Fire & Flame

Chapter 2 : Reminiscing

“I most definitely did not appreciate your statement about my mom. And since every word which comes out of your pretty little mouth is offensive to me, I suggest you stop talking because I happen to have a knife.”

The woman giggled. “Ah, mama’s boy. Don’t worry, I won’t stop talking.”

Konnor flipped her off. Indeed, Konnor is a mama’s boy. But, what’s wrong with that? 

“So, what’s your name?”

“I am someone you should be wary of.”

“Okay, someone you should be wary of, nice name. My name’s Isabella Hansen. Just call me Bella.”

Konnor’s eyes widened in fear. “Isabella Hansen? Are you sure we’re talking about the same Isabella Hansen?”

“If you’re referring to the daughter of President Hansen, yes, I believe we’re on the same page. If not, then no.” 

Konnor pulled his pocket knife out and pushed it dangerously close to her neck. A flicker of his finger would slice Isabella’s carotid artery, and she’ll instantly die.

“Woah, old man. Slow down, eh? Is that how you greet your dumpster buddy?”

Konnor’s eyes turned dark. “You are the one person I refuse to let go. Isabella Hansen, do you know how difficult it is for a thief like me to make a living? And all because of your father?”

Isabella looked him in the eyes. One might think she would be afraid, but she is far from afraid. Perhaps if it were two weeks ago, she might have been. But this is the new Isabella, the Isabella who has been through quite a few challenges.

“A thief? So you weren’t just chilling?”

“Shut up, Isabella. If you don’t tell me your purpose of being here, I’ll make sure you can ‘chill’ with Hades down there, in hell.”

Isabella laughs mockingly. “Do you think you’re capable of killing me?”

Konnor smirks. This lady, you’re at a disadvantage and yet you’re still pissing me off. Just as he was about to reply, Konnor heard screaming outside. Ah, they caught up with me. Konnor used his other free hand to cover Isabella’s mouth. Isabella’s eyes widened in surprise. She was not expecting him to do so.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Isabella's muffled voice asks.

“Shush.”

The sound of heavy footsteps filled the air. “Where is he?! I remember seeing him slip into this alleyway!”

“He shouldn’t have gotten far, let’s check around this place.”

Isabella’s ears perked in excitement. It seems like this old man is being chased by someone, or a lot of people, actually. She wanted to say something, but her mouth was obstructed by the old man’s hand, making it difficult for her to open her mouth. 

After making sure the police officers are far from where he is, Konnor let out a sigh of relief. He removed both the pocket knife and his hand from Isabella.

“What did you steal this time? Those police officers are probably going crazy looking for you.”

Konnor scratched his head. “Nothing, they just saw me.”

Isabella smiles. Honesty is the best policy. Even for thieves like him.

“Old man, if you’re worried about me snitching on you, then you should save those thoughts. I am currently not welcomed in my own household.”

“For God’s sake, I am not an old man! If you had asked me properly, my name’s Konnor!” Konnor replied, annoyed.

“Same thing. The point is, you don’t have to be worried about me telling anyone.”

Konnor nodded. “I hope you are a man of your words. Well – woman.”

“Lips are sealed. Anywho, I should get going. You coming, old man?”

Konnor pondered. “No, I’ll pass. Just let me chill in this dumpster for a while.”

Isabella nodded hesitantly, but proceeded to exit the dumpster. Leaving Konnor to his thoughts. 

Now that he is alone, his mind went astray. (a/n : not what you’re thinking. get your mind out of the gutter, readers.) He walked down the memory lane and thought of his past life. His life before all of this mess.

*Flashback*

“Konnor-kun! Come here for dinner!” A petite woman calls out. Her Japanese accent faded throughout the years, however if one listens closely, you would be able to catch it.

“Mom, I just got this super duper fun video game called MIIKO’s Adventures! Let me play some more pleaseee,”10 year old Konnor replies.

“Konnor! I spent a lot of effort to cook this meal… You said you were craving for some mochi right? How about I let you have some for dessert?”

Konnor pouts. “Mom, I-”

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Konnor’s lips curved into a smile.

“Dad’s home!!!”

Konnor rushed to the front door. He was tiny for a 10 year old, so he had to tiptoe before he could reach the doorknob. However, once he opened the door, he jumped into his father’s arms.

“Dad! I missed you!” Konnor yells in excitement.

“Hello, Konnor. How was your day?” The middle-aged man asks. The man had quite a few wrinkles forming on his face, evidently proving his youth was no longer there.

“I had a fun day!” 

“That’s nice to hear, buddy. Where’s mom?”

Konnor pouts childishly. “Mom is making me eat dinner. But I want to play MIIKO’s Adventures…”

The man chuckled heartily. “Konnor, you need dinner. Where would you get the energy to play the game if you don’t eat?”

The man walks into the house, with his beloved son in his arms. He was greeted by his beautiful wife who gave him a peck on his cheek.

“Welcome home, darling. How was work? And Konnor, get down from your dad. He’s had a long day at work.” The woman gently reprimanded her son.

“But mommm, “ Konnor answers, extending the syllables.

“It’s okay honey. I’m not tired,”the man replies while winking at his wife. “Work was fun as usual.”

The woman pursed her lips and nodded. “Well, let’s have dinner together. Konnor, you cannot refuse this time. I’ll let you play your video game after dinner if you finish your vegetables.”

“Okay, mom!!”