Page 103 of Taunt Me (Dark Odyssey 2)

Good thing I didn’t say anything to worry them anymore than I have because I know what my choice will be and I’m not going anywhere.

“It looks like that plan of mine is nonexistent.”

She rubs her hands together and gives me a squeal of delight. “Oh my God, I’m so happy. I was so worried. I thought there was going to come a point where I wouldn’t see you again.”

“No, I wouldn’t do that.”

“You hear of it happening though, families breaking up and separating every which way. I didn’t want that to happen to us, not when the last ten years have been so shit and not when we’ve had so much tragedy.” She wipes away a tear and smiles.

“I know. I’m sorry I put you through that. I shouldn’t have. It was all so raw at the start, you know, when I got back.”

“Don’t be silly… no need to apologize. We all understand. I just wanted so badly to have this with you again.”

“We have it and by the way things look we’re going to devour this poor little shop.” I laugh.

“We sure will. I look forward to feasting on many cookies and muffins with you.”

“And hot chocolate,” I add.

“And ice cream.” She nods.

“Yes…” That sounds good to me, the parlor is just across the street and we’re heading there now.

“I’m gonna go to the ladies and we can dash straight after.” Cordelia stands and gives me a little smile before sauntering away to the ladies room. She bought this new shimmer powder last week and takes every chance she can get to powder her nose.

It’s nice. It’s nice to be thinking about simple things.

Hair and makeup, shimmer powder.

I was a shell when I first got back and honestly I haven’t been back that long to feel as okay as I do right now.

It’s more a case of who’s been in my life. A lot has happened in the space of time I’ve been home. It’s been a few days over a month now. I can honestly, wholeheartedly say that if not for Gabe I don’t think I would feel the way I do.

Of course not, what I am is in love.

That is what I am. The other night I was looking at him and realized I couldn’t leave him.

I very nearly told him I was going to be staying but I held off. I thought I’d make it special.

On the last day I’m theoretically supposed to spend with him I’ll make the day special and tell him how much I love him, that is what I plan do.

It will mean so much more if I do it like that.

It will carry more sentiment.

Someone comes up to me and I look up thinking it’s the barista but it’s not.

A shiver of ice flows down my spine when I see Tobias standing next to me with a smirk on his horrible face.

Jesus… my eyes dart around, looking around for someone I can call on for help but he places a heavy hand on my shoulder stopping me.

“Don’t, don’t do it.” The warning in his tone spikes my nerves.

He sits in Cordelia’s seat and that smell takes me. He pulls a human finger with nail polish on the nail out from his front pocket and his gun from his jacket.

“Scream or do anything and I’ll kill that little girl over there.” He points to a little girl who looks to be about five sitting across from us. She’s giggling at something her father is saying. “Scream and I’ll kill her, shoot her little brains out all over her father and before he can even process what’s happened, I’ll kill him too, and the little old lady next to them.”

A tear runs down my cheek and once again I hate that I’m crying in front of this man.

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