"So you do know some tricks"
I chuckled while I watched Akira roll over as I signal her to the way Harriett taught me. She told me to play with Akira while she does the dishes and that's what I have been doing for the past few minutes.
I looked back at the kitchen and saw her back as she finished up the dishes.
Not mentioning the slight gleam in her eyes as she finished the dish I made or the comment she said was for my benefit.
Because who was I kidding, I was still so in love with her. No matter how much I hate her for not choosing me, that fact wouldn't change. So it's these small moments that I'll steal so that this love can fade without any regrets.
So we can go back to being best friends.
"Arf"
I turned around and saw that Akira has her paws up on my legs again like she wants me to scoop her up, so I did. The moment I did so, she snuggled in my arms as I leaned back on the couch.
She sure is clingy.
I chuckled until my gaze landed on the stack of papers in the coffee table.
Salvation
Written by Q.H.
"Kira, I thought I told you no"
Harriett called softly and I turned around in time to watch her place two cups of coffee on the table as she moved the stacks of paper on the other side.
"It's fine, she's fluffy anyway"
I said, making Harriett reel back her hands from scooping Akira up into her arms. She let her snuggle in my arms as she took her cup to her lips. My gaze followed her very movement and the image and feeling of her played instantly in my head.
I looked away from her and took my own cup as I tried to divert my attention. The papers caught my attention again.
"You're writing again?"
I saw her stiffen as her gaze went to me before it scanned the papers and laptop on the coffee table. She nodded slowly.
"Is that your work now?"
She mentioned never having to leave her apartment. At first I thought it was being a housewife but now I realized how I could be so wrong. If she was a writer then she indeed wouldn't have any need to leave her apartment that often.
"That and being a Virtual Assistant"
I nodded at her as the puzzle started to fit in. All those years that I avoided Annika for any news of Harriett seemed so futile now.
"That guy earlier…"
I started and I saw how Harriett's eyes watched me as I searched for the right words to say.
"He's my editor from the publishing company. He visits once in a while for my drafts"
She said, an answer to my unfinished question. I nodded again and took a sip of the coffee, hiding my smile.
"How many have you published?"
Harriett finally smiled sadly as she stated…
"Three. This one's gonna be my last"
Her gaze lingered on the drafts she had and suddenly that blank stare was there again.
And I stare at her, the voices in my head can't seem to get out.
Salvation
I touched Harriett's hand softly as I enclosed both of it with mine. Her hands were cold even though the coffee she had just held seconds ago was hot.
"Harriett"
No reaction.
"Harriett, look at me"
At that she turned around and I stiffened at her eyes that were void of any emotion.
"Feet on the ground"
I mutter softly. Her eyes that widened with surprise were the same as mine. I said that in my head. I was so sure it was only in my head.
"What?"
She asked softly and all I could do was tighten my hold on her cold hands.
"Keep your feet on the ground"
Because anytime from now, it seems like you'll disappear and I'll never get to see you again. Because it feels like you'll be gone in a blink of an eye.
On the first drop of her tear I finally had my confirmation.
Something was wrong with her and that gut feeling of her disappearing wasn't a gut feeling after all.
Because the very next day after that, Harriett was nowhere to be seen.
And all that was left for me was Akira in her cage waiting at my doorway.
A door key and a letter in an envelope with no Harriett in sight.
Dear Kael,
It was a gift to have met you again after so long.
I missed you.
This time I hope we don't meet again anymore.
I'm sorry for hurting you over and over again.
I hope you'll finally be happy.
Take care of Akira please.
She loves you just as much as I do.
Yours Truly, Harriett.
"Shit"