Because of Him (Read on Kindlé)

Chapter Two | Belle

I clutched Zoe's hand as the intensity of the movie's music heightened, us having decided to indulge in a horror movie after recovering from death. Aka, our torturous hangovers. However, my attempts to focus on the movie were futile as my thoughts kept gravitating towards Landon. I had shamelessly hidden outside upon hearing his voice come from the opening front door as I arrived. Securing myself behind a bush of leaves until I saw his car pull out of the driveway.

Was I proud of myself? Not really. But was I impressed by how quickly I managed to squish myself into the scratchy brush? I mean kind of. Mission Avoid Landon, success. Though the small, irritating bumps on my arms and legs would say otherwise.

"Belle!" Zoe's voice snapped me back to reality, and I shifted my gaze to her, the only illumination coming from the TV. She chuckled at my distraction before refocusing on the screen, and I followed suit. The movie reached one of those cliché moments where you anticipate a jump scare or a scream, and despite knowing better, both Zoe and I still managed to fall for it.

The music's pitch heightened, creating an eerie atmosphere that had both Zoe and me on edge. As the tension in the movie built, I found myself squeezing Zoe's hand tighter, our senses fully immersed in the unfolding drama on the screen. "No, no, no" our synchronized whispers filled the room, bracing for the anticipated climax.

Because of Him (Read on Kindlé)