What Happens in L.A.

Chapter 14: Part 4

L+ A

Addilyn walks away from the scene sporting the brightest smile, eyes sparkling under the lights. She's radiant, she cannot be anything but this faux emotion. At a young age, she was said to be going places, happy places even. A smile that lit up the whole room, even if the structure was collapsing and everything around her was up in flames.

Others were supposed to smile back, wanting to know who that shining jewel was. Addilyn is a phony and a fake, made out of layers upon layers of guilt. If this was chess, everyone around her is a pawn, and she's playing against herself. Addilyn built an empire out of lies, and she's sitting on the throne, overlooking the failing kingdom.

The stage lights were dimming, the audience is restless, they want more. They always want more.

When Addilyn reaches the kitchen, she's met with dozens of chefs running around, starting to stack dishes onto trays for the waiters. Vivid colors are spread out on pristine plates, blending together perfectly. She waits in a quiet corner, knowing whats to come when Chase finds her. It's after the chefs are finished with all courses that they clear out, completely ignoring her figure, that Chase arrives.

"What fucking game are you trying to play. You're making a fool out of yourself. Out of us." He spits, his veins protruding out of his neck, skin turning fiery red. Addilyn stares with blank eyes, unaffected by his malicious appearance.

"I'm not playing any games, Chase. I do apologize. I'm very sorry."

"You're lying," he roars, only loud enough so they can hear. Chase walks towards her, gripping her arm tightly. "You're going to go out there and be good. If you slip up even the tiniest bit, I swear-"

"I understand, Chase."

"No, I don't think you do. Do you understand how much effort we put into this charade, we're too far to into this to stop or get caught."

"We won't. I promise." Addilyn's tone is monotone, doing nothing to sooth his worries. She's too tired to fight a losing battle anymore.

"Fix yourself, then go back out there." He releases her, then proceeds to walk out of the room, living her all alone in the dark room. The only source of light is from the large window that over looks the vast backyard. Even the moon couldn't brighten her spirits.

As she sits and waits for the world to be thrown out balance, for something tragic to happen. Before the sea comes to drown her in salt water, the door opens again.

"Alright?" Mason's voice like a gentle breeze, cooling her skin.

"Alright."

He doesn't push, even if he knows its a lie. Mason walks until he is standing beside her, watching the stars with her. They stay like that for a while, until the moment is broken by Mason reaching out and pulling Addilyn into his arms. "It's fine to cry now. It's just us and the moon."

It's only then when Addilyn cries, tears overflowing, spilling everything that she's been holding onto for years. The last time she cried was when she was twelve, when she moved away from her father. But now, in the darkness, Addilyn let's herself melt into Mason. The sickening thought of this not being the first time this has happened, and it possibly being the last makes Addilyn laugh. It was a choked, broken throaty sob that even made Mason wince, but not question it. He never questions her, but as she's ripping at the seams, Addilyn wishes he did just this once.

"Hey, look at me."

Addilyn looks up with glassy eyes, make-up running. She prepares herself to be scolded, for him to look away from her in disgust. But instead he lifts his hands to wipe off the black painting her face, smiling softly while doing so. "I like you better without make-up anyways," Mason's laugh is gentle, careful not to break the quiet they've created. Addilyn offers a small smile, unable to continue crying.