Beyond The Lie

Chapter 65: The Carnival Night

Adeline

Almost a week later~

As I settled into my usual routine at Creative Spackle, the familiar rhythms of the studio comforting me, I glanced around the room. Rachel was busy guiding a new intern, while the rest of the team worked on their respective projects. The sound of laughter and chatter filled the air, and I felt a sense of belonging wash over me.

As I worked, my gaze drifted out the window. The sun was shining, casting a warm glow over the city. My eyes landed on a tree outside, where a pair of birds sat perched on a branch, their tiny heads nestled together. They seemed so peaceful, so content in each other's company. I felt a faint tug at my heart, a subtle reminder of... something.

I turned my attention back to my design, trying to shake off the feeling that had settled in my chest. I focused on the lines and shapes, letting my creativity flow. But my mind kept wandering, memories flickering at the edges of my consciousness. Memories of Eryx, of our laughter, our arguments, our moments of tenderness.
I thought about the night Eryx had shown up at my studio, his eyes blazing with intensity as he'd stood over me, his face inches from mine. I remembered the way my heart had pounded, the way my skin had tingled with anticipation.

I recalled the way he'd leaned in, his lips almost touching mine. The memory of that almost-kiss sent shivers down my spine. I remembered the way the studio's dim lighting had cast shadows on his face, making his eyes seem even more intense. The scent of freshly brewed coffee had filled the air, but all I'd noticed was the warm, masculine scent of Eryx.

My mind wandered to the Family Event, where we'd finally kissed in the dimly lit hallway. I remembered the way the fluorescent lights above had cast an eerie glow, and the sound of muffled music and laughter had drifted from the main hall. The memory of his lips on mine, the way he'd held me, his hands cradling my face... it all came flooding back.

I felt a flutter in my chest as I remembered the way Eryx's eyes had locked onto mine, the way his gaze had seemed to see right through me. I'd felt so alive, so electric, when I was with him. And now... now I felt empty, hollow, like a part of me was missing.

A soft smile spread across my face as I got lost in the memories. The palmist's words echoed in my mind: "The universe has a way of bringing people back together when the time is right." I felt a glimmer of hope, a sense that maybe, just maybe, Eryx and I weren't done yet. My mind began to wander, thinking about all the what-ifs and maybes. What if we did get a second chance? What would it be like?

I opened my eyes, gazing blankly at the designs scattered across my worktable. My thoughts were a jumbled mess, but one thing was clear: I still had feelings for Eryx. The question was, what was I going to do about it?

Just as I was getting lost in thought, my phone buzzed with an incoming call from Liv. I answered, and her voice was like a burst of energy on the other end. "When will you come!" Liv asked, her tone more like a demand than a question.

"Uh, come where?" I asked, feeling a bit confused.

Liv's laughter was immediate. "Girl, you forgot, didn't you? We're going to the carnival tonight! We've been planning this for weeks."

I felt a surge of panic. "Oh, yeah...I'm so sorry, Liv. I just totally spaced it out."

Liv's tone turned teasing. "You better not be standing me up! What time can I expect you? Don't make me come find you."

I laughed. "I'll be there by 4, I promise."

Liv's laughter filled the line again. "See you soon, girl! Don't be late!"

***

As I walked through the Starlight Spectacle carnival gates with Soph and Liv, the smell of funnel cakes and sugary treats hit me like a punch to the gut. I was instantly starving. The sun had just dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the Brooklyn waterfront.