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 28: 15th of October

Chapter 28: 15th of October (Wattpad)

            

           Part I:     

    

            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. Helping him. Lord God. 

“I said the red one, what are you – ”

“There are too many wires! How am I supposed to know what I’m holding?”

“Well, then. Let’s do it again.”

“We’ve been trying for eternity – ”

“You’re impossible. I even help you build my own prison – ”

He grunted, nudging my back with his shoulder. “Let’s take a break.”

“Give up, you mean.”

He scowled at me. “Fine. I give up. Happy?”

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.

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 – ”

“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.”

Oh, okay. He’s officially insane.

“Climb what?” I asked, surprised.

“On my back. It’s easier that way. And you do want to eat, right? Come on.” he urged.

“What if you fall?” I asked and he laughed loudly, filling the room with light. “That was funny.” he said.

“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.

“We can just stay like this forever, if you like.”

I laughed, placing my chin on his shoulder. “Let’s go, horsey.”

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.

“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.”

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 more surprised when I recall the exact date today.

“Err, it’s the 14^th of October.” 

“Exactly!” he replied, all smiles.

“Our birthday’s on the 15^th. Of next month, may I add.” This guy never seems to run out of energy and ideas. “But, tomorrow is the 15^th! The day of our birthdate!” I laughed in spite of myself. He’s such a child.

‘You sound like you’re four.”

“I’m serious. Aren’t you glad that you met me?” Now that, is a hard question. “Uhmm. That question is…” Sky pulled off his puppy dog eyes and oh my God. It’s heart-breaking. 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’m cute. You will give me free stuff.

 

Nobody can say ‘no’ to that face. 

This damned trick is effective and he knows it. 

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.”

            He winked at me, care-free and confident as always. “Trust me, Ryne. I have a good feeling that you’ll like this one.”


           Part II:

As all things in life, this supposed  “surprise” has a catch – I have to stay in the bedroom until Sky says otherwise. I mean, he lost his mind! This is against human rights, this definitely is. 

“How the hell am I supposed to eat?” I screamed, as he dragged me to the bedroom.

“Just call out to me. I’ll give you what you want, but not too much, okay?” he replied calmly. 

“I thought I told you that I don’t want it en grandé?”

“It won’t be.” he said, putting me down the bed. “I won’t lock you in, because I have a heart – ”

“A black one, I think – ”

“But Zombie will guard the door for me – ”

“Dash won’t follow you!” I said, outraged. “He’s mine!” He smiled slightly and raised an eyebrow. He turned to the direction on the open doorway and whistled.

Dash came trotting to him instantly.

I stared at my dog, mouth open. “Dash?” He turned his furry head to me, and his eyes seemed to be laughing. 

“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.

Great. This is just dandy.

I can’t resist calling out to him, through the closed door, “I thought you had a heart!” 

“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, traitor. 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. 

An hour later

“Let me out!”

“Just a few more minutes, I promise. Everything seems to be just perfect – ”

“So why am I still here?” I yelled back irritably. It’s been an hour. Hour. 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 assume they’re plates. I mean, what else could it be? - and other metal. I admit, I am 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. 

“Err, why do you look so excited?”

He smiled hugely. “You’ll love this. I don’t know how I did it but – ”

“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. What the – who does he think he is?! I glared at him.

“I am not going – ”

His face turned to extreme pleading in a mini-second. “Please, Ryne. I worked so hard for this, I want it to be perfect – ”

“It’s the same when I don’t put that thing on – ”

“It’s not!” he said, “Please, Ryne. Please. Just this one time – ”

“Fine! 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. 

“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.”

“Normally?”

“Yes, normally.” I can sense him smiling and he continued speaking, “We’re almost to the door – ”

“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.

“Oh my God, what was that – ”

“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?” 

“The, uhhm, normal walk.” I responded, wanting nothing more than to remove this thing hindering me.

“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 light bulbs, more like small fires, if that makes sense. Sky seems to be shaking with excitement. He said, “Feel anything?”

I hesitated then replied, “It’s… warm.” he seemed to be bursting now as he moved his hands to mine as grasped them. 

“Promise me you won’t have a heart attack when we open your eyes, okay?” Mother of God. 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. 

Whoa.

The room is absolutely unrecognizable and stunning. There were white bowls full of water and red roses everywhere. 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 lavender. How the hell can you get that smell from those 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. It’s perfect. 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.

“Advance happy birthday.”

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 hour?” But he ignored me and his eyes became anxious as he watched out for my reaction.  

“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 – ”

“It’s perfect!” I said delightfully. His eyes were the size of saucers. “Really?” 
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 – ”

My jaw dropped. “What happened to being safe – ”

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.”

“Xavia?”

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.

It’s a book.

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.

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,

Ryne,

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.

Your friend,

Xavia

P.S. – I hope you like my gift. And please get better soon.

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?” 

“You know, that word which –  ” 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.”

“His face turned to one of guilt. Very subtle. “I didn’t demand, I just – ”  I cut min off, “Yes, I know you’re guilty.” 

“I demanded a gift for you, okay?”

 Do. Not. Blush.

“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?”

“Shaking?”

I pursed my lips. “You shook your head – I saw that – ”

“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,

“You know what? It rather suites me; the roses and all – ”

“Oh yeah. Mr. Perfect.” I looked at the package from my hands. “And this is from… ?” 

“From Imah.”

Imah. I quickly tore off the wrapper and got out my gift. An iPad. Seriously? 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, 

Dearest Ryne,

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.

Affectionately,

Imah

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. 

“What kind of games are in there?”

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?” A good lot of things. “That you shouldn’t shout on the phone when you’re talking to her –  ”

“I didn’t really shout at her!” he protested, face crestfallen. “What is wrong with them? I just asked a gift for you –  ”

“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.”

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.” 

He smiled at me. “Yeah. Except you.”

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.

“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. 

            “Told you he’s part zombie.”