The Night The Clock Hit 12:07 3 Episode 2

"Jesus ,Aunt Lola these cookies have a little kick to them...maybe paprika? Who puts paprika in cookies Aunt Lola!?"

-12% completed-

"Sigh...only at 12% I guess I'll just have to tell my guild members on Discord that I'll be late again. Hopefully they won't be annoyed with me again, I am a loyal member to the guild. I recently just gotten a rank up! I have to show my guild leader that he made the right decision!"

-17% completed-

"Uuuuuuuugh!" I cross my arms on my computer desk and lay my head down...

"I need something to drink, these cookies are starting to burn my tongue." I open my door and almost fall over my cat Oliver.

"Ollie! I'm so sorry, are you okay?! Your mom is such a clutz, she apologize for being so dumb, will you ever forgive me?" I rub his stomach but he swipes at me and leaves a long scratch on my hand.

"Ow! Okay I understand" :( I step over him and start heading down the stairs but before I reach the bottom, I hear my Aunts still arguing in the study room. I sit on the stairs and listen.

"No Vivian, there's no need for you to treat her like this! She's your niece and Marina put her trust in both of us to look after her while she's gone! Imagine how she would react if she ever found out how you treat Lanie!"

"Oh please, don't act as if you understand anything so just go back to baking your horrific pastries like you always do. This is the only way we can fully protect her and you know that!" Aunt Vivian shouted

Are they talking about me? Protect me? I can't really make out what they are saying but I think I heard my name. Oliver comes and sits next to me on the step. Oh hey Ollie.

"She's getting older Viv and there's not as many excuses we can come up with that she will believe. We are running out of options and she will be questioning everything even more now that the time is approaching soon."

What time? I lean a little closer but I put too much weight on the railing and it lets out a giant creek noise.

Dammit this old house! I try to get on my feet before my aunts come to check on the noise but it's too late.

"Lanie? Whwhat on earth are you doing?! Get down here this instant!" Aunt Vivian said with the sound of shock in her voice.

"Yes ma'am" I could never look my Aunt Vivian in the eyes, it's like she can look into my soul and squeeze it at any given moment.

"Sweetie are you okay? We heard a loud noise, did you fall? Are you hurt? Are you bleeding? Should I get the first aid kit?" Aunt Lola said worryingly.

"My G.o.d! Lola she's 21 not 2!" Aunt Vivian crosses her arms

"Oh, um uh um I um I'm-"

"Spit it out girl please!" Aunt Vivian hissed

"Yes, I mean no I'm not hurt, I just stumbled a bit but I'm okay" I say tongue tied but still not looking up to meet their eyes.

"Oh great that's a relief, this house is a bit old and can be dangerous at times so just be careful, okay honey?" Aunt Lola said softly.

"Yes ma'am, I will keep that in mind." I walk past them and head to the kitchen...

What am I supposed to be doing again? Think Lanie think! My tongue starts to sting a bit and then I remembered. Juice! Juice! I need juice! I pour myself some apple juice and look towards where my aunts were standing.

"Do you think sh..." Aunt Vivian said with a little worried face expression but I can't make out the rest of what she said. Then Aunt Lola lets out a sigh and shrugs her shoulders. They both walk their separate ways.

Oliver, what do you think they're talking about? Aunt Vivian said something about protecting? Does she mean protecting me? From what? Why would I need protection? It's not like I'm the first born daughter.

Oliver meows and walks towards his food bowl. "Me too Ollie, me too."