Chapter 6: What To Do

A Chapter by Lydia

Kelsey stood on Ryan's doorstep. It was dark out by now, and standing there reminded her of standing on Lauren's doorstep that horrible, life-changing night. "C'mon, Ryan," she muttered to herself as she waited for him to open the door.

"I'll be there in just a second," called a voice from inside the house.

Kelsey had called Ryan as soon as she got home that afternoon after the encounter with Drew. He had told her he'd be at her house as soon as possible, but she told him that she thought it would be better for her to come to his house. She didn't want her parents suspecting something, and Ryan only lived with his mom whom worked the night shift. So, they could be alone at Ryan's house, and they wouldn't have to whisper. It would be easier.

After a few more minutes of waiting the door finally opened. "What the heck were you doing in here?" Kelsey asked as she stepped into the house.

"I was cleaning up when you came. Let's just say my mom isn't the best housekeeper," he explained, rubbing the back of his neck with his hand, and then gestured for Kelsey to take a seat. Even though they had known each other for years Kelsey hadn't been to Ryan's house very much. He usually came to her house or they went to Lauren's house.

Kelsey sat down on the beige and rather uncomfortable couch that was pushed against the wall of the livingroom. "So, explain to me what happened again. I couldn't make much sense out of what you were saying on the phone. You were too hysterical," said Ryan as he took a seat beside Kelsey on the couch.

Kelsey rolled her eyes at Ryan's obvious bit of teasing about being hysterical. "Well, you wouldn't be in too great of a mood either if someone threatened to kill you," she snapped back, a little irritated that he was being so insensitive.

Ryan's eyes widened. "Wait. What? He threated to kill you?"

Kelsey sighed, and twisted up her face, thinking. "Well, he didn't exactly use that word. See, he told me that he knew I was there. He said he saw me. I tried to play it off like I didn't know what he was talking about, but apparently I wasn't very convincing. He said that I better not tell or whatever, and then I said something along the lines of he couldn't get away with anything twice. I don't know. It all happened so fast. Anyways, he told me not to get brave, and that I should know where that might get me. And then he took his finger, and drug it across my neck," Kelsey shuddered and added, "I'm pretty sure that's not a sign of endearment."

Ryan leaned back into the couch. "I'm so sorry, Kels. I didn't know he was that serious," he apologized, and placed his hand on her shoulder.

Kelsey lowered her head staring at her shoes. She shook her head. How could all this happen? One day everything is great and dandy, and then the next her friend is dead and shes got a crazy person giving her death threats. It was a lot for a girl like Kelsey ,who had been pretty sheltered for most of her life, to handle. She felt the tears stinging at her eyes, but she held them back. She didn't want Ryan to see her cry again. "I'm scared," she choked out, the words catching in her throat. She felt arms wrap around her, and she squeezed her eyes shut.

"Me too."

She could feel his warm breath on her neck as he spoke. This was the closest she'd ever been to Ryan, and it made her feel slightly nervous. She turned her head, and buried it in his shoulder, breathing in what smelled like warmth, safeness, and comfort.

Ryan lifted Kelsey's head holding it in his hands. "We've got to tell, Kelsey. I know you're scared to, but if Drew is crazy enough to do everything hes done, I don't think it matters if you tell or not. He might try something anyways." He didn't want to come out and say that, but it was the truth. Sometimes the truth was scary.

Kelsey bit her lip, and pulled her head away. "I can't."

Ryan shook his head. "What if I tell? I can just say I suspect it was him by some things I've heard him say. No one has to know that you told anything or that you were there," he offered.

"No. I don't want to drag you into this. If you tell he might do something to you. I've already lost Lauren. I can't lose you, too."

Ryan took her hand in his. "What about me? I don't want to lose you, either. You can't stop me. Either you come with me, and support me, or I do it by myself. Either way I'm going to do it."

Kelsey bit her lip. He really was crazy. He was right, though. She couldn't stop him. She would support him because that was the least she could do. "Fine. I'll go with you."

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