The Dark Society

14

 Jim labored to compose lectures, while Luis assisted with seminary calendars. The day was waning, and distant rumbles suggested showers. So, Caroline opened the shutters as Jim pondered 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 and don't plan to."

Jim listened and crossed his arms.

"Well, you have the same major, so you'll see each other often."

"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'd recently appeared more reluctant, so Luis 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 to the living room, where they'd linger together for the next few hours. Likewise, Luis retired to his bedroom, remembering the unlikely reunion with Karen. Having Alex back in his life felt like a godsend, because for as much as he'd matured, he hadn't changed.

Later, Luis overheard his parents outside, so he opened the window and smiled. Karen apologized, but the sentiment lacked sincerity. Plus, she seemed emotionless, so a regression appeared possible. Meanwhile, he observed his parents, feeling more content than ever.

Across the city, Alex planned for the upcoming semester. His parents loved having him home, even amid efforts to maintain the peace. Meanwhile, Jessica's decisions altered many aspects of their lives. Yet, Diana and Stephen accepted Karen anyway. Evenings were becoming colder, so Alex and Karen huddled together, talking about everything.

But despite the reclusive behavior, he appeared delighted to have her home. Maintaining intimacy seemed precarious. However, their bond was resilient, and direct communication proved beneficial. Despite that, Alex again conferred with his father, while Karen aided Diana with the dishes.

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

Karen smiled.

"Yes."

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

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

Karen set down the cloth and laughed.

"If you're referring to Luis, don't worry, I'll manage."

Diana 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. Though given the perils Jessica 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 last dish in the cupboard and shut the door.

"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. A sanctuary where everyone often 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 prepared. Everyone seemed thrilled by the gesture—everyone except Karen. Once again, she seemed docile, but also daunted and excluded.

"Are you all right?" Stephen questioned.

"I'm fine."

He rose and followed.

"Where are you going?"

Karen moved onto the porch.

"Thank you for dinner tonight."

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 the incessant pursuit of authority. In the end, everyone recognized history and the complications that came with it. Yet, Karen acted pretentious for unsuitable reasons. Plus, despite separating from Luis years before, she seemed obsessed.

More than that, knowing he still loved her broke Karen's heart because she still adored him. Confidence grew, because even amid Jessica's intervention, fate brought them together again. All the same, Karen resented her mother's fleeting and self-serving agenda. Thus, she remained defiant, blinded by an intimacy she swore to rekindle.