Page 20 of Dare You to See Me
I think about the big smile on Dahlia’s face when I handed her the rose and wondered what she would think if she knew it was her teacher behind the mask.
I quickly type a response.
I’m so happy I could make her smile. Tell her D_King says hello.
I jiggle my legs out in front of me, waiting for even a thumbs up from her. She makes me soar when she comes back with,She says hello.
I like her response and turn off my phone, deciding to end it on a high note, and fall asleep with visions of her lovely face lighting up my dreams.
ELEVEN
SOLEIL
I can’t believehe responded.
Last night, the masked man known as D_King replied to my comment and I blushed like a silly schoolgirl. I couldn’t help myself from commenting when I saw his post. I wouldn’t say that I was searching for him, but I wasn’tnotlooking for him to hopefully post.
He’s so alluring. It’s the way he hides his face despite showcasing his personality. I imagine a spark in his eyes, as if talking to each follower like they’re the one and only. I build what he looks like in my head, giving him the characteristics and features that every woman longs for.
Dark hair, maybe a little loose and wavy. Eyes the color of charcoal, brimming with mystery. A smile full of mischief, playfulness and seduction all rolled into one. Strong arms corded with muscles and skin that looks like caramel, good enough to lick. I close my eyes, putting all of these features together, only to realize that the man I built is Malik.
My thoughts wandered, imagining the warmth of his touch as it trailed across my body. That familiar tingle between my legs deepened and I craved the caress of anyone other than my own. I craved Malik. I longed to feel his tongue laving me, helping me wash away the old me while welcoming something new.
As usual, my fingers found their way beneath my waistband and played with my aching core until I saw stars behind my lids, and whispered his name.
I fell asleep with a smile on my face and dreamed of spending days in the sun like today, sneaking kisses and tender touches. But the harsh reality of my life greeted me when I awoke to a cold bed.
The thought of spending the rest of my days alone without another to share my life with hurts my lonely heart. But when I think of the alternative –being married only to have the jackass cheat on me and stomp on my heart– it’s better to have a bruised heart than a broken one.
“You guys have so much fun.” I hug Dahlia again, as she readies to leave with my parents.
“Sunny. You’re being a bit ridiculous. It’s not like we’re going across the world. It’s just a couple of days with Nana and Poppa and she’ll be back on Sunday evening.” My Mom squeezes my hand, and I smile at her with tears building in my eyes.
“I know. This is just the first time I’ll be all alone for more than a day in the new house. I don’t know what I’m going to do for an entire weekend.”
The week was a busy one that had me spending too many hours putting out fires and rearranging schedules. I’d work my usual hours of eight thirty to three, then get right back to it once Dahlia was in bed. One day when Mom called, I broke down over the stress of the week. Mom immediately shouted for George, told him they were taking Dahlia for the weekend and insisted I spend some time pampering myself. They must’ve filled Kyle in on the situation because she called me exactly twenty minutes after hanging up with Mom to tell me we were going out on Friday…which is today.
I’d much rather spend a night at home with my girl in fuzzy socks, dancing and laughing along with our favorite movies, than in a crowded bar with sticky floors and bathrooms that smell like drunk girl vomit. Been there, done that, and I am not looking to revisit.
“Mommy. Remember the first day of kindergarten?” Dahlia stands with her head tilted to one side and her hands on her hips. Where did all of this sass come from?
Kyle, I’m sure of it.
“Yes. I remember.”
“Well it’s like that. Just have fun and I’ll be home lickety split.” She tries to snap her fingers but ends up just rubbing them together.
“You have fun, too,” I tell her, smoothing back the baby hairs that have fallen loose from her ponytail. “Eat lots of ice cream for me.”
“I will,” George says, making me laugh.
They step out the door and I watch as they buckle Dahlia into her seat and put her overnight bag in the trunk. I can see her bouncing with excitement through the window. I’m glad at least one of us is happy about the weekend. If it were up to me, I’d be sitting right beside Dahlia, ready to start some family fun. But apparently it is not up to me, and I’m forced to smile and wave as they drive off.
I sigh as they fade out of sight and walk back in, trudging to my room and falling back on my bed. My arms are stretched out wide and I close my eyes, hoping that when I open them again, it will be Sunday and my little girl will be home.
A pounding at the door sounds and I pop up from my bed. The sun has set and I look at the clock to find that it’s seven-thirty. I must have fallen asleep. The banging continues and I surmise it can be only one person.
I shuffle the front door and swing it open to find a very irate Kyle.
