Rootless (Victoria/Open with permission)

I smile at his comment and nod. That's true. We both are that way. We don't show our emotions before we really know someone. i know that. And I think it's the perfect mixture. That's why I love you

I roll my eyes and feign an incredulous expression. My personality? Victoria I had no idea you could be so shallow. I thought we had something; now I find out you love me for what's inside instead of my charming, devilish good looks. I let out an exasperated sigh and laugh. I kiss her and smile.

I roll my eyes and look at him. "Shut up, you know what I meant! Gee you can be really dramatic!" I laugh and kiss him on his lips

I laugh and kiss her again I can be slow. What exactly did you mean? I raise an eyebrow f

I roll my eyes once again. I meant that it was not just your character. Of course your devilish good looks helped a little. Are you happy now?, I ask and smile at him.

I chuckle and kiss her. I'm always happy with you. I smirk. But yes, I am slightly happier now, if that's possible.

_______________________In the morning, a day after

I wake up and blink a few times against the sunlight that is coming through the curtains. I don't burn, but it is still annoying for me to have the sunlight directly in my eyes. I silently move away from Luke and walk to the wardrobe. I don't want to wake him up. I pick up some jeans shorts and a grey shirt and look on my watch. The book store must be open now.

I blink slowly at the loss of contact with Victoria. I look at her and lay on my back as she gets dressed. I don't make any noise. I just raise an eyebrow. Wonder where she's going.

I turn around and see Luke watching me. I smile Good morning. I didn't want to wake you uo, but I see you already did. I wanted to go to the bookstore and buy some of the books. Do you want to come with me?

I nod and get out of bed. I pull on a pair of jeans and a black t-shirt. I walk into the bathroom and brush my teeth. I run a hand through my hair. Combed enough. Victoria likes it semi-messy anyway. I turn and face Victoria. Ready to go?

Ready when you are, I say and smile at him. I grab my jacket and we walk outside to the car hand in hand.

I get in the driver's seat after opening her door for her and start the car. We're going to go somewhere a little different from the bookstore. I say as we back out of the driveway. I reach across the console and rest a hand on her thigh as I drive. I got up and did some research last night. I found this place, out in the woods. I checked it out; I think you'll find it interesting.

I raise my eyebrows. Oh really? Where exactly is it? He knows I can't wait to find answers for my questions. And now he made me curious. I wonder how long it will take us to go there.

I pull onto a path into the woods. I glance at her and remain silent. I pull us off into a dirt driveway that goes on for a mile to an old little house. I get out of the car and open the door for her. Here. I say. I lead her into the house..

What are we doing here? What is this Luke?, I look to the house and and back to Luke, while I'm squeezing his hand. I don't know what exactly he found here. I swallow

I open the front door and lead her inside. I'll let her do a first analysis. She should take this in herself.

The place is really old and it smells...weird. I look around and see antique clocks and sculptures. The inside of this little house looks different than I though. Spider webs everywhere, but the things look pretty expensive. "Who was living here?"

I look at her and speak quietly. Your father. I look at her and gauge her reaction.

I stand there and turn slowly around to Luke. If this is a joke, Luke, it's not funny. It's not funny at all! I swallow as my breathing goes faster. I saw the blood. I saw everything. My father was dead. He couldn't live here. Not even before. He never really came to the U.S. I let myself fall on the ground and sit on the floor.

I kneel down in front of her. Victoria, your father didn't die that night. Did you ever see the actual autopsy report; there was never a funeral, was there? Because there wasn't a funeral. Victoria was told her father died but he wasn't dead.

I look at him and my mouth falls open. I never thought about that. I was so shocked to see all the blood everywhere, I totally forgot about his dead body. I was ten, Luke! I don't know!

I tilt her chin up to look at me. Your father's very much alive, Victoria. He's old and on his death bed, but he's alive. Think for a minute; are we the only people in this house? Her father's in the bedroom to the left. Let's see if Victoria's senses are working well.

I can hear somebody breathing heavily and a heart beat, that is oddly slow. Tears fall down as I shake my head. I can't do this. All my life I thought he was dead. All my life I thought I had to kill someone that killed him. And now he is here? He just left me to think he was dead?

I look at her. He did it to protect you. You were young, he had to lead them away from you. I shake my head. I know that doesn't console you but he had his reasons.

I look on the floor and listen to his words. I was a child Luke, he could have give me just a tiny sign. Anything. Something. He rather lived here, all by himself? I look back to him. How do you know about this?