The Dark Society

60

Cottonwood Falls was everything Sabrina had described, complete with lush landscapes and impeccable tradition. Yet despite the profound sense of home, these particular suburbs felt sinister.

Luis apprehensively approached a pristine two-story house that featured a sparkling pool and was nestled against a secluded forest. It was an impressive acquisition for someone who loved the outdoors.

As if by magic, Sabrina emerged from the house and walked into the backyard. Observing this, Luis approached as warmth swelled in his chest.

"Luis, what are you doing here?" she exclaimed, appearing startled.

"Not the welcome I expected."

Seeing her again had been worth the effort, even amid Sabrina's obvious trepidation.

"I pleaded with you to forget!"

"I can't!" he insisted.

"This was the surprise you spoke about?" she asked.

"It is, but you don't look pleased."

She had always been charming, but also gullible and somewhat naive. But now, Sabrina seemed different, as though her perceptions had changed.

"You have to go. It's not safe."

Luis scowled. "For me, or you?"

She retreated. "You don't understand."

Luis stepped closer. "I want to."

She tensed. "Go home."

"Is that what you want?" he questioned.

She turned away. "Yes..." Sabrina insisted. "I don't want to worry about you."

Luis squinted. "You don't mean that."

She appeared resistant. "Why are you pushing this?"

"The kiss, remember?" he implored.

"It meant nothing."

Luis extended his hand. "That's not true and you know it."

Even now, emotions felt raw, but their gazes remained fixed. Nevertheless, Sabrina felt heartbroken, but the circumstances were different, and Luis didn't know what to expect of her or himself. Yet despite everything, she didn't want him to go, regardless of her need to protect him.

Her absence had initially created curiosity, and Luis felt divided between morality and passion. Though, he wouldn't abandon her, so Sabrina grasped his hand as the dread of unknown outcomes lingered. She was genuine and direct, but wouldn't complicate matters now that they'd revived a once-suppressed fervor. Even still, his assumptions proved true--she hadn't forgotten.

"I was right," he whispered while stroking her cheek.

"Yes, but I'm not the same..." she revealed. "My life has undergone significant changes--things you wouldn't understand."

Gazing at her from head to toe, he grinned. "You look the same to me."

Sabrina blushed. "That's not what I meant."

He smirked. "Let's discuss everything over dinner."

She recoiled. "I don't know."

Luis hesitated. "I have a confession to make."

Her eyes widened.

"I'm in love with you."

They'd revealed countless intricacies over time, but regardless of Sabrina's renewed tenacity, Luis remained the bolder of the two--a trait she'd come to admire during their friendship. Though, as her own passions resurfaced, Sabrina followed her instincts.

"I love you too, but I'm afraid."

Luis chuckled softly. "I'm willing to try if you are."

Sabrina looked up at him. "I am."