Voices in My Head

Chapter 18: Unexpected

I don't know how he knew, but he either has super good connections, superpowers, or is a crazed stalker.

Because Dante found out that I was kicked out of my house.

I was leaving school with my backpack and a duffel bag containing all my things, planning on taking shelter on a bench or something, when he suddenly showed up and offered me his fancy house to crash in.

I was dumbfounded by his unexpected kindness.

He must really want to find his girlfriend if he's trying to get my good graces. That's the only reason I could think of for his sudden change in attitude and behavior. But if he has such good connections, why doesn't he just use that? What's so special about me?

I'm not some detective genius. I'm not that smart or brave. I can't do anything right. I mess things up more times than I can count. I always get in trouble.

So what's the point of trying to please someone like me?

"At least you know you're worth nothing."

Things get even more confusing and overwhelming.

I took a deep breath. You know what? I'm not going to deal with this. I'm just going to accept it and move on. I already lost everything. What's the worst that can happen?

I watched the clouds go by as we drove in his car. They must feel so free, bounded by no rules, just drift endlessly. I wonder what kind of life that would be. No pain. No worries. Just free.

Must be paradise.

"Too bad you'll never experience it."

"If you need anything, just ask Ashton." Dante told me when we arrived. I nodded absentmindedly, getting my backpack and duffel bag, following Dante as he went in his house.

The rest of his house was as fancy as the kitchen and dining room. My mind was blown away by how beautiful it looked.

He gave me a brief tour, showed me his room, the bathroom, and where I'll be staying at.

"Are you going to put your stuff down or just keep staring at everything?" Dante was amused as he leaned against the doorway of the guestroom.

I averted my eyes, shamed I was caught.

I walked in and glanced around. The room was bigger than mine. But I should've expected that considering the rest of the house.

Even without the light turned on, the room was already bright by the sun's rays passing through the white curtains. The bed had dark blue covers. The walls were painted a soft gray color. A dresser was against the closet. A small table and drawer was here as well.

I was about to put my stuff down on the bed when my eye caught sight of something.

A picture of a purple dahlia.

Robyn's favorite flower. Dahlias symbolizes dignity and elegance, but she loved how it also symbolize an everlasting commitment or bond.

To most, it was a happy and romantic picture.

Not to me.

It just reminded me of the bond I broke because I couldn't keep her safe, because I was weak.

Why is fate so cruel?

Why can't I run away from my past? Why I can't escape? Why can't I find a break?

Why?

"Because this world has never been fair." Dante's sharp voice cut through my thoughts.

I felt my face redden, realizing I said my thoughts out loud. What a fool. Dante must think I'm an even bigger freak now.

But when I risked a glance at the guy, he didn't look disgusted. If anything, he seem to be in deep thought and somewhat amused.

He shook himself of his thoughts a second later, smirking at me, a glint in his eyes as he stared down at me.

"We are more alike than you realize."

"...What do you mean?" It was now I realized this conversation is my first time actually talking to him (Raiden didn't count).

But he didn't respond, just shot me a smile and left the room, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.

But I didn't move from my spot. I stared at the closed door, not knowing what to do, what to say.

Despite his usual smirking and superior, commanding tone, it was the first time he ever smiled like that.

Not smirking. Not taunting.

A genuine smile.

And I think that was even creepier because I was used to don't-even-think-of-provoking, crazy, maniac Dante.

To be honest, this whole kind Dante thing is creeping me out.

Maybe the guy's bipolar.

I flopped down on the bed, my stuff forgotten by the bedside. I closed my eyes, hoping to get some good sleep.

A ping from my phone roused me from falling asleep deeper.

With blurred vision, I glanced at the text. Thought nothing of it and threw the phone on the dresser. A second later, the message's contents finally dawned on me. And I scrambled out of bed to get the phone again, to make sure I didn't read it wrong.

"I know this is sudden but can we meet up? At the bakery that just opened near the mall tomorrow. I have something important to discuss with you. I love you. ---Mom"

So I wasn't seeing things. I clutched the phone, trying to decipher if there was a hidden meaning behind those innocent words.

"I love you. ---Mom"

She hasn't told me she loved me since....I can't remember the last time she ever said that to me.

Just what is going on here?

I put the phone back on the dresser and tried to return back to sleep, but my thoughts kept running rampant with everything that happened recently.

I'm seriously too tired to deal with all this.