The Bear’s Secret Page 4

  There was a knock at the door. He looked up, quickly hiding a couple of the contents, walking over to the door to open it. To his surprise, it was Darren.

  “Hello there,” Billy said.

  “Hey. Wanted to talk to you. Everything okay?” he asked.

  “I’ve been better. I’m just… trying to figure out myself. I mean, I don't feel as upset, or as sad, but I just… I’m scared to let this all go. I’m scared because this is the first time I’ve ever let another in, and a part of me wonders if I’m doing the right thing,” he said.

  “Well, Billy, does she make you happy?”

  “She does, but I’m scared of what might happen if I let her in too much. I mean, I wonder if she'll accept me for who I am, for the monster that I was in the past, and for the sadness that I experienced back then,” he said.

  “The only way to truly know is to try. I mean, she makes you happy, correct?”

  “Yeah. And I'm happy to be near her. But, I also fear what might happen if I do go through with this. I mean, she’s so nice, but we also found some strange posters about people looking for paranormal activity. I know that it wasn’t Lisa or her former boss, it was from some hunter’s association, but it worries me a little bit. I fear that… that she might end up ditching me because of this,” Billy said.

  “It’s okay. I know that it’s not Lisa. I can tell when she’s doing things she shouldn’t be doing, and she’s been nothing but helpful as of late. So it’s definitely someone else, but it’s a question of, who the hell it is,” he said.

  “Yeah. I’m worried about who it might be, about who is causing all of this for myself, and for others,” he said.

  “The best thing for you to do at that point my friend is to watch and see. I know that she’s definitely a good person, but she might have her own ghosts, her own demons that are causing trouble, and you might want to be careful. I’m not saying don’t go through with it. By all means, do so, but I also do believe that if you need to back out at any time, you should do so,” Darren said.

  “I will. Thanks for that,” Billy said.

  “I’m here for you Billy. Even though I’m not necessarily the best, I feel that I can help you in my own way. I feel like we are similar in a sense. Both of us have elements from our pasts that we would rather not tell anyone, and we’d like to keep these nice and quiet,” Darren explained.

  “Yeah. I think so,” he replied.

  Billy would be lying if he said that he didn’t have his own problems, but as Darren walked away, he knew that he was torn about how he felt.

  On the one hand, he was so happy to have this person in his life, and he was definitely ready to have this experience, no matter what. But, on the other hand, he also knew that there was that nagging feeling that was there, that worry that this may not be as good as he thought it would be. He waited until Darren’s footsteps were gone before grabbing the picture that he hid under his bedframe, looking at them for a moment before he slept.

  He looked at the picture, seeing his family there, the people that mattered to him more than anything else. He wondered if that feeling of dread was something that would go away with Nikki.

  When he looked at that picture, he began to wonder if this was indeed the right thing, if he could get this kind of thing from Nikki. He remembered his past, the happiness that he felt, but he also remembered the devastation of that day and the way that things transpired.

  “I’m sorry I couldn't do something sooner,” he said to himself.

  He felt the tears well up in his eyes, the worry that started to grow through his body, tingling at every fiber of his being. He wondered if this was indeed the right thing, or if he was better off just leaving all of this in the dust.

  Nikki was so great, the possibility of her knowing about the shifters set him on edge. It wasn’t like it was a bad thing, but at the same time, he wondered if she would accept him for who he was. She seemed to be the type, but he couldn’t be sure. She was so unpredictable.

  He was constantly pretending to be cheerful. He knew that if he told her he’d feel better, but he feared that letting the truth out would make things go in a way he didn’t expect.

  Billy wondered if he could ever get over his past. But, he definitely felt like this was the right thing to do.

  Another week had passed, and Billy spent his hours at the mechanic’s shop working on different cars. He wondered as well if there was something else that he should be doing, but he was happier here. After his last car of the week, he sighed, sitting against the wall.

  “You seem a lot nicer these days,” the client said.

  “Yeah. I am. I’ve been seeing a girl,” he admitted.

  “Well, keep seeing her because you’re definitely much brighter now than you have been in the past. I can tell that you’re much better off with this,” he told Billy.

  Billy nodded. “Yeah. It’s been better than ever in my business, and I feel well… happier,” he stated.

  “That’s what matters. You need to be happier,” the person said.

  Billy then nodded, looking at the other person, and smiling in response.

  “Thanks. I’m happy about that,” he said.

  “Good. That’s what matters, hat you’re happy,” the other person said.

  “Well, I guess I should let you go,” Billy replied.

  The customer drove off and Billy returned to his business. It had grown since he started taking on all of this work, and since he met Nikki he felt elevated.

  However, he also felt a nagging feeling in his bones. He wondered if this would continue to be as perfect as it was at the moment. He was happy, and he didn’t feel like he was at the mercy of his depression, but would this last?

  Chapter 6

  Nikki felt the anticipation of going on another date with Billy. The two of them had been talking on and off over the last week or so, and she felt like they were finally building a connection that she didn’t have with anyone else.

  That night Nikki was waiting anxiously at the bar. Shortly after, Billy showed up.

  “There you are,” she said.

  “Hey. So you wanted to just sit around and chat?”

  “Yeah. The bar is closed,” she said.

  “Seems like you're in a good mood,” he said.

  “Yeah. I'm out of the house, that’s why I'm happier,” she pointed out with a laugh.

  “It’s just nice to get away from my parents for a bit. My dad has been on my case about going out recently,” Nikki continued with a sigh.

  It was starting to get to her, but Nikki knew that her dad might be doing this to protect her.

  “How so?”

  “He’s been asking what I've been up to, kinda pestering me about it a lot. I don't like when he gets on my case, and this is definitely one of those times,” she muttered.

  “Well, if he keeps it up, maybe you should tell him how you feel, and let him know that you're not okay with it,” he said.

  “I really should. It’s just… hard you know. I don’t know what to make of his recent attitudes. We’ve been growing apart, and when I know that I'm with you, I know that he’s upset about it. Maybe it’s because I'm finally coming out of my shell and showing interest in guys. But, he needs to let it go. I'm 26, not some damn kid anymore,” she said.

  “Parents are weird. I mean… I hear about this a lot. Can’t say I can totally relate, but at the same time, I can,” he said.

  “What happened to your parents? Are they alright?” she asked.

  He tensed, feeling the gaze on his body.

  “I'd… rather not talk about that,” he said.

  ”It’s all good. But thanks for listening. Is your roommate situation any better?”

  “Yeah. I told them about you. They’re happy about it. I can tell that they’re legitimately proud of me. I'm usually the last to find a girl, so I think I'm alright,” he said.

  She could tell that he was happier, especially from the smile on his face. But she could also
see an inkling of sadness in his eyes.

  “You sure you’re okay?”

  “Yeah. Say, Nikki… what do you think about us?” he asked.

  “That’s a strange question. But, I like this. I like us. I feel like we work well together. Why are you asking this? You’re not mad at me… are you?”

  “Not at all! I was just asking because I just really like you a lot and it’s different for me. I'm not used to getting girls, and you’re probably the first that’s shown a legitimate interest in me. So thanks,” he said.

  “You're welcome. Guess I did something right,” she laughed.

  “You have. You really have in your own way,” he said.

  “Well, I'm honored. Really. I am,” she said.

  “Good. I am glad to at least be kind of helpful in your life,” he said.

  “Trust me, you have.”

  “I'm glad. I mean, you seem to be in a better place than before,” he said to her.

  “Yeah but, sometimes I feel like you’re holding something from me.”

  She smiled, feeling the look on Billy’s face hit her body. She let a long sigh while thinking about everything.

  “You know, I really don’t know what life has in store for me next. I like working at the bar, but it is kind of a temporary thing because my family is strange. Honestly, I only did it because it’s good money, and it helps my ailing mother. And I think that I'm okay at my job,” she said to him.

  “I get that. I kind of feel that as a mechanic. I do it well. Have my own garage and everything. But sometimes I feel like there’s so much more to this, that I don’t know what will happen next. I really don't know what the future holds in store for me,” he said to her.

  She nodded, listening to the words that he uttered.

  “Well, maybe we shouldn’t be so focused on that, and instead, focus on the future. I mean, if you want to, you know… see each other consistently, I wouldn’t mind that,” she said.

  In truth, Nikki hoped he would say yes. But, there was a pause, and the look on his face showed something else.

  “Nikki, if you found out I was a monster, what would you think?”

  “That’s a strange question. I mean, do you mean like a zombie or a creature that goes bump in the night?” she asked.

  “Sort of. What would you think, though?”

  “I would still care about you, as long as you didn’t, you know, hurt me or anything,” she said.

  He nodded, listening to her.

  “Fair enough. I don’t mind that answer. Don't worry about why I asked though,” he said.

  “You're bullshitting. You think I'm not going to worry,” she snapped.

  “No, it’s just… I don’t want you to freak out or anything. It’s hard to explain,” he said.

  “Obviously. But, if you don’t want to talk about it, I'm not going to force you,” she said.

  Nikki could tell he was worried about something. However, at the same time, he acted like there was nothing that she should be worrying about. And that question about him being a monster certainly sparked an inkling of curiosity.

  “Besides, you could never be as much of a monster as my own old man is,” she said to him.

  “What do you mean?”

  “My dad is so overbearing. He and I get into fights a lot. A part of me wants to say screw it and leave, but my mom… it’s rough,” she said.

  “I get that. Well, you’re strong Nikki. I admire that,” Billy said.

  She blushed and then smiled.

  “Thanks. I could say the same about you. I can tell that you've got some serious balls,” she said.

  “I guess I do. Sometimes I don't feel like I do, but I'm glad that someone here thinks so,” he told her.

  She nodded. She could tell that the conversation was starting to fade out. She got up, mixing a couple of drinks.

  “Anyways, let’s not worry so much. Have a couple of drinks. It’s on me,” she said.

  Billy smiled, and she grinned right back. Life might be hard, but she didn't care. She was just happy to have him in her life.

  The two of them spent the rest of the evening talking, and they agreed to meet up the following day. Nikki felt a radiant feeling in her body, and her excitement of it all was gradually growing within her. When she finally made her way back home, she felt that nothing could bring her down.

  The following evening, Nikki was getting ready to leave for her date with Billy. As she made her way through the door, she heard a small grumble from her father.

  “You’re going out again?” he said.

  “Yes. Billy wants to see me again, and I want to spend a little bit of time again with him. It’s only for a bit,” she said.

  The look on his face immediately set Nikki off. She looked at him, and then, he sighed.

  “Of course. You’re being so responsible again. Great,” he said.

  “You know dad, you don't have to be like that,” she snapped.

  “You’re not being a good person. You’re going out, acting like a floozy with some guy, and I'm pretty sure you've already messed around with him,” he said.

  The anger in her eyes was enough to set an entire room ablaze.

  “That’s what you think of me, dad? That I'm some kind of fucking floozy? Wow,” she said to him.

  “That’s what I believe. You’re always going out. And I don’t trust that guy. Heard he’s part of that group of weirdos that the buddies of mine keep discussing. He’s bad, and you’re acting out of line. It’s better if you just stay home,” he said with an admonishing tone.

  Like hell, she would listen to that. She grimaced while looking at her father with complete annoyance.

  “Fuck you, dad,” she said to him.

  “What was that young lady?”

  “Fuck you. You’re overbearing, and I hate that you think I'm just going to get in trouble or something. You don’t give me enough credit, by far, and I know that you’re only acting this way because of how I am. You’re nothing more than some overbearing parent who thinks he can control everything. Well, I've had it. You have nothing to worry about. I'm a goddamn adult, and I know what I'm doing,” she said.

  The way that he looked at her was too shocked for words. But, she didn’t really care. She was just ready to get out of this stifling place, and if there was something more than he wanted to say to her, then he could later on.

  She walked out of the house in a huff, with annoyance clear on her face. However, she was a little worried about what might happen next. She had a bad feeling about this, and the fact that her dad was acting like that annoyed her.

  “I need to get out of here, I've just got to,” she said.

  The abusive home life made Nikki feel sick, but, as she was about to move, she felt something nearby, a bad feeling that captivated her body.

  She wasn’t paying attention to where she was going, which was her first mistake. Nikki awkwardly ambled over towards the pathway to the bar. She decided not to take her car since it was a nice night. And she felt that she and Billy could take a walk, which would be a nice way to bond.

  However, as she cut through the back to get to the bar, her foot caught on something. She cried out, hobbling in pain, trying to get the item off. But, it latched onto her, refusing to move, and when she held her foot up, she could see the streaks of blood.

  “What the hell?” she asked herself.

  She didn’t know how to break free from this. It was a trap, similar to ones she saw in the movies. It looked like a bear trap, which led to a whole bunch of other questions.

  For starters, what the hell was a bear trap doing all the way out here? She tried to release herself from this to no result. She tried to get it off her foot, but she couldn't move it. It was clamped on her. After looking at it for a second, she realized what it was.

  It was indeed a bear trap.

  But bears didn’t live in this town. So what the hell was going on? She moved her hands downwards, trying to pull her leg out, but it was too
much. Blood kept dripping down her legs, and she could feel the trap cutting into her tender flesh.

  “Fuck. This hurts,” she said.

  She tried to get it off, doing everything that she could, but it was to no use. She was trapped, unable to get this off, and her anxiety grew.

  She needed to get out of here, needed to get help. She then started to wiggle her foot a bit, trying desperately to get this off. But she couldn't. As she stayed there, trying to move her foot around to get this off, her fear was growing within her body.