My parents taught me what it was like to love and be loved. They were my example when it came to people and relationships.
But as it turned out, they also taught me what real pain was like—the one that cut deep and hurt more than an open wound, bleeding.
My hands were trembling, and the sobs came right after I had left Casino Black. It was where the mafia party was held.
Various people from high-class society were present. If memory served me right, a few faces were familiar.
None of them would recognize me though, and no one could. My parents kept me hidden.
They wanted me to lead a different life—a life away from the mafia.
I avoided switching the lights and sought comfort in the dark.
The city was still alive, as it has always been at night. But that wasn't the same case for me.
Day or night, I had long died when I lost my parents. Life no longer had meaning.
Until Seven gave me purpose.
Still, it didn't make things any better.
Wiping at my eyes, I looked at the clock. Midnight was approaching.
Rory would surely notice the dark circles under my eyes tomorrow. And I wouldn't have cared if he didn't make a big fuss about it. It was embarrassing, to say the least.
With an unstable gait, I pulled myself back to my feet. My stomach grumbled.
The fridge won't offer anything sufficient for me. It was timely that my phone started buzzing in my purse.
I shook my head in disbelief.
It was Wizardo.
"How did you know?" I accused, not sparing him a minute to breathe.
Anticipating the chuckle from the other end of the line, I managed to make it to the kitchen of my modest apartment.
As I have guessed, there were cartons of milk and a loaf of bread, a box of Oreos and nothing else. I also happen to have an abundant supply of water.
"I'm sorry."
It was my turn to chuckle.
"What are you doing? Are you actually feeling sorry for me?"
There was silence.
"I didn't want to accept this request. But the—"
"Stop," I had no time to hear his excuses. Or reasons.
Whatever they were, the most important thing was that the job got done. Unless Alfonso was some god and reattached his head, then I saw no problem.
"It was perfectly done. Please don't make me feel like my effort had gone to waste. I was able to use Sage, so don't think about it."
"Sage was a way to console you, and my apologies."
I smirked, grabbing the unopened Oreos and one carton of milk.
"You know what would make me feel better?"
"Don't," it was his turn to stop me from continuing. "We had a deal, and you missed to hit the target."
I scoffed.
"Don't I deserve your mercy? It was one freaking second. Just one. You could have made exceptions."
Wizardo clicked his tongue.
"Look at this shameless woman," he chuckled. "A deal is a deal. Period."
I sat on the little island in the kitchen, grabbing a glass to pour the milk into.
Ripping open the Oreos, I was sure Wizardo heard it.
"Wait, what are you eating?"
"Oreos."
"For dinner?"
I stared at the cookies, licking my lips in anticipation.
"Yes, unless you have a better offer. It's kinda late for takeouts."
"Twenty minutes."
"What?"
I heard shuffling from the other end of the line, but Wizardo went silent.
I sometimes find it weird that we're talking over the phone like we were friends and not just working partners.
But what ticked me the most was the part where he never showed his face. I had no idea what he looked like, and it felt unfair that he always saw me.
Drumming my fingers on the table, I stared at my phone. He told me to wait for twenty minutes, but he disappeared.
What was I supposed to do for twenty minutes?
Before my thoughts could turn back to my parents, I grabbed the glass of milk and chugged it down. Whether I finished the Oreos or not, at least the milk can work its magic and help me fall asleep later.
I hope.
Exactly twenty minutes later, I heard the doorbell ring. The call with Wizardo ended some time ago.
Securing a weapon with me, I padded barefoot and checked the screen beside the door. There was a box sitting abandoned outside.
I rolled my eyes before opening the door. Quickly grabbing the item, I poked my head and checked the hallway.
"Sneaky bastard."
I went back inside, locking the door and securing the alarms.
I plopped the box on the kitchen table. Without even opening it, the smell of fried chicken wafted through my nose.
My phone rang. It was no surprise to find Wizardo's name on the screen.
Too bad he would never know what name I gave him. People would assume he was my boyfriend if they ever saw it.
Luckily, I keep my phone private. I never shared the password, and most importantly, it never separated from me for a long time.
"Twenty minutes," I opened the box. "Did you deliver it yourself?"
I feigned a surprised gasp.
"Do you happen to live close to me?"
Wizardo chuckled.
"We're so close, too close. You couldn't imagine how close we had been all this time."
His sarcasm made me chuckle.
I shook my head.
"Thanks for dinner."
"Don't mention it."
There was a pause. I took a bite from one piece of the chicken and savored its crunchiness. It was freshly cooked, and I was left impressed.
"Jeez," I mumbled. "This fried chicken is heaven-sent."
I took another bite, savoring the delicious taste while I satisfied my empty stomach.
"You know me too well it makes me think how unfortunate that we never actually met."
While Wizardo kept to himself, I decided to go on. My emotions were getting the better of me again.
"It's such a lonely road. I'm eating chicken, and a bottle of good wine is also sitting in my cabinet. But I'm alone and have no one to share it with."
"Amiel."
I chuckled, ignoring his attempt to grab my attention and listen.
"Don't mind me. I'm just… I just need to vent. It's one of those days, you see. But, I'm sorry. This is no longer work-related. I'm going to hang up."
"Amiel."
My finger hovered the end call button, but I waited.
"You're not alone," he paused, causing my heart to flutter and my cheeks to warm as if he was there with me. "You have me."
I felt the tears coming back, blurring my vision while I continued to listen to him.
"You have me, Amiel," there was another pause. "Always."