LIFE AFTER DEATH.

RELATIONSHIPS

A strong silence followed as Tess laid vivid claims. I remember glancing around in a huff before I realized the bracelet I wore. Curly immediately took my hand and retrieved his bracelet back. I remember feeling numb as I got to find out that Curly and Tess were in a relationship.

I had suspected that it might be the case, but I didn't want to believe it. That explains why, 'according to Curly', Tess kept letting him into the house. I didn't know why I felt repulsed and uncomfortable. Could that also be why Curly refused to give me information about Tess? I wondered how in love they both were. The fact that I cared also bothered me.

* * * * * * * * * * *

" Really nice meeting you Amaka... " Jojo firmly took Melanie by the arm and immediately walked in the opposite direction, " But we have a thing we need to get to. " She laced a stern look at Melanie, " C'mon, let's go. "

This time, Melanie obeyed.

" I'll text you, Amaka. "

Her voice sounded less cheerful as she departed with Jojo.

That was the first time I felt weird and a little concerned. This feeling wasn't serious, it was a mere whiff and my thoughts weren't vivid. I remember wondering why Jojo policed Melanie. I know I just briefly met them, but I gathered enough observations already. Jojo had proven to me on two occasions that she was the leader and Melanie was a follower.

I remember feeling concerned for Melanie, even though it was none of my business. She looked happy, she looked safe, and she looked content. I didn't have to be pricked about it but I was. And yes, I admitted it, I was looking forward to Melanie's text message.

* * * * * * * * * *

" I must have dropped it when I climbed by the window. " Curly retorted as he wore the bracelet.

" Wait a f*****g second, " Tess bit her lower lips in agitation, " You were at the house yesterday? "

" I just said that I was. " Curly sounded frustrated. He turned over to me, who desperately searched for a way out of the conversation.

" What is your name again? "

" You never asked for my name, " I said.

" Well, what is it? "

His eyes shone bright as he waited for my reply, it made my heart skip a beat.

" Amaka. " I answered.

" Gus, what the f**k? " Tess pulled him by the shirt, " You went by the house and didn't call me? "

" But you weren't there. "

" All the more reason to call me! "

She sounded pissed, and I had an idea why.

" So, you were alone with her all night? " Tess asked him.

" No, "

" Yes. "

Both I and Curly chorused. Although I wasn't sure why I told the truth, I had nothing to hide.

" Look Tess, " He took her by the shoulders and stared into her already teary eyes, " I didn't call you because I had a serious fight with my dad, and I really needed to get out of the house. "

I remember seeing Tess trying hard to fight back the tears. She succeeded. Somehow it hung at the bridge of her eyes.

" Gus... f*****g promise me__

" Nothing happened... I promise. "

I just stood there, clueless, still searching for an opening to get out.

Tess's eyes made contact with mine and it made my heart skip.

" You're that witch's niece? " She asked to me.

" Yes, I am. " Welp, I figured, she referred to my aunt.

" Next time, when you see something that DOESN'T BELONG TO YOU... you stay away from it, not put it on your WRIST. "

Her tone was harsh and precise.

" C'mon, " Curly wanted to put an end to it, he was getting embarrassed, " That's enough, let's go. " He attempted to take her with him, but Tess was not done yet.

" Even after I told my dad that I didn't want this, he still let you come. " Tess sounded frantic, " He allowed that woman to win again. "

I wasn't the only one who hated aunt Vivian, it appeared that Tess hated her too. Tess's breathing got heavy, her eyes were full of rage and fury. She began to tremble and make distressing gasping sounds. She was asthmatic.