Chapter 15: Unknown Vistor

"What was that all about, Clara?"

"What do you mean, Claire?" Claire was drying her hair as she came out of the shower. "The deal with James – you guys looked like a couple."

"Why the sudden interest, Claire? I've noticed your recent interest in James and the mood change with Kyle. Tell me straight, do you like James?"

Claire walked over to the window, staring at James's window. "I do like him. The only thing stopping me is you. Kyle knows how I feel about James. That's why he could let go; he said he likes you."

For a moment, Clara was speechless. "He said what?"

"He said he likes you, Clara." Clara hadn't dated anyone for four years. "You guys would make a cute couple."

"You're just saying that because you like James. I can see it."

Claire laughed. "Well, what can I say? It's true. He's cute, especially now that he's changed so much. I like his new fashion, the glasses, and how humble he acts. I mean, I get he's poor, but money isn't everything, right?"

Clara nodded, feeling a mix of emotions. Her connection with James had grown strong – she loved their mountain outings, hunting, and training. But he never showed interest in her. Maybe with Kyle, she'd have more opportunity.

There was a knock on the door. Clara and Claire, both in white pajamas, stood there. Clara walked over to me, and Claire walked over to Kyle. We were confused. "What is going on?" I asked.

Clara cleared her throat. "What we share is amazing, and I promise no one will know anything. That's a vow I made to you. But I recently saw that my sister likes you." Clara squeezed my hands. "Life has unique ways of opening our eyes to what's real."

Claire continued, "Yes, my sister is right. I do like you, even though I know you live in a basement and don't own much. I'd prefer spending time with you and getting to know you, if that's okay. And my sister, Clara, she's willing to give Kyle a shot."

I looked over at Kyle. It felt like my head was going to explode with all this information. Kyle smiled and walked up to Clara, holding her. They looked like high school sweethearts.

"Just… this is the moment I choose," Claire said, walking over to me. As she approached, I stopped her. "Claire," I said.

"Yes?" she responded nervously.

I looked over at Clara, whose lips were now on my brother's. They looked like a happy couple on their honeymoon. Did Clara feel anything for me? Was it all pretense? Because if it was, she was certainly good at it – she showed respect or empathy toward what I felt for her. I never thought this day would come, but I hate her.

"James," Claire said, "you don't feel the same, do you? You're in love with my sister."

Kyle smirked, as if he had hit the jackpot. "Too late, brother. You snooze, you lose."

I had a thousand things to say at that moment, but one thing I learned is that silence weighs heavy when it's spoken through truth or anger.

Clara stopped holding Kyle and walked over to me. "James, you're quiet. What's gotten into you?"

I shook my head and walked over to the bedside, picking up my jacket. "I need to get some fresh air."

The three stood still, trying to figure me out. "James, you don't have money to go anywhere. Where will you be going?" Clara nudged Claire.

"Ouch, what was that for?" I picked up my keys to the 335i and walked out of the door. "It's nighttime. Where will he go? He doesn't have money or food. Is he planning to sleep in the car?" Claire said.

Clara couldn't tell Claire who James was, as she promised him. His words sprang back to her: "The higher you are, the harder you will fall." Clara walked over to the window as Kyle placed his arms around her waist and leaned his chin on her shoulder. "He's an excellent fighter and a sharpshooter. He'll be fine."

Clara knew this, but hearing him say it made her feel more at ease. James was a fast shooter and could protect himself, but what was going through his mind when he walked out the door? Was he sad or happy to finally get her off his back? The room suddenly felt cold, like his presence made a huge impact on her surroundings.

She thought they would be happy, but she felt empty for the first time in her life. A bullet would ease her pain – the sense of hollowness, the heartache from a decision she would live with the consequences of. Yes, Kyle was there, but he couldn't protect her; he couldn't use a gun. But James… he wouldn't kiss her. She needed commitment and stability in college. Kyle could give her that.

Claire had gone back home while Kyle and Clara spent the night in Kyle's room. They learned a lot about each other but had nothing in common. Clara kept checking her phone for a message from James, but there was nothing.

Claire sent James a few messages, which went undelivered – one tick on WhatsApp. The more she thought about it, the more angered she felt about her decision. Now she had lost the one person close to her. How she wished she could turn back time, especially for that nobody. James didn't care if she lived or died; he was fixated on Clara.

She glanced through her window at James's room. His room light was still off, which meant he hadn't come home yet. Something caught her eye – a mysterious figure wearing a brown hat, looking up at James's room. His eyes were darkened by the shadow of his hat, and he wore a brown coat.

Claire opened her window. "Hey freak, get out of our yard."

Clara and Kyle overheard this and walked over to their window. Clara, witnessing the man with the brown hat again, got goosebumps. "Get away from the window, Claire," Clara demanded."Close your curtain and window."

"Who is that guy?" Kyle asked, about to leave the room.

Clara pulled him back. "Remember those men earlier? Everything we went through? This is #7. He's dangerous, a psychopath with enough money to destroy you and your family – and my family. He won't be standing there alone. But this is the second time he's back, so he must be wanting something. I just hope James doesn't bump into him."

"I hope so too," said Clara. "Let's not overthink it and enjoy ourselves instead. Do you have anything to drink?"

"Yes, downstairs in the fridge. I'll go get it, don't worry."

"No, I got it," Clara said, smiling. The next moment, Kyle heard the downstairs door open.

"Clara, are you here?" There was no response. "Clara, are you here?" he repeated, heading down the staircase and noticing Clara was gone. He ran over to the door, but it was locked from the outside, and he couldn't open it. "Dammit, I should have trusted my gut."

Suddenly, five loud gunshots went off, and a woman screamed before it went silent. "Clara!" Kyle screamed as he climbed out through the window, running into the empty streets. "Clara, where are you?" Claire came sprinting out afterward.

"What was that? Who was that?" Claire asked.

Kyle didn't answer as he saw a body further down the road. Fearing the worst, Claire screamed. "Is that… is that my sister? Mom! Dad! Help!" The house lights went on as Mr. and Mrs. Jones heard the commotion. Fearing the worst, Mrs. Jones ran toward the body, screaming, "My Clara, what have you done?"

The pool of blood surrounding the body ran into the drain.