"I am hired, and you are a freelancer. We both kill people in cold blood, and are both very talented in doing so. I'm also older, as you can see."

He mysteriously pauses. I waited for his next words, but none came out after 3 seconds. Wondering why, I turn my head in different directions if there's someone suspicious hearing our conversation. After I have confirmed that there are none, I face him with a puzzling look.

"That all?" I ask with my eyebrow raised.

Marlboro enthusiastically nods in reply. Again, after a few seconds, there was only silence.

"Sooner or later, your stalker would catch up to you so I'm afraid we're going to be quick about this. We'll meet again soon, right?" Marlboro outstretches his hand again, softly caressing my head. "If you want to meet with me again, wear the hat. I will come running immediately."

I just stare at him. Ever since he was talking to me with a wide, bright smile, it never faded away. This guy is mysterious, he hides a lot of secrets, I can never doubt that!

As soon as his hand slowly moves away from my head, he suddenly disappeared, his fedora flying again in front of me-- the fedora that I have been wearing all this time. I can't believe he once again used the fedora as something to catch my attention as he makes his escape.

Well, I can't do anything about it, that's for sure.

I sighed, putting the fedora back in my bag, making my way to my residence again.

•

I slammed the door open to catch the attention of two people, but I guess I caught the attention of three.

"Ah, welcome home Sherry!" Francesca, dressed like a decent housewife, gave me a warm welcome. In fact, it wasn't warm at all. Seeing her act so out of character sent a whole lot of chills running down my spine.

Really, I'm being cautious and careful around here! These chills running down my spine are endless!

"Did you have fun at school today?" Richard chimes in, dressed as a big-bodied father who just came home from work and is now relaxing with a cup of coffee by his side and a newspaper on his hand.

Arden sits on the dining table, frozen stiff, and as pale as a ghost. He was sweating all over, his snacks in front of him remain untouched.

"I-I had fun. What's up with him?" I ask, pointing at Arden with my index finger.

"Isn't he your visitor? I saw him walking around the neighborhood whispering your name. He must be looking for you. Am I right, kid?" Francesca leans towards Arden, putting up the same wide smile that Marlboro put up. The way she leans towards Arden reminds me how a prostitute would. Those who are used to it will never get rid of such habits. I can see Arden blushing as he notices this. Can't expect less from her.

"Ah, yes, that's right, miss." He states in between his glances on Francesca's boobs. Arden, you can't hide your pervertedness and manhood.

"Why were you looking for me? I don't remember inviting you." I decided to corner him to pry the reason why he suddenly decided to stalk me.

"Ah, it was because you left something in school so I wanted to return it to you as soon as possible and--"

His mouth continues to run. His story is quite unclear and it isn't even a good enough lie. This guy is pathetic! As if he would be able to get information regarding about me with his amateurish stalking.

"My, look at the time!" Richard suddenly exclaims, looking at his silver wristwatch. "We don't have enough time to keep entertaining you, young man. It's getting dark even, you should go home before your parents worry about you."

"Ah, thank you very much! Sherry, I'll give you your lost possession tomorrow! Goodbye!" Arden said in a rush, already dashing from my house.

As soon as the door shuts and the footsteps subsided, all three of us removed the facade of a possible happy family and quickly switched to the usual people I am familiar with.

"You explain this, Zero." Richard demands.