The Devils Gift

Chapter 28

I wasn't sure when I fell asleep. I just remembered Sodo kissing my collar bone and something about an errand to run. Soon after I fell to the depths of sleep. My mind numbed by something. It might have been Sodo's presence, maybe his warmth, or just the tiredness of my overthinking.

I yawned and rubbed my eyes. My arms stretching out. Sodo's side of the bed was cold. "He must have left early." I thought. Swinging my legs over, I got up. The clock read 8:34. This was early for me considering I was up on the late side the night before.

I got ready for the day. I wasn't going to leave the room though, still cautious of the ghouls and ghoulettes. Sodo was still my safe place even after I met all the ghouls.

After my morning routine I rummaged through the bag Sodo had packed. The only things inside were two band t-shirts and a single pair of sweats. This was good enough for now but I would need to buy more clothes later.

"Hi darling." A familiar voice echoed in the room. I perked up from the bed, setting my phone down as I did. It was now about noon. I got up quickly but as I approached Sodo I noticed he had something in his back pocket.

It seemed a bit bulky and stuck out slightly. Like a big wallet or a collection

of small photos. I said nothing about it but I was curious. As I looked away from it I noticed just how happy Sodo looked. He had a big smile without falter. It was refreshing seeing him so happy.

"How'd you sleep?" Sodo turned his body so I could no longer see the bulge in his back pocket. "Good," I dryly responded. He was hiding something. "So have you made your decision?" Sodo moved to the closet door, standing just next to it.

"Yeah, I think I'm going to stay with Marie for a few days. Just to figure this out then come right back." I hoped Sodo would be supportive of my decision. I wasn't leaving him forever.

His face never faltered with a smile. Instead his eyes shined over in a weird way. A way I had never seen before. "Alright I get it. Give her a call. I just have to do something real quick." With that he walked into the closet and disappeared.

The line never connected. I had been trying to call Marie for a few minutes now. It would go to voicemail each time. Sodo emerged from the closet but I paid no attention. I was panicking. I tried to call Josh but the same thing happened.

"What's wrong?" Sodo asked. His voice sounded fake. "She's not picking up." I grew more worried. My thumbs typing at a quick rate. I had texted Marie at least twenty times. "Hunny, maybe she needs some time." Sodo moved my phone down from my face.

I looked up at him. He looked normal again. That large smile he once had no longer on his face. Like he was a completely new person. It creeped me out.

"Maybe, I guess I'll give her a day. But she always responds." Sodo took my phone. "I think you need a day too. Just relax and let your mind relax." My phone was stuck in his pocket. I would have fought back, told him to give me my phone but I couldn't.

It was weird. It was like Sodo controlled me with his voice. I had no more of my own thoughts. It was just me listening to Sodo or copying what he was doing. But relaxing sounded nice so I nodded.

"Good girl. Now I have some chores to do but I'll be back in an hour or so. Just lay down and stay here." A kiss went on my forehead. "Yeah that sounds nice." I mumbled. Sodo pulled me in and kissed my lips.

The kiss held the same passion as our first. The churning butterflies in my stomach returned with it. Like we had just fallen in love again. I yearned for that feeling more and more. My mind completely wiped of any thoughts of my sister, parents, or even myself. I lived in the moment, for the moment.

"Ok, I'm off my love." One more kiss on my lips before Sodo disappeared out the door, leaving me with my thoughts once again. I moved to the bed only to realize Sodo had taken my phone. Shocked, I went to the door to track him down for it but I stopped.

The words "Stay Here," echoed in my head. I tried to open the door but my body stopped. Again those words, "Stay Here," came to me again. I placed my hand on the door knob but yet again the words "Stay Here." I wanted to open the door, go against my head but I just couldn't. It felt like a spell was casted on me. I physically couldn't open the door, I could barely put my hand on the knob. I was fully confined to this room.

No phone, no Marie, no outside interaction. It made me feel like a caged animal. Sodo had only just left. What was wrong with me?