~smile's POV~
I was confused. Did she really mean that? She was in a bit of a bad mood just now.
'My parents insist' she continued in a quiet tone.
It checked out. No wonder they were prying at me just now. Typical 'Mom and Dad', wanting to get to know your friends.
'Sure, why not?' I said and stood up. 'Just let me call my mom first' I said to their hearing. I kinda wanted to make a good impression. I took out my phone and dialled my mom's number.
'Hello' she greeted.
'Hello mom' I answered. 'Is it okay if I spend the afternoon at a friend's place'
'Oh really?'
'Mh-hmn'
'What's her name and address? Because it better not be a boy' she asked urgently and I froze. Rage held out her hand and I gave her my phone.
'Hello Mrs...….'
'Woodland' I whispered.
'…..Woodland. It's smile's friend, Rage, Rage Hunter. And I live at Saint Michael's Avenue Street, estate number 101' she scrambled but with much confidence.
'Well ok dear. Have fun.....and tell Smile to call if anything goes wrong'
'No problem. Bye' she concluded and hung up. 'Let's go' she said and led us both into the car.
'Hello darling' the lady grinned.
'Good afternoon Mrs Hunter' I greeted.
'Oh you can call me Gladys' she waved her hand in dismissal.
'….And me, Noah' the man added. I guess I wasn't the only one trying to make a good impression.
'Okay' I replied and got a droll look from rage.
They seemed like the nicest people in the world, quite different from Rage.
Noah started the engine, switched gears and drove off. Just then doubts and second thoughts flooded my mind. What if this wasn't safe? I mean, I just met them. I shouldn't let their warmth and friendliness fool me. I had to be on my guard.....be on alert. I gripped my phone tight and adjusted.
The rest of the drive was plain, we only talked at intervals.
The car slowed down and finally stopped in front of a double-levelled concrete- clay ranch house.
'Here we are' Gladys stated and I hopped out. I stood a while admiring the house before Rage tapped my shoulder.
'Shall we?'
'What about your parents? They're still in the car' I asked.
'They're going out' she answered.
How could they be going out when they were the ones who insisted I spend the afternoon here? Something's wasn't right.
'They said they'll be back at 4. That gives us an hour to breathe' she joked.
'Oh-kay' I nodded even though it still sounded a little fishy.
'Have fun while you can!' Gladys yelled from the car.
'Ok!' we chorused.
I heard the sound of the rumbling engine and watched as they drove away. We walked over to the stairs as they disappeared around a corner. I expected her to lead me into the house but then she hung her bag on the edge of the fence and took a seat on the step. I guessed she liked sitting on stairs. I imitated her and sat on a step as well.
Earlier, I didn't know what to talk about but I did now. She did too.
'You think my parents are weird don't you?' she started.
'Well, not weird, per say'
'They always act that way when I make a new friend'
'Why?'
'....I seldom make friends. I make foes'
'….Why?'
'People are either scared of me, or are deeply attracted and...…' she continued then trailed off. I wished she would continue but it seemed like I was meddling already. I wouldn't push it. It was by luck I was here in the first place. I would just wait until she opened up to me, they all do eventually. There was nothing left to say so the awkward silence settled again in the atmosphere.
My gaze wondered around the neighbourhood, admiring the thick and tall dark oak wood trees, the peaceful lakes and fish ponds, the playful parks and playgrounds, the big central fellowship church and the beautiful houses. I also wondered why their house was a distance away from the rest of the neighbours, but my thinking was quickly interrupted by the creaking sound of a door being opened. I craned my head towards the direction of the sound and my gaze met a dark figure. It was a guy. He was only peeping so I couldn't see his whole body, not that the fraction I saw wasn't enough to know he was hot. On fire. He looked a lot older than me as his perfectly defined jawline and husky appearance screamed maturity. I figured he was the quiet type as his straight-rough dark hair covered most of his face. I could still see his eyes though, they were a hooded black, just like Rage's. Could he be her brother? They resembled, with the black hair and black eyes.
'Are you just gonna stand there?' she asked not even looking up at him.
I expected him to shut the door being the quiet type, instead, he stepped out with all charisma. Definitely, the older brother model. The sun illuminated his figure and I got a better look at him. He was more attractive than before, for sure; his hair was the darkest shade of black, and now being in the sun, shone. He was tall so he literally towered over us and I felt so vulnerable under his shadow. He was hooded in all black from his hoody to his boots. He just needed a scythe to complete the grim reaper look.
I noticed he was staring at me through his hair, all handsome and pocketed hands. I shied away from his heated gaze and looked at Rage questioningly.
'You're scaring her, you know'
'H-He's not' I stammered. I was kinda scared, just the way I was with Rage. She might have had a dangerous aura but he had a deadly one. Why did the scary ones always have to be the cutest?
'Never mind him. Would you like a soda?'
It was a simple question I had answered a million times before, but somehow, I was tongue tied now. I nodded hysterically and she smiled.
'Could you at least keep her company?'
Who? Him? She was actually gonna leave me here with him. I would expect he'd leave but there was no point in expectation with this family. He nodded slowly and slightly which sent chills down my spine, did I trust him. Did it even matter now that Rage had already gone into the house? The first firm step he took made me gasp unconsciously, it felt like death was strolling towards me. I turned around and fought the urge to bolt.
'People are either scared of me, or are deeply attracted and...' Rage's words came back to haunt me.
I had to think this through. What if I was just hurting him by being scared. It wasn't his fault. It wasn't mine either. I shouldn't be scared, or attracted to him, Should I? But he was both scary and so damn attractive. Uggggh! I hate thinking. I was unfortunately lucky he interrupted.
'Did I really scare you?' he asked with an emotion I didn't want to admit. He was hurt. I couldn't tell him that he did even if it was the truth.
'No' I lied.
'Be honest'
Did he really want me to be?
'Just a little' I indicated with my fingers. He sighed and I regretted being honest. 'But I'm not scared anymore' I wasn't.
'Why not?'
'Because you're not some monster I'm supposed to be scared of' I answered confidently then he looked away.
'I can be' he said with a lot of gravity, I wondered if he meant that literally.
'What do you mean?' my curiosity led me to ask. I shouldn't have, it was none of my business. When he didn't answer I looked away as well. Why did the awkward silence always have to come back? I felt he was staring at me again so I turned my head slowly. Now, he had brushed his hair out of the way and I could admire his facial beauty. If lucky was magically gorgeous, he was sinfully beautiful. His eyebrows were perfectly arched in shape, hovering over his hooded black eyes. They were just like his sister's but looking into them was different. They were deep, black-holish. I wondered if he could see into my soul from those mysterious eyes of his.
'I'm wanted' he said with saturnine, his eyes full of warning.
Of course he was, sexy guys are always wanted.
'Obviously' I said carelessly. Why did I always say things without thinking? I just indirectly told him he was hot. My cheeks turned a bright pink when he chuckled and I felt so embarrassed.
'Not that way' he stated and I got confused.
What else could he mean by 'wanted'? Other than...…by the police.
'….The.....police?' I asked and he nodded. Fear gripped me and I was scared all over again. Was he a criminal, or a fugitive?
'You mean.....'
'I've got the drinks' Rage said closing the door behind her. I was too deep in the conversation to even hear her coming out. She handed one to me and then her brother before sitting down on my right. I felt uncomfortable as I was now in the middle of two likely Goths. I quickly pushed the feeling aside as it would only be judgmental to think so.
'So, how do you like my brother?' she smiled.
'A lot' I blurted again. I wanted to check to see his reaction but I thought It'd be better not to. Rage glanced at him with a mischievous smirk and looked back at me. I narrowed my gaze questioningly at her and then turned steadily to her brother, who was currently gulping down his soda. I peeked at his neck and got dirty thoughts, averting my gaze I erased them. He got up and thrust the can into the recycling bin on the far end of the house.
'Handsome and talented' I thought.
'If you need me, I'll be in my room. You'll know it when you see it' he said strangely not looking at Rage, but me. Was he indirectly inviting me over to his room? I got butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it.
When he reached out for the door knob, he paused and turned back.
'I never got to know your name. My sister is bad at introducing people'
'Because I don't. Remember, I never had anyone to introduce' she shot at him.
'It's Smile' I said and searched his face for an expression.
'Smile' he repeated. My name felt so light and flimsy on his tongue. He said it so delicately as if it could break into pieces. It sounded fragile being pronounced in his warm husky voice.
'Cute' he whispered and I couldn't help blushing. He walked into the house with what looked like self-satisfaction.
'You too?' rage asked with a raised brow.
'You too what?'
'No girl that ever met my brother didn't do that' she said pointing at my face. I knew I was blushing but why would I admit it.
'Do what?'
'Don't play dumb, you like him don't you?' she said jabbing me with her elbow. I did but why would I admit that either.
'Yes. He's cool' I said innocently which for some reason left her wide-eyed.
'Really? ....Levi she thinks you're cool!!' she yelled teasingly.
'Rage!' I shrilled hitting her lap then she chuckled.
Besides that, his name was Levi. Levi Hunter, sounds dangerous and some-what attractive.
I looked at rage and she was thinking about something. I wondered what.
'Smile'
'Yeah'
'Do you know that quiet grey haired girl in our psychology class?'
'I don't think she's still a girl if she has grey hair'
'What-no, it's artificial...I think'
'Be more specific'
'Well, she's ebony-skinned, has greyish-silver hair, doesn't talk or smile much…..'
'Oh! You mean Gloom'
'That's her name?'
'If she has platinum hair, yes'
'Is that her real name or just a nickname?'
'I...….honestly don't know. But it does suit her'
'Why'd you say that?'
'...She's a desolate soul. Always in the state of general unhappiness' I couldn't help sounding pitiful.
'You could talk to her. You seem like the opposite of general unhappiness'
'I've tried....dozens. There's just no hope in happiness for some people. You're either happy, or sad. Sometimes, you just need to find happiness on your own' talking about it just made me feel grim. I always wished I could help her. She always looked so depressed and lonely and miserable. I would often see her crying in the girl's bathroom, or in her locker, or in some empty class. Other times, she would be void of any emotion. Emotionless, as if she had ripped her own heart out.
'We can only pray for people like that to find happiness' I concluded fighting back tears.
I heard the rumbling sound of a car engine pulling up in the driveway. It was Noah and Gladys; it was time to go home. Noah got out of the car first and opened the door for Gladys. He was a gentleman, I could tell. They walked up the cobble stone pathway and we stood up to welcome them.
'I hope you both had fun' Gladys smiled.
'We did' I nodded.
'We figured we would compensate for running off, so we brought a little something' Noah said lifting up a carrier bag. Rage's face lit up and she swiftly reached for the bag.
'Ah-ah-ah, in the house' he teased lifting it higher.
'I'm not a kid dad!' she protested.
'Not to me you're not' he said embracing her then kissing her forehead. It was adorable; 'Tough girl' Rage was still daddy's little girl.
The house was more beautiful on the inside with its spiral stairs, arches here and there, royal blue curtains, polished wood furniture and antique bookshelves housing beautiful porcelains. It was a simple yet sophisticated interior décor. Unfortunately, my grand tour was cut short when we had to settle down to eat. I helped in unboxing the goodies when everyone else was busy rinsing plates, setting the table and all that. I eyed each edible I brought out of the carrier bag and beginning to salivate, I decided not to unbox the goodies after all. I'd let someone without a sweet tooth do it. I'd just walk around instead. I left the dining room and walked towards what looked like the library. There were books scattered across a wooden desk, a feather pen dipped in an ink pot and a lamp with a lowered head. I walked further across the hall, and into the living room. There were so many antiques and porcelains. I brushed my hand across the red telephone onto a knick-knack depicting a man in a toga that actually reminded me of the statue of liberty. I walked up to a polished wood spiral staircase that was pleading for me to climb it.
No Smile that would be snooping. A silent voice in my head warned.
They wouldn't mind, trust me. A louder voice assured.
Temptation is tempting and being a teenage girl, my curiosity got the best of me. The stairs led to a hall with multiple doors and I figured they were bedrooms.
'You'll know it when you see it'
Remembering his words, I examined the doors to see if I'd actually guess his room right. They all looked the same to me.
I could just knock on the doors knowing that Noah, Gladys and Rage were downstairs. No response meant it wasn't his room. It was brilliant.......unless they were living with someone else. I had no idea.
I sighed and turned to leave when I heard a door open. It was either him or yet another sexy family member. I couldn't handle another one.
I turned half-hoping it was him. It was. He looked surprised a moment, smug the next. He didn't say a word but his expression did: I knew you'd come.
'What are you doing here?' he asked in a hushed tone.
I couldn't tell him I was snooping around, I couldn't tell him I wanted to see him either. They both sounded creepy and desperate.
'Um....'