Checkmate

Tempo

I never thought I would be a cliché, that girl meets boy and then comes drama and I stomach that drama tryna prove I am the one he chose 'type of girl'. But here we are staring each other down all in the name of his mine b**ch. Ava wanted to prove a point, she wanted to walk all over me and stomp me out like a lit cigarette butt. I had my pride though and I was not about to back down from the likes of her. “It’s only a matter of time until he tosses you aside as he does with the rest of them.” Ava said. I smirked at her “Well if that is the case why are you wasting your time on me?” I asked. I was not about to take everything she says at face value. If my heart was going to be broken it would be on my terms. It would be because I choose to take the risk and not because someone influenced me or manipulated me. Ava gave me a thoughtful look, followed by a sadistic smile. “You are below Daniel, and trust when I say this. Daniel will date you, perhaps even fall in love but it won’t matter. He already has his duties.” She said. I tilted my head and said with a firm voice “Only time will tell.” I moved away from her intending to walk away to go find Daniel but she reacted. She yanked my necklace off my neck with so much aggression, in her fit of anger she threw it over the balcony rail. I clutched my neck as I processed what was happening. Tears pricked my eyes as I sadly said “That was my mother’s necklace.” She had no remorse at all. “Well I guess you better go find it then,” she said. I didn’t realize Daniel saw the entire thing take place, he stepped between us, shielding me with his body while looking at Ava. His voice didn’t hide his disappointment and disgust towards her. “That is low, even for you Ava.” He took hold of my wrist and then led me away. Ava kept following us, calling out to Daniel until we got to his room. When he shut the door in Ava’s face I could tell he was beyond himself as his hold tensed around my wrist. When he took a deep sigh his hold softened. As he finally met my gaze his anger disappeared and something like guilt replaced it. The concern in his eyes was evident. “Daniel…” I said almost in a whisper. He closed the distance between us and responded with a hug.

We stood there in silent understanding as he tried to console me. When he finally broke the silence he said “I’m sorry, I didn’t protect you.” I withdrew from his hug and met his gaze. “It’s not your fault,” I said. “I can’t believe I witnessed that side of her in person. Usually, I would hear from people but seeing it first hand.…” He said with a sigh. “I understand, I’ll look for it tomorrow morning,” I said. It was clear that Daniel was struggling with his new knowledge of Ava. We defend people at times because we choose to see the good in them and when they prove us wrong, we can no longer validate our WHY for wanting to protect them. I waiting while Daniel made a few calls. When he finally got off the phone I said “I should get back to my room.” He considered my words for a while before he said. “That’s okay. I need to do something, I would walk you to your room but…” I cut him off “It’s okay.” I said. My room was on the same floor just way further down the hall so it wasn’t a big deal. When I got to my room I began to shed the tears I was holding back. I didn’t hate Ava, if anything I realized that people that go out their way to get validation were the loneliest in the world. Instead of loathing her, I pitted her. Two hours later I hear a knock on the door. I just had a shower, my hair was wet and I had nothing but a towel on. “Who is it?” I asked. “It’s Daniel.” The voice said. “Daniel” I said in a panic. “You know another Daniel?” He asked. “Uhmm, just a second!” I said.

I dashed to get clothes on before answering the door. “Hey Daniel…” I said. “Why are you acting weird?” He asked. I bit my lip, feeling surprisingly shy. He gave me a thoughtful look and then said “Wet hair, matte face, and the smell of vanilla rose… you just got out of the shower.” He smiled with a new look in his eyes that burned through me. “So you were naked?” he added. I felt a blush creep up on my cheeks and then just nodded in agreement. “Don’t be shy, let me dry your hair before you catch a cold.” He said. “Huh”, I exclaimed in surprise. He only just smirked at me and then invited himself in. He went straight to the bathroom, I shut the door and then followed him. He dried my hair, he was gentle as he untangled and dried my hair. “You are really good with hair,” I said. As he continued to dry my hair he shared how he used to dry Rebecca’s hair. It sounded to me that the two siblings were once really close, I wondered what happened. I just couldn’t dare to ask, however, my curiosity overpowered me. “Daniel?” I called. “Yes, my lady.” He answered. I felt my stomach do a somersault and a double flip. Daniel has made his claim on me. Lost in the moment I decided to change my question. “Do you think you and Ava will sort things out?” He switched off the dryer. “We are done.” He said. “Thank you,” I said. We paused in silence until he broke it. “As for Ava, let’s not talk about her right now okay.” I sighed and then nodded in agreement. To his relief, he gave me a thankful smile and then resumed his childish banter he’d always engage me in when he walks me home from school. I enjoyed how he could make me laugh so effortlessly, however, I had come to realize how Daniel would use banter as his escape. When he jokes around he usually has something serious on his mind that he wants to be distracted from. So I decided I would participate in the exchange because it was one of his outlets from the pain he was feeling.

When we decided to call room service and get dessert while watching a movie together. Before I knew it we had passed out on the bed together while the movie was halfway through. As I slept another bad dream came. This time I could make out something dad said although I couldn’t piece every word together the word BEAR was clear. It was a breakthrough that left me more confused. Instead of having answers, I had more questions. I kept begging him to not leave me, “Daddy please don’t leave me, Daddy… Daddy… Daddy no!” I screamed. Not realizing my scream was actually something I said aloud, I felt strong arms cradle me as my head nested in the safety of Daniel’s chest. “It’s okay, it’s okay.” He said with a concerned voice. “I’ll get you some water,” He added. As he attempted to let go I panicked “Please, don’t go. Just hold me.” I said pleading. “I promise I will come back, just want to get you water okay.” He said softly. I nodded and allowed him to get up. An hour later I felt at ease, Daniel held me in his arms as I drifted away again. This time I was relaxed, feeling secure in his arms as his heartbeat lulled me to peaceful sleep.

Just before the sunrise came up Daniel woke me up. “Hey, beauty.” He said. “It’s too early,” I said in my half woken state. He kissed the top of my head and said “Wake up, you can’t miss this.” I woke up as I protested. We went out on the private bedroom balcony, it was a little chilly and still rather dark. Daniel put a blanket on my shoulders then encircled me in his arms from behind as we stood there looking out on the horizon of the ocean. It didn’t take long for the sun to start rising. The entire process was magnificent. We stood there in silence, taking in the magical moment that was free from mother-nature. It was so beautiful and relaxing. I thought of watching the sunset yesterday but there I was saying goodbye to another day. I hated goodbyes, so this moment was everything because I was greeting a new day, a new chapter, a new gift of life with Daniel by my side and it was a good morning indeed.

Daniel was the first to break the silence. “Close your eyes,” He said in a commanding voice. Even a stubborn bratty woman would obey. “Okay,” I said in almost a whisper. I don’t know what he was doing, I could only hear him breathing as his breath caressed my ear shell. Something so innocent made me sin mentally several times. It was when he whispered in my ear “Open your eyes,” that I felt my heart tremble and every pulse in me started beating to a lustful drum. I swallowed slowly and then I opened my eyes. When I opened my eyes I was my mother’s necklace hanging on Daniel’s finger almost hypnotically. I was taken by surprise so much that I released a gasp. “How…..oh Daniel” I exclaimed. “Let me help you put it back on,” He said. I gathered my hair into a messy bun as he put it on my neck. Just yesterday he saw Oliver do the exact thing, he was so jealous I loved it. The thought of the memory made me smile. “There we go, no this is perfect,” Daniel said. I sighed in relief then turned to Daniel giving him the tightest hug. “Thank you so much,” I said. “I ordered the Faust recruits to find it, so it’s thanks to them to be exact. I just ensured they looked properly,” He said. “Well, thank you anyway. Please extend my gratitude to your boys,” I added. My stomach began to growl loudly that Daniel and I paused for a moment before breaking into laughter. “Let’s go down for breakfast and get you fed,” He said. Just as we entered the hallway we met Maddox and Tyson who seemed on alert. “Daniel, we have damage control to do,” Tyson said. In confusion, Daniel asked, “What happened?” Both the guys gave me a sad look and then Maddox said “Let’s talk in private first.” Daniel gave me an apologetic look. “It’s okay, go handle your business. I will find my way,” I said. He nodded then left with the guys.

I got downstairs where breakfast was served. Ever since I walked down I couldn’t help but notice all the stares I received. It made me uncomfortable but I reminded myself to stop being too paranoid. But as I got inside the hall, the stares and whispers seemed to increase. It was when Liam came running to me saying “Oh honey, you must be so upset. Not just the entire school but the entire social society knows…” When he realized I was confused He paused and then added. “F*** you haven’t seen it have you,”