"Deep vengeance is the daughter of deep silence." - Vittorio Alfieri.

3 years earlier...

I opened the door to the bedroom and placed the bowl of junk food on the bed, near Doris. She immediately grasped them and reached for the remote, leaning into a set of pillows.

"I'm so glad we're finally doing this," Doris said whilst picking a movie. 

"Me too," I said while taking my place next to her. "I haven't seen you for most of the month." Doris nodded.

"I know. The school year has been so hectic. And the fact that we're no longer in the same classes makes it more difficult to catch up." she smiled. 

"Speaking of 'catching up', I have noticed your new company." A blush made its way Doris' cheeks. "He seems to be taking up a lot of your time." Doris pushed an umber curl behind her ear.

"It's nothing."

"What's his name?"

"Myles." My eyes widened. Myles was the son of my current math teacher. He had the looks, best on the swim team and some brains but not the best attitude. If Doris had caught his attention, she would have considered him a trophy boyfriend. "We're just friends Emily," she said. I raised a brow. "How's your mom?" she asked, obviously trying to change the subject.

"She's doing fine. I think she met someone...again." I remembered those countless dates she went on. Each one left her more disappointed than the last but she was rather persistent in finding 'the one'. 

I think my mom took dating as a hobby more than a tool to find a permanent partner. That's probably why her relationships never lasted. Ever since my older brother left for college, I guess it made the house feel more empty. I liked it, but my mom had high social needs.

"Hmm. Have you met him yet?" Doris asked as she munched on chips. I played with my fingers, growing bleak.

"Uh, no." Honestly, I didn't want to. I'd grown so used to a father figure being absent that I stopped looking for one. Ultimately, I didn't want one. It sounded terribly selfish, but I found myself hoping the dates would fail. The sound of a light knock brought me back to the present. "Are you expecting anyone?" I asked Doris. She shook her and climbed off the bed. I followed her into the living room, quite surprised once I saw Myles on the other side of the glass door. "Just friends huh," I said under my breath. Doris heard and glared briefly before pulling a smile together as she opened the door for Myles. 

"Hey," she said, grinning like a Cheshire cat. I rolled my eyes.

"Hey," he replied, cloudy eyes trained on me. "I didn't know you had company." Doris glanced at me. 

"Why don't you come in." She led him into the living room and excused herself to run upstairs and retrieve something, although I was pretty sure she went to fix her appearance. Myles sat on the sofa and look around.

"Nice place she has," he commented. "You must be the best friend." I placed my hands in the pocket of my jeans and remained silent. "You know, other than with Doris, I always see you by yourself. Emily, the loner." I narrowed my eyes.

"How'd you know my name?" Myles chuckled. 

"My dad's your math teacher." I breathed out in relief. His smile widened. "What, did you think I was following you around or something?"

"Are you?" I joked nervously. At this point, I just wanted to end this and join Doris in her room. If Myles' smile could have widened even more, it did. I let my back face the hall, very slowly trying to make my exit. 

"That's not my style. I'm more of an 'upfront' guy," he replied. I nodded slowly. "I'd be able to gaze into your beguiling eyes." I was astonished that his vocabulary stretched that far. Thankfully,  I was saved by the sound of approaching footsteps. Doris peered from the hallway, her dark brown curls brushed into a pineapple puff.

"I'm back," she announced with undeniable excitement. I grew anxious and needed to leave. 

"Hey, I'm going to head home." I picked up a thick cardigan I had left on the back of the sofa where Myles sat. "See you at school." I didn't wait for their response and quickly closed the front door behind me. 

Once walking along the sidewalk, I hurried home.

***

Thanks for continuing!

Taja D'amore.