Chapter 4: Sid
The new guy was beaming at me with amused eyes, radiating a palpable sense of joy that filled the room. I took a moment to gather my thoughts, hoping to reciprocate the positive energy he exuded. The tension in the air seemed to grow thicker, with each passing moment intensifying the pressure in the room. It was as if the silence had taken on a life of its own. Realizing that it was essential to break the stagnant silence, I mustered the courage to end the standoff. My words finally found their way out, breaking the spell that held us captive.
"Guess the show is over." I said, faking a chuckle.
Without waiting for any reaction, I quickened my pace towards the steps, eager to break free from all this unwanted attention I seemed to be gathering. But, just as I thought I had escaped, he unexpectedly seized my trembling wrist with a firm grasp. What's with everybody and my wrist today?
"You are that young girl, right?"
What is he talking about? Oh, that...
"Of course, I am the young girl who was yelling 'Cheap Thrills' on top of her lungs. Did you think it was a crazy woman? It's okay, I get that a lot."
I gave him another awkward smile, attempting to hide my anxiety, but my futile efforts only made the situation worse. He looked puzzled, clearly unable to make sense of my unconvincing display, and with conviction, he simply shook his head.
"No, not that. I mean, you are the girl whom Adrian brought?"
"Ah, that brilliant, beautiful-looking model is me."
I certainly have to congratulate myself for acting so confidently. My fingers were trembling like leaves, but I never broke eye contact with him. In spite of my struggles with social awkwardness, I refused to be a victim of bullying. Instead, I dedicated myself to learning the art of concealing my fears. Through persistence and self-contemplation, I gradually learned the skills to navigate social situations with confidence.
He grinned widely upon hearing my response, revealing a charming smile that lit up his face. I couldn't help but find him utterly endearing and captivating. But then again, every individual whom I have seen here is incredible. From Mr. Perfect to the gatekeepers, they all resemble models. I guess vampire stories are real with regards to their male species.
"You seem to like Sia?"
I was brought back to reality by his words, and I shrugged my stiff shoulders.
"Naah, I am more into Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift, but I like this particular melody of hers."
I said, waving my hand.
"So, you are a music lover, then?"
"You bet."
Music can cause me to enter the world of Nirvana, a state where my mind transcends reality, floating amidst melodies that stir my emotions and transport me to a place of pure bliss.
"Want to join me? I think some quality company is appreciated now."
He asked, raising his eyebrows challengingly. I smiled politely, my mind swirling with witty comebacks. But as my lips parted to respond, I realized something chilling: they were not just any ordinary creatures, but blood-sucking vampires. What if he was trying to lure me inside and eat me? Was I not being a fool by escaping from one vampire and then walking into the room of another? However, before I could reply, I was interrupted by a smooth voice that filled the passage.
"That will not be necessary, Sid."
I have heard this voice before, but where? Oh... And there he is, ladies and gentlemen, presenting Mr. Perfect in all his serious glory. Was he following me? His confident stride gives off an air of mystery, gripping everyone's attention. Curiosity dances in my mind, searching for answers to the puzzle his eyes held.
"I thought she had her own vocal cords."
I'm pleasantly surprised to see that I'm not the only one with a sharp wit here. It's fascinating how much I'm beginning to appreciate Sid's presence. Mr. Perfect seems utterly dissatisfied with him, practically shooting daggers in his direction. I believe it's the perfect opportunity to engage in some entertaining activities.
"You know what, Sid? I would love to spend some time with you. After all, you have been really good to me, unlike certain others. I think I should repay you for that."
Upon uttering those words, I exerted a gentle pressure on Sid's shoulder, confidently stepping into his room as if it were my own. Although I did not witness their immediate reactions, I can vividly imagine them in my mind's eye. Sid, undoubtedly, would be rendered speechless, taken aback by my audacity. On the other hand, Mr. Perfect, known for his chronic anger, would definitely be seething with fury once again. Ah, the satisfaction I derive from witnessing him in such a state is unexplainable!
Sid's room, much like the one I had been in previously, had a noticeably wider layout. The walls were painted in a pristine white shade that perfectly complemented the neutral beige drapes adorning the windows. Dominating the center of the room was an impressively large bed, oozing a luxurious ambience. Positioned alongside it were a sofa and a love seat, invitingly arranged for comfortable lounging. Completing the room's opulence were a spacious walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom. Mesmerized by the room's grandeur, I made my way toward the expansive window, peering through the elegant blinds. The outside view was a sight to behold, with the radiant orange-red orb gradually sinking down, taking the light alongside it. This is undeniably the most breath-taking sunset I have ever witnessed, surpassing even the ones I have seen on various shores. Interestingly, this location seems to be nestled in the midst of picturesque hills, as lush greenery envelops the surroundings. Upon closer inspection, one can detect a distinct blue stretch in the distance. Curiosity piqued, I strained my eyes to figure out the source of this vibrant hue, only to realize with a sudden revelation that it was, in fact, a beach. Oh my God, there really was a sea down there!
I love the beach. I love the beach. I love the beach. I am literally squealing inside my head. But I was brought back to reality by the sound of a door being slammed. I turned to face a grinning Sid.
"You know, you were always special in your own way, but now you really have more effect on him than before."
I sighed at his statement, feeling lost.
"I have heard this 'special' thing before, yet the 'effect on him' is new. Could you, if it's not too much trouble, explain those things to me?"
I asked as politely as I could, but he just shrugged.
"It's not up to me to tell."
"Then?"
"You'll know."
That is it? I planned to push him further, but he strolled and sat on the floor close to the love seat. Hm, strange! I followed his gesture and settled myself close to him. I need to use my chance appropriately to squeeze out all the information from him.
"I really can't understand how a bold girl like you was kidnapped easily. Adrian told me that you were so easy to take."
I gasped. He didn't just say that.
"I was not easy to take; they were just too hard to handle."
He looked at me seriously for half a minute and then burst out laughing.
"You are hilarious."
He sputtered in between laughs and clutched his stomach while I reacted by giving him a stern look. Although my glare couldn't completely halt his laughter, it did manage to calm it down. Interestingly, I couldn't resist the contagiousness of his chuckling, which led to a reciprocal grin forming on my face as well. If, and only if, I am going to be here for long, then I am sure he will be my partner in crime.
...............
"So, tell me about yourself, only if you can trust me, that is".
By then, he was sprawled out on the floor, his legs resting on the edge of the bed. His disheveled hair and defenseless position made him appear childlike, and although I had the temptation to playfully tousle his hair, I refrained. I positioned myself on a loveseat, folding my legs and leaning back, creating a comfortable and relaxed posture.
"What about me?"
"About your life, your school, etc., etc., etc."
I couldn't help but smile. It has been quite some time since I last allowed myself to open up to someone, and I genuinely feel the need to do so now with him. Sid put my anxieties at ease.
"So where do I start?"
"Why not start from the beginning?"
"Okay. But hold your questions till I finish. Do you get me?"
"Yes, my lady."
I sighed and then started to go back to my past.
"I am Atarah Davidson, and I turned 18 yesterday. My parents, Raphael and Lilian Davidson, kicked the bucket when I was one year old. I don't recollect seeing them, but I got their photographs."
I gave him my chain, which had both my parent's images. They don't look anything like me, as the two of them were so wonderful in contrast to my ratty appearance. He inspected it briefly; I swear I saw something pass through his eyes as though remembering them, yet soon he covered it. Then he gave me the chain back, which I set securely on my neck. I don't know why, but it always gave me a protective feeling.
"Continue..."
"I'm certain my story is going to exhaust you."
"Oh, I'll take the risk."
"Hmmmm, so where did I stop? Yeah, my parents passed away when I was one year old. It was some kind of car crash or something. I don't know exactly, nor do I want to know about it. I was brought up by my grandparents. They were not so close to me. It felt like I was an extra burden for them. When I turned 16, they started to leave me alone, like, literally. I don't know where they went. Even when I asked, they didn't bother telling me. My school life was normal. I didn't have many friends. So, when I left school, apart from my degree, I had nothing gained. I started college last week and haven't made any friends yet."
"So where are your grandparents now?"
"I don't have the foggiest idea. They were gone for nearly a month. I shouldn't be shocked, though; they were not even there for my graduation."
I was the only one without any parents that day, and my homeroom teacher took a photo with me out of pity. I wasn't sad, though. It was just another ordinary day for me, and when I showed my certificate when they returned, my grandma smiled at me and patted my head as if I were the neighbor's dog.
"How did you end up here?"
He asked, playing with his hands in the air. He's so childish.
"That's not a big story. The day before yesterday was so tiring at my job."
"You are working?"
"Yeah, in a supermarket. So, you know, I have an unpleasant habit of eating ice cream when I am overworked. Unfortunately, I was exhausted in the middle of the night. So, I went to my nearest ice cream shop. As you might have guessed already, I was followed by two silhouettes and finally kidnapped. I tried to resist, but in vain. So yeah, that's the end of my life story. Like I said, it's not much."
Sid turned to me and gave me a heartwarming smile.
"Hmm, not bad. It was worth taking the risk."
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