LIFE AFTER DEATH.

STRANGER DANGER 3

I was lost in thoughts, and while I ate, I pondered about my situation. I didn't let the funny face Curly was making distract me from questioning myself and my surroundings. After finding out that Tess existed, I've been worried ever since, and it was for a good reason.

The fact that Curly was right about Tess surprised me, the fact that she'd been allowing him inside the room scared me. Then there was the fact that my aunt has a stepdaughter. I wasn't fully sure why it concerned me. By the looks of it, Tess was residing in the same house.

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" I want you to tell me more about Tess. " I spoke. Curly shifted his gaze to me, his eyes were red and teary, the food was too spicy for him. That was weird to me, since I assumed he was Mexican.

He sniffed and chunked more food in his mouth, " Why? "

" If the food is too spicy, then you should stop EATING. "

" I can't... I just can't, it's too delicious. " he pitched me a shaky smile.

I scoffed but stopped halfway before revealing a glare, " Tell me more about Tess. " i said again.

" And I remember asking you why? "

" Because I want to know, she might return here anytime soon and I need to know about her before then. " I adjusted my medicated glasses as I prepped for the discussion I hoped would ensue.

" Why are you so on edge? she some type of stranger to you? "

He began pouting his lips and tapping his fingers restlessly. I knew what he wanted.

My eyes hurriedly searched the room and found a mini fridge right beside the shelf. I got to my feet and went for it. Surprisingly, there was only one bottle of water left. I also needed water, but I couldn't muster the energy to take another trip downstairs.

" Here's water. " I decided to let him have it.

" It's the last one. Could you go downstairs for another? " He asked me.

I was blank for a second, my eyes fidgeted.

I was glad that Curly didn't ask any other questions, because how then would I answer? He opened the bottle and drank. He made sure not to finish the water. What was left was almost equivalent to what he had drunk.

He stared at the empty dish, " Thank you for the food, it was very spicy... but very delicious. "

" Umm__

Before I could think of what to say, he went to the cushion and laid on it. It seemed like he was about to go to sleep.

" That's your half of the water. "

I took the bottle into my shaky hands and fought the urge to stare back at him. I know he was looking at me.

" Oh and about Tess... I think when you meet her, you can find out all you need to, right? "

I froze again.

" After all, y'all would be living under the same roof. "

His voice was barely audible, he was settling down to sleep.

I had no choice but to give up on finding out any information about Tess. I couldn't tell why Curly didn't want to say anything but I understood that it was his choice. I realized that I had to handle my situation the same way I'd always handled my inconveniences. I treat them like they are nonexistent.

Yes, Tess would be living under the same roof as me, but it doesn't mean that we have to talk.

I drank the rest of the water and caught myself smiling as I did. I didn't know why. But I wasn't daft not to know a good gesture when I saw one. Curly wasn't that bad. But then again, I did let him spend the night inside my room. That was also a good gesture. He was merely paying back for the kindness I showed him.

I waited until it was 1:30 am before sneaking the plates back to the kitchen and washing them. I was sure that my aunt would be asleep. I have successfully averted a possible discussion and I was greatly satisfied.

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