TST, 2020
Freddie, the dean flashed into SJ’s office. “You didn’t tell me that Leo has returned.”
“I was going to tell you.”
“We were supposed to hand him over to the police. You took him and interrogated him alone.”
“I just needed few minutes with him.”
“What happened?”
“He’s stolen something valuable.”
Freddie chuckled. “That’s your favorite kid.”
“I’ll find him.”
“An hour has passed since he disappeared.”
“He’s still on this campus. Guards are looking everywhere for him.”
“What is that valuable thing?”
“It’s better if you don’t know.”
“You’ve been doing a lot of strange things recently. What is it that I don’t know?”
“Sometimes, it’s better not to know.”
“I’m your husband.”
“This is for your own good.”
“Lies and secrets are like cancer to the soul, Sonia. They eat away what’s good and leave only destruction behind.”
“I’ll tell you someday.”
“Keep—” Freddie’s phone rang. He picked it up. His face grew red as he talked over the phone.
SJ slouched over the couch, her brows bumped together in a scowl.
Freddie drummed his fingers on the table. “Leo that son of a bitch!”
“What’s wrong?”
“Isla is in the emergency room, unconscious.”
“What?”
“She’s in a fight with a girl called Macy. They were fighting for Leo.”
SJ’s mouth remained open.
“Is this the kid you were asking a second chance for? He just made his first appearance, he’s the most wanted man in the school and my daughter is in the emergency room.”
“I—”
“I’m adding 1 more million to whoever helps us get Leo. This kid needs to be found and terminated before he causes more trouble.”
*********
Leo knocked on the door several times. His eyes surveyed the whole area vigilantly. He knocked on the door again. After a minute, the door opened.
“Leo, what are you doing here?” Daliah whispered. She was in her nightdress.
“I’m sorry. I had nowhere else to go.”
“Come in, quickly.”
Leo entered. Daliah surveyed the darkness and closed the door.
“What happened?”
“I’ll just be here for few hours. I’ll leave at dawn.”
“Why is everyone looking for you?”
“I’ve done something appalling.”
“I trust you. Appalling things happen, but sometimes those appalling things… they save a life.”
“Be careful who you trust, the devil was once an angel.”
“Trusting you is my decision. Proving me right is your choice.”
“Dal—”
“Leo, I want that part of you that you refuse to give to anyone.”
“Can I use your shower?”
Daliah lowered her head. “That way.”
“Thanks.”
“Will you eat?”
“No.”
“You need the energy to stay focused. I’ll prepare a meal while you take shower.”
Leo smiled, entering into the bathroom. He found himself staring at the mirror for a minute.
Am I doing the right thing? Why am I being so selfish, doing things for my own benefit only, without caring if they might hurt others? He turned up the tap, allowing water to spray over his body.
After five minutes, Leo walked out. Daliah was on phone. She squinted in a furtive manner after seeing him.
“I’ll call you later.” She quickly hung up the phone.
“Who’s that?” Leo said.
“I… Uh… was talking to my aunt.”
Leo stared at her, she dodged the eyes.
“Um… Ah… She was asking if I will visit her the day after tomorrow.”
“Your aunt…?”
“Yeah, I visit her often on weekends.”
Leo looked at the watch, it was 23hrs.
“The food is ready, let’s go.”
Leo followed Daliah to the table. He felt something was off.
“I’m not very good at cooking.” Daliah said, watching Leo eating.
“Aren’t you eating?”
“I’ve already eaten.”
“The food is delicious.”
“Thank you.”
After the meal, the two remained on the table talking.
“Let’s go get some rest.” Daliah said.
“You look tired. Go get some sleep.”
“What about you? It’s 0020 hrs now.”
“I’m not tired.”
“Then I’ll stay with you.”
Leo smiled.
“Hey, I missed you. I was thinking about you every day.”
Leo stared at the window.
“Leo, I really love—”
A serious knock came from the door. Daliah stood, Leo stopped her.
“Were you expecting a late visitor?” Leo said.
Daliah shook her head. The knock continued.
“I’ll go and check.” Leo said. He stood and walked towards the door. He climbed on a chair and watched over the glass on the top of the door.
“Fuck it!” He said, walking towards Daliah.
Daliah stood. “What’s wrong?”
“Your aunt is at the door, with a bundle of uncles.”