CURSED

CH-7

Matteo POV

I took the book to the Professor Beth's house, with overwhelmed happiness. As I wiped the blood to the corner of my lips. “Professor Beth" I yelled, standing at the downstairs. He came to the balcony and was about to turn when I called him again. “Professor Beth, just glance at this book," I said, raised my hand and show him the book. He furrowed his eyebrows, and walked to me with curiosity. I handed him the book, which no one had ever brought from the same library where Gemma did suicide, which was the impossible thing what I did. "How did you get it," he said, ran to the table and flicked the pages aggressively.

I flipped through the pages until I came to the chapter "Your Turn." His eyes widened in surprise as he saw Gemma's dangling body image. With a bang, he slammed the book shut. With quick breaths, his chest lifted and fell. The bottle of water on the table was passed to me. I proved to him that I was compatible, as evidenced by his expression. He returned his eyes to me and removed his spectacles.

"I think you've figured out that I'm not afraid of that witch or death. But the thing that scares me the most, and the only thing that concerns me, is being separated from Sylvie. If you don't comprehend love yet, I can't picture my existence without her.

Then you may have deduced that I will do anything and go to any length to save my Sylvie, implying that there are no limitations. If you still refuse to assist me in my battle against the curse or witch, Still, I'll fight it alone and do anything," I said as I approached the window.

Professor Beth came to a halt in the middle of my sentence. "But,"he said.

"There isn't any ifs or buts. You will be held liable for my death if anything happens to me while I'm fighting the curse. And you wouldn't be overcome with remorse, either," I added, returning my glance to him. He stowed Gemma's book in the locker and set his glasses down on the table.

"This path is extremely arduous, and I cannot guarantee that if I assist you, your life will not be jeopardised. But count on me to guide you and give it my all in the struggle against the curse keeper witch," he sighed deeply and drank a drink of water. I drew out a chair and took a seat in front of him.

"I don't give a damn about my life. Our main concern is to save Sylvie," I exclaimed, my heart bursting with joy. Professor spun the globe till it came to a halt when he snapped his fingers.

"Meet your loved ones for the last time and give them your love and get some too, which will courage you in this difficult path," Professor Beth sighed heavily.

Professor Beth's advise halted me again as I turned to leave.

"It is in my hands to embark you on this adventure, but it is not in my hands to bring you back. It is not in my possession. Meet me at St. Xavier's Church tomorrow, where we'll take the next step. And there will be no other option for love than death." I shrugged my shoulders and went out of his house, giving him a perfunctory nod. I took out my phone and dialled Reed's number, then walked away. "Hey Buddy," I announced brightly as I emerged from the library with Gemma's book.

"Thank God you're still alive. I was terrified that if something happened to you and your parents, Sylvie would beat me to a pulp," he groaned. I laughed at how concerned he was for my safety. We're like Pamper's best friend, and we've always stood by each other.

"Where have you gone?"

"I went to Professor Beth's residence to hand up Gemma's haunted book."

"Finally, you brought Gemma's book. I had a feeling you'd pull it off. Just sit there and wait for me; I'll be there in 10 minutes to take you up."

"All well, just hurry up."

Later, with a smirk on his face, he arrived in his car and drove straight to my flat. In the living room, my father and mother were seated with a blonde girl. I didn't recognise her and ignored her, greeting my folks instead. They could tell something was awry when they saw my cuts and wet clothes. "What happened to you?" Mom said, tissue paper in hand, as she wiped my face. My parents treated me like a fragile doll because I was their only child.

"I'm fine, Mom. Simply unwind, "I stated. And I shifted my focus to the girl, who was smiling slyly, her face steeped in make-up, and dressed in a dress that exposed her body parts nearly entirely.

"Why did you turn off your phone?" Dad sighed.

With a sneer, he brought me a glass of water. I took the glass and sat on the sofa, sipping the water. "Dad, I was busy with some important job," I explained, setting the glass on the side table.

"Matteo, you're wasting your time with Sylvie," he snorted as he sat down next to me. I didn't respond to him and returned my focus to Mom.

"Mom, I came home to tell you that I'm going to New York for some work and would be back in a month," I began, but was interrupted off in the middle by two voices.

"For what work?" my father inquired.

"Why for the two months?" Mom questioned me as well.

"I told you for some vital work that I can't tell you about right now," I explained as I rose from my seat. I knew it would be difficult to persuade them to comprehend. They will, however, comprehend it afterwards.

"Matteo, you're not going. If you're going because of Sylvie, forget about her and meet Emerald instead," Mom clenched her teeth and swung her arms at the blonde girl. She batted her eyelids and smiled seductively at me. I could feel my rage rising inside of me, but I forced it down. How could she do this to me, knowing how much I like Sylvie, and yet she is arranging a date for me with another girl?

"I'm not interested in any girl," I yelled fiercely.

I then proceeded to my room to pack my belongings. When I exited my room, Dad and Mom were standing outside, enraged.

"You couldn't just walk away and ignore us. This isn't something you'll learn in school," Dad gave a sour expression. Though I felt awful for acting spoilt, I couldn't let them choose my life spouse. They must also honour my choice.

"Dad, you gave me one chance to save Sylvie's life by allowing me to make my decision. Then give it to me." I beg him to listen to what I have to say. As he comprehended my remarks, Dad sighed heavily.

He walked away after patting my back. My mother, on the other hand, did not understand my feelings and placed Emerald in front of me.

"She's the best girl for you," mom said as she drew Emerald in closer. Emerald, being bold, began pressing her elbow against mine. I pushed her away from me because I was horrified by her contact. Emerald snorts, "How dare you to push me." On her shrill voice, I rolled my eyes.

"Please understand me, Mom."

"What are you doing, Matteo?"

"Allow me to depart if you love me. And please, please, please let me go," I pleaded glumly, gripping her hand and pinning her eyes with mine, hoping that this time she would understand.

"Okay, but you only have two months. If you are unable to reclaim her. Then you'll abandon her and marry another woman," She said, locking her gaze on me. I smiled at her and pecked her on the head. I returned to Reed's car and drove to see Sylvie one last time.

"I've invited her to my flat," Reed explained as he drove the automobile. I responded with a hum and closed my eyes due to exhaustion. I gradually fell into a deep slumber.

(Flashback )

Learning to whistle from YouTube videos on the first day of college. Her soft glossy pink lips were giving a strange form like a fish as she tried to whistle, a pout that made me freeze in my tracks and just stare at her beautiful face and lips. Her outfit consisted of a nude blouse, black trousers, and a ponytail with minimal make-up.

Reed patted me on the shoulder and raised his eyebrows, inquiring as to why I had come to a halt in my path. In answer, I shook my head and motioned for him to go. And I approached Sylvie, who was seated in her chair with her phone on the table. She was whistling in a variety of tones.

"Can I help you?" I questioned her as I drew up a chair near her. With a lovely grimace, she averted her sight from me. "Why would you want to help me? And who are you, exactly?"

"I'm your whistle coach."

With her large brown eyes, she furrowed her brows and stared at me. I chuckled, realising that her stare did not frighten me, but rather made me jittery in the stomach. Then I snatched her phone and stuffed it into my jeans pocket.

"Why are you stealing my phone, please? She scoffed, "Give it back to me." Our lips were inches apart as she stooped down to take out the phone, with her breath fanned on my lips.

Her beautiful scent invaded my senses and mesmerised me in her gaze. She hastily averted her gaze from mine.

A pink hue, on the other hand, enhanced her beauty. "I noticed you trying to learn to whistle. That is why I have come to help you. If you don't want me to stay, I'll leave," I said, pulling her phone from my pocket and setting it on the table. She offered me a little smile as she turned her face back to me. Since the last time I saw her. My heart has become agitated. What has befallen me through the hand of God.

"Pretend you're about to kiss someone." "What? Why will I pretend?" she asked, her brows furrowed. After that, I demonstrated puckering my lips to her. She blushed profusely and rubbed her temples. She then did the same thing and pursed her lips. I slowly blew air while she blew air directly into my face.

"I am not able to do?" she scowled.

"OK, lick your lips to moisten it," I encouraged her. My throat felt dry as she licked her lips, and my heartbeat was racing. She continued to practise until she was able to blow a whistle. Her eyes twinkled with delight, and she rushed forward to hug me. But she came to a halt when she realised what she was doing, and it became awkward for her.

But she came to a halt when she realised what had happened, and it became difficult for her.

"You did it," I responded, putting a stop to the awkwardness.

"Thank you," she said as she grinned ear to ear.

I rose from my chair and turned away, but she called to me from behind in a melodic voice. "Listen," she said, causing me to pause and return my attention to her. "My name is Sylvie," she introduced herself as she extended her hand. I felt a spark in my body as I shook her delicate skin with my palm. I muttered, "Beautiful name, Sylvie." She cocked her head and flashed her pearly whites. "What's your name?" she inquired.

"Matteo."

As the car jerked to a stop, I was startled awake. And I felt so alive after having a memorable life flashback. That was my first encounter with Sylvie at college. And I fell in love with her at first sight. I retrieved the gifts and photographs she had given me, which contained our memories.

"Would you like to go by yourself?" Reed's voice drew me out of my reverie. In answer, I gave him a quick nod. I stepped out of the car and strolled towards Sylvie's home. The door opened as I rang the bell, showing Sylvie's pale face. She was dressed in a brown trouser and a black t-shirt.

Her hair was messed up, and her eyes were damp from crying. My heart felt like it was ripped from my chest.

"What are you doing here, Matteo?" a deep voice asked from behind her. Sylvie was scowled at by her father, who forced her to enter the house. Despite the fact that she was hiding her joy, her eyes screamed both optimism and despair to me. We can't still be together because of what we're both going through after falling in love.

"What brings you here?" "Please leave before I call the cops," her father grumbled. I handed the presents and photos to him. He snatched it from my grip and waggled his brows.

"I came to return these gifts and pictures," I explained, returning my gaze to Sylvie. Her eyes were wide with surprise, and she shook her head furiously before approaching me. Tears streamed down her face as she held my hand. Her father was unable to properly handle the gifts and they tumbled to the ground. In a flash, Sylvie and I knelt to collect our treasured memories. We were staring at each other and picking up the gifts with our eyes glued to each other. Our hands brushed against each other, igniting an unfathomable love. I wanted to hug her after wiping her tears. Her father backtracked on his threat and yanked Sylvie's hand away from me.

"Matteo, please. There will be a way in any case," she sobbed. Her father yanked her away from me, and her mother escorted her into the room. I was just a dumb, staring at her tears and suffering but powerless to intervene. Her room closes with a thump sound. And I started walking out, but I was stopped by Sylvie's cries.

"I can't forget you, Matteo," she responds. I couldn't stand it any longer and dashed inside the home. And, standing outside her room, all I wanted to do was hug her. What crime is it that God is punishing me by putting our love and patience to the test? And I knocked on the door, asking Sylvie to please open it for me.

She did not respond to her summons after many knocks and summons.

"Please leave now, Matteo," his father said as he grabbed my arm and hurried me out of the home.

"Please look after her," I said. And I'm fighting back with tears and excruciating pain.

"I'll definitely do it," he told me. I returned my gaze to her chamber door, hoping to get a glimpse of her. But, with a broken heart, I was unable to accomplish the task.

"For the last time," I cried, "I will wait for you at our favourite location." I took a big breath as I walked back to Reed's car, as breathing had become difficult for me. At the same time, wrath pounded like a drum in his chest.

"Matteo, Are you all right? "He inquired of me. I kept one hand on my head while hitting the car drawer with the other.

"Take this," Reed said as he handed the inhaler to me. I used my pump to settle down and normalise my asthamic attack.

"I have to be fine to f*ck this curse and get my Sylvie back into my life," I whispered, fighting back tears.