“By the way I haven't seen you painting anything for the end of the year exam.” Athena reached over the table for a bread stick. “Like I said, I won’t show you anything until I’m done with it.” “But baby! Please you can’t do this to me.” Athena pouted furiously above her soup.
“It’s a surprise; Surprise!” Daniel chuckled making Athena giggle within his blazer. The night went on, people cheering turned the bucket over with little to spare. Light began to fade as the city went to sleep, silently with no worries to haunt their tomorrows. Peace of mind is what Daniel sought after, and it felt to him like he finally found it in the heart of the vineyards. A blanket of tone to keep them warm at night was his only solution to all his problems, to keep them safe and out of harm’s reach.
Daniel and Athena went back to the hotel after dinner was done; the road was cold and more desolated than ever. Athena’s nose turned red from the cold as Daniel rushed back as fast as he could. At the hotel Athena took off all her clothes and jumped in bed, Daniel following soon after. They laid down naked next to each other, holding each other closely for body heat to be exchanged equally.
Chapter 11
“Oh come on Peter she won’t see us.” A voice echoed in his head, followed by giggles; Peter woke up scared, with the feeling of nails diving into his back and loud noises as his alarm wouldn't turn off. He eventually unplugged the cord as fast as he could. Peter looked around as an illusion played a trick on his eyes, making him think he’s back in the same hotel room he rented for a month while being away from his wife a couple of years ago.
The journey of a terrible night ended for Peter in cold sweats that rocked him to his core. Peter woke up distraught, trying to find himself again; he stood up and walked over to the bathroom to rinse his face. Memories on replay distracted Peter from the views he had in front of him, making it hard to leave his past behind. Augmented dreams slowly gave way as his brain was practically dying from substance abuse, causing greater effects than he could've ever imagined.
Peter grabbed his toiletries bag searching around for his medication that he’s been using for the past 7 years in hopes to cure his demented thoughts.
The pills had an M, and an upside-down M joined together as one, imprinted on all of his medications. Peter knew better than to take any pills on an empty stomach, but this couldn't wait to be swallowed in the mornings. Peter took the glass he uses to gulp the pills down and held it against the bathroom wall, trying to listen very closely to the room next to his.
“Hey baby, I’ll go get us some breakfast from a restaurant okay.” Daniel kissed Athena on her cheek, covering her up more tightly as the air felt chilly to the touch. “I love you Daniel.” Athena replied drowsily holding his hand. “I love you too baby.” He gave her another kiss on the forehead, thinking of how perfect she is and how peaceful she looks. Daniel stood up, and picked his boxers up from the ground.
Quickly running over to the clothes he threw on the living room couch. Walking over to the door he stopped remembering he forgot something, and walked back to his bedside table to get his wallet. Soon after Daniel closed the door, he heard another door open right behind him. He turned and found the one and only Mr. P standing in the flesh. Daniel walked up to him slowly. “What are you doing here?” He whispered. “I’m here to make sure you don't run away kid.” Mr. P replied showing him the corridor to start walking. “Who do you think gave you those SIM cards on the plane?” Mr. P walked next to him in a black suit with a dark demeanor written all over it.
Daniel couldn't explain to his brain, neither could his brain comprehend to him how stupid he has become, blinded by the world’s most powerful force. Yet he felt obligated to walk with Mr. P when every bone in his body told him not to. “Where are you heading?”
Mr. P’s subtle tone came in to play rather quickly for Daniel’s liking. “I’m going to get breakfast from a small cafe.” Daniel chuckled and pressed the elevator button to the ground floor. “You don't mind if I go with you right?” Mr. P stood next to him, almost touching his shoulder. An unfamiliar tension rose as the elevator took them down to the lobby. “So, how does this work, can I ask you questions or what; or is it strictly professional?” Daniel had a sudden urge to get to know him better, or more about EA as a whole.
“Yeah, if I can’t answer any of your questions I’ll tell you.” Mr. P opened the lobby’s door for Daniel to walk out first. A smirk came on Daniel’s face unexpectedly. “Al right, how long have you been working for Melissa?” Daniel’s first question was a no brainer for Mr. P. “Currently started a year ago, but I have known her for about 13 years now.”
Mr. P replied as he scratched his head, trying to think 13 years back. “How did you meet her?” Daniel spoke as they walked across a street just 50 feet away from the cafe. “Sorry, can’t answer that one.” He chuckled. “Well, how do you know her?” Daniel had no intentions of stopping the questions from flowing. “I met her at my wife’s birthday party. Soon after I became her fuck buddy; losing my wife and kids in the making of that, and to top that off my son died too. Don't get me wrong; what I did was fucked up. But I had no choice.”
Mr. P sat down at the table outside the cafe, gesturing for Daniel to take a seat while he waits for his food. “Al right, I’ll just go order real quick.” Daniel walked up to the waitress and told her exactly what he wanted in Italian. He walked back over and sat down across of Mr. P. “So do you have any other questions? I don't really talk to too much people so I'm enjoying this.” Mr. P held his coffee, a loud slurping sound following soon after.
“Where are you from?” Daniel asked feeling sorry for the old man. “Washington, but moved to Alaska to work for the greatest boss on earth.” Mr. P couldn't help but laugh as that for him was a big lie since the beginning. Daniel smirked in amusement. “I have many regrets Daniel, but the most decision I regret making is not taking care of my only son, and he meant the world to me. So, if you ever have a family let me tell you this. Don’t let anyone into your personal life nor your family’s life either. I looked at my son’s dead body on the operating table, a sight I pray you will never get to see.” Mr. P reclined back into his chair, lifting one leg over the other.
Daniel crossed his arms thinking of what to ask him next. “Do you really think they will let me go after this experiment is over?” Daniel hoped to hear the right words come out of his mouth as he leaned forward onto the table. Waiting patiently for him to finish his coffee, but behind the mug Daniel noticed a raised eyebrow from Mr. P.
“Why are you raising your eyebrow like that? Don’t do that when I asked you an important question.” Daniel leaned back, frustrated at how long he’s taking to finish his coffee. “You signed the contract didn't you, that was basically your release contract. Meaning if it’s done and they don't let you go you can sue them.” Mr. P rocked Daniel’s world for he always worried about having to go back to EA.
At that moment Daniel’s food arrived, he paid the waitress with an extra tip for her service. “It was nice talking to you Mr. P but I have to head back to Athena, and you don't need to worry I'm planning on finishing what I intended to do in the first place, and thanks for the advice. Have a good day Mr. P.” Daniel gave a slight wink and hurriedly walked away. “Its Peter!” Mr. P yelled from the back making Daniel’s neck hair stand up. He turned around in confusion. “What!” Daniel replied from across the street. “My name is Peter!” Peter yelled back louder, trying to make it clear.
Daniel stood still and nodded his head. Walking away he couldn't think about anything but seeing him somewhere in the EA building way before a year ago. Daniel took the stairs to refresh his blood cycle and heart rate. As Daniel walked up to their room he pulled out the room key, but before he opened the door he heard commotion on the inside. Daniel gathered his senses and opened the door slowly. He heard Athena on the phone but couldn't tell who she’s speaking to, as he sneakily closed the door and made his way to the kitchen without being seen.
Athena
stood in the middle of the room, yelling more than talking. Daniel stepped out with a plate of food in his hand and a fork in the other. Athena jumped as she didn't hear him come in the room. She held the phone with her head and shoulder tightly squeezing them together as she took the plate from Daniel’s hands, trying to kiss his cheek to thank him. Daniel knelt down a bit for her to reach, then gestured and asked who she's speaking to. “My mom.” Athena loudly blabs out.
Oh my god get away Daniel get away, um, just go to the bathroom real quick and act like you have serious diarrhea in case she wants you to speak to her.
Daniel stood still confused, trying to make a decision before he gets trapped into speaking to her mother. He quickly makes his way to the living room and acted asleep, hoping she won’t get suspicious.
Athena sat down on the bed, telling her mother how amazing Italy is. “Mom, one-second I need to get something.” Athena muted the call and looked for Daniel around the hotel room and balcony. “Sweetheart!” She yelled for him. “Yes, baby? I’m in the living room.” Daniel panicked and started to snore really loudly. Athena stood over him. “Really baby? Wake up we just slept, I want you to talk to my mom.” Athena sat next to him, as he got up quickly. “Sweetheart, I can’t speak to her.” Daniel’s voice broke praying she wouldn’t get mad.
Athena stood up and walked towards him slowly, looking like she's going to throw him off the roof. “Why not?” She asked her face showing an expression of a frown and anger, but mostly hurt.
Daniel kept walking backwards and stopped. “Because I don't want to.” The words spewed out of his mouth before he can stop himself. The words that no girl would want to hear come out of their true love’s mouth, the one that they thought they can love without fear. “Why don’t you want to speak to her?” Athena confused as she thought he would be okay with it. “Don’t get me wrong I do want to talk to her very badly, but I can’t right now.”
Daniel sat down on the bed, taking his shoes off, waiting to relax. “Do you have a reason why you can’t right now?” Athena desperately wanting to know as it’s a vital part of a girl’s life to get approval from their mother herself.
Think you fucking genius! Ah Umm.
Within a few second Daniel thought he came up with a brilliant plan.
“Because I’d rather meet her in person, talking over the phone is very unprofessional especially if it’s a person so important, which your mother is of course.” Daniel exhaled as he couldn't believe he just made it much worse for himself with word vomiting a much worse solution to the problem at hand. He quickly got up. “Okay never mind I’ll just speak to her like you wanted me to.” Daniel tried to fix his situation so badly. “No, you're right I think meeting her in person would be a great idea.” Athena pondered on the suggestion Daniel has made, and came up with the perfect way to surprise both Daniel and her mother once.
Daniel held his head in confusion, already making an indirect promise to Athena that he felt obliged to do. Athena walked into the living room, un-muted her mother and acted like everything is fine. Daniel could hear her mother laugh from the bedroom, it screeched throughout the walls of the hotel room.
Scaring Daniel even more for he didn't know what he got himself into this time. He closed his eyes and prayed that he didn't fuck up the plans that have been running through his mind ever since he signed the contract. Daniel stood up, grabbed his cellphone and rushed into the bathroom. Seeking help from the only person he could ever count on.
Daniel dialed Will’s number and waited for an answer frantically. “Hello? Who is this?” Will answered the phone as he didn't know the number who was calling. “Hey bro it’s Daniel! I think I just fucked up big time man I need your help!” Daniel quietly spoke behind the curtain of the shower, trying not to make a noise. “Hey man! I missed your voice, when the fuck, are you coming back?” Will stoned out of his mind couldn't process what Daniel was saying the whole time. Hey Allison can you pass me the ashtray. Will spoke forgetting Daniel is on the other line.
“Will! I’m fucking serious man, I told Athena I would meet her mother, and now I don't know what the fuck I should do.” Daniel’s voice finally reached Will’s deepest part of his brain. He sat up and turned the music down. “Al right, this is what you do. You can’t back down now, you have to go with it or else she will start to get suspicious. Just act normal okay, when you get back we can talk about it.” Will reassured Daniel the best way that he could think of. “Okay, I trust you man.” Daniel felt like he could finally breathe after ages of being stuck in a strait jacket trying to get out. “When are you coming back anyway?”
Will asked while taking a puff of a king size joint specifically rolled by Tony for both Will and Allison to enjoy before the last term starts. “I’ll land at the airport tomorrow at 3pm, so please don’t be late Will I know you're smoking so just make an alarm okay. I have to go, see you tomorrow.”
Daniel put the phone off and climbed out of the shower, while flushing the toilet as if he took a long constant loo for no apparent reason. Daniel opened the door to find Athena standing right in his face. “I heard you talking to someone.” Athena raised her eyebrow, turned around and laid down on the bed. Daniel walked out slowly. “I was talking to myself, just preparing myself for the worst and praying for the best.” Daniel chuckled as he thought of the joint that they didn't smoke the night they arrived in Italy. “How about we smoke that last jay and go for a walk?”
Athena lifted her head. “We have another jay? Didn't we smoke it?” She asked. “Nope, we only needed one that night.” Daniel laughed and ran over to his bag, taking out a lighter along with the only jay left. He handed it over to Athena. “Bless it baby.” Athena looked over to him with squinting eyes thinking what does bless it mean. “What do you mean?” “It means light it up.”
Daniel chuckled on her behalf. Athena proceeded to light it as Daniel rushed to open the sliding door leading out to the balcony for ventilation. As the night went on it filled with laughter, sadness, and a touch of some remorse coming from Daniel’s outer being. Imaginary gunshots of love burst through the air, falling on the both of them, as if cupid had a machine gun with infinite ammunition. “Where do you want to be in the next 5 years with your life?” Daniel leaned over and asked. “I’m already 22 so, I would like to have a son or daughter by then and be married to you, and what about you?” Athena’s one eye closed as smoked travelled into it, making her rub it vigorously.
“I want us to be living in a beach house, in a quiet area; With 2 kids running around, and playing in the sand.” Daniel smiled while looking at the ceiling, imagining a life without stress. “Neither of us needing a job and just live our life, but a lot of people would want a life like that.” He said.
Athena rolled over to Daniel, fitting perfectly in his arms. A sense of safety and security overwhelmed her. “I don't care where I am in 5 years. I just want to be with you for the rest of my life.” Athena spoke as she rubbed her cheek against his chest, scratching a part that couldn’t be reached by her numb hands. She made an effort to play with his hair, inspecting every inch of his head. Athena came across a scar that was left unannounced on Daniel’s head after the car accident took place; she suddenly sat up alert.
“Baby, why do you have a scar on your head?” Athena’s eyes jumped from low and slow to big and high. “Oh, I was in a car accident when I was younger, leaving a scar on my head.” Daniel left out a crucial part to who he is today. The fact that he gained total memory loss out of the crash, not remembering anything that had happened in his past life; an empty box filled with unknown memories that couldn't be accessed from one stupid mistake. An unborn child that lived till the age of 10 only to gain some of which made up the life he lives today. Athena sat up, baffled about what her eyes witnessed. “The dream I had 2 nights ago is kind of weird now that you mentioned this. I don’t remember how old I was, but I dreamt that I was playing with a boy named Dan and he told me he has a scar on his head too. Which is weird because
you have a scar, and your name is Daniel; but you don't look like the boy at all.” Daniel sat up next to her in shock.
“I’m sure a lot of boys have scars on their heads, but you're right it’s really weird. Why didn't you tell me?” Daniel held her hands, staring at her with bloody eyes. “I don't know; I felt like it’s a stupid dream.” Athena shrugged her shoulders in confusion. “Well, next time I would love to know what you dream about, okay baby?” Daniel kissed her on the cheek and pulled her down with him, resuming the high as music played in the background.
Athena fell into a deep sleep after a while of chanting to numerous songs that shuffled throughout the night. Daniel laid still with her in his arms, trying not to wake her up. His mind rushed through all the things he could remember, and the scar being one of them. Daniel slowly got up, covering Athena with a light fluffy blanket in the process. He made his way into the bathroom, trying to find the scar he has forgotten about under all his hair in the bathroom mirror.
Bittersweet Love Page 15
