(Dahlia POV)
But sadly, I wasn’t able to catch up to any of them. Their cars resumed maneuvering.
The person who saves me… I only glimpsed his eyes for the last time, gazing directly into mine before his car disappeared into the night.
Then I remembered how our lips meet.
I lightly touch my lips.
The kiss. Is that enough for him as my gratitude for saving me?
Back to reality, It was just foolish of me to go back to the middle of the road while a few minutes ago I wished I wasn’t there. Not to mention, there was a traffic officer coming. So, I just went back to where Grandma was waiting for me. I approached her and hugged Grama tightly. Her body is thin, which is I can easily hug her.
“Oh Dahlia, I haven’t paid for a coffin yet so don’t send me to Death in this cheese trap.”
I just smiled. Guess she realized what had happened.
“And I still want to live with my beautiful granddaughter.”
Grandma loves to make fun of me. Silly.
I looked at her as a happy Grandma. Enthusiastic. Loves to make fun of me. Cracked jokes whenever she feels that I am quiet. But a few people tell me before Grandma adopted me, she was unkind and peevish.
To what I see and witness to her. It's impossible for me to believe them.
“Your adopted grandchild Grandma.”
“Oh fine. I take it back. You are not that beautiful. I take it back."
“Sorry, Grandma.” I smile at Grandma's huff.
“What was I thinking then? It seems like my body thought your hat was worth saving than myself.”
“People sometimes act without thinking things through. But use that brain, Dahlia,” she chuckled lowly.
She's a rude Grandma sometimes, but even if she is like this. I won't let her die in an accident. I am very grateful to her. She adopts me, gives me a family, and a home to call my own. Makes me feel that I belong to her family.
Many have told me; Grandma will only serve her as a maid. Whoever who tell me this, Grandma showed me that they were really wrong.
She considered me as her child more than her real grandchildren that made them heretic from her.
“I didn’t know who saved me. What are they? Humans? Or creatures that—”
“G-ma, you’re talking supernatural again. They’re just amazing people. Fast people. I am thankful Grandma they were able to act quickly to help us.”
“Too fast to be human, Dahlia. I doubt it.”
Grandma's imaginative reign once again. But her being a fictionist really helps me in the novel I am writing. That makes me think sometimes we are real relatives.
“Well, too bad I wasn’t able to thank the one who saved me. He saved me but I fell on him, and he must be hurt.” I sighed.
"I didn’t even repay him properly for saving me. He almost harm himself for what he did.”
And I can't tell Grandma what happened exactly, that I lost my first kiss.
Then that can't really be called my first kiss, right?
One more pedestrian lane and we’re in front of the bus stop.
“Perfect timing,” The rain crashed angrily after we reached the shed. A bus also happened to stop by.
The queue in front of us came in first. That’s fine, I was only dropping Gramps inside for a solo trip. The driver was our neighbor, and I knew him well. He used to be friends with Grandma’s late husband.
“Uncle Bert, the usual address for Grandma.” I smiled at him to hide my anxiousness about earlier.
Somehow, I knew my grandmother could feel I was smiling. He’s gone blind but I didn’t want him to be wrapped in fear again. Our eyes are not only the window to the soul but also tragedy’s window into our soul.
“Why won’t you go with your grandmother?”
“I don’t have to. Think of the fare you’d be losing if you give me that free seat,” I winked at him.
Yes, Grandma got more than a senior citizen discount. I don’t pay her ride. Uncle Bert scratched his neck.
“Promise. Twenty minutes and I’ll be home. Don’t worry about me, Grandma.”
I said after she was properly seated.
Grandma understood why our setup had to be that way and she’s used to it.
“Hey kid, you also haven’t paid for a coffin. Just be careful. But it’s really fine with me if you come along.”
“No. You know a writer’s life, G-ma; you have to take a stroll and look around. Imagine the money when I finally become a famous writer. Off you go, I’m taking too much of your time. Uncle Bert, please look out for my grandmother,” I got off the bus and just waved at them.
Grandma could no longer see the smile on my face. At least that’s exactly why people should always smile. While you could. Even if it makes you look nuts.
It's not forbidden to smile, is it?
I started walking back when the bus left. I have feet for a reason, and the fare I would be saving could be used to mortgage the land where Grandma’s family's teashop stood. If we lost that little business, we’d be scraping by each day just to survive for our expenses.
The rain has turned into a downpour. It's freezing and I was cold under my sweater. But my mind reminded me again of what had occurred earlier.
Dahlia, you’ll never meet someone like him again.
Guess there are still gentlemen who’re willing to risk their lives to save other people. But…
I recalled what Grandma said about them. It’s true that they moved like the wind. Especially that man… it was odd how he pulled me over in just a blink. And if he’s from inside the car, how could he possibly be there beside me?
Nope.
I shook my head.
Having the wild imagination of a writer gets the better of me at times when things should be taken as they are and not be overthought about... A little spark of curiosity and what-ifs often end up in an interesting story.
@Death Wish
(VENAL POV) We arrived at the venue for the auction. The event wouldn’t start without Dryzen around, else they’d all be dead. That will be added to my responsibility in case it happens. It’d be my job again to dispose of their corpses. I wished they wouldn’t be stupid enough to put more workload on my plate. A canopy of big umbrellas greeted us, as heavy rain was still pouring when we got out of the car. I immediately took the coat for Master Dryzen from the valet and put it on him. We enter as if we are the only guess. He had a reserved spot in front, closer to the item that he wanted to take for his collection. He’s an esteemed top-bidder in almost all auctions he attended and doesn’t have a care how much the hammer price would reach. He sat like a king in his own palace, and everyone bowed to him. Many a businessman was silent when he arrived; some were frustrated, and others were insecure by hi
(Venal POV) The heavy rain hasn’t stopped even after the auction ended. Master Dryzen finally arrived after signing the documents for his new collections. I sat down next to his chauffeur and watched him curiously. He was leaning his head against his seat, his eyes closed as if he was planning something. It’s impossible for him not to do anything. Or will he let it pass as well? Just like how he let that woman and that old woman go. Maybe I should calm down. But… “Stop the car,” Dryzen said. Guess I was wrong. “Give it to me.” The driver pressed the brakes and I handed Dryzen the tablet, which I knew he wanted me to give him. It has information about the entrepreneur from earlier. I saw him smile after reading it and kicked the car door open. He suddenly disappeared and left us all concerned about his location. I connected to the base where my own men were for them to track Master Dryzen’s wher
(DAHLIA POV) Moonlight finally peeked through the sheets of clouds, so I was relieved since I had opted to walk home. The rain had just stopped, but my umbrella couldn’t keep me all dry. I was hoping I wouldn’t get a cold… I was close to home, faster than I expected myself to because I felt like I was being followed. The route home includes an alley and that late, I knew my neighbors were already sleeping. It was peaceful, and that’s all I ever needed to destress as a day worker. I stopped on the sidewalk and decided to just confront whoever that stalker might be. But only the wind kissed my face when I looked behind. My apprehension disappeared. I sighed. But… There were big puddles of water on the road. I paused for a moment to gaze at the clear reflection of the sky. Until I saw the silhouette, a huge bird with a snake-like head, flying across the bright moon. I immediately looked upwards to s
(Dahlia POV) “Dahlia…” “Yes?” I open the stove. Put the pan on fire and the oil is starting to heat that makes a sizzling sound. “The story that I tell you is not fiction.” I smiled at what I heard. “If a writer is as invested as you are in her story, she’ll surely get a lot of readers. Can you narrate it again Grandma? I almost feel like believing in your old story.” “Tss. I’m not joking around. I’m warning you.” “C’mon Grandma, I will listen.” She sighed. I am doing this for her not to get bored and sleep while waiting for our dinner. “Of the present age… Now called Athena... As in now.” “Yes, I know readers want modern stories and not the telltales of Mandeville times.” She was stuck with the memories of the old. The elders’ memories are the traj
(Owen POV) “Sir Owen, the senior editor wants you to come to her office.” I lifted my gaze to the office of our damned senior editor. I sighed. I knew it’s about the manuscript submitted by Yuki for publishing approval. My legs wouldn’t take me there. I already had enough from two demanding ladies. Yuki, the famous writer, and Miss Nam the senior editor. I rub my back neck. I get up from my chair wearily. What have I done for them to be spoiled? Before I could reach Ms. Nam’s office, the door opened, and several men entered like they were the authority in my office. I knew who sent them, and I knew they were looking for me. “Mr. Owen, do you have some time for a talk?” Said the man in charge of leading them. He’s Yuki's brother's secretary. Mr. Cedrick Ma. I stared back to our chief editor's office, and then to the men. Who should I prioritize?
(DAHLIA POV) I took off the apron. Grandma had already fallen asleep, too. The night was late, and my cousins were still not around. The rain has only got worse, so I closed the windows. But actually, the weather was perfect for writing. I climbed excitedly upstairs to my room. It used to be storage. I made it my comfortable room. Grandma didn't let me stay here, but I insist. I like to be here. Quiet. I can focus on my writing. But the temperature inside is whatever the temperature outside. That night it was hypothermic, but I was happy and content having this room for my own. My cousins couldn’t stand everything about it, so they took the more decent rooms. There were also vermin and termites that needed to be sprayed every month. Those little creatures were persistent in rebuilding their territory, but they’re not destroying wood, so… I just let it go. Perhaps they only wanted shelter. I stared at my desk. I smile.
(Dahlia POV) I rolled over the bed and closed my eyes after I silently prayed. The orchestral sound of the storm helped me sleep. But I was immediately woken up by Karen’s loud voice. “Hey, Dahlia.” She just got home. I get up to go down. I found her taking off her wet jacket. I put the emergency light on the table. She is about to say something again when I hush her. She is too loud. "Grandma is sleeping." “Tss.” “Uhm, where’s Carlo?” My voice was groggy. I went to the stove to reheat the stew. Then suddenly the current returned, and the sudden burst of light hurt my eyes. “Give me money.” was her answer to my question. Which makes me look at her. “Huh?” I can’t believe what I heard. Money? Give her money? “I need money,” she extended her palm to me.” Don't try any excuses because I need m
(Owen POV) Yuki's staff returned to the office before I could even decide to visit her myself. I went with them, but my wife only gave me an ominous stare without even a goodbye. Eventually, I began to wonder if my husband still loved me or not. Miss Nam, don't be tight-ass to me. I was trembling as we walked to the home of the Carter siblings. As far as I know, Yuki was an adopted child, and her foster sibling, the biological son, shot the breeze as he was leading a mafia group. I confirm it, he is really a mafia boss. Kai Carter. I thought mafia groups had been eradicated since the government was aware of what they might have to do. I almost fell when I got out of the car. Yuki. Even her life sounded like a novel. She is really a diamond pike continuously hitting me. Wouldn’t Miss Nam care if I returned home as a corpse? I swallowed hard.