You're the one that makes me better

After my nightmare, I refused to go to sleep again. Neither did I let go of Dave.

Jeff came in and offered me some water. I refused to look at him, so Dave took the glass instead and helped me have a drink.

“Should I call the doctor?”

I heard Jeff ask.

“No!” I said sharply before Dave could reply.

He waved Jeff out, and he left, leaving only Dave and me in the room.

His hands gently stroked my hair, and I calmed down a little.

“If the nightmares are coming back, you need to see the doctor,” he whispered to me.

I shook my head in refusal.

The truth is, I had lied to Dave that the dreams had stopped, but they never had. I only pretended to be okay. I didn’t want him to continue seeing me as a little, weak girl who couldn’t handle a memory.

“I know you hate it, but it’s to make you feel better,” he said again, trying to convince me.

I shook my head yet again and lifted my gaze to him.

“You’re the only one who can make me feel better,” I told him.

He stared at me unblinkingly for a moment before he flicked my forehead.

“Quit playing around,” he said and tried to let go of me.

I gripped him tightly, pulling hard.

“Don’t leave again, I’m scared.” I grabbed onto his shirt.

He sat back down.

“I won’t,” he assured me.

Only then did I release him and relax a bit.

This moment made me remember when I first came to live with Dave. He had tucked me in beside him and patted me to sleep. And whenever I had these nightmares, he was always there to hug and comfort me.

It felt so good in this moment. I wanted it never to end.

As much as I tried not to fall back asleep later, I did.

I woke up the next morning to an empty room with no Dave. I rushed out of the room to find him at once.

“Boss has gone on a mission. He said he left you a note,” Jeff informed.

“When will he be back?” I asked.

“In three days’ time,” he answered.

I nodded and went back to the room to find the note that Dave had left me. It was simple and straightforward.

See the doctor.

I will be back in three days.

It read.

I crumpled the piece of paper and threw it away, frustrated.

How can I make him fall for me?

I grunted loudly as I fell onto the bed on my back.

I wanted to skip school, but Jeff wouldn’t let me. Dave’s orders.

Even before the first class started, I was already exhausted. But I managed to get through it and the next class after that.

By third period, I ditched class with my best friends.

Tyra and Stephan.

We hid in the photography club.

A club that we formed on our own and exclusively selected our members.

I knew nothing about cameras, but Stephan was really good at that stuff.

“My mum grounded me. Thanks to your mafia uncle.” Tyra threw some popcorn at me.

I got up from the long sofa that I was lying on.

“Hey, I had to sleep in the cell for the night. At least you’re lucky your mum came to bail you out.”

Stephan chuckled.

He didn’t come with us to the party.

“Your uncle is so protective of you. It’s weird,” Tyra said, getting up.

She moved to the window and opened it. I followed her and stared outside.

The guards were waiting for me diligently. That was the routine.

I shrugged.

“Maybe he’s afraid someone might kidnap you,” Stephan said, and we both turned to him.

He stared back at us.

“I mean, because of how your parents died, their enemies could still be out there, looking for you.”

There was silence for five seconds.

Until Tyra moved and smacked Stephan at the back of his head.

“You moron,” she let out.

“Aw.” Stephan cried out, then tried to hit her back.

I watched the two run around the room and turned back to the window.

Maybe.

Dave said he had killed my parents’ killers, and I believed him. But his protectiveness made me suspect, sometimes, that he wasn’t telling the whole truth.

But as long as he’s with me, I don’t want anything else.

“Are you sure you’re not going to the party?”

Tyra asked as we walked out.

I shook my head.

Although I always claimed to be rebellious, that was because I knew Dave would be there to save me. But with him away, I didn’t want to risk it.

I didn’t want to get Jeff in trouble either.

The moment we got to the car waiting for me, Tyra and Stephan turned back quickly and ran off.

I turned to Jeff, who had opened the door, and glared at him before getting in.

The car drove off in seconds, and fifteen minutes later, we drove into the house.

I hurried upstairs immediately, but Jeff stopped me.

“There is still a task left for you,” he said.

I frowned.

He led me to Dave’s study.

There were plenty of books on the table about business and management.

“This is for me?” I asked, astounded.

He nodded.

“Boss said you need to study if you are going to take over the company.”

I turned around and tried to escape.

“I’m not feeling good today, maybe next time...”

I was halted at the door by the guards who had taken position.

I groaned silently as I walked back to the table.

I should have just gone with Tyra to the party.

Good one, Dave.

I clenched my hands on the table.

After the exhausting day, I slept in and didn’t wake up until noon. I was surprised Jeff did not come to wake me up.

I walked downstairs in my nightwear even though Dave had warned me never to.

I hummed one of Taylor Swift’s songs as I bounced down the stairs.

As I reached the end of the stairs, my eyes caught sight of Dave.

Is he back already?

I hurried down and rushed to meet him. I halted a few steps away and tiptoed to catch him by surprise.

Just as I was about to grab him from behind in a hug, a voice stopped me.

“You must be Celine.”