Chapter 34: Family album

Chapter 34: Family album (Wattpad)

Part I:

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.

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.

That’s number one on the warm issue.

The number two was much more unbelievable. 

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.

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.

I remembered what Imah said – “Did someone ever tell you how bad you lie?”

I rolled my eyes. My imagination has the tendency to be extremely helpful at times of urgency. 

“It would be easier to live like without regrets, you know. Or restraints.”

Restraint. I hate that word so much. I’m not the kind of person who makes rash decisions. I always 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.

A small voice laughed in my head. It seemed to say, Do you really want to?

I pursed my lips.

No.

No, I don’t.

           Part II: 

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.

I smiled as well, almost chuckling. “Good morning, sunshine.” then I arched an eyebrow. “Your good mood’s back.”

His smile turned wider. “The sleep helped.” 

“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 – to hell with it – hugged him properly, putting my arms around his neck and he tightened his arms around me again.

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?”

“For what exactly?” he asked, chuckling.

I laughed – a weird laugh. “See, you make me feel…”

“Happy?”

“Sometimes.” I answered. He laughed merrily as he kissed my temple. “I think I make you feel.”

“Feel what?”

“Just feel.”

I pursed my lips. “You confuse me, though.” He asked, “Is that a good thing?”

“I honestly don’t know.”

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?”

“Maybe, but not now.”

“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.”

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. 

“I might be pushing too far, but Ryne,” he paused and looked at me with those timeless eyes.

“I think I’m falling for you.”


            Part III: 

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?

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.

I pursed my lips and smiled at him. “I did 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.

“Have you ever heard me sing?”

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.”

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 – 

“You’re better than the best

I’m lucky just to linger in your light

Cooler than the flipside of my pillow

Completely unaware

Nothing can compare to where you send me

Let’s me know that it’s okay, yeah it’s okay

And the moment when my good times start to fade

You make me smile like the sun

Fall out of bed

Sing like a bird, dizzy in my head

Spin like a record, crazy on a Sunday night

You make me dance like a fool

Forget how to breathe

Shine like gold, buzz like a bee

Just the thought of you can drive me wild

Oh, you make me smile.”

Then he smiled proudly at me. I never, never 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.

“I guess I should do that more often.”

“That was amazing!” 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 that. He smiled at me still, his eyes shining.

“That was for you.”

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,

“This is yours, right?”

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?”

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?”

I laughed more boisterously this time, causing Dash to wake up and settle quietly in the backseat, not bothering with us. Good boy.

“Yes, Sky. Very sexy.”

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?”

“I don’t know. Maybe because you’re here.”

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 – ”

“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 – ”

“Okay, okay. I transferred to California with my parent on my sixth birthday.” he said, pulling back from the hug. “Should I continue?”

“Yeah. Go on.”

“I went to school, had friends and everything. Then on my 14^th 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,

“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.” 

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.

“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 – ”

“And a big ego, apparently – ” 

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?” Picture? I lifted an eyebrow at his smiling face. “Are you serious this time?”

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.

“Why are you smiling?”

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 – ”

“If only someone 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.

“I beg your pardon for the, Your Highness – ”

“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?”

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, really 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,

“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?”

“This place is absolutely Britain.”

He smiled as he reminisced about the place. “Yes,” he said. “Absolutely.”

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 cuter, 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.

Looking at them made me remember a family of my own.

“You have a beautiful family.”

            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.

Chapter 31: Week one

Chapter 31: Week one (Wattpad)

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.

Awesome, right?

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.

“Okay, next question – ”

“Can we take a break?”

“No.”

“Okay.”

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 had to ruin the moment and say, “Savour what you have now, Ryne. Tomorrow, we’ll have a new diet.”

“A new what?”

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 – hey!”

 

“Did you say something?”

“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 – ”

“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,

“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.

“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.

“A race?” he asked, eyes sparkling.

“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?”

“Sure.”

“Three, two… one.”

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, literally. A pair of arms was around my stomach, preventing me from moving. Sky dragged me back. What the – 

“Cheater.”

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 – ”

“Loser? I didn’t lose. I think this is a technique.” he chuckled. I grabbed the counter with one hand and he stopped moving. 

“I can’t even feel the floor!” He laughed again, but more boisterous this time. “You are what polite people call petite – ” Really. I grew up with the entire world teasing me about my height. I’m simply vertically-challenged, thank you very much.

 

“Just let me go you freak – ”

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?” 

That is utterly impossible. “Are you – ”

“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 uncomfortable. 

“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.

“Do you know what the word ‘fast’ means?”

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. 

“Why aren’t you screaming?”

I just patted my stomach for explanation. He seemed confused.

“You’re pregnant?”

“No! You are so aargh!”

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. 

“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.

My greatest weakness.

“Oh my – oh my god!” 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.

“No – damn you – ” 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. 

“Mission complete.”

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.

“Hey!”

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.

“Fuck! Stop it – ”

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…

Handcuffs.

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.

“Go to hell.” I said as fiercely as I could while laughing. He cuffed me, and chuckled exhaustedly himself. “Same to you.”

“Admit it, you’re tired.”

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?”

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. Damn being ticklish. “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. Never again.

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 short 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.

I felt the shivers go along from my neck all the way to my spine. What the hell is he doing? 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. 

He gently caressed my shoulder with his thumb, as he moved from the side of my neck to my throat. Oh God, no.

He kissed me there.

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. 

Fuck no.

 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,

“What are you doing?”

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.

I asked, tentative. “Sky?” He blinked two times and replied with his voice unusually low. “I got carried away. Sorry.”

What an understatement. “It’s fine.” He still stared at me. God. Talk about awkward. What the fuck is going on. I tried again, “What were you thinking?” 

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 crap. But then a sudden epiphany struck me. I looked into his deep green eyes.

“I think I know.”

“Know what?”

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 that 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.

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 do we stand?”

His gaze turned to my lips and I froze. His eyes glinted and I just knew 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.

“Fuck.”

I unfroze. God. 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 normal. 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.

            Week one is insane.

Chapter 29: Picture perfect

Chapter 29: Picture perfect (Wattpad)

            

            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 know. But to hell with it. 

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…

Winner.

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. 

“Hey!” 

“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…”

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 know 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 – ”

“You were implying it. Why the hell are we talking about his again?”

“We aren’t talking – we’re arguing.” 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 – ”

“Are you kidding me?” he exclaimed. 

What is he talking about? I have no – oh. 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 stupid? “I am! Seriously. It’s just that we didn’t really meet under pleasant circumstances – ”

“Yeah, it’s fine.” He smiled slightly. “I’m a bit of an over-reactive specie – ”

“Seems to be.” 

He ignored me, again 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.

“Him?” I think I know who he was talking about, but the idea seemed preposterous. Sky smiled wider. “Mr. Mafia.”

Yes, it was preposterous.

“Okay. What’s the punch line?”

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? 

“Err, Sky? Is this safe?”

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.

A silver bangle.

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.” 

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.

“It looks great on you.”

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.

“Two?” I repeated.

“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. This is really interesting. I pulled out what’s inside, expecting a letter, but pulled out a photo.

A photo of Carsh.

I stared at it, dumbstruck. Oh, God. I tilted my head and looked at him. 

“Bloody hell, Sky.”

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. 

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.

“You’re the best.”

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.

“Heard? How exactly?”

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.

“What – ”

“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.”

I stared at him this time. “Doesn’t that suck? You just wrapped the bloody thing and now – ”

“Please. So I can take it back if you don’t like it – ”

“Am I that scary?!” That’s just really offending. “No! 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. 

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.

“It’s really - ”

“Awful? Grand? Perfect? What?”

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.”

“So? Do you like it?” he asked still unrelenting. 

“Of course I do! Who the hell wouldn’t?” his expression looks like a kid’s when locked inside Disneyland. 

“Really?”

I gritted my teeth. “I’m a human being who appreciates gifts, Sky. I – ”

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.”

“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. 

“Sky. I’m really exhausted to trash talk with you right now – ”

“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 does 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?

Emerald.

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 – ”

“Seriously?”

“What?” he said, looking up again. “Ariel’s nice – ”

“No, no. I meant the emerald.” I explained. He bloody well knows that his eyes are, well, 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.” What? That’s stupid. 

“Hate you? Why the - ”

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.

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. This is crazy.

 

The guy is damned serious.

            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.

Chapter 24: The file

Chapter 24: The file (Wattpad)

Sky’s enchiladas tastes like heaven.

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 no. 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.

“I can’t do this. I suck.” 

He laughed. “Serves you right.” he replied smugly. 

After that humiliating experience, I finished the cookies – monopoly cookies – 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. 

Who would like someone like me? I thought. I wasn’t a martyr, but I just don’t know.  Carsh seems so far away and I just… I want out. 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. 

I have no idea what Carsh saw in me.

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. Be more sensitive. 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.

“Stupid glasses.”

 

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. 

“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. 

“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.

“I’ve been feeling pretty down in the dumps lately. It’s be better in the morning.” I paused before saying, “Goodnight, Sky.” 

“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. Yes, it will be better in the morning.

-

What was wrong with her? 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. 

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.

-


8am, Friday

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 them, 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. 

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. This is not normal. 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? 

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. No, you don’t. I groped for it wildly in the air, feeling like an Amazon and caught it. I exhaled a small sigh of relief. 

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. 

Challenge accepted.

I put the package down and knelt next to him. I held his hand while slowly 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. 

“Sam.” he muttered.

Sam? 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.

What the bloody hell has this Sam done? 

I got the funny feeling that this person, whoever she is, had a serious thing with Sky. Well, duh, Ryne. 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.

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. 

“Err, rise and shine?”

“Where is it?” he asked.

“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 – ”

“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?” 

He smiled knowingly. “You don’t like being tickled.” God. I knew he was into voodoo. Think, Ryne. Think.

 

“How about a deal?” I asked desperately. He crossed his arms and said, “I’m listening.” 

“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 – ”

“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.”

“Whatever, Sky. Even if I do 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?”

“Watch me.”

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. Please, please, please.

 

            The door clicked open.