Clarity

CHAPTER FOURTY FOUR

Linda's POV

Mom has slapped for the first time in my life.

"So you're alive!" She asked with a loud voice. I was scared to reply with my words so I nodded.

"Why? Why did you do this? Did you know how..." I walked closer to her and gave her a hug, interrupting  her from the many questions she asked.

"I'm sorry mom. I had to do this. Melissa wanted me dead." I pulled away from the hug.

"My own daughter. Why didn't you tell me!?" Well... Why didn't I tell her?

"Linda." Mom called me snapping me from my thoughts.

"It was dad. He told me not to tell you anything." I mumbled.

I looked at dad and he gave me the 'are you kidding me' look.

"You..." She pointed accusingly at dad.

As much as I've missed her, I don't think I was ready for the tantrum she threw.

"Where's your room? We need to pack."

"What?"

"Your room Linda. You're coming home with me." Mom said in a matter of fact tone.

"But I..."

"You need to come home. Daniel is a mess." Mom said.

"What do you mean?"

"He drinks every day and night. He's broken Linda. He lost his sister, one week later he loses you." Mom said sadly and I started to feel bad.

I was selfish but it was the only way.

But now I have to return.
For Daniel.

"Okay let's go."

"What about your clothes?" Dad asked.

"I'll buy them at home. My house still okay?" I asked mom and she grinned.

"Of course silly."

.........................................

Mom wasn't kidding. My house looks exactly like I've left it.

I got into my bedroom and I smiled sadly.

"I sprayed your perfume everytime I cleaned this room. It made me feel like you were still here." Mom said sadly wiping off her tear on her left eye.

"Thanks mom." I gave her a quick hug.

"I gotta take a quick shower and go fix my mess." I said and mom laughed shaking her head sideways.

"Good luck. You gonna need it."

...........................................

Mom wasn't kidding, Daniel is a mess.

He left his beard unshaved and it's not a good look for him. He was in a club drinking shots after shots.

This is my fault. Yeah it is.

I need to fix this. I walked inside the club and went to where Daniel was sitting. He looks so thin.

His muscles are gone and he has bags under his eyes.

"Daniel?"

"Hey. Why are you alone today. Where's Casey?" Wait What! No freaking out or throwing tantrums? Why is he asking about Casey?

"LA. I know I should've protected you and Casey from danger. I failed okay but please stop haunting me!" He screamed throwing the glass of whatever he was drinking on the wall.

Haunting him? Oh no.

"Daniel. Come on let me take you home." I sighed feeling defeated and guilty.

I held out my hand for him to take it but he shook his head sideways.

"No. Everytime I try to touch you, you disappear." He cried and I took felt tears rolling down my cheeks.

"I'm so sorry Daniel." I held him by his shoulders. He finally took my hand and I got him out of the club to look for a taxi.

Man. He's heavy.

I stopped a taxi and I got him inside. I gave the driver the location and money.

"God gave me a chance to touch you LA. Come with Casey tomorrow." He said  his eyes closing showing that he's sleeping.

I finally got Daniel inside his apartment after struggling. He's asleep and he's heavy.

I left him on the couch in a sleeping position. I covered him in a mini blanket.

I stood there next on the couch watching him sleep.

I want Daniel back. My old sweet crush.

I kissed him on his forehead.

I guess I have to prepare for the worst tomorrow.