tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52637335661756345582024-03-13T08:34:36.222-07:00Parallel LinesRyne Evers has the most normal - not to mention boring - life anyone could ever have. She goes through the pains of high school, has a boyfriend, fights off bitches, the whole nine yards. Then enter Sky La Brea - a drop-dead gorgeous guy with the sexiest British accent and everyone just seems to bow down to him. He seems good enough, but there's just one little problem of him being a kidnapper. Such shame, isn't it?Yelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13181468059950303093noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263733566175634558.post-57522422566039586082012-03-19T02:46:00.001-07:002012-04-17T00:10:14.768-07:00Epilogue<a href="http://www.wattpad.com/3781686-parallel-lines-epilogue" target="_blank">Epilogue (Wattpad)</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I blinked as I came back to the
present: 15th of November. I relaxed my tense shoulders against the tree trunk
and I patted Dash’s head. I took a deep breath to erase the picture on my mind.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It’s hard to forget someone who gave
you so much to remember. But as I looked up to the perfect blue sky and at my
anklet I can’t help but smile. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He would be turning 20 now, I realized.
I regret nothing – not a single bullet shot, not a single tear that fell and
even the scarring words. It was all worth it to last a lifetime. Even the pain.
Xavia and my family helped me a lot and my grandfather had been a blessing. But
sometimes, an uncontrollable feeling of sadness grips me and I could do nothing
but succumb to it. Surrender to it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I’m still in love with him, you see. I
really don’t think I can have anyone else as I remembered lighting snow globes,
Bella Nott<span class="st">é, Monopoly cookies and all those kisses in between. They
say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I have a different view on that. It
makes you better. It just has to. My intuition skills never left me, by the
way. And I can feel it now – I have a feeling that when my time comes, Sky and
I will have each other again. Longer this time. </span></span></span></div>Yelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13181468059950303093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263733566175634558.post-77845962803547943472012-03-19T02:42:00.000-07:002012-04-17T00:07:29.413-07:00Chapter 42: The bullet shot<a href="http://www.wattpad.com/3781632-parallel-lines-chapter-42-the-bullet-shot" target="_blank">Chapter 42: The bullet shot (Wattpad)</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">No more sounds and voices were heard
from them. But after the shattering silence, Imah laughed. It was nothing like
the warm, comfortable sound that I used to hear and it made my blood curdle. It
made me see red. She speaking, “It’s a wonder actually –the fact that they had
no idea I was putting a tracking device on the dog since the first time I met
Cavanagh. You people are <i>so</i> blind.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You <i>betrayed</i> us.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“That I did. It’s a pity you haven’t
realized that sooner. Not very good with guns,” she scoffed, “I’m better than
you at that. Look at you now, no weapon, no anything. Once I got acting, you
gave me your trust immediately. You are so <i>stupid.</i>
Ryne didn’t even realize why ushered her to get closer to Sky. Ice knew this
would happen – ”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“She’s dead. And you’ll be with her
soon enough – ”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The next thing we heard was scuffling
and the sound of metal hitting – something. Then I’m sure, so sure, it was a
body that could be head falling to the floor. The instant we heard the
footsteps, Sky got ready to battle as he clicked his gun and I followed suit.
When her silhouette can be discerned from the black drape and her hand swept it
to her side, Sky fired.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Fuck!”</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">She drew cover automatically and
retaliated – multiple times. There were splinters of floorboards and wood
flying everywhere. Sky threw the table nearest us to its side and used it as a
makeshift shield. It faced the source of the bullet shots and we did our best
to keep our head low, the thick oak wood protecting us from dangerous injuries. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I looked at the gun in my hands. I
took a deep breath. <i>Just fire, don’t
think. Thinking is what makes you fall dead on your feet.</i> I adjusted my
position and pulled the trigger. Quickly, I pulled myself back before a bullet
can graze my arm and I avoided the pieces of wood falling from the ceiling. I
breathed in hard, and then felt Sky’s hand gripping my arm.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“She’s not alone. I know it. There are
others with her behind that partition.” he said that as best as he could under
all the noise around us, blanketing us. It was deafening. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What do we do?” I asked with my eyes
wide. He shifted closer to me and got out his phone and stuffed it in my hands.
“We call for help too. Now.” He started firing again and my breath drew in
realization. I started rummaging through the contacts with my both hands
shaking, still holding the gun. I pressed call and placed it in my ear
immediately. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It picked up.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Hello?” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Grandpa? It’s me! We need – ”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“On our way.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The call ended and I turned to Sky. I
gestured yes and started shooting<i>. I love
my grandpa.</i> The never-ending stream of gunshots still rained upon us
between seconds. Minutes. It could’ve been years but all we needed to hear was
the grenade explosion to recognize their arrival.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The floor shook and my ears hurt. I
closed my eyes shut for a few seconds, unbelievably disoriented. This is
fucking insane. I heard men shouting then, giving orders and bullets were being
fired again, but this time, it was aimed at the opposite direction; not at us.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Ryne.” Familiar hands shook my
shoulders, I opened my eyes and my gaze landed on Sky. And the two people
beside him.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">They were crouching on the floor as
well, keeping their heads low to avoid damages from the commotion and they held
their firearms out. “Ryne, my dear.” The older of the men put his hand on my
shoulder, his brown eyes darkening. “Act now, talk later. We have to get out
now.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky was right. He must’ve been
handsome once and he looked as if he just had a hard-fought battle. His grey
hair was in a buzz cut and he looked ready to kill someone.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I nodded soundlessly in response. The
younger, handsome guy turned to me then but he didn’t say anything. He came
closer to me and pecked me on the cheek.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Hi, sis. We have to get going.” Mark
said urgently.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">George Cavanagh spoke to the three of
us after my brother had his greeting. “My men are few. If we go now we can all
– ”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He was cut off from completing what he
was saying when something caught flame, and the endless piles of woods are
already burning and releasing chocking smoke into the room. It crept up
quickly, catching everything it can and turning it into black ash. It was hot
already but the bullets never ceased. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Let’s cover Ryne, and get the fuck
out of here.” he finished, coughing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">What?!
No! </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I don’t <i>need</i> to be covered – ”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Not now Ryne.” said Mark. They
started taking positions around me and I saw – </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Fuck it, Sky. Why are you covering
out <i>front?</i> Are you <i>fucking</i> insane? You’ll get shot – ”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A pillar gave in and crashed to the
floor, almost shattering our eardrums and the fire rose higher and roared
louder. The heat was intensifying. The experienced leader now said, “Go.” The
four of us stood up, we sped through the entire space of the room, shooting at
visible enemies and avoiding the shots they fired. The fire made it hard for us
to see and the smoke made us cough violently. Everything seemed to go in slow
motion. We were halfway across the other side – the exit – when it happened.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Underneath the sounds and disturbing
visions, I saw a mane of blonde hair. I had no trouble figuring out who that
person is.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">She was holding a gun, which seemed to
be gleaming in the light of the fierce fire and it was pointing straight at me.
Before anything else registered, the bullet shot she fired seemed to drown out
all the other things.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The bullet shot that changed my life.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">That ruined my life.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My world turned blank and all the
other things in the world became impotent as Sky fell down to his knees and
unto his side. Blood was already seeping through his shirt and his breathing
was ragged, even as he pulled the table down and used it as a cover. And <i>nothing</i> made sense.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I ran to him but felt iron grips
stopping me and pulling me away from him. I struggled as I never had in my
life.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Get
off me! We have to go back – we have to – ”</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I felt myself being put down on the
floor hard and we used the table as a shield again. We were almost to the exit
– just mere meters – but I won’t go out. I <i>can’t.</i>
I clicked my gun furiously and started standing up but they held me down, and
wrestled the gun out of my hands.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“NO!
Get back! I have to go back – ”</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You won’t make it – ”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I
can! I can get him! I can – just let me fucking go – ”</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You can’t do anything, Ryne.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">No. That’s not true. Not true. I
searched with my eyes through the smoke and I – I found him.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He’s <i>there.</i> Still on the floor, but now he’s sitting up with his back on
the table he’s using for defense and he was looking at me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">His chin was dripping with blood and
his hand was covering his chest and as he pulled it away, it was smeared with
blood as well. Blood. He looked at me like never before but his breaths were
becoming shallower, his eyes getting blanker. I never noticed it, but anguished
sobs tore at me and unstoppable tears were streaming on my face. I
unconsciously struggled, but deep down I knew. I knew. But I don’t want to
believe. </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The fire behind him crept closer.
Closer and closer, but he reached out for me.</span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">No.</span></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Sky.”</span></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">No.</span></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> My heart. I can feel it dying. I <i>feel</i> it. His hand fell to the floor
right then and his eyelids fluttered. I saw him take his last breath and I
remembered. I remembered.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Have
you ever thought of Britain?”</span></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Whoa.
Where did that come from? I faced him, saw that he was still paying attention
to the road and then I replied, “Sometimes. Why?”</span></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
never took his eyes off the road as he said, “I’d like to take you there
someday.”</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">His green eyes lost their light and he
closed his eyes.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>Yelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13181468059950303093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263733566175634558.post-35586859205936840032012-03-19T02:35:00.001-07:002012-04-17T00:06:55.912-07:00Chapter 41: Traitor in the midst<a href="http://www.wattpad.com/3781548-parallel-lines-chapter-41-traitor-in-the-midst" target="_blank">Chapter 41: Traitor in the midst (Wattpad)</a><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Part I:</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Jacket?”</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Check.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Dog food?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Check.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Clothes?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Duh,</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Sky.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Books?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Check.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Anklet?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Is that even a question?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He squeezed my hand after zipping his
backpack close. “I’m being thorough.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You can be thorough when pigs fly.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Insult me all you want. I know you love
me.” I laughed loudly as I carried my bag and held Dash with the other hand.
We’re just about to get out of this hotel – no more hotels, praise the Lord –
when suddenly, a thought occurred to me as I looked at my anklet. Then at the
bangle on my shoulder. “I never thanked my own grandpa for giving me the
birthday present, haven’t I?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Yeah.” He paused in thought but took
my hand and dragged me headfirst. “You’ll meet him anyway. Let’s go.” I barely
got enough time to look around for the last time in the room where thousands of
memories are when we were already outside of the room, all out valuables in
hand. It’s another day again – another agenda.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">But my thoughts keep coming back to
what happened yesterday. Good God, he really –</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Checking out aren’t you, dears?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I turned my neck so fast I cricked my
neck. Ow. Sky responded to the unknown person in a friendly tone. “Yes, we are.
We’re headed to the beach.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">We are facing an old woman. And you
know what the freaky part is? She seemed to <i>know</i>
us. You know what I’m talking about, right? When there’s this old woman and
then suddenly she turns into a huge snake who is incidentally a Horcrux – ahem,
ahem, <i>Harry Potter</i> – I was still
ogling like a goldfish when she replied in her raspy voice. “Ah, the beach.”
she nodded like what she just said is incredibly vital. “So this is your wife?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Shit.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I knew there was something fishy. I
turned to Sky with my devil-from-hell stare as he fumbled for an explanation.
“Yes, uhm. This is my wife Avery.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Avery?</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What the hell are you – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Yes! My wife Avery.” Sky almost
shouted as he put a firm arm around me. “Honey, I met this kind person when we
were checking in – you were asleep though.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Aargh. That explains it. But it
doesn’t erase the fact that it’s quite weird to talk to a stranger in the hotel
hallway when you’re expecting them to turn into Nagini. She then hobbled down
the direction of the stairs, but not before saying, “Well, goodbye now,
Anthony.” We stood still in the hallway, directly in front of our door until
she was out of sight and earshot. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Anthony and Avery.” I turned to Sky
and continued my rant. “Should I clap my hands and give you a Nobel Prize?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He only laughed as he adjusted the
bags on his shoulder and got Dash’s rope from my fingers. “The old woman crept
on me from behind. To be honest, she scared the living daylight out of me.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I burst into a fit of laughter as we
made our way to the lower floor, already eager to be outside of walls. And in
what seemed like a second, we were already speeding through the road, after
dealing with a sleepy receptionist and an unwilling Dash.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Where are we going?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He winked at me from the driver’s seat
and keeping his hands on the steering wheel. “It’s a really charming place. And
your brother came along, too. So you’ll have two people waiting for you.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Really? So which charming place is
it?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He deflated suddenly. “Uhm, actually,
I lied. It’s an abandoned factory.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Wha
– this is just unacceptable.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“So a former Mafia Lord decides to
meet his long-lost granddaughter in an abandoned building. And oh right, he’s
insanely rich.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You know Ryne,” he said, stepping on
the brake as the light turned from green to red. “Once you’re in a Mafia, you
never really get out. You watched those Mafia movies, didn’t you?” That made me
pause. That must be a hell on earth situation. I clicked my tongue and stayed
silent all the way to our destination. Our lack of conversation was more than
made up by his arm comfortably around me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Part II:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Who knew that a completely useless
building would be <i>hours</i> away?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I’m – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Tired, I know.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sigh.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“When – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Two hours, Ryne. And a half.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I almost cried in despair. “But I’m
practically <i>drained.</i> I can’t even
lift my head – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I must’ve really exhausted you last
night.” he replied with a slight smile and a sparkle in his eyes. Predictably,
I blushed. “You’re such a prick.” Hu chuckled but then his tone turned serious
as he replied,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I’m glad that happened.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I felt his arm tighten around me. All
I could do was close my eyes and relax. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Me too.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">And right there, with my eyes closed,
I felt him kiss my head and I drifted off to a peaceful sleep.<br />
<br />
<br />
Two hours later. And a half.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I never ever slept like that in a car
before. And it feels really, really comfy. Blinking my eyes open, I found
myself on the backseat, complete with a blanket and a pillow.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So that solves the comfy issue.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I looked at my side and sure enough,
he’s there. As always. My head was on his lap while I was sleeping and now he
met my gaze after looking out of the window.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Morning, sunshine.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I blinked several times more and tried
to look outside as well. As much as I could figure, we’re in the middle of
nowhere.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Where are we?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You slept seven hours straight, you
know.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Seven?”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Yes. It’s almost 5pm.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I gave a little laugh. “The sleep
feels good.” He chuckled and resolved himself to rubbing my shoulder with his
other hand across my stomach. I can’t help looking outside again. “So where are
we?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Where we should be. The factory is
just around the corner. But it’s still quite early to go there.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My brow creased as I looked at Dash on
the front shotgun seat though my thoughts were zeroing in something else
entirely. “What time are we supposed to be there then?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Around 5:15 or 5:30. Why’d you ask?
Are you nervous?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No, it’s just that…wouldn’t it be
more <i>convenient</i> to meet in the
morning?” I actually wanted to use the word ‘safer’ but I changed my mind. I
continued speaking before he could open his mouth, “You know, because there’s a
lesser chance of an attack or something?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He just looked down on me, his green eyes
clouded in concerned thinking. Deep thinking. “He had business to take care of
before going here. And the building was searched five times before he chose the
location.” he bit his lip and asked, “Do you think something bad will happen?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Well, that’s just weird. It’s just a
feeling. It’s probably nervousness – I haven’t laid eyes on the man in my whole
life and now <i>boom.</i> He’s my
grandfather. “It’s just a feeling. I’m nervous, that’s all. You <i>did</i> say that he’s extremely
intimidating.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He smiled slightly at my response and
kissed my forehead soothingly, but the tension in his eyes didn’t fade. But in
a matter of seconds, I saw him shrug it off. That’s more like it. I sat up with
minimal difficulty and faced him, legs crossed.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I was thinking, Sky. When I meet my
brother and grandpa, where will you go?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He held my hand and said, “Do I have
permission from you to make your life hell a little bit longer?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Happiness overwhelmed me as I laughed
uncontrollably. “Absolutely.” I happened to glance at the dashboard and I
looked at the time. 5:10. Sky noticed this too and I looked at him. “Shouldn’t
we go now?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“One second.” he started grabbing our
stuff at the floor of the car, but the car which he’s rummaging through is
mine, not his.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What are you doing?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He didn’t answer but pulled out the
snow globe. He said, “I found out about this when I was awake two nights ago.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Found out what? It’s the snow globe
you gave me.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“It’s surprisingly more special than I
thought.” How the bloody hell can that thing be more <i>special?</i> “Does it uhmm, I don’t know,” I chuckled, puzzled. “Does
it have laser or something?” He grinned amusedly. “Close, but no cigar.” He
started bundling up the blanket and shifted closer to me. I have no idea,
absolutely no idea, of what he’s doing. He said, “Look.” then he put the snow
globe inside of the dark, think blanket, but left enough space for us to see
it. The globe was entirely covered in darkness but when Sky shook it once, the
snow fluttered like mad.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">And the snow was shining. Sparkling
like stars. You can see and distinguish it from the darkened castle – it’s
absolutely wonderful; like real snow. He shook it again, harder this time, and
my name at the bottom of the globe lit up like the little snow did, only it’s
not white, it’s blue.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He turned to me again, his profile
braced for my reaction. “Well?” I shook my head wordlessly and kissed him on
the cheek. He laughed delightfully and said, “That was for you to keep your
chin up.” He started stuffing the blanket and the present back into the bags.
“Now, my dear, we introduce you to your life.”<br />
<br />
<br />
Part III:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It’s normal to be nervous, right? I
mean, you’re not just meeting your long-lost relatives – you’re meeting a Mafia
lord and his…sidekick. The Mafia lord and his sidekick aren’t really helping
anything to soothe my nerves.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What if they don’t like me?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“They <i>love</i> you, Ryne.” he said, rolling his eyes. Easy for him to say.
He’s not the one actually meeting them for the first time. In seventeen years.
With absolutely no recollection of them. Ever.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Stop it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky pulled up in front of a humungous
abandoned factory and it’s just the same from my imagination of how it would
really look like. It’s really old, and a little bit historical. It could pass
for an old landmark.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I wanted to run.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I faced Sky, biting my lip. “Maybe we
should go back. I don’t like what I’m feeling.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“It’s okay to be nervous, Ryne. It’s
understandable. I’m sure they would say the same thing, too.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“But – but – I <i>can’t.”</i> God. I know I’m being a whiny, little spoiled brat but who
the hell could blame me? I gazed at the door of the building, wondering what
could be inside and I felt my worries triple.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I don’t like what I’m seeing, too.
So, in a way, we’re in the same boat.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“In a way, yes. But in <i>every</i> other way, absolutely <i>no</i> way.” I heard beeping right then and
Sky took out his phone, which is lighting up and vibrating like a little bug
and I noticed that it was different from the one I used yesterday. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“They’re inside already. Let’s go.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No! Just – just let me breathe, okay?
And is it exactly smart to do that? I mean, you said they <i>are</i> incredibly influential people, but they’re inside that place
without any protection?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“They brought guards with them. And
they’re really eager to see you.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What do you expect from me? Do I just
waltz inside that place or something?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Ryne,” he released a sigh, “what do
you want me to do?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I
don’t know!”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I
replied hysterically. “Sweet talk me or something. Say something nice.” He
chuckled amusedly. “Something <i>nice?”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I thought you wanted me to calm
down?” I replied wringing my hands. He replied to me, “Okay, something nice.”
He looked at me deeply. “Your eyes.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Your eyes are nice.” then he twirled
a strand of my hair. “Your hair is, too.” I chuckled when I realized what he’s
doing and he cupped my face with both hands. “Your face is nice.” Then he
leaned towards me and whispered. “No. It’s fucking beautiful.” Then he kissed
me.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I kissed him back and I felt the
tension slowly desert my shoulders as he backed me towards the window, his lips
so soft against mine. When I started to tighten my grip on his hair, he pulled
away, smiling.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I <i>did</i>
calm you down right?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I chuckled. “That was really
effective.” I giggled some more, then he gave me a quick peck on the lips and
held my hand. He opened the car door. “I think you’re ready now.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Wait. “But how about Dash?” we both
looked at my dog at the backseat and he looked back at us with blank eyes. “I
think,” Sky said, “he can stay right here. I’ll lock the door.” He interlocked
my fingers with his and then we both got out through the driver’s side. We
started walking.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My feeling of unease was quieted down
by our little escapade earlier, but now as we continued our steps, I felt it
bubbling below the surface again. <i>It’s
the nerves,</i> I told myself. <i>It’s going
to be fine.</i> Sky’s hand on mine did a lot to relax me as we pulled the heavy
metal doors open. We were greeted by a miserable sight.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The pillars were still sturdy and
dependable around the front room, but the floorboards were obviously in need of
repair after all the years of neglect. There was a pile of rubbish on the side
– all scraps of metal and splinters of wood. The ceiling was very high and –
fortunately – it looks like nothing would fall down on us.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Well. This is rather…”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Splendid?” he supplied, raising an
eyebrow.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Yes.” I nodded. “Just splendid.” Then
I took the first step forward and he followed my lead. “This place has been
searched right? Five times?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Yes. It’s going to be fine.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">We opened the creaking door on the
opposite wall – the <i>only</i> door, I mean
– and as we opened it, a larger room lay in front of us. There were rows and
rows of tables up to the other side of the room and there was a very thick
partition on our left side, the only entrance to the other side being the thick,
black and tattered draperies. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I don’t like draperies.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky closed the door behind us without
so much as a sound and I shifted closer to him with my hand clasped on his arm.
With my other hand, I felt for the gun, which is inserted at the back of my jeans.
He shot me a look, with his eyebrows drawn together. He opened his mouth to
speak but before he can utter a single word, a female voice sounded through
from the other room – the drapery room.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A familiar female voice.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Fuck you. I don’t even know who you
are anymore – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Hold your tongue. If you value your
life, do as I say.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">No.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> But – but that voice is – </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky covered my mouth and he stealthily
led me far away from the partition as possible. He never hit as much as a piece
of metal or anything for that matter, and then he pulled out his gun and
gestured for me to do likewise. I did as he asked and looked at his face. My
eyes searched his green ones.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">They were burning in pure-white rage.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">His jaw was clenched and he made the
effort of mouthing two words to me – <i>stay
here.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Bloody hell no.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I gave him a look of strong defiance
and grabbed his wrist before he can even take a single step back. This concerns
me as well as him. And he <i>knows</i> it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He took a silent, deep breath to calm
himself down and to keep his remaining composure. But then there were more
words coming from the pair of people on the other side.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You can’t get away from this. The
building will be searched again in 10 minutes and Sky will kill you. I know he
will.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Sky? I don’t care about <i>Sky;</i> I have all the protection I will
ever need. The same cannot be said for you, though. What shame.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">No,
no, no!</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I can’t
believe this. It’s not possible! That person is – </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Imah, you <i>filthy</i> traitor. I can’t even <i>look</i> at you.” said Xavia. </span>
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span>Yelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13181468059950303093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263733566175634558.post-5717045059020039202012-03-19T02:25:00.001-07:002012-04-17T00:06:21.890-07:00Chapter 40: Time too soon<a href="http://www.wattpad.com/3781484-parallel-lines-chapter-40-time-too-soon" target="_blank">Chapter 40: Time too soon (Wattpad)</a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Part I:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The instant I said those words, Sky
reached out to my shoulder and pulled me towards him. I barely heard what my
own grandfather was saying on the other line as his lips covered mine.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I kissed him back, one hand going up
to grip his hair and kept him in place.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Ryne?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I pulled away from Sky for a moment,
remembering how to breathe as I answered the phone, with Sky still nuzzling my
neck.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Yes?” I responded breathlessly.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“If what you’re saying is true – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“It is.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“But…Ryne, my dear – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Do you want to talk to him?” I looked
into the deep, green, glazed eyes of Sky’s as I waited for an answer. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Yes. Give him the phone.” he said in
a curt voice. Uh-oh. Without hesitation, I did. Sky straightened but his hand
continued to caress my cheek.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Sir.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He held breath as he listened, waiting
for the voice to come out on the phone and to his ear.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Just what the fuck do you think you’re
doing?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Sir – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I <i>told</i>
you, La Brea. For God’s sake. <i>Is a simple
instruction so hard to do?”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I never intended for this to happen,
sir. Believe me – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I ordered you to bring my only
granddaughter to me and – ” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I will, sir. I promise I will.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You better.” Then the line went dead.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He shrugged. <i>Well, that was easy.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I touched his hand that was holding my
face. “Well? What did he say?” he threw the phone on the bed and came to me.
“What? I really can’t remember.” then he kissed me again, and I felt him smile
against my lips. But when one of his hands started gripping my hair, I felt the
mood shift. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">At that kiss, I felt something melt
inside that hurt in an exquisite way – all my longings, all my dreams and sweet
anguish, all the secrets that slept within me awake. Everything was transformed
into something enchanted. Everything made sense.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The room was dim, despite the early
hours of the day and he slowly lay me down on the bed, still in the kiss and
took off his shirt. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It’s obvious we won’t be having a word
said for the meantime.<br />
<br />
<br />
Part II:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The maelstrom. The maelstrom inside me
is beating the living shit out of me. I drew the covers higher up to my chin.
That was the most glorious mistake – that doesn’t feel much like a mistake – in
my entire life.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky sat up, his chest bare and he
ruffled his already messy hair. For one second, he gazed practically nowhere
then he looked at me.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">To be honest, he looked adorably
disheveled.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He started smiling slowly and I can’t
help but smile myself, then I covered my face with the blanket. I started
giggling. He said amusedly while chuckling, “What’s supposed to be funny?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You should ask yourself.” I answered
right back. Then he asked me, “Wait, you’re 17, right?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I looked up at him and gave him a
withered look. “I’ll be 18 in less than a month. Just a few more weeks.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“All the same, you’re still 17.” He
grinned at me. I can’t help smiling back. “You look as if that’s no big
problem.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Few weeks.” he shrugged. “Little
difference. And, oh wait. Was that your first?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">That. Was. Insulting. Oh, no. Wait, you’re getting the wrong idea.
Intrusive is the word. Yes, intrusive.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I sat up as fast as lightning, pushing
him off the bed. “Get out, you stupid – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Hey! I was <i>asking!</i> Politely, mind you.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I don’t give a damn.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He laughed loudly as he took hold of
my hands and kissed each of my fingers.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Your face could compete with a
tomato, Ryne.” I shot him daggers but then he grinned. “You’re beautiful.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Aargh. I blushed deeper. “Thanks.” I
said begrudgingly. He just laughed louder in response, then shifted closer to
me, pulling his arms around me and burying his head on my hair. He started
raining kisses on my head.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You’re such a romantic git.” I
chuckled.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“One of my best qualities.” he said,
pulling away and winking at me. I asked, “So what did he say, really?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Your grandfather?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No. My gardener, Sky. Really.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Oh! Of course, how stupid of me.”
then he pulled my chin up and kissed me.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I laughingly pulled away. This guy
must be part British, part cannibal. “God, I want to know! I’m <i>dying</i> here.” he shook his head, a
sparkle in his eyes. “Since you’re dying, okay then. It was gloriously short
and full of…stuff.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What stuff?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You know, he short of lashed out at
me – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“He <i>what?”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Lashed out at me.” he replied,
shrugging. “It seemed like he knew it was going to happen sometime – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“And then? What else did he – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Relax,
Ryne.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Your
grandfather doesn’t just rip someone’s head off.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“It’s just that…he sounded really…<i>tough.”</i> But that doesn’t just cover it;
I don’t think there’s even a word to describe him, to be frank.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“He just said to bring you to him and
– ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> When?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Stop shooting questions at me!” he
gently kissed my temple. “Just one at a time, my dear.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“When?”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He grabbed the phone that dropped to
the floor when we…you know. You can use your imagination, can’t you? Yes, you
can.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky checked it for a moment and his
head came up to me sharply. “Tomorrow.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">What?!</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Tomorrow?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Let me see – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No! I’m sure it’s tomorrow. You don’t
have to see.” he protested, putting the phone away from my reach. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“If there’s nothing wrong then why
aren’t you – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“There’s a bit of a, uhm – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Lashing out?” I guessed, raising an
eyebrow. He nodded his head yes, and my eyes clouded in nervous thinking.
Tomorrow.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Why does it have to be so soon?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Hey.” Sky came to me and settled me
on his lap easily. “I’m sure it would be okay. There’s nothing to worry about;
they all love you, you know.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“They? You actually met them?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He pursed his lips then he answered,
“Yes, I did.” I bit my lip, thinking further. “The file doesn’t say much about
my grandfather.” I turned to him and continued speaking, “What does he look
like?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">His gaze turned to one of deep
comprehension. “He must’ve been handsome once. Just imagine George Clooney
being a lot older. Lots older, then you have your grandpa. They even have the
same name.” he mused.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Lots?” I repeated. “Is he that old?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He shook his head vigorously as he
said hastily, “No, no. It’s more like, when you look into his face, you know he
has it hard. And no white hair. Only grey. So you can breathe.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I wasn’t thinking of that! But
anyway. Is he tall? Intimidating? Moderately intimidating? Extremely
intimidating?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Extremely,</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> yes. And he’s tall.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I gave a low whistle. “He must be
really something.” He grinned. “Oh, yes. He is.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“So what about my cousins?” I
continued asking as I relaxed my body against his, my head on the crook on his
neck. He replied, “Your cousins. Which one? Alexa?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Let’s start with her.” I was
attentively listening even as I took hold of his hand and started tracing the
lines of his palm. “Alexa is the brainy one. She’s every inch a Cavanagh.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What do you mean, Captain Obvious?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“She is uhm, regal, in a way. Your
grandfather said that with strangers, she could be aloof but with family and
friends, she could be quite fun. Long hair, brainy, average height.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I blinked as I took it all in. I
wonder if she’s going to be aloof when I’m with her. To divert myself from
troubling thoughts, I asked another question, “And Colleen? Is she uhmm, the
outgoing cousin or something?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Hardly. You could say that she jokes
quite a lot. And she’s kind of loud, but she definitely prefers indoors.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“How do you know?” I said, eyeing him.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“She told me she never used a paddle
in her life.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Whoa. A smile started showing on my
face. “I think we’ll go along well.” he laughed at that, and then surprisingly,
he rubbed the tip of his nose to mine. I love it when he does that. “Perhaps.”
He paused right there, still looking at my eyes closely. He said, “I feel
weird; I remember thinking about you in the middle of the night after we went
shopping. You were pestering my mind, I should say.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I laughed. “My mom used to say – I
mean my mother Leia. She used to say that if you can’t get someone out of your
head, maybe they’re supposed to be there. Even if they are <i>pestering.”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He smiled. “Mmm.” was his only reply
as he kissed both of my wrists before moving to my mouth. When I finally pulled
back to breathe air, I asked. “How are going to get to them tomorrow?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“We have a plan.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;">I laughed when he
wasted no time and began nuzzling my ear. “Okay, Captain La Brea.” As the
afternoon sun began to dip down on the horizon, I should’ve known right then
and there that things don’t really go to plan.</span>
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span>Yelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13181468059950303093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263733566175634558.post-54474718646214989032012-03-19T02:13:00.001-07:002012-04-17T00:05:51.237-07:00Chapter 39: The call<a href="http://www.wattpad.com/3781380-parallel-lines-chapter-39-the-call" target="_blank">Chapter 39: The call (Wattpad)</a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Part I: </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He drove away like the hounds of hell
itself were after us. His tensed muscles only relaxed when we were completely
away from the goddamned place – the landscapes outside were now different from
earlier even in the dark night. I looked at the clock on the dashboard. 6:30pm.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I heard him stop the engine right in
the middle of the road. And before I could even react, he turned to me and
reached out his hand I violently shook it off with my shoulder, no looking at
him. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Don’t touch me.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I need to uncuff you – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Why don’t you just start acting like
a real kidnapper this time?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I – I won’t do that. You don’t have
to be – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Just shut the fuck up and do what
you’re supposed to do.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He sighed and I sensed that he wanted
to say more but nonetheless, he started the engine again and started driving. I
twisted my wrists, trying to stretch them through the cuffs. Even Dash seemed
to notice that something’s wrong.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I shook my head. I didn’t even know
who I really am these past 17 years. Seventeen years. All these things I’ve
been doing had been false, fake, a façade. A lie. My eyebrows pinched together
and tears gathered in my eyes. Sky looked at me, his eyes tortured.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Ryne, I – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Why didn’t you tell me?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">His voice choked as he answered back,
“I was afraid that you’d hate me and – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“And you kept <i>that</i> from me?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He spun the car and positioned it
haphazardly, parking it in a hurry and he didn’t make the trouble of turning
off the engine this time.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What did you expect me to do? If you
were in my position – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I would fucking tell the truth the
second I’ve handcuffed you – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You weren’t supposed to know!”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“But not doing it <i>later? </i>After all these days that you – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“It wasn’t <i>easy!”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I never said anything about it being
easy! If only you told me, it would save us a lot of lies and misery and – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I
fell in love with you before I could do anything, okay?”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He pounded the steering wheel in
frustration, his tendons exposing. “And by then I just <i>knew</i> this would happen; you hating me – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What do you want me to <i>feel?”</i> I raged at him, finally facing
him and looking at his torn and tortured features. “Do you want me to be <i>happy</i> because this happened?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He tore his hair out, breathing in and
said right back, “I want you to <i>understand!”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I understand<i> completely – ”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No, you don’t! You have no idea what
I’ve been going through! After Sam was killed – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“That’s</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> what you always say! <i>Sam!</i> Even when you’re sleeping, you just
have to – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I’m trying to explain to you! Why
don’t – ” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“And then you tell me that you <i>love</i> me? You see <i>her,</i> not me – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You’re
the only one I see!”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No! You – you don’t – ” I paused,
catching my breath. “I don’t know what to do, okay? I don’t even know what to <i>feel.</i> So please, just – ” I sighed, my
voice shaking. “Just leave me along right now.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He breathed in and looked away. He
didn’t say yes, he didn’t nod, but he stayed silent, granting my wish in an
instant. Then he relaxed his head, “Let’s just find a place to stay for the
night.” And he slowly started driving again, seeming not in a hurry. I stared
blankly on the outside view. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I want <i>out. </i><br />
<br />
<br />
Wednesday, 7am</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I had no idea when I started falling
asleep inside the car. But now I started blinking my eyes open and breathed in.
The air felt different. And for some reason I found myself lying on a bed. With
different clothes on. I sighed a little, not bothering anymore and slowly
getting used to it. Aside from that, I now had bandages on my body and some
Band-Aids on me, as well. I found and put on my glasses automatically and
scanned the area. There was no sofa.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He was there. In a sitting position
with his back on the wall. He also had bandages on him and a Band-Aid on the
cut below his lower lip. And he was deeply in sleep. I looked at him and bit my
lip.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">What
am I supposed to do?</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Now that the events of last night had
come and gone, I gave the gist of it to register in my brain in a more
welcoming manner.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So my mother is Danae.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Not Leia.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I’m quite surprised, but I actually
wondered what she looked like. And I had the feeling that somehow, it was from
her where I got my chocolate brown eyes. I just…know. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">And my father id Ryan. Ryan Cavanagh.
Our names are so much alike. I remember on my childhood days, when my
classmates teased me because of my almost-male name. But the fact that it’s a
combination of Danae and Ryan gave me a different feeling.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I just haven’t figured out what
feeling that is yet.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My heart throbbed as I remembered the
parents I’ve grown up with. They’re the ones who really <i>formed</i> me and nothing<i>,</i> <i>nothing, </i>can ever take that back. But
when my mind wandered back to the names from yesterday who seemed to be in my
generation – Alexa, Colleen, Mark and Trisha – I felt slightly apprehensive.
What do they look like? Do they act like me? My lips were pursed as I thought
of Mark. I’ve always wanted a big brother. And Trisha.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">She died.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It would’ve been wonderful to have a
little sibling – I’ve never experienced having one in my life.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I was stirred from my daydreaming when
out of the corner of my eye, Sky started waking up. He rubbed his sleep-filled
eyes and stretched himself awake, eyes landing one me instantly. He didn’t say
anything, he just stood up. Then he said without coming near me, “I didn’t
think you’d like it if I slept…yeah.” He bit his lip and continued speaking,
“There’s already everything if you need it. If you don’t want to ask me, just
look for it.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He didn’t wait for my reply but
started walking towards the door and shutting the door behind him, leaving me
alone with my thoughts. I sighed and dropped back to the bed. This feeling of
entrapment is killing me.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I got out of the bed and stepped
lightly on my feet, glancing around to find the bags. It was a slight shock
when I saw the old, tattered ones at the floor at the foot of the bed. I walked
briskly towards it and zipped it open, expecting the old set of things I always
bring with me when we transfer hotels.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The first items that greeted me as my backpack
was opened, was the snow globe. Surprisingly, the beautiful castle was still
intact in the middle of the globe and the snow was still flowing up and down.
And then there was the four-lettered name in sky blue writing.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I’m such a whiny drama queen.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I squat on the floor, almost laughing
to myself. Laughing at your worst problems is easier than mourning about them.
I shook the globe and watched as the snow fluffed around the castle. In some
ways, it’s better being inside that miniature kingdom.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The bedroom door suddenly opened and
there was Sky, standing a few steps away from me, fully-clothed,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Where was he going?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He walked towards me and held out a
folder. “I have a copy of everything from the briefcase.” I took it from him as
he continued speaking. “You can take a look at it – you might want to before I
take you to them.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Wait.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “You’re taking me to them? Like,
today?” He shook his head in response. “No. But within these three days, I
will.” I stood up and asked him hesitantly, “Where are you going?” his voice
was steady as he answered, “He might want to replace me for someone else.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Replace?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What do you mean ‘replace’?” I asked
in an almost demanding voice. He shrugged lifelessly. “Replace – substitute.” <i>What?</i> “Why?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Then his green eyes were fixed on me
instantly. “You know why. I told you in the first place.” I blinked, puzzled. <i>He did?</i> My eyebrows drew in confusion,
so he elaborated. “That day after what happened in the car.” My eyes widened in
realization, then I had a flashback –</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">We were sitting on the sofa during the
blackout.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You
don’t understand.” He said, shaking his head slightly. “And by the way,” he
looked up into my eyes. “Mr. Mafia told me not to fall in love you.” He smiled
gently. “But to hell with it.”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I came back to the present as he asked
me, “You remember, don’t you?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I nodded soundlessly. “And that one
day, too. When you said you’d prefer your head being attached to your neck?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“That was a figure of speech, but yes.
He did mean that.” No. He can’t mean that. “So you’re going now?” he raised an
eyebrow at the question, “Do you want me to?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No – no, I just – ” I responded
hastily but I was stopped by the look on his eyes. It was a look of total
surrender. I was just about to ask him what it is when he spoke up. “After you
read the file, you can call him if you want. Your grandfather.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I can <i>call</i> him?” I asked in a disbelieving voice, my mouth almost gaping
open. Sky smiled slightly in endearment. “Yes, you can.” he answered, still
smiling. “Just tell me, I’ll be outside if you want to stay here – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Stay here? I – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Yes?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I stared at those emeralds, which were
both hoping and dreading for an answer and I almost stepped forward, but I held
my ground. I answered, “Yes, I’ll just stay.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He nodded once and walked out of the
door for the second time.<br />
<br />
<br />
Part II:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Do you know that awkward moment when
you feel like someone has been viewing your life since you were fucking born?
When they know <i>every</i> single thing
about you that you even forgot yourself. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I feel like it when I read the file,
now after taking a quick bath and with Dash dozing outside, leaving me alone
with my thoughts. They know every detail of my life! They even know how many
moles I have on my head and, oh right. My head is completely covered by my
hair, so I have no idea how many there are.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It says here five. Like, how the fuck
did they know that?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">And the other pages contain my
childhood years – actually, it’s one page per year and there were <i>pictures.</i> That’s the worst part. And
they even know what my favourite things are.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">And that’s just intrusive.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This is ridiculous. They have got to
be kidding me.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">There are even names of my friends –
and the fake ones, too – and I was surprised to find out that Carsh had one
page, complete with a picture of him and the details, as well. The Terminator
had a page dedicated to her, too. Now the Terminator, I know almost everything
there is to know about her. My eyes were drawn to the image of Carsh. As I read
his page, my fingers skimmed downwards and then I read the last information. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">With Mia Lorette. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I scowled as I read it twice. I can’t
believe he just found another one like I was nothing. If he really loved me, he
wouldn’t do that, right? If I really meant something to him, he wouldn’t just
run off to find another one, wouldn’t he? His angelic face was staring back at
me in the photo, his clear blue eyes smiling. I remembered once when I first
saw him eye to eye, I fell or that azure colour. But when he talked to me, we
just clicked.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Where’s the fucking click now?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I threw away the paper in frustration.
If I held it for one more second, I might actually crumple it. And right then,
I remembered that Sky gave a picture of Carsh three days ago. I sighed,
annoyed.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I’ll get rid of it later.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">After I finished reading every single
thing about me to date, I flipped the page and when I did, I was surprised to
find out a woman’s face on the next page. She has elegant features like
royalty. And her eyes. She has chocolate brown eyes.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My mother.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I sat up straighter. Name – Danae. And
her nickname is Dani. I smiled a little bit and proceeded reading. She loved
books, too. And on the picture, she has black hair. So that means I must’ve got
my hair colour from my father. She engages in sports, too. That’s the only
thing we haven’t got in common, I think. Everything else I’ve inherited from
her. Except the looks, of course – she’s much too beautiful. Even better than
Xavia. And I didn’t get my temper from her either.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">She has a <i>horrible</i> temper. From what I gathered from reading about her, her
husband Ryan seemed to take the blunt of her fury on a bad day. But
surprisingly, he handled it well. I bet he was the only one who can calm him
down. Why else would they marry?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Feeling energized, I turned to the
next. Oh, God. It’s like I’m looking at the male version of me. He’s a lot
older than 17, but all the same. Wow.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Ryan Cavanagh.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So this is my dad. I was practically <i>cloned</i> from him. But the similarities
stopped right there. In personality, he is <i>nothing</i>
like me. He is outgoing, always jolly, active in sports and stranger-friendly.
A complete smile is now on my face as I turned another page. Mark Cavanagh. He
is attractive in a strange way. There’s something about his face that just
draws people. Then I scanned the information and found the perfect word.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Charisma.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My older brother is a charismatic guy
who draws women effortlessly. That’s just what I summed up from the article.
Then a sudden chord struck me. Struck me hard. I remembered Xavia and her
reaction on that day in the car when she and Imah went away.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So this is the guy Xavia had a thing
with. God help them.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">And then there was Trisha. In the
image, she’s just about 5 years old. I skipped the other brief details about
her and read the one I’m looking for.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Death – 2nd of March (classified year)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Then I read the cause. They’ve been
ambushed in their vacation house. Mark being the eldest one had to take care of
the family business and was not included in the murder.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">And then there’s me.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In a weird way, I feel like I fit in.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I heard a knock on the door and Sky poked
his head in, he’s on the phone and he seemed distracted. I instinctively got
off the bed and shot him a quizzical look as he walked towards me, speaking to
the person on the other line.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Yes, sir. Here she is.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky handed me his cellular phone – a
different one – and as I held out my hand to put it in my ear, he mouthed, <i>your grandfather.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My eyes widened almost instantly and
my heart rate increased considerably. I put the phone on my ear, hearing the
sounds from the other location. I held my breath, keeping my head together. I
said hesitantly, “Hello?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Ryne?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The second I heard his voice,
something clicked. I responded, still unsure. “Yes, it’s me. Uhm, Grandpa?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I heard his hearty chuckle and even
Sky smiled. “Yes, you can call me that. So how are you, my dear?” as he talked
to me, Sky put his hands on my shoulders and steered me towards the bed, both
of us sitting down.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I’m fine.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“How’s La Brea treating you?” I looked
at the person in question. “We get along well, actually.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Too well, I fear.” I barely took to
notice that his accent is a strange mix of American and Russian as we talked
about Sky. Speaking of, Sky arched an eyebrow as the both of us continued
speaking. “Uhm, it’s really very complicated to talk about that right now. We –
” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I told him not to tell you. I’m sorry
for that, my child. You must understand that I had to do everything in my power
to keep you safe.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I understand.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“So you know everything?” For some
reason, his voice didn’t sound annoyed or irritated. He even sounded welcoming,
open-minded. “Yes. Sky let me read the file.” I could tell that he knew I would
find out.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I knew this would happen at one
point. Nothing but the truth comes out, eh?” I laughed lightly. “Yes. I
suppose.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I take it that you’ve read about your
parent and siblings already?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“And myself, yes.” He laughed at my
response. “You’ve got my son’s sense of humour. Well, that’s a relief.” he
paused talking and I heard muffled voices at the other end of the line, then he
spoke to me again. “Ryne, my dear, I’m a little tied up here. I’ll call you
later again and we’ll do a hell of a catching up, okay?” I hesitated before
answering back – there is something I really want to ask from him. More like a
favour. “Uhm, Grandpa? If it’s not much to ask, can I have a favour?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Anything at all! Go ahead, darling.
You can abuse me around for all the 17 years of my absence.” I laughed
nervously. <i>You’re the granddaughter of a
Mafia king, Ryne. You can do this, you’re awesome. </i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Can – can Sky stay?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky looked like he’d been electrocuted
and the person on the other line paused in surprise. “I’m sorry?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Can he stay?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">There was another pause, shorter this
time.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I don’t think that’s a good idea – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Please?”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I begged shamelessly, looking into
Sky’s eyes as he held my hand and he kissed it, his gaze never leaving mine and
the shell-shocked look still on his face. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Ryne, my dear, I’m going to ask you a
question and I want to answer honestly.” I bit my lip. “I think I know what it
is, but it’s better if you say it word by word.” I added hastily, “I think.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Do you love him?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I gave a strangled laugh as I looked
at his face.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">“I do.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span>Yelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13181468059950303093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263733566175634558.post-83873704797537466772012-03-19T01:57:00.000-07:002012-04-17T00:05:19.055-07:00Chapter 38: Second time<a href="http://www.wattpad.com/3781285-parallel-lines-chapter-38-second-time" target="_blank">Chapter 38: Second time (Wattpad)</a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">They say the truth sets you free.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">But they’re wrong.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So
wrong.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Ice clapped her hands once. “Now, I
think everyone’s on the same page. So what do we do with the both of you now?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I stayed silent. I don’t want to
think. I don’t even know <i>what</i> to
think. My lungs seem to be suffocating as I stared at nothing trying to set my
mind straight. I just want to get away from here. I <i>have</i> to. Tears were still unconsciously falling from my eyes. I
refused to look at Sky. I just want to open my eyes and out that everything was
just a dream. I’d do <i>anything</i> for
that to happen.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Ice continued speaking. “I really want
to kill La Brea right now. You’ve caused enough trouble, and not to mention
that you look like you don’t care if you live or die.” He didn’t respond,
hollowed eyes staring right past her. “Brighten up, Sky! You don’t have to
carry the burden anymore! I can’t imagine how painful that must be for you but
frankly, I don’t see why you’re so affected by it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">No response.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I’ll just have a monologue then.
Fine. Considering you only have a few more minutes to live, you should at least
spill everything you know – the location, Sky. I still need it.” She sighed
when Sky said nothing. “I’m losing my patience here. It could be cleaner if you
just tell me – you’ll die either way, so no pressure. I obviously can’t kill
Ryne; she’s too valuable – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Go to hell.” Sky suddenly stirred to
life a little. “Don’t you dare touch her.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Ice smiled. “Wrong move.” Then she
strode over to me, pulling me by the hair. I struggled to no avail and then she
stood still. “Do you know how much bullets a human body can take without dying?
It’s a surprising number actually – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No
– ”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">She pressed the wounds on my wrists
and I felt excruciating pain. I heard Sky say as I howled in pain. <i>“Stop it!</i> Hurt <i>me,</i> not her – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “Just tell me where they are and you don’t – ”
she never finished the sentence as the warehouse metal doors shot open and
bullets were everywhere. Everything was a blur. I felt Ice’s body jerk behind
me and she let go, almost felling to the ground from the stomach shot she had.
She immediately poised her gun as chaos erupted when her men joined the fray.
But she didn’t point it at me.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My feet was carrying me to her
direction and right before she pulled the trigger, I ran straight towards her
and her aim was thrown off, the bullet hitting one of her men.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Bitch!</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> You – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A bullet whizzed past my ear and it
hit her straight in the chest and she fell abruptly to the ground, like a
marionette with its strings cut off. I can’t breathe and my body was still
aching and all I saw was the gun in her dead hand and the next thing I remember
was grabbing it. I stood up and took cover behind the pile of sacks.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Who should I get away from?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I clicked the gun in my hand and
raised it to aim but I felt a hand covering my mouth. I kicked and struggled
and I blindly aimed my gun behind my head and without thinking, I pulled the
trigger.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">His limp arms fell to his sides and he
crumpled to the floor, dead. One of Ice’s people. I stepped over the body and
backed away from the scene unfolding in front of me – an open almost-war image
and total disarray. I whipped my head around and started running away, further
inside the warehouse where hopefully, there are no people waiting for me. I
passed through numerous building materials and construction necessities. And
then suddenly, there were two string arms holding my upper arms.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Two familiar hands.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Let go of me!”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I need to protect you – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I’ve had enough of your <i>protecting,</i> Sky. Just – ” he cuffed my
wrists and I screamed in frustration. “Xav and the others are taking care of
it, we need to go – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I hate you all! And we’re not going
anywhere – ” then he covered my mouth with a handkerchief in his hand and
started dragging me away. <i>Fuck this!</i>
I tried to hold on to something with my feet but in vain. This is the second
time I’ve been kidnapped by this person and I don’t want it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky accidentally pressed my wounds and
I shrieked painfully, muffled by the cloth on my mouth.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Oh, God.” Abruptly, he released the
hindrance to my mouth and pushed me behind a pile of crates, stacked high and
wide enough not to be seen by anyone watching. Gunshots and grenade explosions
can still be heard from here, shaking the ground slightly. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Uncuff me – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Stay still and don’t move.” he
pressed my front torso against the boxes and I heard him tearing off a piece of
cloth from his shirt and he started bandaging my wounds. I violently moved my
shoulders. “I don’t need your fucking help – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Your wrists – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Get
away from me!”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He fell silent after that, slightly
pausing the bandaging but quickly resumed doing so, without any sound or
indication that something happened. I exhaled slowly. <i>This is hopeless.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Once the bleeding was stopped and my
wound was temporarily secure, he pushed me forward once again, pulling his gun
out and perusing the nearby surroundings before stepping further. I pursed my
lips and didn’t even bother to speak. I was afraid I’d start crying when I do
and that can’t happen.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In no time, we were already outside,
just as the sun was setting. Sky led me to a Porsche but I stopped in my tracks
halfway. I called out, “Dash?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Barking instantly sounded from behind
the car and I sped towards it, almost dragging Sky. Then there he was, tied to
the rear view mirror, unharmed. Without words being said, Sky immediately freed
Dash and opened the backseat and ushered my dog in, never letting go of his
grip on me. Then he faced me and opened the shotgun seat.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“In.” he said emotionlessly.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">When I did not move a muscle, he
pushed me into the seat and didn’t even bother to uncuff my wrists, As he
closed the door, I breathed in hard, closing my eyes. I put my knees up to
myself and I lay with my head there, hands still bound on my back. I hate this.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">After a few seconds, he opened the
other side of the car and settled in, starting the engine in an instant. He
didn’t speak.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;">And I can’t see any
point in saying something as well.</span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span>Yelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13181468059950303093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263733566175634558.post-88164973482746142152012-03-19T01:51:00.000-07:002012-04-17T00:04:39.662-07:00Chapter 37: Ever wonder<a href="http://www.wattpad.com/3781153-parallel-lines-chapter-37-ever-wonder" target="_blank">Chapter 37: Ever wonder (Wattpad)</a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Part I:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It was the middle of the night.
Everything was quiet. They lightly stepped on their toes. Everything had come
to plan up to this point. Everything must go to plan. The door to the bedroom
opened without so much as a sound and he saw them.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sleeping.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">On the bedside table was a snow globe.
And it was glowing. He considered stealing it away, for the sake of amusement
and to induce more unsettledness for Cavanagh but stopped when he saw the name
inside the lighting globe. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">She’ll be looking for it the next
morning, no doubt. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The person rejected the idea in his
head, looked at the couple of people sleeping soundly and almost laughed at
their stupidity. Ice had been <i>so</i>
right about the two of them. Then the person turned to Sky.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This one’s the problem.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He slowly got out his drugged
handkerchief and stepped closer. They’ll be able to get rid of him at last.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The person covered Sky’s airways and
saw his eyes opened instantly, like he’d been electrocuted. He started
struggling and reaching out for Ryne, but the person held his limbs back. Their
struggle came to the point where they were wrestling quietly on the floor, but
the drug was talking effect; Sky was weakening. Slowly. But he was still
persistently reaching out for Ryne. The person craned his neck to look at the
girl. She was still sleeping. That’s good.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Really good.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Now, La Brea was really knocked out,
his eyes closing and his head dropped to the side.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Just perfect.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I had the most wonderful dream ever. I
dreamt about Britain. About happily ever after. I tossed on the bed, smiling
and opened one eye slowly. I barely got enough sleep but whatever. When I
looked at my side though, I frowned.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">No Sky.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My lips parted in surprise and I sat
up slowly. I looked around the room then. Nothing. <i>Don’t panic.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I whistled quickly and was intensely
relieved to hear the four familiar paws making its way to the bedroom door.
Dash clambered up to the bed and frolicked on the sheets. He was barking like
crazy.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Calm down, boy. What is wrong with
you?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He still barked and circled around the
side of the bed. The side of the bed where Sky usually slept – on the left. My
eyes widened as Dash abruptly jumped off the bed and raced to the living room.
I ran after him and found him clawing at the door.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The door with the password.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My heart was racing as I pursed my
lips, which were parted in surprise. I whistled to Dash again and went back to
the bedroom. The curtains were drawn and so I got out my beetle necklace to
check the time. 1:20pm. <i>He must’ve left a
note or something</i>, I thought. He <i>must
</i>have. Sky would be like that. Dash followed me on my heels and I almost
cried with relief when I saw a blue folded paper on the low table. I almost
flew to it and instantly opened it – </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Ryne,
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I’m
sorry, I’m not there yet. I promise to get back as fast as I could – Imah
called me, saying there’s something she needed to tell. Important. Just stay
there, okay? I love you.</span></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: right; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Always,</span></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: right; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Sky</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I stared at the letter. I bit my lip
as I folded it back. <i>I love you</i>. This
is really unexpected. I hoped that when I wake up, it would be his face I see
and it would be his face I see and it would just be like last night, only
better. I stood up and looked around the vast room. Now what am I supposed to
do? I rolled my eyes and went back to the bedroom, ignoring my still-racing
heart. I’ll just take a bath and get ready. All the while, I was trying to
shake off the feeling that this is the first time that Sky disappointed me. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Part II:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It’s been fucking long. I already did
everything at my disposal – eat, drink, watch tv, read, play even. And he’s
still not back. In my desperation, I even tried the code on the door for
millions of times but you know what happened. I didn’t succeed whatsoever. I picked up the note and started pacing.
Again.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
promise to get back as fast as I could.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I gritted my teeth. Something’s not
right. When he says he’ll do something, he <i>does</i>
it in a blink of an eye. I sat down on the floor in defeat, touching my anklet.
This is the first time I’ve felt like a real prisoner. What the bloody hell is
he doing? I glanced around the hotel room, which is a complete mess.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I tried out the briefcase again but
failed – it’s on the sofa beside the restless Dash. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Dash never became restless.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The contents of the other drawers were
strewn around the open space. I rubbed my arms and jumped violently when I
heard the fast, consecutive beeping. I stood up, as if electrocuted. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It wasn’t the door.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I breathed hard, spinning around the
room. I <i>know</i> that sound. <i>I know it.</i> My uncle had me listen to it
countless times. It’s coming from the sofa. Somewhere on the sofa.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Off, Dash.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">As soon as Dash got off, I scanned the
pillows, throwing them away one by one. The couch was almost bare when I threw
the last of the pillows, I scowled. Nothing. Then I pushed the couch until it
was against the wall and I saw the blinking red light on the floor, as if it
fell there. I picked it up, the still-beeping object.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky’s comm device.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">No. <i>Fuck this.</i> He’s wearing it all the time, I <i>know</i> it. I pressed the little button with a shaking finger and then
inserted it in my ear.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“H-hello?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Ryne?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Is that you? Why the fuck are you – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Xavia?”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Get out of there <i>now.”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I <i>can’t!</i>
The door – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“The pass is 777, now get – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Where’s
Sky?”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I can’t just <i>leave!</i> I <i>can’t!</i> I spun
around the room, disoriented. I heard Xavia say, <i>“No time! Go out now!”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><i> </i> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Then on the door I heard beeping. I
spun, facing the door and before the second beep, I ran away. <i>“Ryne?!</i> Get a gun under the mattress
from the bedroom – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I heard the door being kicked open and
they rained bullets around the room. My heart rate accelerated as I called out,<i> “Dash!”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He came thundering towards me,
unharmed. I continued running to the bedroom and flung the mattress aside.
Absolute <i>fuck.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Guns. Armalites. Bullets. Bombs. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I grabbed a revolver and turned
around, but the instant that I did, my vision was blocked by a fist sent to my
direction. I was knocked down to the floor, my jaw throbbing. From the floor, I
saw the shoes of five people. All armed.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Ryne?!
Can you hear me?”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I summoned strength from my leg and
swung it around, knocking the guy who punched me earlier on the floor. I got up
as fast as I could and aimed the gun, but someone grabbed me by the hair from
behind and nudged a gun at my side.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“She’s a feisty one.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The voice sounds familiar. She sounds
like the woman last Tuesday. <i>Oh, God.
Please no. </i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Not unlike you, Sash.” the guy on the
floor said. He was already getting up and he slapped the gun away from my hand,
leaving me defenseless. I tried to control my breathing, looking at the other
people. I heard Xavia through my ear, her voice full of fear.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Ryne?!
Talk to me if – ”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">She never finished what she said as
the guy pried the device off my ear violently and threw it on the floor.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He stepped on it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I exhaled. I <i>knew</i> something was wrong. The woman chuckled in my ear. “La Brea
taught her.” she scoffed. “I can’t even stand to say his name.” they all
chuckled amusedly and then Dash barked at them, growling and baring his teeth.
One guy turned to me, “Shut him up.” The same woman holding me laughed before I
could respond something to the man.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Permanently?” she asked, aiming the
gun at my dog. <i>No.</i> “Fuck off.” I
struggled from her vice-like grip and she almost ripped my hair off from my
scalp.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You know what? I’ve waited for a long
time for this moment. Just a little more honey, okay? And I’ll keep your
precious little dog – it’s always good to have a trophy – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Let
me go!”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">She pushed me forward. “Walk. You,”
she turned to one of the guys, “take care of the dog.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Dash!”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I tried to manuever away from the
woman but she stood her ground. “I won’t kill the animal, okay? Just shut the
fuck up.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Hey, Sash.” the guy tossed her a
handkerchief. “Oh, this will make it easier.” The next thing I knew was she was
holding the cloth to my nose and mouth and passing out.<br />
<br />
<br />
Part III: </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“…been more than a week.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Week?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> You imbeciles…”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I groaned as I felt myself bound – my
hands and feet. I shook my bangs away from my eyes and at the same times,
making sense of my surroundings. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Car.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">We’re inside a car.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“She’s awake.” The guy I fought with
earlier was on my right. I shot him the dirtiest look I could muster and turned
to my other side.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Grey eyes.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I think you know who I am.” She said
with the same Russian tint in her voice. I stared at her face and my soul
crumbled. I swallowed hard and I asked in what I hoped was a steady voice.
“Where are you taking me?” she smiled. “It wouldn’t be a surprise anymore if I
told you, would it?” the driver of the car spoke in a low voice, “Almost
there.” I looked out into the window and saw nothing but green. Green fields. I
looked down and stifled a sigh. I looked back at the woman, my gaze
straightforward. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Where’s Sky?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">She laughed out loud. :I’ve been
waiting for you to ask me that.” I felt anger bubbling up inside me right then.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Where is he?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You’ll find out. I must say, I make
an impressive little note, don’t I?” I struggled against the ropes and
attempted to kick her. <i>“Fuck you. </i>You
don’t – ” the guy behind me covered my mouth his hand. I bit him.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Ah,
fuck!”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> he pulled my
hair and I can’t help whimpering. “Look at what you did!” I didn’t bother
responding to him and twisted away from his grip. I breathed hard. This is not
happening. It isn’t. A little sob almost escaped me when I thought of Sky. <i>Where is he?</i> I bit my lip hard, so hard
I thought it might bleed. He will come. He <i>will.</i>
The car stopped in front of what looked like and abandoned building and the man
dragged me out. Once I as outside, I scanned the never-ending fields, looking
for signs of other life.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">There wasn’t. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Three of the guys pulled the heavy
metal doors open and Sasha Hale went in first, then the same man dragged me
along. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Inside was a warehouse. Stripped of
everything and the leftover, useless materials were stacked on the back. There
was only one light in the middle of the room as they closed the doors. The
windows provided poor source of setting sunlight but I can still see it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">See them.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">There were more than a dozen of them
and I felt fear enfold me like a blanket. And then I saw Sky.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He was unconscious, with blood
dripping from the corner of his mouth to the hard ground. I struggled with my
captor to get closer to him though we were yards apart.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Sky?!”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He didn’t respond. He didn’t wake up.
And I can’t <i>even</i> see his face – his
head was hanging loosely, like he was sleeping. Once we were with the others,
the man untied my feet and I kicked him hard in the stomach and ran to him. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The man whim I left fumed. <i>“Fuck!</i> When I get my hands around your
neck – ” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Leave her alone. She’s too important.
Unfortunately.” Sasha’s eyes burned as she said those words. I didn’t even hear
them as I sprinted towards Sky, my heart pounding in my chest. He was tied to
the pillar and the ropes were <i>completely</i>
around him. I felt my breathing drew in sharply as I watched his face. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He was covered in blood.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">No.
No, no.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “Sky? Can you
hear me?” I touched his face with my tied hands and shook him a little bit. He
did not respond, panic rose up to my throat and I shook him harder. “Fuck you. <i>Wake up.” </i>I felt a hand a hand on my
shoulder steering me away from him. “He’s alive. Barely, I hope.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I swung around and punched the
unfamiliar face. Another person grabbed me from behind and lifted my feet off
the ground. I screamed in rage, “I will fucking <i>kill </i>you!”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Not very likely.” It was another
woman’s voice and she entered the fray. I sighed miserably. I know her as well.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Recognize me, don’t you, Ryne?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Her grey eyes looked at me from head
to toe and she talked to her sister. “It’s my turn now, Sash.” she just
chuckled in response and walked away. The person set me down and I
automatically came back to Sky, spreading my arms around him and facing them.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Ice MacArran cocked her blonde hair to
the side as she watched me. Then she clicked her gun. “We’ve been watching the
two of you, you know. It was really fascinating.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I glared at her. No one invades my
personal life. “What do you want?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">She raised an eyebrow. “What I <i>want?</i> I don’t <i>want</i> anything from you. I <i>need
</i>something from you.” I sighed deeply. “Please. I don’t know what you want.
Just let Sky go.” I now felt tears gathering in my eyes, much to my
frustration. “I’ll do anything.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">She grinned. “I know you will.” She
turned to the other dozen people and just motioned with her gun and they left,
only five remained and stayed behind. She faced me again. “It’s better if he’s
awake, don’t you agree?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">As she said those words, one man
started walking towards me and Sky. A fist seemed to close around my heart as
he approached. “Don’t touch – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He flung me across the room as if he
heard nothing and punched Sky on the face really hard. I landed on the ground
facedown and was disoriented. That knocked the wind out of me. I blinked
several times and found the buff figure of the guy beating Sky, who was now
groaning and attempting to avoid the man’s fists.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No!”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I got up hastily and started running
but two other men grabbed me on each side, preventing me from even moving. Ice
just watched the scene like this happens every fucking day.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Stop!” I struggled as best as I could
but my vision was blurred as tears entered my eyes again. My head snapped up as
I heard Sky groan loudly.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Sky?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I held my breath as he slightly raised
his head to look at me. He seemed confused. “Ryne?” he asked in a slurred,
hoarse voice. I pursed my lips and called out. “It’s me.” then another batch of
tears streamed down my cheek. And then Sky looked at Ice and anger seemed to
fill him with sudden energy.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You said you won’t hurt her – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I didn’t. Not yet.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He trashed himself against the ropes
in an attempt to break loose. <i>“No!</i>
You – ” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Look,” she said, brushing hair away
from her face. “All I need is the location. Just the location. La Brea. Don’t
make this harder for you – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Let
her go!”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I panted, trying to get away from my
captors with my exhausted muscles. <i>Out.</i>
I looked at Sky. <i>We need to get out</i>.
I looked around the warehouse for something that might be used to our
advantage.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Ice smiled hugely. “I have a better
idea.” She turned to the buff guy who beat Sky up. “Untie La Brea.” The man
hesitated and instantly, she turned ice-cold. <i>“Do it!”</i> he promptly went over to the pillar an cut off the rope
with a pocket knife and in the second that Sky regained the use of his limbs,
he attacked.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He kicked him in the stomach and the
guy flipped over from the sheer force of it. Ice chuckled smugly. “One.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky punched the guy again when the guy
attempted to stand up, with droplets of water splatting on the floor. “Two.”
Ice continued counting.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Why was she counting?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky turned to Ice as well while his
enemy was still knocked flat, confusion being the cause and as he did, his
competitor stood up slowly. I instantly shouted,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Watch
out!”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky turned in time to avoid the hit
and set the man sprawling on the floor with a hit from his elbow. Ice pursed
her lips – from excitement. “Three.” Sky lost all strings of patience he owned
and shouted,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Why
are you counting?!”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">She didn’t respond but turned to both
of the men who held me. She just smiled and one man le go and the other faced
me. He kicked me in the stomach, which sent me sprawling on the hard ground. I
coughed blood. My back and front sides <i>hurt.</i>
I distantly heard Ice say, “One.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">God.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I felt tears flowing from my eyes. <i>God, no.</i> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The man picked me up and punched my
jaw. “Two.” More blood came out and he let my limp body fall back to the
ground. Then I heard Sky roar, <i>“No!</i>
Leave her <i>alone!</i> I will <i>kill</i> you – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The same man kicked me, and I now lay
completely flat on the ground. “Three.” I can’t breathe properly. It hurt to
breathe. Sky continued struggling. <i>“Let
go of me!</i> I will kill <i>all</i> of you
– ” I heard Ice’s little laugh. “I told you earlier that I’ve been watching
you.” As she continued talking, both of the guys pulled me to my feet again and
I didn’t bother supporting my own weight. She said, “Ryne doesn’t have to
suffer. Just tell me the location and I’ll let her live. That’s all you want
isn’t it? Her alive?” She stalked closer to him and he gave her a look of
purest loathing when she was close enough. He said,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You’re lying. You want her dead.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">She shrugged. “Okay. So I want her
dead. That doesn’t make your situation easier.” he lunged at her but she didn’t
even flinch or step back. The enormous guy pulled Sky back. Ice crossed her
arms. “Now, Sky. I’ve got all day, but sadly, you don’t.” he ignored her,
looking directly at her eyes. She nodded. “Your choice.” She backed up and the
guy holding Sky immediately resumed punching and beating him.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He didn’t fight back.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No!</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Get away from him!” I struggled
fruitlessly, blinded by what I was seeing. Sky was on the floor, breathing
rapidly and the man grabbed him by his shirt and punched his face.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No!</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Sky, fight <i>back!”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He didn’t. He lay still on the floor,
his chest heaving. I sobbed brokenly and Ice tutted. “He won’t fight back,
Ryne. He’s afraid that I would start counting again.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I watched with horror. <i>“No! Damn you!”</i> She didn’t seem to hear
me but surveyed Sky. She talked to the big man. “La Brea won’t talk. But at
least,” she looked at me, “we have leverage.” She smiled and held out her hand.
“Knife.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky shouted. <i>“No!</i> No, no, <i>NO!”</i> Ice
tossed the knife to the man on my side and he caught it, facing me. I breathed
rapidly, weakly trying to break loose from the other guy from behind me. The
man in front grabbed my wrist and started sinking the blade slowly into my
skin.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I tried to pry it away, but his grip
was tight. I can’t breathe properly and when he heard no reaction from me, he
sank the blade hard. I screamed violently, and I pushed and kicked to get away.
I heard Sky, <i>“No! </i>Fuck you – ” I
screamed loudly again as he cut another wound beneath the previous one. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Get
your hands off her</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">! I
will kill you, I swear to God – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“She wouldn’t be like this if you just
tell me, La Brea.” Ice said.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I sobbed tiredly. I can’t. I can’t do
this anymore. I cried my heart out as the pain on my entire body seemed to
intensify a hundredfold. Sky said helplessly, “But – but I <i>can’t.</i> You – ” the blade cut through me again and I screamed for
the third time. I saw Sky’s face crumple in pain and his eyes looked shattered.
I whispered to no one in particular, “Stop. Can’t. <i>Please</i> stop.” Sky cried out brokenly, there were tears on his eyes
and some were falling on the ground. “Just let her go and I’ll tell you
anything, <i>everything</i> you want. I’m
begging you, <i>please.”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">She glared pitilessly. “I let her go,
I lose leverage. Do I look like a fool to you? I know you. You won’t speak a
word. I gave you a choice and now you leave me with none.” She readied her gun
and approached me, pulling me with her by the arm. I tried to ignore the
defeated part of me that keeps on saying that we might as well die here. Blood
from my wrist dripped to the ground as Ice led me to the center of the room, a
gun poised at my head. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No!
I’ll do anything – ”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Have you ever wondered, Ryne,” she
said, drowning out the sound of Sky’s voice. “Have you ever wondered why your
parents died at that car crash five years ago, yet you weren’t sure it was
them?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Time stood still.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">No.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> That’s not possible. Nobody knew
that. Not a soul.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I don’t know – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“When you looked in their coffins and
hesitated? Questioned the identity of your own – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Shut
up!”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I gave a struggle but she overpowered
me easily. Sky called out, voice panicked, “Don’t listen to her, Ryne. Don’t –
” Ice’s grey eyes glinted. “Oh, that’s right. You’re afraid of her knowing,
aren’t you, Sky? Afraid that you’d lose her?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I breathed in sharply. “Know what?
What is she talking about Sky? You – what are you – ” Ice’s laugh filled the
open space. “Oh, Ryne. There’s so much you still don’t know – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“She’s
playing with you! Don’t listen – ”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“If Sky really loved you, she
continued, as if there was no interference, “he <i>would</i> tell you the truth, right? But have you ever questioned why
he chose to hurt you with it instead?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No!</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I would never hurt you. I <i>love</i> you!”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Have you ever wondered about the
reason why we call you <i>Cavanagh?”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Shut
the fuck up!”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Or your parents? Can you tell me
their names?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I breathed fast, as though I’m in a
race. Tears flowed freely through my face as I recalled those painful memories.
I replied, voice barely above a whisper, “My parents are John and Leia Evers.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“How about Ryan and Danae? What about
those names, Ryne?” my temple throbbed. “I don’t recognize those names – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You don’t? What a shame. How about –
”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky shouted, “You <i>monster!</i> <i>Damn you!</i> I will
<i>fucking</i> kill you and – ” he was cut
off because the enormous man taped his mouth from behind, and now he can’t
utter a single word. “Much better.” Ice turned to me. “Now, Ryne. I’ll ask you
again – are those names familiar?” I looked at Sky, struggling to get off and
his emerald eyes were full of heeding warning and mixed emotions. Ice pressed
the gun to the side of my head, demanding an answer. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I don’t know those people.” I
replied, eyes closed. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Have you ever wanted a big brother,
Ryne?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I don’t have – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Have you ever heard of the name Mark?
Mark Noel?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Who are these people?!” I raged at
her. “Why are you asking me this? You don’t – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“How about a little sister?” she
continued, ignoring each of my questions. “A sister named Trisha. Wouldn’t that
be nice?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I sobbed. “I don’t <i>know.</i> What do you want from me? I – I
don’t know what you’re talking about, okay? Who are – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Last one, Ryne. Alexa. Do you know
her? It would be wonderful to have her as a cousin, as well as Colleen – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What
the fuck are you talking about? I don’t know these people – ”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You want a familiar name? You asked
for it.” she chuckled mirthfully. “Maybe it’s just me, but I think you’ve
already forgotten everything about him. I doubt you can even remember his name
right now.” She said, glancing in Sky’s direction. “Did you even wonder how
Crash was doing, Ryne? Or did you forget? You did, didn’t you? Of course, I
don’t blame you – with La Brea around, it’s hard to focus right?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I closed my eyes, trying to shut her
voice off. I <i>can’t</i> take this anymore.
<i>I can’t.</i> Distinctly, I heard the tape
being removed from Sky and I heard him,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Ryne, I…” he seemed at loss for
words. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Wait, you two!” Ice intervened.
“Don’t be so sad. Carsh found another one for him. Now isn’t that great? A
little bit fast though, what do you think?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Another
one?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “What – what are
you – ” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“She’s a friend of yours. What was –
oh, right. Mia. Do you want proof?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Ice released me, dug something from
her jacket and faced me, waving a photo of Mia Lorette. A blonde with blue eyes
and beautiful figure. She was wearing a silver flower necklace.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“The necklace? Carsh gave that to her,
if you’re wondering.” My soul shattered as every second ticked by. This is just
too much. I can’t take in anymore. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Ryne, I – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No. Shut up, <i>please.</i> Just leave me alone.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">At those words, his face drained of
blood and he looked fragile as never before. “Please – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Leave me alone. Just…” I released a
strangled cry. “Leave me alone.” Tears slid down from his eyes and to the hard,
cold ground. He fell silent.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Ice laughed coldly. “Oh, how I love
surprises. You people are fun to be with. So <i>much</i> fun. But enough of Meyers. Ryne needs to know herself – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No!</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> You <i>can’t</i> tell her – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Really? Who said so?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I swallowed hard and wiped the tears
from my bloody face. I tuned them out. All of them.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Have you ever wondered why you’re so
good at shooting at combat, Ryne?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I looked up to her. There’s nothing
about that. Nothing. There’s no reason for her to bring that up. “I’m not – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Did you ever think that maybe you got
that from someone? <i>Inherited</i> it from
someone?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">No.
No, no, no.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My heart was about to burst from my
ribcage as I faced her. “What are you talking about?” She smiled as she
whistled once, and one man brought to her a briefcase.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky’s briefcase.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I heard him moan as if he’s in pain
when Ice held it in her arms. Her grin turned wider. “You see, Ryne. Your Sky
hadn’t been completely honest with you – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I
did it for you, Ryne – ”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“And I happen to know that password to
this briefcase.” she turned to the rows of numbers. “Triple seven, if I’m not
mistaken.” She pushed the square button.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It clicked open.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A man grabbed my upper arms from
behind as Ice surveyed the contents. “This is so sweet.” she said, pulling out
a rose. Then she chuckled. “I thought this was a business briefcase.” She threw
the rose away like a useless piece of paper. In spite of myself, I called out
to her,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What
is it?”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">She was almost dancing with
anticipation as she pulled out a folder – and unceremoniously dropped the
briefcase, cash paper scattering on the ground.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I have this little treasure in my
hands. We’d all like to know what’s inside, don’t we?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No!
I swear to God I will – ”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Shut
up, Sky!”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I turned to
Ice. “What is it?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Are you sure you really want to know?
You might be a little shocked.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Will
you just fucking tell me right now?”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">She sighed mockingly. “Well, if you
insist.” She opened the file and pulled out a thin piece of paper. “Won’t you
look at that? Here’s a picture of someone quite familiar.” She looked at me.
“You look the same Ryne.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I struggled with my captor in vain;
trying to reach out to the paper like my life depended on it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I have a feeling that it does.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What the fuck is that – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Ryne!
No – ”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Ice laughed. “She wants to know Sky.
Really, you don’t have to be so mean – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Stop
it! Fuck you all! I want to know! Give me that!”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Ice chuckled, seeming satisfied. “Yes,
this person <i>definitely</i> looks like
you.” She said, holding up the other papers but keeping it away from me. “I
don’t think it’s you, though. She doesn’t have John and Leia Evers and she – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Give
me tha – ”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Patience , my dear – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No!
I want those papers NOW!”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">She ignored me and continued. “It’s
better if I tell it. Trust me. This Ryne here on the paper lives on the 73th
street in the city of Sunbury. Hmmm. Maybe you’re a neighbour – you live there
too, right?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Shut!
Up! Give me – ”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“She’s 17 years old, born on November
15th, wears glasses of the grade – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No!
Don’t you fucking dare ignore me! Talk to me!”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“She’s left-handed and loves reading
books – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Tell
me now!”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Has a lot of money, apparently. And
incredibly rich – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I paused. That’s not right. “No. What
– what are you saying? I’m not – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Two living cousins, two siblings, one
dead – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“NO!
Fuck you! My family is dead! Stop it – ”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Her name is a combination of her
parents’, it says here. See? Ryan, Danae – <i>Ryne?”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">No.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">No, no, no.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Get
away from her! Shut the fuck up!”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Ice laughed again. “Shut up, La Brea.
Now, Ryne. Do you want to hear some more?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Don’t
you dare – ”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Remember those names earlier?” she
asked, ignoring Sky. “Alexa? Colleen? Mark? Trisha? Oh, I forgot someone. <i>George.</i> Do you know him, Ryne?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No!
Don’t listen to her – ” </span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You don’t know him, do you?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Stop!” Sky continued shouting.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I’m asking <i>her – ”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Fuck
you, MacArran – ”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Do you know who asked to kidnap you
in the first place, Ryne?” she asked, turning back to me. “It would really make
things clearer – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“NO!”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Sky shouted.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Tell me.” I looked into her grey
eyes.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No,
no, NO! Ryne – ”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Ice
cut him off. “I’ll check this stack of paper again, okay? Oh, look,” she
smiled. “I did not notice this before. How could I be so stupid? Her name isn’t
Ryne <i>Evers.</i> It’s – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No!
Goddamn you – ”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Ryne <i>Cavanagh.”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">No.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">No,
no, no.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">God,
no.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Does she sound familiar, Ryne? I
think she does. Her grandfather was a Mafia leader way back in Russia – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No. Stop it – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“That’s the reason why her parents
died. I don’t know about any John or Leia, but this sounds promising.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“That’s not true.” Tears blurred my
vision. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Cousin to Alexa and Colleen Cavanagh.
Sister to Mark and Trisha – only little Trisha died, what a shame – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Stop – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Her family once had control over
powerful nuclear bombs that dated back from the Cold War. <i>Stolen, </i>from the Cold War. I stand corrected, I’m sorry – ?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“NO! That is not true! Fuck you! I
don’t know what you’re talking about! You’re lying to me – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Her great-grandfather started the
Mafia and stole the bombs from the Soviet forces when the military superiority
happened back then. Then he passed it from father to son – to George Cavanagh.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I breathed in shallow breaths,
shuddering. <i>No.</i> That is not true. <i>They’re lying</i>. I know who I am. I – </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Then when George’s son and the others
were killed, he gave up and started over. Happy ending what do you think?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You’re <i>lying – ”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“But then he was so afraid about his
dear granddaughter – what would happen when the enemies find out there was
still one child? What would happen if <i>we</i>
found out? So he hid you, <i>protected</i>
you. And here we are now – Ryne <i>Evers,</i>
daughter to John and Leia, living a complete <i>lie – ”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I
know who I am! You’re all lying to me – ”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Are you sure, Ryne? Have you ever
felt like something is not <i>right?</i> You
know what I’m talking about, don’t you? The feeling hovering around you, the
one that keeps on telling you that you don’t <i>belong?</i> That something <i>crucial</i>
is somehow <i>missing?”</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A horrible fact made my
stomach churn and I could only utter two words, “My uncle.” Turbulent emotions
were coursing through me as Ice laughed and said, “Oh, I like that part. Your
supposedly uncle is actually George's head of security. Now I really wonder
about that - ”</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">No.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I
know my own life! You don’t have the fucking right to tell me – ”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Have you ever wondered why you have
brown eyes when neither of your <i>parents</i>
doesn’t?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You
don’t know me! Leave me alone!”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“That you have traits that they
don’t?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“NO!”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Why they scold you so harshly when
you go off somewhere without telling them?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You
don’t know them – ”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Didn’t you think that they were
afraid because some dangerous people might find you? Enemies? <i>Us?”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Shut
up!”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Why they are evasive when you ask
them about <i>family?”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“NO!
Stop – ”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Why different people had their eyes
on you since five years ago? Maybe, just maybe, they’re George’s comrades,
keeping and making sure that you are safe – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Stop, <i>please – ”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Keeping you away from us?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No!
You don’t know a fucking thing about me! Do you hear me? I know myself – ”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Now, ask yourself, Ryne – why didn’t
Sky tell you all of this? Why didn’t he?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I looked at him, my core shattered
beyond recognition and thousands of memories rushed through me – the Canberra
Marquette, the snow globe, the birthday surprises. The first kiss.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">And he told me nothing.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He looked at me, his expression
broken, eyes filled with unshed tears. “Ryne, I – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“All this time you were lying to me – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I
wasn’t lying! I never did! I – ”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> told me <i>nothing.” </i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I
can’t! My hands were tied! Please – ”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You could’ve told me but you didn’t.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I
never knew it would be like this! Never – ”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You kept me in the dark since the
beginning.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No!
Please, listen to me – ”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You hurt me.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I
would never hurt you! I love you!”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I hate you. I wish I never even <i>met</i> you. This wouldn’t have happen if –
”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You don’t mean that.” He froze and
stopped breathing.<i> “Please</i> tell me
you don’t mean what you said – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I
mean every single word of it! This wouldn’t have happened if you didn’t come
into my life! You just messed everything up! All those times were nothing!
Nothing! I fucking hate you!” </span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He stared at me, the light from his
emerald eyes seemed to die out and the tears stopped streaming from his face.
But his anguish seemed to be beyond tears. He looked as if he lost the will to
even live. He looked like a sky. A sky without stars. Empty. Nothing. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You promised.” he said softly, his
stare glassy. “You promised me…” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Then I remembered the words I said, the exact
words I said from last night:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> <i>“I
promise I won’t hate you. I promise. How could I?” </i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">That promise was broken from the
start. I knew it. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">I knew there was no
happily ever after. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span>Yelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13181468059950303093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263733566175634558.post-71563904482435454972012-03-19T01:25:00.001-07:002012-04-17T00:03:50.242-07:00Chapter 36: A shot in the dark<a href="http://www.wattpad.com/3781079-parallel-lines-chapter-36-a-shot-in-the-dark" target="_blank">Chapter 36: A shot in the dark (Wattpad)</a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">We spent the rest of the night
together, absorbed in each other. We played a horror movie – complete with
popcorn and with the lights shut off. It was the best night of my life, and
probably afterlife. After a while though, we lost interest in the film and we
fooled around like little kids. It was absolutely about nonsensical things and
I love it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Oh, shut the fuck up.” I giggled. We
were sprawled on the carpet by this time, him lying on his back and I was
supporting my upper body with my elbows, almost facedown. We were just down
playing tag – yes, tag – and I’m bloody exhausted. He looked up to me, eyes
sparkling. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“And do you know what happened after
that?” he said as his hands tickled the sensitive spot on my neck. I laughed
until I couldn’t breathe. “I don’t want to know!” I laughed still</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He laughed along with me and sat up.
He grabbed my hands and pulled me up with him. “Do you know it’s already 2am?”
he smiled at me and I smiled back. I said, “Oh really? Well, that’s just
shocking.” I laughingly answered. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Then sudden inspiration lighted up his
eyes. I knew that look <i>instantly.</i>
Before he could open his mouth, I interrupted him, “Yes, what are you
planning?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He laughed and pulled me closer. “Have
you ever danced?” he said then continued, “If I recall correctly, I haven’t
danced with you yet.” <i>What?</i> I gaped
at him as if I’d never heard that word before. I don’t dance! How does he
expect me to? Uhhm, Sky?I kind of have an aversion to dancing because on third
grade, I kind of…” He grasped y hands as he laughed. “Let me guess, you punched
someone?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I pushed him and he laughed harder. “I
did <i>not.</i> I sort of shouted at him a
bit – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Shouted <i>a bit.</i> Of course.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I glared at him but he kissed my cheek
so – plan at annoyance failed. I ended up with my arms around his waist and his
arms around me. I feel so safe.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“The guy was asking for it. He said I
couldn’t dance to save my life, so yeah…” He chuckled. “So you err, how do you
say that – oh. So you <i>trash talked</i>
him? That’s incredibly heroic.” He kissed my forehead and continued speaking,
“So, will you dance with me?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What kind of dancing, exactly?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He winked and turned to the DVD
player, paying no attention to the screaming woman on the screen from the
horror movie and he set the function to “radio.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Melodic music played through the
speakers, softly filling the room with sounds. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” I
protested, half-laughing. He just hummed along to the song and held my right
hand. His other hand held my back. I laughed aloud. This is just crazy. I
placed my hand on his shoulder and he slowly twirled us side to side. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I
won’t give up on us</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Even
if the skies get rough…”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I put my head against his chest and
tried to calm my conflicted emotions bubbling inside me. Of all the people to
fall into this situation, I came along. I listened to his humming and found
myself falling harder. He suddenly said, </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I never knew I could be so romantic.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I chuckled softly. Me neither. I
smiled up to him and he slowly leaned in. But then the chandelier behind us flickered,
and the music stuttered.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Like a mini-second brownout.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I turned to him, eyebrows raised. “Did
you feel that?” he smiled like it was nothing and just nodded yes. And then the
lights shut down completely and the music died. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Yes. Brownout.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It was absolute darkness and I can
still feel Sky and I held him tighter. “At least we had our warning.” I heard
him sigh. “Well, this is just perfect. Maybe we – ” the telephone rang from
across the room and I jumped, startled. Who in the world would call at this time,
anyway? I heard Sky say to me, “That must be the hotel manager or something – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Maybe they want your number – ” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Maybe they’re checking on their
people because of the brownout.” he kissed my hands and let me towards the
ringing phone. He picked it up. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Yes?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I heard a muffled voice from the other
line. A male voice. I shrugged it off. At least no clingy females. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Yes, me and my sister are fine.
Thanks for the trouble, sir.” There was a short pause and then, “Bye. Thank you
again.” Then I heard him put the phone back down and he faced me. Well, sort
of. It’s bloody dark! </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I said, “Maybe it’s our cue to go to
sleep.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“As much as I want to, I probably
can’t.” then in the darkness, I saw a distinct white. He was smiling. I
laughed, “Even in the dark, you smile just the same.” I felt him hug me right
then and he responded, “Likewise.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I can’t seem to stop the grin on my
face. I’ve never been this happy before. If truth be told, I could stay here
forever, but after a while, he said, “Shall I carry you to the bedroom, my
princess?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I laughed. “I can manage, but I’ll
probably fall on my own feet.” When I said that, he pulled away from the hug
and turned me around by the shoulders, guiding me through the living room. I
said, “What if I bump into something or – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“If that happens,” he laughing
answered, “you can get the baptized handcuffs and hold me prisoner.” I stopped
in my tracks. Wow. “Really?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Figuratively, I’m already your
prisoner, but yes.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I laughed again. “I guess I should
bump myself intentionally, then.” he gripped my upper arms from behind and
started raining kisses on me. I can’t stop giggling and I relaxed completely
into his body frame. Then he said, “Forget about the bumping issue. Let’s just
go to the bedroom and – ” he never finished the sentence because I gave him a
quick kiss and ran away from him. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">And I bumped myself on the low table. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Ow! That <i>hurt!”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><i> </i> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“My love, you must never run away from
me.” Then his arms snaked around my waist from behind, putting his chin on my
shoulder. I groaned. “That really<i> hurt.” </i>He
kissed the area behind my ear right then and guided me to the sofa, pushing me
gently to sit. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Stay here.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Where are you going?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He caressed my hand before letting
them go. I heard his footsteps. “I’m just going to find light.” I tapped my
feet impatiently as I heard him rummaging through the drawer. Five seconds
later, I heard the striking of a match and the room filled with an orange light
from a fore in Sky’s direction. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Candles?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He grinned in satisfaction. “It’s just
a brain blast.” He lit seven of them and started to scatter them around the
living room. I stood up to help him and once we’re all set, we sat back on the
couch.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky put an arm around me. He said, “I
want to make sure Ryne, that you know that this isn’t just a shot in the dark.
I’m serious.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I pursed my lips. “I know.” I replied,
voice hushed. He continued speaking, “Do you – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Can we talk about something else? I
interrupted, looking at the flickering flame of the candle on top of the low
table. If I’m being honest with myself, talking about the future scares me.
It’s easier to think about things within this hotel room, closed off from the
outside world.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Just this once, Ryne. Please.” He
said. I sighed and closed my eyes shut. “Go on.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Remember that time when I told you
that you’d hate me?” my eyes flashed open and I bit my lip. This is fucking
messed up. “Do we really have to go into that?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He paused before replying. “I have to.
You’ll really hate me, and I’m just scared if you find out and…” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Find out what?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He sighed from the very depths of his
soul and replied, “That’s the problem. You can’t know. But you <i>will</i> sooner or later and I don’t want
you distancing yourself away from me because I…I…”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I sighed. It <i>is</i> fucking messed up. “Why don’t you just tell me now?” I faced him
and gripped his hands. “You’re worrying me.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He smiled sadly – bitterly. “If <i>I</i> tell you, you’ll hate me even more.”
My eyebrows drew together and I shifted closer to him. “I promise I won’t hate
you. I promise. How could I?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You don’t understand.” He said,
shaking his head slightly. “And by the way,” he looked up into my eyes. “Mr.
Mafia told me not to fall in love you.” He smiled gently. “But to hell with
it.” He came closer to me and kissed me once again. I kissed him back and felt
myself smiling.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">But then next day
happened.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span>Yelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13181468059950303093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263733566175634558.post-15996030812507060692012-03-19T01:18:00.000-07:002012-04-17T00:03:14.803-07:00Chapter 35: The proper way<a href="http://www.wattpad.com/3781035-parallel-lines-chapter-35-the-proper-way" target="_blank">Chapter 35: The proper way (Wattpad)</a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Part I: </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The way back was quiet and peaceful. I
drew my knees to my chest and put my arms around myself, back on the passenger
seat. The engine was rumbling beneath us and the hard rain from later turned to
a slight drizzle.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">If <i>only</i>
we had met under different situations. Completely different ones. But I paused
in my thinking. If we <i>had</i> met under
different circumstances, I probably wouldn’t know him like I do now. I don’t
know if I should be glad about knowing that. I felt Sky’s gaze turn to me again
while he was driving and I looked out of the car window.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“If you don’t quit looking at me,
we’ll never see sunlight ever again. Ever hear the word ‘accident’ before?” He
just chuckled and faced the bare road again. “There are no cars around. No
traffic.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“The road is wet, Mr. La Brea.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He rolled his eyes at what I said.
Such a prick. He responded “We’re almost at the main road, closer to the hotel.
You better get ready.” I just nodded and grabbed my bags, shouldering one of
the slings and tying Dash with my other hand. Then out of the blue, he asked,
his tone serious – </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Have you ever thought of Britain?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Whoa. Where did that come from? I
faced him, saw that he was still paying attention to the road and then I
replied, “Sometimes. Why?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He never took his eyes off the road as
he said, “I’d like to take you there someday.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My heart melted at those words. I just
smiled and didn’t bother replying – nothing can do justice to what he just
said. For the duration of the way back to the hotel, I watched the landscapes
turn into commercialized buildings and the increasing population of cars on the
road. I thought of Britain. There was the Tower Bridge. The London Eye. The
wonderful beaches. The royal palaces. The might castles, the massive
cathedrals. The Big Ben. Me and Sky in Britain? </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In spite of the impossibility of it, I
smiled at the picture it conjured up.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">That would be life-changing.<br />
<br />
<br />
15 minutes later</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The elevator dinged open and we stepped
out with three other people. My whole body ached and my <i>shoulders.</i> They’re killing me. I almost groaned as Sky punched in
the numbers on the hidden monitor and finally, we stepped in the room. I
released Dash flopped down immediately to the sofa. This day had been extremely
heavy.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky sorted out the baggage after
closing and locking the door. Does he ever get tired? I lay properly on the
sofa, but keeping my shoes off the mattress and I heard him make his way to me.
He removed the backpack from my shoulders and next, he took off my shoes. I
yawned then said to him, “That’s the kind of thing my mom would do.” He smiled
and I put both of my feet on the sofa, incredibly relaxed in a while. He
replied, “What? Fall for you?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I pursed my lips to keep from smiling.
“No. Treat me like a child, it you know what I mean.” He removed his own shoes
and sat in front of me on the floor, our eyes on level and I pushed the sleeves
of the polo all the way to my elbows. He told me, </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I actually want to do something. But
I don’t know whether you like it or not, so I’ll just ask your permission.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My eyebrows drew together. This is a
dangerous ground. What is he talking about? He continued saying, “I want to
have you. The proper way.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Oh my <i>God.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You mean – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Courting you? Yes, most definitely.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I stared at him, looking for signs
that he was joking.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He wasn’t.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I sat up, still looking at him. “Why
would – you said that you don’t – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“That’s why I’m asking for your
permission.” he said, licking his lips and he raised his eyebrows. “Please?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My jaw fell to the ground. This is
crazy. Absolutely crazy. I didn’t want this. I have no idea this would happen.
I looked into his green eyes. “Are you sure? I really don’t – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He smiled and cut me off, “You don’t
see what I see, don’t you?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“See what?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“That you’re a really beautiful
person. Flaws and all.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I smiled then shook my head. This
situation is so fucking messed up. I bit my lip then replied, voice low. “I
just don’t want you making decisions on temporary emotions – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“This isn’t temporary.” He said with
such intensity in his eyes.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I sighed resignedly. “Let’s just give
it a few more days, okay? I still need to…to sort things in my mind.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“If you don’t feel the same way, you
just have to say it.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My head snapped up and I sat up. My
eyes met with his. “It’s not that. It’s just – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I won’t hold it against you. I just
want to know so I’ll know what to do. Because I don’t. I don’t know what to
do.” He said, his voice overflowing with emotions. I closed my eyes and covered
my face with my hands. “That’s the problem. I don’t know, either.” What I heard
next was silence. It was one of the loudest silences I’ve ever experienced. <i>This is so complicated.</i> I felt his hand
close around my ankle and heard him say,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I’m sorry. Never mind what I said.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I faced him again, seeing his sad
eyes. Then he continued, “Forget everything I said.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Everything?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He smiled wistfully. “I don’t want to
make this more complicated for you. I’m really sorry. Let’s just…” he breathed
in deeply. “Let’s just not make this harder than it already is.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I can’t <i>think.</i> I don’t know what to do. I have no idea what to say – I want
to.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">But I can’t.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Then I heard him say, I know I can’t
have you.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My heart broke into a million pieces.<br />
<br />
<br />
Part II: </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Waiting is painful. I know that.
Forgetting is painful. I know that, too. But not knowing which to do is the
worst kind of suffering. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I’m having that right now.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I sank lower to the warm tub water. I
don’t know what to do. I don’t know what’s right from wrong anymore. My head
throbbed and I sighed deeply. It wasn’t supposed to be like <i>this.</i> But right this second, it was hard
to deny that I’ve fallen for those green eyes of his as well.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So what’s stopping me?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I put a hand to my forehead. Every
fucking thing. It’s not right. We don’t have forever. We don’t have happily
ever after. We don’t have <i>anything</i>. I
looked up to the pristine white ceiling of the bathroom. It’s a relationship
doomed before it even started. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Either way, we won’t have each other.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">All
the more reason to fight for him.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I was jolted by that train of thought.
I straightened my back, sorting my thought and staring at nothing in
particular. The voice in my head sounded like my mother. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It’s a long time since she dictated my
decisions even in thought.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I sighed for the millionth time and
almost smiled.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Mothers knows best.<br />
<br />
<br />
Part III: </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I combed my in front of the mirror as
best as I could, to make myself look presentable. To be honest, I have no idea
how to open the subject with him. I don’t know what to say. Or even how to act.
<i>Just go with the flow.</i> I sighed,
eyeing myself in a big white shirt and grey cargo shorts. I pushed the glasses
higher up to the bridge of my nose and smiled a little.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Okay,</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I thought, putting the brush down and
going outside the bathroom door. I didn’t bother with the slippers and checked
on Dash. He was sleeping in his new spot and after I made sure that he was
fine, I slowly went to the direction of the bedroom door. I pursed my lips as I
took one last step and started opening the doorknob.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Only someone opened it from the other
side.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I was startled a little bit when it
opened and the look on his face showed that he hadn’t been expecting me,
either.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He changed his clothes already and now
he looked at me with deep, green eyes. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It’s hard not to fall into them.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I smiled a little bit, pleased to see
a smile of his own forming on his lips. He said, “I was just going to check on
you. But then…” My smile widened. “I was just about to go in as well.” But he
didn’t seem to be listening as he took one of my hands and held it, putting his
forehead on mine. He said,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“It’s hard to hold back when I hold
you like this, Ryne. It’s really hard.” Then he caught my other hand and held
it likewise. He sighed, looking down. I did not make a sound as he slowly leaned
in, getting closer and closer and finally, his lips captured mine. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He was gentle and loving. Giving
everything, yet expecting nothing in return. He put his hand at the back of my
neck and put I put mine on his head and gripped his hair. He backed me slowly
to the wall to the side of the doorway and I felt myself stopped by the hard
wall. Now, he pulled back an inch and looked in my eyes, his expression
surrendering. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He looked down on the floor and gave a
bitter chuckle. “I had <i>no</i> idea I
would find you.” He said in a hoarse voice.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I bit my lip as he talked. I never
felt like that before – his lips against mine were firm, not demanding and very
sweet. I sighed and leaned my head back against the wall. It was everything I
wanted and more.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I want more.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I felt his hands rubbing against my
cheeks and I looked up. He told me in a still slightly hoarse voice, “And to
think I was the one who told you to not make things more complicated.” He shook
his head and I couldn’t resist touching his face and his yes looked startled
then, the fleck of those green orbs shining.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Ryne?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I didn’t bothering answering but
stepped forward and pressed his lips to mine. I felt him smiling and a drop of
tear from his eyes fell to my cheek. I smiled as well, kissing his neck and pulling
back to gaze at him. He gave a strangles laugh, put his forehead on mine once
again as he faced me, and never taking his eyes off me. Then he said the three
words that I realized I’ve been waiting for a long time.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I love you.”</span>
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span>Yelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13181468059950303093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263733566175634558.post-86727302553975092822012-03-19T01:11:00.001-07:002012-04-17T00:02:25.497-07:00Chapter 34: Family album<a href="http://www.wattpad.com/3780978-parallel-lines-chapter-34-family-album" target="_blank">Chapter 34: Family album (Wattpad)</a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Part I:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I could still hear the pounding of the
rain outside. It’s not that loud anymore, but it’s still there. I breathed in
then, and the smell of someone’s cologne filled my nostrils. And now I think of
it, I feel warm. Warmer than I should be.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I blinked my eyes open and what first
registered through my mind was the polo. Over the baggy shirt I owned that I
wore, I now have a checkered black and white polo, buttoned all the way up to
the base of my throat.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">That’s number one on the warm issue.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The number two was much more
unbelievable. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I’m now on the driver’s seat, on
sleeping Sky’s lap and somehow cuddled up to his chest. I almost groaned out
loud; every damned time I fall to sleep, something happens. And it always
doesn’t fail to surprise me. I didn’t try to move – he might wake up. His long
arms are around me and his cheek on my head.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">As much as I would sell my soul
countless times to go back to sleep, I know it’s impossible. I relaxed my cheek
on his shoulder, closing my eyes and tried to convince myself that this kind of
cuddling isn’t nice.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I remembered what Imah said – <i>“Did someone ever tell you how bad you lie?”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I rolled my eyes. My imagination has
the tendency to be extremely helpful at times of urgency. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“It
would be easier to live like without regrets, you know. Or restraints.”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Restraint. I hate that word so much.
I’m not the kind of person who makes rash decisions. I <i>always</i> think things through. I bit my lip. It’s hard to think when
I could feel his chest rising and falling and when he’s so close to me. I
closed my eyes and opened them again, rubbing my hands together. If only I
could get out of this situation now.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A small voice laughed in my head. It
seemed to say, <i>Do you really want to?</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I pursed my lips.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">No.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">No, I don’t.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br />
<br />
Part II: </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It seemed like eternity before I felt
him stirring. I acted as if everything’s normal and adjusted myself so I can
face him. He was still blinking sleep away from his eyes and there was still
rain outside. He removed one arm from me and adjusted his glasses, slowly
focusing on me. He put his arm back around me and held me tighter, then after a
second, he smiled.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I smiled as well, almost chuckling.
“Good morning, sunshine.” then I arched an eyebrow. “Your good mood’s back.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">His smile turned wider. “The sleep
helped.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Would you care to explain how I got
here?” he chuckled at my question but just shook his head, not answering my
query and he buried his face by the length of my hair. I felt a smile tugging
at my lips and I now saw no reason to hide it. I straightened my legs and – <i>to hell with it</i> – hugged him properly,
putting my arms around his neck and he tightened his arms around me again.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I rocked us both slightly side to
side, laughing quietly and hearing him join in. The patting of the rain on the
windows and roof sounds very calming and melodic. I said to him, “Do you know
how much I hate you?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“For what exactly?” he asked,
chuckling.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I laughed – a weird laugh. “See, you
make me feel…”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Happy?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Sometimes.” I answered. He laughed
merrily as he kissed my temple. “I think I make you feel.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Feel what?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Just feel.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I pursed my lips. “You confuse me,
though.” He asked, “Is that a good thing?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I honestly don’t know.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He pulled back and held me at arm’s
length, those emerald eyes boring into mine. He was smiling and he asked with
an eyebrow raised, “Should we go into details?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Maybe, but not now.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You’re such a little devil.” he said,
coming closer to me and rubbing the tip of his nose to mine. I laughed aloud to
his face. “I’m an angel sometimes.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">His eyes sparkled at the statement. “I
know.” I laughed louder and I bit my lip as I heard Dash whimpering, almost
waking from his sleep. Sky looked at my head then and twirled a strand with his
finger. When he faced me again, his gaze was serious. He sighed, but then it
was followed by a tender smile. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I might be pushing too far, but
Ryne,” he paused and looked at me with those timeless eyes.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I think I’m falling for you.”<br />
<br />
<br />
Part III: </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It’s funny how something so beautiful
could start from just six words. Just six words. I looked at him, a smile of
both happiness and deep anxiousness on my face. How come I didn’t see this
coming?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He said to me, “But I don’t want to
mess this up.” he paused then added, “And I just want you to know that I’m
patient.” I nodded soundlessly. I wanted to ask how long was it before his time
with me would be over, but I didn’t. Deep inside, I know we don’t have much
time, we don’t have anything. But I don’t want to think about that. There’s
just now. Just now.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I pursed my lips and smiled at him. “I
<i>did</i> tell you that you confuse me,
didn’t I?” He chuckled. “Yes, you did.” An idea seemed to struck him right
then. He tilted his head to the side.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Have you ever heard me sing?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My jaw dropped. Sky can sing? That’s
like Hitler giving of candies. I burst out laughing. That was something. “You
never told me you can sing.” I accused. He smiled and responded, “Do you want
to hear a sample?” I grinned. “I’d love to.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He sat up straighter then, and
enclosed me in the circle of his arms. His voice, rich and melodic, started to
hit the tones with the lyrics of the song I’ve listened to countless of times – </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You’re
better than the best</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I’m
lucky just to linger in your light</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Cooler
than the flipside of my pillow</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Completely
unaware</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Nothing
can compare to where you send me</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Let’s
me know that it’s okay, yeah it’s okay</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">And
the moment when my good times start to fade</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">You
make me smile like the sun </span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Fall
out of bed</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sing
like a bird, dizzy in my head</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Spin
like a record, crazy on a Sunday night</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">You
make me dance like a fool</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Forget
how to breathe</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Shine
like gold, buzz like a bee</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Just
the thought of you can drive me wild</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Oh,
you make me smile.”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Then he smiled proudly at me. I never,
<i>never</i> knew he could do that. I was
still staring at him and after a while, he gave in to the laugh he’d been
holding back.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I guess I should do that more often.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“That was <i>amazing!”</i> I regained the power of speech as I praised him. Not anyone
can find a person who could shoot guns and kill people and then do <i>that.</i> He smiled at me still, his eyes
shining.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“That was for you.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My heart jumped and I gave him a smile
in return. There’s so much I still don’t know about this guy. “Thank you.” I said.
He wicked at me in answer as I folded the long sleeves of the polo to make my
wrists visible, and now that I did that – I turned to him, found him still
staring at me and I asked the obvious,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“This is yours, right?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He laughed. “I found after some time
that I like seeing you with my clothes on.” I laughed again and asked him
another question before I do something incredibly stupid. “Did you grow up in
England?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He pursed his lips before he answered.
“The first five years of my life, yes. Enough time to pick up my accent.” he
added. I laughed again and he did the same. “My accent is sexy, don’t you
think?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I laughed more boisterously this time,
causing Dash to wake up and settle quietly in the backseat, not bothering with
us. Good boy.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Yes, Sky. Very sexy.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He winked at me. Again. “It’s one of
my special abilities.” I raised an eyebrow at him. “You make yourself sound
like a Transformer.” I giggled as he rolled his eyes at me. I asked again, “So
how come you’re here, if you aren’t from…here?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I don’t know. Maybe because you’re
here.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I grinned hugely but tried to smother
it – and failed. “Would you please stop being so damned sweet all the time?
Can’t I have – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I have no idea what you’re talking
about.” He responded while smiling, feigning ignorance. He continued as he
kissed the side of my head, “What the hell is ‘sweet’ anyway?” I giggled. “Can
I have a decent conversation now, please?” He hugged me tightly. “What is
decent?” I laughed, finally giving in and hugging him in return. “I give up.
You’re such a little – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Okay, okay. I transferred to
California with my parent on my sixth birthday.” he said, pulling back from the
hug. “Should I continue?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Yeah. Go on.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I went to school, had friends and
everything. Then on my 14<sup>th</sup> birthday my parent had an accident. Car
accident.” Oh fuck. I stared at him, but he seemed comfortable with sharing
with me. He automatically put a finger to my lips, knowing I would say
something and he continued speaking,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“My closest living relative was back
in England. So the social workers gave me to a foster home. I had five,
actually.” He chuckled. “Then I settled in one of the five, in North Carolina
and I made some friends again, slowly getting the hang of life. Then when I
turned 18, I got a job, and that’s all it, really.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I licked my lips uncomfortably. “I had
no idea that you were a…yeah. Sorry.” I feel like kicking myself. What a way to
ruin the mood. Nice going, Ryne. I always end up ruining everything.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“It’s fine, really. It was a long time
ago. Ancient history.” he smiled at me reassuringly and I smiled back as best
as I could. I asked another question to keep both our mind off things. “You
don’t have any siblings, or cousins or anything?” He shrugged it off like it
was nothing and answered, “Nope. Just me. They figured it would be unfair if
only selected people would be given extremely good looks – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“And a big ego, apparently – ” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He laughed at what I said and replied,
“Yeah, that too. I have a picture of my family, by the way. Do you want to see
it?” <i>Picture?</i> I lifted an eyebrow at
his smiling face. “Are you serious this time?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He didn’t answer but put a hand on his
pocket and brought out his wallet. I never really given thought to the wallet
before – except that it contains the money we pay for the really expensive hotels
and the credit cards, of course. I remembered the trip to the Marquette then
and I smiled. It feels as if it just happened yesterday.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Why are you smiling?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I turned my gaze to him, still
smiling. “I just remembered when we went to Canberra.” As I talked, he smiled
as well. “It was incredibly perfect. But then you had to get a flu right after
– ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“If only <i>someone</i> had planned more properly, we wouldn’t have been stuck,
staring at a private plan a million stories above us – ” he quieted me down
with his laughter, mingling with the still-raging rain outside. He took my hand
and kissed it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I beg your pardon for the, Your
Highness – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Oh, shut up.” I tried my best to say
that in a scolding way but you know what happened. “Let me see the picture,
will you?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He flipped the wallet open and
directly below the line of credit cards was the picture of a family of three
good-looking people. The woman who had her hand interlocked with the younger
Sky was the kind of person who certainly turns a lot of heads as she walks by.
Her blonde curls fell to her back and she looked really, <i>really</i> happy. The view behind them was of the blue ocean and the
sky and there was a single white yacht gliding on the blue ocean, creating a
beautiful scene. Sky’s mother had green eyes. Exactly like his. In the picture,
Sky’s father had warm brown eyes and buff figure. His arms were wide and his
frame was quite big but he looked inviting and attractive all the same. And
fatherly, most definitely. The sunlight was glinting off their hair and faces
but they didn’t seem to care. Sky’s dad had his arm around little Sky. And
speaking of,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but
you’re the cutest five year-old I’ve ever laid eyes on.” He laughed at my
reaction. “How did you know my age?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“This place is absolutely Britain.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He smiled as he reminisced about the
place. “Yes,” he said. “Absolutely.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I hadn’t taken my eyes off the
picture. I wasn’t exaggerating when I said that Sky was extremely cute. His
cheeks were so squishy! I gritted my teeth as I looked at him in the picture.
He was already wearing glasses – made him look a lot <i>cuter,</i> oh Lord. One chubby hand was with his mother and the other
one was holding his father around the waist, as the father put an arm around
his small shoulders. They were all smiling like they’re having the time of
their lives.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Looking at them made me remember a
family of my own.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You have a beautiful family.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Sky smiled at me,
pocketing the wallet. “This wallet is also my family album, in a way.” I smiled
at him and felt that nothing could be better than this.</span></span>Yelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13181468059950303093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263733566175634558.post-65244014455535308382012-03-19T01:04:00.000-07:002012-04-17T00:01:28.061-07:00Chapter 33: Session one<a href="http://www.wattpad.com/3780891-parallel-lines-chapter-33-session-one" target="_blank">Chapter 33: Session one (Wattpad)</a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It turns out that Sky had a new car -
Mercedes Guardian. Couldn’t he have stolen a more conspicuous vehicle? I turned
to him as the four of us made our way to it – four, including Dash – opening my
mouth to voice up my opinion but he somehow knew what I was thinking. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I didn’t <i>steal </i>it. It was a backup.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Exactly how many cars do you have?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He grinned slyly. “A fair few.” Imah
then joined our conversation as we went into the interior of the car. “We have
seven! There’s the old Ferrari, this one, a Porsche, and then there’s my
favourite – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“We only use them for special cases.”
Xavia said. “The Ferrari was my favourite. But apparently, it has been
abandoned by someone – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I didn’t <i>abandon</i> it. Why are you all hounding on my back?” Only Imah
responded brightly, “I wasn’t!”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Do you want a round of applause,
Imah?” Xavia started. “No, it’s okay. I’m covered.” She grinned in return. I
was going to seat beside the two of them – Xavia and Imah – when Imah suddenly
piped up, saying, “Oh! No more space left, Ryne!” They are so toast. She
continued. “I’m sorry.” but she didn’t look sorry at all. I blast out,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What are you talking about? There’s –
”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Xavia whistled and Dash bounded in the
backseat between them. Leaving no space for me.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">How wonderful.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I huffed then said, “Fine.” I turned
to Sky, who was supressing a smile, pursing his lips as he climbed in to the
driver’s seat. I went into the other side, the shotgun seat. He said as he
started the engine, “Now let’s just hope that nothing goes wrong.”<br />
<br />
<br />
30 minutes later</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“The Pheonix firing range?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky smiled at me. “Awesome name,
right?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Xavia spoke, “It’s not that grand, but
with you two around, we’ll have to need anything <i>but </i>grand.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What the hell do this people want
from me?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky pursed his lips as he parked the
car discreetly on the quiet street. “A good lot of things. Starting with you
dead.” Oh. Okay, that was refreshing. So crazy people who wants me dead and a
Mr. Mafia waiting for me… somewhere. Imah sensed my discomfort and said, “They
won’t touch you Ryne. With Sky and Xav around – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What about you?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">She grimaced. “I’m not a fan of guns
and I’m certainly not a fighter like Xav – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Yes.” Sky joined in. “I wonder why
she’s here.” Her lips puckered at that and she scowled. “I <i>know</i> to handle those things. I just don’t want to actually do it.”
Sky shrugged. “Same thing.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No, it’s – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Shut up, you two.” Xavia said.
“You’re so childish.” Imah rolled her eyes as she opened the door on her side.
“He did it first.” Then we all followed her, started to move out with Dash in
tow. I had to admit, hearing their banters felt nice. It’s normal and it sounds
like we’re just a group of friends. Going out. To shoot guns. I felt
uncomfortable.; I never do this sort of thing in my life and never have I
thought that I would need to. Sky was in front of me, leading the way, Imah by
my side holding Dash and Xavia at the back. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Great, Ryne. You can’t run. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky pushed the glass doors open and
entered the front room. It looks ordinary and unremarkable. Nothing special.
But I know there would be people shooting at targets later. How encouraging.
The guy at the desk looked up and raised an eyebrow. Just raised an eyebrow.
People here are so tough and mysterious, ugh. Sky said,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“La Brea reserved three spaces here an
hour ago.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Are you La Brea?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He just nodded his head. When the guy
turned around to get a signing form though, I heard him mutter, “Obviously.” I
giggled. Sky grinned at my direction. “Sometimes rudeness is a virtue.” I laughed
aloud, then the guy turned to us again, a slight frown on his face. I pursed my
lips to keep from smiling as he said,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Everyone just signs here.” he said as
he passed us a form on a clipboard. As I stepped forward to sign, I felt Sky’s
hand on my waist. Not really touching, more like hovering.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I pretended not to notice.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Once we all signed, we went to the
direction of the only other door inside the room but then the mysterious dude
halted us.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Dogs aren’t allowed, ma’am.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I licked my lips, whistling to Dash.
“C’mon, boy.” My three companions waited for me as I tied Dash’s leash to the
metal bar in front of the desk. Such friends.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Then we went inside through the door.
We found ourselves inside a kind of compartment. A glass compartment. There
were several white cabinets stacked up high to the right of the door where we
came through and on the other wall were grey cabinets of similar size and
stacked the same as well. But the attention was on the space visible beyond the
glass, where dozens of people are wearing protective gears – goggles and
earmuffs. Others were using earplugs which are more difficult to spot. And
they’re shooting as if they’re just chilling out on a Monday.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I turned to my colleagues – I don’t
know what to call them, okay? – and I saw that they were already opening the
drawers.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Are – are we going to – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Relax, Ryne.” they all said in
unison.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I’m not panicking – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Imah laughed. “Yes, you are.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“That’s why I’m bringing this.” Sky
said, waving a first-aid kit. Of course. Xavia stepped forward then, hands
filled with a safety goggle and a pair of earmuffs. And a handgun. “You’re
going to defend yourself sometime, Ryne. Better start now, what do you think?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Yeah, you’re right.” I said meekly as
I got the items from her. “As long as I don’t end up like the guy outside.”
They all chuckled. Imah smiled widely and said, “His name is PJ Hastings. He
and his sister owns the place.” I looked at her, brow creased. She’s such a
computer. “How do you know that?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I checked it! I told you my job was
to keep you safe, didn’t I? The sister’s name is – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Phia Villamore?” Xavia asked.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky raised an eyebrow, closing the drawer of one of the many grey cabinets. Xavia just shrugged. “They’re both
here.” she pointed to a framed certificate on the wall. Shooting fest award for
just a few years back.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I feel <i>absolutely</i> out of place.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I finally gave up my façade and faced
them with a defeated look on my face. “Look, do you really expect me to just –
” Xavia patted my shoulder. “Really, Ryne. It’s fine. Now, here’s your number.”
She gave me a laminated number 17. Sky faced us.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Let’s go.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I sighed and put on my earmuffs and
transferred the goggles and handgun to one hand. No one ever listens to me. We
passed through another door.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This is insanity.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I never ever thought handling a gun
would be a major necessity later in life. Never. We moved on to find our space
number. People weren’t paying attention to us, much to my comfort. When we
reached the 13<sup>th</sup>, Imah grabbed Sky’s arm and showed her identically
laminated card. Turns out that we’re in a row. Imah, Xavia, Sky and then
there’s me.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">How the hell are they supposed to <i>teach</i> me? </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I faced Sky, a skeptical look on my
face. He winked at me reassuringly and turned to his target. There were glasses
– like, extremely thick ones in front of us and only a square hole to put the
bullet through. Beyond the glass was a circular target, not unlike what is used
for darts. I hesitantly took off my glasses and put on my goggles then looked
at the gun at my hand unsurely.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Why the hell am I here again?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky turned to me, biting his lip and
finally putting his own gun down. Xavia was already starting, shooting several
bullets perfectly through the square hole and into the target. Imah was having
a little trouble, as predicted. As she pulled the trigger, she’ll jump a little
from the movement.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky moved towards me, sanding a little
behind my back. He slowly removed one earmuff from my ear and I heard the
continuous gunshots, but he spoke in my ear, instructing me.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Stand in proper firing stance.” then
he nudged my foot. “Your feet should be shoulder-width apart.” I followed what
he said then he continued. “Stand with a slight lean forward. That’s right.”
This feels really different. But this is necessary, I reminded myself. Sky
placed his chin on my shoulder, still speaking in my ear, “Make sure you’re
firmly balanced.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I think I am.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He gripped my right shoulder. “Make <i>sure</i> that you are – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Okay, okay. I am.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He grinned. “Good. Now point your
gun.” Now,<i> this</i> part. I sighed a
little and raised the handgun on chest level. Sky approved, saying, “Yes,
that’s what you do when you’re facing your enemy point blank. But if you don’t
know where they are yet, your right arm should be really straight,” he bent my
arm to make it straighter than it already was. Then I said, “What now?” he bent
my other arm in, making it look like a letter V. “You keep that stance, okay?
And when you’re not about to fire yet, make sure that your fingers are outside
the trigger guard. <i>Outside,</i> okay?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Uh-huh.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“And also, the barrel should be
pointed downrange. Just like that.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“So, err, do I shoot now?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Your position is wrong. You do the
one when the target is point blank.” I fixed my position, returning to the
first one. He lifted his chin from my shoulder and held it instead with his
hand. “Yes. Now – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I shoot?” I said, turning to him. I’d
like to admit, learning this is so fun. I mean, this stuff isn’t on the school
curriculum! He still put his mouth near my exposed ear to better make me hear
him as he said, “Aim good, okay?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Err, what happens if I don’t?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He chuckled. “Just squeeze the
trigger, Ryne.” he paused and then said, “I’m going to place your earmuff now,
the sound is kind of, uhmm, annoying.” then he did as he said and I found
myself facing the target through the thick sheet of glass. I bit my lip and
then squeezed the damned trigger fast.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Too fast.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I felt the gun jerk back from the
force and the bullet hit the glass. I heard it ricochette off. I jumped
violently, forgetting everything Sky said earlier. Now I know how Imah feels.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I instantly turned to Sky, who was
already taking a step towards me, a guilty look on his face. He took off one
earmuff like he did earlier and spoke to my ear. “I sort of forgot to tell you
that – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Sort
of?”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I glared at him.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I’m sorry! See, you have to squeeze
it slowly. When you jerk the trigger, it will throw off your aim and – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You tell me this now? Oh, that’s
really – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I said sorry already! You know, we
should just get going.” I faced the target for the second time, already in position.
Sky put his arms around mine, holding the handgun as well. He was behind me,
his front torso touching my back and even his forefinger was hovering over
mine. He said to my ear, “You aim for the centre mass.” he guided my shaking
hands with his warm ones and said, “Stop shaking.” then he chuckled, “Now, just
let me control it first and you can do it on your own later. You do this
slowly…” he slowly squeezed the trigger like he said and <i>boom.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Bull’s eye.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I looked at the hole in the target
where the bullet zoomed through a second ago, my lips pursed. Sky withdrew his
arms and stood to the side. I gritted my teeth and steadied my feet. I’m
awesome. I can do this. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I squeezed the trigger slowly and <i>boom.</i> I brought down my safety goggles,
looking at what I did. I passed through the hole and hit – well, not the target
– but at least I got in the target board. I turned to Sky, eyebrows raised.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He gave me the thumbs-up and a
dazzling smile then gestured me to continue. He picked his own gun and started
firing at his own target. Glasses in his pocket, safety gears on. I put on my
goggles again and faced the dart-like thing, a smile on my face. I started
shooting, only one at a time, not getting ahead of myself. My results were
sometimes good, at times incredibly lousy, but I’m actually getting the hang of
it. I reloaded my gun for the third time as I had learned from the D.I.Y. when
I put down my earmuffs and I heard someone say on my opposite side, </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You’re a fast learner.” I turned to
the person, and my first impression was <i>black.</i>
The guy was in and all-black attire but he honestly looked good on it. His hair
and eye colour were also black and he has spiky hair. The contrast with his
skin colour made his aura comfortable. I smiled shyly and said, “Thank you”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">You’re not the one who hasn’t
communicated with selected people for seven freaking days, okay?” He smiled in
return and offered his hand. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I’m Chris.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I smiled genuinely this time and shook
his hand. “My name’s…Ryne.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You say that as if you’re not sure.”
he chuckled. <i>Damn you, Ryne. You couldn’t
be more obvious.</i> I just chuckled along with him. “I’m awkward when I first
meet people. It’s completely…normal.” He started responding to what I said when
I noticed Sky moving out of the awesome vision I had. I turned to him and saw
that his face was scowling as he looked at me, then at Chris. Then he looked
away, returning to his shooting. I stared at him. That was – </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Is that your boyfriend?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I distinctly heard Chris ask the
question and I turned to him immediately. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Ye – no. <i>No.”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He chuckled again. “Okay, Ryne. So,
what do you say to a game?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Game?” I repeated nervously. Friendly
strangers are okay, but I’m a newbie! He smiled, assuring. “I’m new at this,
too. Just the first one to get a bull’s eye. So you up to it?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I chuckled. “Why not?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br />
<br />
“It’s been fifteen goddamned
minutes.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My new friend laughed. “Last round.
Then we can give up.” I stretched my arms as the both of us got ready again. I
fired a shot. Fail. Another one – not bad. Then I got serious. Hands down, Sky
and Xavia were the best shooters I’ve ever seen – not that I know many – but
I’ll try my best. I positioned my feet and arms.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">You
aim for the centre mass.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The voice in my head sounded like Sky
and I took aim confidently. I fired.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Bull’s eye.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I took off my gear and faced Chris, a
huge grin plastered on my face. “I did it!” He looked at me, then at my target
board. “I knew I shouldn’t have boosted your ego.” I laughed. I feel so
accomplished. At least I know I have <i>something.
</i>“So,” I said. “Do you get to be my slave or something?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He smiled. “How about I get your
number?” The next thing I heard was the bullet from Sky’s gun ricochette off
the glass and him swearing. He clicked his gun violently and resumed his
shooting, as if the target board had done him a personal wrong. Chris turned to
me again,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You sure he’s not your boyfriend?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I shot him a withered look. “I would
know f he is, or if he isn’t okay?” Someone tapped my shoulder then. I turned
around and saw Imah and Xavia. “Time to go.” Imah said, sounding relieved.
“Sky’s becoming a bit of a loose cannon.” she added in a hushed tone. I nodded
and turned back to Chris. “It was nice meeting you.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He grinned. “Same to you. Hope we meet
again.” <i>We won’t.</i> Imah lead the way
out his time and she almost jogged back to the glass room, seeming eager to get
away. We laid down our protective gears and I noticed as we made our way to the
front room that Xavia kept on glancing at Sky, who was at the back of the
group. I licked my lips and matched up my steps with Imah’s as we were greeted
by the different air on the front room.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The mysterious dude was reading the
newspaper and just lifted his eyes for three seconds, looking at us. He put
four small checks in his clipboard and then went back to his paper. I untied
Dash as he barked at us in recognition and as a group, we came back to the car.
Imah started,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Well, that was good. Ryne, you
learned quickly! That was really good – it’s like your natural flair. I don’t –
”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You’re exaggerating.” I interrupted
as I grimaced. “I’m not!” she argued and Xavia shot her a warning look as they
both got into the backseat with Dash. That was odd. But aargh. My shoulders and
arms are sore and I need relaxation. I climbed into the shotgun seat. As Sky
quietly started the engine, Xavia said, “We can’t stay there for far too long
though. I’ll find another place for you to practice, maybe tomorrow.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Imah responded. “Can it wait for the
next day? I’m all sore and I’m sure Ryne is, too – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Are you, Ryne?” Xavia asked.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“A little bit, yes.” I didn’t mention
the word <i>a lot.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">She just nodded. “That happens. Let’s
just see tomorrow.” She glanced at the back of Sky’s head but reverted her
gaze. I chewed my lip as I watched Sky sideways by my eyes. He wasn’t scowling
anymore, but there was still a stubborn crease between his brows. I slowly
turned to the people on my back, and shot them a look that plainly said, <i>What the fuck is going on? Help me.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Imah looks about to burst
from…something and Xavia was pursing her lips to keep from laughing; it was
getting uncontrollable that she had to bury herself to Dash’s fur. They’re so
helpful.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Imah’s eyes suddenly widened and she
then sat up straighter. “We still have to drop by Mark and Colleen’s by the
way.” I scrutinized her. <i>“We?</i> And who
are these Mark and Colleen people?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
Xavia seemed to be tickled pink by the news but she made an effort to
answer my queries. “Mark and Colleen are cousins and you should, err… it’s best
if you don’t know much about them.” she added hastily. My eyebrows drew together.
“But aren’t we meeting them?” And I had a sneaking suspicion that Xavia and
this Mark have a something going on. I mean, she looks excited already.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Imah said, “Me and Xavia are meeting
them first.” I stared at them, then at the person driving the car. Oh, no.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You mean, I get to meet them as soon
as you – ” Imah interrupted. “You’ll meet them soon, Ryne. But right now –”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I’ll go home? I mean, go <i>back?”</i> I shook my head. “To the hotel?”
Xavia nodded approvingly. “Pretty much.” My shoulder slumped and I faced the
dashboard of the car again. Then Sky asked, voice devoid of emotion, “Where do
you drop off, Xav?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You can drop us now, actually.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“But it’s drizzling.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Imah shrugged her shoulders and
reasoned, “We better get out now before it gets worse, I think.” So without
further ado at the next second, Sky parked the car on the pavement, splashing a
bit of water in the process. As Imah and Xavia started to go out, Dash started
barking and I had to restrain him from jumping off with them. Why the hell is he
leaving me alone? </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Bye, Ryne.” Xavia said. “You too,
Sky.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Have fun!” You already know who said
that. The rain pounded down hard then, as they closed the door of the car and
we drove away. They’re going to get soaked. My brow creased as I released Dash and
stared at the place where they were just moments ago.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Don’t you think we should – ” I
looked at my seatmate then and realized who the handsomely scowling face was
and fell into an extremely awkward silence. I chewed my tongue and pursed my
lips. A minute later, the weather outside changed and immediately, it was
raining cats and dogs. And the thing is, I really liked the rain a lot,
especially the violent ones – the sounds are so comforting and my view from the
window is sort of therapeutically relaxing, with the continuous falling of
precipitation from the clouds. It reminds me of one time, when I was ten years
old and I’ve been sick as a dog because I stayed out on the rain for far too
long.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I relaxed my head on the headrest and
sighed deeply. Today had been a productive one, in a sense. I got the hang of
shooting but I’m not exactly mastering it like the people do on television.
They make it look so easy! But at least I’ve started, right? I stared at the
green trees passing us by. I have absolutely <i>no</i> idea which city we are right now – I don’t recognize any of the
landscapes from anywhere but I have a feeling that we are somewhere on the
countryside.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Then I noticed the road where the
car’s tires are flashing through, slowly gaining speed. The clouds were dark,
and the glass made it hard to see because of the water pouring from above.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">And it’s not exactly safe.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Maybe I have paranoia, Maybe I don’t.
But the tires could easily slip on the watery road and…I shivered.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky’s scowl of annoyance – I <i>think</i> it’s annoyance – changed to one of
concern. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Are you cold?” he asked, audible
through the patting of the rain through the vehicle’s exterior. “No, it’s just
that you’re running a little too fast. Could you please slow it down?” He
nodded and did as I said. I just felt like avoiding something that might be an
entire catastrophe later. I fidgeted nervously. <i>Nothing’s going to happen,</i> I reminded myself. I’m only cautious.
Sky flickered his gaze towards me.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“We could stop over until the rain
calms down if you want.” His statement was followed by a violent flash of
lightning and a horrible thunder. I almost gulped. I like rains, but not <i>this</i> rain. I told Sky, “I might fall
asleep.” I do that all the time. I mean, the constant pounding sound of the
rain and everything. It’s perfect for dozing off.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky smiled. “You always do.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I gave a smile of my own. He has a
point. “That’s encouraging.” I said as I drew my knees up to my chest and put
my forehead on my knees. Then Sky parked the car and turned the engine off,
putting the keys safely in his pocket. He rested his own head on the back of
his seat. I closed my eyes, not bothering with my glasses – it’s just a small
nap anyway. My sore arms and back gave in and I drifted to sleep.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The insider put off their binoculars. They
have absolutely no idea. The person smiled. Ice had been right. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;">-</span>
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span>Yelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13181468059950303093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263733566175634558.post-80959601258226589252012-03-16T20:35:00.001-07:002012-04-17T00:00:44.371-07:00Chapter 32: Formality<a href="http://www.wattpad.com/3754225-parallel-lines-chapter-32-formality" target="_blank">Chapter 32: Formality (Wattpad)</a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The good thing is I got out of the
situation alive, right? Thoughts scurried through my brain as I watched the
television – but not really taking anything in. It was almost 8:30 pm – almost
time for sleep. After that godforsaken incident earlier in the day, we’ve been
quiet as the grave. I have <i>no</i>
intention whatsoever of sharing this to anyone. Especially Imah. Not her. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">As I sat on the couch, seeing the
colours and the movements rather than the show itself, I pursed my lips for he
hundredth time and both of my hands rubbed the sides of my neck – for the
millionth time. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Every time I do that, I get a
flashback; which makes me shiver from goose bumps all the freaking time. I’m
sure my face is as red as a tomato at the moment, so I dare not look at Sky,
who was reading a book by the lamp, several meters to my left. When he just
pursed or licked his lips, I almost drool and stare. Then rub my neck again.<i> It’s ridiculous.</i> I breathed in deeply.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Then I remembered something. I did the
epic face palm. “Geez! Of all the days – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What? What is it?” Sky turned to face
me, an eyebrow raised. I took one look at him and blushed even further. <i>I hate you, Ryne. You ruin everything.</i>
He blushed lightly himself, a tint of colour on his cheeks. I answered him. “I
– it’s nothing. I just remembered that it’s training tomorrow so yeah…” He
pursed his lips and I looked away before I do something stupid. I heard him
say, “Right. Training.” he paused then continued. “I can ask Xav to come, you
know. Or maybe even Imah.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I recognize a miracle if I see one.
God is good.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“That would be nice.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So now, 10 minutes later, I’m brushing
my teeth, barely knowing what time is it. When I changed clothes earlier, for
the first time, I felt different about them. The clothes. They’re his for
Christ’s sake – he wore them once and now <i>I’m</i>
wearing it. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I paused with what I’m doing and
touched the hem of the shirt. I’m going insane. I really am. I rinsed my mouth
afterwards and went to the bedroom, wanting to stop time and take off to
another planet. I buried myself on the sheets immediately, momentarily forgetting
about by glasses. <i>Tomorrow would be a
lifesaver. It would be.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><i> </i> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I had no idea what I was doing. I was
just staring at the blank wall by the side of my bed. The world could have been
crumbling to pieces for all I care. Then I heard the opening of the door.
Automatically, I turned to the doorway and instantly regretting it. Seriously.
Who else would I expect? Dash? Sky took one glance at me and looked away. He
started going to his side of the bed, shutting off the lights on his way. The
room was dim, then I sat up slowly to put off my glasses and place them on the
low table beside my head. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I felt Sky settle in the sheets and I
heard him take off his own glasses. I lay down on the bed, shutting my eyelids
closed. It would’ve been easier if he wasn’t nice. I mean, I don’t like him – I
love Carsh – but initially, there is an attraction. Certainly, there is. I just
don’t want it to gout of hand. That wouldn’t help anyone or anything. I’ll just
have to act as normal as possible, prevent anything serious to forge between
the two of us. He seemed unable to sleep as well, thinking things like I was.
Maybe the same things, too. He said, </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“It would be easier to live life
without regrets, you know. Or restraints.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I shut off his voice. He wasn’t
helping matters at all.<br />
<br />
<br />
Monday</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I blinked my eyes open, waking from a
horrible dream. It was so irrational and crazy. I was being chased by Mr. Mafia
– I don’t remember his face anymore, but he was waving a chainsaw. <i>Chainsaw.</i> The guy was chasing me with a
freaking chainsaw. In the dream, I turned to Sky for help, but then he snubbed
me, saying he didn’t care about me.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Yes, the dream was irrational.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I turned to his side of the bed and
found him sitting up, looking at me. Will anyone just stop staring at me? It’s
still early in the morning. I grabbed my glasses then sat up, facing him. I
don’t want to talk – I have nothing to say in the first place. He too, just
looked at me. Just looked. It was like he was thinking something over. Then he
looked down, straightening his glasses at the bridge of his nose. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“They’ll be here in less than an
hour.” he said, then he faced me, smiling. “We’d better get ready.” I nodded
then smiled in return. I slipped off the bed. The problem with Xavia and Imah
coming is that they might – okay, they
eventually <i>will</i> – find out
something’s off. I rummaged inside the backpack, looking for something suitable
to wear. I heard Sky go out. This will really be a problem. Imah is trained to <i>know,</i> while Xavia’s trained to <i>see. </i>I clicked my tongue. This plan will
backfire. Just wait and see. <br />
<br />
<br />
<i>“Ryne!”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Hey, Im – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I’m
so glad to see you!”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Imah hugged me tightly, blonde hair
touching my cheeks. Meanwhile Xavia hugged Sky, putting her arms around his
neck and Sky doing the same around her waist. My brows creased without my
noticing. What are they playing at? Someone tugged at my hand hard. Imah faced
me. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I saw that.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Her eyes were sparkling and wide. I
scowled deeper. “Saw what?” She scrutinized me. “I’m gonna find out what
happened, Ryne.” Then she grinned. “I told you this would happen!” I sighed. I
knew it. “It was nothing. And there’s nothing to find out.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Did someone ever tell you how bad you
lie?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I glared at her half-heartedly. She
just chuckled and held my hand. Xavia turned to me, while Imah moved to her
place in front of Sky, a knowing look in her eyes. He looked bewildered.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I gritted my teeth at the scene. Why
does this have to happen to me – of all people! I turned my gaze to the
glorious face of Xavia and she was smiling slightly.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Something happened, right?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I groaned. “You people – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Sky didn’t say anything.” she said,
smiling further, showing her perfect set of teeth. “And I don’t think he ever
will. I’m kind of hoping for a different reaction from you.” I gave her a pleading
look. “Imah is enough for one person, please – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">She shook her head, lips pursed. “This
must be really good.” I sighed. This is hopeless. Imah came over to us, Sky in
tow. “Let’s get started! I’m excited to see Ryne on her first day.” By the look
on her face, it seems obvious that she’s excited about definitely something
else. They have <i>no</i> idea what they’re
talking about. Xavia said,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Let’s go sit on the couch. And Sky,”
she turned to him, “Why don’t you prepare us some drinks?” he nodded absently,
exiting from the room. She and Imah held my shoulders and steered me to the
couch. Imah faced me once we were seated.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Now, my dear. What the hell
happened?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I turned to Xavia, somehow hoping that
she’s going to help me get out of my dilemma.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">No such luck.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I leaned back, resting my head against
the support of the couch. “Things are complicated enough – ” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I still want to know.” said Xavia.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I <i>need</i>
to know.” Imah, this time. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You two knowing won’t help at all – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">They seemed unfazed by any of my
protests. Well, what else could I expect? They’ve been with Sky for a long
time, by the looks of it. When Imah finds out, she’ll undoubtedly dance the
Irish jig in joy and encourage us and with Xavia – I have no idea. That’s what
kills me. Her relationship with Sky seems to be <i>blurry</i> for me. This entire situation is damned blurry. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Stop that, Ryne. And spill
everything.” Imah interrupted. Xavia piped up next. “We won’t judge you for
it.” She looked at me sincerely. “I promise.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I bit my lip. It’s not even serious! And
I have <i>absolutely</i> no intention for it
to be. Nothing. That event, situation, or whatever the hell it is yesterday had
been a slip. An accident. He wasn’t on his right mind. A bark interrupted my
thoughts and Dash bouded up to me. Then instantly, he turned to Imah.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Aww! He remembered me!” she continued
to cuddle my dog. Xavia reverted her attention to Dash as well. “So this is,
err, Zombie?” I stared at her. I thought that issue was <i>over.</i> “His name is Dash.” I explained. “Sky has a weird sense of –
”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">They both laughed. Imah said, “You
don’t have to be so grumpy. Lighten up!” I scowled. “Can’t. How can I? When – ” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Is it that serious?” she said and
Xavia leaned forward eagerly. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No!</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> There’s nothing serious about this at
all!” God, help me. Nothing serious, I almost scoffed. Nothing serious with being
kidnapped by someone who apparently wants to ‘live his life without regrets.’</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Or restraints.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This restraint is fucking necessary. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Xavia craned her neck to see me
better. “Well then, if it isn’t serious, why are you afraid to tell us?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I’m not <i>afraid.</i> You’re twisting my words – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No, we’re not.” they replied in
unison. I sighed in frustration. “I would be mad if I told – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Then we’ll ask Sky.” Imah said. Xavia
turned to her. “Maybe we can do both?” Imah shrugged. “Later. Let’s break Ryne
first – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Break?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Isn’t that an overstatement?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Imah grinned. “We’re willing to do
anything and everything – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“It’s not important. We – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Fell in love?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No!”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Xavia entered the fray. “What’s wrong
with telling us, then?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“It’s just… uncomfortable.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Imah spoke. “How come?” I recalled the
events of last day. I rubbed my neck violently and pursed my lips shut.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Err, are you okay, Ryne?” she asked. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I’m fine.” I replied, clearing my
throat. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Xavia raised an eyebrow. “You’re blushing.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I turned to her. “People blush.
There’s nothing – ” she laughed aloud, her laughter and beautiful face lighting
up the living room. “I think I know!” she exclaimed triumphantly, carefully
looking at my neck and pursed lips. She laughed again and I blushed deeper. I
knew it. I bloody knew it. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Imah reached beyond me and grasped
Xavia’s wrist. “What did you see?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Didn’t you see what she did?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Imah paused for about three seconds
then, “That one?! Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” I interrupted before
either of them gets any ideas. The plan just backfired.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“That was a slip. That was nothing – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No, it’s not.” Imah replied. “We know
him.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I scrutinized her expression. “So will
you please elaborate and enlighten me with – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“It’s really <i>simple!</i> It’s obvious that there is an attraction – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“A delicious attraction, apparently.”
Xavia injected. I stared at her, mouth agape. “You’re not helping!” She
chuckled, satisfied. “Sorry. Go on, Imah.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“As I said – attraction. All you have
to do is stoke the fires a bit, so to say, and voila!” she was almost bouncing
with joy. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Stoke the fires?” She’s kidding. They
don’t understand at all! She responded,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Yes. Stoke the fires.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I’m not intending this to go out of
hand – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Why? What’s with Sky that you don’t
want?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Nothing</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">! I – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“See?!” They both said.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I
have a boyfriend!”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">They both paused. Dash barked. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Oh.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“That.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I looked at them. “Yes, that.” Imah’s
eyebrows crunched together and her eyes seemed troubled. “But – but – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Xavia suddenly sat up straighter, her
ears pricked. “He’s coming.” I let Dash climb up to my lap as Sky came in, a
tray of juice carried. He set each one in front of us, and looked for a place
to sit. Imah immediately grabbed my arm and pulled my sideways and Xavia moved
to the other side.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Damn them. I glared at Imah. Sky just
rolled his eyes, sighed, and sat down. The couch was only meant for three
people, so we were all jam-packed like sardines. I shifted uncomfortably, his
thigh rubbing against mine and as well as his shoulder. Imah suddenly squealed.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Oh
my gosh!</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Where did
you get your anklet?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My muscles tensed and my face flushed.
I saw Sky scowling and I faced Imah, forcing a smile on my face. “It’s a – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Is
that your initial?”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
she asked. Xavia looked about in interest, after taking a sip of juice. Sky
exhaled and he got a glass of juice. I did as well and drank the damned juice,
then I turned back to Imah.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">She gave in to the chuckle which she
smothered with a smug grin. I asked her, “So, where were we?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I have no idea – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Is that an <i>emerald?”</i> Xavia asked, with an eyebrow raised. “Right there on your
initial?” I sighed. <i>“Well,”</i> I said,
frustrated. “it’s – ” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky interrupted. “Yes, Xav. It’s an
emerald.” He raised an eyebrow, as if to say <i>Happy?</i> She just nodded. “It’s nice.” then she shrugged, as though
the accessory didn’t interest her in the least.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I asked the three of them, “Where do
we go?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Xavia answered. “The firing range.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“The
what?”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Imah chuckled again. “The firing
range, Ryne.” We’re going there <i>immediately?</i>
That’s just so… scary. It’s like they expect too much from me! I never shot a
single bullet in my existence. I knew my face was drained of blood when I faced
them.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“But – but I don’t – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Xavia said, “It’s gonna be fine. We’ll
teach you.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Yeah, and we’ll take Dashy here with
us.” Imah added, her tone reassuring. Sky said nothing but he out an arm around
me, patting my shoulder comfortingly. He whispered, pulling me towards him. “No
need to be so worried. We got you.” Then I saw his lips turn up in a smile.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oh, God. Help me.</span>
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span>Yelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13181468059950303093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263733566175634558.post-76672755279380552482012-03-16T20:22:00.002-07:002012-04-17T00:00:14.915-07:00Chapter 31: Week one<a href="http://www.wattpad.com/3754151-parallel-lines-chapter-31-week-one" target="_blank">Chapter 31: Week one (Wattpad)</a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In a
short time and with minimal nagging involved, Sky was back to his original
self. The hey-I’m-Sky-La-Brea-therefore-kneel-before-me self.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Awesome,
right?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The
weird thing is, in a way, it really is. He seems so… I don’t know. Fragile, I
suppose, when the forbidden subject is involved. Better not to push my luck for
the day. We played with the iPad a gazillion times and afterwards – when the
thing is already out of battery – he quizzed me on the D.I.Y. I was actually
pretty good. This is much more fun than world history, anyway.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Okay,
next question – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Can we
take a break?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Okay.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">We had
another round that lasted for about 30 minutes then we went to the kitchen,
made a fruit salad and ate like the world would end tomorrow. I was looking
forward to all the days spent like this one when he just <i>had</i> to ruin the moment and say, “Savour what you have now, Ryne.
Tomorrow, we’ll have a new diet.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“A new
what?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
looked at me and shifted in his chair so he was facing me more. “Die-yet.” he
pronounced it by syllable like I was a dumb person who couldn’t comprehend. I
started to open my mouth, but he was faster. “This is what people do when they
– <i>hey!”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><i> </i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Did
you say something?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You
threw a bread crumb at me! A big one.” I giggled. “If you’re going to throw
something, you have to do it with more than zero efficiency, I think.” I shook
my head. “So much for a person who throws bullets at crazy speed – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Bread
crumbs are very different from bullets. So shut up.” A few minutes later, the
dishes were clean, as well as the table and we are already drying our hands. I
looked around the kitchen and out to the doorway to the living room. I bit my
lip as a childish idea came to my head. I faced Sky, but before I could even
speak, he went first,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You
have that look on your face. What are you planning?” I expected him to be like
a father scolding his children for being too rowdy but now, I see in his
expression that he was up to the challenge – whatever it is. I grinned up to
him.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“It’s
just simple, really.” I said, holding his elbow and guiding him so he was
facing the open doorway like I was. His gaze was on me then.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“A
race?” he asked, eyes sparkling.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Aye,
Captain.” I said, letting go of his elbow and preparing myself for the first
long sprint. He prepared too and said, “On my count?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Sure.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Three,
two… <i>one.”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I ran
ridiculously fast and I felt him by my side, almost gaining on me. Oh no, you
don’t. I dodged the dining table and went first outside of the doorway, but
something held me back. Like, <i>literally.</i>
A pair of arms was around my stomach, preventing me from moving. Sky dragged me
back. What the – </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Cheater.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
clawed on his arms, my feet gliding on the smooth floor. I heard his laugh
quite loudly – because his damned head was next to mine. I said again, “I won,
you sore loser – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Loser?
I didn’t lose. I think this is a technique.” he chuckled. I grabbed the counter
with one hand and he stopped moving. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I
can’t even feel the floor!” He laughed again, but more boisterous this time.
“You are what polite people call petite – ” <i>Really.</i>
I grew up with the entire world teasing me about my height. I’m simply
vertically-challenged, thank you very much.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Just
let me go you freak – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Instead,
he tightened his grip on my body and craned his head to face mine. “Did you know that it’s the
first time I’ve been called a freak in my life? Handsome, yes, quite a lot.
Hot, oh, all the time. But freak?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">That is
utterly impossible. “Are you – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No,
I’m not.” he replied, all smiles. “You didn’t even know what I was saying!” I
complained. “And let go of me.” I flailed my arms and legs. He just made
matters worse – as he always does – and went to the doorway, with his long arms
around me. And it’s freaking<i>
uncomfortable. </i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Sky… I
give up. What the bloody hell can I even do.” I whined as he led me to the
living room. Then instead of responding, he carried me bridal style and went
rushing to the bedroom.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Do you know what the word ‘fast’ means?”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
laughed as he closed the door shut with his foot, in result, startling the
sleeping Dash on the living room, behind the sofa – his new favourite spot. Sky
stopped and looked at me, an eyebrow raised. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Why aren’t
you screaming?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I just
patted my stomach for explanation. He seemed confused.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You’re
pregnant?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No!</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> You are so aargh!”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
giggled like the child that he is and gently set me on the bed. I sat up
immediately and took off my sandals. Then he came crawling to the bed next. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What
the hell are you planning?” I asked. I grinned that I feared his cheeks would
split because it’s so wide. Before I knew it, he was tickling me by the sides of
my stomach with both hands.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My
greatest weakness.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Oh my
– <i>oh my god!”</i> I laughed like there’s
no tomorrow and I squirmed away from him, glasses slipping from my face, but he
pulled me back to him using my feet. This time he attacked my neck.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No – damn you – ”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> God, I
can’t breathe. I heard his laugh then. I tried to push his hands away, but he
wouldn’t budge so I just held them tightly, keeping them away from me while I
tried to catch my breath. I lay down completely and still held his hands while he squatted and grinned down one me. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Mission
complete.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
bought myself a few more seconds and interlocked my fingers with his. Payback
time. I pushed him down on his back, using our joined hands to do it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Hey!”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
laughed idiotically and put my legs on either side of him. “You’re definitely
going to pay for that, La Brea.” I laughed then let go one of his hands and
tortured him as well. That serves him right.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Fuck! Stop it – ”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
squirmed away from me and held both of my wrists in one hand, half-laughing and
breathing fast and hard. Then he reached behind me and opened the drawer by the
bed and brought out…</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Handcuffs.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Oh no.
I turned to him, eyes wide, but at the same time, anticipation surged through
me. He laughed loudly. “I missed using this.” Then he practically went hunting
for me with both hands. The crazy struggle went on for five minutes and seven
bumps on the head later, I found myself pinned down by Sky’s body on the bed.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Go to
hell.” I said as fiercely as I could while laughing. He cuffed me, and chuckled
exhaustedly himself. “Same to you.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Admit
it, you’re tired.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
looked at me. “Who the hell wouldn’t be? You fight like a demon.” I laughed at
his face. Oh God. I’m so tired. It’s been a long time since I’ve done that. “Am
I heavy?” Sky asked. I smiled, responding, “Not that much.” He grinned wider
and placed his head around the circle of my handcuffed arms. I laughed and
said, “What are you doing?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
chuckled himself. “Revenge” Then he buried his face on the side of my neck and
rubbed his nose there. I squirmed beneath him, laughing. <i>Damn being ticklish.</i> “Go away, Sky.” I meant that to be a sign of
anger but it was followed by a violent giggle so I don’t think he got the
message. I tried to move from where I was but he only pressed me deeper into
the mattress. He laughed then, with his head still on the crook of my neck.
“This isn’t funny at all.” I whined tiredly. The torturer seemed to be tired
himself and just relaxed his head, forehead on the fan of my chaotic hair. I
stole a few more moments to calm my erratically breathing heart and my breaths.
<i>Never again.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The next
second, he did the trick again, rubbing the tip of his nose more effectively. I
laughed like hell. God, help me. I heard a chuckle of his own as he stopped but
two seconds later – two <i>short</i> seconds
later – I felt his right hand grasping my shoulder and his other hand gripping
my waist. He didn’t speak but turned to my neck again. Instead of doing what he
had done earlier, he started kissing my neck. Slowly.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I felt
the shivers go along from my neck all the way to my spine. <i>What the hell is</i> <i>he doing?</i>
I tried my damnest to speak – believe me, I did – but something seemed to be
stuck in my throat. His chest was laid on top of mine and I was sure he could
feel my racing heart. Oh no. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
gently caressed my shoulder with his thumb, as he moved from the side of my
neck to my throat. Oh God, no.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
kissed me there.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My
heart was beating a million times faster now, as I felt his hot breaths on my
skin. Damn this. He still didn’t speak and it was deathly silent. But the
pounding of my heart seemed to reach my ears. His lips glided from my throat to
the other side of my neck, and the hand on my waist moved to caress my neck on
the other side. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Fuck
no.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I moved my shaking, handcuffed hands to hold
his head, feeling the soft raven-coloured hair on my fingertips and I felt
myself aroused. No, no, no. I said, voice hushed,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What
are you doing?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
paused, breathing hard himself and adjusted so he was up close to my face. His
green eyes seemed glazed. Glazed with desire. For lack of words he just stared
at me. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
asked, tentative. “Sky?” He blinked two times and replied with his voice
unusually low. “I got carried away. Sorry.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">What an
understatement. “It’s fine.” He still stared at me. God. Talk about awkward. <i>What the fuck is going on.</i> I tried
again, “What were you thinking?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
smiled a little, as if enjoying a joke. “I wasn’t.” He shook his head slightly.
“Wasn’t thinking.” I stared at him. This situation is really <i>crap.</i> But then a sudden epiphany struck
me. I looked into his deep green eyes.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I
think I know.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Know
what?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My idea
will be extremely weird. But here goes nothing. “Maybe you just feel… alone.” I
paused, then immediately added. “Maybe we both do.” He smiled that damned smile
of his again. “So alone that I’m <i>that</i>
desperate?” I opened my mouth to respond but he didn’t seem to be waiting for a
reply. “I didn’t mean it that way. Ryne, you’re really pretty and smart. And
funny and alluring…” My brow creased and Sky drifted his line of vision to my hair then he twirled a
strand.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
stared at me then – chocolate brown meeting green. He pursed his lips. “So
where do we stand now?” I gave a tiny, strangled laugh. “I have no idea. Where <i>do</i> we stand?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">His
gaze turned to my lips and I froze. His eyes glinted and I just <i>knew</i> what he was planning to do. He
solely leaned down and he was only an inch away when Dash banged and barked
against the door. Sky growled.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Fuck.”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
unfroze. <i>God.</i> I take it back. I don’t
want to be kidnapped ever again. I just want to go back to my house. I want
Carsh back. I want <i>normal.</i> Sky looked
tired and spent as he rolled off me. I breathed again properly and I grabbed a
pillow, covering my face with it, wishing I can just crawl into a hole and die.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Week one is insane.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span>Yelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13181468059950303093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263733566175634558.post-2015686012598791412012-03-16T20:19:00.001-07:002012-04-16T23:59:36.753-07:00Chapter 30: Samantha<a href="http://www.wattpad.com/3754109-parallel-lines-chapter-30-samantha" target="_blank">Chapter 30: Samantha (Wattpad)</a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So now, I have an extremely useful
book, an iPad and a bangle, which is still on my arm. And the anklet, of
course. After we played another game, we ate dinner – sautéed mussels, <i>my favourite. </i>We put out the lights on
the candles one by one, Sky holding my waist, in case of my fall number two. It
seemed to take an eternity. How the hell had he managed the light all of this
again?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“This is the 50<sup>th</sup> candle,
did you know that?” I said, turning my head to look at him. He shrugged,
changing the location of the candle as he put it back down. He was behind me,
guiding me to keep me from falling as he said, “Only a few more.” Then he
yawned. “If you want,” he continued, “you can go to sleep. You already washed
up anyway – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I feel guilty. I’m sure this won’t
take long – ” then without speaking, he lifted me off my feet and carried me to
the bedroom. The gentle rocking movement of his body is lulling me to sleep,
then he laid me down on the bed. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I’m tired.” I mumbled sleepily. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I know. It’s kind of obvious.” He
pulled the blanket up to me and I removed my glasses. “Goodnight. I hope you
like my surprise by the way.” he said, his voice hushed as I closed my eyes. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Mmm. I do.” then my brain shut down
completely.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This girl does nothing but sleeps and
eats. He gently brushed a strand of hair away from her sleeping face, and took
off her slippers, shutting the lights on his way out. He resumed the blowing of
candles all by himself this time. With every candle put off, the room grew
dimmer and dimmer, the smoke rising up to the ceiling. When the last candle
flame had been extinguished, the room was in complete darkness. This is bizarre
– he suddenly felt alone. Then his feet carried him back to the bedroom,
pulling off his footwear, changed his clothes quickly and faced the bed. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He hesitated.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He looked at Ryne on the bed,
sleeping, then next looked at the couch<i>.
To hell with it.</i> His tired body gave in and he settled on the left side of
the bed, facing her. He shared the blanket and willed himself to sleep, and
found that he couldn’t. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He then turned his attention to Ryne.
Her hair was fanned out in front of her and out of curiosity, he stroked it,
the brownish colour of her hair turning black in the lack of adequate lighting.
He took his glasses off and sighed, problematic.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Yes, she’ll hate me.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-<br />
<br />
<br />
Sunday</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I clutched the blanket tighter to my
chest, feeling cold. I tried to bring myself back to sleep but – I failed. When
my hand moved to the other side of the bed, I felt something light and soft.
And something definitely out of place. I slowly opened my eyes, straining to
see in spite of the light of the room and went automatically for my glasses
with my free hand. Then I saw what I was holding. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A rose.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Yes. Definitely out of place. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The rose was in the place where Sky
should’ve been sleeping. There was a letter attached to it but I glanced at the
couch first, making sure. He’s not there. Hmm. I turned to the rose and letter
on my hand. This trick looks like the ones from those cheesy movie clips.
Typical Sky, losing his head every once in a while. I didn’t sit up on the bed
but rather opened the letter while still lying down, my view sideways. It read,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Ryne,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">If you’re reading this,
I’m probably not back yet. I’ll be back soon, okay? No funny business while I’m
gone. I just had to do something important. I already reinstalled the monitor
password com, so you don’t have a way out. Don’t even think about it. I left
you some food from the room service and it’s at the table when you get hungry
later. I had a wonderful time last night. I hope it’s not too grand for you.
And please don’t remove the anklet.</span></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: right; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Be back soon,</span></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: right; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Sky</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Of course
I couldn’t escape. How wonderful. And he was what? Going somewhere ‘important.’
When I read the ending part though, it felt weird – he was so sure that I’m
going to hate him. And now that I mention it, Imah said that in her letter, as
well as Xavia. That feels really uncomfortable. How do you expect to hate
someone who has done nothing but make you happy? I drew the covers up to my face again. This sucks. Why do
they have to be so cryptic, anyway?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Then
the door banged open and Dash came bounding in. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Hey,
Dash.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I let
him clamber up to the bed and greet me good morning in his own dog-ish way. He
was standing on all fours on top of the bed and I put my head against his back.
Laziness is epic and more evident in the mornings. I opened my right eye then. The
room so empty and wide. <i>This is stupid.</i>
I feel really left out. To better keep my mind off things, I grabbed clothes
and went inside the bathroom of the room. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This is actually new, </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
thought. <i>I can do whatever I want without
someone constantly annoying me to death.</i> I pursed my lips. I’ll make most
of my time alone. Better make the most of it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Being alone sucks.</i> Where the bloody hell is that guy?! It’s almost
an hour. A bloody hour. I glared at all the food wrappers and plastic
containers on the dining table. I think I’ve eaten <i>everything.</i> The gourmet breakfast didn’t seem to be enough so I
rummaged through the freezer – that was 30 minutes ago, maybe less. I don’t
really know. I already read Xavia’s book and was halfway through it when I decided
to play the iPad. Alone. No challenge whatsoever. So I gave up easily and
resumed eating. Tried to watch the television with Dash. Alone.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">How
dare that person leave me alone. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I stood
up, glancing around the room. Sudden inspiration struck me. I quickly cleaned
up the dining – see? I’m not an entirely evil person – and went out to the
living room, Dash on my heels. What I planned to do isn’t exactly exciting, but
I’d rather do <i>something.</i> I opened all
the drawers of the cabinet, one by one, starting from the top. The first one
had clothes, then more clothes, next were the candles from last night. The
living room this morning was back to its neutral setting – the dull curtains
and the rest of the package. The next drawer had the roses. They were in vases
with water to keep them from dying. I looked at them and remembered the other
one on the bedroom where I did exactly the same thing - put it in a vase. I
don’t know why, but I grabbed a handful and bound it with my hair tie. I
crouched down to the floor and opened the last drawer.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Bingo.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">There
was a briefcase. A sturdy-looking one. Sturdy means awesome, right? There’s got
to be something in this piece of leather. I pulled it out, closed the drawer
and sat down on the floor. Dash came up to me and laid his head on my thigh. I
looked at the row of numbers on the handle side. <i>Everything</i> just has to have a password. I sighed determinedly. I
tried 015 – the damned birthdate. Then pushed the large square button.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Nothing.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">110 –
the birthday month. I pressed again. Nothing. Oh, fine. I’ll do this randomly.
257. I pushed. Nothing. I banged the briefcase to the floor in annoyance. Five
more tries. Then I’ll go back to my catatonic death state.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">373.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">642.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">914.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Damn
this. Even Dash seemed to be bored to tears. 251. I pushed again. Mother of
God. <i>Nothing.</i> I was getting ready to
try the last one- whatever the hell it is – when I heard something. Something
beeping. My head turned to the door so quickly that I cricked my neck. Ugh. I
rubbed the back of my neck. <i>Now </i>he
comes back. I put the briefcase down quickly and ran stealthily to the side
near the doorknob. I can’t stop the huge grin on my face and I almost gave in
to the evil laugh sounding through my head. The machine then by the side of my
head beeped once and the doorknob started to twist. Then the door opened
abruptly and the instant I saw the rim of his glasses and the outline of his
body, I jumped in front of him. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Welcome ba – ”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Fuck!”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> He pulled his gun. <i>Gun.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><i> </i> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Oh. My.
God. The look on his face is priceless! I can’t stop laughing and I was holding
the sides of my stomach. He looked like he saw a flying sheep or something! He
was now putting his hand over his chest, breathing hard. He made an effort to
close the door, though. God, help me. He turned to me, eyes accusing. I bit my
lip, trying to quieten myself. But – but. I burst out laughing again.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“That was so epic!”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“It
wasn’t.” he responded, waving his gun at me. “I could’ve shot you!”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
laughed still. That was amazing. Especially the gun part – for the win! He put
back his gun now and faced me. I pursed my lips. He stared and stared. <i>What now?</i> I looked at him skeptically.
“What?” He shot me a you-know-what-you-did look and said, “That wasn’t funny.”
I smiled hugely. He’s so bitter. “Maybe it is, maybe not.” I said, shrugging.
He sighed and his gaze turned towards my hands. He raised an eyebrow. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What’s
with the flowers?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What’s
with the changing of topic?” I shot right back. He put both hands on his
pockets, shrugging. “It’s just that, you look like a virgin sacrifice.” My
mouth opened in horror, yet he still continued. “No pun intended, of course.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Who
does he think he is? “After you left me for more than an hour, <i>that </i>is what you say to me?” He smiled a
little. “Did you miss me?” I shot him a flat look. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
smiled wider and lifted an eyebrow once, shrugging his shoulders again. “I’ll
just pretend that you’re not lying – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I am
so not.” Seriously. I forgot about the guy’s damned ego. He chuckled lightly
and scanned the room. He spotted the briefcase on the floor, near the cabinet.
Then his brow creased and he looked at me. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Right,
Ryne. You’re so stupid.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I spoke
before he could open his mouth. “I had nothing else to do so I… yeah.” He
licked his lips and asked, “You didn’t open it, didn’t you?” while walking over
to the briefcase in question. I followed him. The bloody hell I opened it. That
thing is impenetrable. “Of course I didn’t, Sky. I tried all the combinations
known to mankind but <i>nothing.”</i> He put
the briefcase back, feeling proud, no doubt. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Yes.
Of course.” he replied, smiling. He had a follow-up question this time, “So
what did you do the past hour?” then he leaned on the cabinet and crossed his
legs, looking like a therapist. Close enough.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I
read, watched the tv, played with the new gadget, and played with Dash. Alone.
Just by myself.” I responded, emphasizing the keywords. He just chuckled
merrily, his green eyes twinkling. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Hey. I
missed you too.” He laughed. I crossed my arms over my chest. <i>So what if I did?</i> “Ha ha, Sky. So
hilarious.” He paid little attention to what I said and looked down on my left
leg. I suddenly became self-conscious – I was only wearing shorts for God’s
sake. Okay, they’re big shorts, but <i>still.</i>
The hem just barely made it to the top of my knees. I straightened my huge shirt
– rather Sky’s huge shirt – and raised an eyebrow at him. “What the hell are
you looking at?” his gaze reverted back to my face. He smiled a satisfied smile
and replied, “You didn’t take off the anklet.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">That </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">was what he was looking at? My head tilted back
in slight surprise and I looked at the present. It was sort of sparkling from
where I see it and the emerald was giving off a different glow. I turned back
to him, “Of course I didn’t. I’m a good person sometimes – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Sometimes.”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> he repeated, emphasizing
and nodding. I rolled my eyes. Most annoying person award. Hooray. What fun. He
now looked at my left shoulder. “How about – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I
didn’t take it off. Of course, I really <i>couldn’t,</i>
but – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What
did you eat?” he interrupted. I scowled at him. “I ate some food. I didn’t
finish it all; I think there’s something left in the – ” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I
understand, Ryne,” he said, and amused grin on his face. “Believe me, I really
do.” I sighed slowly, straightening my glasses and moving back to the couch. I
lay down, covering all the space that was meant for three people. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“So
what else did you do?” he asked, following me and he sat down on the couch as
well and he leaned back, putting both of my feet on his lap. I admit, it feels
nice. “I did nothing. I’m serious. You can ask your Zombie.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
chuckled, rubbing my ankles and fingering the anklet. “Maybe later. I’m a bit
bushed.” I snatched a pillow and put it behind my head and got another one to
hug. “Where did you go anyway?” he still locked his gaze on my ankles and
massaged them, never meeting my eyes. “It’s nothing. Just something I had to
do.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I smell
something. When Sky acts like this, there’s only one damned name that comes out
obvious. This Samantha person is really getting to me. My forehead creased as
silence commenced between us. He continued the massage though, much to my
comfort. <i>Should I ask?</i> I looked at
him as I considered. He looked a bit troubled already, what more if I ask him
about <i>her?</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><i> </i> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Damn
this. Never mind the Samantha person, there’s always a next time. I said
casually, “I should be the one massaging you, I think.” A smile tugged at the
corners of his lips and he responded, “As if you would.” He does have a point.
I relaxed further in the couch, settling in deeper. “That feels really nice.”
Now he really smiled. “I handle guns Ryne. What do you expect?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“How
does that connect? Do my feet resemble guns or something?” he chuckled lightly.
“No, they don’t.” he said, grasping them briefly before returning to the
heavenly massage. “You can just learn how to handle certain things when you’re
used to guns, that’s all.” I turned to the flowers on my hands. “You’ll train
me now, right? Now that I’ve sort of recovered?” he nodded. “We’ll start
tomorrow.” I picked one red rose from the bunch of others and held it. I just want
to, okay? I like roses. I looked at Sky, and when I did like so many times,
only one thought constantly crosses my mind. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Better
late than never, right?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Who is
she?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
turned to me slowly, as if he wasn’t particularly interested in my question.
Such actor. “Who is who?” I pursed my lips before saying her name.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Samantha.”
His eyes looked emotionless this time, his hands on me suddenly slower. I
continued, “Who is she?” He just looked into my eyes and smiled wistfully.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“My
soul mate.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
turned back to my feet and resumed the thing he’s doing. I stared at him,
shocked, eyes glazed with concern. The hands on my rose suddenly felt clammy
and I tightened my grip. <i>Poor Sky.</i> I
think I know what happened at the end of their story. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Or maybe it hasn’t ended yet,</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I
thought, remembering Sky’s reactions. I twirled the flower with my fingers. I
found whatever courage I could and asked quite gently, “What’s she like?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
paused with what he’s doing, staring off at nothing in particular. Then
suddenly, as if an image came to him, he smiled. “Long golden hair.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
looked at him. So that’s why. Samantha – the little girl at the Marquette – had
blonde hair too. And she described her mom having ‘golden hair.’ This is
ridiculous. My eyebrows crunched together. I don’t think he’ll continue anymore,
but them he spoke again. “Blue eyes.” I imagined what he just described and
found the image rather… beautiful. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky
seemed to remember my presence and turned to me, the sad smile still on his
face. “She’s the complete opposite of me.” If colours could cry, his green ones
would’ve been weeping right now. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I want
to know more about her. But I would never ever ask the one question. Never.
From the way he looks right now, if I asked why he isn’t with her right this
moment, he would probably… well, I don’t have any specific idea, but something
bad. <i>Obviously, Ryne. </i>I said to him,
“I’d like to know more about her.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
looked at the roses at my middle, and on the one on my hand. “Every Tuesday, I
would give her a rose.” he smiled then. “We met on a Tuesday, you see.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">That’s so sweet.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I
stared at him, lips apart. I never knew Sky had a side like this one. I
remained silent, sensing it would be better if he alone spoke for the time
being. His smile turned wider, like he was replaying a memory in his head. “Her
parents didn’t like me because of my dangerous work.” Then the look on his face
after he said that could only be of a man deeply in love. “But she didn’t
care.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Seriously.
This guy is going to give me a heart attack. What the hell had he been through?
Now the urge to ask him where she is right now is knocking me over. I asked a
safe question before I mess things up.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Is she
British?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
smiled, showing his pearl-white teeth. “Half.” I don’t know why, but I found
myself smiling as well. I must be crazy. He blinked and looked at me. I mean, <i>really</i> look at me. Not like he was
reliving his past – a bittersweet past, it seems. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You’ve
been waiting for me to tell you about this, haven’t you?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
shrugged one shoulder, unsure how to answer. “Sort of.” he just smiled and
turned to my feet, massaging them again.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;">This situation is turning my world upside down.</span>
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span>Yelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13181468059950303093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263733566175634558.post-64976940779649788782012-03-16T20:15:00.002-07:002012-04-16T23:59:01.353-07:00Chapter 29: Picture perfect<a href="http://www.wattpad.com/3694304-parallel-lines-chapter-29-picture-perfect" target="_blank">Chapter 29: Picture perfect (Wattpad)</a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">Receiving those gifts and letters
made me feel less lonely. Less isolated. It’s a priceless feeling to know that
you have a handful of people you can rely on. We tried out the iPad and played
TapTap for more than 30 minutes straight, keeping the level on extreme. It’s an
old game, <i>I know.</i> But to hell with
it. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This last game is the tie-breaker; we
each have five points but that just won’t do. It’s impossible to have a tie;
that’s going to haunt me for the rest of my life. Sky’s gaining on me fast, and
I panicked as the House Music drifted to a close. I stared at my side of the
iPad and…</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Winner.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I laughed in ultimate victory, seeing
his aghast face as he stared at the gadget. “Aww, Sky. How tragic that must be
for you.” I mocked, trying not to laugh. He scowled playfully at me and out of
nowhere, splashed water from a flower bowl. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Hey!” </span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Ugh. Whatever, Ryne.” He said leaning
his head to the back of the couch. I shrugged. “In your dictionary, that
usually means that I’ve outwitted you so…”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He chuckled. “Outwitted? Ryne, you’re
so literary. You can use more modern words, you know. It’s a free country.” I
shot him a dark look. “I <i>know</i> that. I
just like playing with words, I really don’t see any problem – ” he interrupted me. “I didn’t say anything
about you having a problem – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You were implying it. Why the hell
are we talking about his again?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“We aren’t talking – we’re <i>arguing.”</i> He shrugged, sweeping his hand
through his messy hair. I almost gulped. He look sexy when he does that - but
never in this lifetime would I say that to his face. He said, “There’s a couple
more gifts I have for you.” Two more? That’s rather odd. I gave him a puzzled
look. “I haven’t exactly met someone besides Imah and Xav – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Are you kidding me?”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> he exclaimed. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">What is he talking about? I have no – <i>oh.</i> The answer came to me with the force
of a hurricane. I looked at his shocked green eyes and, “Oops. I’m sorry, Sky.”
He still looked at me dispiritedly. Oh, God. Why do I have to be born so <i>stupid?</i> “I am! Seriously. It’s just that
we didn’t really meet under <i>pleasant</i>
circumstances – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Yeah, it’s fine.” He smiled slightly.
“I’m a bit of an over-reactive specie – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Seems to be.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He ignored me, <i>again</i> and fired another comment. “And the other one was kind of…
impossible for me to get, but by some miracle,” he said, getting a little
cube-shaped box wrapped in dark blue and handing it to me. “I managed to
convince him.” He smiled excitedly.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Him?”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I think I know who he was talking
about, but the idea seemed preposterous. Sky smiled wider. “Mr. Mafia.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Yes, it was preposterous.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Okay.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> What’s the punch line?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He laughed. “I know it’s hard to
believe, but trust me.” A former Mafia chief just gave me a birthday present.
This is the most bizarre in the history of bizarre. “Why the bloody hell would
he give me a gift?” He was ordering people to kidnap me, hello? Sky responded,
“I told you he has his reasons.” together with a shrug. I turned the little
thing over and over with my hands, fiddling with the silk ribbon. Should I open
it? </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Err, Sky? Is this safe?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He looked at the said object and
replied, “It doesn’t have bugs – the electronic type. And that’s all I really
need to know to guarantee your safety.” I bit my lip. “Okay. I’m going to open
this little thing.” I did, and found the gift inside.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A silver bangle.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I pulled it out and stared. Sky looked
at it and his eyes widened in recognition. I turned to him immediately. “What?
What is it?” He shook his head and reached under the low table. “I just
realized why he told me to have a screwdriver at the ready.” he pulled out a,
yes, screwdriver. I raised my eyebrows disbelievingly. “Is that really
necessary? I mean, isn’t it better to just let it fit on my arm?” he pursed his
lips in consideration. “He insisted though.” I looked at the bangle on my hand,
and on the screwdriver on Sky’s. It couldn’t hurt to try, right? It’s not like
the thing is a bomb or something. I nudged him with my unhurt shoulder – the
left one – and said, “Okay, then. Not that hard to agree with a killer.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He unclasped the bangle and fitted it
on my arm, just several centimetres down my shoulder, and used the tool to
tighten and lock it. He looked at it approvingly.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“It looks great on you.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I laughed. I was wearing his huge
clothes but a compliment’s a compliment. “Thanks.” I chuckled again as he said,
“The last gift’s from me. Actually, there’s two of them.” he admitted. Wow.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Two?” I repeated.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Uh, yeah. This one’s just to cheer
you up – I hope it doesn’t upset you more, tough. My plan might backfire.” he
said this as he gave me an envelope<i>. This
is really interesting.</i> I pulled out what’s inside, expecting a letter, but
pulled out a photo.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A photo of Carsh.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I stared at it, dumbstruck. Oh, God. I
tilted my head and looked at him. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Bloody hell, Sky.”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He smiled. “I told you I’d make it up
to you.” A smile of my own started forming on my face. I turned back to the
photo. It was medium-sized with an unbelievable quality. Carsh was wearing a
blue V-neck which brings out the blue of his eyes. This photo was taken from a
camping trip – there were trees and the view behind him was spectacular but I
don’t care at the moment. The sunlight was glinting off his blonde hair, making
him look more angelic. And he was smiling. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The photo made me feel very happy and
loved, but excruciatingly sad. I couldn’t speak for a moment. Sky looked
concerned and said, “Don’t you like it?” anxiously. I laughed a little. “It’s
perfect.” Then I said sincerely, “Thank you, Sky.” He winked at me. “Anytime.
And also you, err, going to have to thank Imah, too – she dug the picture up.”
I gave him a brilliant smile.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You’re the best.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He laughed out loud. “The second one
is really from me this time.” then he pulled out a small rectangular box
wrapped with purple cloth and silver-ish ribbon. I took it from him. “I wonder
what this is.” He bit his lip after laughing. “I heard that you like those things
so I got you one.” Heard what? He’s such a cryptic git.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Heard?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> How exactly?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He evaded my question, obviously. “I
have my means.” I faced the package again and started opening it, but Sky
grabbed it away from my fingers.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What – ”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Wait, wait! Just wait!” he said,
placing the gift behind his back, hand stopping me. I looked at him. Seriously,
I think he ate something. He stared at me, face pleading and anxious. And most
of all, unsure. “Let me open it for you.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I stared at him this time. “Doesn’t
that <i>suck?</i> You just wrapped the
bloody thing and now – ” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Please.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> So I can take it back if you don’t
like it – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Am I that scary?!” That’s just really
offending. <i>“No!</i> Just – just let me
open it.” He raised an eyebrow, hands poised to open the box. I rolled my eyes
and just nodded yes. He began tearing off the purple cloth and took off the
lid. He held it up. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It’s a simple thing, really. But very
special. The silver chain of the anklet had a dangling letter R on the middle.
For full, three seconds, I stared at it, and he was staring at me, breath held,
waiting for my reaction. I turned my gaze to him.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“It’s really - ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Awful? Grand? <i>Perfect?</i> What?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I laughed hard. He looks like he’s
facing the gallows and writing his own epitaph. He looked crestfallen. “Is it that
bad?” I laughed again. “I didn’t even say anything yet! Relax.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“So? Do you like it?” he asked still
unrelenting. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Of course I do!</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Who the hell wouldn’t?” his
expression looks like a kid’s when locked inside Disneyland. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Really?”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I gritted my teeth. “I’m a human being
who appreciates gifts, Sky. I – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I didn’t finish the rest of the
sentence as he hugged me tightly. He then pulled back after a second, a huge
grin plastered to his face. “You’re awesome. You are.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Two days ago, you said I’m a devil.”
He grinned still. “In a way, you kind of are.” Before I could respond, he piped
up; “I’ll put this on you, if you like.” he shook the anklet. His bipolar mode
is on the run. “Thanks, but no. I can manage – ” The next thing I saw was him
kneeling down in front of me, pulling my feel towards him. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Sky.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I’m really exhausted to trash talk
with you right now – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Then don’t.” he said, grinning up to
me. He squatted on the hard floor and put my foot on his leg. “Did you know
that it took me forever to find your initial?” he chatted as he put the chain
around my ankle and clasped the lock. It really <i>does </i>look nice. Very single yet elegant - exactly what I would buy
if given the time and money. It’s chain which is snaking the contours of my
ankle was sparkling on the light of the candles. The initial, now I noticed, is
completely a flat silver, but there was a tiny beautiful gem on the top-edge of
the letter. And hey, guess what the gem is?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Emerald.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I looked at Sky, eyes wide and mouth
slightly open. He didn’t notice me though – he was adjusting the accessory for
God knows how long. He continued prattling, “If your name started with an A,
that would be easier. You could be Astrid, or maybe Ariel – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Seriously?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What?” he said, looking up again.
“Ariel’s nice – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No, no. I meant the emerald.” I
explained. He bloody well knows that his eyes are,<i> well, </i>capturing. He grinned wider. “So if you’re somewhere off the
Mafia castle, you’ll still remember me.” Then his smile turned kind of sad.
“Because I figured that you’ll probably hate me right then.” <i>What?</i> That’s stupid. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Hate you?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Why the - ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He shook his head, placing his hand on
my ankle. The flowers and the candles glinting off and reflecting on his
glasses are making a glow around the place. “You don’t hate me now. But I think
you will. If you find out why he wants you.” Now even his eyes became sad.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My eyebrows crinkled in concern and
thought. “That’s really stupid.” his hand felt warm and nice on my anklet but
his expression was anything but warm. He said, “Just don’t take off that anklet
and don’t hate me okay? I rather had a fun time with you.” If he had admitted
that in another time, I would’ve laughed and said something funny. But the look
on his face made it impossible. <i>This is
crazy.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><i> </i> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The guy is damned serious.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">I smiled at him
sincere and reassuring. “I won’t.” then I winked at him. I would never do that,
but it was worth to see him smile.</span></span>Yelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13181468059950303093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263733566175634558.post-46018851210178366322012-03-16T19:46:00.001-07:002012-04-16T23:58:26.881-07:00Chapter 28: 15th of October<a href="http://www.wattpad.com/3665708-parallel-lines-chapter-28-15th-of-october" target="_blank">Chapter 28: 15th of October (Wattpad)</a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Part
I: </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: "AR BLANCA"; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> It was nearing night. The television
was turned on, but we weren’t really watching. Dash was staring at it, so we
just left it on, figuring it couldn’t hurt. Sky was figuring out how to repair
the password device for the door while seating on the sofa. What was I doing? I
was just leaning my back on his shoulder, shuffling through the manual guide
for assembling the device. <i>Helping him.</i>
Lord God. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I said the <i>red</i> one, what are you – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“There are too many wires! How am I
supposed to know what I’m holding?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Well, then. Let’s do it again.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“We’ve been trying for <i>eternity – ”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You’re impossible. I even help you
build my own prison – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He grunted, nudging my back with his
shoulder. “Let’s take a break.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Give up, you mean.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He scowled at me. “Fine. I give up.
Happy?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I laughed. “Sort of.” he just rolled
his eyes and stood up. “I’m having a sandwich. You coming?” I tossed the manual
to the low table and used the arm of the sofa for support. I tried to stand
upright on my own; baggy clothes and all. I shot a killer look at Sky. “Aren’t
you going to help me?” He pursed his lips to keep from chuckling. The git.
“Take three steps by yourself and I’ll help you.” My eyes narrowed. I never
back down from a challenge. I’ll show him.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I tentatively took a small step
forward, hand on my head as though it would lessen the dizziness and almost
falling. I saw him put his arms forward, ready for catching me. “Uhm, Ryne, I
think I’ve changed my mind about this – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Shut up.” I tried another small step
and stubbed my toe, falling forward. He caught my arms and steadied me. “For
someone smart, that was rather stupid.” Was that a compliment? Huh. Sky
suddenly turned his back to me. “Climb on my back.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Oh, okay. He’s officially insane.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Climb what?” I asked, surprised.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“On my back. It’s easier that way. And
you<i> do</i> want to eat, right? Come on.”
he urged.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What if you fall?” I asked and he
laughed loudly, filling the room with light. “That was funny.” he said.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Oh, right. I forgot that you were
perfect. My bad.” he chuckled as I put my arms around his neck from behind,
then he lowered to a semi-crouched position and hooked his arms behind my knees
and straightened up. My head is now next to his and I can feel his soft hair on
my cheek. As well as his broad back pressed to my torso – it feels natural and
nice. He turned his face to me, smiling.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“We can just stay like this forever,
if you like.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I laughed, placing my chin on his
shoulder. “Let’s go, horsey.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The trip to the kitchen was rather
uneventful, if you don’t count Sky bumping his head on the doorframe. As we sat
down and ate our peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, there was still an angry
welt on his forehead and I can’t help ogling at it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I thought you were perfect. My, oh
my.” He tore a piece of bread and threw it at me. “Hey!” he raised an eyebrow
innocently. “Did you say something?” I sighed. “You’re annoying.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He grinned. “Thanks.” he looked
outside and turned back to me again. “Do you know what day it is? We should
celebrate!” I was surprised because over the past few days, I lost track of
time. But I was <i>more</i> surprised when I
recall the exact date today.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Err, it’s the 14<sup>th</sup> of
October.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Exactly!” he replied, all smiles.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Our birthday’s on the 15<sup>th</sup>.
Of next month, may I add.” This guy never seems to run out of energy and ideas.
“But, tomorrow is the <i>15<sup>th</sup>!</i>
The day of our birthdate!” I laughed in spite of myself. He’s such a child.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">‘You sound like you’re four.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I’m serious. Aren’t you glad that you
met me?” Now <i>that,</i> is a hard
question. “Uhmm. That question is…” Sky pulled off his puppy dog eyes and <i>oh my God.</i> It’s <i>heart-breaking.</i> His eyebrows were all crunched together and his
forehead creased. And not to mention the way his chin was trembling slightly
and his eyes screams, <i>I’m cute. You will
give me free stuff.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><i> </i> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Nobody can say ‘no’ to that face. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This damned trick is effective and he <i>knows</i> it. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I groaned aloud. “What do you want to
do?” He laughed triumphantly. “It’s a surprise.” he said excitedly, smiling.
“This is how I’ll make it up to you.” If this is how he reacts to me being
injured, I should get an accident more often. Or just get shot. Non-lethal, of
course. I chuckled. “Just make sure it’s not too… grand.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> He winked at me, care-free and
confident as always. “Trust me, Ryne. I have a good feeling that you’ll like
this one.”<br />
<br />
<br />
Part II:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">As all things in life, this
supposed “surprise” has a catch – I have
to stay in the bedroom until Sky says otherwise. I mean, <i>he lost his mind! </i>This is against human rights, this definitely is. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“How the hell am I
supposed to eat?”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I
screamed, as he dragged me to the bedroom.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Just call out to me. I’ll give you
what you want, but not too much, okay?” he replied calmly. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I thought I told you that I don’t
want it en grandé?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“It won’t be.” he said, putting me
down the bed. “I won’t lock you in, because I have a heart – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“A <i>black
</i>one, I think – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“But Zombie will guard the door for me
– ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Dash won’t follow you!” I said,
outraged. “He’s <i>mine!”</i> He smiled
slightly and raised an eyebrow. He turned to the direction on the open doorway
and whistled.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Dash came trotting to him instantly.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I stared at my dog, mouth open. <i>“Dash?” </i>He turned his furry head to me,
and his eyes seemed to be laughing. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Damn this shi – ” Sky covered my
mouth. “Nuh – uh. No bad words. Your dog just likes good people, that’s all.” I
scoffed and rolled my eyes. Good people. Sky ignored me and continued saying,
“So stay here, okay? I won’t ever forgive you if you peek.” Then he stalked off
the room.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Great. This is just dandy.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I can’t resist calling out to him,
through the closed door, “I thought you had a heart!” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I do, Ryne!” he yelled back, his
voice muffled. Dash seemed to enjoy it and barked himself, looking at me. I
glared at him playfully, as though saying, <i>traitor.</i>
Then he suddenly bounded up to me, licking my hand. I hugged him tightly,
curling his fur through my fingers. “I still love you, buddy.” I said,
laughing. “Even if you took a liking to someone else!” I shouted, making sure
he can hear me. I expected him to shout back, but I heard him chuckle. I rolled
my eyes again and slowly lay down the bed, careful not to trigger my dizziness
again and tried to fight off the epic boredom. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">An hour later</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Let me out!”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Just a few more minutes, I promise.
Everything seems to be just perfect – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“So why am I still here?” I yelled
back irritably. It’s been an hour. <i>Hour.</i>
On the course of that hour, I heard nothing strange from the living room, if
you don’t count the constant opening and closing of the door and the clinking
of the plates – I <i>assume </i>they’re
plates. I mean, what else could it be? - and other metal. I admit, I <i>am </i>curious and a bit excited but I don’t
deserve this! Being locked up in a bedroom – I’m not a Disney princess for
God’s sake. I heard the door of the bedroom opening and closing just as fast
and I looked up, eyes landing on Sky. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Err, why do you look so excited?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He smiled hugely. “You’ll love this. I
don’t know how I did it but – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Let’s just see it, what do you
think?” I said, almost laughing. I stood up and he automatically helped me,
holding my arms to keep myself steady; somehow, my fall at the other damned
hotel had been pretty bad. “You have to put on a blindfold first.” he added,
pulling out the said item. <i>What the –</i>
who does he think he is?! I glared at him.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I am not going – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">His face turned to extreme pleading in
a mini-second. <i>“Please, Ryne. </i>I
worked so hard for this, I want it to be perfect – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“It’s the same when I don’t put that
thing on – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“It’s not!” he said, “Please, Ryne.
Please. Just this one time – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Fine!</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Let’s just get this over with.” he
smiled then, and gently put the blindfold over my eyes after removing my
glasses. I can’t see a bloody thing. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Why did I agree to this again?” he
just laughed heartily and tightened his grip on my arms and I felt him step
backward. “Just follow my voice.” I gripped his arms and stepped forward. He
said again, “That’s good. Now, just walk forward normally.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Normally?”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Yes, normally.” I can sense him
smiling and he continued speaking, “We’re almost to the door – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Are you smiling?” I asked,
straightforward. He stifled a laughs. “Err, sort of. Now move forward.” I did
as he asked and walked as I would under different circumstances but I felt
something wet touch my ankle.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Oh my God, what was
that – ”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Down, boy. Down.” I heard him say. I
heard Dash barking and felt my heartbeat slow down. Sky chuckled and I sensed
him face me again. “Now, where were we?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“The, uhhm, normal walk.” I responded,
wanting nothing more than to remove this thing hindering me.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Okay, step forward now.” he urged,
taking a step back himself. We continued this thing for several more seconds
when I felt the air around me shift – the room suddenly felt wider, more open.
And it feels – warm. Like there are light bulbs around me. Well, not <i>light bulbs,</i> more like small fires, if
that makes sense. Sky seems to be shaking with excitement. He said, “Feel
anything?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I hesitated then replied, “It’s… <i>warm.”</i> he seemed to be bursting now as
he moved his hands to mine as grasped them. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Promise me you won’t have a heart
attack when we open your eyes, okay?” <i>Mother
of God</i>. Now I feel definitely excited. “Is, uhm, is it that… awful?” He
laughed again. “See for yourself.” he said, removing his hands and reaching
behind to remove the blindfold. He automatically gave me my glasses and stepped
behind me, giving me a complete view of the living room. I opened my eyes and
blinked several times, because the room seemed to be murky. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Whoa.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The room is absolutely unrecognizable
and <i>stunning.</i> There were white bowls
full of water and red roses <i>everywhere.</i>
Even the floor. The curtains were still closed but the dull grey colour had
been replaced with whit, matching the bowls. And the small fires! They’re
candles! Placed everywhere, matching the colours white and red. I breathed in
and smelled <i>lavender.</i> How the hell
can you get<i> that</i> smell from <i>those</i> colours? Isn’t it supposed to be
purple-ish? My mouth was open and that was even before I found the gifts on the
couch. Of different wrappers and sizes and some have letters. <i>It’s perfect.</i> The lighting of the room
was dim, but it’s still breathtakingly beautiful – it just adds to the effect of the designs. I slowly turned to Sky. He said, smiling.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Advance happy birthday.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Those words melted my heart – as much
as I hate to admit it - and I said the
only thing that came to my mind, “You did this in an <i>hour?”</i> But he ignored me and his eyes became anxious as he watched
out for my reaction. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Do you like it? I even put bowls of
flowers on the floor and I know you like roses, but I don’t know if you – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“It’s perfect!” I said delightfully.
His eyes were the size of saucers. <i>“Really?”</i> <br />
I laughed. “How the hell did you do this?” He shook his head vigorously and
said fast, “I don’t know!” half-laughing, then he caught my hand, leading the
way through the flowers and towards the couch. “I phoned everyone – well, not
everyone – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My jaw dropped. “What happened to
being safe – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He was half-laughing still as he
answered, “I used a secure line.” then he grabbed one package and handed it
over to me. “That’s from Xavia.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Xavia?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He rolled his eyes. “Yes, Xavia. My
grandmother.” He laughed as I hit his chest with the gift. I started opening it
as he let me sit on the couch and he followed suit.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It’s a book.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The title is D.I.Y. – Detonate It
Yourself book. Oh my God. Everything here is all about self-protection, how to
use a gun, detonating bombs – everything useful. Wow.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I turned to Sky, mouth open. He
laughed and said, “Xav is awesome.” then he got a sheet of envelope from his
pocket. “She also made you a letter. Obviously.” I quickly got it from him and
opened it, biting my lower lip. It said,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Ryne,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Advance happy birthday to the both of you! Imah told me,
you see. Sky just phoned me several minutes ago, demanding a gift for you. Tell
him to mind his manners, okay? I believe in you. I wish you a really happy birthday
in spite of the certain circumstances – I think Sky is planning something, so
I’m keeping my hopes up. I wish you won’t hate us for what we’re doing, Ryne;
it’s just our job. I promise it will go smoothly.</span></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: right; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Your friend,</span></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: right; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Xavia</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">P.S. – I hope you like my gift. And please get better
soon.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This is just too overwhelming. I
folded back the letter and put it on its envelope. I never thought in my life
that I would get kidnapped by such people. Hate her? On the contrary! They’ve
done nothing but protect me from people I hate. Sky asked impatiently, “What
does it say?” I chuckled, “She told me to tell you about your manners.” He
blinked. “Manners?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You know, that word which –</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> ”</span> <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">he
grabbed my wrist. “That’s my line.” I laughed in his face. “Actually,” I
continued, still laughing. “She told me that you demanded for a gift.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“His face turned to one of guilt. Very
subtle. “I didn’t <i>demand,</i> I just – ” I cut min off, “Yes, I know you’re guilty.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I demanded a gift <i>for you,</i> okay?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Do. Not. Blush.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“So which one next?” I asked and he
attempted a pitiful chance at a glare. Then he shook his head and gave me
another package – a flat rectangular one. I held the gift but didn’t open it
yet. I raised one eyebrow at him, “What was the shaking for?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Shaking?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I pursed my lips. “You shook your head
– I saw that – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I was just wondering how someone so
small can be so hugely irritating – ” he
never got to finish that sentence as I reached out to a nearby bowl and threw a
handful of flowers at him. He said sarcastically,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You know what? It rather suites me;
the roses and all – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Oh yeah. Mr. Perfect.” I looked at
the package from my hands. “And this is from… ?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“From Imah.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Imah. I quickly tore off the wrapper
and got out my gift. An iPad. <i>Seriously?</i>
I laughed aloud. “Yes, it’s definitely from her.” Sky was smiling as he handed
me the attached letter – which was quite thick. I smiled hugely; even in
writing, she never loses her chatter. It read, </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Dearest Ryne,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Advance happy, happy birthday! I miss you so much! Tell
Sky not to shout on the phone the next time he’s planning something – it’s
rather annoying. But I still love you both! He just demands a gift like it’s
the end of the world, but I got used to it eventually. When he told me, I was
cramming for something to get you – I know you don’t like technology much, but
you have to start! It’s the new generation and era! You have to blend in! I
really, really hope you like it. It’s completely safe and secure – I stripped
it down myself in case of bugs and found nothing. I already downloaded some
games that you and Sky can play with in case you get bored. And please, do
recover quickly. Xav told me about what happened and I’m so, so sorry for that.
I just knew that they slipped past us when someone on guard told me. I really
feel bad and guilty and especially when Sky confronted me about it. I didn’t
mean to. I hope you forgive me. Many more birthdays to come and I wish you a
happy day, even though you’re sort of being held against your will. I hope we
made you happy somehow. Oh, by the way, wear dresses a bit more often, okay?
Sky likes it. But you’re still pretty, whatever you wear anyway. I still
haven’t forgotten about what I said between you and Sky. I meant it! I hope you
remember it, Ryne. </span></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: right; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Affectionately,</span></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: right; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Imah</span></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Yes, I’ve been right. Her letter had
been bombarded with a lot of information, ranging from topic to topic – but
that’s just her. When I read it, I can’t seem to stop grinning. Then I read the
last part. I had honestly forgotten about it, but then she had to mention it. Really.
She’s fighting a losing game. I turned to my companion and saw him perusing my
already turned-on iPad. Don’ take the ‘turned-on’ thing the wrong way. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What kind of games are in there?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He laughed lightly. “Fun ones. Of
course, being Imah as the sender, you can’t really expect less.” he turned to
me then. “What did she say in her letter?” <i>A
good lot of things.</i> “That you shouldn’t shout on the phone when you’re
talking to her – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I didn’t really <i>shout</i> at her!” he protested, face crestfallen. “What is wrong with
them? I just asked a gift for you – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Out of the blue, may I add.” his
shoulders slumped at what I said. I giggled. “Sorry.” he raised an eyebrow
skeptically. “I know you don’t mean that apology, but it’s accepted,
nonetheless.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I sighed. “Don’t you know that
sometimes it’s rather hard to keep up and argue with you?” he smiled proudly.
“Nobody can keep up with me.” I pursed my lips. “Except me, of course.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He smiled at me. “Yeah. Except you.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Gah. He’s doing it again. I looked at
Imah’s gift over his shoulder and said before he can say anything else, “I’ll
check the games out later. We can play if you like and – ” I just noticed something weird and berated
myself for not finding it sooner.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Where’s Dash?” I asked, twisting
around the couch. “He’s here, Ryne. Behind us.” I craned my neck and indeed saw
him. Sleeping. Of course. He, Sky, smiled at me. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"> “Told you he’s part zombie.” </span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span>Yelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13181468059950303093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263733566175634558.post-1131408956051686652012-03-16T19:42:00.001-07:002012-04-16T23:57:53.333-07:00Chapter 27: A shift<a href="http://www.wattpad.com/3665432-parallel-lines-chapter-27-a-shift" target="_blank">Chapter 27: A shift (Wattpad)</a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Cursing.
Someone was cursing. My first thought was about the pain on my shoulder which
receded to a mere numbness. But my <i>head.</i>
God, my head is throbbing like crazy. I now recognized the voice of the person.
And now I came about it, there wasn’t anybody else I really expected.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">When I opened my eyes I saw the orange
tint of the surroundings. I seemed to forgot how to speak because all I managed
are groans. I saw Sky’s face then. His green eyes were full of despair, hope
then sudden overwhelming relief and I felt him hug me.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Fuck you, Ryne. Don’t do that again.”
He hugged me tighter. “I was so scared.” Now, I took in my surroundings. We are
on the countryside, I think. There were trees everywhere and the road sounded
far away. The sun was already setting – that was what caused the orange glow.
We were under a huge maple tree, Sky was leaning on the trunk and I was
positioned on his lap. He was still hugging me and I put my own arms around his
neck.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Don’t you dare out me through that <i>ever again.”</i> he growled. I smiled and
the pain on my head suddenly seemed irrelevant. :I’ll take that as a
compliment.” I replied hoarsely. He pulled away and looked at me. I saw in the
reflection of his glasses that my shoulder and head were bandaged. My brow
creased, “I didn’t know you knew first-aid.” He released a strangled laugh and
put his forehead on mine. His hands overlapped at my back while <i>my</i> hands barely made connection at the
back of his neck. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I’m so glad you’re okay.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Believe me, I am, too.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He only smiled and planted a kiss on
my forehead, then put my head on hid shoulder. I said, almost smiling,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I bet tomorrow, you’ll be back to be
an asshole.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “Shut
that mouth of yours for a while and relax.” he said, rubbing his hand on my
back. I yawned. A person couldn’t go through hell and not be exhausted. I heard
Sky chuckle and say something I couldn’t hear as I went back to sleep.<br />
<br />
<br />
11am, Saturday</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It’s funny how many times I seemed to
doze off. I felt myself smile as I recalled the events of yesterday afternoon.
Sky seemed so out of character! I almost giggled/ I must be crazy; I think I’m
the only one who can laugh after being shot and had their head smacked to the
floor. I opened my eyes and found myself inside a room, a very vast room, by
the way. The furnishings were nice but not as superb as the Monte Carlo hotel.
I groped for my glasses then went for my watch next. 11:02 am. My head feels
heavy and stuffy and I found out that he replaced the bandages overnight. They
were thicker, by the feel of it. I sat up – which probably took an eternity. I
don’t know why but I can’t balance myself properly. It’s insane! I feel like a
baby or an old woman. Probably both. But I managed to sit up. Oh yeah. Then –
oh not <i>again.</i> I wasn’t wearing the lavender dress, but rather a
white nightgown. I sighed, determined. <i>Where
is that bastard?</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Then I spotted him. There, on the
three-person couch, sleeping soundly. No blankets, though. <i>Stupid hotels.</i> Why do they have only one blanket per room, anyway?
I got off the bed and almost fell again on the floor had I not leaned on the
wall for support. I dragged the blanket along with me, walking as slow as a
snail. Turtle. Sloth. Whatever. Turtles are cuter.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I heard whining at the base of the bed
and saw Dash. I put a finger to my mouth.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Shh, boy. Come here.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He trotted quietly to me and nuzzled
my leg. I looked at the couch. This is just a piece of cupcake, I convinced
myself. So after 1,000,000… years, I’m finally kneeling uncomfortably on the cold
floor. I spread the blanket around him. He hadn’t even changed his clothes or
put off his shoes. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I pursed my lips in mid-decision. Then
a voice inside my head seemed to say, <i>You
ungrateful little whore. That person saved your life.</i> The funny thing is,
the voice sounded like the Terminator. I made a sound that’s supposed to be a
laugh but came out as a cough. Life is hard, no?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I turned to his feet and untied the
laces before putting them off and gently placing them on the antique rug. The
socks came next and I came back to his face, planning to remove his glasses. I
felt like a country housewife right then. That’s what they do, right? Cook,
wash, chores. No pun intended, of course. I was just placing my hand to his
eyewear to take it off when he said, eyes closed,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Gotcha.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He opened his eyes and gripped my
wrist, putting it away from his glasses. <i>Damn
it!</i> I was being nice! Is <i>this</i>
what you get for being grateful?! I shot him a bland look. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What?”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He smiled. “Good morning to you, too.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I felt my lips turn into a small smile
and pursed them to not let it show. “You didn’t even change your clothes.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He smiled wider. “I needed to change
yours.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Fuck you.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He laughed, his grip on my wrist
slackening. “And aside from that, your bandages needed to be changed every four
hours.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">That’s not true. I replied to him in a
skeptical voice, “So you changed my bandages… and woke up every four hours?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Nope.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My mouth fell open. “But you just said
– ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I stayed up all night.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My eyes widened. “You what?!”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Stayed up all night.” he repeated,
chuckling. “I couldn’t sleep anyway.” He started sitting up, like the Greek god
he was.. He put his hands on my upper arms and heaved me up to the couch. I
instantly felt nausea with the force of a stampeding troll. He said, </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I should be annoyed with you –
sneaking out of bed and walking when you could have killed yourself – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I just have trouble balancing, you
moron – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Thanks for the blanket, by the way.
It makes me feel spe – ” I cut him off.
“I just felt like doing it, don’t get your hopes up, dude.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He chuckled again. “I didn’t know you
were a gangsta, <i>dude.”</i> I laughed,
which roughly translates to coughing. “Jesus. Sorry, Ryne. I guess we have to
postpone our training. Again.” he said as he rubbed my upper back.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Is that a good thing or bad thing?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">His mouth puckered in consideration.
“A bit of both, I think.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You <i>think?”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Look, why are you even asking me if
you won’t believe a single thing I say?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Do you want me to ask Dash?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He just shrugged. “Zombie’s smart. He
probably – ” He’s taking the ‘zombie’
issue too far. “Stop with the ‘zombie’ thing, I beg you. Dash looks nothing
like one.” At the sound of his name used in such a tone, the dog barked and
lolled out his tongue. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“The personality, Ryne.” Whatever. I
had more pressing questions to ask, now I came to think about it. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“How did we get away?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He smiled like Christmas came in
advance. Then he explained to me in one word. “Xav.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Wow.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “Xavia was <i>there?”</i> She’s like a damned ninja! How can you even hide a face
like that?! “Imah’s more on the information and Xav, well. She’s got her own
stuff.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“That is so cool. She must be a good
teacher.” He raised an eyebrow at me. “Do you want to train? Like serious
training? </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I can’t help smashing my head to the
asphalt every time they’re around – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Speaking of <i>they,”</i> he started, green eyes darkening. “I hope they rot in hell.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Under normal circumstances I would
lecture you endlessly on human rights. But I more than agree with you.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He pursed his lips. “Remember the
grey-eyed woman we encountered last Tuesday?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Yeah, when you kidnapped me. “Yes.
What about her?” I asked slowly. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Apparently, she has four other
sisters. Which, kind of means that – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Trouble?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Yep. Mr. Mafia killed the two younger
ones. And I killed her. So, err…” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Uh oh. “Wait, wait, <i>wait.</i> How do you know about this?” He
bit his lip and replied casually, “Imah, of course. What the – </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Why does Imah always talk to you,
while – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You were unconscious, Ryne.” he
replied. “The bottomline is, stay away from grey-eyed people, all right?
Specially women.” At least I have a heads-up, right?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Why did Mr. Mafia kill the younger
ones?” Sky ust shrugged. “He was still his old self back then. And by the way
the two others – the elder ones – are waiting for revenge. To be brought upon us,
apparently.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Oh, no.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Us?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I didn’t do anything!” They must be
crazy! I’m the innocent one here.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Doesn’t change the fact that they’re
after you, too. Their names are Sasha Hale and Ice MacArran.” he stared off at
nothing in particular. “Keep them in mind, ‘kay?” <i>Honestly.</i> It was like nothing to him. I bit my lip and muttered
consent. <br />
<br />
<br />
An hour later</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Ow!”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Don’t move okay? Just don’t move. I
can – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I don’t know how the <i>bloody</i> hell I managed to sleep while you
– ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Shush. Only a bit more.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I grunted in annoyance. Sky was
replacing the bandages on my shoulder. The one on the head was no problem, but
the <i>shoulder.</i> One thing for sure,
though – Sky La Brea isn’t a gentle person. Okay, well not, <i>really.</i> Only in these kind of stuff.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Ow, ow…” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“There.” Said, sounding pleased with
himself. Then he grabbed the first-aid kit on the far side of the couch in the
living room of the place. We – I mean, he - checked in here at Estate Suites.
It’s not a five-star, though. But I couldn’t care less – I’ve had enough of five-stars.
“I just have to bandage it again. This won’t hurt now.” he said, patting my
hand. We were both newly dressed – credits to the hotel’s wonderful bathroom.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Slowly, he wrapped the bandage cloth
around and around my shoulder as he was done putting betadine on the wound. I
looked at Sky, then. “You know, I’ve always thought being kidnapped would be
terrifying.” he raised his eyes to meet mine. “Is that a compliment?” I
laughed. “A thank-you, more like.” He raised an eyebrow. “For kidnapping you?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I smiled slightly. “For a lot of
things.” He put both hands on my shoulders, then rubbed them soothingly. “I
think it’s my turn to say something but I have no idea what.” I laughed again.
“You don’t have to say anything. I didn’t ask you to.” His hands on my shoulders
felt nice; very warm and comfortable. I looked down and bit my lip. I saw the
blue pattern on a rug and thought of Carsh. I pursed my lips and turned to Sky. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You seem silent.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He smiled a sad smile. “You miss you
Carsh, don’t you?” I just sighed and closed my eyes. <i>Irrational, Ryne.</i> I tried for a smile but it rather came out as a
grimace. He said,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I’m sorry. I’d like to make it up to
you but I have no idea how.” his hands moved from my shoulders to my elbows.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“It’s okay, you don’t have to do anything.”
I felt like a fool for saying that, considering the events that I had no idea
would happen that would occur in the next few days. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I didn’t know it by then, though. </span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span>Yelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13181468059950303093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263733566175634558.post-53869814651876076242012-03-16T19:39:00.001-07:002012-04-16T23:57:21.052-07:00Chapter 26: Them again<a href="http://www.wattpad.com/3656855-parallel-lines-chapter-26-them-again" target="_blank">Chapter 26: Them again (Wattpad)</a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky handed me a backpack. Though the
only things I put in it are my books, two or three set of clothes – the others
are with him – a jar of Monopoly cookies and the snow globe. The beetle
necklace I got from the Marquette hung on my neck and I tried to ignore Sky’s
lingering stare as I put it on. The colour silver rather complemented the
lavender of the dress. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In no time, we’re all packed and
ready, including Dash. I stashed his dog food inside my bag and sat down on the
couch as Sky disassembled the device on the door. He kept cursing impatiently
and jumping like he’s getting electrocuted. Which he probably is. While he’s in
front of me suffering, I got out my jar of Monopoly cookies – <i>really,</i> that’s rubbing on me quite a bit
– and ate leisurely, Dash at my feet. As I ate my third cookie, I can’t help
but say to him, “Dou you want me to tally how many more jumps you’d make?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Shush, Ryne. I’m doing it right. How
the devil Xavia did this – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Well, can’t you call her?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He shook his head no. “Her line’s
being monitored. She’ll call me when he has a new phone.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Even Xavia’s being watched? I felt
guilty for some reason. This situation is hopeless. “So at the meantime, you
have to figure that out by yourself?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He was working on it as he responded,
“I’m almost there. I just have to – ” The device beeped three times and Sky
pried it away from the wall. “See?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Yeah, I do.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He smiled and said, “I’ll just fix
this mess, and we’ll be away god speed.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So here we are, three minutes later
making our way through the halls of the hotel. Sky insisted on bringing my
backpack though, so I held on to Dash, not feeling entirely useless. When we
entered the vast lobby with its beautiful fountain and gorgeous design, I felt
tense and most of all <i>exposed.</i> I
became wary and held Sky’s upper arm, stopping him. This damned feeling was
what started it all – that Monday morning where Sky turned out of the blue. He
turned to me.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What’s wrong?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I switched my gaze from face to face
all of them unfamiliar. “I just feel… unsafe. Exposed. It’s nothing.” But my
grip tightened. Something’s going to happen, damn it. I hate this feeling. Sky
looked at me; eyebrows raised and face overflowing with concern. My hand that
was holding Dash’s leash was sweating and cold. “Ryne, it’s going to be fine.
Let’s go to the front desk and get out of here as soon as possible.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">As Ryne held on to him, he remembered
a certain conversation that stuck with him for more than an hour. He shook his
head as he seemed to go back in time himself.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What’s she like?” Sky
asked, facing the person who especially chose him to this assignment. The
person chuckled mirthfully. “Oh, she’s very much like me. And her intuition –
never ever ignore it. She may not look like much, but I tell you, La Brea,
there is more to her than meets the eye. If she says something is wrong,
something </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">is <i>fucking wrong.” The man looked Sky in the
eye. </i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Now don’t you go
falling in love with her – I’ll have your head the instant you do.”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He came back to the present, walking
briskly to the receptionist’s desk. He stole a glance at Ryne, praying that
just this one time that the former Mafia leader’s words about her intuition
won’t become a reality. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">As we walked and stopped in front of
the receptionist, I had no idea that it would be the last time we saw her
alive. She finished with one customer and turned to us, looking tired.
Nevertheless, she out on a smile. “Mr. and Ms. La Brea, are you checking out?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I just turned around, knowing Sky will
handle the situation. “Yes, we are, where do I sign?” their voices faded into
the background as a tall man with a leather jacket walked behind us. He was
wearing sunglasses and the lenses prevented me from looking directly into his
eyes as he glanced at my direction. My face must’ve turned pale with fear but
he looked away. That just intensified my feeling a few more degrees higher. I
distinctly heard the receptionist say,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Mr. La Brea? Excuse me sir, can you
hear me?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I turned to him. He was facing
somewhere else – at someone else. A woman. A woman with a leather jacket. She
faced Sky then, even though they’re three yards apart. Her grey eyes seemed to
be smiling as she put her hand inside her pocket. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky grabbed my arm then wheeled
around. “Sir? Excuse me, are you all right?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Leather. Everywhere.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Scattered around, blending in with
the unsuspecting civilians. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Get the fuck down,
Ryne, before – ”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It happened so fast that I didn’t have
time to catch my breath. One second I was staring in to Sky’s darkened, green
eyes and the next, pain shot through my shoulder and I fell on the tiled floor,
bumping my head <i>so</i> hard. Everything
was total disarray. Everything. People were running and screaming and some were
stepping on me. Dash was barking so loud and I vaguely heard Sky yelling, <i>“Go boy! Run!”</i> I can’t hear anything
properly, it’s like the people were on a malfunctioning microphone and my
vision was blurring. I felt something drip from my shoulder to the ground.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Blood, I’m sure.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I felt someone carry me and try to get
up. Another gunshot. I heard the terrified shriek of the receptionist and I
knew she was dead.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Fuck.” </span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The person carrying me was moving.
Where to I had no idea but I heard his voice, anxious and forceful, as he put
me to a sitting position.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Ryne. It’s just your shoulder, okay?
Stay with me.” I felt his warm hand caress my cheek. He withdrew it suddenly
and I heard gunshots fired from his gun fired several times. He reloaded. “Ryne?
Stay awake, please. Please.” I felt a hand on my cheek again. “Fuck it, Ryne.
Open your eyes and look at me.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Someone was shooting at our direction
and I heard Sky retaliate. Aside from the blood dripping from my shoulder, I
felt the same sensation on my forehead as well. Blood dripped from my head to
my cheek, and I heard Sky’s intake of breath. I can’t focus at all. The pain
was unbearable and the gunshots heard my eardrums and I suddenly collapsed,
falling on my side.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In the instant he saw Ryne’s unfocused
gaze turn blank, he caught her immediately before she fell on the floor and
laid her down gently. <i>Fuck.</i> Being
unconscious while having a head injury – not good. He killed the men already,
but the lone woman. <i>Damn her to pieces.</i>
Sky poked his head out of his cover of the front desk and fired a shot. He
missed.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He needed to wake Ryne up. Now. But
the fucking grey-eyed woman was playing a good game. He straightened Ryne and
leaned her back to the desk. Both her shoulders and forehead were oozing blood.
<i>Calm. Keep calm</i>. He cupped his hand
to her face and shook her gently. “Ryne. Wake up, goddamn it.” her head just
lolled on her shoulders. No effect. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He fired another shot at the woman and
this time, hit her on the leg. <i>Thank God.</i>
Then he came back to Ryne, putting his gun down for the time being so he could
use both of his hands. He put an arm around her back and pulled her towards him
and the other hand held her face. Their foreheads were almost touching when he
said, “Wake. Up. Open you fucking eyes, Ryne.” He shook her rather violently,
and he saw her eyelids flicker behind her glasses. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Look at me. Ryne, look
at me.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Stay awake.
Don’t you fucking dare close her eyes again. Just stay awake okay?” he looked
at her chocolate brown eyes, and felt her shallow breaths mingle with his. He
put her head to his shoulder and returned and retrieved his gun. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Only it wasn’t there.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">His arms came around Ryne instantly,
turning his head around for the damned woman. A familiar voice echoed through
the rubble,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“She left. With her tail between her
legs like the coward she is.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Xavia.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">She stepped in view, gun in hand and
the two backpacks with the other. :Get her out of here. I’m sure more of them
would come; I’ll cover for you.” She gave him the bags and tossed him a gun.
Sky quickly got everything sorted and carried Ryne, careful not to touch her
injured shoulder. He didn’t pause to thank Xavia; <i>Act now, talk later.</i> He ran out of the doors and found her dog,
which was at the side of the Ferrari. Dash barked in recognition as he saw Sky,
then followed him to another vehicle – a Mercedes Guardian. He had everything
in – the dog and backpacks at the back and Ryne at the front seat, barely
conscious. He started the engine, wanting nothing more than to get away from
this place as fast as possible.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>Yelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13181468059950303093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263733566175634558.post-1355549972884914572012-03-16T19:28:00.000-07:002012-04-16T23:56:42.806-07:00Chapter 25: Evil genius<a href="http://www.wattpad.com/3647593-parallel-lines-chapter-25-evil-genius" target="_blank">Chapter 25: Evil genius (Wattpad)</a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Part
I: </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In
a blink of an eye, Sky was right next to me and pushed the door closed. I
guessed as much. He was staring at me with wide eyes. “Holy mother of Go – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Our birthday?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Very subtle, Sky.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">His jaw dropped. “How did you – ” I
laughed. “Not part of the deal.” I practically flew over to the couch and
retrieved the package. He just shook his head and turned back to the device –
changing the pass, I thought smugly. I waited until he was done before I opened
it. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“A snow globe?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He sat on the couch heavily. “No,
Ryne. A notebook.” I threw a pillow at him lightly while he chuckled. It was a
pretty snow globe. There was a castle in the middle and the snow was fluffing
up and down and returning to the base of the globe. And the I saw letters on
the foundation of the castle, right in front of it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“My name?” </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I exclaimed disbelievingly. Maybe I
had too much ice cream. “I’ll bet there are many more Rynes around the world,
but yeah, that is you.” he responded. The four letters of my name were in an
elegant italic font and it was colour blue.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky blue.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I raised an eyebrow at him. “The
colour?” he matched my tone and raised his own eyebrow. “Nice, isn’t it?” I
rolled my eyes at him, though I can’t help but smile. “Thank you.” He shrugged
it off with a wink. “It was supposed to be a surprise, but you being you, I
can’t do anything.” I laughed. “I’ll take that as a compliment.” I paused
before saying, “I thought it was for Xavia.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> He
turned to me, a million-dollar smile on his face. “Don’t worry. You still have
a place in my heart.” I threw the pillow at him, but he caught it, laughing. Ha
ha. He can laugh all he wants, darn it. He spoke again, </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Xav’s more like a sister to me – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Crush?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Nice going, Sherlock – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I’m serious! Trust me when I say that
I know if it’s love.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Samantha. </span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Should I ask him? Five days ago, I
wouldn’t have hesitated. But if you look at the grand picture, Sky has done
nothing but to make me feel comfortable as possible in spite of this bizarre
situation. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I looked at his green eyes
unsuspectingly, seeing in my mind’s eye how it would darken and look in deep
agony when I brought the subject up. Damn this.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">No, it wasn’t worth it.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br />
<br />
<br />
Part II: </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I got out of the shower, feeling
stress-free and contented. Well, <i>almost.</i>
I was drying my hair, observing Sky put on his socks and shoes. The guy looks
like he’s going to attend a bloody prom! He’s jaw-dropping. “Err, where are you
going?” he grinned. “We’re going out.” Oh, that’s funny.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“We?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Actually, we’re moving places – we
can’t stay on one place for too long, it’s not – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“<i>Safe,</i>
I know. Should I dress up?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He shrugged, standing up. “If you
like. You don’t have to though. But this,” he waved to his turtleneck attire
that emphasized his masculine body. “This is necessary.” This guy’s ego is
beyond salvation. I replied to him in a sweet mocking voice, “Oh, of course it
is, Sky honey. We should make another receptionist fall in love with you, don’t
we?” He actually grimaced. I laughed, “It was a joke!” He chuckled and said,
“Yeah, I know. I just need some nice clothes to work wonders with the feminine
population.” I can’t help rolling my eyes but I can see what he means. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I’m going to go get Zombie.” he
started for the door. This guy is definitely driving me up the wall. I never
knew we had a zombie.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Sky, I think you had too much
enchiladas. What the hell is with zombies?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Huh? I meant your dog.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Zombie?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> He’d better be joking.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“How the hell did you get the word
‘zombie’ from ‘Dash’?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He just shook his head. “Nah, I’m too
lazy to explain.” Then he went out of the room. I just gritted my teeth in
annoyance, then I turned to the set of clothes spread over the bed. There
wasn’t much choice and – </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I have another set of clothes on my
backpack!” Sky called out before I heard the clicking of a closed door and the
beep of the installed device. Yes, always the gentleman. I turned to his
backpack and dumped the contents into the bed. I<i> thought</i> that they were a mess, but I saw the neatly arranged pile
become a<i> real</i> mess as I
unceremoniously tipped the backpack upside down. Oops.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Later,</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I thought. I searched the pile for
something suitable and found a dress. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Lord, help me. I would never spare a
dress a second glance before – Sky must’ve been drugging me. I shook the crazy
idea from my mind and spread out the apparel. The design included a below the
knee lavender colour. Just plain colour. And only one strap.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">One. Strap.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Yes, it was a <i>thick</i> one but <i>dude,</i> not
cool. I debated for full five minutes, staring at the five-centimetre thing.
Then I thought of Sky’s face when he sees me in this outfit. My pursed lips
slowly morphed into a smile. <br />
<br />
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br />
Sky’s making his way towards
the door – I can already hear the beeping from his high-tech skirmish to open
the door from the outside. I almost cowered and considered abandoning this
childish plan but the doorknob started twisting. Like it’s signalling the start
of my doom.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Calm down, moron.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I heard Sky say before he was even
inside the suite, “Ryne, your dog can sure sleep a lot…” his voice trailed away
as he saw me. I looked in his surprised green eyes and raised both eyebrows. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“This thing had only one strap, but
it’s worth it.” I heard familiar barking, then I saw Dash bounding up to me. My
eyes seemed to pop out of their sockets with joy. <i>“Dashy!</i> I missed you too, boy!” I hugged him as I ruffled his soft
fur. I looked at Sky – who, I’m pleased to say, was rather eyeing me like he
was seeing me in a different light. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Maybe he was. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Err,” I started, “you look – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You look beautiful.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My heart skipped a beat and I tried to
ignore it – as well as the butterflies in my stomach when he started to smile.
He said this before, right? It doesn’t make any difference this time, I told
myself firmly. I just put on a dress for God’s sake, like the other day. And I
had time to tame my unruly hair for a bit and arranged the clothes back to
Sky’s backpack. That’s all. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">“Thank you.” I replied
timidly. Some evil genius I was. My plan backfired. Hard. He smiled still. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"> “Let’s pack and hit the road.”</span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span>Yelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13181468059950303093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263733566175634558.post-51227385358433274792012-03-16T19:25:00.001-07:002012-04-16T23:56:14.641-07:00Chapter 24: The file<a href="http://www.wattpad.com/3637457-parallel-lines-chapter-24-the-file" target="_blank">Chapter 24: The file (Wattpad)</a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky’s
enchiladas tastes like heaven.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
burned my tongue multiple times from eating fast, but it was definitely worth
it. Then came the Monopoly game. I’ve never been good with these things.
Seriously. Sky was a player and assumed the role of the banker as well; I
figured it was more to my advantage than his but <i>no.</i> I suck. I was bankrupt immediately in the first game. The
second was okay though I must say that, I’ve eaten more than half of the
cookies – they’re actually really tasty – but on the third.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I
can’t do this. I suck.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
laughed. “Serves you right.” he replied smugly. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">After
that humiliating experience, I finished the cookies – <i>monopoly cookies </i>– and went to the bathroom to brush my teeth. As I
faced the mirror, halfway through my task, I felt myself shrink for no reason.
I gurgled the water then spat it out, turning on the faucet. I washed my mouth
and turned to the mirror again. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Who would like someone like me?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I thought. I wasn’t a martyr, but I
just <i>don’t know. </i> Carsh seems so far
away and I just… I want <i>out.</i> I saw my
brow crease at my reflection. You look nerdy, I told myself. And skinny. This
never troubled me before but I had my moments. I sighed. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
have no idea what Carsh saw in me.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
swallowed hard and was startled by the bathroom door opening. Sky came in. “I
knocked and called you three times.” he seemed quite annoyed. “Ryne, please be
more sensitive, okay?” I nodded and went out. <i>Be more sensitive.</i> That wasn’t hard to do, I thought morosely. I
went directly to the direction of the bedroom and because of the dim lighting,
I bumped my knee on the coffee table.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Stupid glasses.”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
feel stupid and I just feel like bursting to tears. Damned self-esteem. I went
to the bedroom, buried myself under the covers and turned the light off. Sky
came in seconds later, though I wasn’t surprised. The poor gut must’ve been
shocked from my lack of temper outbursts and small tantrums. He slowly walked
and sat on his side of the bed. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Are
you okay? What did I do?” I can’t see his face clearly because of the lack of
light but that was better, much better. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I’m
okay. I just have insecurity outbursts now and then. It’s normal.” He seemed
surprised and confused. “Insecurity? You’ve got nothing to be insecure about.”
I closed my eyes and replied.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I’ve
been feeling pretty down in the dumps lately. It’s be better in the morning.” I
paused before saying, “Goodnight, Sky.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Goodnight.”
he hesitated and seemed to argue with himself before he kissed my forehead
lightly. “Goodnight, sis.” Then he went out. That was weird, I thought, almost
chuckling in my head before I got to sleep. <i>Yes,
it will be better in the morning.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">What was wrong with her?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> he thought, sitting on the couch.
That was ridiculous. What could she be feeling insecure about? It seems like he
has a lot more things to learn concerning Ryne. He strode over to the cabinet,
pulled the last drawer out and entered the password on the briefcase. He went
back to sit and opened the envelope. They sent him this file, telling him he
got his first assignment. He remembered opening it excitedly then, and
preparing for the trip to Anderson. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The
first sheet of paper had her photo and basic information – name, address, age,
the likes. He looked at her printed last name, and felt guilt surge through
himself. Her life is more complicated and twisted than she thinks, he thought,
perusing the rest of the files contents to help him with her strange behaviour
earlier. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-<br />
<br />
<br />
8am, Friday</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
blinked several times, willing myself to fully wake up. I rubbed my eyes and
looked for my glasses. I put them on and stared at the wall on my left. The
events of last night came back to me and I cringed. That was terribly random
and stupid. At least I’m better than the Terminator, I thought. Maybe it’s
because it’s still early in the morning or maybe I’m crazy, but I actually miss
trash talking with her. I mean, she’s the one honing my skills in the first
place. And now I realize Sky wasn’t on the bed. It was irrational, but I
actually panicked for a second – it’s a long time since I saw <i>them,</i> they weren’t actually planning to
get Sky, right? I sat up on the bed and I almost fell off the side. I steadied
myself and made sure I was really awake. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky
was on the edge of the bed – actually his head is, he was on the floor and his
arms are supporting his head, which is on the soft mattress. He was sleeping
soundly and I saw a package by his head, He changed his clothes but I could
tell by his eye bags that he probably stayed up all night. <i>This is not normal.</i> The package was only half-wrapped and it seems
like he fell asleep while in the middle of wrapping – there was a bit of scotch
tape on his cheek. Dear God. How do British people wrap? </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
got off the bed as quietly as possible, fearing he might wake up. He wasn’t
exactly a dragon sleeping, but just in case. I brought the blanket with me and
slowly tiptoed to his spot on the floor. I got the package by one hand and put
it under my arm. I covered his body with the blanket and the box almost fell. <i>No, you don’t.</i> I groped for it wildly in
the air, feeling like an Amazon and caught it. I exhaled a small sigh of
relief. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
tucked the blanket around him so he’ll be comfortable – sort of, and so it
won’t fall off. I took his glasses off and pondered what to do about the little
scotch tape. I bit my lip. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Challenge
accepted.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
put the package down and knelt next to him. I held his hand while <i>slowly </i>removing the tape. Emphasis on
the slowly. I was only and inch successful when he stirred. I rubbed his hand
and whispered “Shh.” as soothingly as I could. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Sam.”
he muttered.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sam?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> My head tilted back in shock. I forced the matter away
from my mind and gently removed the tape all the way through. I crumpled it and
went to the living room with the box in hand.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">What the bloody hell has this Sam
done? </span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
got the funny feeling that this person, whoever she is, had a serious thing
with Sky. <i>Well, duh, Ryne.</i> Or maybe
she broke Sky’s heart. I scowled at that. That’s rather insane. But if that’s
true… I remembered Sky’s face that day on the Marquette when we met the little
girl. If I’m being honest with myself, if that person broke his heart, I’m
going to hunt her down and kill her.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My
gaze fell on the box on my lap. I had no idea why I brought it with me, but me
being Ryne Evers, it’s quite understandable. I was just trying to open it when
I heard scuffling from the bedroom and hurried footsteps. Shit. I quickly
stashed the box under the cushions and looked up to a dishevelled Sky, who was
breathing rather hard. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Err,
rise and shine?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Where
is it?” he asked.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Where
is what?” I asked right back, feigning ignorance. I need not tell you that I
suck at lying, too. He walked over to me. “Give it back, please.” Then he sat
next to me. I sighed. Told you I wasn’t good at lying. “Can I just take a look?
I won’t tell – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Do
you want me to tickle you to death?” I scrutinized him. No one knew I was
ticklish - it’s practically my greatest
weakness. How the bloody hell did he know? I answered back to him, “It’s too
early for making threats, don’t you think?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
smiled knowingly. “You don’t like being tickled.” God. I <i>knew</i> he was into voodoo. Think, Ryne. <i>Think.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><i> </i> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“How
about a deal?” I asked desperately. He crossed his arms and said, “I’m
listening.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“If
I could guess the password to the door, I get to open your coveted little box.”
As I talked, his eyes narrowed. “You’re not escaping – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Who
said anything about escaping? You can take out your handcuffs, if you like.” He
still looked at me suspiciously. “I don’t believe you.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Whatever, Sky.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Even if I <i>do</i> escape, where do you think I can go anyway?” He raised an
eyebrow at me. “You do know that it’s quite impossible to know the pass, don’t
you?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Watch
me.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
walked over to the small monitor with the touchscreen numbers next to the door.
I punched in the numbers which were engraved to my head since childhood. <i>Please, please, please.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><i> </i> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;">The door clicked
open.</span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span>Yelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13181468059950303093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263733566175634558.post-72479932592072209072012-03-16T19:20:00.000-07:002012-04-16T23:55:19.075-07:00Chapter 23: Monopoly cookies<a href="http://www.wattpad.com/3637400-parallel-lines-chapter-23-monopoly-cookies" target="_blank">Chapter 23: Monopoly cookies (Wattpad)</a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Xavia
left more than an hour ago, leaving Sky watching a war movie and me soaking on
the tub in a warm bath. I felt incredibly clean and relaxed as I changed my
clothes – rather, <i>Sky’s </i>big clothes;
I actually didn’t have the leisure of <i>packing</i>
for this supposedly great adventure. I sat next to Sky at the couch, his eyes
were glued to the screen and he was leaning forward slightly. It’s like he was
on the war field himself or something. For the first time ever, he didn’t feel my stare burn through him. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Or maybe he did. Sort of.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> He’s worse than my Dad when watching
these kinds of movies. Like, with every shot of gun and a cannon fired he moves
closer and closer to the television screen. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “Sky, sit properly or you’ll get
sucked in the tv.” he said,”Shh!” complete with hand gestures. I rolled my eyes
and leaned on the back of the couch, feeling my still-damp hair and moving to a
squatting postion.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “I can’t believe – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> <i>“Shh!”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> <i>That’s
just plain rude! </i>I thought, aghast. I was going to give him a compliment! A
<i>bloody</i> compliment. Why do the
testosterone-filled human beings enjoy these kinds of movies anyway? People
just kill each other for no reason – it’s really downright depressing. No
offense to the people out there, of course.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “I
was just going to say that – ”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> <i>“Shh!”</i>
he said again. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Okay, that’s it. “Don’t you know any
word besides – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “Shut up, Ryne!” he replied in
hushed tones. “They’re going to kill him…” his voice trailed away as his
attention grew slack. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “That’s what the movie’s about,
anyway. People just kill each other and – ” he started opening his mouth but I
beat him to the punch. “Yeah, I know. Shh.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Five more minutes of Sky’s crazy
attitude and the movie itself, I gave up. I stood up and was a half-step to the
kitchen when Sky caught my wrist. How he did that while still being hypnotized
by the screen was admittedly awesome. But because he was Sky freaking La Brea,
he quickly changed my opinion about it. He said,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “Where are you going? You know
you’re not allowed to – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “The <i>kitchen,</i> Sky.” <i>Really.</i> He
wasn’t even <i>looking</i> at me while
speaking and then he just had the guts to – “No. Who knows what you might to in
there – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “What? Do you think I’m too stupid
that I’ll stab myself to see if it would work or – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> He shook his head slightly at my
answer and responded, “We both know that you’re kind of smart. No need to
flaunt it – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “I
wasn’t! </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I was just
going to the kitchen for God’s sake.” My voice came out rather irritated. But, <i>seriously.</i> It’s his fault.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “Running for valedictorian? Honor
student? Yeah, Ryne, that’s you. This movie’s almost over. Just wait and we can
go there together.” This guy needs help. Lots of it. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “So you’ll just force me to just <i>stand </i>here – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “Of
course you can sit down. You’re just making this more difficult.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “I am <i>not,</i> for the last time. I just want to go to the – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “Do you want to see my handcuffs
again? We should baptize him, you know, and – ” I cut him off with “Damn you.”
I sat back down on the couch forcibly and tried to focus on the movie playing. <i>Honestly, </i>I did! But it doesn’t make
much sense because I started at the last part. But I’m sure which part of the
ancient history it belongs to – World War III. It’s not really ancient, but you
know, it’s water under the bridge. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I tried to scan my surroundings
instead of the film. The room looked stuffy – it <i>feels</i> like it, too – but it’s a comfortable kind of stuffy. The
curtains were closed as always, making the room dim. Aside from the light of
the television and the reading lamp, the room was in semi-darkness. The shapes
and structure <i>were</i> impressive but I
need to <i>eat.</i> It’s my calling. I gave
Sky ten more minutes. Ten more and that’s it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> After fifteen minutes – <i>fifteen! What happened to the plan?</i> – I
was sure I was going to die of boredom.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “Err, Sky? I thought you said it was
already finishing up.” He just patted my knee repeatedly. “Almost there, almost
there.” I almost groaned in frustration. I’ll bet he was talking more to the
television than me when he said that. <i>Five
minutes,</i> I thought. He has no right to starve me. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I was feeling pretty good at myself
– patience is a virtue, right? Though, the third minute came and went, I grew
sleepy. I was seriously considering the handcuffs right now. At least I can
eat. My eyes closed again and it was just the perfect position for dozing off.
One does not simply sneeze all day and not be exhausted. Slowly my mind entered
the unconscious state, my head lolling on the side. Then I suddenly heard, </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “That was <i>epic!”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><i> </i> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I felt myself jolted back to
reality, body startled and heart beating frantically. I scowled at him. “Yeah
nice work, Sky.” with my hand on my chest to feel my heart, as if to calm it
down. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “Oops. Sorry.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I rolled my eyes, <i>again, </i>and stood up. “Fake apology
accepted. Come on, we need – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “That wasn’t fake!” he defended,
turning the tv set off.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “We still need to eat. All I had was ice
cream.” I started walking briskly to the kitchen, with him behind me. When we
were inside, he raised an eyebrow at me quizzically. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Do
you even know how to cook?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">That’s the worst insult ever.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Of
course I do!” he only chuckled at my fuming and at my response. He put both
hands at the back of my shoulders and steered me to a high chair. “How about you
watch the pro first, what do you think?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I’m
not the one to boast, but I’ve fed myself for the last five years. Not to
mention I have Dash.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“This
isn’t about your cooking skills, Ryne. It’s about mine and I honestly owe you
one – I forgot to let you eat, your flu – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Speaking
of flu,” I replied happily. “I think it’s gone.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“It
is.” Maybe it’s because of Xav.” he said randomly, pulling out pans, plates and
a spatula. I turned my chair side to side, feeling like a kid. “Yeah. With a
face like that, she could cure cancer.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
laughed. “You should’ve seen the list of all the guys madly in love with her.”
he shook his head in obvious admiration, while turning the stove on and started
searching for the ingredients. ”She doesn’t like any one of them, though.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“She doesn’t?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Why?” I asked, perplexed. A person
like her must’ve been in more than one relationship, or five. Sky just
shrugged, flipping the oil bottle in the air and catching it repeatedly. “Xavia
Walsh has someone else in mind.” he turned his back on me then, pouring oil and
started sorting the other ingredients for the dish. I stared at the back of his
head, mouth open.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Xavia
likes <i>you?”</i> That’s just so - <i>shocking!</i> I mean, if they had babies,
they would be like cherubs straight from the gates of heaven. God, have mercy.
They’re too <i>perfect</i> for each other.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“She,
err, <i>told </i>me about it.” he vaguely
answered. <i>Honestly. </i>A blind person
could tell that he was lying. I said to him, “Sky, please don’t insult me. I
know that you know that I know that you’re lying.” he stopped his spatula,
posed in mid-air. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You
know that <i>what?”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “You’re lying! That’s the point.” I
answered. “She didn’t <i>tell</i> you –
Xavia doesn’t seem like that kind of person. She probably –” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “Ryne! Will you just… stop?” he
finished meekly. Oh my God. I knew it. “What did she do exactly?” I asked,
piqued. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “Why in the world are you asking?”
he complained, obviously wanting to change the topic. “I can’t cook properly with
you hounding on my back – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “I’m just curious! Who wouldn’t be?
And I don’t have other means of entertainment, so – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “It’s <i>private,</i> okay?” I can sense that talking about it made him feel
really uneasy, maybe even nervous, and I felt more and more intrigued. If only
there was some way that he could tell me – <i>Oh.</i>
Yes. Yes, there is. I thought evilly. This is going to work perfectly.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “I wonder what Mr. Mafia would say
if he saw us right now.” As soon as I said the magic word, he froze. I smiled
triumphantly, though he couldn’t see it. Nevertheless, he answered, “His main
priority is to keep you safe and you can’t exactly escape now.” That <i>is</i> true, sadly. Before leaving, Xavia
tinkered with the door and connected it to a monitored password com on the wall
right next to the door. I sighed in mock sadness. But maybe not <i>that </i>mock, but whatever.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “Yeah, you’re right. I wish I could
have a bit more fun, though. I can give him a good feedback and – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> He finally turned around to face me,
his eyes tortured. “You’re a devil, you are.” I just laughed at my victory and
prodded him to spill everything. He continued cooking, the sounds of clinking
metals echoed in the small kitchen of the suite. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “Well? I’m waiting.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> He hesitated for a minute more
before he tried to answer. “Xav and I were alone then – her friends left to see
something, a movie, I think. And, uhh…”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “That’s it, go on.” I said,
encouraging him. I told you one of my best qualities was being nosy, didn’t I?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> He covered the pan with the lid and
faced me, his hands on the countertop. I didn’t have any idea of what he was
cooking but it smells <i>delicious.</i>
Soon. Sky tried again,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “She told me some things – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What
things?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
actually groaned. “Please don’t make this harder than it already is, I beg
you.” I felt so gifted at that moment. He continued, “She told me <i>things,</i> and before I could respond, she
– she – ” I can see beads of sweat on
his forehead from where I’m sitting. Good God, I’ve never seen him like this
before.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“She
kissed you, didn’t she?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">His
face flushed. “I don’t know why the hell you are entertained at my personal
expense.” he turned back to the stove. “Show’s over.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You
like her, don’t you?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
whirled at me. “No, I don’t! She’s like a little sister to me. I don’t
reciprocate her feelings.” I pursed my lips at that. I knew it wasn’t exactly
true. I heard their laughing earlier and nobody can deny that Sky likes his
“little sister.” Or maybe it’s just me. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
felt myself frown. I suddenly felt very alone right then. I stifled the urge to
sigh and forced my tone to be upbeat. “What are you cooking?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Enchiladas.
And I got some Monopoly cookies.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Monopoly cookies?” </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I’m not sure I heard that brand
before.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“They’re
my recipe. Don’t you want to eat cookies while playing Monopoly?” I smiled
slightly. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Sounds fun.”</span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span>Yelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13181468059950303093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263733566175634558.post-69504103650513512912012-03-16T19:17:00.000-07:002012-04-16T23:54:47.113-07:00Chapter 22: Xavia<a href="http://www.wattpad.com/3637445-parallel-lines-chapter-22-xavia" target="_blank">Chapter 22: Xavia (Wattpad)</a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">At
least I understand now right? It doesn’t make any big difference. No, not at
all! I’m not scared whatsoever in this situation. It’s <i>bloody</i> perfect!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">After
that life-changing question and answer a few minutes ago, I’m still sick, lying
on the couch. I have an empty cup of cookies and cream ice cream on the table
at my right, as well as three magazines, a pack of strepsils, two DVDs, an
extra pillow, my medicine and the four books Sky saved from the shootout at the
mall. All this was the result of my ordering Sky around until I took pity on
him and let him rest. Let me tell you, it’s somewhat entertaining – I’ve never
had a nanny as long as I can remember. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Now,
I’m reading the fifth book, glasses a bit down on the bridge of my nose. It’s
Art of War. This situation isn’t exactly a war, but I can taste the irony.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Dash
was already fed earlier by Sky and is now in the manager’s office. Again,
result of Sky’s expertise with women. Dash’s going to stay for a little while;
I’d rather not risk my life with his presence for now. And as if the loneliness
isn’t completely enough, the radio – which was connected to the speakers – was
playing “Bad Day” by David Powell.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
sighed my heart out and turned to Sky. He was on the seat by the closed window,
cleaning his gun and scribbling something in a pad of paper every now and then.
I snapped the book shut and placed it with the four others. I sneezed terribly
and fetched a bottle of water.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This
is insanity.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My
head still hurts and it’s not like I could talk to someone. Where the hell is
Imah when you need her? Her chatting would’ve been nice and comfortable. As if
Sky sensed my stare burn through him, he turned to me.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Do
you need something or is it just my face?” I ignored his jibe and told him, “I
used to do that, you know.” He looked uncertain and replied, “Uhm, cleaning a
gun?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Not
exactly. I meant multi-tasking.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
raised an eyebrow and asked, “And you’re saying this because…?” I sighed and
then – sneezed. “Because I’m so damned bored, that’s why! I’m not sure if
people can die of boredom – ” he laughed loudly that drowned out the sound of
my whining.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What’s
so funny?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Nothing,
really. If this might interest you though, I’m writing our training schedule
for – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
groaned loudly. “I thought Mr. Mafia wanted me to have fun?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“First,
he wants you to be safe.” he said it like he was explaining one plus one. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I
just want to do something. I can’t just lie here.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Unfortunately,
you have to. If you don’t, I’ll force you.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Yeah.
I expected as much. And can’t you open the curtains?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Nuh-uh.
Not safe.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Oh
<i>please.</i> Is someone aiming a gun at us
right <i>now?”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“The
room next to us, yes. I think they have the wrong room, though.” No. He’s
joking. “Someone has their gun at our neighbour?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Not
really <i>them.</i> Just their window.” He
quickly added, “Imah’s really good in her stuff.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Imah?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
shrugged then replied. “She popped in to my comm device earlier,” he said,
tapping the said item in his ear, “she just said that and that’s it, really.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Why
didn’t you let me talk to her?” I asked desperately. “She hanged up pretty
quickly. Still upset about <i>that.”</i> he
said this while scowling, rubbing the cloth to the side of his gun hard. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“It
wasn’t her fault. Leave it, Sky.” I scolded. Though, as he said it, my thoughts
ran wild. It could be anyone. <i>Someone
close to her</i> she said. Even though it hurt, I thought of Carsh. He won’t do
that. End of story. It was most likely the Terminator. I mean, she hated my
guts since the beginning of time. Who could blame me, right? It’s a better
alternative to Corky anyway.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
sighed and grabbed the remote to turn off the mocking radio, still halfway
through the song. I closed my eyes and prayed I could sleep – just a few
minutes of peace, that’s all I need. I quickly got my wish as the song that
stuck in my head lulled me slowly to sleep.<br />
<br />
<br />
6 hours later, 3pm</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
raised my blanket higher up to my chin and rolled to the side. Consciousness
started seeping in and my mind wondered how I rolled that much without falling
off the couch. And now, I remember the couch not being as comfortable as this.
I opened my eyes, feeling strangely relaxed. It’s already late afternoon from
what I see. Someone removed my glasses and I reached out for it at the side of
my pillow and grabbed my beetle-slash-necklace-slash-watch.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
was putting it back when I checked the time again because I wasn’t paying
attention the first time. I stared at the canopy of the bed; apparently Sky
transferred me here. Really, he doesn’t have to do – I sneezed. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
groaned wearily. The fever wasn’t that bad anymore, but my nose wasn’t helping
matters at all. I was just planning to have my nose removed when I heard noise
on the outside room.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Laughing.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This
is crazy. Maybe I had too much tablets, or maybe this isn’t flu. I shook my
head then pain shot through my temple. Smart, Ryne. Very smart. I held both of
my hands to my head and sat up on the bed, knees drawn to my chest. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The
laughing on the next room commenced again, only this time, I can hear it
clearer.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A
woman.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
think it’s real. I untangled myself from the sheets, then heard Sky’s laugh.
Okay, it’s real. I don’t recognize the woman’s laugh, though I know for sure
that it’s not Imah – Imah’s much too loud. I heard Sky exclaim playfully, “Ow!”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">After
that, I felt strange for some reason. Sky sounded like he was really having fun
and the female – she sounds beautiful. Now, don’t ask me how I knew that,
there’s just some people who are just born with natural appeal. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">If
Sky let someone enter to this room, there’s bound to be a reason why. I
gathered up my wits and got off the bed, put on my slippers and walked to the door.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
would be lying if I said that I didn’t plan on going to the living room without
them noticing me. I felt like a crazy stalker when I put my left ear to the
door, hearing them through the thin wood. I pressed my ear closer to the door
to decipher their muffled voices. Then I sneezed.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Loudly.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
was frozen, my hand over my mouth and nose. Stalking sucks! I would never ever
confide this to anybody alive if my life depended on it. I can already sense
that they knew I was awake and probably creeping up on them. I didn’t hear the
noise from the living room. Oh, God. What now?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Before
I knew it, the door opened and I tripped to Sky’s chest. He opened the freaking
door! Aargh! He steadied me by the shoulders and helped me stand. I sneezed
again then I quickly said, looking in his green eyes,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I
wasn’t spying on you. I swear. I was just going out and – ” I sneezed. Again.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“It’s
okay, Ryne. Drink lots of water, okay? Your colds are getting – ” I sneezed.
“…worse.” he ended his sentence. He put his arm around me while I was feeling
woozy and steered me towards the couch. And there, I saw her.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
was damned right earlier. She is beautiful. A brunette with light skin,
straight nose, arched eyebrows an hourglass figure and <i>those</i> curls. Natural, I bet. Her expressive blue eyes completed the
picture. That instant I took in her appearance I was struck speechless. She’s
the dream girl every human being could conjure up in their wildest dreams. Oh,
and by the way, my self-esteem just crash landed to zero. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky
started, “Ryne, this is Xavia; she’ll help you with the training and Xav, this
is Ryne.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">She
smiled, showing her perfect set of teeth and dimples. Then she stood up and
held out her hand, “Sky told me all about you.” I glared at Sky as she said it
in that melodic tone of hers and shook her hand.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky
chuckled, “Nothing bad, I promise.” Then we sat down, Xavia to my right and him
to my other side.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What
did Sky say about me?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky
jumped in. “I <i>told</i> you – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Shut
up. I wasn’t asking you – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
looked at Xavia. “See? I told you she was spontaneous.” She chuckled.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Spontaneous?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I
can’t find another word.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
sneezed in response. Sky grabbed a pitcher, poured in lots of water in a glass
and handed it over to me. “I was just telling Xav that you’re still sick and
the schedule for out training.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
looked at her then, all perfection and I felt myself shrink. She told me, “I’m
not going to be here every day, you see. I’ll be here just for every Tuesday,
at the very least.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">‘If
you don’t mind me asking,” I said, <i>why
the hell are you so beautiful? </i>No. I want to ask that but I sympathized
with myself. “what are you going to teach me?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Sky
will teach the most of it, unfortunately.” She giggled. “I know you don’t like
him much, but I can’t stay here every day.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
turned to him, eyebrows raised.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
grinned in return. “Just so you know, I’m a strict teacher.” <i>Oh, really.</i> “Wow, Sky. I’m so scared.
Absolutely terrified.” Xavia laughed. I looked at her then. <i>Am I that talented in making people laugh? </i>She
looked at me strangely and said,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “I used to go to Anderson High, did
you know that?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> My mouth fell open. <i>Anderson High?! </i>She’s joking! I would’ve
noticed her if she and I went to the same school – she would be popular at the
first step on the soil of that education enrichment place. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “Don’t look so shocked! I’m a year
older that you – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “But I would’ve <i>seen </i>you!”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> She smiled a secretive smile. “Let’s
just say that I’ve been under a disguise.” Then she winked at me. My brow
creased in thought. Why would someone so pretty hide her face and pretend to
someone else was way behind my comprehension.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “I go by the name Angela Evans back
then. I don’t have much friends but that way was better.” she explained. The
name <i>did</i> sound kind of familiar.
Evans. Section D7, I think. She can’t seem to stop smiling at me and it was
becoming rather unsettling. Imagine Queen Elizabeth staring at you. Yes,
terrifying. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Well not, <i>really.</i> But I know you get my drift.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “Err, why are you staring at me like
that?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “Carsh said he was into you the
first time he met you, you know.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “You
know Carsh?”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Blood
hell. Now I don’t know what to say. She laughed again – maybe at my expression.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “We’re not that close. He said he met
you because of Mallory. Two years ago?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “That’s right. He was chasing me
with a… thing.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> She nodded. “You don’t have to
explain. I know exactly what you’re talking about.” As she said that, I looked
a Sky. He was rather silent throughout our conversation, just skimming through
my books. He looked at me, now. He raised an eyebrow in question. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I told him, “Is that your real face,
or is that kind of edited?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> <i>“Edited?”
</i>he sputtered disbelievingly. <i>Who
could blame me?</i> I was just wondering. They seem kind of into under covers
and he’s actually much too handsome to exist. Xavia laughed loudly at Sky’s
face – which is something rather worth seeing.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “Look, I was just wondering – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “Ryne, this is me.” he paused,
regaining his composure in spite of his friend still laughing in the
background. “It’s not my fault people find it too hard to believe.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “Yeah, yeah. You’re really glorious
and all that.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Xavia chuckled. “He always has this
ego. It’s completely normal.” I leaned my head on the back of the couch. “Yeah,
I’ve noticed. It’s a wonder I survived.” He looked at me. “You’re
exaggerating.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “Actually, I’m not. Imah saved my
life.” I said, obviously clear in my tone was the fact that I miss her. Xavia’s
eyes seemed to be reminiscing. “I haven’t seen her for weeks.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I nodded. “I know the feeling.” Sky
rounded on me. “You just met her yesterday.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “It feels like damned decades. And
I’m not actually used to living in isolation from the rest of the world.”
Except for clingy receptionists, that is. Xavia blinked and asked, </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> “Imah was here yesterday?” she
raised a quizzical brow at Sky. He seemed to hesitate and said uncertainly,
“I’ll fill you in later. We – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I interrupted. “If you guys wants
some privacy, you only need to ask.” I started standing up, but they held me
back simultaneously. Xavia smiled and said, “<i>We’ll</i> move out, okay? We’ll be back in a second.” They stood up and
got out of the room. As they moved outside the doorway, I saw that the door was
open a sliver. I instantly stood up, tiptoeing towards it. But then – <i>but just then</i> – the handsome devil
glanced at me from outside, then put both hands on his hips and raised an
eyebrow like the interrogator he is.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> So much for sneaking out.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I went back to the couch, sulking.
Though I can’t deny meeting Xavia was a relief – at least I have another human
being I could interact with. I started remembering home, the forever familiar
to the bedroom, to the dining. Dash’s doghouse and afternoon walks with Carsh.
I miss those blue eyes of his <i>so much.</i>
Now I know what Sky meant at the Marquette when we sat at the bench – that it
depends on Carsh himself if he wanted to see me still.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> It made absolute sense. Why would he
want to be involved with me again? A former Mafia leader wants me for same
unknown reason, for God’s sake. That should be enough to drive anyone away. I
released a small sigh and my eyes became sober as I sunk in to the reality of
the predicament I am in.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"> This sucks. Unbearably. Big time. If
we <i>ever </i>meet again I’ll just let
things sort out by themselves. </span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span>Yelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13181468059950303093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263733566175634558.post-72937632078064281462012-03-16T19:12:00.001-07:002012-04-16T23:54:16.301-07:00Chapter 21: Mother of God<a href="http://www.wattpad.com/3753169-parallel-lines-chapter-21-mother-of-god" target="_blank">Chapter 21: Mother of God (Wattpad)</a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“He
was the leader of a <i>what?!”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
shook his head at the question like he was to amazed to believe it himself. “I
know, it’s unbelievable.” I looked at Sky. “You act as if he’s a damned
celebrity!” he turned to me excitedly. “Don’t you know what the Mafia does?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“That’s exactly what I meant!”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This
is absurd! And sick. A leader of a Mafia had me kidnapped and I’m going to
fucking meet him. And then, <i>he wants me
to have fun?!</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><i> </i> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">That
is the most impossible thing I’ve ever heard!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
grabbed Sky’s elbow and shook him like it would erase that idolizing look on
his face. “Sky, you’re joking right?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
turned to me with wide eyes. “Joking? He’s probably one of the most dangerous
people in the world! That’s why I chose this assignment in the first place and
they picked me to protect you!” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Are you fucking kidding me?! One of
the most dangerous people in the WORLD?!” </span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
nodded vigorously. “I know! Even though he’s clear now, he’s still got hundreds
of connections – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What would this person do to me?!”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
seemed like a balloon that just burst. I slackened my grip on his elbow and I –
I sneezed. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Relax,
Ryne.” He said as he pushed me back to the cushions. “Look who’s talking.” I
retorted, raising my eyebrow. He rolled his eyes and doesn’t seem to be
embarrassed in the least. “The guy’s my idol. What can I do?” Then my sarcastic
side kicked in. “Oh, I don’t know, Sky. Maybe you can just <i>stop</i> scaring the hell out of me. What do you think?” He grinned.
“He’s not that scary.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My
jaw fell to the floor. “You suck so much on explaining!” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No!
When you meet him, he’s not exactly a violent person – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Not
<i>exactly?”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“He’s
just intimidating, that’s all. Unlike the rumours about him before, that is.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">God,
please help this guy.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Sky,”
I said helplessly, “you just make this more complicated with every word you
say.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Let’s
just say that he gave himself a second chance.” Oh, God.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“So,
a Mafia leader – a <i>dangerous</i> Mafia
leader – became a new person and fixed his ways, then ordered you to kidnap me,
makes sure I was having a blast and tells you to hand me over to him.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Protect.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Not kidnap. And for the record, this
is my first assignment <i>ever.</i> So you –
”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“First?” </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I asked, mouth open.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Why?
Do I look experienced?” I sneezed and said, “Sort of. I mean, you were really
kind a scary-looking person at first – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Really?
I was kind of aiming for that.” I scoffed. “You were also a bad actor. But
congrats, anyway.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Thank
you.” he said, all smiles. There was a brief pause and I said, “You know, from
what happened yesterday, it seems kind of obvious that you’re a beginner – ” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Huh?”
he said, looking crestfallen. “That tiny little part when we just went off to
the Marquette in a rush.” then I sneezed. “Which, apparently, caused this
killer flu.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Imah
knew where we are. She has us covered.” He reassured.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I
think I have short term memory loss; I don’t remember using the devi – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Now
that you are temporarily harmless, I’ll just confess that the sandals I gave to
you had a tracking device on them.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“What?!”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You
were too upset! My job was to – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Yeah,
yeah. I almost had it memorized, thanks.” After I said that, he smiled – a
self-congratulatory smile. “So now you know my dilemma.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Dilemma?”
he sighed at what I said.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Do
you know that every time I say a word, you repeat it like it’s the first – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“There’s
this thing called ‘shocking.’”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“My
problem’s quite simple really. Remember that time after the rollercoaster ride
– ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Oh,
God. That was so – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Awesome,
I know. Now here, I meant what I said by the ‘you escape, I don’t find you, I’m
dead’ part.” I looked at him strangely. “Should I be sorry?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Err,
not really. He won’t like you being attached to me, so – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“The
souvenir! Oh, now I get – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Yeah,
so remember, please don’t be charming.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Why
do you always associate that word with me? I have no clue – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I’m
just being cautious, you understand right?” I turned the idea over and over in
my head and surprisingly found the prospect of Sky’s position really… scary.
Instead of answering his question, I asked one of my own.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Aren’t
you scared that I will escape and you won’t find me ever?” he looked at me
then, beautiful eyebrows pitched up, his shoulders squared. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">“My sentiments,
exactly.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span>Yelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13181468059950303093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263733566175634558.post-79583279533739161552012-03-16T19:06:00.000-07:002012-04-16T23:53:40.424-07:00Chapter 20: Dictionary<a href="http://www.wattpad.com/3753120-parallel-lines-chapter-20-dictionary" target="_blank">Chapter 20: Dictionary (Wattpad)</a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky
took one look at me and almost flew to my side at once. I was staring agape at
the mirror with a look of utter disbelief in my eyes. He shook me urgently.
“What’s wrong? Do you feel ill or something?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
just shook my head. Then played with the hem of the shirt I was wearing. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Shirt.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Not
the sundress that I wore to the Marquette. It’s a goddamned shirt. When I
looked at Sky, I knew instantly that he knew what I was on about – just waiting
for me to say it out loud. <i>Probably from
keeping himself look like the scapegoat,</i> I though scathingly. I fixed him
with a look that could’ve set an ice on fire. “How the fuck did this happen?”
My eyes flashed while I continued. “Did you change my clothes?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky
gulped.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
continued, “You did this while I was sleeping, didn’t you?” he put his palms
forward. “I didn’t think you minded!” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“So
you stripped my clothes off?!” he looked extremely panicked. “I couldn’t just
let you sleep in that dress – ”My face turned a violent shade of red and I
stuttered. “You – you have <i>no</i> right –
DAMN YOU!” then I sneezed right in front of his chest. I groaned as my head
hurt unbearably. I pushed him off weakly with one hand and put my other hand on
the side of my head. “I hate you <i>so
much.”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Just
yesterday you were having so much fun – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I
didn’t have this goddamned – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
interrupted me before I could go farther. That is really getting to me. If I
could slice him, he would’ve been in <i>pieces.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><i> </i>
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Let
me carry you.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Why</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> does the world have to be so <i>cruel</i> to me? I feel like crying pathetically. This stupid cold and
fever and <i>Sky. </i>I groaned even louder
when he started to put his arm on the back of my knees and carried me. Under
normal circumstances, it would be a fight to the death, but <i>no.</i> it has to be like <i>this.</i> I turned to Sky, </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Do
you want me to give you a dictionary, Sky? It could be useful.” He looked at me
like I was starting to seriously lose my mind. Maybe he’s right. He opened his
mouth to respond but I cut him off.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You
can look up the word <i>‘privacy’</i> and
apply it to your daily life!” I said it like it was a cure to cancer. “Isn’t
that <i>terrific?”</i> As he walked me out
of the bedroom and started to the lay me down on the couch, he said to me,
“You’re starting to become delusional, Ryne. You really should take a rest.
I’ll go to the hotel clinic – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No,
don’t. Trust me. They’ll probably rape you in there.” I giggled. He only shook
his head at me, though he was smiling. I sighed. “I was joking, Sky. Go get
your beloved medicine.” I said, and then released a violent sneeze. His
eyebrows knitted together and he felt my forehead.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Please
don’t tell me you have flu.”<br />
<br />
<br />
I had flu. When Sky found out,
he looked like the weight of the world has been put in his shoulders. I looked
at him, puzzled. “Sky, its <i>flu.</i> Not
leukemia. Relax.” then I coughed. “Don’t talk. Just stay here and tell me what
you want. Ice cream? Movie?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
was placed on the couch still, but now my head was raised on the armrest and I
had my hair fanned out around me away from my face and I held my blanket around
me. Rather the <i>only</i> blanket here.
What Sky was saying and in the way he’s acting made me think what kind of
person the man must be – the <i>‘he’</i>
guy. He must be so terrifying if I wasn’t even allowed a flu. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No
thanks.” then I sneezed. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I
feel so useless, just sitting here. Do you want to watch the television or
something?” he insisted.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
just sighed. “Fine.” He grabbed the remote control then and said, “What
channel?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“That
one’s nice.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
looked at me. “The news is nice?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Oh.
Just find a channel where they play some movie.” I quickly said. As he switched
the channels, I noticed something different in his persona today. Or, more
likely his aura. He settled on the movie Pride and Prejudice, the one with
Keira Knightley. I watched this film a gazillion times so I slowly lost
interest just when Elizabeth’s sister got sick. I looked at Sky. He was looking
at the pad of tablets the nurse recommended and placed it on the coffee table
with a pitcher and a single glass. I opened my mouth to get his attention, but
what came up was a sneeze. I groaned and let my head relax on the arm of the
couch.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sky
sat at the foot of the couch and felt my forehead again. “Your fever’s not
going down. Drink the tablet every four hours okay?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You
said that <i>seven</i> times already.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I
take my job seriously, sis.” he said, smiling. “Uhhh…” was my awesome response.
I tried again and succeeded in saying, “I’m still getting the hang of the ‘not
talk to each other thing.’ Since I met you, you’re like an unstoppable force of
nature that does nothing but annoy me and now – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You’ll
have to be serious if you want to ace in your training with me.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Did
I hear that right? Training? The concept’s too funny to think about. “What
training?” his eyes sparkled like he saw a window of opportunity. He said in
response to me, “Wow, Ryne. I had <i>no</i>
idea that you lack basic education – ” I laughed but then it was really weird
because I also coughed at the same time. He grimaced.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Sorry.
No fooling around for now, okay? You’ll have a seizure or something.” I shot
him a glare as best as I could. He responded with a dazzling smile. “I just had
a brilliant idea. Why don’t I just explain the situation now, while you’re
harmless?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Harmless?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Yes,
harmless. You know, that adjective which – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Shut
up.: I said, scowling. He just chuckled and straightened his back. “I’ll
explain this mess now, okay?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Well,
why don’t you start already?” he seemed unfazed by that. Then he continued
speaking, “As you already know, <i>someone</i>
ordered me to protect you – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Kidnap,
more like.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Whatever.
This person has an unbelievable influence and people like that have enemies.
Lots of enemies.” he let that sink in for a moment. “The people at the mall,
you mean?” he smiled slightly and added. “That’s a small tree compared to the
whole forest.” <i>Fuck.</i> My eyes widened
then I sneezed. Predictably. I quickly recovered myself and asked him as fast
as a bullet. <i>“There are lots more out
there?” </i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
raised an eyebrow and rubbed his palms on his thighs. “I thought you knew.” I
processed this information. “I thought they’re only <i>less than ten!”</i> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Don’t
worry, they won’t find us.” then he looked at me meaningfully. “As long as you
don’t give me a hard time keeping you safe.” I disregarded this statement and
fired another question. “Why did these influential person want me here? Is he
going to use me or something?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“He’ll
have to tell you in person.” his eyes were a strange mix of emotions as he said
that. “You won’t tell me anything about him, won’t you?” I told him dryly.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“He’ll
probably kill me if I do, so no. I’d rather keep my head attached to my neck.”
Oh, that’s just nice. “Aren’t you being over-reactive?” He chuckled and said,
“Ryne, I’m dead serious. Why do you think I don’t want you getting sick? And as
much as possible, when you meet him, make it obvious that you had fun, okay?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This
unknown guy is ridiculous! “That’s really…weird! It’s like the guy wants me to
have the time of my life rather than terrorize me!” He was trying very hard not
to smile, then. I suddenly paused and scrutinized him. “If you’re making this
all up, I’m going to – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I’m
not! Why would I do that?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Haven’t
you realized that this guy you’re describing is utterly absurd?” He shrugged.
“He has his reasons.” <i>Very informative.</i>
I can’t think straight, and it’s making my headache worse; though I won’t say
that to Sky. He’ll stop the questioning in a blink of an eye if I did. I turned
to him again. “Why does he have a lot of enemies?” he released a sigh and I saw
in his eyes a look of amused and begrudging admiration. He smiled at nothing in
particular and replied,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;">“He was a leader of a
Mafia.” </span>
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span>Yelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13181468059950303093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263733566175634558.post-58868419741594011542012-03-16T19:03:00.000-07:002012-04-16T23:52:50.944-07:00Chapter 19: You ruin everything<a href="http://www.wattpad.com/3753079-parallel-lines-chapter-19-you-ruin-everything" target="_blank">Chapter 19: You ruin everything (Wattpad)</a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Part
I:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">When
we went back to the crowds of people swarming around, we stopped by the shop of
an old lady who seemed to have taken a liking to us. I was nervous around her
at first, but I relaxed my guard gradually. She offered any of her items for
both of us for free but before I could say yes, Sky opened his mouth.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Me
and my sister have to get going now. We’re sorry.” then he dragged me and Dash
away from her and her shop. I automatically faced him. “What is wrong with you?
The woman – ” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Could
be dangerous.” he interrupted me. I stared at him in open-mouthed astonishment.
“Did I mention the word <i>old?”</i> I
asked. “Of course you didn’t. It’s just hard to trust people when I’m around
someone like you.” I didn’t think I could go any paler, but I think I did at
that moment. “What do you mean ‘someone like me’? You just keep saying these
mysterious things that probably make you think that you’re awesome and then you
end up screwing my brain.” He ignored my rant. How odd. “Uh, did I say
something?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“No,
I just told you earlier that we don’t have to each other much, didn’t I?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Oops.
Sorry.” He shrugged his shoulders. “It’s okay. Sorry for being bipolar, I don’t
know why my parent raised me like this, but I can deal with it.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I’m
sure you can.” I stopped by an antique shop to my left. Sky apparently hadn’t
realized this and kept going but the handcuffs pulled him back so he almost
tripped backward. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Jesus,
what now?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I’m
going to buy my souvenir.” I said as I led the way in, and my two companions
followed me. Inside, I felt the stuffy atmosphere that was thick with some kind
of perfume. Then the shop owner looked at us behind the till. She had a
motherly look on her plump face that was surrounded by her red hair. I suddenly
remembered Mrs. Weasley from Harry Potter. Honestly, do I still have to explain
which book she came from? I don’t do I? They looked like they’ve been separated
at birth, if that was possible. She warmly smiled at us and said, “Welcome, my
dears. I seldom have young people in my shop these days.” She waved her arms to
the racks on her side and to the dozen others behind her. “You can see my
collection, go on.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">We
proceeded directly to the third aisle, not bothering with the first two, which
were full of American Indian cookbooks and biographies. We found intriguing
items throughout our browsing of the cramped store. Then I noticed something
sparkling up to the top of the seventh aisle that caught my eye. I think it was
a bracelet, but I wasn’t sure. I tried to reach for it, but my stupid growth
hormones were to blame. Sky was looking at me amusedly the whole time, like he
was a bloody king being entertained. I was getting desperate when my limbs –
all four limbs – were starting to scream in protest and I considered throwing
Dash up to get it when he said, </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Do
you need help?” his eyes were twinkling. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Yes,
thank you.” I replied icily while scowling. He tiptoed up to the shelf and got
out the item without as much as a hair out of place. He gave it to me and I
examined it. It was simple but very pretty. It was a necklace, not a bracelet
as I thought earlier, with a beetle pendant. The metal beetle was hard silver
and you can distinguish the spots because they’re lighter than the body. I feel
in love with the piece of metal, right then and there. Sky suddenly said, </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I
think it’s a watch.” He pried the material away from my fingers and opened the
beetle’s wings. Inside was indeed a watch, indicating the time – almost 8pm.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“It’s
perfect. I’ll have it definitely.” then I looked at him. “And you?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I’m
good.” he replied. “Just go pay for it and let’s try to go home.” I hesitated.
“You sure?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Of
course I am.” he grinned at me. “I just don’t want to be attached to those
things, that’s all.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Attached
to what? No, wait – don’t. You’ll just eat my brain again.” he chuckled. “I
can’t do my job when something’s hindering me, that’s what I meant.” I raised
an eyebrow. “Hinder? It’s not like you’re going to buy a cabinet – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I
meant you, Ryne. God, you’re so slow.” He sighed.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Me?
<i>Slow?</i> How dare – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You
can be smart, I know. I’ll explain the situation when we get back – ” I
practically leaped at him. “You’re going to tell everything?” I asked,
breathless. He looked at me sternly. “Let me finish, will you? I’ll explain it,
but no names and location. No anything. Just the situation.” I deflated then
stared at him. “I thought we were back to the first condition?” he just stared
off in space and said, “The more you know what you’re into, the better.”<br />
<br />
<br />
Part II:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">We
got to the Marquette office in one piece. When we explained our problem, we had
a chopper reserved for us in a blink of an eye. But I think the ladies loved to
see Sky’s smile. We talked little when we got in, much less when we started
taking off. I patted dash’s fur, and then played the beetle I purchased with my
finger. The air was cold, as well as the air rushing through to the chopper’s
open doors. I guess the exhaustion from the walking just caught up with me, or
maybe it was the bipolar Sky and the things he would explain that daunted me,
but I just dozed off, despite the noise of the airborne vehicle.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
looked at Ryne on her sundress, sleeping with her head tilted back on the seat.
Of all the people he could’ve been assigned to, this girl with seemingly
never-ending energy was given to him. He sighed. This was his first assignment,
and he’s still getting the hang of it. Gradually, he came to realize that he
should separate the working Sky from the friendly Sky. He doesn’t want this to
be a complete fiasco. Tomorrow morning, he’ll explain to her what mess this is
as discreetly as possible and he would’ve to train her. <i>God, help me.</i> They couldn’t have given him a more complicated
assignment. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I’m
hovering between sleep and consciousness, and then I noticed that my
surroundings were quieter. No chopper, how odd. I slept kind of long. After a
little while, I became aware of the back and forth motion and the feel of
someone’s strong arms at the back of my knees and on my back. Someone was…
carrying me. My mind protested sleepily. “Stop moving.” I said groggily. I
tried to open my eyes but deep inside, I really didn’t want to, so I stopped
myself and felt relaxed. “Carsh.” I heard myself saying before I went back to
my stupor.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">His
brow scowled slightly without his noticing. <i>Honestly,
</i>he thought,<i> she deserves so much more
than that guy.</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><br clear="all" style="page-break-before: always;" />
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">12
hours later, 8am</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">When
I woke up, the first thing that registered through my brain was that I was
facing a broad back. A broad back where my arm was draped across. I was too
tired and it was really early for me to just freak out that I didn’t even
bother. When I felt him starting to move, I quickly pulled back my arm, cursing
it for doing such a stupid thing without my permission. I opened my eyes
properly and saw him facing me. He had his glasses on, which reminded me of
mine and I reached out for it and put it on. I feel weird. Sky was still
blinking sleepily, facing me and now that I have my glasses, my eyes were
widened slightly. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Even
in the early morning, he’s wrenchingly gorgeous. His hair was disheveled and
tousled from his skin had that early morning glow that made him look fresh.
Nice. Cozy. His green eyes also looked fantastic and rested unlike the other
night. He may have been a Greek god living in secret for all I know. He smiled
slightly.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“I
saw your arm. Felt it, rather.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My
eyes narrowed. I’ll scrub my arm later until I’m bleeding. <i>Well,</i> not really, but you get the picture. “I think my arm betrayed
me.” I looked at the canopy of the bed and said, “It’s irrelevant anyway. You
told me you were going to explain.” I fixed my gaze at him. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“You
fell asleep. And just in case you’d like to know, I carried you all the way
from the ground floor up to the fifth on those damned stairs because the
elevator was broken. And you weren’t exactly feather-light – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Why
do you even mind? I <i>need</i> food – ”
then I sneezed. He said, “Your sneeze is cute. But do you really have to do
that when I’m inches from you so you could – ” I sneezed again. I looked at
him, dumbfounded. I know now why I feel weird. “I think I have colds.” He sat
up on the bed and ruffled his already messy hair. “No, shouldn’t have colds.
You <i>shouldn’t</i>. I had the entire day
planned and – ” I sneezed again, and this time, I sat up and groaned. “My head
hurts.” He smacked his palm to his forehead and dropped himself back to the
mattress.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Ryne,
you ruin everything.” Then he covered himself with the blanket again and
included his face. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Me?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Do you decide if you get sick or not? Will you just
please stop editing my life – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Editing?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I am not <i>editing – ”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Well,
what are you trying to do?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“How
can you exactly edit someone else’s life, huh?” I sneezed in response. He
groaned as if he’s the one who’s sick. He has completely no idea what being
sick felt like. Maybe he doesn’t even know the meaning of the word. Okay that
was unfair. He looked at me with a critical eye. “He won’t like that you’ve
been sick under my care.” I almost cried out. That pronoun <i>again?</i> Screw English language. I sarcastically told him,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Don’t
worry <i>bro.</i> I’ll cover for you when he
invites me to dinner in his mansion.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He
looked at me flatly. “You have no idea what you’re talking about.” I stared at
him, eyes wide. “You mean this person really has a mansion?” He shook his head
in disbelief. “ore like a palace, if you ask – ”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The
door suddenly flew open to reveal a bounding Dash. Sky automatically had his
gun out, arm around me, placing me behind him, and facing the door. I heard him
exhale his breath and toss his pistol to the cabinet. Dashy raced up to me but
the minute that I sniffed the air around him, I had a series of sneeze attacks.
I tried to push him away from me, but it seemed like someone drugged him to
personally make me die of sneezing. He licked my hair and I sneezed directly in
front of him. He whined and shook his furry head violently. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Won’t
you even help me?” I asked him desperately. He looked at me with something
close to endearment to his eyes. Aargh. Before I could throw something to his
face though, he stood up and picked up Dash with one arm, and pushed me gently
back down on the bed with the other. “I’ll help you get better. Screw my plans
for the day, you need to recover first.” He pushed Dash away and tying him to
the cabinet door, while he was doing that I noticed something on my wrist.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The
sensitive skin that had been scarred yesterday was now covered by a Band-Aid. I
blinked. Now <i>that</i> was odd. He must’ve
seen the small wound and… yes, it was odd. I looked at my arms and legs then,
because instincts told me that something else is off. I even touched my face.
Something is horribly wrong. I got out of the bed and walked over to the
gigantic mirror and looked at myself.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Oh, God.</span></i></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span>Yelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13181468059950303093noreply@blogger.com0