9.1 Mistrust

Blessedly, when you wake Luke is not there. Blinking in confusion, you're surprised to see the sun still out. No, not still out, you quickly correct, realizing you slept through until the next day. A slight fog seems to hang around you as you rise and go about your day. Despite this, you're amazed to find your body is feeling considerably better. The crutches you were given remain propped against the wall of your living room for the next few days. When Luke doesn't return on the first day, you're relieved. However, by the third day your relief has turned to slight concern. Not so much for your so-called fiancé but more so for what it implies. Regardless, you let the phone ring unanswered the few times someone has tried calling. Oddly, you feel as if the less you know the better. It's late in the afternoon on the fourth day when a different buzzing catches your attention. A slight sense of dread fills you as the sound of the doorbell humming rings through your ears. Inhaling sharply, you move for the door before swiftly pausing. Thinking better, you grab the crutches before returning.

"Lill!"

Your eyes widen in surprise as they land on the woman standing before you. Bright eyes stare back at you with a mix of anticipation and sympathy. You can barely make out her ruddy cheeks behind the oversized bouquet in her arms.

" Damnit Jodi," You breath out taking a few steps back to let her in. "Are you trying to give me a heart attack?"

"Who'd you think it was?" She asks in confusion before her expression changes to a knowing one. "Oh, you thought I was that tall gent who was skulking around."

"What?" You quickly demand, your blood running cold.

Jodi's confused look returns as she sets the flowers on the kitchen bar.

"Well you looked so scared I figured that's what you meant." She explains while shrugging her jacket off. "When I pulled up he was standing on the porch but he left soon as he saw me."

"Oh," You reply, deciding not to prod the issue lest she learn more than she should. "I'm sure he just had the wrong unit."

"I suppose." She agrees, turning her attention back to the bouquet. "Everyone 'round here knows not to mess with you anyway. Being the future 'Mrs. Sheriff' and all."

You remain silent, watching as the young woman unwraps the flowers and begins trimming their ends. Based on her expression, she's already moved on from the previous conversation. You can't help slightly envying her ignorance.

"Anyway," She begins chatting as continues trimming the stems. "Me and some of the gals all chipped in for these. When we first heard about the accident, everyone thought you were good as dead. Then next thing I know you're already back home. And all without a phone call."

She shoots you a look before moving to fill a vase with water. You can't help feeling somewhat guilty, especially considering the fact you had initially intended on leaving without goodbyes. Frowning, you absentmindedly place a few of the flowers into the vase.

"Sorry," You reply honestly after slipping the last flower into place. "I've had a lot on my mind."

Jodi nods understandingly before stepping away from the arrangement. She offers you a smile just prior to her eyes drifting over to the door. A frown quickly spreads across her face, prompting you to follow her gaze. You can't help mentally chastising yourself as your eyes land on the crutches leaned against the door. Even so, you swiftly attempt to ignore the mistake.

"You seem to be fixin' up quickly." She comments, sounding both surprised and confused.

"I wish." You chuckle lightly, still attempting to play it all off. "All the pills they have me on make me forget the pain."

"Well, I'm glad to see you up and about at least." She smiles politely, something about her demeanor changing.

Your own brow furrows as you watch her glance to the side again, this time clearly looking at the door. Her eyes eventually slowly shift back over to you with a look of unease over them.

"Is something wrong?" You ask, your brow creasing further.

"I-I..." She stammers slowly, her skin suddenly appearing pale. "I have to go."

"Alright." You frown again, stepping out of the way.

You watch in further confusion as she quickly rushes out of the door. Completely perplexed by the situation, you walk over to the counter where she's left her jacket. As you reach for it, something else catches your attention. Some of the flowers in the vase have inexplicably begun to wilt. Reaching out, you gently run your fingers along the stem of one of the dying plants. As you examine it closer you recognize it to be one of the ones you placed in the vase. In fact, all of the wilting ones are ones that fell to your touch. Your grip around the stems tightens before quickly pulling away in distress. The flower once in your hand has now completely decayed to the point of nearly turning to ash.