Shades of Desire

Jace

Music was blasting in the bar, and college students were dancing as if there were no tomorrow. The last time I was at this place was a year ago, where I felt something more than just physical attraction with a girl.

The memories flooded back, and I tried to shut them off by gulping down more drinks. This night had been fucking crazy for me. My past lingered like a nightmare, and I just couldn't escape it, no matter how much I tried.

My throat burned, and my head spun. Fuck. I made it to my car and drove. My apartment wasn't far from the bar, but I didn't feel like going back there. Right, the frat house. I had the keys. I swerved there and quickly unlocked it. It was so quiet; I mean, no one was ever here. I stumbled onto the couch and passed out.

Suddenly, I woke up with a jolt, only to see her. I must be dreaming. There's no way she would be here.

"Hey, maybe you've come into the wrong house?" she asked nervously.

Okay, I must get my ears checked. I tried to sit up, but my head was spinning. Just then, I saw Ethan heading downstairs.

"Jace, I didn't know you'd be here."

I hated that guy. Why did he sound so cheerful when I was the only one going through shit?

"Ivy, this is my brother Jace," he said to her.

Ivy. Her name was pretty, just like her.

"Nice to meet you," she said, extending her hand towards me.

Fuck. She didn't even remember me. A rush of anger and hurt washed over me. How could she forget?

I needed air. I just left the house. I know I acted like a complete jerk, but she didn't even fucking remember me.

I got in my car, started the engine, and drove back to my apartment.

That night played back in my mind, crystal clear. I remembered how I had asked her, "Don't you think you've had enough to drink?"

She shot back, "Who the fuck are you to tell me that?"

I had brushed her hair behind her ear, and in that moment, she pulled me into a kiss that left me breathless.

But after that night, she disappeared—no note, no goodbye, nothing. Just the memory of her lingered like a ghost, and now she was here, right in front of me, yet a million miles away.

As I parked my car, frustration bubbled inside me. How could someone I shared something so intense with just forget? I felt trapped in my own thoughts, haunted by the memory of Ivy, desperate for answers I might never get.