~ DAVE~
"If you interupt me again, I'm done." She warned, glaring at me with those pretty eyes of hers which are now red and swollen from the crying she did.
I still don't know what made her cry so much and I'm eager to know.
" I'm sorry?"
"Sorry?" She asked and turned to me. "I can't do this anymore."
She was shaking her head and her once sorrowful face broke into a large grin.
"What now?" I asked, puzzled.
"Forgive me, Dave but you're taking this too far. Why are you being too serious?" She went hysterical.
" What?" I stared at her, more confused than ever. What's funny?
"Look, I was crying because I have phobia for darkness. I'm nyctophobia and I seriously can't deal with it. Gosh, I almost died when I didn't see you so that's why I dressed up to go and you came in. That's it and nothing more."
I nodded. " Fine. I understand. I'm sorry for leaving you in the dark. I left for a meeting with the workers. You were sleeping so I didn't wanna wake you up. I just arrived and went to the hotel management about the power outage. "
She took me in as if she was just realizing that I'm dressed in suits.
I continued. "I was assured that it was a little fault and that the light will come soon. I arrived and met you like this and that was why I was worried. Even though you've explained, I wish you could reveal yourself to me. I barely know you"
I explained.
Somehow I know it's one of her ways to change the topic and divert my attention. She won't have her way this time. She thinks she can make me forget that easily?
"There's nothing to know Dave. Please." She stepped closer and stroked my cheeks.
"I was making that story up Dave. There's nothing. Absolutely. I've already told you everything."
" Everything as in?" I asked and got her hands from my cheeks.
" About my life. I told you I grew in New Jersey, schooled there, and now working there. I have a son and I'm living with my brother. I don't know where my parents are at the moment but Raymond and I are trying to find them. That's it. What else do you think I'm hiding?" She asked and stared at me sweetly.
" Yes. I know of all that but I still think there's something you're not telling."
" Then that's your problem. Not mine."
She kicked her feet out of the shoes she was wearing and removed her wig.
" You didn't tell me who Leonard's father is for instance," I said and watched how her face changed to that of sadness then neutralized.
"That's because it's none of your business."
Bam! We're back to square one.
" I thought we've passed this ' it's not your business thing ' "
" You're just not trying to let things go, Dave. Forget about it. You don't have to know everything. I will tell you when the time is right because as at now I haven't seen his dad. I don't even know him."
" What? Did he disappear after the pregnancy? What happened?" Curiosity got the best of me.
" That would've been better." She rolled her eyes and sat on the bed.
"Okay," I said even though I'd like to know more but I let it slide. It saddens me that she doesn't want to tell me anything.
"Do you trust me?" I asked and stared at her.
She went into thought for a while. I paid rapt attention to how her face changes each time she seems to be in deep thought.
If it's taking her this much to know whether she trusts me or not then that's why she doesn't trust me with her issues. She's afraid to open up to me because she doesn't trust me.
But why wouldn't she after everything we've done? Maybe I should do more.
I'm really into her and I can't bear the thought of losing her. I prefer to argue with her this way all the time than push her away with my inquisitiveness.
I don't know how it happened but I suddenly don't want to lose her. The thought of it scares me to the bone. But I can't help the bad feeling I get each time I think that she's hiding something. I can feel it. I can feel that she's hiding something and I know that whatever she's hiding is probably troubling her.
Oh, how I wish!
How I wish she'd just tell me everything.
I promise to share her problems and help her the best I can.
"I think I do." She replied finally with a smile that was not reaching her eyes.
I nod again and ask yet another question. "How come you are a virgin when you already have a son?"
I regretted asking when I saw how she sprang from the bed, glaring at me with blazing eyes. She's obviously furious.
Before I could take my words back, she explode like a timebomb.
"Jesus, Dave! Why won't you stay the fuck off my case? Why are you suffocating me with endless questions? Let me breathe, please! Geez! " she shouted, raking her hands through her braided hair.
She's right. Maybe I'm asking too much.
"Leave." She said slowly.
I remained rooted to where I stood. I didn't find it in me to move.
"I said leave." She repeated sternly this time. "I believe you're not deaf else I might as well use sign language just so you can understand."
Gosh!
" Those are impertinent retorts, Leona."
" Not like I care! Just go! We've had enough of this discussion!"
I turned on my heels and left after one long look at her.
I hate what I'm feeling, it's making me feel weak. How did I get tangled in all this? In Leona's web. I thought I vowed not to have any emotional attachment to any woman again.
What happened to all the promises I made to myself? Why's everything so different with her despite our misunderstandings?
Why do I feel a strong pull towards her? Why's everything so different? I've had a lot of sex before and I didn't feel the need to commit but with Leona, I'm ready to commit to her. What's so special about her that keeps me coming to her?
No woman except my mum has ever dared raise their voice at me or behave rudely but here is this woman named Leona who's busy driving me nuts and I have no control over it. I just let her. She even slapped me. Something no one has ever dared to do. I kinda deserved it though.
She's rude, she's feisty and has a very big mouth. She doesn't care who I am. She just keeps saying anything that crosses her mind. All that being said, I also happen to be so fucking crazy about her regardless.
I got to my room and loosened my tie then got my suit off. I changed into something casual and while I was going out, I spotted the plastic bag I brought with me for Leona.
I took it and went out.
~LEONA~
My heart ached painfully when I saw the hurt in his eyes before he left my room. Seeing that painful look caused me to die a thousand times inside.
But I just couldn't. I trust him in a way but not with my issues.
I paced to and fro in the room as I thought of my next move.
I know Lando better that he hates to be kept waiting. He has already told me that he is coming for me but that's not what he really meant. He wants me to come to him before he comes.
My time is limited now and I have to do something very fast before things get out of hand and I start to lose things that I hold dear.
Someone knocked at my door but I ignored it.
I know it's Dave. I told him to Leave but does he listen? No. He's the naughtiest being I've ever seen.
The knock came continuously so I took long strides to the door about to scold him but saw one of the workers of the hotel.
"I'm sorry if I disturbed, madam. I was sent to bring you this." He handed a paper bag to me.
" May I come in, please? I need to drop this." He said and wheeled a table filled with food inside.
"Who sent all this?" I asked before he got out.
" Mr. Anosova." He said and left.
I emptied the bag on the bed and was surprised to see so many nice clothes including fancy undergarments.
Among the clothes, one caught my eye. It was a plain white shirt. I picked it and inhaled it. It smells fresh and with a scent I can only describe as Dave. An involuntary smile broke to my face, melting a fraction of my earlier anger.
Why did he include his shirt in the clothes? Anyway, I'm glad he did.
I went to the table and helped myself to the meal that was brought. It was so delicious. I'd like to eat all but then, my stomach might burst.
I was filled with a new air of energy as I took my previous dress off and slipped his shirt on. It fell above my knees, leaving my long legs bare.
I wore a lacy pant underneath and slipped my feet into one of the slippers he bought.
I opened the en-suite door which led to his room but he wasn't in. I walked back to my room and called the hotel service with the telephone to clear the mess.
After they came for the leftover food, I looked around and spotted my phone beside the bed. I bent to pick it and froze.
For a moment, I forgot about the message I received.
I grabbed my phone and held it tight than usual before exiting the room.
Wait. Was the phone not in the bag Dave threw across the room? Maybe it wasn't.
I took a turn and appeared at a balcony. I realized there was a passage that could lead straight to my room.
The balcony looked beautiful and peaceful. I looked up at the starry sky before leaning on the railing for support while I took in the sight of the beautiful city. The view from up here is absolutely beautiful.
My heart began to pound when I remembered why I was here in the first place.
I took my phone and went through my call log again but surprisingly, I didn't see the missed calls and neither the message that was sent.
What the heck? I don't remember deleting them. How did it disappear from my phone?
I looked around with fear and bit my nails nervously.
My phone buzzed suddenly. I fiddled with it but my trembling hands gave way and it fell from my hand.
I picked it back and picked the call. Luckily, it didn't break.
There was silence at the other end. When I finally found my voice and decided to say something, a loud gunshot sounded directly into my ear followed by the ending of the call.
I stared at the screen in fright. If my ear wasn't conversant with gunshots, I would have gotten a panic attack.
This is Yolando giving me a warning. Before I could process what just happened further, I got a text.
I tapped on it and the content came to view.
"You seem scared. You want me to come or you will? I'm being generous, don't take advantage and don't keep me waiting!"
I tapped on the reply and typed.
" I will. Tell me where."
I inhaled and sent it.
"Is this where you've been?" I heard Dave's voice and within a second, he was beside me, resting himself on the rail.
I startled and the phone fell from my hand. This time, it's part got scattered on the floor.
Why am I being so nervous and clumsy? I hope I'm not being too obvious.
"I'll help you."
"No. Don't. I'll manage." I rasped and picked the parts up.
" Okay. At least let me fix it." He suggested again.
"No. I said I'll manage. Thanks." I said and fixed everything back.
Silence settled between us. I was waiting for him to say something but he didn't. So I tried to think of something to say.
"Thanks, for the food and clothes."
He nodded but didn't say anything. I sneaked a glance at him from the corners of my eyes. He wore a serious look and he seemed quite distant.
" I'm glad that you found a favorite." He said finally, pointing to the shirt I was wearing.
" It's not a favorite," I said, trying to hide a blush amidst everything.
"But you wore it. That's more important. I like to see you in my shirts." He said calmly. His voice coming out so good.
I didn't know how I managed to blush in this situation.
" I heard you're obsessed with long haired girls. " I blurted.
" Where did you get that rubbish from? " He asked, still not looking at me.
"How true is it?"
"There's no truth in what the media say. Avoid letting it get to your head." He sounded serious but it didn't show in his face.
" Okay. I didn't believe it actually but I can't help knowing that I'm also with you for the same reasons."
" Come here, Leo." He motioned with his hand.
I walked to him and he held me near, his hands fell on my shoulders.
"Now listen carefully, Leona." He tilted my chin up and stared straight into my eyes.
"Unlike everyone, I'll like that you come directly and ask me anything. Don't sniff information about me. Come to me and I'll clear things out to you. You hear me?"
I nodded and watched him walk away. Scolding never felt so painful.
But he's right about what he said. The truth always hurts right?
I'm proof of that fact.
So I'm hurting.
***...***
I know you're disappointed but it's okay. Everything will fall into place soon.