“You’re a real treat, Sorella (Italian = sister), do you know that?” I’m not sure if that was a compliment or an insult. So I shut my hub and try to keep it shut by concentrating on my shake.
Noah tells me about his sisters. They were lucky, he says. Although they got separated, the girls ended up in a foster home not too far from theirs. Leyla is just eight and Aria works a few odd jobs to keep them going until he graduates, then he will support both of them. I feel a selfish stab in my heart, realizing that the only thing we have in common is the loss of our parents. I don’t know anything about the suffering they experienced, the hardships they had to go through … are still going through.
I swallow down the knot in my throat and realize that I’ve been so self-absorbed with my own stupid inapt problems that I haven’t noticed I’m living a pillowed life, cushioned from the real world where normal people struggle to survive. I’ve been blind and that hits me … and it hits me hard.
Date = 6 November
Place = San Francisco (Mel’s house)
POV – Damion
BANG BANG BANG
“Go left,” Logan shouts, “we’ll attack from two sides.” I move my man to the left.
THUD
I’m hit.
“Fuck.” I duck my man behind an old car, trying to find the shooter.
BOOM BOOM
“It’s Sean … on that building,” I say.
“Keep him busy. I’m going in.”
I shoot to cover Logan so he can take out Sean.
BANG BANG BANG BANG
“Holy fuck!” Someone touches my shoulder.
I jerk and crank my neck, at the same time pulling off my headset. It’s Mel. She’s home. My mouth moves into an automatic grin.
Because of this planned game date, I was forced to leave her with that stuck-up trainer. The one that makes my gut turn. But now she’s here.
Logan notices her “Wait, guys, girl in the house. I’m going to pause,” he says into his mic and then he removes his headset as well.
“Hi, Sis, you’re home.” He says in the sweetest voice he can master.
“What are you doing in my house?” she pries, crossing her arms. Her eyes are balls of fire, and I notice that she’s shaking a little.
“We’re playing Call of Duty … duh,” Logan answers as if that was a rather stupid question.
“Great,” she hisses, “And you’re doing it here cause – ” Well, I’m here to see her. Logan might have different reasons.
“Sean and his brother are playing in my house and Ilkay would not open the door for us.”
“Idiots,” she rolls her eyes and hangs up her keys. Then she walks away to her room.
“What’s up with that one?” Logan asks when she slams her bedroom door. Hard.
“Fuck if I know. She’s your sister.” I’m pretty sure her mood has something to do with me. Which part of me – that is irresolute. He shrugs his shoulders.
“Maybe, but she’s still a girl.” He has a point.
“Sean, dude, we’re back.” I put my headset back on, but my mind is not on the game anymore. Niall, Sean’s brother, sneaks up on me and I lose my life. My Call of Duty one.
“Okay, you win this one … get ready for round two.” Logan is speaking to his roommate. Then he throws his headset onto the coach.
“What were you thinking? We had them.” I thrush my shoulders and go to the kitchen. I need some coffee. And it’s not as if I can tell him where my mind is at.
“Hey, guys,” Axel walks into the kitchen, throws his keys and wallet on the counter, and looks at Logan. “You called.” He’s freshly showered and I suspect he probably came here straight after his shift.
“Great,” Logan snips and stuffs the controller into Axel’s hand. “Here, I need to go. Problems at the club.”
I take the filled coffee cup from the Nespresso, hand it to the tired-looking, grateful, firefighter, and start making a new cup.
“Doesn’t explain why I’m here and not in my bed sleeping,” Axel grunts confirming my suspicions.
“I don’t want Mel to be alone -” he points at me, “He needs a new partner,” he grabs Axel’s shoulder, “And you’re it.”
“Maybe order some food,” he continues while opening the front door, “You know Mel is always hungry.” I’m hungry too, but not for food. Then he’s gone. I lock the door and meet Axel’s unimpressed eyes – staring as if I’m responsible for his fate.
“Hey, inviting you was not my idea. But Kiara’s bed is open for the night.” His mouth pulls into an almost smile. “And I won’t tell.”
I take a sip of coffee and my mind follows my eyes down the hall to where the sound of running water comes from. My eyes glaze over.
An image slips into mind … her in the shower. Hot. Naked. Wet. Shimmering. Soapy. Naked. Wet.
“Hey, dude,” Axel taps my shoulder, “Where is your head? I’ve asked like five times what pizza you want.” Oh, just on a run-of-the-mill male fantasy. About my best friend’s little sister.
“Greek with extra pepperoni.” He orders three pizzas before looking at me again.
“Next thing,” he beams, “you’ll start thinking about dating her for real.” Oh, that thought came and went already, but I don’t like where this is going.
“Huh.” The guilt must show on my face because Axel tips his head back and laughs.