Chapter Eighty-Five

Immediately upon their return, Gabriel shooed them both, his flapping hands directing them to head upstairs, and they did so without a detailed look at the kitchen. Whatever he was doing seemed to require his utmost concentration.

After they both flopped onto the couch, with Lila feeling significantly worn out, Asher put on a YouTube Let’s Play video. It served as some good light-hearted entertainment while they waited for Gabriel to call them down for dinner.

So, when a knock sounded on the rumpus room door several hours later, rather than the crackle of the intercom, Lila noted that it was slightly odd but otherwise didn’t think much of it as Asher crossed the room to open it.

“G-Good to see you, Marlene,” Asher stuttered, widening the door and allowing her entry. Marlene, dressed in her usual maid outfit, strolled in, a plate of cookies and a steaming, ornate teapot upon a silver tray in her hands.

“Good to see you too, Mr Wagner,” Marlene replied politely. Her voice had a tinge of frost within ‘Mr Wagner’ that made Lila stand up. Marlene nodded at Lila before placing the tray down on the kitchenette counter. The silence in the room was entirely awkward and cumbersome – as though Marlene had brought a heavy cloud of it in here with her.

“Would you like some green tea?” Marlene asked, pulling two cups from the shelf. Lila glanced at Asher, whose face was reminiscent of tofu – both because it was white, and because he was sweating slightly.

“Yes please,” Lila responded. “For both of us.”

Marlene obediently poured out drinks for them.

“Dinner will be ready in about half an hour,” Marlene stated simply, carrying the cups towards Asher, who was still by the door. He reluctantly took one and Marlene walked to Lila and passed her the other cup.

“Thank you,” Lila said graciously. “Looks nice and cosy.”

“Yes,” Marlene acknowledged, wiping her hands on her apron. “Very.”

As Lila was about to bring the cup to her lips, she caught sight of Asher’s panic behind Marlene’s figure. He was shaking his head animatedly at Lila and her eyes flickered down to the tea. It… was probably a bad idea to accept anything from Marlene – especially since they were unsure of her reaction to their rifling in her home.

But there was something else that caught Lila’s attention, besides Asher’s warning. Something that she wasn’t sure was there before Marlene entered.

Two torches that looked oddly familiar were sitting neatly on the kitchenette counter, standing up as though they were soldiers being marked for attendance. Lila hadn’t put them there… and she had been watching Marlene the entire time she’d entered – she wouldn’t have been able to put those there… so where had they come from?

With a queasy feeling rushing through her head, Lila remembered exactly why they were familiar. They were the torches she and Asher had brought to their break-and-enter. The realisation made her remember that she’d left hers, at least, right beside the suspicious textbook on Marlene’s desk that she’d flipped through. Did Marlene put these here? Why? Was it a threat? To show that she knew?

But Marlene didn’t address the torches at all. Instead, she mentioned that Lila looked a bit unwell and suggested that Lila sit down. She did so – mostly because refusal would elicit follow-up questions.

“I’ve had an interesting afternoon,” Marlene unexpectedly spoke, jolting Lila into standing again. “But I digress. I have a present for you, Mr Wagner.”

He immediately stepped back, closer to the exit. “A what?”

“A present,” Marlene repeated. She plunged a hand into her apron’s front pocket and retrieved a minuscule, bedazzled duck statue. She looked down at it fondly before thrusting it at Asher.

“W-Why?” Asher asked tentatively, his arms remaining by his sides.

“Look at him,” Marlene insisted. “Isn’t he delightful?”

“I-I guess.”

“Besides,” Marlene said seriously, her voice low. “You seemed very fond of it.”

“I’ve never seen that in my life,” Asher replied swiftly. Marlene’s eyes narrowed.

“Sure you have,” she said, tilting her head to the side. “You were enamoured by it.”

Lila saw that Asher looked increasingly uncomfortable. He shook his head. “Must be mistaken.”

‘Wouldn’t it be better to admit that we were there?’ Lila thought, nervously looking between the two. They both stared at each other for a moment, neither moving a muscle, before Asher shifted his weight between his feet. His eyes darted down to the duck, then back up to Marlene. Marlene’s face relaxed into a smile as he took the duck from her hands.

“Perhaps,” Marlene said smoothly, passing Asher and opening the door. Then, she closed it without stepping outside. Lila’s palms began to sweat, her face twitching with anxiety – why did Marlene close the door?

“Just a word of advice,” Marlene said softly, turning around to look specifically at Asher. “You should remember to lock doors. Especially those you’ve unlocked. See you at dinner, Mr Wagner. Lila.”

Marlene inclined her head, smiling again at both Asher and Lila before disappearing through the doorway, closing the door gently behind her.

Without skipping a beat, Asher instantly began to pace, his hand firmly clamped onto his chin, the other still gripping the duck. “What was that?” he asked hoarsely, still pacing.

“I honestly have no idea,” Lila whispered. “She didn’t… specifically address anything about the break-in.”

“Do… you think we got away with it?” his voice sounded incredibly hopeful – pleading, almost.

Lila shook her head, pointing at the duck. “How else would she have known about you liking that duck?”

Asher looked down at it before placing it artfully on the coffee table. “Who doesn’t like duck statues?”

Lila sighed. He was right – who didn’t like duck statues? But, of course, that wasn’t the answer that Lila was confident about. Marlene had obviously looked through the footage and saw Asher looking at this particular one a lot. From what Lila could remember, it had been in the computer room.

“The fact that she’s not saying anything directly about the break-in is getting on my nerves,” Asher said, pacing again. Lila couldn’t agree more. It didn’t seem likely that Marlene had not noticed, especially since she returned their torches, provided Asher with one of her ducks, and talked about unlocking doors…

“I can’t help but think her comment about locking doors is a threat,” Asher finally admitted in a quiver. Lila stared at him for a moment, the wind knocked out of her, an overwhelming sense of horror taking its place.

“S-Surely not,” Lila replied weakly, trying and failing to sound reassuring. Asher returned her gaze with a grim one of his own.

“What else am I supposed to think?”

“Maybe… she’s trying to give you a tip.”

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“What, so we can break into her house again?”

“It’s not like she told us not to.”

Asher gave her a doubtful expression.

“She… might just be concerned about your safety,” Lila suggested in a small voice. His expression stayed the same, though his right eyebrow twitched.

“If she was concerned about my safety, she’d tell me what she knows about my Mum’s disappearance.”

The accusation laced within his words hung in the air between them, almost tangible enough for Lila to clutch. Was that it, now? Were they landing on Marlene as the likely perpetrator of Tabitha’s disappearance?

Asher sighed, rubbing his face with his hands.

“That… sounded a lot more pointed than I intended. She’s freaky as fuck, but so far I can’t see anything that links her to Mum specifically.”

“Yeah. At least, for now.”

“For now,” Asher confirmed softly. “Man, I’m drained.”

“No kidding. Same here,” Lila smiled. She gestured to the couch. “If we’ve got half an hour to kill, you may as well sit down.”

Asher sheepishly walked over and sat down. He grabbed a decorative cushion and hugged it to his body, as if for comfort.

“… Can you stay over tonight?” he asked, his voice almost inaudible. He was looking down at his legs, rather than at Lila. For a moment, Lila almost said ‘yes’. But… her worries about what that would mean for their... whatever this was halted her. And, besides, she didn’t bring anything for that.

“I-” Lila began before Asher cut her off.

“Don’t worry about it,” he said firmly. “Sorry. It was a stupid question to ask. I just got a bit in my head about Marlene. I’ll just lock my door.”

“It’s not a stupid question,” Lila replied, a blush forming on her face. “I would, but I don’t have anything with me to stay over. And, since we’re going to the shops tomorrow, I don’t think I should wear my Rock cosplay again.”

“Rock cosplay?”

Lila’s blush deepened. “It’s… a dumb joke. You know that photo of the Rock in a black turtleneck and chain? That’s what this outfit reminded me of.”

Asher snorted with a lopsided smirk. “Now that you’ve said that, yeah. You two could be twins.”

Lila leaned over and playfully smacked him on the arm.

“No WWE moves?” he asked with a laugh.

“Don’t test me,” Lila teased back. “Daniel’ll tell you that I’m not above slamming people to the ground.”

“Noted,” Asher grinned. He leaned back into the couch and sighed, squeezing the cushion on his lap gently. “You probably wouldn’t want to stay over anyway.”

“Why’s that?”

“Don’t know if you’d get much sleep.” He gave her a sideways glance before sitting up, spluttering. “O-Only because I talk in my sleep.”

“I see,” Lila said, her thumping heart being the only sound she could hear for a few moments. “It’s… not like I’d be staying in your room with you, though.”

“I can be pretty loud,” Asher replied. There was something in the way that he avoided her gaze that made her feel as though he was being evasive. Was he embarrassed?

“You don’t need to be embarrassed,” Lila said comfortingly. “I live with two siblings. It can be pretty rowdy at all hours.”

Asher simply nodded, a grimace flashing so quickly across his face that Lila wasn’t sure whether she’d imagined it or not.

“Anyway, I could possibly stay over one day, if you’re that worried about Marlene. I’d just need some notice,” Lila offered. “Well… I’d have to ask my parents first.”

Asher’s eyes met hers and he stretched his hands high above his head. “What about tomorrow?”

“T-Tomorrow? Like, after we get the photos developed?”

“Yeah. I think… well, tomorrow’s Thursday, right? Unless… you’re doing something on Friday?”

“I’ve told you a couple times that I’ve got no plans over the holidays. Elise and Grace ditched me, after all.”

“Right… uh… speaking of ditching, maybe I should talk to Isaac.”

“About what?”

Asher shrugged. “Hanging out. I’ve neglected him a bit.”

“Well, considering what you said before, maybe you should,” Lila smiled. “I dunno what guys get up to, but perhaps you should have a rematch over your miserable defeat at Mario Kart.”

“Rude.”

They both laughed before turning on another YouTube video or two. Eventually, Gabriel called them down for dinner via the intercom and Lila was pleased to see that he had repurposed the lamb into some tasty wraps with all manner of complementary fillings. Lila managed to ignore Marlene, mostly, who kept to herself this time, rather than asking them questions.

Once dinner was over, Lila could hardly keep her eyes open. She asked Clare if she could pick Lila up, and Clare agreed with the caveat of an offering of baklava (apparently, Gabriel had told her about his dessert misadventures with it). Gabriel packaged it up with a brilliant, excited beam and waved them away after placing it in Lila’s hands.

They both climbed the stairs at a lethargic pace and Lila began making sure she had all her belongings whilst Asher crawled onto the couch, yawning. She mirrored his yawn, suddenly wishing that she’d accepted his offer of staying over tonight despite her lack of clothes, toiletries, and whatever else she would need. As she continued to pack, they watched a video or two on some more animals.

“You know,” Asher said lazily, scrolling through his YouTube home page after the video on echidnas ended, “I think I’m gonna need a good few hours to recover from all this.”

“Yeah,” Lila replied, zipping up her bag and sitting down in her usual spot. “Same here. Did you wanna go to the shops at, like, 12 or something?”

Asher shrugged nonchalantly. “Probably as convenient a time as any.”

“I’ll have to let Clare know,” Lila replied, typing a note on her phone to remind her. Knowing her luck, with how spent her mind, body, and emotions felt, she’d forget as soon as she sat inside Clare’s car.

“Thank you,” Asher said softly. “For everything. Today, being here with me. My literal partner in crime. I… I’m so confused, with Marlene and everything that’s happened, but since you’re here… I feel comforted in knowing I’m not alone. And that you’ve agreed to go on this crazy ride with me.”

“I’ve had minor doubts, here and there, about whether any of this was a good idea,” Lila replied truthfully. “But… since the whole Piper stuff blew over, and especially after everything with your ex… I wouldn’t have it any other way. We’re in this together, and I’ll see all this through ‘till the end with you.”

He cracked a genuine smile at her before his eyes flashed downwards to her lips. His own seemed incredibly soft and warm, and they seemed to be getting close-

Lila’s phone buzzed loudly on the coffee table, making both Asher and Lila jump. Flustered, Lila quickly picked it up. It was Clare, saying she was outside.

‘Thank God,’ Lila thought with a twinge of disappointment yet also approval. ‘If she was any later, I might’ve done something I’d regret.’

Not that kissing Asher in and of itself would be something she’d regret – but the lines between friendship and dating were becoming so blurred that she needed glasses. The one thing she was sure of, however, was that she wanted to be his girlfriend – and be sure that they were each other’s one and only. And, most especially, that he wasn’t hung up on Holly still.

“I’ll walk you out,” Asher said, standing up. His face was slightly pink, but he didn’t speak as they trod the stairs. They didn’t encounter Marlene or Gabriel upon arriving at the front doors, which Lila was grateful for.

Asher punched the security code in and opened the doors for Lila. She could hear the distant rumbling of Clare’s car with the tell-tale doofs of her music choices. She slipped her shoes on and they both exited into the freezing outdoors.

“Should’ve worn a jacket,” Lila mumbled forlornly, pulling her arms closer to herself. Asher’s arms moved oddly for a moment before he rested them stoically by his sides.

“I don’t reckon you’ll need one for tomorrow, if we’re going to the shops mainly. But it wouldn’t hurt to bring one,” he suggested stiffly. Lila almost asked why he was talking like that when Clare’s voice obnoxiously hollered from the depths of her car.

“Hurry up, dude! You’re going to turn into a popsicle!”

“I better go,” Lila said quietly. “See you tomorrow. 12?”

“Yeah. If that’s alright with Clare.”

“What?!” Clare shouted. “You guys are mumbling!”

Rolling her eyes, Lila opened the car door and sat inside, telling Clare of their plans to go to the shops tomorrow at midday.

“Oh thank the high heavens,” Clare shuddered. “You two usually get up far too early. It’s been messing up my beauty sleep. I found a pimple on my forehead today! Me! A pimple!”

Lila waved at Asher, who returned the wave with a grin. Clare beeped the car horn, interrogating Lila immediately about her offering of baklava, before driving off into the night, the rising fog dancing in the beam of her headlights.

----------------------------------------

“You want to sleep over at Asher’s?”

Lila cringed as she registered the tone her Mum was using that Thursday morning. Distinctly unhappy and severe. ‘Probably a no, then…’ Lila thought wistfully, splishing her cereal hopelessly.

“It should be fine,” Lila’s Dad said carefully, placing a hand on Lila’s Mum’s arm.

“You’re approving this?” Lila’s Mum looked incredulously at him. “Why?”

“You know Asher,” Lila’s Dad replied simply. “You’ve been raving about how he’s such a good and smart boy and would be perfect for Lila.”

“When she’s thirty, maybe.”

Lila’s Dad sighed, giving Lila a peck on the cheek. “I tried, kiddo.”

“Thanks, Dad,” Lila replied. “Have a good day at work.”

Lila’s Mum looked between the two of them before placing her hands on her hips.

“… Only because it’s school holidays and because it’s Asher,” she relented, though her lips were pursed in displeasure. “No funny business.”

“Nothing funny about business,” Lila quipped. Her Mum gave her a death glare and she went back to splishing her cereal, though a brilliant smile was blossoming on her face. A sleepover with Asher, huh…

“I expect to see you back here at a reasonable time on Friday, too,” her Mum added sternly. “You may be on holidays and 16, but if I’m letting you do this, you must follow my rules.”

Lila jumped up, pulling her Mum into a tight hug. “Thank you!”

Her Mum softly patted Lila’s head before pinching her cheek. “You’re lucky that you’re a good kid.”

‘The goodest,’ Lila thought, biting back an awkward laugh. Her Mum would probably pick up on that energy if she let it out.

“Alright, well, I’ll see you tomorrow. At a reasonable time,” Lila’s Mum said, stepping back from Lila and walking towards the garage with Lila’s Dad in tow.

“Love you guys!” Lila called behind them. They both responded in kind before disappearing through the adjoining door.

Lila glanced up at the clock hanging up in the kitchen. It was almost 8am. If she was going to get all her stuff together, have a shower, and get dressed in time for a noon arrival at Asher’s, she needed to go. Now.