chapter fifty five

Tammy's POV

I sit up, intrigued by what he has to say. "It happened when I was seven," Adam begins, his voice quieter now. "Around the time the curse started and my mom died. I can't seem to remember the details, but I remember thinking about the ashes on every tree. I decided I liked the color grey that day. I couldn't like the color of the ashes because of the sad memories attached to it... so I picked the color closest to it."

"Shouldn't that have been white?" I tease, a soft laugh escaping me.

He chuckles. "Grey's probably felt more like me. A dull, heavy nothingness."

His words settle between us, and I frown. Something about his story doesn't sit right with me.

"All those things happened at once?" I ask, my brows furrowing.

"That's three questions, Tammy," he points out, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. "And to answer your illegal question - I don't know. My memories from that time are a blur. I only remember what came after."

"That seems odd, don't you think?"

He exhales, as if tired of the thought. "I used to wonder about it too. But I realized that there's nothing more to it. Just a coincidence, that's all," his tone is dismissive, and I take it as a plea to drop the topic.

Tense silence settles between us.

'So much for keeping the questions light.'

"It's your turn to ask a question."

Adam clears his throat. "Who was on the portrait you were holding when I first brought you here?"

A familiar ache spreads in my chest. "My grandfather. He died a few years ago."

Adam places a comforting hand over mine. "I'm sorry, Tammy. I shouldn't have brought it up."

l shake my head, my lips pressing together. "It's fine. I can't blame you for noticing," I say. "His death anniversary was a week ago. It was one of the reasons I went back." Almost a lie. "I wanted to be with his closest friend when he was alive, my grandma, Shannon."

Understanding flickers in Adam's eyes. "So you stayed with her?"

I nod.

"What was he like?"

A small, nostalgic smile makes its way to my lips. "He was kind. Strong. Caring. And he loved me more than anything," my voice softens. "My grandfather was the only family I had. After my parents died, he raised me."

For the first time since I can remember, talking about him doesn't bring tears to my eyes. If anything, it feels liberating.

"Papa taught me everything I know. He taught me to be strong, not to cry unless it's necessary," I laugh, shaking my head. "I don't think I've been doing a good job at that one," I sniff.

Adam says nothing, just watching me.

"He was my best friend, him and Grandma Shannon. I used to get bullied in junior school, but Grandpa taught me how to stand up for myself."

I let out a breathy chuckle. "I even pushed a girl so hard she fell and broke her arm once. I thought it would scare the bullies off and finally help me make friends that were my age," I shake my head at the memory. "Didn't work"

Adam raises a brow, amused. "Did he approve?"

"Grandpa reprimanded me first. To be honest, I think he was kinda proud of me sticking up to the bullies," I laugh. "But then he taught me the right way to stand up for myself" I take a deep breath. "He made me who I am today, and I miss him so much."

My voice cracks, but the tears don't come.

"Am I a horrible person for not crying over him anymore?" I ask, my voice quieter.

Adam squeezes my hand gently. "Of course not, Tammy. It only shows how strong you are and how well he taught you. He did a great job, and if he's hearing this conversation from wherever he is, I think he'd be proud of you."

Something in my chest tightens. Before I can stop myself, I wrap my arms around him, pulling him into a hug.

His body tenses for a moment, but then he relaxes, his arms circling around me in return.

I pull back slightly, looking into his eyes. "Thank you."

He smiles, his fingers brushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "Anytime," he murmurs, his breath warm against my lips.

The room suddenly feels smaller, the air between us thick and charged. My breathing slows, and my pulse quickens. Our faces inch closer, the space between us shrinking.

His eyes flicker down to my lips, and I forget how to breathe.

I don't think. I just-

The door swings open.

I jerk away from Adam, my heart hammering against my chest, just as Ophelia strolls into the room.

An older man, who I assume is Max, lingers by the doorway, watching with mild amusement.

I blink, my mind struggling to catch up. I didn't even notice that an hour had already passed.

A knowing smile forms on Ophelia's lips. "Good to see that you guys took my advice."

Adam groans, rubbing a hand over his face. "No thanks to you."

I risk a glance at him, and our eyes meet. The intensity of his stare makes my stomach do a little flip, and heat rushes to my cheeks. I quickly look away.

"Thanks for helping with the door," I say to Max, desperate for a distraction.

He nods with a smile. "It's no problem. Ophelia, be more careful next time."

She rolls her eyes. "I will Max, for the umpteenth time." Then, turning back to us, she grins. "Well? Aren't you guys gonna thank me for coming to your rescue?"

"Thank you?!" Adam snaps, his frustration boiling over. "You put us in this situation!"

She tilts her head. "It worked out well for you both, didn't it?"

Neither of us responds.

I can't say it didn't work out, but I can't say it did, either.

The almost-kiss meant nothing. Right?

Ophelia sighs dramatically. "You two don't know how to be grateful. But I'll pretend you were being appreciative. You're welcome."

She turns to leave, but as she moves, the light from the window catches something shiny peeking out of her pocket.

Adam stiffens beside me. I follow his gaze and immediately recognize what it is.

The keys.

The same keys she claimed to have lost.

The same keys that locked us in here.

Adam is on his feet in an instant. "Hold on."

Ophelia freezes.

He strides over to her, and before she can react, he reaches into her pocket and pulls out the keyring. He holds it up, his jaw tightening.

"What is this, Ophelia?"

"Uhm... nothing?" She squeaks, then bolts out of the room.

Adam curses under his breath and takes off after her. "You better know where to hide, Ophelia. If I catch you, you're gonna regret pulling this stunt!"

I remain seated in the bed, shaking my head in disbelief. Ophelia managed to plan everything from last night till now.

A laugh bubbles in my throat, and I shake my head again.

Suddenly remembering that I didn't get the keys back, I scramble to my feet. "Adam! I haven't gotten the keys back!"

And just like that, I'm running after them.