Dollface

Part 24

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I wake up the next day sprawled on my sheets, I went to take a shower and try to make the most of the day I had absolutely nothing planned for, there's nothing really to do here except walk around and look for something amusing.

After my shower I get out and wrap a towel around myself before walking down the hall with my hair still damp. I rush around the corner only to stop abruptly when I hear Simon's voice from downstairs.

S: FUCK.

He screamed followed by shattered glass. My breath caught at the loud crash and I pulled my towel tight to sprint downstairs. I stop when I reach the bottom of the stairs, letting my eyes look around until I spot the broken computer, the screen smashed into pieces and Simon standing next to it clutching his curls in frustration.

I watch him, slightly horrified at his outburst, before cautiously approaching him.

I: Simon...

His eyes flicker up to me as his chest rises and falls rapidly.

I: W-what's going on?

He tilts his head back, closes his eyes, and pauses for a second. His jaw clenched as he took a deep breath to try and calm himself down.

S: I've been trying to communicate with your father for four hours and I can't. The program's been hacked and I have no fucking idea how.
I: Have you tried calling Johnny?
S: Of course I fucking have!

He yelled, kicking the chair across the room, making me stumble back slightly.

I: Simon, please... just calm down.
S: Calm me down?!! Everything is going to go to shit! There are professional killers everywhere looking for you, I can't contact anyone, and I'm on my own!

It just occurs to me how serious this whole situation is. I stare at my feet, trying to swallow the massive lump in my throat.

I: ...I could help you...

I start quietly, refusing to look up, afraid of being yelled at like a child.

S: No. Don't even think about it. The exam is off limits to you, I'm not exposing you-

My eyes dart up to him and I interrupt him.

I: How much more dangerous could I possibly be to help you? There's no way I'm in any more danger than I already am. So why can't you just accept my help? We could figure this out together.

He giggled and rolled his eyes.

S: Together? Even if your help would be enough, I'm still under orders.

At this point, I've had enough of him.

I: Screw your orders!

His eyes snap back up, visible shock in his angry eyes, I grip my towel so tightly my knuckles turned white.

I: I'm sick of hearing you say that! I may not be in the best physical shape to fight off murderers, but I have a brain.

Simon took a step toward me, eyes narrowed, and I bravely did the same.

I: And I know I'm not the easiest person to work with, but I can't just sit here and act helpless.
S: I have to protect you.

He said quietly for the hundredth time.

S: And if that means doing it all alone, so be it.
I: No, you can't do it all alone.

He then stared into my eyes for a moment to think, eyebrows furrowed. I stare right back until he finally softens his expression and lets out a sigh.

S: There are certain things you're not meant to know Isabell. I'm aware of your intelligence, but even then you shouldn't be involved.
I: I'm already involved. But now my father is too, he may be the only person who cares about me anymore, my mother is gone, my sister carelessly couldn't.

I feel tears welling up at the thought and I use my palm to wipe a tear from my already flushed cheek. Simon growls to himself and pushes his hair out of his face.

S: That's not true.
I: What? Are you trying to say you care about me?

I say angrily, on the verge of bursting into tears.

S: Isabell
I: That's your job, you don't care about me and I don't think you ever will. That's how it goes, right? You know what?! This conversation is such bullshit!

I huff and turn on my heel, ready to start the stairs when his hands grip my hips, a squeak leaving my lips as I stood in front of him again, our bodies pressed tightly together despite my lack of clothing, my cheeks burning like fire as I stare up at him, our noses almost brushing lightly as he looked down at me.

Silence reigned between us, frustrated, angry looks burning into each other as if water never existed.

S: I bust my ass to protect you! I don't sleep, I barely eat, and I'm down here every damn day ready to have a bullet put straight through my heart for you.

My mouth went dry and I parted my lips to say something, but my throat stopped me from letting any words out.

S: I can't say I care about you, but in a way I dedicate my life to your safety, so consider that enough.

Guilt washes over me as I take in his dark gaze.

S: I have no one. No one cares about me, and I'm not complaining.
I: Simon-
S: Simon nothing, this isn't a puzzle you have to solve. Leave it to me.
I: I only ever wanted to help you...

I muttered quietly.

S: I know you don't have to tell me.
I: Then why can't you just let me? Screw your orders, at this point I don't think they even matter anymore.

Simon groans in exhaustion and sighs heavily.

S: You're making this so hard, Isabell.
I: It doesn't have to be that way.
S: Isabell...
I: Simon.
S: Isa.
I: Simon.

He closed his eyes briefly and took a deep breath.

S: ...okay.
I: I'm safe.

I promised him.

I: With you.
S: Get dressed, we need a new computer.
I: Okay.