Chapter 28: Dinner

Chapter 28: Dinner

I woke to excited screeches from the front room. I blinked the sleep from my eyes and wondered if it was a parakeet being murdered or my possessed roommate.

Mila burst into the room. She seemed almost back to her usual self. "Kira, come out. Come meet my dad! He's brought stuff for us!" She vanished with a flip of her blonde hair.

I rubbed my temples. What the hell was going on? The last thing I remembered was falling into bed around noon after taking a really long shower. I reached under my pillow where I found a black knife. I wondered how that had gotten there. I stuffed it back under the pillow then dressed in jeans and a T-shirt. I took a deep breath then prepared for my first encounter with my real father.

I crept out of my room and leaned against the hallway wall with my arms crossed. Here he was, the man I should talk to just arrived in my apartment. A nagging feeling pulled at me deep in my gut. Was this somehow Remi's doing? Was he forcing me to follow this trail? I already told him I didn't like this spell idea, but somehow things were just happening to fall into place.

Matei stood 6'2" and solid muscle. He looked like a bouncer at a club. His head was shaved and his ice blue eyes sparkled with joy as he listened to Mila. She bounced up and down as she spoke just like she would normally, at least before the darkness took her over. I studied his crooked nose and high cheek bones. His coloring was different than mine, but the features were strikingly familiar to my own.

"Are you going to cook for us Daddy?" Mila asked excitedly.

Matei grinned. "Of course, pumpkin." He turned to me. "And you must be Kira. It's very nice to finally meet you. Mila's told me so much. I'm Matei." He offered a big hand towards me.

I shook it. His grip was firm, but not unkind.

"Nice to meet you," I said.

He looked me up and down, but not in a lecherous way. He gave a slight smile then turned back to Mila's beg for attention. "Come on pumpkin, you can chop the veggies."

They slipped behind the corner to the small kitchen. I caught Anton's eye and he shrugged helplessly. We worked together to clear the table. I sat at the dining table while I watched them work. I felt like the life had been sucked out of me, but at the same time I was curious. He chattered almost as much as she did as they made dinner. Anton set the table, while I just watched. The kitchen was small enough and even smaller with the three of them dancing around each other. The apartment somehow felt warmer, happier.

I wondered if Mila was really in there and the darkness had taken a step back. She seemed... normal for the most part, but every once in a while her head would cock in my direction. Something in her eyes just wasn't right. I banished the thought. I was no match for this craziness. It was probably all in my head anyway.

Dinner was served. The table was filled with numerous dishes. I hadn't seen a feast like this in years. We sat in the four mismatched chairs around the small round dining table.

"Kira, Mila tells me you work together."

I nodded then shoved a piece of what I guessed was lamb in my mouth.

"She also tells me you were going to college for a while."

I nodded again chewing my food.

"Yes, she went for physics," Mila interjected

"But you didn't finish?"

I shrugged and shoved more food in my mouth.

"She couldn't get approved for more student loans."

I glared at her. She didn't need to be sharing my business. She blatantly ignored me.

"I see. Did you at least enjoy your major?"

I swallowed my food. "Yes."

"That's an interesting subject, physics. What were you going to do with that when you graduated?"

I shrugged. "It was just something I was good at."

He gave a knowing nod. I felt like he was holding something back, but he didn't say more.

"She's just about to turn twenty-one. We were starting her pre-week partying when I got in that car accident. But I'm okay." Mila said. Bits of food threatened to fly out of her mouth as she spoke.

"Well I'm glad to hear you are okay. It must have been some night."

I couldn't help my scoff. Everyone turned to look at me. "Sorry, just some food got stuck," I said quickly.

"Oh, here. Dad brought wine, let me get it."

"Yes, bring out the wine. Let's have a toast!" Matei said.

Mila sprang up and grabbed some mugs. She poured the wine. She handed our one wine glass to her father.

"Oh ouch," he exhaled. Blood trickled down his hand.

"Oh, Daddy, I'm sorry. I thought I would give you our best glass. I didn't realize it was broken. I'm so sorry." She quickly grabbed a towel and covered his hand.

"It's okay, pumpkin. It happens." He smiled genuinely at her as he patted her hand. "Thank you." He stood and washed his hand in the sink. He left the bloodied towel on the counter. My eyes stuck to it like a magnet.

"Here, I have a Band-Aid." Mila offered. He stuck out his hand while she affixed a pink Hello Kitty Band-Aid to his finger.

I stared at her. Did that just really happen?

He sat again. We finished our meal while Mila chatted on about everything under the sun. Anton piped in occasionally, but didn't get the chance to add much. I sat and watched this happy family, all the while considering how easily we had just acquired my probably father's blood. And the fact that Mila, of all people, was the one to acquire it. My eyes searched the shadows. Maybe Remi was behind the scenes pulling the strings here.

After dinner, Anton and Mila cleared the dishes. I had never seen them be so clean. The presence of their father had really brought out their manners.

"Say, Mila. I forgot the ice cream." He handed her a twenty dollar bill. "Why don't you hop down to the corner store and get us some. Anton go with her. Make sure she's safe."

Mila bent and kissed her father on the cheek. "Right away, Daddy." The dutiful son and daughter bounded out the door leaving me alone with their father.

He stared me down. I held his gaze.

"You look like your mother."

I continued to stare at him. He knew. He knew I was his daughter. I could see it in his eyes. Remorse and guilt were written on his face.

"I will help you with college."

"How long?" I asked.

"Pardon?"

"How long have you known that you are my father?"

He broke his gaze.

"Just tonight? The whole time?"

"It's complicated."

"I don't care. You've blown up my whole world!"

"How long have you known?" He asked.

I ignored him. "Why didn't anyone tell me? Does Mila know? Or Anton?"

"Look, Kira. I'm sorry. There are things you need to know. The world is so much bigger than what you see. Now that you're twent-"

"No, I don't need your wisdom." I stood. "Or your help."

I grabbed my coat off the hook.

"You and your sister..."

I stormed out slamming the door as I went. I didn't need him to step in as a father now after abandoning me my whole life. And Mila, she was my sister. And she was the darkness. He didn't even notice. What a good father. I didn't need someone like that in my life. I already banished one father. I could do it again.