The Black Swan Behind

258 Fulfill a Promise

Not a few people saw all mental illness as one disease. They would think all sufferers were mentally crazy. And, who would take crazy people seriously? Levi had a job and a family to support. If she was in Levi’s position, Emma would be afraid.

“In that case, is it possible that you left that bad environment?” Emma asked slowly.

“That’s the place I’ve lived since I was little. In fact, they are newcomers. However, you can’t just control everyone, can you? Isn’t people come and go in life?”

“Well.. You’re right. The situation is quite complicated, indeed.” Emma said with a thoughtful face. “If you can’t tell the truth and can’t get away from them, how about you thought them a lesson, like revenge? That way, they might understand,”

Levi frowned and looked at Emma in disbelief. “So, you’re that type of person, aren’t you?”

Emma shrugged. “I never said I was a good person. I will be nice to those who deserve it. Why would I be nice to bad people? Especially, people who have been mean to me. I’m the type to hit back.” she narrowed her eyes.

“Gosh, I can’t believe this.” Levi shook his head slowly. “Is it real, that a girl tells me to take revenge?”

“Hey.. Don’t look at the gender. I think, this is just perspective. Honestly, I’m currently in the process of taking revenge. Haha..” She laughed.

Levi’s eyebrows rose. “You are? I guess I shouldn’t be surprised anymore,”

.....

For some reason, Levi’s surprise made Emma feel proud. She was happy to be able to show that a woman was also human, regardless of their form or their behaviour. You couldn’t expect them to always be angels.

Even a girl who looked gentle and affectionate could hold a knife behind her back. It was human, regardless of gender or who they were.

“But this is just my opinion. You don’t have to follow it if it goes against your conscience.” Emma said.

“Why do you think like that?” Levi asked.

“Why would that go against your conscience?” Emma made sure.

Levi shook his head. “Why do you have to take revenge?”

“Oh.. Well, it’s because I’m not the type of person who likes to depend on other people; even on fate. I won’t let fate control my life. Likewise, I won’t wait for fate to avenge the wounds that other people have inflicted on me.

I believe Karma exists. However, I can’t stand waiting for karma to work itself out. Therefore, I will take revenge with my own hands. It will give me satisfaction.” Emma explained with a bit of a laugh.

“You must think of me as a mean girl, don’t you?” She guessed without reducing the giggle on her face.

“No. That’s the most reasonable thought I’ve ever heard.” Levi said with a blank stare ahead.

“It is?” Emma was even more confused.

“I’ve never even thought that far. Honestly, I think you’re brilliant,” Levi stared at her in amazement.

“No, I’m not,” Emma replied.

Levi shook his head. “Do you know why I feel confused about what to do?”

Emma shook her head innocently.

“It’s because of you.”

“Me?!” Emma said disapprovingly. “Why me?”

Levi chuckled. Emma’s shocked and angry face looked so cute in his eyes. The longer the time they spent together, the greater his affection for the girl who was always there for him. He couldn’t deny that since he met Emma, ??she had taken part in the various decisions he had made in his life.

“I’m just kidding,” Levi said, covering up what he really felt, for fear of burdening Emma. He had already said that he didn’t want to burden her life if she was friends with him.

Emma glared at him. “You really wish to die,”

Levi laughed out loud. “Why are you getting fiercer every time we meet?”

Emma snorted. “By the way, if I’m the cause of that confusion of yours was a joke, then what’s the real cause?”

“Lately, I feel like my humanity has increased a bit. I’ve become more sensitive and considerate of other people. I think it’s because I get kindness from someone. Therefore, maybe I should at least not be so mean to others. I realized that kindness is warm.” Levi answered.

“Gosh.. Are you trying to look cool in front of me by saying that you are a bad person?” Emma laughed sarcastically.

Levi chuckled in amusement. “It took a similar thought to realize,”

Emma snorted again. “I already said that our mindsets are quite similar. I can tell that you are the type of person who would admire a villain in a superhero movie. In fact, I am also like that.”

“Oh.. Speaking of movies, I saw a teaser ad for a horror movie that’s playing in theatres this week. Do you think you have time if I ask you out?” Levi asked excitedly.

“Well.. I’m not sure..” Emma answered with a mumble.

Actually, it was not that Emma didn’t have time. She was indeed busy with the Black Swan business. But of course, she would make time for her personal life, even if only a little, because she cared about her own mental health.

The problem was; should she do this? Went out alone with Levi might just stimulate her feelings. Like a seed that had germinated. It would thrive if you keep watering and fertilizing it.

Seeing the obvious doubt on Emma’s face made Levi realize that he had crossed the line. He still clearly remembered what happened at the cafe last time; every moment, Emma’s expression, and the words that came out of their mouths. He still remembered everything and would always do.

“I’m sorry. It seems I asked you unnecessary things. Please forget it. Just pretend that I didn’t say anything.” Levi said with a little, awkward chuckle, as if he did think that it was a funny thing.

Emma looked sorry at Levi. She knew that the man was hiding his feelings with a smile. She knew that he was aware of their boundaries and agreement. Levi had to restrain himself so that no more feelings would arise between the two of them.

“Mr. Levi Wargos.” A female receptionist called.

“Yes?” Levi stood up from his seat, saved from the awkwardness that was surrounding them. He turned to Emma, ??”Wait a minute.”

Emma nodded as she continued to pay attention to Levi who was already in front of the reception desk, taking care of some files.

‘Is Levi really suffering from Bipolar? It seems that the people who are disturbing his life are his friends – or maybe, his own family? But Nancy and Lukas don’t look like they might do such a thing to Levi. They are a sweet family, even without a father. Oh.. Maybe his co-workers? Levi used to tell me that there were a lot of problems at work.’ Emma thought to herself.

‘If you two are good friends now, you’d better stay with him as if nothing happened.’ Kathy’s words the other day echoed in Emma’s head.

‘Gosh.. I feel so guilty now. Come to think of it, Levi may be living almost the same life as me. I have a personal problem, but can’t tell it to my own family. Even though I love them, I don’t feel that close to being able to tell them what’s going on in my head. From the attitude Levi showed, it seems that he has been very lonely all this time. If I were in his position, it would probably hurt.’

“I’m going into the examination room. Would you like to come with me?”

Because she was busy with her own thoughts, Emma didn’t realize that Levi was done with his business and was even standing in front of her.

“You done? All right. I’ll come inside.” Emma answered quickly as she stood up.

Not long in the examination room, they came out of the vet building with a pink cat bag. There was even the word ‘Pixy’ on the bag. Luckily, the cute white cat just caught a harmless cold.

“Should I take you to the regular bus stop?” Levi asked when they were both in the car.

“Since this vet is pretty close to your house, can you take me to see Nancy?” Emma asked.

“You want to come to my house?”

Emma nodded. “I promised to visit Nancy again, but never kept it until now. It happens that, I have nothing else to do today. I just wanted to say hi to her.”

“Of course. I’ll still take you home, then.” Levi replied.

**

A dark blue car stopped in front of the gate of a fairly large house.

Levi deliberately parked his car outside because he would leave again to take Emma home. He remembered the first time he met her and had to take her home. At that time, he felt annoyed because he had to bother taking the girl to her home which was very far from his.

But this time, everything has changed. He was more than happy that Emma wanted to come to his house again, even though with the intention meet his mother.

A girl with light brown hair that fell to her back, walked politely into the big house that had granite floors. She wore jeans and a white t-shirt with the logo of a well-known fashion brand. Even with a casual, clean style, Emma Hilland looked like a model. She did have a good sense of fashion.