The Dark Society

14

Jim labored to compose a lecture while Luis assisted with the seminary calendars. The day was waning and distant rumbles suggested approaching showers, so Caroline opened the shutters as Jim sat curious about Luis and Karen's relationship.

"You're still worried?" he questioned, lifting his gaze.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't," his father retorted.

Luis sneered. "We haven't spoken much and don't plan to."

Jim listened and crossed his arms. "Well," he asserted, "you have the same major, so you'll see each other eventually."

"You have to trust me."

He nodded. "You know I do."

Luis drew near as his mother watched with an unsuspecting grimace.

"You look troubled," he observed.

She stared. "You know me."

It wasn't unusual for Caroline to express opinions now and again, but she had recently appeared more reluctant, so Luis wanted to put her mind at ease.

"Don't worry," he emphasized. "Everything's under control."

"I know," his mother responded. "By the way, what time is your first class?"

Luis fetched the registry and examined it. "8 AM."

His parents retreated into the living room after a while, where they would linger together for the next few hours, relishing the evening. Luis retired to his bedroom, remembering the unlikely reunion with Karen during enrollment.

Having Alex back in his life felt like a godsend because for as much as he'd matured, he hadn't changed at all. Later, Luis overheard his parents outside, so he opened the window and smiled with pride.

Karen had apologized favorably, but her sentiment lacked sincerity. Plus, she seemed emotionless, so a regression of her condition appeared possible. Nevertheless, he continued to watch his parents, feeling more content than ever.

Across the city, Alex was organizing for the upcoming semester. His parents loved having him home, even amid his efforts to maintain the peace. Meanwhile, Jessica's decisions had altered numerous aspects of their lives, but Diana and Stephen accepted Karen anyway.

Evenings were becoming colder, so Alex and Karen sat huddled together talking about everything. But despite her reclusive behavior, he was delighted to have her home.

Maintaining intimacy had been precarious in most cases, but their bond was resilient, and the direct communication had proved beneficial. Even still, Alex again conferred with his father while Karen aided Diana with dishes.

"Looking forward to tomorrow?" Diana inquired while placing plates.

Karen smiled. "Yes."

Diana was cautious of Karen's ever-changing outlook because, regardless of her sociable disposition, she could become mentally erratic.

"As I often tell Alex," Diana stated, "stay on track and don't get distracted."

Diana set down the cloth and laughed. "If you're referring to Luis, don't worry--I'll manage."

She sighed and placed her hands on her hips. "I didn't mean to push."

Karen grinned. "Relax. I've already spoken with Luis, and there wasn't a problem."

Diana felt reassured knowing Karen wouldn't lie, but given the perils Jessica had caused, she remained skeptical.

"I'm glad your mother changed her mind."

Karen's expression darkened. "It's not like I gave her a choice."

Diana placed a final dish in the cupboard and shut the door. "Even so," she added, "I hope everything gets better because you deserve it."

Karen emptied the last of the wine. "What do you say we join the boys?"

Diana agreed, and they moved into the living room, where everyone had gathered for hours, solidifying bonds through conversation.

"So, what are we talking about?" Diana questioned as she and Karen sat down.

"Oh, you know," Alex responded while raising a glass.

Karen focused on Alex. "Riding in with Luis tomorrow?"

"I wasn't aware he was stopping by," Stephen interjected. "You should've said something."

Alex glanced up. "We're grabbing breakfast and heading in--nothing major."

Diana beamed. "Why don't you stay and enjoy a home-cooked breakfast?"

"Not a bad idea," Alex replied. "I'll message Luis."

His mother rushed to the kitchen and started preparing. Everyone seemed generally thrilled by the gesture--everyone except Karen. Once again, she seemed docile but unknowingly felt daunted and excluded.

"You all right?" Stephen questioned.

"I'm fine."

He rose and followed her. "Where are you going?"

Karen moved onto the porch. "Thank you for dinner."

Stephen said nothing, but based on his expression, Diana and Alex knew what had happened.

"What else can we do?" his father asked as Diana returned to the kitchen.

"Nothing," Alex replied. "She's spiraling and obsessed with obtaining control."

Karen couldn't abandon her love for Luis or her incessant pursuit of authority. In the end, everyone recognized her history and the complications that came with it. Yet, Karen was acting pretentious for unsuitable reasons, and despite separating from Luis years before, she remains obsessed.

More than that, knowing he still loved her broke Karen's heart because she still adored him. Thus, her confidence grew because, even amid Jessica's intervention, fate had brought them together again.

All the same, Karen resented her mother's fleeting and self-serving agenda and remained defiant, blinded by an intimacy she was determined to rekindle.