The imaginary friend- Chapter 9

giantbear (74)in #fiction • 8 years ago

Claudia went straight to Sandy's house after work. David and Billy came to greet her before going back to Billy's room to play. They seemed to be best friends now and Damian seems to be long forgotten. Claudia was absolutely exhausted. Work was great, but she could not shake that eerie feeling or get the image of the little boy out of her head.

"So how was your day?" Sandy asked and handed Claudia a glass of wine as soon as she entered the kitchen.

"Work was good, everyone at the office is so supportive"

"Come, you can help me with the salad!" Sandy said and handed Claudia a knife and some lettuce.

"Your food smells delicious Sandy. I don't know how I'm going to repay you for everything you have done for us..."

"Don't be silly Claudia. I really enjoy your company, and besides, Billy has a new friend and that is all that matters."

"Thank you Sandy, I don't know what we would have done without you? I went back to the apartment today to fetch clothes....and..." Claudia took a big mouthful of wine.

"What happened? Did something happen?" Sandy asked anxiously.

"It was fine....until I had to go back inside because I forgot something. I literally saw the boy standing there."

"It must have been your imagination...." said Sandy trying to be supportive.

"Nope, I'm serious. Not going back there. I am already looking for a new apartment as we speak."

"Well you can stay here for a while if you want. Just until you find a new place....you're going to lose your security deposit though.."

"I really don't care about money now. I am worried about our safety. I am scared from the minute I walk into that place and I can't sleep properly."

"I'm sure there is an explanation for what happened Claudia....it's scary but there has to be some scientific explanation. I have a friend that I want to introduce to you. He is very much into the supernatural and he might just be the guy that helps you out of this dire situation."

"Perhaps it will not be a bad thing if you call him. Perhaps we can make some light of this situation after all."

Sandy forgot about dinner in the oven and quickly jumped up to rescue what was left. Luckily she saved the chicken in time before it burnt to a crisp and called the boys to come for dinner.

They all had an enjoyable dinner and while Sandy ran a bath for the boys Claudia started to clean up. She was still washing dishes when she heard Sandy talking to someone on the phone.

"Thanks for doing the dishes...I've just spoken to Derek. He is the guy I was talking about. I invited him over for drinks. Is that okay?"

"Sure, anything to get that picture out of my head."

Claudia went to her room to fetch her laptop and decided to take a quick shower. She tied her hair on top of her head , and dressed in a comfortable jean and sweater. She did not need to impress anyone.

She didn't even hear the doorbell and felt embarrassed when she walked into the living room and saw Derek sitting there

He was quite a character, but she liked what she saw. He introduced himself and poured her a glass of wine. She took a seat next to Sandy and then he asked her about herself. She told him a little about herself, and David and then she told him exactly what happened in the new apartment.

"I'm sure you must think I'm crazy but I'm scared Derek. I don't know what to do."

"I would love to go to the apartment to check it out. You can come with me if you don't trust me?"

"Now? Oh, I am great right here thanks!" Claudia said and both Sandy and Derek laughed.

"Wait while I get the key for you."

She handed him the key and wrote the address on a piece of paper.

"I'll bring the keys back tomorrow night. I promised Sandy that I will come and cook for you girls. Is that okay?"

"Perfect. I've got everything I need right here."

They locked the door when he left and Sandy excused herself to go and shower. Claudia poured herself another glass of wine and took a seat on the couch and opened her laptop. She typed in Barrister apartments and then waited for the search to come up.

She opened the link that popped up on the screen and read the article. There was nothing significant and she searched again. She was sure that there had to be something about the history and kept on searching. Then she found it. She couldn't believe what she was reading, and couldn't wait for Sandy to get out of the shower to show her.

- To be continued -