Chapter 90: Stripper

Chapter 90: Stripper

I calmly close the door of my room, taking care not to slam it. Im not a fan of taking my anger out on things or people.

And Im still not done processing.

So, lets do a recap, shall we?

Lucinda just conned me out of my magical knowledge and ran away on the first occasion without even facing me. Yeah, that sums it up.

My body spasms in anger, making me twist a little.

Goddamn, I whisper as my face writhes in anger.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

How could I be so blind?

Taking a deep breath, I lay down on the bed.

I think my biggest mistake has been moving things too fast. I should have just waited to make sure her feelings were real. But no, I have to force myself to believe that most people dont have ulterior motives and just act nice.

Well, its all on me, I admit.

Theres really not much more I can say.

I was blind, stupid, and I trusted her.

Plus, I wanted to impress Lucinda, to have her look at me with her jaw slack.

Now, all that love is turning into a lake of jet-black anger.

I dont resent Lucinda. No, its bigger than that.

I resent life.

Shes just playing the game, being the person she needs to be to win this rat race.

So

So what?

Whats up now?

I hear a knocking sound.

Joey, would you mind if I came in? Stans voice came through the wooden door.

Sure, Stanimal.

I prop myself up on the bed with my hands.

Young lovers often do foolish things, he says while Grigio jumps on my bed, instantly occupying the vast majority of it. Bitterness is natural.

Yo, Stanimal. Im not bitter. I mean, maybe a little. But Im mostly clueless. I try to trust people all the time. Man, for all I know, you could murder me in my sleep, right? Instead, I chose to trust you. But what happens when someone does stab me in the back after I trusted the wrong person?

The old man crouches down to Grigio, patting the dog with a weary expression. For some reason, Stan looks much older than usual at this moment.

You just choose who to trust. Its that simple. You cant trust everyone. But you also cant trust no one. I could have chosen not to trust you. But I did. And Ive yet to be disappointed with the young man in front of me.

I give Stan a long look.

I have to be honest, I was expecting more wisdom, Stanimal. More cool words. I dont know, something like catharsis? Maybe resilient? Ill have to give a four out of ten to your speech. Maybe even a three.

The old man responds with a hearty laugh.

Better be angry with this old bag of bones than with your young lover, Joey. She was a fool. But now, why dont you go down? I prepared a surprise for you.

Is it a stripper? I say, perking up.

A what? the old man looks confused.

A female who strips for you and dances on your lap?

Oh, no. I just called Flaminia, Camilla, and Lucillus.

Meh, Stanimal. Two out of ten. Really.

I wink at him and go down.

Thank you, Stanimal.

Thank you.