Taming A Talkative

Chapter 12- Started With A Note

"Although I feel this might be some kinda joke," she sighed. I am tempted to believe so too but no. "Thank you for always being there for me," she continued, squeezing my hands gently.

I didn't respond for fear of blurting out what I really feel. Why I do what I do for her. Why I risk everything just to make sure she's safe. There's still ample time for us to discuss what we have going on between us, especially myself.

I chuckled inwardly.

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Little did I know that time wasn't on our side. I wish I could undo the past. Rewind time. Be given a second chance to tell her how I felt. I miss her so much. It's a wonder how I have survived this long. Fuck it, she was the reason I want the next day to come so I could see her beautiful face and get to spend time with her and listen to her tell me about the littlest of things that happened. She was a cute talkative.

Just like Manchester. Something whispered in my head.

And just like that her shadow fell into my line of vision bringing the world back into focus. I immediately masked up a blank look. I hate to put my emotions out there. And did I mention, Manchester was great at detecting when something is wrong?

Just like Matilda. Something whispered in my head again.

No she can never be like her, never.

"Hey, you good?" She asked, breaking up my inner argument.

When I looked up, I found her staring intently at me. I was shocked to see the sincere concern that clouded her face, that for a moment I wanted to spill everything to her, instead, I nodded. "Yeah. Are you heading out?" I asked, suddenly remembering my purpose of being here.

Please say yes.

"Yeah, wanna come with?"

"Nope."

"Oh I see. Be right back then." She let out a forced smile, before she turned around and left. I try not to be bothered as I checked to confirm that her tracker was on.

I counted up to three minutes after her exit, before making my way towards Stanley. Well, the guy has done a great job of ignoring me through the entire time. If you ask me what his deal was, I am clueless. But I don't care either.

He kept a straight face while mirroring my movement.

"How may I help you?" He asked when I got to the foot of the bed, eyeing me. I do the same.

"Can you be honest with me?"

I watched as a frown slowly crawled up on his face, "Hmmm?"

"I said, can you be–"

"No need to repeat, I heard you the first time." His nostrils flaring.

"Splendid! So what do you say?"

"Depends."

"On?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

"Why you need me to be honest, I don't even know you."

"I had no idea you had short term memory, no offense," I said referring to when Manchester earlier introduced us.

"Every offense taken," he said, glaring at me, "if you would please excuse me I have a book to get back to," he continued in a dismissive tone, flipping a page to buttress his point. I had hit a nerve there.

"What do you remember before the accident?" I asked, not in the mood to bit about the bush anymore. I have limited time.

His hands went still. His gaze now resting on me once more, the  colors already drained from his face leaving him pale. He hadn't seen it coming. "I-I don't have an idea on what you're talking about," he managed to say.