CHAPTER 19

Dario's POV

I shot up with a jolt, startled and unhinged. For a moment, my vision was fogged. It was rather hazy and blear. Till I blinked numerously did it begin to slip back into focus. My head felt heavy on my neck. A castastrophic headache was cracking my skull open little by little. The sun was rising over the horizon, orange rays of light infilterated into my bedroom through the open blinds. Cool air blasted from the air condition above me. I scoured my hands down my face, inhaling deeply.

I shouldn't have fallen asleep.

It wasn't planned. It never is.

Scooting over, I tugged my phone from the charging point and swiped the screen. 6:45am. Three and five missed calls from Daniel and Katherina respectively.

I groaned, slumping back on the sheets. What the heck does she want this time? Didn't I just speak to her the previous week?

I scrambled out of the sheets and dawdled to the bathroom. In ten minutes, I got out. Water trickled down my body, blistering the skin. I ignored the burning and itching it caused and grabbed my phone instead.

The week sprinted down to Friday. It's funny how fast it hared. Monday was what? Just yesterday? Left to me, for sure I would have so damn well preferred an afternoon class but here I am, pulling on shirts and hoods to sit at the back of the hall for two fucking straight hours.

On the third ring, Daniel picked. I tapped the loudspeaker and slumped the phone on the sheets. His voice, loud and deep filled up my entire damn space, giving me all the more reasons why I should have ignored his calls.

Don't get me wrong though. Don't get me wrong.

I'm fucking cool with Daniel and stuff. I'm okay with the guy and to be so damn honest, if it ain't for him and his woman, I wouldn't be here spitting my guts out to you. I wouldn't be here so that y'all could get on my damn nerves all the damn time. Honestly, I don't know where I would have been. Six feets beneath the ground? Behind bars? Rotting away only God knows where? Hell, on the fucking streets? It could have been anywhere. It gets worse and worse at each thought so I'm grateful but damn, sometimes...what the fuck, all the time, I'd prefer not come around. I'm so fucking uncomfortable with the entire check-ups.

Just like this moment, "How are you doing son? Keegan didn't give you my message?" What? "I told him to tell you to give me a call. He didn't?"

I almost laughed. Keegan?

That fucker has been playing malice with me for a damn whole week. It's painful how fast he's turning into a pussy. Because of an irrevelance. I'd like to stay alive much longer to see how that ends. That's for damn sure.

"Nah, he didn't but I called now, didn't I? What's up? How's work and shit?"

"Don't shit me Dario."

I laughed at that.

"Apologies. I forgot you don't roll that way." Of course, I didn't.

"Over here, there is no problem. Everything is how it should be except that I've been trying to stop Katherina from coming over there to visit you kids."

I frowned, "The fuck? Why is she...."

"Son, I hope you are very much aware you are not too old to be smacked."

I ignored that, "Why does she wanna come over though?"

It ain't like I ain't cool with that and shit but still...the fuck?

"To check up on you kids."

"I don't know shit about the rest but I ain't a kid, Daniel. I have seen enough shit to last a lifetime. Shits some grown ass people haven't even crossed path with and prolly won't. It's enough to know how the world turns and I'm cool. I'm good. She doesn't need to bother. Plus, she's got the hospital."

He said nothing. He completely went mute. I swiped the screen. He was still on.

Till, "Are you?"

"What?" I perched on the sheets, strapping my boots on.

"Cool? Good?"

"Yeah. I am. Why are you even asking?"

"That's BS and you know it."

I snorted, "You can curse and I can't? Wow. How fair?"

"I didn't."

"BS? I'm wondering what that is though."

"It was abbreviated. As long as it wasn't said, it doesn't count."

"Wow." I chuckled. "You don't say."

"Your class starts at 8. Am I right?"

"Yeah, why?"

"And what does your time say?"

"Uhh..." I glanced at the clock. "7:05."

"So what are you still doing at the house?"

What? "Hey. I'm getting ready."

"Get your lazy self straight to class this instant. Don't waste another minute."

"Hey chill out. You don't need to get your panties in a twist. Campus is just a ten minutes ride with my bike. I'm cool."

"I am not okay with that thing you are always driving."

"You don't need to be okay with it. I am just fine with the machine Daniel."

I heard him take a long, deep breath at the other end, resigning.

"You having problems at school?"

Here we go again.

"When do I ever?"

"Are you sure we are talking about the same person?"

"I don't think we are Daniel." I stood and grabbed my wallet. "Got to go."

"Take care son."

"That's it with the sentimental bullshit. You got work too."

"Just stepping into my office while you are still in bed."

"I am not. I am..." I breathed, pinching the bridge of my nose. Why do I even bother?

I could envision him smirking.

"Take care."

"Hey."

He paused.

"Tell Katherina I said hi and...I...wouldn't mind another ossobuco."

***

The temptation to go the airport, buy a one way ticket, leave the country and live on my own has never been so real. Birds just literally eat, travel and shit on things they don't like. I don't know about you but damn, that's the kind of lifestyle I'm striving for.

When I was little, I picked up a flower and put it in a vase. After a few days, it died. I asked my mom and she said, "You can't force a flower to thrive somewhere it doesn't belong to." I was born very far from where I am supposed to be. So, I guess I'm on my way home.

I was tapping at the screen of my phone when I glanced at a pair of black Nike sneakers coming my way. I slitted my eyes at them, damn aware of who the fuck the two left legs belonged to.

I gritted out, "You know those are my..." He brushed past me, bumping my shoulder.

"Ah, so we're still not talking, huh?" He flipped me off.

I called back at his retracting form. "For the last time, I am fucking straight Keegan."

Shaking my head, I strolled en route to the kitchen, dragging out a plate and spoon for breakfast.

Minutes later, I retrieved the oat from the pot when it was done firing and dumped it inside the plate, slapping some strawberries on the top.

Every now and then, he'd walk past me. Back and forth. To and fro. Like a caged animal. I picked up a strawberry and sucked the juice out, watching him with a half-surpressed titter on my face. Who the hell got my best friend riled up so much?

Ooh. It's me.

He turned, meeting my stare and then began to march over. I chuckled, spooning the food into my mouth, swallowing just in time to hear him ramble.

"You've seen my car keys? I'm looking for it."

"I thought we are not on talking terms Keegan. Last time I checked, you wouldn't even say a single word to me and that got me so so sad. Like why won't my best friend talk to me? Let me die. I just wanna die."

"Fuck you." He turned and left.

I laughed hard, yelling after him.

"I'd choose pussy over dick anytime, anyday."

I knew it was just a matter of time till he showed up again. Till he showed his face downstairs. It was too easy. I can predict the fucker anytime. Keegan is my favourite person for a reason. On the fifth count, he trudged down the stairs and paused halfway, turned and ran back up.

Moments later, he came back down, striding my way again. I discretely snuck a leg out as he approached, unfortunately unaware of the danger which laid in wait for him. In no time, I heard him curse as he tripped, tumbling heavily to the ground.

Instantly, I shattered, unable to fight the fits and bursts leaving my mouth. I bolted from the chair in a bid to disappear but didn't make it so far. He knocked me down with him. I landed on my elbow, pain shooting through the arm, overwhelming me. I guess karma finally soughted me out.

"You're an ass."

I grimaced, laughing, "Yet, you can't do without me. Fuck." A tear slid down my face. I winced as it fucked with my skin coupled with the throbbing in my elbow. "This hurts."

"You deserve more than that. Wish it was your head that caught the impact instead."

I was referring to something else entirely but let him swing that way.

"You'd prefer losing me. Wow."

He abandoned the floor, offering me a hand. I slapped mine on it but immediately wished I hadn't. He knocked me back down.

I winced when my aching arm hit the floor again, "Son of a bitch. Who's the ass now?"

"I asked...I asked the mirror..." He paused, doubling over with a harsh slap to his right leg, "...it told me it's you. You and only you. No one can take your place."

He offered me his hand again and I slapped it away, choosing to rise to my feet on my own.

He chortled, "This time, I meant it."

"Can't trust a motherfucker."

I perched on the chair, resuming breakfast. He stretched his hand over my oats. I swatted his arm away, ignoring his bumbles of profanity.

"I spoke to Daniel. He said your mum, Katherina wants to come over."

"Cool then."

I scowled, averting my eyes from the food to him.

"You're joking, right?"

He shrugged, "I don't see the problem with that. She wanna come over? That's okay. Why is it a problem for you?"

Is he shitting me right now?, "You know how she is. She gonna be on my fucking ass everytime. Asking this and that. Treating me like I'm still five. Do you know how many times she asks, "I tried mimicking her voice, "How is my pretty boy?" in a minute? Nah. I'd pass. No shit."

He tipped his head, melting into fits of cackles.

"Sometimes, I did think she prefers your sorry ass to me and I am the son here."

I shook my head, stuffing a spoon laced with fibre into my mouth.

"Erika is twenty two today."

"And?"

"She is twenty two today." He repeated. "Friday. Today?"

I frowned, "And?"

He chuckled, "What do you mean and? She is celebrating today."

"I don't see the big deal in that. She turned twenty two today. And so what? What the fuck is so special with that?"

"Man, she's your friend."

Is he serious? "Since when?"

He stared at me, dumbfounded, "Since childhood. The fuck."

"Keegan, the only friend I see is you. The others? I don't know who they are."

"You need to see a shrink. Someone messed with your head. No shit."

I didn't pay much regard to that.

"The party is at the beach house. At Orchid. You'll be there right?"

I froze at that. Spoon hung in the air. My muscles grew taut as my brain registered what he just said. My blood ran cold, freezing.

Slowly, I glanced up at him, muttering, "Beach. With...with water around?"

"What do you mean?" He laughed, "Of couse. I mean what's a beach without water? Is it even a beach? C'mon man, you'll be coming, right?"

I drew breath into my lungs, pushing the oats away. I just lost appetite.

"Dario. C'mon."

I slipped a straw in, sipping on a bottle of water, cautious not to come into raw contact with the liquid. "I...I don't know."

"So you not coming or not?"

"Would think about that."

"Can work with that. Soo...I got to tell you something."

"What?"

"Genny and I are together."

Oh. "I figured."

"How did...how did you know?"

"You two are not so low-key you know. With all the tongue fucking and dry humping you two do every damn time at every corner of the house and on campus all through the damn week, man I'm sure the entire world knows by now. Fuck, I'm surprised I ain't blind already. I only pity those whores you lead on who used to think they got a shot with you."

"Low-key?" He scoffed. "I'd rather have everyone know who's girl she is so they won't fuck with her and I've got no clue what you mean by dry-humping."

I feigned gasp, "What was that I saw you two doing in your room yesterday? On top of her? Praying?"

"Yeah, we were praying. You guessed right."

"You don't say." I nodded. "You couldn't even lock the door. Man, I don't wanna be seeing any of that."

He laughed, "Shut up. You do the most."

"I'm still a virgin. Have no idea what you saying."

"Really? And what about Bailey, huh? She's been ringing my phone to get to you. Why are you ignoring her? I think I need to change my number."

I chuckled. "I don't know who that is."

"Look Dario, I'm serious. Whatever shit you two have going on. Whatever beef you've got with my girl has to stop. If not for anyone but for me. Please. I love her man. I love her a lot and I do not want to see her eyes flowing like a goddamn river everytime she encounters you. For brother's sake. You get me?"

I said nothing. Matter of fact, I had nothing to say about it.

A bit stunned at his little speech especially the love part? A huge motherfucking yes. I don't like that. I don't like that all.

"What happened to you?"

He jerked, "What? What do you mean?"

I heaved, "I don't know. You tell me. How....I'm still wondering. How did you move from playboy to loverboy? It's...it's so fucking hard to comprehend. You? Love a girl? What happened to hit and quit, huh?"

He chuckled. "She's different. She's...she's not the kind of girl you play a hit and quit on. No. She's not. She's just different, you know. I don't know how to explain it. I love her. She makes me feel stuffs I never experienced with any other girl before. What do they call it? Is it the butterflies? Man, I feel the whole fucking zoo with her. For the first time, I fell in love with a girl. A decent one at that. I couldn't help it. She didn't even have to try hard. She's just really..."

"Okay. Okay. I get it." If I had let him go on, he'd take the whole day. "You don't have to give me a motherfucking speech on how she makes you feel. Matter of fact, I don't see the big deal in her. What's so different in her that ain't in other girls but who knows, maybe I ain't looking hard enough."

"Yeah. That's surely it. You're not looking hard enough. Dario, I mean it. Stop that shit with her. You hear me?"

"It's cool. As long as she stays far away. I've no problem cause if she comes close, there's no guarantee what I'll do."

"Fine with that."

A bump on my shoulder had my attention in a blink. Ian brushed past me, heading for the kitchen counter. With narrowed eyes, I watched him, thinking of all the methods I could employ in unplugging his life support. He's been treading on dangerous grounds lately, twisting a lion's tail. The nerves.

He spun, walking past me to hit my shoulder again. Immediately, I shot up, ready to go after him, determined to teach him a thing or two but Keegan held me. He grazed my arm, pausing my movements.

I gritted out, "He's asking for trouble. That fucker has a death wish. No shit."

I rose and dumped the plate in the sink. Crossing over to prise open the cabinet, grabbing a pair of black gloves. I slid them on and strode back , twisting the tap head to wash off my dish, rinsing. I ripped them off soon after.

I counted the digits till I spun, waiting for it. It never came though. What I got from him instead were a pair of blue brooding eyes hidden by long dark eye lashes, eyes which asked me everything his tongue held back. His eyelids were a fraction too slow to blink, his irises too stationary. It was as if his brain was suffering a massive short circuit and was struggling to compute.

I held his gaze over the breakfast table a minute longer, careful not to give away anything. 'Anything' could lead to something and something could lead to everything. Keegan is my best friend but sometimes, somethings are better left unsaid and completely forgotten.

"If it bothers you, I could have washed it for you. Why the gloves? Everytime." His voice, a low rumble. His words, soft as if to say he was speaking to a toddler.

I didn't bother answering to that. Like I said, somethings are better left unsaid. I made an unnatural turn to the left that allowed my eyes never to meet his, picked up my keys and bag from the kitchen counter and sauntered.

Tapping him on the shoulder before traipsing past him, "Off to campus. Meet me in class."

***

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Who would be affected more than the other? Can you guess right?

Next chapter on Wednesday.

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