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Chapter 4
I look out the window, seeing the last of my mother's guest's leave. I've been cooped up in my room all afternoon. Hiding out, and thinking about what happened earlier. Pan is so sweet and understanding. I wonder if she's left already. I don't see any cars in the driveway, besides ours.
I can't fathom how offensive most of the women in my life are, especially Megan and Sophie. I'm so tired of these pessimistic, snobby women.
###
"Pan, you're still here!?" I'm surprised to see her cleaning up the kitchen. "You don't have to do that, we have cleaning bots…"
"It's no problem really. I was cleaning my trays and utensils anyway." She replies while still continuing to wash the dishes. "I made the mess; it's only fair I clean it."
"Don't be silly…leave it" I walk over grabbing her hands which are submerged in the icky dishwater, scrunching up my nose, hating the feel of the soapy suds. I can feel little pieces of 'things' floating in the water as I remove both our hands, not letting go of hers.
She looks at me, and giggles while playing with my soapy fingers. "You've never washed a dish in your life, have you Trunks?"
"No," I whisper softly, pouting my lip, and shaking my head.
She lets go of my hands, her eyebrows raised, and amusement clear in her eyes, but she makes no further comment on the subject. She's smiles brightly as usual, "I'm nearly done here anyway, I may as well finish up…"
"If you really want to" I shrug wiping my hands with one of the dishcloths. "How are you getting home, I didn't see any more cars outside?"
"My friend was supposed to pick me up, but I can't get hold of her," she replies. "I'll just call a taxi when I'm done" she shrugs.
"I can take you home," I offer a bit too eagerly, this could be my opportunity to learn more about her. She hasn't told me much about her life. I suppose I've never given her a chance, always laying my burdens on her shoulders.
"Thank you, but I can find my own way. I need to take all this stuff back to the bakery as well, and I don't want to bother you with it."
"I'll drive you. You've been here all day, and I hardly got to see, or talk to you. I'd like to do this for you, and then I can also see where you live...seeing as we're friends now." I smile sincerely, but she looks so unsure, as if there's something she doesn't want me to know.
She bites her bottom lip, and sighs. "Okay, if you insist, but I have to take all this back to Capsule first. Are you sure you want to be seen with me out of business hours, especially there?" She asks, and I can tell what Megan and Sophie implied really got to her, and made her feel unworthy.
"I don't care who sees us Pan, what matters is that you're comfortable around me, and I you. Whatever the rest of the world thinks is not relevant. If anyone has a problem with it, tough! Let them moan and groan about it, and we'll just laugh it off." I impulsively take her into my arms, hugging her gently, and I feel her stiffen. I slowly realise what I just did, but before I can let go she relaxes into my embrace, and wraps her arms loosely around my waist.
She's so tiny and feels fragile, like if I were to squeeze too hard she would break, but somehow she fits, and I don't know what to make of it? I've only ever been with one woman, and this is definitely new to me. We let go simultaneously, both smiling openly.
"You're a good person Trunks, and I'm glad to call you my friend. Thank you for making me feel special, and like your equal. You have no idea how much it means to me."
I look into her big black eyes, shining with innocence, even though she's in her mid-twenties. She has no idea how special she really is, so pure of heart, like nothing I've ever seen. "You're welcome Pan, I'm glad to call you my friend too. How about we get going…"
I help her pack her things into one of my cars, making sure to choose one with tinted windows for no other reason than to keep nosy reporters away. I have to respect her privacy, and the media can become very harsh if they want to.
###
After dropping the things off at the bakery, she tries to convince me one last time that it's best for her to call a taxi which I clearly refuse to let her do. She sighs reluctantly, agreeing that I take her home.
We're driving for nearly an hour now, and I haven't the slightest clue as to where we're headed. This is the part of West City my mother always warned me and my sister to stay out of. I can't believe she lives in such a dangerous suburb. I glance over at her, and she's fidgeting in the seat. I get the impression she doesn't want to burden me with whatever problem's she may be facing, but me being as stubborn as I am is giving her no other option.
"It's over there," she points to a fairly large house ahead.
I stop the car, and turn off the ignition. She was quiet the whole way here, only giving me directions when necessary. "Is this your family home?"
"No, I rent a room" she replies softly while staring out the passenger window.
"Oh… Why rent so far from your business? You must commute for almost 2 hours each way."
"It's not that bad… Anyway, thanks for the lift, I would invite you in but…"
"Sure, I'd love to," I reply before she can make up an excuse. Already taking the keys, and stepping out of the car. I walk around to the passenger side opening the door for her.
"Thanks…" She croaks as she steps out, looking paler than usual.
###
Maybe I'm being forward, but it's too late now, she's already walking toward the side of the house, pausing as we reach the gate. "Put your hood on," she instructs, pointing to the cap attached to my top. "Some of my housemates are kind of weird, and one of them in particular is sort of in love with you… Has posters of you all over her bedroom," she explains while rolling her eyes.
I comply without question or hesitation, not just because of what she said. I really don't like this neighbourhood… It's very creepy.
"I'm one of the few who has an exit door attached to my room; no-one will bother us - hopefully." She unlocks the door, and turns on the light. "Sorry, I know it's not much" she says looking down at her feet.
###
I look around, and can't believe she lives here; my office has more space than this! There's a double bed in the corner to my left with a little table at the foot, holding an old television set. On the opposite wall, is a small cupboard and chest of drawers with lots of creams, perfumes etc. on top of it. To the right of me, is a medium sized desk with a laptop, printer, a stack of bills and papers. Under the desk, I notice a little fridge.
"It's fine, very cosy," I lie… What else am I supposed to say?
She bites her lip, looking flustered. "You can sit on the bed; I'll go and make us some coffee." She looks at me, trying to asses my reaction, but I manage to keep it cool. I don't want to seem obnoxious, but I am surprised at how she is living, and I feel I need to find out exactly what's been happening in her life. I am concerned about her situation.
She walks over to the little fridge, pulling out some milk, and then to the chest of drawers…opening the bottom drawer where she gets the coffee and sugar. I watch silently from where I'm sitting on her bed, my elbows resting on my lap, and shaking my leg.
"I'll be back in a sec." she doesn't look my way, her voice cracking slightly.
###
I look around again, and notice some photos on her bedside table. The first one I pick up is of a woman, probably in her mid-forties, with striking blue eyes. She looks a bit like Pan, but also oddly familiar… I can't place her though; next to her is a man with black spiky hair and black eyes, exactly like Pans. Must be her parents? The next one is of a teenage Pan, and a man who looks to be about my age. He looks like the man in the first photo. The last one I grab is of an older women and a man with a weird hairstyle. Looks like they could be her Grandparents? Oops, I missed one; I pick up the smallest frame… "Mr Satan of 'Satan Enterprises'," I almost shout out, and bite my lip. "Videl Satan, that's who the woman in the first photo reminded me of..."
###
The door opens, startling me for a second. "Quick, put your hood back on, and keep your head down." Pan kicks the door closed behind her, and hands me a cup of coffee. She stands in front of me to block my view of the door. Someone knocks twice, and then opens the door.
"I'm busy Lisa," Pan sounds annoyed.
"You were in such a hurry. You forgot to take your things… You know how the guys are if you leave your things out in the kitchen. Oh, I also wanted to know how it was working at the Briefs house…" This Lisa person asks while placing the milk, coffee and sugar on the desk. Pan moves again, so she can block me from the front. "Did you see Trunks Briefs? You're so lucky…"
"How do you know? Never mind, Kelly and her big mouth!" Pan sighs. "I never saw him Lisa, now if you don't mind…"
"Oh, you have company. I'm sorry" I glance up, and I see her trying to get a glimpse of me, but I keep my head down. "I'll speak to you later Pan… Damn, I wish I could meet Trunks, he's so dreamy… I could just lick him!"
"Eww! Get out now, and keep your disgusting fantasies to yourself!"
"I'm sorry… Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend...?" She asks.
"Out!"
"Okay, okay… I'm leaving" she opens the door, and disappears before I can fully grasp what she had said.
###
Pan sits down next to me. "Sorry about that, Lisa is the one who is kind of obsessed with you."
"Kind of, she seems like a nut case… It's okay, I'm used to it by now, and I've learned to deal with it" I remove my hood from my head, and point to the pictures. "Is this your family?"
"Yes," she whispers. "My mom and dad, me and my Uncle Goten, my grandparents on my dad's side, and my mom's father" she points to the specific photos. I leave it at that, hoping she will tell me more if she wants too.
"Why do you live here Pan, like this, if you own your own business?" I can't help myself, I need to know.
"It's a long story, and I don't want to bore you with the details."
I place my cup on the side table, and lay back against the pillows, patting the space beside me. "I'm listening" I kick off my shoes, and straighten my legs on the bed, crossing my feet.
She chuckles, and climbs over my legs, lying beside me… our bodies almost touching, because of the size of the bed. She turns on her side facing me, and puts one arm under her head. I move my hands behind my head, looking up at the ceiling.
"I've never had a guy on my bed before," she says playfully.
"Good thing you trust me then, huh" I know she means it in a platonic way, and that she's trying to steer me off topic. "Tell me your story Pan…"
