Render Me Starless

♛ | Chapter 3 - "away to duncan's diner"

It surprised me how little I had to pack. Everything fit in one suit case.
Gray was coming with us, to where? I still didn't know. It was a struggle to think about my best friend of so many years being warped up with Orion.
Did he work for him? And if so, how long had he been working for him? Was he really my neighbour coincidentally? Why didn't I know about this?

So many questions in such little time. So many emotions.

Betrayal was my most prominent emotion. Gray told me everything. So why didn't I know that my best friend worked for Orion from time to time? Who even was Orion? Who was he really?

My eyes were hot as I fought to keep my tears at bay. It had been a long day. A long fucking day.
I angrily rub at my eyes, refusing to cry. Come on, Maria. You're stronger than this. Don't cry.

I rid myself of any thoughts of Gray and his stupid face, taking in a deep breath. I close my suitcase with ease, no problem of it being too full. I step back and survey the room. With the closet door closed, there wasn't a major difference to the room. There were no decorations that had to be put down. The only thing really different was my bedside table. I had packed the photo frame carefully with the rest of my belongings.

"They're waiting for you outside."

I turn to find mother at the door, her face void of emotion. "Are you going to be staying here?" I ask.
"The house will be sold. I have things that need to be done up north," she says, her voice mirroring her lack of expression. I wasn't surprised at the answer that wasn't an answer. I've been getting them all day.
"Why are you selling the house?" I would miss it. It's been my home for all my life.
Her eyes flick around the room, "there's no use for it anymore."

I don't bother with more questions. I knew she wouldn't give me real answers. Sure, both my mum and Orion has answers for everything, but they never really answered anything.

I lift up the heavy suitcase and mother moves out of the way, understanding the conversation was over. Gray and Orion stood next to the back of an all black Range Rover, the boot open. There was luggage already in the back and I assumed it was Gray's. Whatever hushed conversation they were having halted as I walked over to them. Wordlessly, Stick Man takes the suitcase from me, lifting it up with ease. I refuse to meet Gray's penetrating gaze.

Gray could shove a stick up his ass too, for all I cared.

"Is that everything?" Orion's smooth voice cuts through the roaring silence. I don't bother looking up, keeping my gaze firmly planted on the old driveway. I nod. I hear the boot close with a heavy thud and finally look up. The two men were walking over to the car doors. I look back. Mother stood rigid just outside the front door.

I was so close to breaking down again. So close.

I run to her, almost stumbling to the ground. Throwing my arms around her, I hold her tight. We never hugged, but I didn't know when I would see her next. Over my seventeen years of living, I could count on one hand how many times someone has given me a hug. It was always me giving hugs.

I would miss mum. Gosh, I already did. She had always been with me. Her arms gave me a squeeze before she let go. "I'll see you soon, Maria. I promise," she whispers. I hold her gaze for a second longer before turning away. My face felt so hot with the urge to cry, my eyes smouldering.

Orion still stood outside of the drivers seat, waiting for me. Gray was already inside and I couldn't help but feeling slightly hurt that Stick Man waited for me but he hadn't.
Stupid bitch.
Orion meets my eyes, raising an eyebrow as if he were asking me if I was alright. I nod in response, walking over to his side of the car, maintaining eye contact.
It was Orion who had waited for me. Orion, not Gray.