Under the Moonshine

Five | Following The Norm

Monday.

The system security was still on, protecting the huge mansion from any burglar. It was a 400 square-meter mansion with a home theatre; some of the windows were wider than the others and the outside looked classic and inviting. Sebastian Martin's mansion looked impenetrable.

Emily reminded herself to close her window this time. She didn't want another break in incident, like what Taren did. She silently prepared for school, going back to her routine, trying to survive without her father to nag at her.

She let her hair loose, displaying her big curls. There were bags under her eyes, telling the world about her sleepless nights. After putting some gloss to her lips, she grabbed her pink bag and headed to the front door.

"Emily."

She gasped and turned around, obviously startled at the voice. "What the hell," she whispered, a bit irritated. "You startled me. Don't just sneak up on me, okay?"

Taren stood behind her, no shirt again, his sleepy eyes gazing at her. His hair was dishevelled from sleep, making him looked boyish again. She patted her chest and thought that she should stop drinking coffee. Like right now.

Taren nodded his head. "Are you leaving?"

"I'm going to school, you know, back to normal."

His eyes gazed at her intently, as if pleading. He then walked towards her. "And you're going back home?"

Emily returned his gaze. Something about his eyes made her lightheaded. He was mesmerizing.

Or maybe he was trying to be cute and charming.

"Of course," she answered.

"Should I hide while you're away?" he asked.

It took her a couple of seconds to comprehend what he was trying to say. This guy in front of her lived his life away from people. He hides to live.

"Just..." Emily trailed off and ran her hand down her hair. "Just stay here inside."

"Okay," he said and smiled.

That made her smile too.

And she didn't know why.

- - - - -

"Hey," Emily whispered. "Question."

Amanda turned to her, slightly leaning. Their professor was busy discussing about computer networks and most of the students were busy trying not to listen. Rain poured again, tapping the windows, dark clouds scattered in the sky.

The class room's ambiance looked gloomy, mirroring outside's weather.

Emily glanced at the professor who seemed oblivious to his students. "Do you think beasts exist?"

Amanda shot her a look. "Beast? Like what kind of beast?"

Emily shrugged. "Vampires? Wolves?"

Amanda's ponytail swayed as she angled her body towards her friend. Her wide eyes focused on her. "Like Dracula and werewolves, you mean?"

She just nodded her head.

"Well, yeah, maybe they did exist. If I found one, I'll make him bite me," she giggled at her own thought.

Emily snickered at her response and shook her head.

Her mind wandered, thinking of Taren. She smiled at the idea of him being indifferent but her happy bubble popped the instant Wilson entered her mind. Why the hell he was trying to steal her dad's company? They were supposed to be best friends. Now she didn't know what to do. She needed to talk to her lawyer, as soon as possible.

When the bell rang, Ruth approached and gave her a hug.

"How are you holding up?" There was sympathy in her voice.

Emily gave her a small smile. "I'm going to be fine."

Amanda hooked her hand into her arm. "You don't look okay, Em," she commented.

"Don't worry," she replied. "I will be."

Both Amanda and Ruth stared at her, as if reading her thoughts. Emily had already mastered the act of being okay. She could conjure the face she needed to display to convince everyone that she was, indeed, okay, even if she wasn't. She has a strong exterior, not letting anyone pity her. Maybe she got that trait from her mother.

"Really, guys," she muttered. "I'm fine. Or I'm gonna be fine. Just give me time."

Ruth smiled, convinced. "Do you want us to hang out with you? You hate being alone in that mansion of yours."

She hastily shook her head. "Maybe next time."

"You sure?" Amanda asked.

She just nodded.

- - - - -

Taren was sitting beside Max at the living room, his eyes keeps on darting towards the front door. He could hear the loud tick from the wall clock, counting and counting. The elegant grand piano was rooted at the far corner, its presence made him curious. Looking around, classic painting hung on the wall, the mansion's aesthetics were superb not to notice. The black and gray combination suited the elegant furniture.

He fidgeted as he waited, sometimes rolling his shoulder to ease his muscle. He's damn bored, to be honest.

As the car's engine reached Taren's ears, he composed himself, ready to greet Emily. Max barked and stood up, jogging towards the front door.

When she swung the door open, Emily hugged Max, earning her a lick on her rosy cheek. Taren approached her and waited.

"Hi," she said.

His brows furrowed. He was expecting a damn hug, just like Max's.

"Have you eaten?"

Taren didn't move, waiting for that hug.

"I've waited for you," he stated. Emily just stared up at him, feeling uncertain. "I've waited for you just like Max. Now, where's my hug?"

Blush oozed from her cheeks, biting her lips briefly. "He's a dog. And you're not."

"So?"

So? "Hugs and kisses are only exclusive for boyfriends. Not strangers. Thank you for waiting, anyway."

There was a faint growl from him. Without any word, he walked away. Emily watched him go, a bit surprised. Max barked, as if giving her some advice.

"Did I do something wrong?" she asked her dog with a frown.

He barked once again, answering.

"What? I should say sorry?" Emily replied, as if she could understand his barks. Taking a deep breath, she patted his head. "Okay, fine, buddy, I'll say sorry."

She took up the stairs and found Taren lying at the sofa beside the wide glass-window. Her steps faltered as she noted his innocent eyes staring out the window. Looking at him topless, with a wound mark visible at his back shoulder, he looked vulnerable.

Emily cleared her throat dramatically, getting his attention. "Taren?"

He said nothing.

"Would you like to go outside?"

He instantly turned to her. "Now?"

His animated expression made her smile. "Yes, now."

He stood up, excitement could be seen in his face. He seemed ready to go.

"You should get dressed."

He debated for a moment. "But I don't like clothes. It's irritating. And hot."

Emily crossed her arms over her chest. "If you want to come with me outside, you have to get dressed," she said. "I don't want girls raking a look at you for that body," she murmured to herself.

"Why do I have to wear clothes?"

Emily patted his shoulder. "Because we have to follow the norm. We don't want people to think you're tempting them or something."