurt expression.

"I know this is irrational. I know that I am dead, have been for a while, and I know that he is older now. I just- I've never seen him with anyone else, and almost seeing him kiss you... It hurts." She throws her hands up frustrated. "I wanted... No, I want him to move on, damn it. I just didn't expect it to be with you." She almost sneers the last word and I try not to take offense by it.

Searching my mind for what to say to her, I wipe my hands on the skirt of my dress. "Cassy. I'm sorry. I- I didn't know he was going to try to kiss me. I would never try to hurt you intentionally." She stares at me. I could see the hatred she had for me a moment ago, fade away. She let out a deep breath.

"I know that." She whispers. "Just, please don't date him. Not until I move on at least." Shocked with her words, I couldn't respond. I can't do that. I don't want to. I can't explain what is between Arden and me, but there is something there. I don't want to push him away until I have a chance to explore that.

However, it can not be that long until Cassy moves on. Maybe I could just keep Arden at arms length for now. No more almost kisses. I'm sure he will understand, I can play it off with me barely knowing him and wanting to get to know him first. That could work.

"Okay." I reply shortly. Turning on my heels and walking away from her, and into my own room. I can do this, it shouldn't be for much longer. I mean her unfinished business involves Arden and her brother moving on, so we are on the right track.

Grabbing my phone from my purse, I decide to download the app I messaged Cassy's brother on. That way, when he replies, I can be notified right away. After downloading it and signing on, I see I have an unread message. Clicking on it, I notice it is from Charlie.

Hey, it is nice to meet you, Abby. Thank you for not throwing them out, I will actually be in town next week if you would like to meet up and I can pick them up. Maybe I could even thank you with taking you to lunch? Let me know what works best for you. Btw, you are so not creepy.

Smiling like a fool, I fell back onto my bed. I guess there is no harm in going to a friendly lunch. But then again, today's non-date didn't really turn out the way I thought it would. Maybe I can accept but make clear my intentions? Better yet, I think I better refuse lunch. No need to even give the chance of something getting misinterpreted. Typing out my message, I read over it before pressing send.

I will have to pass on the lunch, no need to thank me with anything. However you are more than welcome to stop by. I'd give you my address, but you already know it. lol I should be off work around 4:00 next Saturday, you can come by anytime after to gather the pictures and letter. See you then.

Grinning to myself, I quickly scroll through the app and come over an update from a girl I use to know and she tagged my adoptive brother in it. Just seeing his name is enough to wipe my smile from my face, and cause my heart to beat faster. I scan over what she posted. It is a picture of her and him, holding each other intimately, while the caption read, "Love this life with you.

Quickly closing out of the app, I throw my phone onto the bedside table. Closing my eyes, I press my hand to my heart, trying to stop the panic attack from coming. If only this girl understood exactly the kind of guy Conner really is. Shaking my head, it is no longer my concern. Getting up to change into pajamas, I curl into bed and hope the nightmares don't come.