Velora

Episode 4

“I don’t like being touched by girls,” Gabriel said evenly, his eyes blazing though his voice stayed almost playful. “Remember this: you have limits… but Gabriel has none.” Every word was drawn out with such chilling precision that it felt more like a warning than a statement. Then, with maddening ease, he simply turned and walked ahead, that same smirk still tugging at his lips. Emily stood rooted in place, bewildered by the contradictions in him. “What on earth is he? One second a child, the next a storm… his personality is so damn complicated. God help me…” she muttered under her breath, her heart still racing. “Hey, kid, bring me some water!” Gabriel’s voice boomed from the couch where he was sprawled lazily. Emily stepped into his room and froze. Her jaw nearly dropped. Just five minutes ago, she had cleaned this place until it gleamed. Now, it looked like a war zone. Clothes scattered across the bed. The sheets were halfway to the floor. Cushions had been tossed off the couch like fallen soldiers. Every perfume bottle stood uncapped, their scents colliding in the air. A damp towel dangled from the door handle. Empty chip bags and cookie wrappers littered the carpet like confetti after a disaster. The room looked less like a bedroom and more like a trash heap. And there he was Gabriel grinning wickedly, his legs propped up on the glass coffee table, clearly enjoying the fury sparking in her eyes. “First, bring me water,” he said smoothly, watching her angrily fold his shirts and shove them back into the closet. “Then you can clean.” ~19~ Emily shot him a murderous glare. “Excuse me? You trashed this room why should I be the one cleaning it up?” Gabriel’s smirk deepened. “Well, who asked you to take the babysitting job in the first place? Now move. You’re blocking my show.” He gestured at the TV behind her with infuriating nonchalance. Emily planted herself directly in front of the screen, arms crossed, chin lifted in challenge. Her glare could’ve set him on fire. “Because I need this job. That’s why I’m here. Unlike you spoiled rich boys, I actually understand what money means.” He gave a mocking yawn and stretched. “Sweetheart… save the ‘money matters’ lecture for when I’m not about to fall asleep.” His words stung not because they were cruel, but because of the sheer indifference in his tone. Emily could feel it now: Gabriel wasn’t just arrogant. He was utterly heartless. “You… are unbelievably heartless!” she hissed through clenched teeth, glaring at him. “Ooooh… heartless,” Gabriel chuckled, rolling the word on his tongue as if savoring its taste. “Sounds kind of classy, actually. Well done, Gabriel you’ve added a brand-new title to your collection today. I’m really proud of you.” He patted his own back with mock pride, grinning at his own sarcasm. Emily, unable to bear his insensitivity any longer, stomped her foot and stormed away. “Hey, kid at least bring me some water,” Gabriel called out with a teasing smile, only to irritate her further. “Should I bring you poison instead?” she shot back, fuming. ~20~ Gabriel’s smile widened. “Absolutely. I’d love that. Better yet, mix it into my tea. Just make sure you add extra sugar I want death to taste sweet when it finally arrives.” His tone was calm, almost too calm, as he exhaled a long breath. Emily made a face, stomped her foot again, and walked off. “Hey, kid! What’s wrong? Don’t tell me you’ve canceled the idea of poisoning me already?” His teasing voice followed her, making her clench her fists in frustration. Grinding her teeth, she muttered, “If you keep tormenting me like this, I swear one day I’ll turn into a murderer.” Gabriel burst out laughing, the sound echoing through the room. “By the way,” he leaned forward with a spark of curiosity, “just how much patience do you really have?” “And why do you care to know?” she snapped, her temper flaring like a detective grilling a suspect. One hand rested firmly on her slim waist as she glared at him with all the fire she could muster. “When your patience finally overflows,” Gabriel said with a falsely innocent face, “only then will this poor, handsome boy get his poison.” Emily stepped closer. “Why do you always talk like this? You have such a lovely, luxurious life… and still…” she asked, confused. Her tone was emotional, her face serious. Seeing her expression, Gabriel also turned serious. “Because saying things like this gives me peace,” he replied flatly. “And as for this so called luxurious life… I don’t want it.” ~21~ Emily frowned. “Only people with full stomachs can talk like that. People who don’t value life. People who get their breakfast and dinner served in bed. Go and see how a laborer struggles just to earn two meals, how he feeds his children with hardship. A poor man fights a new battle with life every single day.” She spoke with passion, showing him what real life meant a life of difficulties and pain. But to her dismay, Gabriel began clapping loudly. “What a lecture, kid! Ahhh… you’ve even brought tears to my eyes.” He wiped at his fake tears, then spun a finger lazily in his ear as though bored. “Gabriel, do you really not have any goal in life?” Emily asked with hopeful eyes. “Who said that?” Gabriel stood up, his voice suddenly firm. “I do. Of course I do.” “What is it?” she asked eagerly. “To attempt suicide once again.” Emily slapped her forehead hard with her palm. “Ugh, Gabriel… there’s no hope for you.” She stomped her foot and stormed away. “Look at this,” Gabriel muttered, pouting. “I’m serious, but nobody takes me seriously. Poor Gabriel no respect at all in this society.” And with that, he went back to watching his show.