and fight for my life and freedom. It might be a pointless battle but it’s one I need to fight on my own.
I’m relieved to see that it’s already nine and there’s still no sign of Gabe. I guess he was just all talk. I’m glad for it to be honest; I don’t think I could have coped with spending the evening just the two of us.
I settle down in front of the TV with a pint of Cherry Garcia ice cream and put on a horror movie. I’m really getting into the movie and just as it gets to a jumpy bit, my doorbell rings and I scream. “Fuck!” I yell, pausing the movie and setting the ice cream on the coffee table.
I go to the door and freeze when I open it and see who’s on the other side. Fuck me sideways.
“Gabe.”
“Viv.”
“I thought you forgot,” I say softly.
“And miss the chance to torment you?” He chuckles raising his eyebrow.
“Right, you know there’s still time to go back to your place,” I say trying to send him away.
“I’m not letting a beautiful woman like you spend tonight alone, so move out of my way. I have pizza, beer and Red Velvet donuts that you’re going to fucking enjoy.” Now, what in the hell am I supposed to say to that?
“Fine. Come on in.” I sigh and let him in.
“Cosy.” He says looking around as he puts the food and beers on the kitchen counter. He keeps two beers out and places the rest in the fridge along with my half eaten ice cream pint in the freezer.
“Thanks?” I look at him confused. He’s looking way too comfortable in my house.
“What?” He looks at me just as confused.
“Nothing.” I sigh and resume my position on the couch, not happy about this situation. On one hand I’m pleased he’s here not acting like he hates me, but on the other hand, it’s unnerving to have him here. He’s wearing a black Henley shirt that fits him like a glove, I swear I can see every muscle. His black jeans and black leather boots, beard, light hazelnut eyes and scar all add up to one deadly sexy combination. And I have to spend tonight with him, by myself.
He sits down next to me, our thighs touching, hands me a beer and sets the pizza box on the coffee table. “So, what are we watching?” he says before taking a bite out of a slice of pizza.
I stare at him and shake my head. “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” I take a slice of pizza and take an angry bite.
“Gotta love Freddy.” He smiles and takes another bite resuming the movie.
I’m speechless, I have no idea what to make of him coming here tonight and being all sweet and nice to me. “Why are you here, Gabe?”
He swallows his bite of pizza and continues staring at the TV for a minute before answering me. “I need answers. I know you probably don’t want to have this talk, but you’re the only one who knows exactly what happened and understands me and what I’ve been through, what we’ve been through. Ant and Cabe know but it’s not the same, they only know what I’ve told them, but they weren’t there and I couldn’t bring myself to tell them everything. I haven’t been able to talk to anyone for the past twelve years. I’ve been putting on a happy face when all I want is to know the truth, to know that she didn’t die in vain. I just need someone who will listen without judgment and won’t tell me how fucked up I am.” Fuck. Me! I wasn’t expecting that. I knew the talk about Annie would come sooner or later, but I had no idea that he had been stuck for the past twelve years, unable find closure and move on. Granted, I haven’t either and she was my twin; I guess he really was in love with her. I didn’t think they were that serious.
“I’m not sure I have your answers Gabe, but I’m here if you need to talk. Despite you looking at me like I’m the last person you want to be around, I’ll be here for you if and when you need me,” I say softly, scared of my own voice failing me.
“I don’t deserve your help.” He sighs.
“Why not?” I set my pizza down, unable to
Learning to Kill: Stories