His Paper Heart ✓

•11|His Chaotic Mind

I glance at him from the corner of my eye and catch him exhaling deeply. We're struck by a wash of cool air, it licks my face and seeps through my skin and I involuntary shiver with every step I take. My arm brushes against his and I smile at the warmth, though I wish I knew where we were going.

Silence feels like chasm between us. I'm not usually in a talkative mood but I want to speak. I want to talk about everything and nothing. I want to know about Los Angeles and Medical School and all the wild things Gray has done but, I'm a little anxious to ask. I have a circle of friends and I'm never the loud, funny one: that's Didi's job and once I step out of that circle — my family — I'm introspective. Especially around a rude rebel like Gray, who can shut me up even before I open my mouth.

"Just ask," I hear him mutter.

"What?"

"You want to ask something so ask."

I stop walking, I don't move — don't breathe. He turns to me and raises his eyebrows up a notch.

"Where are we going? Why did you leave LA? Is that the only place you've been to or do you travel a lot? If so, when are you leaving and where will you visit next? Did you actually go to med school? Why did you drop out? How did your parents die? Where do you get your money from? Do you have any siblings? Any friends? Again, where do you get your money? Are you into the occult? Are you going to use me for a blood sacrifice? I have school tomorrow and I'm really tired from walking so I prefer not being drained of my blood for your blood money, please take me back home." I drink the air the moment I conclude.

"What?" he whispers and steps closer to me. "Are you crazy?"

"Are you insensitive?" I also ask. "We've been walking for like thirty minutes and you didn't deny you're in the occult. I should have know."

He inhales sharply. "Where we're going is a surprise so calm down. I left LA because I needed some peace and quiet. I can't count the countries I've been to. I don't know when I'm leaving this town. Yes like I've already said, I went to med school. I dropped out because it was suffocating me. I get my money from working and I came from a very rich family. My grandmother was a multimillionaire. I have a sister but no friends. I'm not apart of any occult, you red-headed nincompoop. I'm not going to sacrifice you and if you're tired get on my back. I'll take you home soon."

"Did you just call me a nincompoop?"

"Do you prefer the term stupid?" he questions.

"Do you prefer me cutting your tongue and shoving it in your ass — hat?" I shout.

"Piggy back ride or not?"

"Turn around!" I assert firmly.

He faces me with his back. I hesitate but end up wrapping my arms around his neck and jump on his back. I take in his cherry scented after shave with a hint of burnt wood and smile, burying my face in his shoulder.

"Stop sniffing me," he says.

"What? I didn't sniff you. I'm not crazy. . ."

He hums.

"Gray, can I ask you something?" I whisper.

"Go ahead."

"What's the name of your sister?" I ask as he sets me down in front of the tall metallic gates of the Moondustries castle. The only decent mansion in my town. Gray turns to me and exhales. "Why did you leave her in LA?" I add.

"How about we talk about the fact that we're breaking into this mansion," he says.

"What?"

"We're breaking into this house."