Chapter 30: Samantha

Chapter 30: Samantha (Wattpad)

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, my favourite. 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?

“This is the 50^th 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 – ”

“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. 

“I’m tired.” I mumbled sleepily. 

“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. 

“Mmm. I do.” then my brain shut down completely.

-

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. 

He hesitated.

He looked at Ryne on the bed, sleeping, then next looked at the couch. To hell with it. 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. 

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.

 

Yes, she’ll hate me.

-


Sunday

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. 

A rose.

Yes. Definitely out of place. 

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,

Ryne,

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.

Be back soon,

Sky

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?

Then the door banged open and Dash came bounding in. 

“Hey, Dash.”

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. This is stupid. I feel really left out. To better keep my mind off things, I grabbed clothes and went inside the bathroom of the room. 

This is actually new, I thought. I can do whatever I want without someone constantly annoying me to death. I pursed my lips. I’ll make most of my time alone. Better make the most of it.


           Being alone sucks. 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 everything. 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.

How dare that person leave me alone. 

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 something. 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.

Bingo.

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. Everything just has to have a password. I sighed determinedly. I tried 015 – the damned birthdate. Then pushed the large square button.

Nothing.

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.

373.

642.

914.

Damn this. Even Dash seemed to be bored to tears. 251. I pushed again. Mother of God. Nothing. 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. Now 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. 

“Welcome ba – ”

“Fuck!” He pulled his gun. Gun.

 

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.

“That was so epic!”

“It wasn’t.” he responded, waving his gun at me. “I could’ve shot you!”

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. What now? 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. 

“What’s with the flowers?”

“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.”

Who does he think he is? “After you left me for more than an hour, that is what you say to me?” He smiled a little. “Did you miss me?” I shot him a flat look. 

“No.”

He smiled wider and lifted an eyebrow once, shrugging his shoulders again. “I’ll just pretend that you’re not lying – ”

“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. 

Right, Ryne. You’re so stupid.

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 nothing.” He put the briefcase back, feeling proud, no doubt. 

“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.

“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. 

“Hey. I missed you too.” He laughed. I crossed my arms over my chest. So what if I did? “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 still. 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.”

That 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 – ”

“Sometimes.” 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 – ”

“I didn’t take it off. Of course, I really couldn’t, but – ”

“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 – ” 

“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. 

“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.” 

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.”

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. Should I ask? I looked at him as I considered. He looked a bit troubled already, what more if I ask him about her?

 

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?”

“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.  

Better late than never, right?

“Who is she?”

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.

“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.

“My soul mate.”

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. Poor Sky. I think I know what happened at the end of their story. 

Or maybe it hasn’t ended yet, 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?”

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.”

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. 

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. 

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. Obviously, Ryne. I said to him, “I’d like to know more about her.”

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.”

That’s so sweet. 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.”

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.

“Is she British?”

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, really look at me. Not like he was reliving his past – a bittersweet past, it seems. 

“You’ve been waiting for me to tell you about this, haven’t you?” 

I shrugged one shoulder, unsure how to answer. “Sort of.” he just smiled and turned to my feet, massaging them again.

           This situation is turning my world upside down.

Chapter 26: Them again

Chapter 26: Them again (Wattpad)

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. 

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 – really, 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?”

“Shush, Ryne. I’m doing it right. How the devil Xavia did this – ”

“Well, can’t you call her?”

He shook his head no. “Her line’s being monitored. She’ll call me when he has a new phone.”

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?”

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?” 

“Yeah, I do.”

He smiled and said, “I’ll just fix this mess, and we’ll be away god speed.”

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 exposed. 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.

“What’s wrong?”

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.”

-

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.

“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 is fucking wrong.” The man looked Sky in the eye. 

“Now don’t you go falling in love with her – I’ll have your head the instant you do.”

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. 

-

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?”

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,

“Mr. La Brea? Excuse me sir, can you hear me?”

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. 

Sky grabbed my arm then wheeled around. “Sir? Excuse me, are you all right?”

Leather. Everywhere. Scattered around, blending in with the unsuspecting civilians. 

“Get the fuck down, Ryne, before – ”

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 so 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, “Go boy! Run!” 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.

Blood, I’m sure.

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.

“Fuck.” 

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.

“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.”

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.

-

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. Fuck. Being unconscious while having a head injury – not good. He killed the men already, but the lone woman. Damn her to pieces. Sky poked his head out of his cover of the front desk and fired a shot. He missed.

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. Calm. Keep calm. 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. 

He fired another shot at the woman and this time, hit her on the leg. Thank God. 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. 

“Look at me. Ryne, look at me. 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. 

Only it wasn’t there.

His arms came around Ryne instantly, turning his head around for the damned woman. A familiar voice echoed through the rubble,

“She left. With her tail between her legs like the coward she is.”

Xavia.

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; Act now, talk later. 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.

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.

Chapter 12: Computer Friend

Chapter 12: Computer friend (Wattpad)

I woke up properly this time. Wednesday, I thought. I looked for my glasses and found a clock on the bed side table, 9:00 am. When I faced my right side, all I saw was a messed up blanket and sheets. I jumped of the bed, got a pair of comfy slippers and went out of the bedroom.

What I saw on the sitting room was the last thing I ever thought of finding. There were high levels gadgets, everywhere. And spying devices, that kind of stuff. Then there were the two sets of laptops and PCs. Where the hell did all of this come from? Then piled orderly on the top of a low cabinet were guns of all shapes and sizes. 

I do not like this at all.

"Good morning." Sky greeted me, green eyes smiling lively. He was having a cup of coffee. And he wasn't alone. Beside him was a friendly looking blonde, who was having a coffee the same as Sky. They were at the round table at the middle of the room, with Dash chewing something that looked like a boomerang once, Sky said to me; "Ryne, this is Imah, Imah, Ryne." he introduced, complete with hand gestures. I went to sit with them, Dash licking my ankles and barking. Imah looks like the complete opposite of the grey-eyed woman from yesterday. She has her hair in a bun, but she didn't look severe by doing it. She looks neat and presentable and very smart. And in case, you're wondering, her name is pronounced "eem-ma." Such an unusual name, I thought. Then she smiled at me.

"Hello, Ryne! Sky told me all about you, that I feel as if we're friends already!" she said cheerfully. "No need to shake my hand, I don't like formalities." she laughed lightly. "And I really love your dog! He is so cuddly and well trained. Dash is his name right?"

Wow. She really is friendly. I looked at Sky and he caught my expression and said, "Don't be shy. Imah's always like this." he smiled. I faced her.

"Sky told you about me?" I asked tentatively.

"All about you! I didn't know your favourite food is - " Sky interrupted her.

"I did not tell you all about her. I just told you that - "

"Same thing Sky." Imah laughed. He rolled his eyes. He faced me.

"I'll make you a cup of coffee while you two talk about me behind my back, all right?" I chuckled.

"Thanks." I said. Then he went to the location of the kitchen and Imah turned to me quickly.

"So", she said, her eyes glittering. "I heard you have a boyfriend. Is that true?" I blushed then responded.

"Yeah. His name is Carsh."

"So Sky wasn't lying?!" she said, surprised. "He told me the exact same thing. Carsh Meyers, right?" she asked, but didn't wait for an answer.

"He even described him to me, but I didn't believe him." for some reason, she looked disappointed.

"Uhmm, why do you look so disappointed?" She seemed to hesitate and curled her finger around a strand of her hair on the side of her face.

"Well, I was kind of hoping that Sky would like you and vice versa, so - " She stopped speaking as soon as we head him coming.

"Done backstabbing me?" he asked good-naturedly ash he set down my cup of coffee in front of me and sat down. I couldn't believe what I just heard. That's about the stupidest thing I have ever heard! I suddenly felt homesick as I noticed the color of Imah's eyes. Blue. Like Carsh's. I miss him so much. He would be wondering where I am now, call my phone a million times and find out I wasn't home when he returns from his family trip. I looked around the place - guns, gadgets. I don't belong here.

I heard Imah respond, "We weren't talking about you, moron. We talked about girl stuff." she looked at me.

"And if you don't believe me, then ask Ryne." she said convincingly.

"Fine, I believe you. But please learn to keep your mouth shut." he said, sipping his coffee. Imah didn't respond, she just scratched Dash behind the ears. I turned to Sky "Do you have something worth hiding, then?" I asked, smiling. Imah laughed.

"Yeah, he does! You're a smart one, Ryne." then she looked at Sky, "Hey! I can blackmail you now!" She giggled, with Dash on her lap.

"Blackmail me, later. tell her what you need to tell her before I throw you out." Imah pouted. "Fine" she muttered. Then she turned to me. "What he meant is I will be your computer friend from now on." she said.

"Computer friend?" I asked, confused.

She smiled. "Yeah, computer friend. I make sure no one finds the both of you while you're out there and I tell you which place is safe, if you have an enemy in the vicinity, etc." Sky looked at her. "You forgot to tell her the most important one." Then Imah sat up straight. "Oh right! I get to do all of those things through computers and I just tell you both through comm devices!"

"Not that one!"

"Which - OH. yeah. I also make sure that you don't escape." she looked at me, sympathetic. "I'm sorry, Ryne. But we have to do this. You'll thank us once this is all done, trust me." then she smiled at me. I heard that before.

"So", I said, "this crazy thing will go until...?" she looked excited as she said,

"FOREVER!"

Sky choked on his coffee. And I felt as if the world's going to end tomorrow.

"Are you serious?"

"She's not!" said Sky, still coughing. He gave her a look that said bugger off. Imah laughed and said, "You two are so serious! Come on! Now wonder you don't get along pretty well." Then she drank her coffee leisurely.

Sky turned to me."Don't mind her. She's always like that. I think her mom dropped her when she was a baby." She ignored him "Anyway, it's only for a few months. You may get to spend your birthday being on the run from killers, though." he told me.

Wait. "How did you know when my birthday is?" I asked him suspiciously. Imah popped up before Sky even opened his mouth.

"Because you have the same birthday!" God. That is not true.

"Imah, shut up." Sky said.

"Well, it's true! Do you expect me to lie?" she defended herself. What the hell?

I asked them both. "Are you telling me that your birthday" I looked at him. "is on the 15th of November too?" I asked skeptically. Who could blame me?! It's a million odds to one that you and your kidnapper/protector/whatever has the same date of birth.

Imah siad, "Yes! Tell her, Sky! Remember that one birthday of yours where we tried to push you off a bridge - "

"You what?!" I exclaimed.

She laughed. "Oh yes! It was hilarious!" Sky rubbed his temples. "You two are giving me a headache. And, yes. We have the same birthday. Happy, Imah?"

"I'm always happy!" she said.

"Just explain to her what happens now, so you can go along." I suddenly felt sad. Imah's leaving? "You're not going to stay?" I asked her.

"No I'm sorry." she didn't look happy for once. "I'm useless with guns and I won't be able to help you much if I travel with you. I'll have to stay through comm devices, like i said earlier." She gave me a comm device in a little plastic with a closed seal.

"I'll be able to talk to you using this - " she started to explain. But then I said,

"I know how it works, you don't have to explain." I told her.

"Ah yes. Sorry. I forgot." Forgot what? I scrutinized the both of them.

"Why do I get the feeling that you know a lot of stuff about me?" I said.

For the first time, Sky beat Imah to the punch.

"Because we do."

Chapter 11: Bed problem

Chapter 11: Bed problem (Wattpad)

We had a light dinner, courtesy of room service, and cleaned up for the night. There were two large bathrooms in the suite, so we were washing up at the same time. The real problem came afterwards.

There was only one bed. Sure, it was a big sized bed, but still. It's one bed. I was wearing Sky's big shirt and okay-sized shorts. I looked at him in his own similar attire.

"So how do we do this?" I asked

"Do what?"

"Where do we sleep?" I answered as if my life depended on it. He looked at me weirdly.

"The bed, of course." he said as if it's the most normal thing in the world. He looked at the said object.

"Huge isn't it?" I ignored his comment and asked another question.

"So we're going to sleep together?"

"Yeah. Is something wrong with that? I don't snore." he protested.

Where did all the pervertedness go? I wondered. Or maybe he is just tired. He did do a lot of things a lot this day.

"No, it's alright. Just stay away as far away from me as possible, okay?"

"Actually, I can't control my body when I'm sleeping, so I can't promise you that." he said as he was making his way to the bed.

"Whatever Sky."

"Uh, Ryne? I don't think you would like to hear this but," he spread out a blanket. "there's only one blanket too."

This is not possible.

I went over to him and rummaged for the other blanket. There was none. Sky looked at me.

"Why are you so against sharing stuff with me? I won't eat you, you know."

"It's not that. Let's just get some sleep okay? You look like you've been through hell and back." I turned off the light and went to my left side of the bed. I felt incredibly relaxed as I lay down on the warm sheet and covered myself with the thick blanket. I placed my glasses on the bedside table and heard Sky do the same. Dash was outside sleeping on the unbelievably wide rug.

"Sweet dreams." he said

"Yeah you too." That was sarcastic.

I woke up in the middle of the night. I just can't sleep, maybe because I already took a nap at the car earlier. I decided to check on Dash, just in case. But when I tried to move, I immediately found that I couldn't. It was then I noticed that someone had their arm around my torso. Oh no. You have to be kidding me. I thought to myself.

I tried to twist around my head and found it impossible, too. This is crazy! He had his head buried in my hair at the back of my head. I couldn't move an inch. I tried my damnest to move away, only to be pressed closer to him and as if he's awake, he hooked his leg around my waist. This is insane.

"Sky?" I tried to say, then I cleared my throat and tried again,

            "Sky you're squeezing me to death" He mumbled something I couldn't catch and did not respond. I sighed in resignation. At least he's not conscious, I thought. And no one, no one has to know about this. I tried to go back to sleep and succeeded miraculously.