Darkness That Dwells Within The Magnolias

Chapter 2

My heart sinks into the acidic pit of my stomach, instantly fizzling out any form of hope and desire that simmered under my skin like a roaring beast that demanded every ounce of my attention. My mouth dries out like rough sandpaper despite the cool water I inhaled seconds ago, and my jaw drops in utter shock while I stare up at Sarah in bewilderment.

"What?" I ask, hardly above a whisper. Sarah tears her eyes away from Rafe and gives me a sad smile. A pathetic attempt to hide the past within her forced amusement, and she waves a hand at me to brush off my concern.

"It's a long story, and I think we're all a little drunk to rehash the past." John B appears at her side, snaking a tanned arm around her waist and pulls her close, nuzzling the top of his nose into her hair comfortingly. "When is your next day off? We can all try to meet up at our place and have a fire in the yard. We can talk about it then." I bite the inside of my lip, a dangerous swell of hope lighting ablaze in my chest. Maybe they do like me, I hardly ever get invited to many things after the first encounter. I snake out my phone, and quickly click to my photos and study my new schedule,

"I have to work until close at the patio bar tomorrow night, but I'm off on Sunday, and could come over if you guys are feeling up for it?" I glance up nervously at the faces that stare at us, and a warm smile pulls on Kiara's face,

"Yeah sounds like a plan to me, I think we could all use a break from the beach, and enjoy the chateau." I quirk an eyebrow up at her questioningly, and she nods to John B.

"That's their place. We'll make sure JJ gives you the address." I flash her a wide smile, and JJ stands and stretches his arms out high above his head.

"I'll give it to you at work tomorrow, I gotta be there at three 'til close anyway myself, but I have a short breakfast shift on Sunday, and I'll be off the next two." I pocket my phone and rub the center of my chest, my heart physically swelling with so much joy it starts to ache.

"Sounds good, thank you guys for inviting me. I really had so much fun with y'all, I'm going to head home, I'm getting really tired." I chirp out, and Sarah leans into John B with a loud yawn.

"Sounds good, we had fun." She hums and John B gives me a small wave, "See you then."

"Are you good to get home?" Pope asks, and I nod enthusiastically.

"Yeah I'm fine, I've sobered up from that experience anyway. I'll make sure to chug another water. Thanks for asking, I'll catch you guys soon." John B and Sarah's gaze drifts back to Rafe who now stands with two other males by the fire, but his eyes stare out into the undulating dark waters that threaten to brush his shoes. JJ's turquoise eyes follow their line of sight and he closes the distance to me glancing between the party and his friends.

"I'll walk you to your car, wouldn't want any psychopaths leering around this time of night." JJ sneers bitterly.

Or weirdos.

I shake my head vigorously, feeling guilt build in my gut at the thought of burdening him.

"I'm okay, really thank you. I'll be just fine. It's a quick walk, and I've been in much worse situations. I'll see ya tomorrow. It was good to meet you guys!" I call out while walking away hastily. I make sure to keep my eyes zeroed in on the sand while I snatch one more water bottle, and pass by the roaring fire. I force myself to not gaze at him, even though this deep ache in the marrow of my bones tries to entice my curiosity with one, final glance. Crazy, and deadly, even my own self preservation drive was at an all time high near him moments ago, my sixth sense begging me to flee from the danger that emanates from those glacial eyes. I veer the opposite side of the fire that I know Rafe remains at, and for the smallest second I try to peer through the fire at him, but the yellows and reds flick and dance in the perfect synchronicity to shield him from me. Good riddance. I wince at the intrusive thought, knowing that no matter how much I convince myself that he's an endless, frozen black hole, the darker half of me wants to play.