Chapter Eighteen

CHARITY POV

I tip toe up the porch steps, hoping my parents aren’t up yet, otherwise I am dead, sneaking in at 4 a.m. My hand wraps around the doorknob, twisting slowly, hoping it doesn’t creak as I push open the door. The bastard betraying me, as a long soul squeal sounds like cannon fire. It doesn’t stop until I have enough room to slip inside.

Exhaling, relief washes over me, as the door remains silent as I close it again, the deadbolt slipping into place. On light feet, I creep through the hallway, on my way to the stairs. Once I reach the bottom, I wiggle out of my shoes, putting them in my hands. Being cautious, I take my time climbing the steps, nearly halfway to the top before the light in hallway flicks on.

I stop like a deer caught in headlights, staring up, and waiting for a body to appear. Praying to the Goddess with all my might it’s dad. “Charity?” comes the groggy male voice, still in his pajamas, trying to wipe the sleep from his eyes.

“Hi, dad,” I say, unsure if I am