The Dark Society

32

Luis and Alex sat discussing Sabrina, Karen, and other recent events until all hours. The remnants of an empty scotch bottle served as a stark reminder of the evening's indulgences. They wouldn't normally drink this much, but with Jim and Caroline having eloped to Birmingham, Luis had the house to himself for several more days.

"She's not calling anytime soon," Alex declared.

Luis looked up. "She will."

Though they spoke at length, one topic was carefully avoided: Alex's feelings for Karen. Luis felt uncertain about the potential relationship initially, but remained supportive despite knowing Karen's true feelings.

"She's still in love with you," Alex would frequently remind him.

Luis winced, recalling how often he'd had to deflect her flirtatious behavior. But Karen's actions always seemed to merit tolerance, so after they agreed on an acceptable compromise, Alex said his goodbyes.

Hours later, the evening grew crisp and cloudy, so Luis dimmed the lights and settled into his recliner, wanting to clear his mind of conflict and indecision. Out of habit, he checked his messages, but sighed, since none were from Sabrina.

Then he was shocked by an unexpected text. He wasn't sure about replying, considering the awkwardness. Just then, his phone began to ring for the third time in as many minutes.

"Hello."

The voice was instantly recognizable--Karen, and she clearly expected a conversation.

"I hope I'm not bothering you."

Her words were sharp and raspy with an unmistakable tone, thus he knew what was coming and tried to downplay the awkwardness.

"You are."

"I need to talk."

Despite Karen's tendency toward unnecessary drama, his interest was piqued.

"So talk."

"Not over the phone."

Luis grew still as Karen's voice softened, but knowing her as he did, he expected more senseless drama.

"What did you have in mind?"

"Can I come over?"

He considered the request carefully, because, refusing would make him seem callous and angry. Within these constraints, Luis reluctantly agreed.

"I'll see you in a bit."

Snow began to fall, but Karen lived nearby and could be there within minutes. Even so, Luis brooded, realizing that unresolved issues from their past and Karen's mounting personal problems needed to be addressed.

The more he thought about it, the worse he felt, because, he was hurting more than Karen realized, and it wasn't a coincidence that he wanted to see her too. The snowfall intensified as Luis tried to relax, but he was roused again by the phone ringing.

"Running a bit late, aren't you?"

"I was busy. Now hurry up!"

He hung up and headed to the door, but Luis didn't turn on the lights, wanting to maintain a subdued atmosphere. However, when he opened the drapes, Karen was waiting impatiently outside.

"Open the door, you jerk!"

"Cold out there?"

She made a rude gesture as he lingered in the doorway.

"Hey, where are you going?" he called out. "Are you coming in or what?"

Karen hurried inside as he quickly closed the door behind her. Luis followed her into the living room, enduring a stream of her crudest expressions. She settled on the sofa while he watched her every move--a state of attraction she'd observed countless times and one she relished.

"Sorry I'm late."

He adjusted his position. "It's all right. But since we're here together, we should talk."

She'd been battling these residual feelings periodically, but Luis knew her better than anyone and seemed ready to listen. Still, she felt compelled to remain guarded.

"I already told you what I think and feel."

Luis set down his glass. "I'm sorry I jumped to conclusions. It wasn't fair to you, and it made everything worse."

"If you're trying to apologize, I accept."

Her captivating eyes accentuated her graceful silhouette, and he often found himself looking away as his thoughts wandered. Noticing this, Karen smiled, pleased that she continued to occupy his fantasies. Meanwhile, Luis seemed resigned, yet she had awakened his awareness once again.

"You tend to overreact."

Karen was conceited, of course, but he'd nonetheless fallen under her bewitching spell.

"You can't make me feel worse than I already do," he added. "So how about giving me a break?"

Studying his unsteady posture, she followed him to the table. Perhaps it was the alcohol or the reminiscing, but his passions were stirring again. Whatever the case, Karen savored the dynamic while guiding him back to his chair.

"This was a bad idea--coming here."

Luis caught her hand. "You don't have to leave."

Their eyes locked with the familiar intensity they'd always shared. Once again, Luis found himself succumbing to her seductive nature, and everything felt effortless.

Hands began to roam as inhibitions and thoughts of consequences faded, and though it felt wrong, there was no incentive to stop. They moved to the sofa, eager to give in, yet despite their physical desires, Luis's heart was elsewhere.

"We have to stop."

"What are you doing?" she snapped. "You can't stop now!"

He moved to the window. "This is wrong."

Karen's expression fell as she ran her fingers through her hair. She was furious, but more than that--confused.

"What's wrong with two people expressing their love?"

Luis didn't respond immediately, his mind racing with conflicting thoughts. Nevertheless, he desired her physically, but he couldn't offer false hope or toy with her emotions. After all, if they acted on this, the inevitable pain of change would mean nothing. In the end, he'd learned hard lessons, and if Luis opened his heart, the past would only repeat itself.

"It's not that simple."

"It could be, but you're never going to let go of the resentment, are you?"

"I've tried, but it hasn't been easy."

"Nothing worth having ever is," Karen shot back. "I've loved you for so long, but ever since the day you met her..."

Karen's anger surged as everything clicked into place. Expectedly, Luis tried to console her, but she felt degraded and embarrassed all over again. Just the same, the realization was crystal clear--the man she loved didn't love her back.

She retreated toward the door and slammed it behind her as Luis moved slowly to his desk, opened his laptop, and began typing. Soon after, he made a decision that would change his life forever.