Amaranthine

Chapter Sixteen

Please check out the song as it is so appropriate for the chapter. Hope you enjoy it.

© Copyright 2011 

All work is property of Leah Crichton, any duplication or reproduction of all or part of the work without explicit permission by the author is illegal.

 

Benevolence: (buh-nev-uh-luh-ns)

desire to do good to others, goodwill

an act of kindness

 

The inner debate regarding whether Damien's silence was cocky or considerate festered as he drove, but I used it as a chance to gather my thoughts. I didn’t want to believe I saw what I did. I almost wish it had been a hallucination.  

I didn't know Damien. The last thing I needed was to turn into a blubbering mess in front of him—not like I hadn't already.

His voice interrupted my thoughts. “So. I haven’t seen you around. Are you new here?”

“We’ve only been here for a few months.”

“Strange that I haven't seen you before. I consider myself to be pretty observant, and we clearly know the same people.”

“Where do you go to school?” 

“I don't. I graduated early. Better things to do with my time than mundane schoolwork.”

Wow. That was impressive. Obviously Damien was not only graced with having impeccable timing, but he had been graced with intelligence as well. “Hey, listen,” he continued. “You look so upset, so sad. Don’t waste it on someone like him. He isn’t worth it, believe me.”

These words stung. True as they were, it didn’t hurt less. Orion had seemed so perfect, so incredible, and in a matter of seconds, it was gone.

I chomped down on my lip, tired of the tremble.

“Ah, broken hearted girl. Even with a frown painted across your pretty face,  you are indeed remarkable. I don’t think someone who looks that nice should go home at eight o’clock on a Saturday night. May I take you out?”

I laughed. I'd be the worst company in the world tonight, and the last thing I needed was the company of another boy. Orion had used and abused my tolerance of boys gone bad for the next several years, probably for the rest of my life. “I don’t know.”

“Please. I promise. You give me the word, and I’ll take you home.” He held up his hand. “Scouts honor.”

I had to admit, it was a tempting proposition considering my two options: Option one, go home and sit alone in the dark with a tub of ice cream, crying an endless, ridiculous number of tears over someone who didn’t deserve a single one; or Option two, go with this man, who I hardly knew, to God knows where.  It seemed dangerous, risqué, and a perfect salve to the misery.

“Okay,” I agreed on a whim. “Where did you have in mind?”

“Oh, just this great little place I know. It is like a club.”

“I just turned seventeen. I can’t get into a club.” 

“Not that kind of club. It is for minors, but they have pool tables, good music, good food and a dance floor.”

“Music and food sound good.” Dinner was being served at the party I had just run out of like a bat out of hell. I was starving.

“Your wish is my command.” His focus was on the road ahead, and I hoped this drive wouldn’t take long. If I was distracted I would be able to push thoughts of Orion aside.