Chapter 39: The call

Chapter 39: The call (Wattpad)

Part I: 

He drove away like the hounds of hell itself were after us. His tensed muscles only relaxed when we were completely away from the goddamned place – the landscapes outside were now different from earlier even in the dark night. I looked at the clock on the dashboard. 6:30pm.

I heard him stop the engine right in the middle of the road. And before I could even react, he turned to me and reached out his hand I violently shook it off with my shoulder, no looking at him. 

“Don’t touch me.”

“I need to uncuff you – ”

“Why don’t you just start acting like a real kidnapper this time?”

“I – I won’t do that. You don’t have to be – ”

“Just shut the fuck up and do what you’re supposed to do.”

He sighed and I sensed that he wanted to say more but nonetheless, he started the engine again and started driving. I twisted my wrists, trying to stretch them through the cuffs. Even Dash seemed to notice that something’s wrong.

I shook my head. I didn’t even know who I really am these past 17 years. Seventeen years. All these things I’ve been doing had been false, fake, a façade. A lie. My eyebrows pinched together and tears gathered in my eyes. Sky looked at me, his eyes tortured.

“Ryne, I – ”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” 

His voice choked as he answered back, “I was afraid that you’d hate me and – ”

“And you kept that from me?”

He spun the car and positioned it haphazardly, parking it in a hurry and he didn’t make the trouble of turning off the engine this time.

“What did you expect me to do? If you were in my position – ”

“I would fucking tell the truth the second I’ve handcuffed you – ”

“You weren’t supposed to know!”

“But not doing it later? After all these days that you – ”

“It wasn’t easy!”

“I never said anything about it being easy! If only you told me, it would save us a lot of lies and misery and – ”

“I fell in love with you before I could do anything, okay?”

He pounded the steering wheel in frustration, his tendons exposing. “And by then I just knew this would happen; you hating me – ”

“What do you want me to feel?” I raged at him, finally facing him and looking at his torn and tortured features. “Do you want me to be happy because this happened?”

He tore his hair out, breathing in and said right back, “I want you to understand!”

“I understand completely – ”

“No, you don’t! You have no idea what I’ve been going through! After Sam was killed – ”

“That’s what you always say! Sam! Even when you’re sleeping, you just have to – ”

“I’m trying to explain to you! Why don’t – ”

“And then you tell me that you love me? You see her, not me – ”

“You’re the only one I see!”

“No! You – you don’t – ” I paused, catching my breath. “I don’t know what to do, okay? I don’t even know what to feel. So please, just – ” I sighed, my voice shaking. “Just leave me along right now.”

He breathed in and looked away. He didn’t say yes, he didn’t nod, but he stayed silent, granting my wish in an instant. Then he relaxed his head, “Let’s just find a place to stay for the night.” And he slowly started driving again, seeming not in a hurry. I stared blankly on the outside view. 

I want out.


           Wednesday, 7am

I had no idea when I started falling asleep inside the car. But now I started blinking my eyes open and breathed in. The air felt different. And for some reason I found myself lying on a bed. With different clothes on. I sighed a little, not bothering anymore and slowly getting used to it. Aside from that, I now had bandages on my body and some Band-Aids on me, as well. I found and put on my glasses automatically and scanned the area. There was no sofa.

He was there. In a sitting position with his back on the wall. He also had bandages on him and a Band-Aid on the cut below his lower lip. And he was deeply in sleep. I looked at him and bit my lip.

What am I supposed to do?

Now that the events of last night had come and gone, I gave the gist of it to register in my brain in a more welcoming manner.

So my mother is Danae.

Not Leia.

I’m quite surprised, but I actually wondered what she looked like. And I had the feeling that somehow, it was from her where I got my chocolate brown eyes. I just…know. 

And my father id Ryan. Ryan Cavanagh. Our names are so much alike. I remember on my childhood days, when my classmates teased me because of my almost-male name. But the fact that it’s a combination of Danae and Ryan gave me a different feeling.

I just haven’t figured out what feeling that is yet.

My heart throbbed as I remembered the parents I’ve grown up with. They’re the ones who really formed me and nothing, nothing, can ever take that back. But when my mind wandered back to the names from yesterday who seemed to be in my generation – Alexa, Colleen, Mark and Trisha – I felt slightly apprehensive. What do they look like? Do they act like me? My lips were pursed as I thought of Mark. I’ve always wanted a big brother. And Trisha.

She died.

It would’ve been wonderful to have a little sibling – I’ve never experienced having one in my life.

I was stirred from my daydreaming when out of the corner of my eye, Sky started waking up. He rubbed his sleep-filled eyes and stretched himself awake, eyes landing one me instantly. He didn’t say anything, he just stood up. Then he said without coming near me, “I didn’t think you’d like it if I slept…yeah.” He bit his lip and continued speaking, “There’s already everything if you need it. If you don’t want to ask me, just look for it.”

He didn’t wait for my reply but started walking towards the door and shutting the door behind him, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I sighed and dropped back to the bed. This feeling of entrapment is killing me.

I got out of the bed and stepped lightly on my feet, glancing around to find the bags. It was a slight shock when I saw the old, tattered ones at the floor at the foot of the bed. I walked briskly towards it and zipped it open, expecting the old set of things I always bring with me when we transfer hotels.

The first items that greeted me as my backpack was opened, was the snow globe. Surprisingly, the beautiful castle was still intact in the middle of the globe and the snow was still flowing up and down. And then there was the four-lettered name in sky blue writing.

I’m such a whiny drama queen.

I squat on the floor, almost laughing to myself. Laughing at your worst problems is easier than mourning about them. I shook the globe and watched as the snow fluffed around the castle. In some ways, it’s better being inside that miniature kingdom.

The bedroom door suddenly opened and there was Sky, standing a few steps away from me, fully-clothed,

Where was he going?

He walked towards me and held out a folder. “I have a copy of everything from the briefcase.” I took it from him as he continued speaking. “You can take a look at it – you might want to before I take you to them.”

Wait. “You’re taking me to them? Like, today?” He shook his head in response. “No. But within these three days, I will.” I stood up and asked him hesitantly, “Where are you going?” his voice was steady as he answered, “He might want to replace me for someone else.” 

Replace?

“What do you mean ‘replace’?” I asked in an almost demanding voice. He shrugged lifelessly. “Replace – substitute.” What? “Why?”

Then his green eyes were fixed on me instantly. “You know why. I told you in the first place.” I blinked, puzzled. He did? My eyebrows drew in confusion, so he elaborated. “That day after what happened in the car.” My eyes widened in realization, then I had a flashback –

We were sitting on the sofa during the blackout.

“You don’t understand.” He said, shaking his head slightly. “And by the way,” he looked up into my eyes. “Mr. Mafia told me not to fall in love you.” He smiled gently. “But to hell with it.”

I came back to the present as he asked me, “You remember, don’t you?” 

I nodded soundlessly. “And that one day, too. When you said you’d prefer your head being attached to your neck?” 

“That was a figure of speech, but yes. He did mean that.” No. He can’t mean that. “So you’re going now?” he raised an eyebrow at the question, “Do you want me to?”

“No – no, I just – ” I responded hastily but I was stopped by the look on his eyes. It was a look of total surrender. I was just about to ask him what it is when he spoke up. “After you read the file, you can call him if you want. Your grandfather.” 

“I can call him?” I asked in a disbelieving voice, my mouth almost gaping open. Sky smiled slightly in endearment. “Yes, you can.” he answered, still smiling. “Just tell me, I’ll be outside if you want to stay here – ”

“Stay here? I – ”

“Yes?”

I stared at those emeralds, which were both hoping and dreading for an answer and I almost stepped forward, but I held my ground. I answered, “Yes, I’ll just stay.”

He nodded once and walked out of the door for the second time.


           Part II:

Do you know that awkward moment when you feel like someone has been viewing your life since you were fucking born? When they know every single thing about you that you even forgot yourself. 

I feel like it when I read the file, now after taking a quick bath and with Dash dozing outside, leaving me alone with my thoughts. They know every detail of my life! They even know how many moles I have on my head and, oh right. My head is completely covered by my hair, so I have no idea how many there are.

It says here five. Like, how the fuck did they know that?

And the other pages contain my childhood years – actually, it’s one page per year and there were pictures. That’s the worst part. And they even know what my favourite things are.

And that’s just intrusive.

This is ridiculous. They have got to be kidding me.

There are even names of my friends – and the fake ones, too – and I was surprised to find out that Carsh had one page, complete with a picture of him and the details, as well. The Terminator had a page dedicated to her, too. Now the Terminator, I know almost everything there is to know about her. My eyes were drawn to the image of Carsh. As I read his page, my fingers skimmed downwards and then I read the last information. 

With Mia Lorette. 

I scowled as I read it twice. I can’t believe he just found another one like I was nothing. If he really loved me, he wouldn’t do that, right? If I really meant something to him, he wouldn’t just run off to find another one, wouldn’t he? His angelic face was staring back at me in the photo, his clear blue eyes smiling. I remembered once when I first saw him eye to eye, I fell or that azure colour. But when he talked to me, we just clicked.

Where’s the fucking click now?

I threw away the paper in frustration. If I held it for one more second, I might actually crumple it. And right then, I remembered that Sky gave a picture of Carsh three days ago. I sighed, annoyed.

I’ll get rid of it later.

After I finished reading every single thing about me to date, I flipped the page and when I did, I was surprised to find out a woman’s face on the next page. She has elegant features like royalty. And her eyes. She has chocolate brown eyes.

My mother.

I sat up straighter. Name – Danae. And her nickname is Dani. I smiled a little bit and proceeded reading. She loved books, too. And on the picture, she has black hair. So that means I must’ve got my hair colour from my father. She engages in sports, too. That’s the only thing we haven’t got in common, I think. Everything else I’ve inherited from her. Except the looks, of course – she’s much too beautiful. Even better than Xavia. And I didn’t get my temper from her either.

She has a horrible temper. From what I gathered from reading about her, her husband Ryan seemed to take the blunt of her fury on a bad day. But surprisingly, he handled it well. I bet he was the only one who can calm him down. Why else would they marry?

Feeling energized, I turned to the next. Oh, God. It’s like I’m looking at the male version of me. He’s a lot older than 17, but all the same. Wow.

Ryan Cavanagh.

So this is my dad. I was practically cloned from him. But the similarities stopped right there. In personality, he is nothing like me. He is outgoing, always jolly, active in sports and stranger-friendly. A complete smile is now on my face as I turned another page. Mark Cavanagh. He is attractive in a strange way. There’s something about his face that just draws people. Then I scanned the information and found the perfect word.

Charisma.

My older brother is a charismatic guy who draws women effortlessly. That’s just what I summed up from the article. Then a sudden chord struck me. Struck me hard. I remembered Xavia and her reaction on that day in the car when she and Imah went away.

So this is the guy Xavia had a thing with. God help them.

And then there was Trisha. In the image, she’s just about 5 years old. I skipped the other brief details about her and read the one I’m looking for.

Death – 2nd of March (classified year)

Then I read the cause. They’ve been ambushed in their vacation house. Mark being the eldest one had to take care of the family business and was not included in the murder.

And then there’s me.

In a weird way, I feel like I fit in.

I heard a knock on the door and Sky poked his head in, he’s on the phone and he seemed distracted. I instinctively got off the bed and shot him a quizzical look as he walked towards me, speaking to the person on the other line.

“Yes, sir. Here she is.”

Sky handed me his cellular phone – a different one – and as I held out my hand to put it in my ear, he mouthed, your grandfather.

My eyes widened almost instantly and my heart rate increased considerably. I put the phone on my ear, hearing the sounds from the other location. I held my breath, keeping my head together. I said hesitantly, “Hello?”

“Ryne?”

The second I heard his voice, something clicked. I responded, still unsure. “Yes, it’s me. Uhm, Grandpa?”

I heard his hearty chuckle and even Sky smiled. “Yes, you can call me that. So how are you, my dear?” as he talked to me, Sky put his hands on my shoulders and steered me towards the bed, both of us sitting down.

“I’m fine.”

“How’s La Brea treating you?” I looked at the person in question. “We get along well, actually.”

“Too well, I fear.” I barely took to notice that his accent is a strange mix of American and Russian as we talked about Sky. Speaking of, Sky arched an eyebrow as the both of us continued speaking. “Uhm, it’s really very complicated to talk about that right now. We – ” 

“I told him not to tell you. I’m sorry for that, my child. You must understand that I had to do everything in my power to keep you safe.” 

“I understand.”

“So you know everything?” For some reason, his voice didn’t sound annoyed or irritated. He even sounded welcoming, open-minded. “Yes. Sky let me read the file.” I could tell that he knew I would find out.

“I knew this would happen at one point. Nothing but the truth comes out, eh?” I laughed lightly. “Yes. I suppose.”

“I take it that you’ve read about your parent and siblings already?”

“And myself, yes.” He laughed at my response. “You’ve got my son’s sense of humour. Well, that’s a relief.” he paused talking and I heard muffled voices at the other end of the line, then he spoke to me again. “Ryne, my dear, I’m a little tied up here. I’ll call you later again and we’ll do a hell of a catching up, okay?” I hesitated before answering back – there is something I really want to ask from him. More like a favour. “Uhm, Grandpa? If it’s not much to ask, can I have a favour?”

“Anything at all! Go ahead, darling. You can abuse me around for all the 17 years of my absence.” I laughed nervously. You’re the granddaughter of a Mafia king, Ryne. You can do this, you’re awesome. 

“Can – can Sky stay?”

Sky looked like he’d been electrocuted and the person on the other line paused in surprise. “I’m sorry?”

“Can he stay?”

There was another pause, shorter this time.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea – ”

“Please?” I begged shamelessly, looking into Sky’s eyes as he held my hand and he kissed it, his gaze never leaving mine and the shell-shocked look still on his face. 

“Ryne, my dear, I’m going to ask you a question and I want to answer honestly.” I bit my lip. “I think I know what it is, but it’s better if you say it word by word.” I added hastily, “I think.”

“Do you love him?”

I gave a strangled laugh as I looked at his face.

            “I do.”

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.”

Chapter 23: Monopoly cookies

Chapter 23: Monopoly cookies (Wattpad)

Xavia left more than an hour ago, leaving Sky watching a war movie and me soaking on the tub in a warm bath. I felt incredibly clean and relaxed as I changed my clothes – rather, Sky’s big clothes; I actually didn’t have the leisure of packing for this supposedly great adventure. I sat next to Sky at the couch, his eyes were glued to the screen and he was leaning forward slightly. It’s like he was on the war field himself or something. For the first time ever, he didn’t feel my stare burn through him. 

            Or maybe he did. Sort of.

            He’s worse than my Dad when watching these kinds of movies. Like, with every shot of gun and a cannon fired he moves closer and closer to the television screen. 

            “Sky, sit properly or you’ll get sucked in the tv.” he said,”Shh!” complete with hand gestures. I rolled my eyes and leaned on the back of the couch, feeling my still-damp hair and moving to a squatting postion.

            “I can’t believe –  ”

            “Shh!”

            That’s just plain rude! I thought, aghast. I was going to give him a compliment! A bloody compliment. Why do the testosterone-filled human beings enjoy these kinds of movies anyway? People just kill each other for no reason – it’s really downright depressing. No offense to the people out there, of course.

            “I was just going to say that – ”

            “Shh!” he said again. 

            Okay, that’s it. “Don’t you know any word besides – ”

            “Shut up, Ryne!” he replied in hushed tones. “They’re going to kill him…” his voice trailed away as his attention grew slack. 

            “That’s what the movie’s about, anyway. People just kill each other and – ” he started opening his mouth but I beat him to the punch. “Yeah, I know. Shh.”

            Five more minutes of Sky’s crazy attitude and the movie itself, I gave up. I stood up and was a half-step to the kitchen when Sky caught my wrist. How he did that while still being hypnotized by the screen was admittedly awesome. But because he was Sky freaking La Brea, he quickly changed my opinion about it. He said,

            “Where are you going? You know you’re not allowed to – ”

            “The kitchen, Sky.” Really. He wasn’t even looking at me while speaking and then he just had the guts to – “No. Who knows what you might to in there – ”

            “What? Do you think I’m too stupid that I’ll stab myself to see if it would work or – ”

            He shook his head slightly at my answer and responded, “We both know that you’re kind of smart. No need to flaunt it – ”

            “I wasn’t! I was just going to the kitchen for God’s sake.” My voice came out rather irritated. But, seriously. It’s his fault.

            “Running for valedictorian? Honor student? Yeah, Ryne, that’s you. This movie’s almost over. Just wait and we can go there together.” This guy needs help. Lots of it. 

            “So you’ll just force me to just stand here – ”

            “Of course you can sit down. You’re just making this more difficult.”

            “I am not, for the last time. I just want to go to the – ”

            “Do you want to see my handcuffs again? We should baptize him, you know, and – ” I cut him off with “Damn you.” I sat back down on the couch forcibly and tried to focus on the movie playing. Honestly, I did! But it doesn’t make much sense because I started at the last part. But I’m sure which part of the ancient history it belongs to – World War III. It’s not really ancient, but you know, it’s water under the bridge. 

            I tried to scan my surroundings instead of the film. The room looked stuffy – it feels like it, too – but it’s a comfortable kind of stuffy. The curtains were closed as always, making the room dim. Aside from the light of the television and the reading lamp, the room was in semi-darkness. The shapes and structure were impressive but I need to eat. It’s my calling. I gave Sky ten more minutes. Ten more and that’s it.

            After fifteen minutes – fifteen! What happened to the plan? – I was sure I was going to die of boredom.

            “Err, Sky? I thought you said it was already finishing up.” He just patted my knee repeatedly. “Almost there, almost there.” I almost groaned in frustration. I’ll bet he was talking more to the television than me when he said that. Five minutes, I thought. He has no right to starve me. 

            I was feeling pretty good at myself – patience is a virtue, right? Though, the third minute came and went, I grew sleepy. I was seriously considering the handcuffs right now. At least I can eat. My eyes closed again and it was just the perfect position for dozing off. One does not simply sneeze all day and not be exhausted. Slowly my mind entered the unconscious state, my head lolling on the side. Then I suddenly heard, 

            “That was epic!”

 

            I felt myself jolted back to reality, body startled and heart beating frantically. I scowled at him. “Yeah nice work, Sky.” with my hand on my chest to feel my heart, as if to calm it down.

            “Oops. Sorry.”

            I rolled my eyes, again, and stood up. “Fake apology accepted. Come on, we need – ”

            “That wasn’t fake!” he defended, turning the tv set off.

 “We still need to eat. All I had was ice cream.” I started walking briskly to the kitchen, with him behind me. When we were inside, he raised an eyebrow at me quizzically. 

“Do you even know how to cook?” 

That’s the worst insult ever.

“Of course I do!” he only chuckled at my fuming and at my response. He put both hands at the back of my shoulders and steered me to a high chair. “How about you watch the pro first, what do you think?”

“I’m not the one to boast, but I’ve fed myself for the last five years. Not to mention I have Dash.”

“This isn’t about your cooking skills, Ryne. It’s about mine and I honestly owe you one – I forgot to let you eat, your flu – ”

“Speaking of flu,” I replied happily. “I think it’s gone.”

“It is.” Maybe it’s because of Xav.” he said randomly, pulling out pans, plates and a spatula. I turned my chair side to side, feeling like a kid. “Yeah. With a face like that, she could cure cancer.”

He laughed. “You should’ve seen the list of all the guys madly in love with her.” he shook his head in obvious admiration, while turning the stove on and started searching for the ingredients. ”She doesn’t like any one of them, though.”

“She doesn’t? Why?” I asked, perplexed. A person like her must’ve been in more than one relationship, or five. Sky just shrugged, flipping the oil bottle in the air and catching it repeatedly. “Xavia Walsh has someone else in mind.” he turned his back on me then, pouring oil and started sorting the other ingredients for the dish. I stared at the back of his head, mouth open.

“Xavia likes you?” That’s just so - shocking! I mean, if they had babies, they would be like cherubs straight from the gates of heaven. God, have mercy. They’re too perfect for each other.

“She, err, told me about it.” he vaguely answered. Honestly. A blind person could tell that he was lying. I said to him, “Sky, please don’t insult me. I know that you know that I know that you’re lying.” he stopped his spatula, posed in mid-air. 

“You know that what?”

            “You’re lying! That’s the point.” I answered. “She didn’t tell you – Xavia doesn’t seem like that kind of person. She probably –”   

            “Ryne! Will you just… stop?” he finished meekly. Oh my God. I knew it. “What did she do exactly?” I asked, piqued. 

            “Why in the world are you asking?” he complained, obviously wanting to change the topic. “I can’t cook properly with you hounding on my back – ”

            “I’m just curious! Who wouldn’t be? And I don’t have other means of entertainment, so – ”

            “It’s private, okay?” I can sense that talking about it made him feel really uneasy, maybe even nervous, and I felt more and more intrigued. If only there was some way that he could tell me – Oh. Yes. Yes, there is. I thought evilly. This is going to work perfectly.

            “I wonder what Mr. Mafia would say if he saw us right now.” As soon as I said the magic word, he froze. I smiled triumphantly, though he couldn’t see it. Nevertheless, he answered, “His main priority is to keep you safe and you can’t exactly escape now.” That is true, sadly. Before leaving, Xavia tinkered with the door and connected it to a monitored password com on the wall right next to the door. I sighed in mock sadness. But maybe not that mock, but whatever.

            “Yeah, you’re right. I wish I could have a bit more fun, though. I can give him a good feedback and – ”

            He finally turned around to face me, his eyes tortured. “You’re a devil, you are.” I just laughed at my victory and prodded him to spill everything. He continued cooking, the sounds of clinking metals echoed in the small kitchen of the suite. 

            “Well? I’m waiting.”

            He hesitated for a minute more before he tried to answer. “Xav and I were alone then – her friends left to see something, a movie, I think. And, uhh…”

            “That’s it, go on.” I said, encouraging him. I told you one of my best qualities was being nosy, didn’t I?”

            He covered the pan with the lid and faced me, his hands on the countertop. I didn’t have any idea of what he was cooking but it smells delicious. Soon. Sky tried again,

            “She told me some things – ”

“What things?”

He actually groaned. “Please don’t make this harder than it already is, I beg you.” I felt so gifted at that moment. He continued, “She told me things, and before I could respond, she – she – ”  I can see beads of sweat on his forehead from where I’m sitting. Good God, I’ve never seen him like this before.

“She kissed you, didn’t she?”

His face flushed. “I don’t know why the hell you are entertained at my personal expense.” he turned back to the stove. “Show’s over.” 

“You like her, don’t you?”

He whirled at me. “No, I don’t! She’s like a little sister to me. I don’t reciprocate her feelings.” I pursed my lips at that. I knew it wasn’t exactly true. I heard their laughing earlier and nobody can deny that Sky likes his “little sister.” Or maybe it’s just me. 

I felt myself frown. I suddenly felt very alone right then. I stifled the urge to sigh and forced my tone to be upbeat. “What are you cooking?”

“Enchiladas. And I got some Monopoly cookies.”

“Monopoly cookies?” I’m not sure I heard that brand before.

“They’re my recipe. Don’t you want to eat cookies while playing Monopoly?” I smiled slightly. 

            “Sounds fun.”