Default Title - Grey Void

chapter seven

Warning!!! Use of strong language. Readers discretion is advised

She couldn't believe she was able to walk out of the house after another episode of panic attack. Thankfully,  Dio held her hand and helped her through it all. He was even the reason why she could take her first step out in 10 years. Outside, was nothing she had imagined nothing like her mother had described. It was dry, warm and sunny. The birds she could only hear and watch from her window she could see them now flying freely and chittering and perching on trees. The sounds if cars honking in traffic was like music to her ears. She saw people walking about. Couples holding hands, mothers carrying their babies, groceries, a husband opening the door for his child to get in. It was beautiful the golden hue of the afternoon sun painted a masterpiece of the neighbourhood. Without realising tears slipped down her eyes she turned to Adora

" can we go around a bit more? I want to take in as much as my memory can accommodate "

Adora looks at her brother chewing her inner mouth thinking

"The neighbourhood is huge and walking will tire us out easily. How about this, we go to Rob's hang out for a bit and a him to drive us around (she sees mimi's sour face, she smiles) of course you can get down and walk when you want to"

Her face lits up. Dio is surprised at how beautiful she looked without that gloomy expression on her face Adora notices how her brother won't stop staring at her and she starts grining nudging his ribs with her elbows. He tries to play it off but she already caught him. His cute reaction sent her into a fit of laughter. Mimi turns around giving them a confused look but Adora just walks away still laughing while Dio leads the way

The door opens and she could hear the blast of afrobeats music. She follows them in, its a simple furnished comfortable living room. There were packs of opened and unopened sour sweets and snacks  a bottle of soft drink and cans of beer

"Rob, mimi. mimi, Rob"
Adora introduces them. Rob walks up to mimi who looks embarrassed owing to the fact that she was dressed out of place. Everyone's outfit was tasteful or colorful but hers was just plain and nothing special and shakes her hand warmly

" dont feel so out of place here, be at home"

They all smiled warmly at her and soon she relaxed. She looks around the place, and is surprised to see photos of all three of them and some friends.  Looks like they travel alot and they have so much fun together. Her heart feels heavy

" if you want, you can come with us next time"

The voice startles her she turns around  its Dio. He smiles at the relief on her face

"You don't have to be so careful with me, I know your sister must have told you about me"
Dio is shocked

"How did you know that"?

" hmm for one,  you haven't asked any question even if all you've seen are questionable"
Silence

"Are you mad she told me?"

"Actually  I am relieved she did, I don't know how I would be able to exain my situation to you without looking pitiable. It's also better because you are just chilled with it, instead of feeling sorry for me"

He chuckles

" you are one strong girl. And my interest just keeps getting stronger"

The words were out of his mouth before he realized. Those words also caught Mimi off guard. He clears his throat thinking of a way to make things less awkward, when Rob interrupts them

"So are you love birds ready"?

The look Dio gave him should have sent a chill down his spine but instead, he ignored and continued

"Dora just told me, you wanted to go for a drive, since we aren't doing much, should we leave now?"
There was a teasing to his voice. One that Dio obviously isn't a big fan of. Because he launches an attack on Rob who quickly avoids his jab causing them to fall on the couch

"When you guys are done fighting about who has the biggest d*** WE, will be outside "
she walks and grabs mimi's hand leading her out of the apartment snickering. Though she was shocked at her use of vulgar language, she couldn't help laughing too especially at the boys  disgusted expression

"Are they always like that"?

"You'll get used to them pretty soon, its disgusting"

Soon, they are on their way. She is amazed at how pretty the flowers looked and how wonderful they smelled. What she loved more was how she was over excited about the little things and they didn't judge her for it. Instead they found it wholesome and interesting. The park was huge with people walking in and out, the shopping malls were vibrant she kept going from one store to the other, window shopping. She stopped at a jewelry store. The pretty sparkly bracelet with charms displayed, caught her eyes but unfortunately, she couldn't afford to. It made her sad seeing all the nice things girls her age wear or use but she couldn't have them for herself. Her mother will throw a fit if she finds out. And there's no telling how long she would be locked up in the 'repentance room'!. However, her sadness didn't last too long because they visited the museum, market place (she had so many tasty food and yummy snacks  she's never had before) she visited the high school they all attended. She was impressed with how big and how nice it must be to have friends to study with. It's been long she had that feeling. She would have loved to stay out longer and feed her eyes there were so many other things she was yet to see, but her mother would be home soon. They drove her back

"Here, this is a spare phone I barely use . It's already been credited with top up. You can reach me anytime you want to"

Adora stretches the phone to her. Its afairly used smartphone meaning she could use the Internet , call and text her new friends with it. If only it were that simple

" i-i can't accept this, I..."

Before she could finish her statement, Adora pushes the phone in her hand and pushed her into the house

" text me later and becareful with that "

Adora winks at her and leaves with Rob.

"Aren't  you leaving"?
She looks at Dio

"Oh um.... here, I had seen you liked it and it would look good on you. Please accept it"

He gifts her a small box. she opens it and sees the bracelet she was looking at back at the jewelry store. She gasps but before she could say anything, he was already leaving with them in the car. Hot tears slipped down her face

So this is how it feels getting a gift from a friend.....