Dylan (18+) [ON HOLD]

chapter eleven: H A N D

Dylan

. . .

I did tell Stella I was going to Gabby's.

And I am. However, Gabby's is no longer the mini-condo downstairs, but at her parents' house. Much farther than before.

And also a location that Stella doesn't know about.

In all the time we've been together, Stella has never been to the de Santis house. Nor has she ever met Gabriel or Leticia.

I'd been hurt at first—she didn't want to meet my family. But right now, I couldn't be more thankful.

My chest feels hollow save for my heart which beats low and slow, similar to a pendulum. Unwilling to just sit in the aching silence, I use the little screen-pad in my car to call Gabby's phone.

It rings, in sync with the beating of my heart, but ultimately doesn't connect.

Memories flash through the forefront of my mind, temporarily stunning my breathing. The panic that came with the beacon I hadn't ever planned on Gabby needing to use. The reckless driving that could have stopped me from getting to her. The sight of her on the ground, curled into a defensive little ball of marred flesh.

I force my breath out through a cough and push on the gas.

The thirty-minute drive slashes to a shaky fifteen as I park on the Street beside the house.

I jog quickly to the front door, wishing it would open itself, or that I at the very least had a key.

A quick knock and with a speed that finally allows me to relax, Leticia opens the door.

"It's late Dylan. Have you eaten?" She ushers me inside as she asks the question, directing me to the dining table.

"No, but I'm not hungry Ti. Is Gabs here?"

Leticia fumbles a bit with the bowl of food she holds, however she rights herself quickly. "Si. She didn't want to stay in the condo after... he'd been in there before, I'm sure you know."

I nod.

"She couldn't stand it so she's been here. I'm surprised her new friend didn't tell you."

I cock my head in confusion. "Friend?"

"Yes. The girl with the curly hair and odd name. A little rude?"

I laugh softly at her description, the action feeling foreign. I shouldn't be talking to Leti right now, I should be going upstairs to check on Gabby. "Charisma?"

"Si."

"She's the security guard we got for Gabby. Do you not like her?"

Leticia laughs. "That's not it mijo. If she's security... that girl could probably get the Whistler to shut up with just one look."

Another laugh, not forced but still distracting me from my initial plans.

I open my mouth to excuse myself, but a plate is placed in front of me. Piled high with mouth watering shredded beef, black beans, rice, and fried plantains, my stomach begins to rumble throwing my lie of not being hungry straight out of the window.

Giving Leti an apologetic smile I quietly eat my food.

When I'm done, Leti walks me to the door and bids me farewell.

I smile down at my shoes, my belly full after my first warm meal in what feels like years.

A bug crawls beside my foot, drawing my attention to the handmade welcome mat that sits below my feet.