Page 107 of Tarek

I blink rapidly trying to digest what he just said to me. Slowly, I place the saucer and fork on the coffee table.

She killed herself.

“I am so sorry, T.” I have no idea what else to say, so I place my hands softly on his legs.

“Don’t have to be. I got over it.” He doesn’t turn his head to look at me.

“That’s traumatic, baby.”

He smirks and finally looks up at me. “Baby? I like that. Don’t call me Tarek ever again in life.”

I can tell he wants to change the subject, but I have to add, “If you wanna talk about it I will listen. If not, I am here. I believe everyone has a right to share when they are ready.”

I rub his thigh in circles.

“You said that to me the first time you came to Nowhere,” he says sadly. His hand covers mine.

* * *

TAREK

I wait for the panic to claw at my throat, or the burn that I feel when someone touches me in comfort. I hate it when people show me pity. It makes me feel small and vulnerable. But after getting to know Penny. I feel like I can show her the ugly sides of me, and she will never run.

“I don’t have scars on my body, but I have a ton on my heart and soul. You know what’s the fucked-up part?”

She takes my hands into hers. “What is?”

“None of the scars were created by an enemy or stranger,” the admission made my eyes burn.

“I wish I could take your pain away,” Penny says, with one tear rolling down her face.

I wipe her tear with my thumb, and bring it to my lips. “Don’t waste your tears on me Treasure. The truth is I stop feeling pain a long time ago.”

Penny wipes her face, her red locs lay open on her back.

“What about your dad? Was he a good role model?”

Role model? My dad?

“My father is a great man to many but absent to me. But I love him,”

Penny rests her head on my chest and grips my Henley. “Did you have any role models?”

I almost laughed when she said the words “role models”. I could tell her about the Quarter Masters, and how they are my uncles, but each one is more corrupt than the next.

“I didn’t grow up with role models. I grew up with demons and villains. People who I never wanted to become but somehow I did,” The thought was sobering to say the least.

Penny presses her hand into my chest and with the sincerest eyes she says, “You aren’t a villain.”

I chuckle, kissing her forehead. “I may not be a villain to you, but trust me Treasure I am a villain in a lot of peoples stories.”

Penny remains silent, as she digests my words. “I can teach you to be a better person.”

Innocence shines through her eyes. “And I will be the most dedicated student.”

She nods. “Can I say something?”

“Sure?”

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