The Dark Society

60

 To all appearances, Cottonwood Falls was everything Sabrina described, with lush landscapes and impeccable tradition. Putting aside the fact that suburbs felt sinister amid a profound sense of home.

Given this, Luis apprehensively approached a pristine two-story, featuring sparkling aquifers and secluded forests. An impressive acquisition for someone adept at the outdoors.

As if by magic, Sabrina exited the house and moved into the backyard. Whereupon, Luis converged as the warmth in the recess of his stomach swelled.

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

"Not the welcome I expected."

By all accounts, seeing her again was worth the effort, even despite trepidation.

"I pleaded with you to forget!"

"I can't!" he insisted.

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

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

From childhood, she was charming, but gullible and somewhat naive. Not the worse, Sabrina seemed different, as though perceptions changed.

"You have to go; it's not safe."

Immediately, he scowled.

"For me, or you?"

Expectedly, she retreated.

"You don't understand."

Gradually, Luis drew close.

"I want too."

Groaning, she tensed.

"Go home."

"Is that what you want?" he questioned.

Slowly, she turned.

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

Irritated, Luis squinted.

"You don't mean that."

Suddenly, she appeared resistant.

"Why are you pushing this?"

"The kiss, remember?" he implored, advancing.

"It meant nothing."

Confidently, Luis extended a hand.

"That's not true, and you know it."

Even now, emotions felt soured, though gazes were fixed. Granted, Sabrina felt heartbroken, but circumstances were different. And because of that, Luis didn't know what to expect of her or himself. Not only that, she didn't want him to go, regardless of a need to protect him.

In this connection, absence created curiosity, thus Luis felt divided between morality and passion. Over and above that, he wouldn't abandon her - nor yield to such demands.

Come what may, Sabrina grasped his hand as the dread of outcomes lingered. Nevertheless, she was genuine and direct, but somewhat recluse. In any case, Luis wouldn't complicate matters, since he'd revived a once suppressed fervor. And with that, assumptions were true: she hadn't forgotten.

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

"Yes, but I'm not the same..." she divulged. "My life's undergone significant changes; things you wouldn't understand."

Gazing from head to toe, he grinned.

"You look the same to me."

Smiling, Sabrina blushed.

"That's not what I meant."

Lovingly, he smirked.

"Let's discuss everything over dinner."

Again, she recoiled.

"I don't know."

Moaning, he hesitated.

"I have a confession to make."

Instantly, eyes widened.

"I'm in love with you."

Over time, they revealed countless intricacies, but regardless of Sabrina's renewed tenacity, Luis was bolder. (A trait she'd come to admire during their friendship). Although, as passions resurfaced, she again heeded instincts.

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

Closing, Luis tittered.

"I'm willing to try if you are."

Gradually, Sabrina loomed.

"I am."