DUSK - Esther Machethe (best book club books txt) 📗

being nice or civil to them and besides, my time here was almost done and I got ready to put my plan into action.

‘Dusk. Please locate all the cameras in this house and how to avoid them.’ I thought out the instructions.

“Right away Chloe.” Her robotic voice echoed in my head. Increasing the rate of my throbbing head.

“My darling, I have the best news in the world for you.” The witch burst into my room with a happy smile. Her eyes were bright and they gleamed of something I couldn’t tell but I knew it wouldn’t be good for me.

“Am I done being a lab rat?” I questioned her with fake enthusiasm and my words oozed sarcasm. I knew there was a slim chance of it being possible but I didn’t dwell on it.

“Well, no, but it’s something better. I found a willing buyer. They’re willing to take you off the market and use your chip for something more productive.” She explained like it was the best news I could ever hear. However, my mind was stuck at the word ‘buyer’.

“You’re selling me? Why? To who? Why?” I blurted out, furious that she would do something like that to her own daughter.

“Are you stupid, of course I’m selling you, why would I want something as filthy as you? And besides, I have to make money fast and it’s the best damn idea I’ve ever had.” She remarked and I almost laughed at her face.

Ouch.

“Hmm, I guess they were right when they said like mother like daughter. I’m a chip off the old block.” I murmured and tried to sound dandy.

“I never wanted you in the first place and your father—” she paused when she saw the reaction on my face. I was curious “Wait, he didn’t tell you?” she asked excitedly like a child on Christmas. “I bet you were told that I cheated on Elroy and got pregnant with Anthony’s child, right?” she asked and I wondered if it was a good idea to lie to her.

“Darling, I was pregnant when I met Anthony, so that means your real father is Elroy.” She said his name with a dark tone. It was almost sounded like poison on her tongue. “Anyway, better look pretty because we’ll be having guests at dinner, and make sure Alex is with you.” She chirped. It was like she had a mood switch that she could change whenever she pleased.

Speaking of Alex, I hadn’t seen him the whole day and I assumed he had vanished for some few hours like he always did once every week.

“Are you sure she’s your mom because she’s really a witch in disguise. I mean who would sell their own daughter and have you seen how she looks without the camouflage skin?” he blabbered and shuddered like he had seen something beyond disgusting.

“You can see the real her without camouflage? How can she do that?” this was news I’ve never heard of.

“I can see because every month she needs to replace the nano-bots and I was once there when she did. It’s fairly easy, stand in front of a mirror and ask dusk to show you the real damage.” He explained.

I’ll admit it sounded exciting but what if I didn’t like what I saw?

“Can I? I mean am I ready to see this?” I murmured to myself but I guess Mr Ear heard my and took two steps closer. Things got even more tensed.

“You’ll never be ready but I’d rather get used to it before someone uses it against you.” He was always right. He turned and walked towards the window and left me to my thoughts.

‘Dusk, any suggestions?’ I reached out to her.

“I believe Alex is right, it’s better now than later.” She responded and gave me the final tip before I made up my mind

‘Will, you do the honours Dusk,’ I relayed my decisions and stood in front of the mirror, waiting for the worst.

For a moment, nothing changed and I was about to walk back when I noticed the colour on my legs had started fading. I was about to panic but I reminded myself that I better get acquainted with the real me earlier.

I looked hideous. Half of my face wasn’t covered by skin and my whole upper region was skinless. I could see my ribs as well as the organs and I wanted to hurl at the sight. My skin covered my elbow down to my fingers and they, for some weird reason, looked comical. It was like I was wearing gloves. My legs, from the waist down was almost bare, with little chunks of meat here and there. I looked like a skeleton in the making and it hurt to know that I didn’t deserve this but I had to live with it.

“When I said make yourself pretty, I didn’t mean you make yourself look like a dead girl come alive.” The witch’s shrill voice called out and I almost jumped. She sounded like a wailing banshee.

“It was my fault, I wanted her to show me what she really looked like and we kind of lost track of time. I’m sorry.” Alex beat me to an apology before I could make it but we both knew I wouldn’t apologize to her any time soon because she’s not worth it.

“Fine, dinner is in an hour, we need to show the buyers what you can do but it will be after dinner.” She said the last part like she was disappointed.

“Aww, I thought you wanted me here, mother.” I mocked her with the sweetest voice I could manage but stopped immediately when she sent me a death glare. If only she could shoot laser beams from her eyes.

“Now you owe me, princess.” His voice sounded closer than I would’ve liked but that wasn’t what mattered at the moment was the words he had uttered.

“Excuse me? I didn’t ask you to step in on my behalf.” I snorted at him and took a step away from him before turning to face him.

“If it wasn’t for me, she would’ve chewed your pretty little ass.” He reasoned out like the complete idiot he was.

“That didn’t concern you at all Einstein so I don’t owe you any damn thing.” I gave him an even stare which he perfectly returned and even went as far as raising an eyebrow at me. Smooth.

“Well, too bad, you already owe me. Besides, aren’t you glad I just showed you something you didn’t know of before today instead of being a brat?” he questioned like the smartass he was. I lowered my eyes at that because as much as I hated to admit it, he got me there. “I thought so.” He muttered smugly before he left me to get dressed.

We were settled at the dinner table when she made her presence known and behind her followed two people; one man and one woman who looked like they were in their early twenties. I guess they were the potential buyers.

“Darlings, I’m glad you’re both here. I want you both to meet Annie and Dexter. They’re representatives from two different parties and they’re here to see your abilities before they make their final bidding for you, or should I say, your abilities.” She announced proudly like she had just announced Jupiter was habitable. We both stared blankly at her but she shot us each our own glare.

“Hi, I’m Chloe and this idiot here is Alex, my best friend.” I introduced us in a bored tone but straightened up when it hit me what I had said about Alex being my best friend. It’s true, we’d spent the past month together and admittedly, I was closer to him than to any other person on this blasted planet.

Ashton and Em would’ve loved him, despite his ‘bad boy’ aura. I smiled ruefully at this even though I knew I would never see them again but at least I knew they would always be safe.

“Hey, are you okay? You kind of spaced out and you had a creepy smile on your face.” He whispered but his tone sounded soft, which was a rare moment for me.

“Yeah, I just miss the people I left behind.” I explained vaguely and he gave me a ‘we’re not done yet’ look to which I just nodded.

“So, I was thinking that Chloe should show you her abilities after dinner, is that okay with you?” She shot me a look just when I was about to oppose her idea.

“Actually, we just want to rest because we’ve travelled from far. How about we start bright and early so that even Chloe will be at her optimum performance level.” The lady, Anna explained with a polite smile and had the witch nodding in agreement like it was the brightest idea she’d heard the whole day. Idiot.

“Chloe, Alex, you’re dismissed for the night.” She dismissed us like we were servants and I would have retorted but the look on Alex’s face told me to hold my tongue until the right time.

“Urgh, she’s a real witch. I hate her!” I exclaimed angrily as I walked into my room with Alex in tow. It was starting to feel more like a torture chamber instead of a prison.

“Relax, kitten, though you look hot when you’re mad.” Alex commented casually and for a moment I wanted to throw a shoe at him but I only hmphed and turned away from him to hide my hot cheeks. This boy will surely be the death of me.

“Anyway, I want you to tell me something that you never talk about. I want to hear about the people you left behind.” He trailed of and turned me around me to see his unsure gaze. It was cute.

“I made a trade with the witch, my freedom for theirs. My parents and my best friends. There was Ashton; he was like the older brother I never had. Then there was Emma; she’s sweet but don’t get me wrong, she can beat the living hell out of anyone. She was like the mother-hen of our little family and always kept us in check. Then there was Jared; he was the wiz in our group, he knew everything about everything and could tap into everything. He was an amazing friend and a great listener though his advices kind of suck so I wouldn’t advise you to take them. Then, finally, there was Leo; he was like the protector, he was also the rational one and he was very observant. He had his brooding moments but he can make anyone do whatever he wants with his mesmerizing green eyes. I think Em had a crush on him, because, her eyes lit up every time he was in the room and they got along exceptionally well. You would’ve fit right in and I know they would’ve loved you, especially Leo since you guys are like in some ways.” I explained with a smile on my face. Alex also had a small smile as he listened to the funny stories of my friends but I could tell there was something on his mind.

“Okay, out with it.” He looked at me like I was stupid. “I can tell you want to ask a question, let’s hear it.” I explained like I was talking to child.

“You haven’t mentioned Leo in most of your stories. Why?” his confusion was clear on his face.

“I didn’t know Leo existed until I moved away from home and enrolled in university.” I explained but he looked more confused than before.

“But isn’t he Ashton’s twin?” I nodded. “Then how come you didn’t know him before?” he asked and this question made me delve deeper into my complicated life and by the time I was done, there was almost nothing he didn’t know about me. Almost.

“Why are you telling me all this? Isn’t it the work of your boyfriend to know?” he questioned with a raised brow. Boyfriend?

“Have you been listening to what I’ve just said?” He nodded. “In which area did I