Theodore was at Layla's house again. Checking if she was in but she wasn't. He came out without knowing that she was watching him down the street. She had been watching him for three days now. She stretch her neck as she watch Theo expecting him to leave just like the other times he came to search for her. he didn't, he sat down in front of her door under the sun. Rubbing his hand on his face. He looks frustrated.
Layla wanted to go to him but at the same time, she didn't. She felt like she wasn't ready yet. Like she wasn't ready to face the reality that was before her. So she did what she always love to do pretend. She has been walking around and smiling around people like everything was fine, just like always. She wanted to Walk around with her world. In her world, she had two amazing mom who was still alive, a best friend who was her brother that is always there for her no matter what. In her world her girlfriend didn't leave her, she still cared about her, to the point that she would force her to a party even though she wasn't a party person. As she kept walking she had stopped in front of her Dad restaurant pretending that Liam was there, and she was sitting with him while they both talk and laugh together just like before. She passed the street she had passed the day she met James. She was hoping to see him and his bright red hair again. Although she didn't say it to herself she wanted to so much see Liam in him. To her, he was still the brighter form of Liam. She had thought of going to the hospital where his dad works but she couldn't, she knew that if she did that, it would be hard for her to keep the world she made for herself. She knew that her world would shatter and she didn't want any of that. If only Liam was here, he would have brutality shatter her world. Layla had thought.
Layla wanted to leave, she knew that Mrs. Stella would come for Theo anyway and her present was going to make him leave. She was aware that Mrs. Stella made him feel uncomfortable. She wanted to leave, she should leave. But still, she was there watching him. She didn't want her world to come to an end just yet. To her, it was too soon. She knew that facing Theo meant facing the truth about her Dad. The truth about her reality. Yet she was still there watching him down the street telling herself that she should leave while she remain worried about Theo who was still sitting down under the sun. She had thought that the sun was too hot, maybe that will make him go away. But then again she had the same thoughts yesterday and the day before yesterday. Theo had stayed all through till the night. And now she was hoping Mrs. Stella who has failed to drive him before would stay longer with him and annoyed him to the point of leaving.
Layla watches as Mrs. Stella tried inviting Theo into her house but he refused, shaking his head, smiling at her that he was okay. Eventually, Mrs. Stella gave up as usual after making sure that she gave him a cold drink. Each time Layla watches as Theo force himself to drink whatsoever beverage Mrs. Stella gave him just so that he could get rid of her. Layla couldn't tell what Mrs. Stella was giving to him, the color was odd and Theo always cringe whenever he was done drinking it, even though he tried to hide it with a smile.
She didn't know how but she could feel it. Her feet moved towards Theo down the street even her heart still felt like it hasn't run enough. Her mind couldn't decide on who to follow, her heart or legs. As her feet move, her mind was having a little conflict of its own.
Standing before Theo, Layla felt weak. All the strength she has been gathering to live in her world felt like nothing immediately Theo caught her eyes. It all felt like a bad dream.
"Let's go inside," Layla said.
Theo got up and went inside with Layla. He wasn't even halfway across the living room when he turn and face her, catching her off guard.
"I'm sorry," Theo said. "I shouldn't have tried to force you into making a decision."
That wasn't what Layla wanted to hear. She wanted Theo to be angry, she wanted him to be filled with questions and be persistent about reporting her dad to the police. Just like a good cop and bad cop. She wanted to be the good guy that got convinced to arrest her Dad. This was the reason she just didn't want to see Theo right now. Theo just wasn't Liam.
"No, I'm sorry," Layla said. She walk up to the couch and sat down. Tired. she knew she couldn't run away forever. Even Theo was ready to agree with letting her dad go she wasn't sure she was okay with it.
"You right." She said. "We have to do what Liam wanted."
Though the words came out easily out of her mouth. Theo knew it wasn't. He didn't want to force her into doing anything.
"You don't have to."
"But I want to."
"Layla," he walked up to her and sat down next to her. "I understand, he's your dad, you don't have to."
"What about my Mom, Liam and Mom Zoe."
There was a sudden silence in the living room. Theo truly wanted to tell her that she had to report him, it was a must. He hated him. he hated the fact that he took Liam from him after making Liam suffer, he hated the fact that he was Layla's Dad.
"I just need tonight," Layla said. "Just one last night to talk to him."
"Okay," Theo said, softly.
*****
Theo was in Liam's room with Layla. They spent almost the whole day talking about their memories of Liam. Things were no longer as tense as before between them. It was night already.
"Why did you kiss me on that day," Theo ask out of nowhere.
"What?" Layla ask. Trying to figure out what he said. Although she already knows.
Layla was lying down on Liam's bed, Theo was sitting down with his back resting on the headboard, one of his legs was out of the bed while the other was folded. They were both facing each other, but at that moment they both stare at the bedsheets.
Layla had been hoping that he wouldn't ask her the same question she had asked herself. The answer she gave to herself was simple. Because she loves him. Yet she was still bothered, asking herself why. Refusing to accept the truth.
"Why did you do it?" Theo said.
His voice was a little strained. He didn't want to ask, he wanted to let it go. Still, the words came out of him before he could register what he said. Once again he felt like he didn't dare to face the truth. He felt a little ashamed of himself because he was hoping for her to lie to him. Hoping that the lie in his heart becomes the truth.
"I_," Layla said but was cut off.
There was a noise downstairs. The front door was opened.
"I think he's at home." Layla rushes out. Sitting down upright on the bed.
"Can you do this alone? Should I stay, I think I should stay."
"No. You have to leave now."
"But_"
"Don't worry I'm okay." She smiled. "I can do this. Just let me talk to him alone."
"Okay."
Layla went downstairs.
Richard was leaning on the kitchen island with a glass of whiskey in his hand, looking tired.
"Dad."
He chuckled. "haven't heard you say that for a while now."
"Are you still worried about Liam or is there something you aren't telling me?"
"Is there something you know or is there something you want to know?" He said. Putting his glasses down. He sat down on the floor with a loud sigh.
"I wish I could fix things," Richard said. And then passed out.