10 Ryan

SKY's POV

I drew circles with my feet in the grass as I sat on the polished wooden bench under a summer hut. Beautiful red roses and white lily flowers encircled the summer hut which towered us. The fragrance was overwhelming and I could hear Ryan deep breathing as he sat next to me. From here, Lexis hostels and apartments were such a sight. I could see the bakery, the coffee shop, the restaurant and the indoor pool that was filled with hot girls in sexy bikinis.

Ryan requested to chat for a few minutes. I accepted anyway even after seeing the scowl on Daisy's face. It was so obvious she hated Ryan with all her heart.

"How have you been, Sky?" Ryan asked. I could feel his gaze on me but I avoided eye contact. I shifted my gaze from one side to the other, particularly to where Jamal sat. Our eyes met a few times but I quickly averted my gaze. All I could think of was him, shirtless. His Greek god torso and how it would feel on my fingertips or against my skin. After all, I saw him shirtless every day in my dream. And It wouldn't hurt to imagine.

"I've been fine. Living life. You?" I said finally giving Ryan my attention. It felt awkward. Was he my boyfriend?

"I've been cool too," he said biting on his lower lips then continued; "Sky, I was so devastated on our last date. I'm sorry for treating you like that. Would you ever forgive me? I'm so glad you are here with me now. I was so depressed after you disappeared and I honestly felt like I was at fault. Daisy wouldn't tell me where you were at. Your phone number never went through when I called. And I regret everything I did that day".

"What are you talking about?" I asked, a scowl finding its way across my face. "What did you do to me?"

"Ermmm... I don't think this is the right time or place to discuss this," he said, running his fingers through his silky black hair. He swallowed hard, his larynx expanding as his Adam's apple moved. Maybe he was just my type.

"Do you mind giving me your number? The one I have never goes through when I call. And maybe we should hang out sometime. I miss you," he said, his lips curling into a smile as the side of his eyes wrinkled beautifully, showing his white set of teeth. He was a sight.

"Give me your phone," I said.

He handed over his phone and I dialled in my number. "Let's hang out some other time".

"Sure," I said, smiling back at him.

"Goodbye Ryan," I said as I stood up ready to leave. Ryan walked me to Daisy's bench. Jamal knows my name.

"Nice to meet you, Jamal". We said our goodbyes and I left with Daisy.

***

I pressed on Michael's doorbell over a hundred times but no one came out. Daisy stood behind me, her gaze fixed on her phone as I kept pressing on the bell. I pushed the door open revealing an intriguing interior.

He never locks his door.

The floors were covered in grey polished porcelain tiles and the wall a squeaky peach colour. An enormous chandelier towered the huge sofa stuffed with smiley throw pillows. The place reeked of lavender, and the sun rays from the balcony hit the masculine figure that stood in the state of the art kitchen.

Daisy took her seat in the living room, while I moved closer to the masculine figure I assumed was Michael.

"We need to talk, Sky," Michael said, frustration evident in his voice. He took my hands in his and dragged me to his room. The room was filled with a natural Michael-like fragrance, just like his room at home. A large portrait of Michael in a black suit hung on the wall beside his bed. The room was really big with two queen size beds.

"Look," Michael said, pointing to the glass containing my turtle and yellow fishes.

"Oh my pretty babies," I said as I moved closer to the glass which stood on a table near the window. Michael held onto the collar of my big blacktop and dragged me back when I stepped closer.

"Stay put, Sky. They are dangerous. I put them in the kitchen last night at 10 pm and when I woke up at midnight, it was right there by the window. This is so creepy".

I looked Michael up and down and shrugged.

"Maybe I'm not the only one who needs to see Dorcas, my therapist. You should try contacting her since it's clear you have started hallucinating," I said and walked towards my babies. Michael grabbed the collar of my top and pulled me back again.

"You need to listen to me Sky. They are very dangerous. I poked them last night and I almost died. It electrocuted me. It's not just creepy, it 's dangerous," Michael said.

"How can you do that? Are you insane? It was gifted to me and I fucken love them. Why will you poke them?" I said. I moved closer to the glass, stretching forth my hands and retrieving them out of fear. I finally touched the glass and there was nothing.

I shot Michael a murderous glare and said; "Don't you dare touch my fish". He just nodded and dropped to the bed.

"Then you just have to come here every day. I won't feed those demons," he said.

"I'll but don't touch them," I said, a scowl evident on my face.

"I swear I won't. Not after what they did to me. I have a roommate," Michael said out loud.

He shrugged and muttered quietly but loud enough for me to hear; "I believe in fate now. Strange shit happens. I can't believe I'm going to live with him now"

"What?" I screamed on top of my voice. "You have a roommate? Why? I thought you were supposed to leave here alone" I looked at him with arched brows.

The doorbell pealed and Michael walked out to get it, I followed behind with all my rants. I just didn't get why he did that.

"You should have told me. Why will you do that? What if dad visits? What are you going to tell him? You know how difficult he can be. Did you even tell mum? You're so unbelievable, Michael," I said.

"Stop this, Sky. I can handle myself. I've covered up for you a lot. So please keep your mouth shut for my sake. Plus, I needed the money, Sky. There is something I need to do," Michael said, running his hand through his hair as he strode past the living room.

"Tell me now Michael. What do you need to do? You get so much from modelling. What else do you need?" I asked.

"It's none of your business" Michael gave a sarcastic look before opening the door.

Daisy sat on the big sofa, her eyes and mouth wide open. She looked so surprised, I probably never told her about Michael before the accident. She stood up and walked towards me.

Michael opened the door, and surprisingly, Jamal and Ryan stood at the door.

"Is he your brother?" Daisy whispered when she was near enough. I nodded and continued staring at Jamal and Ryan in awe.

"And you decided not to tell me. I would have dressed better" Daisy whispered feigning annoyance. "At least I forced you here," I said, giving her a mischievous grin.

"Sky. Meet my roommate, Jamal. Jamal, this is Sky, my twin sister", Michael said as he searched my face for hints. His roommate was Jamal.

Jamal nodded and turned to Michael "I brought you the food," Jamal gave Michael the food and walked into the bedroom we just exited, returning minutes after with a brown envelope.

Jamal took some documents from Ryan and excused himself. He sat on the dining chair scribbling something on the white document he placed on the table.

"Michael, meet my friend, Ryan and my best friend Daisy," I said. Michael stared into Ryan's face and turned to greet Daisy with a smile.

"Hello, Daisy. You're welcome to my abode," he said with a flirty smile, acting all formal. "Yo, Ryan," he said with his eyebrows arched.

Michael led Daisy to the big sofa as they exchanged words. I was glad they got along.

"So," I said, looking Ryan in the eyes.

He gave me a tight smile and said; "You never told me about your brother".

"I thought I did," I said, faking a smile.

Jamal cleared his throat loudly as he neared us. He handed the document to Ryan, whispered something into Ryan's ears and walked into the bedroom.

"So what is the document for?" I asked, pointing at the document.

"It's just an errand I'm running for my dad," Ryan said, rubbing his hand at the back of his head as he scanned the apartment. "Is this where you're at?"

"No, it's Michael's place. Let me walk you out," I said.

I was caught by surprise when he held my hand. I felt adrenaline rush through me as I walked him out the door. Ryan turned to me, tilting his head to the right. He then took a step backwards and smiled widely.

"I'll see you some other time," he said as he grinned beautifully. He stepped closer and stroked my hair and left. I stood by the door gazing at him. There was something about him I couldn't place a finger on. I watched him as he walked into the elevator. He waved me goodbye and he was gone.

***