Trial 22: Talk

The person I bumped into is none other than Dashiell. I smiled at him, but he groaned again, saying, "Your head's hard as a rock. And, what's with the rush? Did a cockroach attack you in your sleep?"

I shake my head and reply, "No, it's not that. I was heading to Mr. Thomas's room to ask about something."

"Hmm. What is it that you will ask my dad about, and at this hour too?"

I suddenly felt conscious and didn't know how to explain my point so I didn't talk for about a minute, causing Dashiell to sigh and talk again.

"I got back a few minutes ago. I heard from dad that you were looking for me. Well, I'm here now so what do you want to say?"

"First of all, I'm sorry for bumping into you. I was thinking about why you weren't back at dinner when you told mama that you'll be back by then. I sent you a message, but I didn't get a reply so I thought that something bad must have happened to you which is why I rushed out of my room to ask Mr. Thomas about it."

"Ah, that; I had to accomplish something which is why I got back later than what I promised. I guess I got myself too absorbed into it that's why I didn't notice your message. Sorry, my bad. That being said, I think all is okay now so let's go to sleep. Good night!"

As Dashiell turned his back to go to his bedroom, I grab his hand while yelling 'Wait.'

He raised his eyebrow and asked "What?"

I answered, "The electric piano in my room; you're the one who got it for me, aren't you?"

"Yeah. Why?"

"I just want to thank you for it. Thank you, Dashiell."

"Ah, okay. I thought it was defective that's why you were looking for me."

"No! And even if that were the case, I wouldn't look for you just to complain. If anything, I will still thank you."

I paused briefly, then uttered with a genuine smile, "The piano has a good quality. I'll take good care of it."

"Geez! Don't mention it. Since we're done here, I may go now, right? Can you let go of my hand? I think you've squeezed it enough."

The comment caused me to flush slightly. I didn't realize that I haven't let go of Dashiell's hand until he told me so. And to think, I've been squeezing it all along. I apologized to Dashiell, but he just waved it off and reassured me that it's okay. Dashiell wishes me good night again and turns to walk away, but I stop him by calling his name. I don't know why, but I felt lonely when he turned away. I felt like I need to talk to him more like Mr. Thomas suggested. Somehow, I got the urge to ask him, "Dashiell, can we talk a little longer?"

Dashiell looks bewildered by my question for he raises an eyebrow.

Barely a minute later, I ask again, "Can we talk a little longer?" while showing him a somewhat pleading look.

Dashiell sighed, then said, "Okay, but first, promise me you're not going to fall asleep on me."

"I promise, I won't."

"Just make sure you won't 'cause I'll leave you lying on the floor if you do."

"Absolutely!"

"Let's go to the living room then."

"Okay."

In the living room, Dashiell gathered light snacks for us. When we settled on the sofa, Dashiell begins, "So, what do you want to talk about?"

"You know, I've been wondering how we're getting by since we're all hiding and no one's reporting to work."

"I trade two to three times a week and I have many savings from my previous employment. On rare occasions, like what I did today, I take on part-time jobs."

"Oh! I see. I have heard of trading before, but I never understood how it works. By the way, what was your work before? And what kind of part-time job do you take on?"

"I used to work as a freelance elite ethical hacker. The nature of the part-time job I take on is pretty much similar to my previous work. I hope that's enough explanation as to why we don't have financial-related problems."

I nodded in understanding. As I think about Dashiell's answer, new questions enter my mind.

"Um, Dashiell, how were you able to work before when you're connected to Mr. Thomas who is wanted by the authorities? No, more like, how were you even able to finish schooling? You were just around my age when Mr. Thomas was framed along with Dr. Al and mama, right? So, how come you were able to graduate and secure a job afterward?"

Dashiell sighs, "Your questions are too long and require too many details as usual. This is troublesome, but fine I'll tell you."

My eyes perked up at that. I can finally know more about Dashiell.