Chapter 42: The bullet shot

Chapter 42: The bullet shot (Wattpad)

No more sounds and voices were heard from them. But after the shattering silence, Imah laughed. It was nothing like the warm, comfortable sound that I used to hear and it made my blood curdle. It made me see red. She speaking, “It’s a wonder actually –the fact that they had no idea I was putting a tracking device on the dog since the first time I met Cavanagh. You people are so blind.”

“You betrayed us.”

“That I did. It’s a pity you haven’t realized that sooner. Not very good with guns,” she scoffed, “I’m better than you at that. Look at you now, no weapon, no anything. Once I got acting, you gave me your trust immediately. You are so stupid. Ryne didn’t even realize why ushered her to get closer to Sky. Ice knew this would happen – ”

“She’s dead. And you’ll be with her soon enough – ”

The next thing we heard was scuffling and the sound of metal hitting – something. Then I’m sure, so sure, it was a body that could be head falling to the floor. The instant we heard the footsteps, Sky got ready to battle as he clicked his gun and I followed suit. When her silhouette can be discerned from the black drape and her hand swept it to her side, Sky fired.

“Fuck!”

She drew cover automatically and retaliated – multiple times. There were splinters of floorboards and wood flying everywhere. Sky threw the table nearest us to its side and used it as a makeshift shield. It faced the source of the bullet shots and we did our best to keep our head low, the thick oak wood protecting us from dangerous injuries. 

I looked at the gun in my hands. I took a deep breath. Just fire, don’t think. Thinking is what makes you fall dead on your feet. I adjusted my position and pulled the trigger. Quickly, I pulled myself back before a bullet can graze my arm and I avoided the pieces of wood falling from the ceiling. I breathed in hard, and then felt Sky’s hand gripping my arm.

“She’s not alone. I know it. There are others with her behind that partition.” he said that as best as he could under all the noise around us, blanketing us. It was deafening. 

“What do we do?” I asked with my eyes wide. He shifted closer to me and got out his phone and stuffed it in my hands. “We call for help too. Now.” He started firing again and my breath drew in realization. I started rummaging through the contacts with my both hands shaking, still holding the gun. I pressed call and placed it in my ear immediately. 

It picked up.

“Hello?”

“Grandpa? It’s me! We need – ”

“On our way.”

The call ended and I turned to Sky. I gestured yes and started shooting. I love my grandpa. The never-ending stream of gunshots still rained upon us between seconds. Minutes. It could’ve been years but all we needed to hear was the grenade explosion to recognize their arrival.

The floor shook and my ears hurt. I closed my eyes shut for a few seconds, unbelievably disoriented. This is fucking insane. I heard men shouting then, giving orders and bullets were being fired again, but this time, it was aimed at the opposite direction; not at us.

“Ryne.” Familiar hands shook my shoulders, I opened my eyes and my gaze landed on Sky. And the two people beside him.

They were crouching on the floor as well, keeping their heads low to avoid damages from the commotion and they held their firearms out. “Ryne, my dear.” The older of the men put his hand on my shoulder, his brown eyes darkening. “Act now, talk later. We have to get out now.”

Sky was right. He must’ve been handsome once and he looked as if he just had a hard-fought battle. His grey hair was in a buzz cut and he looked ready to kill someone.

I nodded soundlessly in response. The younger, handsome guy turned to me then but he didn’t say anything. He came closer to me and pecked me on the cheek.

“Hi, sis. We have to get going.” Mark said urgently.

George Cavanagh spoke to the three of us after my brother had his greeting. “My men are few. If we go now we can all – ”

He was cut off from completing what he was saying when something caught flame, and the endless piles of woods are already burning and releasing chocking smoke into the room. It crept up quickly, catching everything it can and turning it into black ash. It was hot already but the bullets never ceased. 

“Let’s cover Ryne, and get the fuck out of here.” he finished, coughing.

What?! No! 

“I don’t need to be covered – ”

“Not now Ryne.” said Mark. They started taking positions around me and I saw – 

“Fuck it, Sky. Why are you covering out front? Are you fucking insane? You’ll get shot – ”

A pillar gave in and crashed to the floor, almost shattering our eardrums and the fire rose higher and roared louder. The heat was intensifying. The experienced leader now said, “Go.” The four of us stood up, we sped through the entire space of the room, shooting at visible enemies and avoiding the shots they fired. The fire made it hard for us to see and the smoke made us cough violently. Everything seemed to go in slow motion. We were halfway across the other side – the exit – when it happened.

Underneath the sounds and disturbing visions, I saw a mane of blonde hair. I had no trouble figuring out who that person is.

She was holding a gun, which seemed to be gleaming in the light of the fierce fire and it was pointing straight at me. Before anything else registered, the bullet shot she fired seemed to drown out all the other things.

The bullet shot that changed my life.

That ruined my life.

My world turned blank and all the other things in the world became impotent as Sky fell down to his knees and unto his side. Blood was already seeping through his shirt and his breathing was ragged, even as he pulled the table down and used it as a cover. And nothing made sense.

I ran to him but felt iron grips stopping me and pulling me away from him. I struggled as I never had in my life.

“Get off me! We have to go back – we have to – ”

I felt myself being put down on the floor hard and we used the table as a shield again. We were almost to the exit – just mere meters – but I won’t go out. I can’t. I clicked my gun furiously and started standing up but they held me down, and wrestled the gun out of my hands.

“NO! Get back! I have to go back – ”

“You won’t make it – ”

“I can! I can get him! I can – just let me fucking go – ”

“You can’t do anything, Ryne.”

No. That’s not true. Not true. I searched with my eyes through the smoke and I – I found him.

He’s there. Still on the floor, but now he’s sitting up with his back on the table he’s using for defense and he was looking at me.

His chin was dripping with blood and his hand was covering his chest and as he pulled it away, it was smeared with blood as well. Blood. He looked at me like never before but his breaths were becoming shallower, his eyes getting blanker. I never noticed it, but anguished sobs tore at me and unstoppable tears were streaming on my face. I unconsciously struggled, but deep down I knew. I knew. But I don’t want to believe. 

The fire behind him crept closer. Closer and closer, but he reached out for me.

No.

“Sky.”

No.

 My heart. I can feel it dying. I feel it. His hand fell to the floor right then and his eyelids fluttered. I saw him take his last breath and I remembered. I remembered.

“Have you ever thought of Britain?”

Whoa. Where did that come from? I faced him, saw that he was still paying attention to the road and then I replied, “Sometimes. Why?”

He never took his eyes off the road as he said, “I’d like to take you there someday.”

His green eyes lost their light and he closed his eyes.

Chapter 41: Traitor in the midst

Chapter 41: Traitor in the midst (Wattpad)

Part I:

“Jacket?”

“Check.”

“Dog food?”

“Check.”

“Clothes?”

“Duh, Sky.”

“Books?”

“Check.”

“Anklet?”

“Is that even a question?”

He squeezed my hand after zipping his backpack close. “I’m being thorough.”

“You can be thorough when pigs fly.”

“Insult me all you want. I know you love me.” I laughed loudly as I carried my bag and held Dash with the other hand. We’re just about to get out of this hotel – no more hotels, praise the Lord – when suddenly, a thought occurred to me as I looked at my anklet. Then at the bangle on my shoulder. “I never thanked my own grandpa for giving me the birthday present, haven’t I?”

“Yeah.” He paused in thought but took my hand and dragged me headfirst. “You’ll meet him anyway. Let’s go.” I barely got enough time to look around for the last time in the room where thousands of memories are when we were already outside of the room, all out valuables in hand. It’s another day again – another agenda.

But my thoughts keep coming back to what happened yesterday. Good God, he really –

“Checking out aren’t you, dears?”

I turned my neck so fast I cricked my neck. Ow. Sky responded to the unknown person in a friendly tone. “Yes, we are. We’re headed to the beach.”

We are facing an old woman. And you know what the freaky part is? She seemed to know us. You know what I’m talking about, right? When there’s this old woman and then suddenly she turns into a huge snake who is incidentally a Horcrux – ahem, ahem, Harry Potter – I was still ogling like a goldfish when she replied in her raspy voice. “Ah, the beach.” she nodded like what she just said is incredibly vital. “So this is your wife?”

Shit.

I knew there was something fishy. I turned to Sky with my devil-from-hell stare as he fumbled for an explanation. “Yes, uhm. This is my wife Avery.”

Avery?

“What the hell are you – ”

“Yes! My wife Avery.” Sky almost shouted as he put a firm arm around me. “Honey, I met this kind person when we were checking in – you were asleep though.”

Aargh. That explains it. But it doesn’t erase the fact that it’s quite weird to talk to a stranger in the hotel hallway when you’re expecting them to turn into Nagini. She then hobbled down the direction of the stairs, but not before saying, “Well, goodbye now, Anthony.” We stood still in the hallway, directly in front of our door until she was out of sight and earshot. 

“Anthony and Avery.” I turned to Sky and continued my rant. “Should I clap my hands and give you a Nobel Prize?”

He only laughed as he adjusted the bags on his shoulder and got Dash’s rope from my fingers. “The old woman crept on me from behind. To be honest, she scared the living daylight out of me.”

I burst into a fit of laughter as we made our way to the lower floor, already eager to be outside of walls. And in what seemed like a second, we were already speeding through the road, after dealing with a sleepy receptionist and an unwilling Dash.

“Where are we going?”

He winked at me from the driver’s seat and keeping his hands on the steering wheel. “It’s a really charming place. And your brother came along, too. So you’ll have two people waiting for you.”

“Really? So which charming place is it?”

He deflated suddenly. “Uhm, actually, I lied. It’s an abandoned factory.”

Wha – this is just unacceptable.

“So a former Mafia Lord decides to meet his long-lost granddaughter in an abandoned building. And oh right, he’s insanely rich.”

“You know Ryne,” he said, stepping on the brake as the light turned from green to red. “Once you’re in a Mafia, you never really get out. You watched those Mafia movies, didn’t you?” That made me pause. That must be a hell on earth situation. I clicked my tongue and stayed silent all the way to our destination. Our lack of conversation was more than made up by his arm comfortably around me.

Part II:

Who knew that a completely useless building would be hours away?

“I’m – ”

“Tired, I know.”

Sigh.

“When – ”

“Two hours, Ryne. And a half.”

I almost cried in despair. “But I’m practically drained. I can’t even lift my head – ”

“I must’ve really exhausted you last night.” he replied with a slight smile and a sparkle in his eyes. Predictably, I blushed. “You’re such a prick.” Hu chuckled but then his tone turned serious as he replied,

“I’m glad that happened.”

I felt his arm tighten around me. All I could do was close my eyes and relax. 

“Me too.”

And right there, with my eyes closed, I felt him kiss my head and I drifted off to a peaceful sleep.


           Two hours later. And a half.

I never ever slept like that in a car before. And it feels really, really comfy. Blinking my eyes open, I found myself on the backseat, complete with a blanket and a pillow.

So that solves the comfy issue.

I looked at my side and sure enough, he’s there. As always. My head was on his lap while I was sleeping and now he met my gaze after looking out of the window.

“Morning, sunshine.”

I blinked several times more and tried to look outside as well. As much as I could figure, we’re in the middle of nowhere.

“Where are we?”

“You slept seven hours straight, you know.”

“Seven?”

“Yes. It’s almost 5pm.”

I gave a little laugh. “The sleep feels good.” He chuckled and resolved himself to rubbing my shoulder with his other hand across my stomach. I can’t help looking outside again. “So where are we?”

“Where we should be. The factory is just around the corner. But it’s still quite early to go there.”

My brow creased as I looked at Dash on the front shotgun seat though my thoughts were zeroing in something else entirely. “What time are we supposed to be there then?”

“Around 5:15 or 5:30. Why’d you ask? Are you nervous?”

“No, it’s just that…wouldn’t it be more convenient to meet in the morning?” I actually wanted to use the word ‘safer’ but I changed my mind. I continued speaking before he could open his mouth, “You know, because there’s a lesser chance of an attack or something?”

He just looked down on me, his green eyes clouded in concerned thinking. Deep thinking. “He had business to take care of before going here. And the building was searched five times before he chose the location.” he bit his lip and asked, “Do you think something bad will happen?”

Well, that’s just weird. It’s just a feeling. It’s probably nervousness – I haven’t laid eyes on the man in my whole life and now boom. He’s my grandfather. “It’s just a feeling. I’m nervous, that’s all. You did say that he’s extremely intimidating.”

He smiled slightly at my response and kissed my forehead soothingly, but the tension in his eyes didn’t fade. But in a matter of seconds, I saw him shrug it off. That’s more like it. I sat up with minimal difficulty and faced him, legs crossed.

“I was thinking, Sky. When I meet my brother and grandpa, where will you go?”

He held my hand and said, “Do I have permission from you to make your life hell a little bit longer?”

Happiness overwhelmed me as I laughed uncontrollably. “Absolutely.” I happened to glance at the dashboard and I looked at the time. 5:10. Sky noticed this too and I looked at him. “Shouldn’t we go now?”

“One second.” he started grabbing our stuff at the floor of the car, but the car which he’s rummaging through is mine, not his.

“What are you doing?”

He didn’t answer but pulled out the snow globe. He said, “I found out about this when I was awake two nights ago.”

“Found out what? It’s the snow globe you gave me.” 

“It’s surprisingly more special than I thought.” How the bloody hell can that thing be more special? “Does it uhmm, I don’t know,” I chuckled, puzzled. “Does it have laser or something?” He grinned amusedly. “Close, but no cigar.” He started bundling up the blanket and shifted closer to me. I have no idea, absolutely no idea, of what he’s doing. He said, “Look.” then he put the snow globe inside of the dark, think blanket, but left enough space for us to see it. The globe was entirely covered in darkness but when Sky shook it once, the snow fluttered like mad.

And the snow was shining. Sparkling like stars. You can see and distinguish it from the darkened castle – it’s absolutely wonderful; like real snow. He shook it again, harder this time, and my name at the bottom of the globe lit up like the little snow did, only it’s not white, it’s blue.

He turned to me again, his profile braced for my reaction. “Well?” I shook my head wordlessly and kissed him on the cheek. He laughed delightfully and said, “That was for you to keep your chin up.” He started stuffing the blanket and the present back into the bags. “Now, my dear, we introduce you to your life.”


           Part III:

It’s normal to be nervous, right? I mean, you’re not just meeting your long-lost relatives – you’re meeting a Mafia lord and his…sidekick. The Mafia lord and his sidekick aren’t really helping anything to soothe my nerves.

“What if they don’t like me?”

“They love you, Ryne.” he said, rolling his eyes. Easy for him to say. He’s not the one actually meeting them for the first time. In seventeen years. With absolutely no recollection of them. Ever.

Stop it.

Sky pulled up in front of a humungous abandoned factory and it’s just the same from my imagination of how it would really look like. It’s really old, and a little bit historical. It could pass for an old landmark.

I wanted to run.

I faced Sky, biting my lip. “Maybe we should go back. I don’t like what I’m feeling.”

“It’s okay to be nervous, Ryne. It’s understandable. I’m sure they would say the same thing, too.”

“But – but – I can’t.” God. I know I’m being a whiny, little spoiled brat but who the hell could blame me? I gazed at the door of the building, wondering what could be inside and I felt my worries triple.

“I don’t like what I’m seeing, too. So, in a way, we’re in the same boat.”

“In a way, yes. But in every other way, absolutely no way.” I heard beeping right then and Sky took out his phone, which is lighting up and vibrating like a little bug and I noticed that it was different from the one I used yesterday. 

“They’re inside already. Let’s go.”

“No! Just – just let me breathe, okay? And is it exactly smart to do that? I mean, you said they are incredibly influential people, but they’re inside that place without any protection?”

“They brought guards with them. And they’re really eager to see you.”

“What do you expect from me? Do I just waltz inside that place or something?”

“Ryne,” he released a sigh, “what do you want me to do?”

“I don’t know!” I replied hysterically. “Sweet talk me or something. Say something nice.” He chuckled amusedly. “Something nice?”

“I thought you wanted me to calm down?” I replied wringing my hands. He replied to me, “Okay, something nice.” He looked at me deeply. “Your eyes.”

“What?”

“Your eyes are nice.” then he twirled a strand of my hair. “Your hair is, too.” I chuckled when I realized what he’s doing and he cupped my face with both hands. “Your face is nice.” Then he leaned towards me and whispered. “No. It’s fucking beautiful.” Then he kissed me.

I kissed him back and I felt the tension slowly desert my shoulders as he backed me towards the window, his lips so soft against mine. When I started to tighten my grip on his hair, he pulled away, smiling.

“I did calm you down right?”

I chuckled. “That was really effective.” I giggled some more, then he gave me a quick peck on the lips and held my hand. He opened the car door. “I think you’re ready now.”

Wait. “But how about Dash?” we both looked at my dog at the backseat and he looked back at us with blank eyes. “I think,” Sky said, “he can stay right here. I’ll lock the door.” He interlocked my fingers with his and then we both got out through the driver’s side. We started walking.

My feeling of unease was quieted down by our little escapade earlier, but now as we continued our steps, I felt it bubbling below the surface again. It’s the nerves, I told myself. It’s going to be fine. Sky’s hand on mine did a lot to relax me as we pulled the heavy metal doors open. We were greeted by a miserable sight.

The pillars were still sturdy and dependable around the front room, but the floorboards were obviously in need of repair after all the years of neglect. There was a pile of rubbish on the side – all scraps of metal and splinters of wood. The ceiling was very high and – fortunately – it looks like nothing would fall down on us.

“Well. This is rather…”

“Splendid?” he supplied, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes.” I nodded. “Just splendid.” Then I took the first step forward and he followed my lead. “This place has been searched right? Five times?”

“Yes. It’s going to be fine.”

We opened the creaking door on the opposite wall – the only door, I mean – and as we opened it, a larger room lay in front of us. There were rows and rows of tables up to the other side of the room and there was a very thick partition on our left side, the only entrance to the other side being the thick, black and tattered draperies. 

I don’t like draperies.

Sky closed the door behind us without so much as a sound and I shifted closer to him with my hand clasped on his arm. With my other hand, I felt for the gun, which is inserted at the back of my jeans. He shot me a look, with his eyebrows drawn together. He opened his mouth to speak but before he can utter a single word, a female voice sounded through from the other room – the drapery room.

A familiar female voice.

“Fuck you. I don’t even know who you are anymore – ”

“Hold your tongue. If you value your life, do as I say.”

No. But – but that voice is – 

Sky covered my mouth and he stealthily led me far away from the partition as possible. He never hit as much as a piece of metal or anything for that matter, and then he pulled out his gun and gestured for me to do likewise. I did as he asked and looked at his face. My eyes searched his green ones.

They were burning in pure-white rage.

His jaw was clenched and he made the effort of mouthing two words to me – stay here.

Bloody hell no.

I gave him a look of strong defiance and grabbed his wrist before he can even take a single step back. This concerns me as well as him. And he knows it.

He took a silent, deep breath to calm himself down and to keep his remaining composure. But then there were more words coming from the pair of people on the other side.

“You can’t get away from this. The building will be searched again in 10 minutes and Sky will kill you. I know he will.”

“Sky? I don’t care about Sky; I have all the protection I will ever need. The same cannot be said for you, though. What shame.”

No, no, no! I can’t believe this. It’s not possible! That person is – 

            “Imah, you filthy traitor. I can’t even look at you.” said Xavia.

Chapter 38: Second time

Chapter 38: Second time (Wattpad)

They say the truth sets you free.

But they’re wrong.

So wrong.

Ice clapped her hands once. “Now, I think everyone’s on the same page. So what do we do with the both of you now?”

I stayed silent. I don’t want to think. I don’t even know what to think. My lungs seem to be suffocating as I stared at nothing trying to set my mind straight. I just want to get away from here. I have to. Tears were still unconsciously falling from my eyes. I refused to look at Sky. I just want to open my eyes and out that everything was just a dream. I’d do anything for that to happen.

Ice continued speaking. “I really want to kill La Brea right now. You’ve caused enough trouble, and not to mention that you look like you don’t care if you live or die.” He didn’t respond, hollowed eyes staring right past her. “Brighten up, Sky! You don’t have to carry the burden anymore! I can’t imagine how painful that must be for you but frankly, I don’t see why you’re so affected by it.

No response.

“I’ll just have a monologue then. Fine. Considering you only have a few more minutes to live, you should at least spill everything you know – the location, Sky. I still need it.” She sighed when Sky said nothing. “I’m losing my patience here. It could be cleaner if you just tell me – you’ll die either way, so no pressure. I obviously can’t kill Ryne; she’s too valuable – ”

“Go to hell.” Sky suddenly stirred to life a little. “Don’t you dare touch her.”

Ice smiled. “Wrong move.” Then she strode over to me, pulling me by the hair. I struggled to no avail and then she stood still. “Do you know how much bullets a human body can take without dying? It’s a surprising number actually – ”

“No – ”

She pressed the wounds on my wrists and I felt excruciating pain. I heard Sky say as I howled in pain. “Stop it! Hurt me, not her – ”

 “Just tell me where they are and you don’t – ” she never finished the sentence as the warehouse metal doors shot open and bullets were everywhere. Everything was a blur. I felt Ice’s body jerk behind me and she let go, almost felling to the ground from the stomach shot she had. She immediately poised her gun as chaos erupted when her men joined the fray. But she didn’t point it at me.

Sky.

My feet was carrying me to her direction and right before she pulled the trigger, I ran straight towards her and her aim was thrown off, the bullet hitting one of her men.

“Bitch! You – ”

A bullet whizzed past my ear and it hit her straight in the chest and she fell abruptly to the ground, like a marionette with its strings cut off. I can’t breathe and my body was still aching and all I saw was the gun in her dead hand and the next thing I remember was grabbing it. I stood up and took cover behind the pile of sacks.

Who should I get away from?

I clicked the gun in my hand and raised it to aim but I felt a hand covering my mouth. I kicked and struggled and I blindly aimed my gun behind my head and without thinking, I pulled the trigger.

His limp arms fell to his sides and he crumpled to the floor, dead. One of Ice’s people. I stepped over the body and backed away from the scene unfolding in front of me – an open almost-war image and total disarray. I whipped my head around and started running away, further inside the warehouse where hopefully, there are no people waiting for me. I passed through numerous building materials and construction necessities. And then suddenly, there were two string arms holding my upper arms.

Two familiar hands.

“Let go of me!”

“I need to protect you – ”

“I’ve had enough of your protecting, Sky. Just – ” he cuffed my wrists and I screamed in frustration. “Xav and the others are taking care of it, we need to go – ”

“I hate you all! And we’re not going anywhere – ” then he covered my mouth with a handkerchief in his hand and started dragging me away. Fuck this! I tried to hold on to something with my feet but in vain. This is the second time I’ve been kidnapped by this person and I don’t want it.

Sky accidentally pressed my wounds and I shrieked painfully, muffled by the cloth on my mouth.

“Oh, God.” Abruptly, he released the hindrance to my mouth and pushed me behind a pile of crates, stacked high and wide enough not to be seen by anyone watching. Gunshots and grenade explosions can still be heard from here, shaking the ground slightly.

“Uncuff me – ”

“Stay still and don’t move.” he pressed my front torso against the boxes and I heard him tearing off a piece of cloth from his shirt and he started bandaging my wounds. I violently moved my shoulders. “I don’t need your fucking help – ”

“Your wrists – ”

“Get away from me!”

He fell silent after that, slightly pausing the bandaging but quickly resumed doing so, without any sound or indication that something happened. I exhaled slowly. This is hopeless.

Once the bleeding was stopped and my wound was temporarily secure, he pushed me forward once again, pulling his gun out and perusing the nearby surroundings before stepping further. I pursed my lips and didn’t even bother to speak. I was afraid I’d start crying when I do and that can’t happen.

In no time, we were already outside, just as the sun was setting. Sky led me to a Porsche but I stopped in my tracks halfway. I called out, “Dash?” 

Barking instantly sounded from behind the car and I sped towards it, almost dragging Sky. Then there he was, tied to the rear view mirror, unharmed. Without words being said, Sky immediately freed Dash and opened the backseat and ushered my dog in, never letting go of his grip on me. Then he faced me and opened the shotgun seat.

“In.” he said emotionlessly.

When I did not move a muscle, he pushed me into the seat and didn’t even bother to uncuff my wrists, As he closed the door, I breathed in hard, closing my eyes. I put my knees up to myself and I lay with my head there, hands still bound on my back. I hate this.

After a few seconds, he opened the other side of the car and settled in, starting the engine in an instant. He didn’t speak.

            And I can’t see any point in saying something as well.

Chapter 22: Xavia

Chapter 22: Xavia (Wattpad)

At least I understand now right? It doesn’t make any big difference. No, not at all! I’m not scared whatsoever in this situation. It’s bloody perfect!

After that life-changing question and answer a few minutes ago, I’m still sick, lying on the couch. I have an empty cup of cookies and cream ice cream on the table at my right, as well as three magazines, a pack of strepsils, two DVDs, an extra pillow, my medicine and the four books Sky saved from the shootout at the mall. All this was the result of my ordering Sky around until I took pity on him and let him rest. Let me tell you, it’s somewhat entertaining – I’ve never had a nanny as long as I can remember. 

Now, I’m reading the fifth book, glasses a bit down on the bridge of my nose. It’s Art of War. This situation isn’t exactly a war, but I can taste the irony.

Dash was already fed earlier by Sky and is now in the manager’s office. Again, result of Sky’s expertise with women. Dash’s going to stay for a little while; I’d rather not risk my life with his presence for now. And as if the loneliness isn’t completely enough, the radio – which was connected to the speakers – was playing “Bad Day” by David Powell.

I sighed my heart out and turned to Sky. He was on the seat by the closed window, cleaning his gun and scribbling something in a pad of paper every now and then. I snapped the book shut and placed it with the four others. I sneezed terribly and fetched a bottle of water.

This is insanity.

My head still hurts and it’s not like I could talk to someone. Where the hell is Imah when you need her? Her chatting would’ve been nice and comfortable. As if Sky sensed my stare burn through him, he turned to me.

“Do you need something or is it just my face?” I ignored his jibe and told him, “I used to do that, you know.” He looked uncertain and replied, “Uhm, cleaning a gun?”

“Not exactly. I meant multi-tasking.” 

He raised an eyebrow and asked, “And you’re saying this because…?” I sighed and then – sneezed. “Because I’m so damned bored, that’s why! I’m not sure if people can die of boredom – ” he laughed loudly that drowned out the sound of my whining.

“What’s so funny?”

“Nothing, really. If this might interest you though, I’m writing our training schedule for – ”

I groaned loudly. “I thought Mr. Mafia wanted me to have fun?”

“First, he wants you to be safe.” he said it like he was explaining one plus one. 

“I just want to do something. I can’t just lie here.” 

“Unfortunately, you have to. If you don’t, I’ll force you.”

“Yeah. I expected as much. And can’t you open the curtains?”

“Nuh-uh. Not safe.”

“Oh please. Is someone aiming a gun at us right now?”

“The room next to us, yes. I think they have the wrong room, though.” No. He’s joking. “Someone has their gun at our neighbour?” 

“Not really them. Just their window.” He quickly added, “Imah’s really good in her stuff.”

“Imah?”

He shrugged then replied. “She popped in to my comm device earlier,” he said, tapping the said item in his ear, “she just said that and that’s it, really.”

“Why didn’t you let me talk to her?” I asked desperately. “She hanged up pretty quickly. Still upset about that.” he said this while scowling, rubbing the cloth to the side of his gun hard. 

“It wasn’t her fault. Leave it, Sky.” I scolded. Though, as he said it, my thoughts ran wild. It could be anyone. Someone close to her she said. Even though it hurt, I thought of Carsh. He won’t do that. End of story. It was most likely the Terminator. I mean, she hated my guts since the beginning of time. Who could blame me, right? It’s a better alternative to Corky anyway.

I sighed and grabbed the remote to turn off the mocking radio, still halfway through the song. I closed my eyes and prayed I could sleep – just a few minutes of peace, that’s all I need. I quickly got my wish as the song that stuck in my head lulled me slowly to sleep.


            6 hours later, 3pm

I raised my blanket higher up to my chin and rolled to the side. Consciousness started seeping in and my mind wondered how I rolled that much without falling off the couch. And now, I remember the couch not being as comfortable as this. I opened my eyes, feeling strangely relaxed. It’s already late afternoon from what I see. Someone removed my glasses and I reached out for it at the side of my pillow and grabbed my beetle-slash-necklace-slash-watch.

I was putting it back when I checked the time again because I wasn’t paying attention the first time. I stared at the canopy of the bed; apparently Sky transferred me here. Really, he doesn’t have to do – I sneezed. 

I groaned wearily. The fever wasn’t that bad anymore, but my nose wasn’t helping matters at all. I was just planning to have my nose removed when I heard noise on the outside room.

Laughing.

This is crazy. Maybe I had too much tablets, or maybe this isn’t flu. I shook my head then pain shot through my temple. Smart, Ryne. Very smart. I held both of my hands to my head and sat up on the bed, knees drawn to my chest. 

The laughing on the next room commenced again, only this time, I can hear it clearer.

A woman.

I think it’s real. I untangled myself from the sheets, then heard Sky’s laugh. Okay, it’s real. I don’t recognize the woman’s laugh, though I know for sure that it’s not Imah – Imah’s much too loud. I heard Sky exclaim playfully, “Ow!”

After that, I felt strange for some reason. Sky sounded like he was really having fun and the female – she sounds beautiful. Now, don’t ask me how I knew that, there’s just some people who are just born with natural appeal. 

If Sky let someone enter to this room, there’s bound to be a reason why. I gathered up my wits and got off the bed, put on my slippers and walked to the door.

I would be lying if I said that I didn’t plan on going to the living room without them noticing me. I felt like a crazy stalker when I put my left ear to the door, hearing them through the thin wood. I pressed my ear closer to the door to decipher their muffled voices. Then I sneezed.

Loudly.

I was frozen, my hand over my mouth and nose. Stalking sucks! I would never ever confide this to anybody alive if my life depended on it. I can already sense that they knew I was awake and probably creeping up on them. I didn’t hear the noise from the living room. Oh, God. What now?

Before I knew it, the door opened and I tripped to Sky’s chest. He opened the freaking door! Aargh! He steadied me by the shoulders and helped me stand. I sneezed again then I quickly said, looking in his green eyes,

“I wasn’t spying on you. I swear. I was just going out and – ” I sneezed. Again.

“It’s okay, Ryne. Drink lots of water, okay? Your colds are getting – ” I sneezed. “…worse.” he ended his sentence. He put his arm around me while I was feeling woozy and steered me towards the couch. And there, I saw her.

I was damned right earlier. She is beautiful. A brunette with light skin, straight nose, arched eyebrows an hourglass figure and those curls. Natural, I bet. Her expressive blue eyes completed the picture. That instant I took in her appearance I was struck speechless. She’s the dream girl every human being could conjure up in their wildest dreams. Oh, and by the way, my self-esteem just crash landed to zero. 

Sky started, “Ryne, this is Xavia; she’ll help you with the training and Xav, this is Ryne.”

She smiled, showing her perfect set of teeth and dimples. Then she stood up and held out her hand, “Sky told me all about you.” I glared at Sky as she said it in that melodic tone of hers and shook her hand.

Sky chuckled, “Nothing bad, I promise.” Then we sat down, Xavia to my right and him to my other side.

“What did Sky say about me?”

Sky jumped in. “I told you – ”

“Shut up. I wasn’t asking you – ”

He looked at Xavia. “See? I told you she was spontaneous.” She chuckled.

“Spontaneous?”

“I can’t find another word.”

I sneezed in response. Sky grabbed a pitcher, poured in lots of water in a glass and handed it over to me. “I was just telling Xav that you’re still sick and the schedule for out training.”

I looked at her then, all perfection and I felt myself shrink. She told me, “I’m not going to be here every day, you see. I’ll be here just for every Tuesday, at the very least.”

‘If you don’t mind me asking,” I said, why the hell are you so beautiful? No. I want to ask that but I sympathized with myself. “what are you going to teach me?”

“Sky will teach the most of it, unfortunately.” She giggled. “I know you don’t like him much, but I can’t stay here every day.”

I turned to him, eyebrows raised.

He grinned in return. “Just so you know, I’m a strict teacher.” Oh, really. “Wow, Sky. I’m so scared. Absolutely terrified.” Xavia laughed. I looked at her then. Am I that talented in making people laugh? She looked at me strangely and said,

            “I used to go to Anderson High, did you know that?”

            My mouth fell open. Anderson High?! She’s joking! I would’ve noticed her if she and I went to the same school – she would be popular at the first step on the soil of that education enrichment place. 

            “Don’t look so shocked! I’m a year older that you – ”

            “But I would’ve seen you!”

            She smiled a secretive smile. “Let’s just say that I’ve been under a disguise.” Then she winked at me. My brow creased in thought. Why would someone so pretty hide her face and pretend to someone else was way behind my comprehension.

            “I go by the name Angela Evans back then. I don’t have much friends but that way was better.” she explained. The name did sound kind of familiar. Evans. Section D7, I think. She can’t seem to stop smiling at me and it was becoming rather unsettling. Imagine Queen Elizabeth staring at you. Yes, terrifying. 

            Well not, really. But I know you get my drift.

            “Err, why are you staring at me like that?”

            “Carsh said he was into you the first time he met you, you know.”

            “You know Carsh?” Blood hell. Now I don’t know what to say. She laughed again – maybe at my expression.

            “We’re not that close. He said he met you because of Mallory. Two years ago?”

            “That’s right. He was chasing me with a… thing.”

            She nodded. “You don’t have to explain. I know exactly what you’re talking about.” As she said that, I looked a Sky. He was rather silent throughout our conversation, just skimming through my books. He looked at me, now. He raised an eyebrow in question. 

            I told him, “Is that your real face, or is that kind of edited?”

            “Edited?” he sputtered disbelievingly. Who could blame me? I was just wondering. They seem kind of into under covers and he’s actually much too handsome to exist. Xavia laughed loudly at Sky’s face – which is something rather worth seeing.

            “Look, I was just wondering – ”

            “Ryne, this is me.” he paused, regaining his composure in spite of his friend still laughing in the background. “It’s not my fault people find it too hard to believe.”

            “Yeah, yeah. You’re really glorious and all that.”

            Xavia chuckled. “He always has this ego. It’s completely normal.” I leaned my head on the back of the couch. “Yeah, I’ve noticed. It’s a wonder I survived.” He looked at me. “You’re exaggerating.”

            “Actually, I’m not. Imah saved my life.” I said, obviously clear in my tone was the fact that I miss her. Xavia’s eyes seemed to be reminiscing. “I haven’t seen her for weeks.”

            I nodded. “I know the feeling.” Sky rounded on me. “You just met her yesterday.”

            “It feels like damned decades. And I’m not actually used to living in isolation from the rest of the world.” Except for clingy receptionists, that is. Xavia blinked and asked, 

            “Imah was here yesterday?” she raised a quizzical brow at Sky. He seemed to hesitate and said uncertainly, “I’ll fill you in later. We – ”

            I interrupted. “If you guys wants some privacy, you only need to ask.” I started standing up, but they held me back simultaneously. Xavia smiled and said, “We’ll move out, okay? We’ll be back in a second.” They stood up and got out of the room. As they moved outside the doorway, I saw that the door was open a sliver. I instantly stood up, tiptoeing towards it. But then – but just then – the handsome devil glanced at me from outside, then put both hands on his hips and raised an eyebrow like the interrogator he is.

            So much for sneaking out.

            I went back to the couch, sulking. Though I can’t deny meeting Xavia was a relief – at least I have another human being I could interact with. I started remembering home, the forever familiar to the bedroom, to the dining. Dash’s doghouse and afternoon walks with Carsh. I miss those blue eyes of his so much. Now I know what Sky meant at the Marquette when we sat at the bench – that it depends on Carsh himself if he wanted to see me still.

            It made absolute sense. Why would he want to be involved with me again? A former Mafia leader wants me for same unknown reason, for God’s sake. That should be enough to drive anyone away. I released a small sigh and my eyes became sober as I sunk in to the reality of the predicament I am in.

            This sucks. Unbearably. Big time. If we ever meet again I’ll just let things sort out by themselves.