Under A Dark Cloud

Chapter 12

I was thankful enough he was no longer in the room and I managed to ask a waiter if he could hail in a cab to pick me up.

Confused, He asked me if I came in with a guest because he says that usually the Valentinos hold fancy parties and invited people with great status and reputations.

I explained that I've been invited by a friend and came here together with him. I also threw in that this " friend " of mine suddenly ditched me and left me here with another girl.

I feel bad when I spoke ill and lied about Damon leaving me for another girl but I have no choice. I didn't specifically gave a name and I have to get away from here sooner before he starts to come here to double check and sees me in his sight.

When I arrived home, Ashlyn was gently rocking David's cradle, lulling him to sleep. As I turned to softly close the door with a click, Ashlyn immediately spun around with wide eyes as she relaxed to see it was only me but a bit surprised to see me here.

" So how was the party? How come you're back early? I thought you were having a good time with that Damon guy," She asked, gesturing me to sit on the couch. " Or is it that he wasn't good at all, or maybe he has a wife? Goddarn it. The hot ones are always taken and- "

" I met him in the party, " I whispered.

" What? Who met you in the party? "

" The father. David's biological father. I met him in the party. "

" Shit. Did he follow you here, I mean, is he here right now? " Ashlyn asked as she turned to the door and started locking the door. " No, you made it this far and I'm not going to let him just walk right in and immediately reject your son personally in your face. "

" No, he's not here and I'm sure he'll never find me but I don't know why he's there at the party. Of all the parties I could attend to, He just have to be there. " I dropped myself in the couch as I tried to relax as I kicked off the heels, apologizing to Dana if there's a scratch later.

Ashlyn stay silent for a moment as she lightly patted me in the shoulder. " Go take a good soak in the tub, Kei. You need to relax yourself and get some rest. You still have a job tomorrow and you need to keep bringing in the bacon. "

I agreed with Ashlyn as I hugged her. " Thank you, Ash. You go sleep on ahead. Good night. "

" Night, Kei-Kei. " Ashlyn gave me a smile as she stood up and went to our room to sleep in the couch again. I told her I could stay in the couch sometimes but she kept refusing, saying that the couch loves her a lot and it married her.

I laughed for a bit as I shook my head and started the water, testing it to be alright. While I wait, I assured to myself that he will never find me and I'm ok. My son and I will stay away from his world as long as he stays away from our world. As simple as that without any pain or rejection.

~~~~

" Hey. Thanks for lending me the dress and the heels and the accessories. They were absolutely beautiful, " I approached Dana with David sitting in my arm while handing her dress and the things she lent me in a bag on the the other.

Dana smiled as she took the bag and looped it in her arm as she gently took David from me. She turned to me with a smile and asked, " How was the party? Did you get Mr. Damon to fall head over heels with you? Did he ask you on a date yet? "

I hesistated a bit and carefully chose my words to create things less complicated and avoid worrying Dana.

" Apparently, no. He didn't ask me. He told me he'd like to be my friend and get to know me more instead but our talk didn't last long till he has to go somewhere and attend some business to with other guests. But the good news is that the snacks were really good there and there are lot of eye candies there, " I replied, giving Dana a wink. Dana rolled her eyes and laughed.

" Honey, there are a lot of eye candies here in Rolls n' Spin too. A lot of hotties come here and go but don't mind the pudgy bellied ones. They're too much of a flirter but they don't hurt nobody. "

I see Striker on the corner of my eye as I looked back at Dana and pointed my thumb at the back.

" Gotta talk to Striker a bit. Thank you for taking care of David again. "

Dana waved back as I headed to Striker's station to see him fixing another bike. He must've heard me coming to him as he looked to me with a smile. He stood up and tipped his old brown hat, covering his long dirty blond hair inside it.

" Hey Chocolate. Nice seeing you visit me, " He greeted. I smiled as I asked, " So, what happened with Mr. Damon's Ducati? "

" Someone came here to pick it up as always. He didn't show up here to pick it up himself. The moment I hailed the bike was finally finished, the same guy sent by Mr. Damon came to get it and immediately paid me the cost as well as a good hefty tip. "

I stared at him confused as I walk back slowly and gave him a smile before I pointed to my office, telling him that I'll start working now. He grinned and gave me a chin lift as he resumed his work.

~~~~

" Don't wait up for me because Rush took me in a date ;)  -Ashlyn.

P.S. There's chicken sandwiches in the microwave for you. "

I smirked at the note in the kitchen table as I put it down and went to get a glass of water. I'm so happy that Rush finally confessed to Ash and they've been happy eversince. I'm happy for the both of them.

I smiled as I took out a chicken sandwich as I went to my baby boy's cradle to find him peacefully asleep. I ran a finger in his cheek gently as he cooed, giving me a small smile even when asleep.

It made my heart melt as I stopped myself from crying a bit as I finished my sandwich and headed to take my warm bath. I closed the door as I started to prepare the tub while humming out a tune.

~~~~

After I took my bath, I wore some cheap comfortable clothes I bought from a thrift store before and started to towel dry my hair in front of the mirror.

I heard the door open and softly click as I assumed Ashlyn just got back from her date. I opened the door while drying my hair with my towel covering my head as I walked out and asked,

" Ashlyn, hi. Hey, how was your date? Did Rush do something sweet with you? " There was no reply.

" Ash? You ok there? Bad night? "

I stopped drying my hair as I took the towel off my head and instead of looking at my best friend, I see him starting back at me with a cool steely gaze with his jaw clenched. Those dark green eyes holding me in place, daring me to move or escape.

Unable to form any words or react, I stood there frozen, like a prey who just spotted a predator nearing in for the kill, as I only managed to get a few words out.

" ...Cloud Valentino... "