The Devil in Me

Chapter 11

Hopeful and bright emotions made my stomach bubble as it illuminated my view of the dirty old shop. I hummed a tune and smiled softly as I moped the wooden floor after finishing dusting. I threw myself in my own little world of dancing and shining colors, smiling at myself in peace.

"You're in a good mood."

Dante commented on the usual position on his desk.

"Of course I am!"

I simply agreed and dipped the mop to ring it with new water. I slapped the floor with the wet mop and headed for the only spot of the shop that wasn't clean yet, underneath the pool table. I scrunch my nose spotting the 1-inch layer of dust resting upon the wooden floors.

Of course, I was in a good mood. Everything felt great. The colors of my world turned more bright like never before. I wasn't dealing with any problems right now. Only having to worry about working and buying food and clothes for Alfie and me, felt like a dream.

On the other hand, when I woke up in terror earlier today, the thought of green snake eyes had raised a mixture of terror and fury within me that I was doing my best to ignore and move on with my day. Trying to convince myself that I was overthinking the situation by bumping into that red-headed stranger. The more I dwelled on it, the more my mind was recalling bits and pieces of unwanted traumas I experienced in the past. Not wanting to float in that dark area anymore, I replaced my bad energy with the good.

The past is the past.

And it should stay like that.

The black phone on Dante's desk rang followed by a loud slam that rattled the rest of the papers and pens, startling me. I snapped my head around to see the phone flying in the air for a split second and landing on Dante's chest as he talked into the mic.

I spotted Alfie on the couch also being surprised at the sound and shot a glare at Dante.

"Did you have to answer the phone like that?" I barked but he just winked at me and returned to his conversation.

I shook my head, placing the mop leaning against the wall and went to go comfort Alfie. I ruffled his hair and assured him everything was fine.

"Dante is just being a butt is all." Alfie giggled.

"Mommy! I think I'm starting to get it!" I took a seat next to him.

"Really?" He nodded and flashed me a bright smile.

"This says 'Penguins slide on their belly', right??"

He guided his fingertips over a long sentence. I peeked over his shoulder to see the translation under the bumps. My eyes widened in shock.

"Wow baby, you're learning fast." I said amazed. He squeaked in joy and his white eyes shined in triumph.

"Thank you, mommy!"

He giggled, warmth bloomed in my heart, feeling immense joy. As he returned to his braille book and focused again, I truly felt like a proud parent. I always knew he was smart. I smiled softly seeing his expression turn serious then confused as he tried to translate the bumps on the page to letters in his head. He tilted his head as he ran his fingers over the same word.

"You got it, baby."

I cheered him on and brushed the hair out of his face, seeing it was starting to get a bit too long, his long black hair reaching just above his upper lip. I made a note to get his haircut. I admired my son with adoration.