Been To Hell

Chapter 11: New Day.

8 years later. . .

“I’m God in sheep’s clothing. Judgment Day is coming and you’re all going to burn for the way you treated me.” Henry croaked at the front of the classroom, as if warning them about what his mind has decided to do. A beam of light reflected off of his dark eyes. He pushed the stringy brown hair from his face to show his ghostly pale complexion.

I stood off camera, observing the actions that I’ve written become something people can not only read, but also watch. The fourth book I’ve ever published is becoming a movie and I refuse to have parts cut out or adapted for Hollywood film. People want to see those little details from the book, they demand it. So I said they could make it into a movie as long as I got to be on the set at all times. Obviously, they agreed. Three of my books have been turned into movies and one is going to be a TV series. It’s mind blowing, really. Eight years of back breaking hard work and I’m here. A lot has changed in eight years, some good and some bad. Some things I wish I could get back and some I’m glad I let go of.

I cocked a small grin while standing in the shadows with my arms crossed over my chest. I couldn’t help but note down different things about this scene that could be improved, but nevertheless, the actors were doing a very good job at portraying the characters I’ve created. I still couldn’t believe I’ve published fifteen books since I was signed onto this publishing agency. I was proud of myself for accomplishing so much. But there’s always a cost to success, the price I paid was losing Matt. Okay, okay, I didn’t lose him. I had to walk away from him. The reasons are varying though, but the number one reason was he didn’t trust me and he tried to control me. So I had to walk away from him, and a part of my happiness. I haven’t seen him in seven years, I haven’t heard from him in six and a half. He spent six months trying to convince me that he could change but I knew he wasn’t going to. It sucked having to say goodbye to him, I love him. But I needed to move on. And I have. I cut off all contact with everyone after that. Rae and I still talk to each other once in a while; sometimes we bump into each other at the coffee shop. She and Dylan are still going strong, although they’ve had their bumps and potholes but that’s every long term relationship, right? She graduated from university a few years ago and is now living with Dylan in their house in Inglewood with their two year-old daughter, Valentina Maria. I’m happy for the two of them. I never expected Dylan to have kids, and I assume neither of them planned on having Valentina but she just sort of happened. As for everyone else: Jorel’s in a relationship. George and Jordon are fathers; which really surprised me in all honesty. Aron isn’t in the band anymore, shit hit the fan and he was kicked out, he’s been replaced by a dude named Danny who is also a father. Then there’s Matt, last time I talked to Rae she said he was single after being in a relationship for two years.

I could feel my chest starting to cramp up with anxiety, I took deep breathes before turning on the heel of my boot and marching off the set. I left the studio to step outside in the overwhelming heat of Hollywood. My lungs struggled to allow oxygen into them, they shivered and quaked as I breathed, leaning against the building. I titled my head back and closed my eyes, letting the warm air consume me.

I almost jumped out of my skin when I felt his arms snake around my waist loosely, but I realized it was just Matt. He was finally showing me some affection. His arms tightened around me and he pulled my body into his tightly. I shuddered at the feeling and couldn’t hide the smile that crept onto my face. He pulled me tightly into him. My heart shuddered when I felt a hardness pushing at the front of his pants. I felt blush darken my cheeks. I couldn’t resist the urge to push my ass against him in a teasing way. I know I was just attacked, and I was still very startled by it but I haven’t seen my boyfriend in a few months. I just want to feel his skin on mine once again.