The Dark Society

11

Alex regarded the expressions around him one after another, but as Karen's voice resounded, it was clear that she and Luis held vivid memories.

"Hey you," she said after greeting Alex with a delicate embrace.

Next, she focused on Luis as he offered Alex suggestive glances.

"Are you taking law?" Alex asked, hoping to divert her attention.

"Of course," she replied while noting the disdain on Luis's face.

She was acting provocatively like always, but Luis wouldn't humor a confrontation. Nevertheless, Karen's anxieties grew as she moved closer.

"Would you mind giving us a minute?" she asked Alex.

He glared anxiously into Luis's eyes. "Uh, I suppose so."

He didn't want to leave them alone, but with everything that had happened, she intended to speak her mind.

"I need to explain, and then if you never want to see or talk to me again, I'll understand."

"You don't have to justify anything," he interjected.

Karen's expression instantly changed. "You have resentment and I understand, but moving away wasn't my decision."

Surprisingly, Luis didn't interrupt because he needed an explanation.

"When you're fifteen and your parents impose their will, you do what they want."

Luis scowled while thinking of Jessica. "I can only imagine..." he said. "Though you're an adult now, so you won't have to worry."

Karen groaned. "Even so, I'm sorry you were hurt, but there wasn't anything that I could do."

He nodded. "Thank you for saying that, and I'm glad you're well."

Karen looked agitated while motioning Alex over.

"Call me later," she suggested before heading inside.

Alex agreed.

"It's good to see you again," she admitted to Luis with an elusive stare.

"You too," he replied.

Alex drew near, appearing apprehensive. "That wasn't awkward."

Luis took shelter as Karen occupied the doorway. "Is she watching?"

Alex sneered. "Surprised?"

Luis laughed and shook his head. "Not really."

"Nevertheless, you handled yourself well," Alex said while heading to the car.

"Still, I'm surprised she's alone."

Alex agreed. "As you know, the sisters are close, but Luen is making the decisions."

Luis gathered his keys. "Then nothing's changed."

Alex groaned. "Not at all, but Karen's been through a lot and she has earned my respect."

"In any event..." Luis remarked. "What do you say we forget all this and hit the beach?"

The boys departed as Karen stood at the curb watching. Yet, unbeknownst to either Alex or Luis, she wasn't alone.

"That didn't go as expected," Dena said as Sienna and Lesley arrived.

Karen wore a sinister scowl. "It's not over."