My Star

Chapter 16

At 5:30, the soft glow of the setting sun bathed the room as anticipation tingled in the air, knowing Tino would arrive soon.

I sorted through the laundry baskets, the scent of fresh detergent filling the room as I started a new load.

With a sense of purpose, I tidied up the house, the sound of my footsteps echoing in the quiet.

I went to the kitchen to see what I could prepare. I noticed some Eckrich sausages and a bag of potatoes. "I'll need to remind Fin to go grocery shopping; supplies are running low," I mused to myself.

Liam's laughter from the shower brought a moment of calm amidst the chaos.

Back in the kitchen, the sizzle of Eckrich sausages filled the room, and the earthy aroma of potatoes teased my senses. As I prepared dinner, a mix of anxiety and determination swirled within me, thoughts racing about the impending conversation with Tino.

After dinner, the clinking of dishes echoed through the kitchen as I tidied up, the rhythmic sound calming my racing thoughts. "Before bed, remember to study for that upcoming test," I reminded Liam. He groaned but headed to his room.

A short time later I checked on Liam he had fallen asleep with his beats on. As I closed his door; Tino's car pulled into the driveway, my heart pounded in sync with his footsteps on the porch, the tension palpable in the air. With a deep breath, I faced the open door, the sight of his bruised face stirring a whirlwind of emotions within me.

"Can we talk?" I asked.

His smile seemed forced, and I knew it pained him. "Sure, I'm all sweaty from work; let me just jump in the shower real quick," he replied, heading that way. "It smells good in here, what did you cook?" he inquired, pulling his shirt over his head.

"I made smothered potatoes and Eckrich sausages. But this won't take long," I said.

"Star, I smell horrible; I'll be quick," he grimaced.

I smiled softly and replied, "Maybe some other time." With my key in hand, I made my way to the door.

"I've waited weeks for you, Star, and you're too good to wait 10 minutes for me?" He yanked my hair, forcing me to meet his gaze. His expression twisted with a mix of anguish and rage.

"Tino, I just need to get home," I pleaded, struggling to break free from his grip.

"Tino! Tino!" he bellowed, his own name sounding like a painful admission.

"Star, I need you to sit down and wait for me! All you had to do was wait. Why couldn't you just wait?" He seemed to be questioning himself more than he was addressing me.

As his arm circled around my neck, a chilling realization dawned on me - this was the very obsession my mom had warned me about, she just had the wrong monster.

Summoning every ounce of courage, I struck out at him. The retaliatory backhand struck me with such brutal force that I was sent sprawling to the ground, desperately gasping for air as I crawled away, my heart pounding in terror.

In an instant, he was upon me, flipping me over and wrapping both hands around my neck. "I love you, Star. I've always loved you," he whispered, his grip tightening.

Frantically clawing at his hands, I felt tears streaming down my face. As I closed my eyes I saw Chance's smile, I knew this was our final goodbye, a love never to be fulfilled.

Tino's anguished scream pierced the air, realization dawning that he had taken what was never his. My lifeless body hung in his arms, tears mingling with his own, a tragic end to a love that could have never been.