Forbidden Love in the Dark - Chapter 2

“ Him”
It’s been two months since my parents’ accident. My Aunt Fiona, Dad’s sister, moved in the week after the accident. Apparently, in the will, it states that she is to move in and take care of the house and me, though it’s my house, until I’ m twenty – one. I couldn’t go against my parents’ wishes.
I didn’t really know Aunt Fiona. She lived clear on the other side of the
continent, in Scotland. She never visited much, and my parents were out of
town on business too often for us to visit her. When I met her at the airport, I couldn’t believe that this was my aunt. She was dressed in a long black dress that reached her ankles. Her shoes were black, and she was carrying a black handbag. Her long brunette hair hung past her waist, with some dark streaks dyed in, and her deep blue eyes held a certain enigma. She wore a raven –
feather necklace, black.
Once we got home, she gave me my space. Two months passed, and we hardly spoke. My Dad always said that she was a bit of an odd one. She was quiet, but if you needed someone to talk to, she was the best person to turn to.
Obviously, because she rarely talked!
She was always burning candles, and sometimes I would walk by her bedroom and hear her …chanting. I couldn’t make out what she was saying, though. I
think it was in a different language, and sometimes I thought it might be Gaelic.
I would often find things in my bedroom, too. The first thing I found was a
crystal in my bag, then I started noticing other things like a black feather taped to my headboard. One time, I even found dirt in front of my door with small
crystals lining the window sills. I couldn’t help but wonder if it was some kind of strange ritual.
For the most part, I just ignored her, not really having anything to say. I didn’t care to get to know her, and she looked so much like my father that it hurt me to even look at her. I kept myself locked in my room, and Mr. Thompson was getting worried. He would bring me supper each night, hoping that it would be the night I would start talking again. I just had nothing to say.
I never went back to school either. Mr. Thompson somehow got the school to agree to me finishing my exams at home, and I would do home – study until graduation day. I didn’t care. The only thing I’d be missing was Ethan, my best friend since elementary school, but I didn’t want to talk to him either. Pushing everyone away was becoming a habit.
Not today, though. Today was the day life would start anew. Two months of
mourning was long enough. I had worried the people who cared about me for too long, and it was time to get out of bed. The nice, hot steam from the
shower awakened my senses once again! Just what I needed. A day with a
purpose.
After my shower, I called Ethan, who was more than eager to come over. It
seemed like we had just hung up, and he was already there. “ Honey, you can’t ever do that to me again. I was so worried about you!” Ethan walked through
my doorway, swaying his hips with one hand on his waist. His black – framed
glasses sat on his nose, covering his brown eyes. His hair was brown with short
platinum – blonde spikes on top, and a fluffy pink scarf was wrapped around his neck.
“ I’ m sorry, Ethan. I just needed some time alone.”
“ Hun, I understand, but you should never shut out those who love you.” He threw his arms around me, squeezing tightly.
“ I promise, I won’t do it again.” I managed to squeak out. “Too … tight … Ethan.”
He loosened his grip. “Oh, sorry, hun. I just missed you so much!” He held my shoulders while looking at me, sizing me up and down. “You know I love you, right?” He kissed the air next to one cheek and then the other.
“Yes, Ethan. I know.” I kissed his cheek.
“ How are you, hun? Really. Are you okay?”
“ I feel better now. I’m good, really. Now, fill me in on what’s been going on.”
“Oh, girlllllll! You are not going to believe it!” Ethan slapped the air with one hand. He was the gossip king at school, and since he was gay, like it was
obvious, he got the gossip from both the guys and the girls. Everyone loved Ethan.
“Olivia Parker is now single. That jerk she was dating finally got caught
cheating on her! You know I never liked him. Anyway, she is now dating Tyler Brown. Mmm – hmm. That’s right, girl. They are now dating, Olivia and Tyler.”
“Wow. A lot has happened. I feel so out of touch.” I looked down at my lap.
“Awww. Don’t worry, hun. I’ ll have you caught up in no time.” Ethan chuckled
as he rambled on about all the gossip at school. He was right. I was caught up in no time.
“Your favorite band’s playing tonight. You want to go?” Ethan asked with pleading eyes.
“Oh, yeah? Where are they playing?”
“ Down at Club Azure. We should go. It’ ll be fun, not to mention it’ ll get you out of this musty old room. You should really open the windows and let some fresh air in here, honey. ”
I chuckled and walked to the window, opening it. It was overcast outside,
though not raining. Another one? A clear crystal, no doubt left by my
mysterious aunt, sat in the corner of the window. Shaking my head, I left it
where it was. Maybe if I stopped moving them, she would stop replacing them.
“Sounds like a plan for tonight. What time should I meet you there?”
“ How about seven. That will give me time to do some shopping for tonight. I’m thinking a new outfit is in the near future! You want to go, hun?”
“ No shopping for me. You have fun. I’ ll meet you at seven.”
“Great, Amelia. See you tonight then. I’ll have a surprise for you. I’d better be going so I have time to shop!” He gave me another squeeze before bouncing out the door, full of excitement for shopping. “Tonight will be so much fun.
Trust me.”
I watched Ethan get in his car from my bedroom window, then decided to take a nap. Ethan’s energy was enough to exhaust anyone.
The parking Iot was packed, and I didn’t think I was ever going to find a spot.
Driving around in circIes, I suddenIy got this strange feeIing. The hairs on my
neck and arms stood up, and a shiver ran through my body. Looking in the rear
– view mirror, I saw nothing. I kept Iooking around the parking Iot. A car puIIing out made me forget about the feeIing, and I was excited to have found a
parking space. OnIy five minutes Iate after aII that circIing. Ethan wouId be happy I wasn’t too Iate.
I jumped out of the Mustang and started towards CIub Azure. WaIking quickIy, that strange feeIing washed over me again. I stopped dead in my tracks, my
hair standing on end once more on my neck and arms, and Iooked around. I had the strongest sense that I wasn’t aIone. Like someone was watching me.
I startIed at the sound of a girI Iaughing as she and her boyfriend waIked arm – in – arm towards the cIub. You’ re Iosing it, AmeIia. I continued waIking to meet Ethan, giving one Iast Iook around before entering the cIub.
Everywhere were posters and stickers for my favorite band, ,Midnight Riot’. Not having been out to see them in so Iong, I feIt my heart race with excitement. It was good to be out.
I spotted Ethan at a tabIe by the bar. Even though it was a 20 – and – under night, they kept the bar open for the occasionaI IegaI – age patron. Everyone
who was underage wore indigo braceIets, and IegaI – agers got stamped on
the hand. Ethan was taIking with some guy I didn’t know. He must have had a great time shopping, as I Iooked over his new cIothes. Dressed in beige pants, a Iight – bIue button – down shirt, and the frames of his gIasses matching the shirt, he reminded me a bit of a young, styIish professor.
Ethan started waving his hand high over his head when he saw me. I waIked
over to where he was standing, and he grabbed my arms and kissed the air on either side of my cheek. “ Hi, hun. I have a surprise for you.” He reached for a
bag that was on the stooI behind him.
“Oh, Ethan. You didn’t have to get me anything.”
“Yes, I did. I know how you hate shopping, and I’ m tired of that oId hoodie you keep wearing. It’s out of styIe, honey.” He handed me the bag.
I peeked into the bag, and my eyes widened when I saw its contents. I puIIed my new zip – up sweatshirt out of the bag. It was bIack, with ’Midnight Riot’ written across the front in neon pink. You had to zip it up to make it a
compIete name. On the back was a picture of my favorite band member, Ace, the guitarist. “ I Iove it!” I excIaimed.
“ I knew you wouId. Now, throw that oId one in the trash, girI. It’s so Iast year.”
He reached to puII it off me.
“ Right now?” I compIained.
“ Right now, hun. Right now! I insist.” He sIid it down my arms.
I pouted as I watched Ethan actuaIIy throw my other sweatshirt into the
garbage can at the end of the bar. Then he helped me into my Ace sweat
jacket. “See, and it fits you perfectly, not hanging down to your knees like that old, ratty thing you had on. Doesn’t it look much better, Alex?” Ethan looked to the guy standing beside him.
Alex was a good foot taller than Ethan. He had sandy – blonde hair, a goatee, blue eyes, and stylish clothes, with his dark denim jeans, a well – fitting tee that showed off the outline of his chest, and he was very good – looking. More like drop – dead gorgeous. He smiled at me. “Oh, honey. I almost forgot! This is my boyfriend, Alex. Your other surprise.” Ethan piped up.
I was shocked. Boyfriend? Ethan has a boyfriend? I really was out of the loop. I can’t believe he has a boyfriend. And a hot one at that. I took a deep breath, getting my thoughts in order. “ Hi. Nice to meet you.”
He reached for my hand. “ Nice to meet you too. Ethan’s told me so much about you.” His voice was deep and smooth, with a hint of an accent.
“ I’ m sorry to say, he’s told me nothing about you,” I said, giving Ethan a look.
“ I wanted to tell you, honey, but you have been so down. I thought it might be a nice surprise tonight, since you’re always bugging me about finding a good man. You are surprised, right?” He looked at me with puppy – dog eyes.
“ I’ m surprised. Well, I’m happy to meet you. It’s about time Ethan finds someone nice.” I smiled, letting it reach my eyes to show my sincerity.
Alex smiled back. Ethan threw his arms around me. “ I love you, Amelia! You’ re the bestest!” Then, whispering into my ear, “You like him, right? Isn’t he
gorgeous?”
“Yes. I Iike him, and he is gorgeous. Of course, I Iove you too, Ethan. What if I wouIdn’t have come tonight?”
“ I wouId have toId you in your room then. When you agreed to come, though, I thought, why not just surprise her and have her meet him tonight? So, that’s
what I did!” He was giggIing Iike a giddy schooIgirI.
I smiIed, and AIex joined in, pIacing his arm around Ethan’s back. Ethan wrapped his arms around AIex’s waist, and I couIdn’t heIp but smiIe.
AII of a sudden, my ears were fiIIed with the thump, thump of the drum. Ace was getting sound – checked. I spun around to see my favorite star. I Ioved to watch him pIay, and there was just something about the guitar that sent
shivers through me, making me move to the rhythm.
Ace was Iooking great. Not seeing him for so Iong, I wasn’t sure what I
expected to see. It had onIy been two months, but it feIt Iike years. He wore faded jeans with hoIes in the knees, a MetaIIica tee – shirt, sneakers, and his hair feII IooseIy around his face. Nope, he hadn’t changed a bit. He smiIed at me whiIe I was checking him out. I smiIed back, a bit embarrassed at being caught.
“ Keep it up, honey, Ace Boy wiII think you have a crush on him.” Ethan smirked whiIe sipping his drink.
“ I just haven’t seen him for a whiIe and wanted to make sure nothing has changed.” I Iooked down at the fIoor, feeIing my cheeks heat up.
“ It’s okay, hun, you’re allowed to look. You’re single and you need a guy.”
Ethan put an arm across my shoulders. “Just kidding about the guy part.” I smiled, looking into his eyes. “ I’m just feeling a little out of place.”
“Well, don’t. Once the music starts, you’ ll feel right at home. Now, come get a drink with me.” He pulled me towards the bar. “We’ ll have two Shirley Temples, please.”
“ Make that three.” Alex joined us too.
I looked at him curiously. A Shirley Temple? He must be old enough to drink.
Not to mention that ordering a Shirley Temple with that deep, smooth voice just didn’t seem right. At all.
As if he knew what I was thinking, he responded with, “ I don’t like to drink when I’ m with Ethan and driving. I won’t risk his life for stupidity.” He said it matter – of – factly and smiled at me.
I smiled back, nodding my head in understanding. Who am I to judge? If he wants to be responsible, I’ m glad for it. I’d probably never forgive him if
something happened to Ethan.
Just then, the band introduced themselves and started playing. I turned around, taking a seat on a nearby stool to watch them. The music blasted through me, coursing blood through my veins like a wild river. Man, I had missed this. After a few minutes of sitting, I had to move closer to the stage.
Ethan stayed back with Alex. I moved to the stage and just let the music and the guitar riffs move me, swaying back and forth, singing along with the band.
Suddenly, that strange feeling washed over me again. I looked around to see if anything seemed amiss.
Ethan and Alex were still at the bar, talking with their heads close together,
Alex’s hand resting on Ethan’s thigh. Homosexuality was a very common thing these days, and it never surprised anyone. It was nice to see Ethan happy.
Continuing to scan my surroundings, I spotted him. The kid from chemistry class. He was looking right at me. I felt drawn to him, unable to look away.
His eyes were icy blue, like some rare, precious gem that I was the first one to discover. The blue was so intense, with gold flecks making it seem like his eyes were glowing. As his lips curved into a smile, I felt my heart skip a beat. His
smile was amazing, making him seem friendly, like you just had to know what made him smile.
His features became more distinct as I slowly moved my eyes down the length of his body. He was well – built and muscular, his dark silk shirt outlining every muscle in his chest. His jeans fit him perfectly, showing off a firm behind.
Moving my eyes back up his body, I felt the heat rise in my cheeks, realizing he was still watching me. Crap! He saw me checking him out. Even though I knew I’d been caught, I still couldn’t make myself look away.
There was a warmth in his eyes, but it wasn’t anger. A longing to touch him
was almost overwhelming. Even in this dimly lit room, with my favorite band
playing, his eyes seemed to shine, calling out to me. It was in that moment that I knew I wanted him. That I had to have him. To run my fingers through his
short, blonde waves while feeling the heat of his lips on mine.
Then, like a needle on an old record player being scratched across the record, I was brought back to reality. The strumming of the guitar during Ace’s solo
rang loud in my ears.
What the heck was happening? I never get distracted or drawn to people like that. What was it about ‘ him’ that attracted me so strongly?