My Star

Chapter 3

Later that night on the way to the bonfire.

Despite dressing the part, a sense of unease lingered within me. Absentmindedly, I brushed my hair away from my face, feeling the soft strands cascade down my back. The white tank top clung to me like a second skin, the cool fabric contrasting with the warmth of the day.

When I looked in the mirror, only my eyes betrayed my inner turmoil. Just as I was about to text Fin, 'I'm not going!' her message came through: 'I'm outside!' It wasn't even 8 o'clock yet.

As we drove to the gathering, my mind was a whirlwind of doubts. Should I have even come? I'm truly not in the mood for a party. I should have stayed home. I checked my voicemail, hoping to find a message from him, but there was none. Absentmindedly, I gazed out the window.

Fin's playlist filled the car with familiar tunes, but even that couldn't shake off the heaviness in my heart.

Fin's cousin, Tee-Tee, was dating a guy named A'Rio, and they were having an engagement party.

If she had mentioned who the party was for, I would have never come. There were some people in Saginaw you didn't even want to see in passing, and A'Rio was one of them.

This man never smiled, his presence casting a shadow of unease over wherever he walked.

Then he had a little brother named Chance, who was just as dangerous as him. But I had never personally seen Chance before. Sometimes I felt he was just some urban legend meant to scare you. Anyway, it was too late to turn back now.

As we arrived at the house in the vast countryside, its beauty overwhelmed me.

Why did they require so much land? Could it be hiding dark secrets, like buried bodies? "Star, pull yourself together," I whispered anxiously. "We're here, and we need to leave in one piece. Just avoid eye contact, and everything will be fine." I guess that was my pep talk to myself, for all the good it did. I was still nervous as hell.

After we parked, a trail of rose petals led down a path lined with candles, creating one of the most romantic setups I had ever seen. The trees twinkled with lights, resembling lightning bugs. Short tables were arranged picnic-style, each uniquely decorated with roses and candles, evoking a sense of beauty.

If someone had done this for me, I believe I would just die. Amidst the setup, a big bonfire flickered in the background, yet it wasn't the focal point. A wall adorned with roses displayed the words, 'You are my world.'

Overwhelmed with emotion, tears streamed down my face at the thoughtfulness and effort put into the evening.

When a tissue was handed to me, I accepted it with a quiet 'thank you.'

The deep, seductive voice that spoke to me resonated to my core, causing my knees to weaken.

Surprised, he caught me before I fell. As my arms instinctively wrapped around his neck, I found myself gazing into the most captivating pair of brown eyes belonging to the most handsome caramel-complexioned man I had ever seen.

Fin stood there, grinning like she knew a secret. "Hey, Star, this is Chance. Chance, meet my ride-or-die, my partner in crime Star."

At the mere mention of his name, a wave of fear washed over me, paralyzing every fiber of my being. Struggling to regain my composure and stand on my own fragile frame, he effortlessly scooped me up.

"Calm down, lil' momma," he uttered with a sly grin, his words sending a shiver down my spine.

"Ummm, could you put me down please?" I asked timidly.