21 Days To Live

Day 8

Sunday
3:42 pm

Without him around the house, it seemed quieter than it usually was. I felt a sense of emptiness surrounding me. With every passing minute it seemed as if the walls had slowly began to close in on me, as if they too were mocking what had become of me.

And to think that this is what I had always wanted, killed me.

How could I ever desire something as horrible as this?

I walked down the stairs and into the living room where Gemma was sat watching tv, knowing that I had to do something.

"I need you to be ready by six," I started, causing her to look up at me.

She furrowed her eyebrows, glancing at me with confusion. "Why?"

"I've got a party to go to tonight and you're coming with me," I told her, then watched as she stood up from the sofa and crossed her arms across her chest.

"G.M invited me over to dinner today, and I told her I was coming," she argued, referring to my mom as G.M. "It hasn't even been a day since Dad left, and you are already celebrating. You're so unbelievable."

I rolled my eyes, then shook my head. "Cancel then, Gemma. It shouldn't be that hard. I don't want you around those people without Rome or I around. This party is hosted by the man who sponsors my company, and it would be rude of me not to show up."

I was trying to think of an excuse to keep Gemma around me for longer. All I wanted was to spend some time with her.

However, I didn't want to meet my siblings today. I didn't want to see their faces or hear about their successful lives. If word reached them about Rome and my break out, they would be up my throat asking for information. I didn't want them to know anything. I didn't want to involve them in my life.

Not yet, anyways.

"Just because Dad is not here it doesn't mean you have to start acting like my mother. We both know you're my mother only by name and nothing more," she snapped, a scowl forming on her lips.

But, I want to be something more in your life before I die. I want you to smile when you think of me, not cry.

I shook my head, then copied her actions by crossing my own arms across my chest.

"Gemma, as long as you're living in my house, you have to follow my rules," I remarked, feeling smug about how easily I could control her. "Be ready by six, and if you're not then that's alright too. All that matters is you show up with me. Oh and don't try to act smart by doing something stupid, it won't work on me."

7:02 pm

"Why do people like dressing up so much?" Gemma questioned in annoyance.

Her eyes darted around the place from person to person, as if attempting to find something to keep her interested throughout the party.

There was nothing special about the party. It was almost like a gathering among business men and women, who were trying to find more partners or sponsors for their company.

I had only came here thinking it would be helpful in letting Gemma and I spend time together. Mr. Dev Raj didn't really care if I showed up or not, and from what I had seen so far he was busy with his other guests to attend to me.