CATHERINE
It’s snowing.
It has been for the past few weeks, and it’s almost Christmas, too, which means the black city was doused in colors. This festive period always seems to bring the city to life in a new way.
It was almost as if you could feel everything. And this view from the window just made it better.
"Here..."
I smiled when Tori handed me a cup of hot chocolate.
"You should be sleeping," I said. "You have a late night shift today, don’t you?"
"Don’t mind me. How are you?" She asked, then huffed. "Why am I even asking that question? You have been a wreck."
She sat opposite me in the window nook
"Your honesty is always brutal."
"Come on, Cat. You’re not yourself anymore."
"I’ll try to find my way back, don’t worry."
"Will you?"
Her words made me waver, but I spoke nonetheless.
"Yes."
"I believe you, really. But I know this hit harder than Daniel."
I hated how right she was with that.
I don’t reply as I bring the cup to my lips, blowing off the steam. My phone rang, and the name came up. Gramps?
"Hey, Gramps."
"Hey, pumpkin. Where are you? I think I’m lost."
"Come again?"
"I’m at your apartment, but I think I didn’t get it right. What block did you say it was again?"
"You’re what?!" I sit up with a start. "Y-You’re in Midnight?"
Tori was just as shocked as I was.
"Yes, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you until now. I took a late-night flight."
"What’s wrong? Are you okay? Is Granny okay?"
I could already feel my panic rise as numerous things flashed, and none were pleasant.
"I’m fine, and Margaret is too. I came because I needed to see you."
"S-Stay right there, I’m coming!"
I rushed to change.
"Why aren’t you at your apartment? I’m sure I got the number right, though."
"I’m at Tori’s. Look, I’ll explain, just give me a few. I’ll be right there."
"Okay."
I ended the call, quickly forcing my jeans up.
"He’s in Midnight?" Tori asked me.
"Yes!"
"What’s wrong? Is he okay?"
"He is, but I’m worried,"
"Okay, just calm down, I’ll go with you."
"Don’t worry, you really need your rest, alright?" I wore my turtleneck sweater, put on my coat, and took a scarf with me.
I wore my glasses, grabbed my bag, and rushed out before Tori could say any other words.
I rushed down the stairs and out of the building, and just that little run already had me breathing.
Great! I should have called a ride first. Cabs don’t run this street until the next block.
Releasing a cold breath, I adjusted my handbag before catching a black Mercedes from the corner of my eye.
Way to keep it subtle. They are not even trying.
That car has been packed there ever since I moved in with Tori.
I knew it was Ares men.
The car moved, and I quickened my steps as if I could outrun a car. It came to a stop, and Reed came out.
"Reed?"
Has he been the one watching me?
"Did Ares send you?" I demanded.
"He asked me to watch you. Nico and I took turns."
That bastard. What’s his problem? He terminated the contract, didn’t he? Then why does he keep invading my life!
"Look, I know you and Mr. King are fighting and—"
"We’re not fighting. Couples do that."
He blinked before eyeing my finger, missing the ring.
"Now, can you please just go and tell your Don, the next time I see an expensive-looking car packed in this neighborhood, I’m gonna get a fucking restraining order!"
"I’m not here because of Mr. King," Reed said out of the blue. "I’m here because of you."
I was a bit taken aback by his words. I was struggling to speak before settling for the simplest. "I-I shouldn’t keep Gramps waiting. He’s out there, and—"
"Lemme drive you there at least... or would you walk it all?"
"I’m not gonna walk it all. I’m gonna take a cab."
"I don’t see any right now. And you look like you’re in a hurry, and I’m the best option, so..."
I hated how right he was.
"Did you mean it?"
"Mean what?"
"That you’re not here because of the order from Ares."
He dropped his gaze. "We were asked to watch the building at night only to avoid suspicion."
"I can notice a car like that in this neighborhood from a mile away."
He chuckled. "I guess we weren’t being discreet. What I’m saying is that I’m here right now not by order, but as a friend."
"Fine! You won me." I walked towards the car and opened the door to the passenger side.
"That easy?" he asked when he got in.
"Don’t be smug about it, now drive."
He smirked and started the car.
~☆~
Gramps and I took a seat. I kept observing him like I was gonna see something my heart wasn’t ready for.
"I’m fine," he reminded me for the tenth time since I picked him up from my former apartment.
Gramps looked around briefly. "This place looks a bit expensive."
"It’s okay, really. I come here most of the time."
"That’s good, at least you’re drinking... healthy."
The waitress came and dropped our coffee.
"Just water will do, please."
The waitress smiled at him. "Right away."
He cleared his throat. "So, um, that young fellow who drove us is...?"
"Oh, he’s a friend."
"A friend?"
I rolled my eyes. "Yes, a friend."
"Is he that Reed?"
"Huh, I thought you forgot about that name."
"How could I? You boldly stated you were taking him as your date to the reunion."
"First, he wasn’t meant to be my date, and second, he’s a friend."
He smiled, but it fell too quickly, and the sudden stiffness told me something was wrong.
"Look, Gramps, I know you want me to be happy. I will be." I placed my hand on his.
I said that to him, but I wasn’t sure of myself. It’s been a chaotic few days for me. Moving in with Tori and thinking about how I was gonna tell her I was leaving Midnight for good.
I had the money.
My family debts would be cleared, and I would have more than enough to start up the farm in full swing and build my life.
Yet, I kept hesitating for some reason; I knew it was that habit of clinging on.
Clinging on to what exactly?
"It’s not that," he replied. "Of course I do want happiness for you, but... I found something."
"Found something?" I narrowed my eyes.
Gramps exhaled sharply before raising a leather bag. I thought it might be his clothes or something, but it was too thin to be.
"After you left, I went up to the attic to check on boxes."
"Boxes?"
"Left by your mother."