007: Memories of Andromeda

Andy’s POV

I think my eyes just popped out of my eye sockets.

“A-a couple what?” I gasped, unable to believe what I just heard.

Dante cleared his throat twice. “That is of no importance right now.”

Of no importance? Of fucking course that’s easy for him to say! He’s not the one that’s had to scrape pennies all his life and barely get by!

How does it feel having that much money? Goodness. I bet he never has to worry about price tags. I can’t wrap my mind around that kind of money. And I get half of it if we get divorced?

“Can we go ahead?” Colin asked, adjusting his glasses all over again. I nodded, even though I wanted to walk into a corner and think for a few minutes. Maybe take a quick dip into the ocean to clear my mind. Something along the lines of that.

But Colin went on.

After going over the terms a couple of more times, it was time to sign the papers.

Colin slid the papers in front of me. “If you would just sign right here, Miss Andromeda Brandt. Right under your–”

“What did you just say?”

Something snapped in my head.

Hearing my full name for the first time in over a decade snapped something in my head.

I don't know how my body moved, but it did.

I lunged across the table, grabbed Colin by his collar and yanked him to his feet. I couldn't see anything in front of me. Nothing. My head is filled with memories, all of them. Of that man calling my name.

Andromeda, you’re a stupid little slut. Just like your mama.

Andromeda, where the fuck are my shirts?!

One of these days, Andromeda, I'll gut you and throw you into a ditch.

“What did you just call me?!” I didn't realise the voice screaming was mine till my throat went raw.

Yet, I couldn't stop.

“WHat did you just call me?! Say it again! Say it again i fucking dare you!”

“ANDY!”

I blinked.

Everything crashed into me hard.

I realised what I was doing. Still holding Colin by his collar, the poor guy looked on the verge of tears. Someone was holding my wrist, trying to pry me off Colin. I turned, slowly, and faced Dante.

“The fuck are you doing?” he hissed through clenched teeth, his brows knitted tightly together.

“I…”

Colin whimpered, his voice shocking the last of the daze out of my head.

I pulled back, letting him go and wrenching my wrist from Dante. Hot shame and fear coiled low in my gut. I tried to speak but something bitter and vile lodged in my throat. Clamping my hand over my mouth, I rushed to the bathroom.

There went my breakfast.

My hands trembled as I splashed water on my face and rinsed my mouth out. When I lifted my head, I came face to face with my reflection. I recognized my blond hair streaked with red, and my blue eyes. And the shape of my nose, my chin. But something felt wrong.

“What the fuck is wrong with me?” I chuckled, running my fingers through my short hair. “Doctor Claire said I wouldn't get flashbacks anymore…” I guess that’s what happens when you pay for a cheap therapist through a sketchy website.

I sighed, rinsed my face once more and stepped out of the bathroom. Dante was outside, pacing. He paused the moment I walked in and turned to me.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

I nodded, turning my gaze to Colin. He flinched when our eyes met and he quickly looked away, staring at the contract like it was the most interesting thing in the world.

“Hey,” I walked over to him. “I’m really sorry about that,”

“Of course,”

“I…just call me Andy. Only Andy. don’t ever call me that name again, i dropped it years ago.”

He nodded vigorously like he couldn't wait to run out of here.

Dante walked up to us, his eyes guarded and suspicious as he took his seat. I could tell he had questions. But he didn't ask any of them.

We signed the contract and Colin all but ran out of the cabin.

The silence between me and Dante was deafening. I sat stiffly, fiddling my thumbs and pushing all the unpleasant memories to the very back of my mind.

“Andy,”

“Yeah?”

“We’re going shopping today,” Dante said. “Get up.”

I looked around the cabin, specifically at the sprawling ocean beyond the glass. Oh that’s right, I remember the flyer said the ship would make designated stops during the cruise.

“Alright,” I agreed, my voice barely above a whisper.

Dante crouched in front of me and took my hands. I shivered, his touch instantly registering.

“Are you sure you won’t attack any unsuspecting lawyers?”

I met his dark eyes. Then I shook my head. “As long as they don't use my full name?”