The Tail of a Wolff (UNDER MAJOR EDITING)

17. 'Simp'

While Annabelle looks around my place, complimenting the furniture. I head to the kitchen to quench my thirst, the beige and white cupboards have me smiling, remembering the times where I struggled to chose paint colours while renovating. This place brings back happy memories that I will always cherish.

God, the dust. Everything hasn't been used in over a month, so the dust that has gathered on the glasses and all other kitchen items. My nose scrunches as I get the familiar feeling -

"Atchoo!" I hate the way I sneeze, usually I control them or stop them just in time but it was just so unexpected.

Annabelle, unsurprisingly, looks at me like I did that on purpose "What the fu - funds was that? It sounded like something between a yawning cat and a scream"

She's not wrong, I have really high pitched sneeze. I don't do it on purpose but it really feels like a burden on me. My college friends - correction ex friends - used to hate it. When I was about to sneeze and we're in a public place, they would pinch my nose. I totally understand why they did, but it always felt they were ashamed of me.

"Uhm... It's unique though" she adds.

"Yeah right" I open the tap and drink straight from it. I am a HUGE germaphobe, rinsing it with water wouldn't do that glass justice.

"I love this place, its so small but it feels so homey. I have a big family and we always moved, every single time the houses would get larger but at the same time less... homier" theres a distant look on her face, as revisits those childhood memories.

"You have a lovely home Wynter" I smile and thank Annabelle. There's more to her than meets the eye. To be honest, I was prejudicial towards her when she told me that she's a model, I was wrong. Behind all that beauty, is someone who has a story to tell. Maybe one day she'll share it with me.

"Thank you Annabelle" I ignore the playful glare she sends me when I use her full name "I would offer you something to drink but everything is so dusty. Oh wait! I think there's some dishwashe -"

"It's okay. I'm leaving anyway. My boyfriend is complaining about how much time I've been spending here and he's right. If you still want me around, we can exchange numbers?"

"I understand" I really do but I can't help wanting her to stay with me. Ever since I graduated 2 years ago, I've been a little lonely. I try my best to conceal my disappointment "Have a safe journey, I don't have a phone but I'll contact you"

She looks at my with apprehension and that's when I realize she doesn't know about Wolff. To her I'm just a weirdo that can contact her without having her number or having a phone. For the second time today, I mentally kick myself.

"Didn't you give me your number?" I feign confusion and she shakes her head "Oh, well you can write it here and be on your way. I won't delay you any longer" I grab the note pad on the dining table and look for a pen.

"Sure. If you don't mind me asking, what's with the thumb print?"

"That's just for security. Paranoia am I right?" this is when I wish that I had Tallis' smooth lying skills because Annabelle tries to smile and nod. Clearly she doesn't believe me.

An awkward silence ensues. I clear my throat, walking towards her "Would you like me to show you out?"

"No no. It's fine, I know the way" she does a little wave and walks to the door.

"I nearly forgot to say good luck with the funeral arrangements. See you!" and with that she's gone.

My heart stops beating for a minute. Feelings of shame, embarrassment arise from deep within in me when I realize that I forgot to arrange a funeral for Tallis. I totally forgot and I instantly hate myself.