Into The Dark

13.

Starting her day with a renewed sense of purpose, Selassi got ready quickly and went downstairs to see Auntie Diane sitting at the dining table. 

Selassi had purposely ignored and avoided her since the encounter she witnessed. Auntie Diane noticed her presence, giving her a soft smile but Selassi wasn't buying it this time. Something seemed off and unnerving about the way she looked at her, her eyes appeared more blank than  Selassi remembered and her smile was more tight than soft and welcoming.

Trying not to throw her off, Selassi returned a small smile and sits down. Proceeding to eat her breakfast, Selassi deciding to keep quiet and focus her attention on her phone. 

When breakfast ended, Selassi left quickly before Auntie Diane could catch her and went for an early morning walk. She sauntered the rocky road whilst the hubbub of the town only started brew a bit, traders setting up and people rushing to catch a Trotro to work.

Selassi was at crossroads where her life would go at this point, so much had happened in the last month or so that she was starting to question who to trust other than Nina. It felt like her parents had left her in the lurch, with all these secrets that she had to find out by sifting through storage. It made her see them in a whole light, the very fact that they were cultists struck an unnerving chord within her.

Was she somehow involved?

What were they using it for?

Why didn't they tell her?

The questions raced through her mind as she continued to walk; no matter how much she thought through the possible answers, she knew that the only people who could answer them were dead. It was possible that whatever they practised was probably linked to the torment she was going through right now, she was sure of it.

She quickly bought a soft drink and turned around, making her way back to the house. Walking absentmindedly, she bumped into a strong chest and instantly detecting pungent notes of a familiar cologne, she moved quickly but that didn't stop him.

He eventually got what he wanted, stopping her not too far from the house. He knew they weren't on talking terms but he just wanted to see her, hold her and be with her. He was aware that he made a grave mistake in trying to make her seem mad but that was his mission, he had to fulfil it.

But looking at her now, he could see why he lost focus so easily and why he was starting to feel guilty about what he was doing, but he had complete this opportunity or else.

" I know you don't want to see me but can we talk, please?" He pleaded. Selassi merely looked him up and down, feeling a deep annoyance that he even thought to approach her. She was simply not in the mood to hear what he had to say.

She started to walk away but he grabbed, pulling her to the edge of the road. Cornering her by the wall, he trapped her in his arms which forced her to submit.

" Can we talk please?" he asked softly.

" What were you and Auntie Diane arguing about the other day?" She asked. His jaw instantly clenched whilst he let out a small sigh.

"Nothing, baby"

"It seemed heated."

"It really is nothing"

" What are you not telling me, James?" she asked, looking at him directly in the eye. She noticed a twinkle of discomfort in his eyes like he wanted to say something but was afraid to. 

" Nothing to worry about. I just want to apologise for my words the other day, I just want to be on good terms with you like before" He begged, putting his forehead against hers but she swiftly moved her head making him lose his balance.