A Past To Forget

Zendaya's POV

I would have taken Tyler's invitation to watch a movie with him but I'd humbly turned down his request.

I could see it in his eyes, he was always looking forward to having me around but that wouldn't work all round the clock for me.

I needed some me time too, and I didn't like him one bit to make things that easy for him.

It was a skill I was progressing with - getting him to love my company.

The next day came too quickly, I supposed. I have never seen Tyler so bright with smile. The moment I fell into the backseat with him while Andrea placed the wheelchair in the booth, Tyler became all chatty.

He was radiant, that I noticed.

Once we arrived at Intermix shopping mall, we went past the gates, through the aisle of shelves for lettuce and tomatoes.

Tyler was fixated at having no one push him around, despite the stares, he kept the conversation going while I picked whatever we needed.

"We need some eggs," I said to Tyler.

"Are you literally buying the whole building?" Tyler teased.

I let out a laugh while I joked along, "if I could, I would."

"You should just say the word then, I'll make it possible," his lips stretched into a broad smile as he looked at me.

Time seemed to have stop jn that instant as our eyes met. I could read meaning into his words.

And the way his eyes twinkled, his words meant more than a joke.

I averted my eyes amidst the nagging thoughts in the back of my head.

There was no way I would grow affectionate towards this man responsible for the death of my parents.

I cleared my throat, pushing my feet forward until my cart accidentally hit the man standing along the way.

"I'm so sorry," I cried out.

The man who had almost stumbled to the floor was able to catch himself before a fall and pull his eyes towards me.

He was golden haired with clear hazel eyes.....his face looked strikingly familiar.

No fucking way!

My heart began to pound aggressively. I swore that I could hear my heart beating.

I pushed my cart forward, hoping that he wouldn't recognize me. Tyler gave a curt nod at the man apologetically before wheeling himself beside me.

"Indie?" His fingers curled around me, pulling me to a stop.

He remembered!

How could he clearly remember me even with my change of disguise?

"Are you not Indie, the one who visits Mariana in Disco hall?" He asked, "In Florida, remember? I was one of the bartenders....wow, look at you, you're usually a blonde...."

My eyes caught a glimpse of Tyler's grimace. His brows arched as he studied our faces. He was at a crossroad here, and he certainly didn't understand what was going on.

"I don't know who you're talking about. I'm sorry," I shrank from his touch, intent on escaping from him.

He moved further forward, blocking my path. "Indie, how can you not recognize me? I'm Grey, you like to joke around with me while Mariana worked. Devon came some days ago asking for you."

At the mention of Devon's name, my hands tightened on the handle of the cart.

"You mistake me for someone. Now, will you please excuse me?" I was trying hard not to reveal my shaking hands.

Wouldn't Tyler recognize the name Devon?

And why the hell had Devon gone over to Florida to look for me?

Why would he be looking for me, what business did he have with me?

"You look different_"

"Man! She said she doesn't know you. Aren't you aware of doppelgangers these days?" Tyler put in, anger etched on his face.

"Doppelgangers?" Grey seemed confused.

"Do your research and get about your way," Tyler shot at him.

"Okay, okay. I'm sorry, I thought you really do look like a lady I knew from way back." He apologized, stepping away from my path.

Grey walked away but he wouldn't stop throwing glances at our way even while we paid for our goods at the counter.

"If it weren't for these feet of mine, I would have thrown a punch on his face," Tyler joked as he noted my silence.

I tried a weak smile. "It's nothing, Mr. Skyler. I'm sure he thought I was the girl he knew."

"Disco hall?" He let out a chuckle. "Isn't that a strip club?"

My stomach churned, it felt like I would retch up whatever was in my stomach.

I bit my lower lip as I gave out the credit card to the older woman at the counter.

"You know Disco hall?" I faked a surprise face. "What's it like?"

"Yeah, who wouldn't know it? It's one of the biggest strip club in Florida south. Believe me when I say you wouldn't fit in."

He was wrong about that. I had perfectly fitted in.

Though not a stripper, I was the best friend to one. And Devon had stalked me to know where I mostly spend my time.

Wouldn't the name Devon ring a bell to Tyler Skyler?

Certainly, Tyler might remember him. And what if he remembered him, what becomes of me?

My past must never rear its ugly head. How then will my aim of breaking Tyler Skyler be achieved?

We both started towards the parked cars and Andrea collected the basket of groceries from my hand and placed it at one corner of the booth before shifting his attention to Tyler.

"I've been thinking about going for therapy session next week," Tyler intruded in her thoughts the moment she sat beside him.

I forced a smile on my face. "Wow, that's terrific news. What's making you to change your mind?"

"You." He breathed, more like a whisper.

My thoughts halted as our eyes hung briefly again until Andrea jerked the car to an abrupt halt.

"What was that, Andrea?" Tyler cussed, touching his bruised forehead. He had hit his head onto the polished chair in front of him.

"I'm so sorry," Andrea rendered a strangled apology, his eyes were looking back at us from the rear mirror. The car hummed to life before crossing over to the mainroad.

"Are you alright?" I quried.

"Yeah, I am." He replied.

I was too laden with too much worries. I had all the power that I ever needed.

Why should I be worked up about Tyler remembering Devon and doing his findings about a girl named Indie? When I could slit his throat before he even remember.

"You haven't shaved in a while." I noted, pointing at the wisp of beard surrounding his jaw.

Tyler shrugged. "You know, I didn't see the need of it since I haven't been out in public in a long while."

"I included some shaves in the list of my groceries. I thought you needed it. If you don't mind, I...I could help you with shaving your beard."

Tyler who had been staring at the road snapped his eyes at me.

Whatever that was playing in his head was never my business, and his response to my suggestion was a welcome to my intention.