Historiah
"Getting comfortable aren't you, Tori?" It asks, mimicking Luke in calling me Tori. I give no reply. "Ignoring me today? You're usually more talkative."
"I speak when I want to."
"Same old habit that used to tick your mother off, isn't it?" I sit silent. "Now you're just being a burden on someone else's shoulders."
"...Luke never said that."
"Momma never said that either, but she tried to stab you every chance she got!" It kackles like a hyena. "What is your goal here?" I ask.
"Reminding you that you need to get in front of another train, because no one wants you alive! Your ever-loving father died protecting you, or maybe he just wanted to be freed from you, so he got in the way." It laughs cynically. "Misfortune follows you wherever you go. So why cause problems for such a nice family? Just walk away."
Is he...right? will my curse start to affect Luke's family if I stay here?
"Y-you're just a figment of my imagination."
"No, I am proof that you are insane." That stupid laugh again. "Enjoy the last of your peaceful days, Historiah. Until you burn them down with your own two hands."
My eyes shoot open, and I sit up in bed, drenched in sweat. I guess I truly am insane, complete with the voice inside my head. I don't remember when it started speaking to me, maybe it has always been there, who knows? But it always has the same message. You're cursed and you need to go. I sit and ponder over everything. If my curse is real and it does start to affect Luke's family, what am I going to do? Grandma's health issues started not too long after I moved in with her, and Mrs. King's husband died two weeks after I started staying with her three years ago. If something were to happen...
Luke
"So, how was Russia?" I swing my tennis racket, sending the ball to the other side. "What do you think? How it's always been." He swings back. Home has never exactly been a comfortable topic. "And Hailey?"
"She's surviving. Britt is taking care of her."
"She's her daughter, isn't she?" I pause. He says something I don't hear. "And our fathers?"
"I barely saw them, like always."
"You never came to visit the villa."
"I wasn't sure of the exact date of the organization, so I wanted to play it safe." He laughs, "That's why I hitched a ride."
"Just admit that your car broke down, it isn't that hard." He throws the ball at me this time. "I own six, dumbass." I catch it right before it breaks my nose. "Your throw is getting weak, Jace. Sure you aren't eating too many doughnuts?" I taunt. "I'll show you too many doughnuts." He runs after me. We circle the court thrice before he clutches unto my shirt, and I trip. We both fall to the ground, laughing. "I hate you so much, Jace."
"Yet another thing you can't beat me at."
"Sure, keep telling yourself that." Jace has always worn his heart on his sleeve. But I've always kept to myself more. His bright smile that lit up a room brought comfort to people. It's probably because of that he was able to secure that partnership contract. But I can't say I envy him in front of him-or anyone for that matter. Because from the moment we were born, we had to be rivals, fighting for who is going to be the next CEO, whether either of us liked it or not. That's just what our 'family' is. If you are of no use to the company, you're a liability. As good as dead to everyone. Our entire lives have been a struggle to prove our worth to never satisfied eyes. After a while, we go back inside. I take a shower and freshen up. It's nighttime already and dinner is ready. Stupid Jace made it. "I'm sure you couldn't cook like this to save your life." He smirks.
"I was too busy focusing on astronomy to ever learn it." I roll my eyes. "Just get cupcake to come down and eat."
"Where did that name even come from?"
"Hmm, well I was eating a cupcake with red frosting and green sprinkles right before I saw her, so It reminded me of her hair and eyes."
"So, it's cupcakes that's making you slow!"
"I will shove a fork down your throat." It's a bit unnerving how he says that with a smile. I leave to call Tori, but on getting to her door and knocking, she doesn't answer. Is she really sleeping by now? Maybe she actually is a cat. I try opening the door, but it's locked. She stays in her room a whole lot, but she never locks it. "Tori, are you okay in there?" No, don't tell me she-
I knock frantically, shouting her name. Nothing. I take in a deep breath and step back, ready to kick the door down. I run and leap forward, when the door opens. I fall into the room with a grunt to see her standing behind the door. "Isn't your purpose to keep me alive, Jackie Chan?" She yawns. "Why did you suddenly lock your door?" I ask realising that she really was asleep.
"To keep you and Jace out, of course." The tension in my muscles melts.
"Please don't scare me like that again, Tori." I rub my temples and get up. "What are you even talking about?"
"Nothing. Nothing at all." I pat her on the head. "Let's go get dinner." I hold her wrist and we go down together. Don't leave, Tori. Please, please do that for me.
Today's scare was one I'd rather not have to imagine the outcome of.