DARKEST DESIRES

8

♡♡MONET♡♡

"Monet, please get the door," my grandfather calls out from the pantry. I sigh, setting the remote on the sofa as I make my way to the front door. The person knocks again, and I hurry to answer it. "I'm coming," I say, twisting the doorknob and pulling the door open.

That's when I see him - the intriguing image that reminds me of yesterday's events. I can't help but think about how I cried myself to sleep, my pillow soaked with tears. But then, I also think about Darren, and how his arms wrapped around me brought me comfort. "H...hey," I stammer, my breath catching in my throat.

He smiles, and I step aside, allowing him to enter. He mouths a silent "thank you" as he walks in. I can't help but notice how he makes a simple outfit look like a high-end fashion statement. He's wearing blue pocketless cargos, a plain white shirt, and white Nike Air Force sneakers - a simple yet stylish ensemble that makes him stand out.

"You okay?" he asks, his eyes filled with concern.

I take a deep breath and nod, trying to compose myself. "Yeah."

He nods slightly, understanding, and helps himself into the living room. I watch him for a moment, then turn and head towards my room, needing some time to myself.

"I'll just be in my room," I say over my shoulder, leaving him to settle in.

♤♡DARREN◇♧

My eyes fixate on the TV screen, drawn in by the breaking news. The car explosion has everyone talking, and now Sheriff John is on the screen, recounting how he narrowly missed being at the scene when the car blew up.

Monet's grandfather's voice breaks my focus. "That's some brutality over there," he echoes, his tone laced with disapproval. I glance back at the TV, my smile faltering for a moment before I regain my composure.

"Yeah," I reply, trying to sound nonchalant. "How have you been, though?" I ask, finally cracking a smile.

He grins, his eyes twinkling. "Good. So happy now that Monet broke up with her boyfriend." I raise an eyebrow, surprised by his enthusiasm. "She was making a sea of tears, and you're happy?" I ask, laughing.

He chuckles, unfazed. "What brings you here?" I hesitate for a moment, my gaze drifting back to the TV before responding. "Uhmm... Meghan wants Monet to come over for a few days." I tend to get straight to the point; it's harder for me to beat around the bush.

"Oh... I mean, that's okay." He shrugs.

"Don't you need her around?"

"I can manage, besides its only for a few days, and she'll be going back to university soon.... which means I'll remain alone either way."

"Oh... I mean, that's okay," he says, shrugging. "Don't you need her around?" I ask, curious.

"I can manage," he replies. "Besides, it's only for a few days, and she'll be going back to university soon... which means I'll be alone either way." He adds, his voice tinged with a hint of melancholy.

"Oh, okay, where?" I ask, and he responds, "Italy."

"Oh, I'll be going there soon too," I say, surprised by the coincidence.