Tomorrow's Gone (#Wattys2015)

Chapter 18: Bittersweet

My mind was racing a thousand miles an hour, yet I couldn't quite register what Cosmo was saying. My palms became clammy, my heart palpitating quickly.

There was no menace behind the way he said it. In fact, there was truly no emotion in his voice. I had no idea how to explain this... I wondered if it was right to trust him. My heart said yes while my mind said otherwise. Finally, I managed to regain my composure. "I did?" I asked nonchalantly.

Cosmo nodded solemnly, remaining silent.

I mentally cursed myself. "I have no idea why I would have said that," I lied convincingly.

Cosmo sighed and came to sit beside me on the bed. "I know you have been contacting him," he said, taking me by surprise.

"W-what? N-no," I stuttered incoherently as I began feeling incredibly nervous. I had no idea how he'd found out. Maybe he was just intuitive... or maybe I'd been too suspicious.

Cosmo's sad eyes delved into my own. "I know, Zoe. You do not have to lie. I will not tell, I told you I wanted to help," he murmured.

"I swear I haven't talked to him," I choked out. If I desisted, I would confirm my connection with Phoenix, and the Onyx couldn't know. Our rescue would be soiled.

Cosmo narrowed his eyes imperceptibly at me. "Zoe, do not deny it. I heard you speak in your dream, and believe me, it was more than simply uttering his name. I do not care if I am punished for keeping this a secret. As I said before, you inspire good in me."

I stared in bewilderment at him. He was defying the law for us. Phoenix swore that all the Onyx were evil, but here Cosmo was, risking his life for us. Was this even possible? Was Phoenix right, was he simply lying? I had to make a decision; would I entrust him with my secret or would I maintain it in the dark? I chose the latter.

"Cosmo, it's not a connection... I simply dreamed of him, that's all. It's not possible to establish a connection between us," I lied.

Cosmo stared calculatingly into my eyes for a moment. "I am sorry... that is impossible, forgive me for assuming too much," he apologized somewhat sheepishly.

I let out a mental sigh of relief. I wasn't sure he believed me entirely, but I'd convinced him I had no contact with Phoenix. I gazed at Cosmo beneath my lashes. He smiled at me, his pale face brightening up. How could such a sincere boy be bad? I felt the intense urge to trust him. I just knew he was a good person. My heart told me so.

"It's okay," I smiled halfheartedly, the smile never reaching my eyes.

Cosmo stood up from the bed. "Would you like to eat breakfast now?" he asked politely, clasping his hands together in front of himself.

I grimaced. "Is it okay if I use the restroom before?" I asked, blushing.

"Oh, yes, of course," Cosmo said, flustered. "That door leads to my restroom," he gestured toward a black door.

I nodded gratefully and made my way towards it. I stepped inside its sleek interior. The walls were rounded, a glossy white. A curved mirror rested against the wall, above the sink. I proceeded to wash my teeth with a herby-tasting paste I found on the counter. I then washed my face and ran my fingers through my tangled, dark brown hair a few times. I immediately felt replenished. I turned the knob on the door, ready to walk out when it was pushed closed once more.

"Don't come out, Venus is here," Cosmo's muffled, frantic voice urged from the other side.

I froze on my tracks, stepping back and nearly falling into the glossy black, gaudy bathtub.