CHAPTER 3
Prisca couldn't help but pause as she approached the building. There, standing beside a brand new red car, was Justin—the very young and undeniably swagalicious Justin. She let out a wry scoff, catching his attention.
"Justin!" she called, an amused disbelief coloring her tone.
He turned around immediately, eyes lighting up as he recognized her. "Honey!" he exclaimed, hurrying over.
Around them, the tenants, including Frank, couldn't resist chuckling and muttering at Justin's choice of words. Prisca shot them a quick, playful glare.
"Don't mind him!" she said, a hint of a grin pulling at the corner of her mouth. "He's my cousin brother."
A few of the neighbors cleared their throats, pretending to refocus on whatever they were doing, though she could feel their curiosity hadn't faded. Further off, she noticed John watching quietly from a distance.
Turning her attention back to Justin, she frowned lightly. "You really shouldn't be here, Justin. How's Chi?"
Justin's face softened. "I missed you," he murmured.
Prisca couldn't help but laugh, shaking her head at his boldness. "Careful. Don't let your mother hear you say that," she teased, turning toward her apartment. Justin trailed behind her, unfazed.
"I'm 21 now," he declared, trying to sound serious, though his voice betrayed a certain youthful eagerness.
Prisca chuckled, glancing at him. "That doesn't change the fact that your eldest sister is my best friend, and that I'm six years older than you. Maybe it's time you started thinking straight."
Justin stopped for a moment, a determined look settling in his eyes. "I can't control my heart, Prisca. It chose you, and there's nothing I can do about it, no matter how hard I try."
Prisca paused, looking at him thoughtfully. "You can control it," she said with gentle conviction. "I remember when you were twelve and used to call me Aunty Prisca. But now, you avoid saying my name. That's control. The same way you can control your heart."
Without another word, Justin took her hands, pressing them against his chest. "Prisca," he said firmly, "my heart beats for you."
Prisca sighed, a faint smile breaking through her resistance. "Fine, Justin. Just this once, I'll grant you a favor. I'll spend some time with you."
Justin's face lit up with a grin so wide it was contagious. "Really?"
***
The hotel eatery was quiet and elegant, and Prisca felt a new sense of ease as she settled across the table from Daniel. The soft lighting highlighted his warm, curious expression as they dined together, laughter mingling with conversation.
"This is the first time a lady has ever taken me out," Daniel said, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "In my entire life."
Prisca chuckled, toying with her glass. "Well, I'm glad I broke someone's record."
They shared a laugh before Daniel grew suddenly serious, reaching into his bag. "I got you something," he said, a little shyly.
Prisca's eyebrows lifted with curiosity. "Oh? What is it?"
Daniel pulled out a beautifully arranged makeup kit and held it out to her. "I noticed you wear little to no makeup, so I thought… maybe this could be useful."
Prisca's eyes widened in surprise, the thoughtful gesture touching her deeply. "You got this for me?" she said, a slight, skeptical scoff escaping her lips. "I love makeup; I just haven't felt like wearing it lately."
Daniel nodded slowly, an understanding look crossing his face. "Or maybe… you've been too sick to wear it?"
Prisca froze, his words hitting deeper than she'd expected. She blinked, trying to steady herself as a rush of emotion surfaced.
"I know, Prisca," Daniel continued softly. "But whatever it is, don't let it get you down. Dress up, wear makeup, and bring some color back into your life. No one would even suspect you're unwell if you did that."
A tear slipped down her cheek, and she took the makeup kit from him, her fingers trembling slightly. She sniffled, a watery smile breaking through. "Thank you, Daniel. Really… these are tears of joy."
He frowned, teasing. "Now don't you go thinking about crying."
Prisca laughed, wiping her eyes. "I won't," she promised. Then, glancing up at him, she felt a calm warmth settle over her. "So… what else do you want to know about me?"
Daniel leaned forward, his gaze intent. "Everything, Prisca. I want to know everything about you."
***
Prisca took one last look in the mirror, taking in her own reflection—a woman who had perfected every detail, from her poised appearance to the heavy makeup that masked even the smallest flicker of vulnerability. She adjusted her dress and smoothed down her hair, then gave herself a final nod before stepping out.
Outside, Daniel and Frank were leaning against the wall in casual conversation, the warm afternoon sun casting long shadows across the compound. As Prisca walked past them, they paused mid-sentence, their attention drawn to her striking figure. They exchanged a quick glance, feigning indifference, but after a few seconds, their eyes drifted back to her, captivated.
"Oh my goodness! Isn't that Prisca?" Frank murmured, a note of awe in his voice.
Daniel nodded, unable to hide his admiration. "Yeah, it is."
Prisca didn't turn around, but she allowed herself a small, knowing smile, fully aware of the effect she'd had. She walked out of the compound without a backward glance.
Later, the dim glow of a cinema screen cast soft shadows across Prisca and Alex, sitting side by side in the quiet theater. An unspoken tension lingered between them, hanging in the air like a question neither was brave enough to answer. Alex finally broke the silence, his voice low and laced with a hint of mischief.
"So," he said, leaning slightly closer, "you left work to come see me."
Prisca's gaze remained on the screen, but a slight smile curved her lips. "And so did you," she replied, a touch of amusement in her tone. "I'm glad we did."
He studied her, his expression shifting from playful to sincere. "You told me you didn't want me anymore. But I don't believe that. You still love me, Prisca."
She gave a soft, bitter laugh, finally turning to meet his eyes. "Love? Do you think I would've stayed away for two years if I loved you?"
Alex's smile faded, uncertainty flashing across his face. "Then why did you take this meeting so seriously? And in a cinema of all places? You used to be…" He hesitated, realizing his mistake too late. "…a little boring."
Prisca narrowed her eyes, her silence speaking volumes. After a long moment, she let out a sigh, her gaze turning distant. "Because this…this is going to be our last time, Alex." Her voice softened as she looked back at him, the sadness evident. "I'll miss you more than you know."
Alex's brows furrowed, confusion darkening his expression. "I don't understand."
"You don't have to," she said, her voice a mere whisper. "Just…move on with your life. We'll never be together in this world."
He stared at her, stunned, but no words came. In silence, he stood and walked away, leaving her alone in the dim theater. As the movie played on, a single tear slipped down Prisca's cheek, falling unseen in the darkness.
***
John, the pérvért, sat before his computer, the cold blue light reflecting in his eyes as he watched Prisca's every move. She had just arrived home, carefully wiping away the layers of makeup she wore like armor. Each tear that slid down her face only deepened the twisted fascination in his gaze.
"Where did she go?" he murmured to himself. "Who did she meet? Why is she crying?"
He continued to watch her closely as she took her medication, his expression softening as if he were there to console her. His voice was barely audible. "I'll take good care of you, Prisca. I'll be the closest to your heart."
Reaching into a nearby cupboard, John pulled out a dagger, the blade catching the light as he examined it with chilling calm. A strange smile crept across his face. "Even if it means ending…someone's life."
In the quiet of his room, John's resolve solidified, an unsettling promise lingering in the shadows.