The boy - because that's all he was, barely eighteen - fiddled the key in the lock. You always needed to jiggle it a bit. It was a bad design, really. As he heard the lock click, he saw a shadow move out of the corner of his eye. He closed his eyes in frustration as he turned around.
"I'm just doing what you—"
He stopped midsentence when he opened his eyes to see a little girl standing before him. Nine, maybe ten.
"Hi," she smiled brightly.
'Um, hi..." the teen hesitated, closing the door again behind him, "What are you doing here?"
The girl shrugged, "I'm here with my Mum."
"Oh, that's funny," the teen frowned, "Cameron didn't mention anything about visitors."
"What's you're name?" the girl asked, bouncing on the balls of her feet.
"Uhh," it was the boy's turn to shrug, "Terrier."
He led the way back down the hall, the young girl at his feet, "I've never heard anyone called that before. Isn't it the name of a dog?"
"Yeah, whatever." the teen looked around. The kitchen was empty and he couldn't hear anyone else in the house. The others must be outside.
"You haven't asked my name."
The boy turned around slowly to look at her. She was kind of cute, her long brown hair fell just past her shoulders, she wore pretty little jeans with flowers up one leg, and a yellow frilled top. He smiled down at her. It had been a long time since he smiled. There was still innocence in this world.
"What is your name?" he asked her.
"Chloe," the girl announced.
"That is a very nice name," Terrier admitted.
"My mum's name is Sandra," she informed him happily, "she said she had to see Uncle Cameron about something important."
"Uncle Cameron?" Terrier questioned.
"Well he's not really my uncle. We just call him that. He's been a family friend for years."
"Family friend..." Terrier muttered, trying to hide his disgust. At that moment the sliding door opened, and in stepped Cameron and another woman, whom he guessed was the girl's mother, Sandra. They looked kind of alike, if you studied them for more than a quick glance. She addressed him.
"Ah Terrier, I've heard a lot about you. I see you've meant Chloe."
The boy didn't respond, instead turning to look at Cameron who stood glaring at him from behind her.
"Nice necklace," she commented as an afterthought, "come on Chloe. It's time to go."
Terrier lifted a hand to feel for the chain around his neck. It was a dog collar he was made to wear, rather uncomfortable at times. He hated it. To recieve such a sarcastic compliment only made him hate it more.
"I'll talk to you later, Terrier." the girl grinned with a wave, before skipping to the door. Her mother followed, and Terrier stood waiting by the bench for Cameron to return after waving them off.
"Who are they?" he asked.
"That is none of your business."
"Who are they?" he repeated again.
"They are here to help you!" Cameron growled, "Because you and I both know that you are not strong enough for the job alone."
The teenager held his breath, glaring the man in the face, until he turned away, his little happiness for the day gone. He retraced his steps back up the hall to the door. This time he was accompanied inside.
[573 words]
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