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 36: A shot in the dark

Chapter 36: A shot in the dark (Wattpad)

We spent the rest of the night together, absorbed in each other. We played a horror movie – complete with popcorn and with the lights shut off. It was the best night of my life, and probably afterlife. After a while though, we lost interest in the film and we fooled around like little kids. It was absolutely about nonsensical things and I love it.

“Oh, shut the fuck up.” I giggled. We were sprawled on the carpet by this time, him lying on his back and I was supporting my upper body with my elbows, almost facedown. We were just down playing tag – yes, tag – and I’m bloody exhausted. He looked up to me, eyes sparkling. 

“And do you know what happened after that?” he said as his hands tickled the sensitive spot on my neck. I laughed until I couldn’t breathe. “I don’t want to know!” I laughed still

.

He laughed along with me and sat up. He grabbed my hands and pulled me up with him. “Do you know it’s already 2am?” he smiled at me and I smiled back. I said, “Oh really? Well, that’s just shocking.” I laughingly answered. 

Then sudden inspiration lighted up his eyes. I knew that look instantly. Before he could open his mouth, I interrupted him, “Yes, what are you planning?”

He laughed and pulled me closer. “Have you ever danced?” he said then continued, “If I recall correctly, I haven’t danced with you yet.” What? I gaped at him as if I’d never heard that word before. I don’t dance! How does he expect me to? Uhhm, Sky?I kind of have an aversion to dancing because on third grade, I kind of…” He grasped y hands as he laughed. “Let me guess, you punched someone?”

I pushed him and he laughed harder. “I did not. I sort of shouted at him a bit – ”

“Shouted a bit. Of course.”

I glared at him but he kissed my cheek so – plan at annoyance failed. I ended up with my arms around his waist and his arms around me. I feel so safe.

“The guy was asking for it. He said I couldn’t dance to save my life, so yeah…” He chuckled. “So you err, how do you say that – oh. So you trash talked him? That’s incredibly heroic.” He kissed my forehead and continued speaking, “So, will you dance with me?”

“What kind of dancing, exactly?”

He winked and turned to the DVD player, paying no attention to the screaming woman on the screen from the horror movie and he set the function to “radio.”

Melodic music played through the speakers, softly filling the room with sounds. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” I protested, half-laughing. He just hummed along to the song and held my right hand. His other hand held my back. I laughed aloud. This is just crazy. I placed my hand on his shoulder and he slowly twirled us side to side. 

“I won’t give up on us

Even if the skies get rough…”

I put my head against his chest and tried to calm my conflicted emotions bubbling inside me. Of all the people to fall into this situation, I came along. I listened to his humming and found myself falling harder. He suddenly said, 

“I never knew I could be so romantic.”

I chuckled softly. Me neither. I smiled up to him and he slowly leaned in. But then the chandelier behind us flickered, and the music stuttered.

Like a mini-second brownout.

I turned to him, eyebrows raised. “Did you feel that?” he smiled like it was nothing and just nodded yes. And then the lights shut down completely and the music died.

Yes. Brownout.

It was absolute darkness and I can still feel Sky and I held him tighter. “At least we had our warning.” I heard him sigh. “Well, this is just perfect. Maybe we – ” the telephone rang from across the room and I jumped, startled. Who in the world would call at this time, anyway? I heard Sky say to me, “That must be the hotel manager or something – ”

“Maybe they want your number – ” 

“Maybe they’re checking on their people because of the brownout.” he kissed my hands and let me towards the ringing phone. He picked it up. 

“Yes?”

I heard a muffled voice from the other line. A male voice. I shrugged it off. At least no clingy females. 

“Yes, me and my sister are fine. Thanks for the trouble, sir.” There was a short pause and then, “Bye. Thank you again.” Then I heard him put the phone back down and he faced me. Well, sort of. It’s bloody dark! 

I said, “Maybe it’s our cue to go to sleep.”

“As much as I want to, I probably can’t.” then in the darkness, I saw a distinct white. He was smiling. I laughed, “Even in the dark, you smile just the same.” I felt him hug me right then and he responded, “Likewise.”

I can’t seem to stop the grin on my face. I’ve never been this happy before. If truth be told, I could stay here forever, but after a while, he said, “Shall I carry you to the bedroom, my princess?”

I laughed. “I can manage, but I’ll probably fall on my own feet.” When I said that, he pulled away from the hug and turned me around by the shoulders, guiding me through the living room. I said, “What if I bump into something or – ”

“If that happens,” he laughing answered, “you can get the baptized handcuffs and hold me prisoner.” I stopped in my tracks. Wow. “Really?”

“Figuratively, I’m already your prisoner, but yes.”

I laughed again. “I guess I should bump myself intentionally, then.” he gripped my upper arms from behind and started raining kisses on me. I can’t stop giggling and I relaxed completely into his body frame. Then he said, “Forget about the bumping issue. Let’s just go to the bedroom and – ” he never finished the sentence because I gave him a quick kiss and ran away from him. 

And I bumped myself on the low table. 

“Ow! That hurt!”

 

“My love, you must never run away from me.” Then his arms snaked around my waist from behind, putting his chin on my shoulder. I groaned. “That really hurt.” He kissed the area behind my ear right then and guided me to the sofa, pushing me gently to sit. 

“Stay here.”

“Where are you going?”

He caressed my hand before letting them go. I heard his footsteps. “I’m just going to find light.” I tapped my feet impatiently as I heard him rummaging through the drawer. Five seconds later, I heard the striking of a match and the room filled with an orange light from a fore in Sky’s direction. 

“Candles?”

He grinned in satisfaction. “It’s just a brain blast.” He lit seven of them and started to scatter them around the living room. I stood up to help him and once we’re all set, we sat back on the couch.

Sky put an arm around me. He said, “I want to make sure Ryne, that you know that this isn’t just a shot in the dark. I’m serious.”

I pursed my lips. “I know.” I replied, voice hushed. He continued speaking, “Do you – ”

“Can we talk about something else? I interrupted, looking at the flickering flame of the candle on top of the low table. If I’m being honest with myself, talking about the future scares me. It’s easier to think about things within this hotel room, closed off from the outside world.

“Just this once, Ryne. Please.” He said. I sighed and closed my eyes shut. “Go on.”

“Remember that time when I told you that you’d hate me?” my eyes flashed open and I bit my lip. This is fucking messed up. “Do we really have to go into that?”

He paused before replying. “I have to. You’ll really hate me, and I’m just scared if you find out and…” 

“Find out what?”

He sighed from the very depths of his soul and replied, “That’s the problem. You can’t know. But you will sooner or later and I don’t want you distancing yourself away from me because I…I…”

I sighed. It is fucking messed up. “Why don’t you just tell me now?” I faced him and gripped his hands. “You’re worrying me.”

He smiled sadly – bitterly. “If I tell you, you’ll hate me even more.” My eyebrows drew together and I shifted closer to him. “I promise I won’t hate you. I promise. How could I?”

“You don’t understand.” He said, shaking his head slightly. “And by the way,” he looked up into my eyes. “Mr. Mafia told me not to fall in love you.” He smiled gently. “But to hell with it.” He came closer to me and kissed me once again. I kissed him back and felt myself smiling.

             But then next day happened.

Chapter 33: Session one

Chapter 33: Session one (Wattpad)

It turns out that Sky had a new car - Mercedes Guardian. Couldn’t he have stolen a more conspicuous vehicle? I turned to him as the four of us made our way to it – four, including Dash – opening my mouth to voice up my opinion but he somehow knew what I was thinking. 

“I didn’t steal it. It was a backup.” 

“Exactly how many cars do you have?” 

He grinned slyly. “A fair few.” Imah then joined our conversation as we went into the interior of the car. “We have seven! There’s the old Ferrari, this one, a Porsche, and then there’s my favourite – ”

“We only use them for special cases.” Xavia said. “The Ferrari was my favourite. But apparently, it has been abandoned by someone – ”

“I didn’t abandon it. Why are you all hounding on my back?” Only Imah responded brightly, “I wasn’t!”

“Do you want a round of applause, Imah?” Xavia started. “No, it’s okay. I’m covered.” She grinned in return. I was going to seat beside the two of them – Xavia and Imah – when Imah suddenly piped up, saying, “Oh! No more space left, Ryne!” They are so toast. She continued. “I’m sorry.” but she didn’t look sorry at all. I blast out,

“What are you talking about? There’s – ”

Xavia whistled and Dash bounded in the backseat between them. Leaving no space for me.

How wonderful.

I huffed then said, “Fine.” I turned to Sky, who was supressing a smile, pursing his lips as he climbed in to the driver’s seat. I went into the other side, the shotgun seat. He said as he started the engine, “Now let’s just hope that nothing goes wrong.”


             30 minutes later

“The Pheonix firing range?”

Sky smiled at me. “Awesome name, right?”

Xavia spoke, “It’s not that grand, but with you two around, we’ll have to need anything but grand.” 

“What the hell do this people want from me?”

Sky pursed his lips as he parked the car discreetly on the quiet street. “A good lot of things. Starting with you dead.” Oh. Okay, that was refreshing. So crazy people who wants me dead and a Mr. Mafia waiting for me… somewhere. Imah sensed my discomfort and said, “They won’t touch you Ryne. With Sky and Xav around – ”

“What about you?”

She grimaced. “I’m not a fan of guns and I’m certainly not a fighter like Xav – ”

“Yes.” Sky joined in. “I wonder why she’s here.” Her lips puckered at that and she scowled. “I know to handle those things. I just don’t want to actually do it.” Sky shrugged. “Same thing.” 

“No, it’s – ”

“Shut up, you two.” Xavia said. “You’re so childish.” Imah rolled her eyes as she opened the door on her side. “He did it first.” Then we all followed her, started to move out with Dash in tow. I had to admit, hearing their banters felt nice. It’s normal and it sounds like we’re just a group of friends. Going out. To shoot guns. I felt uncomfortable.; I never do this sort of thing in my life and never have I thought that I would need to. Sky was in front of me, leading the way, Imah by my side holding Dash and Xavia at the back. 

Great, Ryne. You can’t run. 

Sky pushed the glass doors open and entered the front room. It looks ordinary and unremarkable. Nothing special. But I know there would be people shooting at targets later. How encouraging. The guy at the desk looked up and raised an eyebrow. Just raised an eyebrow. People here are so tough and mysterious, ugh. Sky said,

“La Brea reserved three spaces here an hour ago.”

“Are you La Brea?”

He just nodded his head. When the guy turned around to get a signing form though, I heard him mutter, “Obviously.” I giggled. Sky grinned at my direction. “Sometimes rudeness is a virtue.” I laughed aloud, then the guy turned to us again, a slight frown on his face. I pursed my lips to keep from smiling as he said,

“Everyone just signs here.” he said as he passed us a form on a clipboard. As I stepped forward to sign, I felt Sky’s hand on my waist. Not really touching, more like hovering.

I pretended not to notice.

Once we all signed, we went to the direction of the only other door inside the room but then the mysterious dude halted us.

“Dogs aren’t allowed, ma’am.”

I licked my lips, whistling to Dash. “C’mon, boy.” My three companions waited for me as I tied Dash’s leash to the metal bar in front of the desk. Such friends.

Then we went inside through the door. We found ourselves inside a kind of compartment. A glass compartment. There were several white cabinets stacked up high to the right of the door where we came through and on the other wall were grey cabinets of similar size and stacked the same as well. But the attention was on the space visible beyond the glass, where dozens of people are wearing protective gears – goggles and earmuffs. Others were using earplugs which are more difficult to spot. And they’re shooting as if they’re just chilling out on a Monday.

I turned to my colleagues – I don’t know what to call them, okay? – and I saw that they were already opening the drawers.

“Are – are we going to – ”

“Relax, Ryne.” they all said in unison.

“I’m not panicking – ”

Imah laughed. “Yes, you are.”

“That’s why I’m bringing this.” Sky said, waving a first-aid kit. Of course. Xavia stepped forward then, hands filled with a safety goggle and a pair of earmuffs. And a handgun. “You’re going to defend yourself sometime, Ryne. Better start now, what do you think?”

“Yeah, you’re right.” I said meekly as I got the items from her. “As long as I don’t end up like the guy outside.” They all chuckled. Imah smiled widely and said, “His name is PJ Hastings. He and his sister owns the place.” I looked at her, brow creased. She’s such a computer. “How do you know that?”

“I checked it! I told you my job was to keep you safe, didn’t I? The sister’s name is – ”

“Phia Villamore?” Xavia asked.

Sky raised an eyebrow, closing the drawer of one of the many grey cabinets. Xavia just shrugged. “They’re both here.” she pointed to a framed certificate on the wall. Shooting fest award for just a few years back.

I feel absolutely out of place.

I finally gave up my façade and faced them with a defeated look on my face. “Look, do you really expect me to just – ” Xavia patted my shoulder. “Really, Ryne. It’s fine. Now, here’s your number.” She gave me a laminated number 17. Sky faced us.

“Let’s go.”

I sighed and put on my earmuffs and transferred the goggles and handgun to one hand. No one ever listens to me. We passed through another door.

This is insanity.

I never ever thought handling a gun would be a major necessity later in life. Never. We moved on to find our space number. People weren’t paying attention to us, much to my comfort. When we reached the 13^th, Imah grabbed Sky’s arm and showed her identically laminated card. Turns out that we’re in a row. Imah, Xavia, Sky and then there’s me.

How the hell are they supposed to teach me? 

I faced Sky, a skeptical look on my face. He winked at me reassuringly and turned to his target. There were glasses – like, extremely thick ones in front of us and only a square hole to put the bullet through. Beyond the glass was a circular target, not unlike what is used for darts. I hesitantly took off my glasses and put on my goggles then looked at the gun at my hand unsurely.

Why the hell am I here again?

Sky turned to me, biting his lip and finally putting his own gun down. Xavia was already starting, shooting several bullets perfectly through the square hole and into the target. Imah was having a little trouble, as predicted. As she pulled the trigger, she’ll jump a little from the movement.

Sky moved towards me, sanding a little behind my back. He slowly removed one earmuff from my ear and I heard the continuous gunshots, but he spoke in my ear, instructing me.

“Stand in proper firing stance.” then he nudged my foot. “Your feet should be shoulder-width apart.” I followed what he said then he continued. “Stand with a slight lean forward. That’s right.” This feels really different. But this is necessary, I reminded myself. Sky placed his chin on my shoulder, still speaking in my ear, “Make sure you’re firmly balanced.”

“I think I am.”

He gripped my right shoulder. “Make sure that you are – ”

“Okay, okay. I am.”

He grinned. “Good. Now point your gun.” Now, this part. I sighed a little and raised the handgun on chest level. Sky approved, saying, “Yes, that’s what you do when you’re facing your enemy point blank. But if you don’t know where they are yet, your right arm should be really straight,” he bent my arm to make it straighter than it already was. Then I said, “What now?” he bent my other arm in, making it look like a letter V. “You keep that stance, okay? And when you’re not about to fire yet, make sure that your fingers are outside the trigger guard. Outside, okay?”

“Uh-huh.”

“And also, the barrel should be pointed downrange. Just like that.”

“So, err, do I shoot now?”

“Your position is wrong. You do the one when the target is point blank.” I fixed my position, returning to the first one. He lifted his chin from my shoulder and held it instead with his hand. “Yes. Now – ”

“I shoot?” I said, turning to him. I’d like to admit, learning this is so fun. I mean, this stuff isn’t on the school curriculum! He still put his mouth near my exposed ear to better make me hear him as he said, “Aim good, okay?”

“Err, what happens if I don’t?”

He chuckled. “Just squeeze the trigger, Ryne.” he paused and then said, “I’m going to place your earmuff now, the sound is kind of, uhmm, annoying.” then he did as he said and I found myself facing the target through the thick sheet of glass. I bit my lip and then squeezed the damned trigger fast.

Too fast.

I felt the gun jerk back from the force and the bullet hit the glass. I heard it ricochette off. I jumped violently, forgetting everything Sky said earlier. Now I know how Imah feels.

I instantly turned to Sky, who was already taking a step towards me, a guilty look on his face. He took off one earmuff like he did earlier and spoke to my ear. “I sort of forgot to tell you that – ”

“Sort of?” I glared at him.

“I’m sorry! See, you have to squeeze it slowly. When you jerk the trigger, it will throw off your aim and – ”

“You tell me this now? Oh, that’s really – ”

“I said sorry already! You know, we should just get going.” I faced the target for the second time, already in position. Sky put his arms around mine, holding the handgun as well. He was behind me, his front torso touching my back and even his forefinger was hovering over mine. He said to my ear, “You aim for the centre mass.” he guided my shaking hands with his warm ones and said, “Stop shaking.” then he chuckled, “Now, just let me control it first and you can do it on your own later. You do this slowly…” he slowly squeezed the trigger like he said and boom.

Bull’s eye.

I looked at the hole in the target where the bullet zoomed through a second ago, my lips pursed. Sky withdrew his arms and stood to the side. I gritted my teeth and steadied my feet. I’m awesome. I can do this. 

I squeezed the trigger slowly and boom. I brought down my safety goggles, looking at what I did. I passed through the hole and hit – well, not the target – but at least I got in the target board. I turned to Sky, eyebrows raised.

He gave me the thumbs-up and a dazzling smile then gestured me to continue. He picked his own gun and started firing at his own target. Glasses in his pocket, safety gears on. I put on my goggles again and faced the dart-like thing, a smile on my face. I started shooting, only one at a time, not getting ahead of myself. My results were sometimes good, at times incredibly lousy, but I’m actually getting the hang of it. I reloaded my gun for the third time as I had learned from the D.I.Y. when I put down my earmuffs and I heard someone say on my opposite side, 

“You’re a fast learner.” I turned to the person, and my first impression was black. The guy was in and all-black attire but he honestly looked good on it. His hair and eye colour were also black and he has spiky hair. The contrast with his skin colour made his aura comfortable. I smiled shyly and said, “Thank you”

You’re not the one who hasn’t communicated with selected people for seven freaking days, okay?” He smiled in return and offered his hand. 

“I’m Chris.”

I smiled genuinely this time and shook his hand. “My name’s…Ryne.” 

“You say that as if you’re not sure.” he chuckled. Damn you, Ryne. You couldn’t be more obvious. I just chuckled along with him. “I’m awkward when I first meet people. It’s completely…normal.” He started responding to what I said when I noticed Sky moving out of the awesome vision I had. I turned to him and saw that his face was scowling as he looked at me, then at Chris. Then he looked away, returning to his shooting. I stared at him. That was – 

“Is that your boyfriend?”

I distinctly heard Chris ask the question and I turned to him immediately. 

“Ye – no. No.”

He chuckled again. “Okay, Ryne. So, what do you say to a game?”

“Game?” I repeated nervously. Friendly strangers are okay, but I’m a newbie! He smiled, assuring. “I’m new at this, too. Just the first one to get a bull’s eye. So you up to it?”

I chuckled. “Why not?”

           “It’s been fifteen goddamned minutes.”

My new friend laughed. “Last round. Then we can give up.” I stretched my arms as the both of us got ready again. I fired a shot. Fail. Another one – not bad. Then I got serious. Hands down, Sky and Xavia were the best shooters I’ve ever seen – not that I know many – but I’ll try my best. I positioned my feet and arms.

You aim for the centre mass.

The voice in my head sounded like Sky and I took aim confidently. I fired.

Bull’s eye.

I took off my gear and faced Chris, a huge grin plastered on my face. “I did it!” He looked at me, then at my target board. “I knew I shouldn’t have boosted your ego.” I laughed. I feel so accomplished. At least I know I have something. “So,” I said. “Do you get to be my slave or something?”

He smiled. “How about I get your number?” The next thing I heard was the bullet from Sky’s gun ricochette off the glass and him swearing. He clicked his gun violently and resumed his shooting, as if the target board had done him a personal wrong. Chris turned to me again,

“You sure he’s not your boyfriend?”

I shot him a withered look. “I would know f he is, or if he isn’t okay?” Someone tapped my shoulder then. I turned around and saw Imah and Xavia. “Time to go.” Imah said, sounding relieved. “Sky’s becoming a bit of a loose cannon.” she added in a hushed tone. I nodded and turned back to Chris. “It was nice meeting you.”

He grinned. “Same to you. Hope we meet again.” We won’t. Imah lead the way out his time and she almost jogged back to the glass room, seeming eager to get away. We laid down our protective gears and I noticed as we made our way to the front room that Xavia kept on glancing at Sky, who was at the back of the group. I licked my lips and matched up my steps with Imah’s as we were greeted by the different air on the front room.

The mysterious dude was reading the newspaper and just lifted his eyes for three seconds, looking at us. He put four small checks in his clipboard and then went back to his paper. I untied Dash as he barked at us in recognition and as a group, we came back to the car. Imah started,

“Well, that was good. Ryne, you learned quickly! That was really good – it’s like your natural flair. I don’t – ”

“You’re exaggerating.” I interrupted as I grimaced. “I’m not!” she argued and Xavia shot her a warning look as they both got into the backseat with Dash. That was odd. But aargh. My shoulders and arms are sore and I need relaxation. I climbed into the shotgun seat. As Sky quietly started the engine, Xavia said, “We can’t stay there for far too long though. I’ll find another place for you to practice, maybe tomorrow.”

Imah responded. “Can it wait for the next day? I’m all sore and I’m sure Ryne is, too – ”

“Are you, Ryne?” Xavia asked.

“A little bit, yes.” I didn’t mention the word a lot.

She just nodded. “That happens. Let’s just see tomorrow.” She glanced at the back of Sky’s head but reverted her gaze. I chewed my lip as I watched Sky sideways by my eyes. He wasn’t scowling anymore, but there was still a stubborn crease between his brows. I slowly turned to the people on my back, and shot them a look that plainly said, What the fuck is going on? Help me.

Imah looks about to burst from…something and Xavia was pursing her lips to keep from laughing; it was getting uncontrollable that she had to bury herself to Dash’s fur. They’re so helpful.

Imah’s eyes suddenly widened and she then sat up straighter. “We still have to drop by Mark and Colleen’s by the way.” I scrutinized her. “We? And who are these Mark and Colleen people?”

  Xavia seemed to be tickled pink by the news but she made an effort to answer my queries. “Mark and Colleen are cousins and you should, err… it’s best if you don’t know much about them.” she added hastily. My eyebrows drew together. “But aren’t we meeting them?” And I had a sneaking suspicion that Xavia and this Mark have a something going on. I mean, she looks excited already.

Imah said, “Me and Xavia are meeting them first.” I stared at them, then at the person driving the car. Oh, no.

“You mean, I get to meet them as soon as you – ” Imah interrupted. “You’ll meet them soon, Ryne. But right now –”

“I’ll go home? I mean, go back?” I shook my head. “To the hotel?” Xavia nodded approvingly. “Pretty much.” My shoulder slumped and I faced the dashboard of the car again. Then Sky asked, voice devoid of emotion, “Where do you drop off, Xav?”

“You can drop us now, actually.”

“But it’s drizzling.” 

Imah shrugged her shoulders and reasoned, “We better get out now before it gets worse, I think.” So without further ado at the next second, Sky parked the car on the pavement, splashing a bit of water in the process. As Imah and Xavia started to go out, Dash started barking and I had to restrain him from jumping off with them. Why the hell is he leaving me alone? 

“Bye, Ryne.” Xavia said. “You too, Sky.”

“Have fun!” You already know who said that. The rain pounded down hard then, as they closed the door of the car and we drove away. They’re going to get soaked. My brow creased as I released Dash and stared at the place where they were just moments ago.

“Don’t you think we should – ” I looked at my seatmate then and realized who the handsomely scowling face was and fell into an extremely awkward silence. I chewed my tongue and pursed my lips. A minute later, the weather outside changed and immediately, it was raining cats and dogs. And the thing is, I really liked the rain a lot, especially the violent ones – the sounds are so comforting and my view from the window is sort of therapeutically relaxing, with the continuous falling of precipitation from the clouds. It reminds me of one time, when I was ten years old and I’ve been sick as a dog because I stayed out on the rain for far too long.

I relaxed my head on the headrest and sighed deeply. Today had been a productive one, in a sense. I got the hang of shooting but I’m not exactly mastering it like the people do on television. They make it look so easy! But at least I’ve started, right? I stared at the green trees passing us by. I have absolutely no idea which city we are right now – I don’t recognize any of the landscapes from anywhere but I have a feeling that we are somewhere on the countryside.

Then I noticed the road where the car’s tires are flashing through, slowly gaining speed. The clouds were dark, and the glass made it hard to see because of the water pouring from above.

And it’s not exactly safe.

Maybe I have paranoia, Maybe I don’t. But the tires could easily slip on the watery road and…I shivered.

Sky’s scowl of annoyance – I think it’s annoyance – changed to one of concern. 

“Are you cold?” he asked, audible through the patting of the rain through the vehicle’s exterior. “No, it’s just that you’re running a little too fast. Could you please slow it down?” He nodded and did as I said. I just felt like avoiding something that might be an entire catastrophe later. I fidgeted nervously. Nothing’s going to happen, I reminded myself. I’m only cautious. Sky flickered his gaze towards me.

“We could stop over until the rain calms down if you want.” His statement was followed by a violent flash of lightning and a horrible thunder. I almost gulped. I like rains, but not this rain. I told Sky, “I might fall asleep.” I do that all the time. I mean, the constant pounding sound of the rain and everything. It’s perfect for dozing off.

Sky smiled. “You always do.” 

I gave a smile of my own. He has a point. “That’s encouraging.” I said as I drew my knees up to my chest and put my forehead on my knees. Then Sky parked the car and turned the engine off, putting the keys safely in his pocket. He rested his own head on the back of his seat. I closed my eyes, not bothering with my glasses – it’s just a small nap anyway. My sore arms and back gave in and I drifted to sleep.

-

The insider put off their binoculars. They have absolutely no idea. The person smiled. Ice had been right. 

            -