“Dinner's in the fridge,” she called after me.I wasn't hungry, so I simply said thank you.Instead of a proper meal, I ate a burnt sandwich I had made for a client, not wanting to waste it.All I wanted was to shower and study for my history test the next day.
After finishing up past midnight, I finally drifted off to sleep, but it didn't last long.I awoke in a cold sweat from a vivid dream.I was in a car with my mom, rain pouring down heavily outside.She was driving while I sat in the back, staring out the window, lost in thought.
She spoke to me, but I wasn't listening.I was still a child, maybe around nine or ten.When she called my name, I didn't answer.It was like my lips were glued together.She asked me something, and still, I stayed silent, even though inside, I felt like I was screaming and crying.I was paralyzed with agony, unable to show any emotion.
When we finally arrived home, she asked me to wait in the car while she went around to get the umbrella.As soon as I stepped outside, I landed in a puddle, and she lost her temper.Yet, she grabbed my arm and yanked me toward the house.I walked like a ghost, barely lifting my feet.
Inside, she shook my shoulder, trying to get me to respond, but I remained unreactive.After several attempts, she stepped back in shock, and I stared at her with my wide blue eyes—silent.
It wasn't a dream; it was a memory.
Chapter 30
Aknock echoed through the classroom.
“Come in!”Mrs.Davies called out.The door swung open, and a secretary walked in, instantly capturing the attention of every student.
“Excuse me, but Ms.Bernardi's uncle is here to pick her up due to a family matter,” the secretary announced.All eyes shifted towards me.
“Your uncle?”Emily murmured, trying to recall who that might be.
I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me, reminiscent of the first day when the secretary led me to the principal's office.Why would Uncle Gabriel be sent to get me?What was going on?
I hurriedly gathered my belongings and stepped outside, following Clous’s mother, finally recognizing her resemblance to him.My mind raced with questions; it was only second period—what could possibly be wrong?
After navigating through a maze of stairs and hallways, we finally arrived at the entrance.My heart raced as I spotted a young man standing there, perhaps in his mid-twenties, dressed sharply in a dress shirt and tie.He greeted me with a warm smile and unexpectedly reached out for a hug.I hesitated, but he whispered something in my ear that I couldn't ignore.
“Hello, my favorite niece,” he said, glancing at the secretary who observed us closely.“I apologize for pulling her out of school, but we have urgent family matters to attend to,” he stated, his tone professional.The secretary nodded and departed.The young man turned to me, giving a playful wink as he gestured for me to follow him outside.
“Where are we going?”I asked, lowering my voice to ensure no one overheard us.
“I already told you,” he replied, not elaborating further.Trusting him, I trailed behind until we reached a sleek black car with tinted windows.He opened the back door and invited me inside.My heart raced like a runaway train with a mix of excitement and nerves.Inside, Zane lounged, wearing sunglasses and a smirk.
“Get in, dummy.We don't have all day,” he said, motioning for me to join him.The young man settled into the driver's seat and started the engine.“How did you agree to leave school with this dude?Didn't your mom teach you about strangers?”Zane teased, chuckling.
“He said you sent him,” I replied, feeling a bit sheepish.
“I'm Mic, by the way,” the driver said, glancing back at us through the rearview mirror.
“Nice to meet you,” I said, offering a shy smile.“Why didn't you text me that you were coming to pull me out of school?”I pressed, hoping to understand the situation better.
“Where's the fun in that?I wanted to see if you'd actually leave with a stranger.Besides, I figured you wouldn't agree if I told you,” he said, his smirk was a little too smug for my liking.He had barely spoken to me in the last few days, and I was getting mixed signals from him.I chose not to inquire about our destination; I doubted he would provide any clarity.
After a few minutes, Mic parked in front of Zane’s apartment.
“I thought I'd never come here again,” I said, irritation creeping into my voice.
“True, I would never bring you here when my dad is home, but he had a court meeting today, and he wouldn't be back until later,” Zane replied, a smile on his face.He didn't kiss me, and I sensed a distance between us; he felt different from the Zane I was beginning to know.Maybe this was an unfamiliar side of him.
He opened the door, and we headed straight to his room.Caught up in my frustration, I didn't consider the implications of why he brought me back here until it struck me: perhaps he wanted to pick up where we left off the other day.
Suddenly, a wave of nausea hit me.Spontaneity felt one way, but a plan felt entirely different.
“What are we doing here?”I asked, sounding a bit foolish.He gave me a sly grin.Zane stepped closer, resting a hand on my waist and pulling me in slightly.Leaning in, he moved his face nearer to mine, his breath warm against my skin.He kissed me softly, stirring a whirlwind of anticipation within me.I kissed him back more fervently, but he pulled away gently.
“Careful, it could getdangerous,” he murmured, pausing.“I have a surprise for you,” Zane added, igniting my curiosity.He took my hand and began to walk backward toward the bathroom door, keeping his gaze locked on mine.I was confused but followed him without hesitation.
He nudged the door open, guiding me inside with gentle insistence.I needed a moment to collect myself; my heart sank when I took in the sight of countless red candles flickering throughout the bathroom.The tub was filled halfway with bubbles, creating a dreamy oasis.
