Island.

Chapter 25

Twenty Five.

The plaza was more alive than ever. It was buzzing with activity, with people busily walking down the pier, visiting the shops and taking advantage of the amazing weather. It was a clear night, not a single cloud in the sky. There were a series of lanterns that led all the way down the pier and the place had a sort of glow. It looked strangely beautiful with the setting sun. There were stands that the people from the local shop set up, selling things that they hoped would attract buyers.

It was busy but it felt strangely empty. How do you go from having someone so constantly in your life, everyday, to not having them around at all? It was a lot to get used to, to say the least.

He texted me practically everyday, just wanting to have some type of communication. The time apart allowed me to think of things differently. I realized that even though it hurt to be apart, it was very essential. I was giving him time to sort through all the troubles he had, and for him to focus on himself, rather than my safety around him.

The stress wasn’t as great as it was before and I was grateful for that. It also gave us the space that we needed. We were being forced into something that was probably becoming dangerous. Who knows what this Jay guy was capable of? I didn’t. But he killed two people and got away with it. He shot Keanu.

He was capable of anything.

I walked slowly along the plaza, gazing at the merchandise laid out for customers. The night was warm and breezy. The energy was buoyant, and light. For once, since the whole Keanu thing, I was feeling… okay. School was out, and wouldn’t start up until the ending of summer. So there was nothing to do during the day.

Cady caught my eye from across the plaza and waved me over. She was standing by the popcorn vender getting a large bag. I walked over to her, giving her a slight smile.

“He girl, I haven’t seen you in a while!” She said while hugging me. The smell of butter wafted its way over to me, but I wasn’t in the mood for it.

“Yeah. I’ve been spending my days at the beach.” I told her. It was true. I was spending more and more time swimming. I was finding it more relaxing. Swimming was something that was…suitable for the time being. It was something for people who needed solitude.

“Well its my birthday tomorrow, and Sam is throwing one of his infamous parties at his house for me, tonight. You should come.” She looked at me with such hopeful eyes.

“I don’t know, I’m sure you know that every time I go to one of these things something happens.” I laughed.

“Please,” she begged.”

“I won’t be in town for the weekend that’s why he’s having the party tonight. I would really love it of you came.” There was that pout again.

It had been a while since I had seen and spoken to Leia as well. Maybe this party was a good idea. I was definitely becoming one of those antisocial depressed maniacs that craved some kind of release.

“I spoke to Keanu, and he told me that things haven’t been the greatest between the two of you. If that’s what is making you not want to go, then I will have to kill him myself.” She said gently but her eyes held her light humor.

“I’ll come.” I held up a finger as soon as she was about to do her happy dance.

“Only because I won’t get to see you for you actual birthday.” I told her sternly. But with Cady, I couldn’t keep a straight face. She just brought out the smiles.

“Alright. It starts at eight, but you can come whenever you’d like. Ava, I won’t let him smother you, if you need your space. I promise.” I nodded, and by the time she left I could feel the butterflies creating chaos in my stomach. It wasn’t because I was afraid I would see him.

It was because I wanted to see him. Badly.


~


I was slipping on my black dress, which fell just above my knees when the doorbell rang. Then I heard the footsteps racing up to my room and I knew who it would be knocking on my door.

“Open up!” Leia yelled. I couldn’t help but laugh at her impatient banter and let her in and watched her eyes grow wide when she saw what I was wearing.

“I see someone has been shopping without me.” She pouted.

“I had to, seeing as someone was too busy with their boyfriend to go anywhere these days.” I retorted.

Her and Mikale had been spending more and more time together. They were absolutely gorgeous together.

“Oh hush. You know you love us!” She laughed. I just couldn’t stay mad at her.

“C’mon let’s go!” She called as she walked out. I grabbed my purse and Cady’s gift and got the lights as I stepped out.

When we arrived at the party, Cady had already saved us a table at the back, where we could practically see everyone.

“Hey Cady! Happy Birthday!” I told her, giggling because it wasn’t really her birthday until tomorrow, and handed her the gift. She placed it at the corner of the table, and handed me a drink.

For the next hour, I tried to keep my gaze fixed on my drink. But I knew that I couldn’t help but scan the place for him. I noticed he wasn’t anywhere in sight.

Maybe he wasn’t there yet, I tried to tell myself. Maybe he stayed home. Maybe he was sick. It was still early, maybe he was just waiting.

There was a lot more people here than usual. People who I assumed to be Cady’s family. The pile of gifts seemed to be growing steadily. The crowd grew larger, people steadily increasing and the music growing louder.

I glanced over at the corner of the house and sure enough, he was there. His eyes glued to mine. He was wearing a midnight blue button down, with black jeans. And his hair looked soft, and was pulled back into a low ponytail. His eyes were dark; daring. His lips were concealed by the dark. I wanted him to come to me. I wanted to go to him. And I tried to see what he wanted to do, if he was debating to make a move. But I could tell; we were both stubborn.

I tried to hide my anxiety. I tried to make myself feel nothing. But I couldn’t lie to myself. I could lie to everyone at this party, and say I didn’t feel a thing for the man leaning against the house. But I couldn’t lie to him and myself. His eyes begged me silently to go.

And I wanted to.

 What was holding me back?

I was stubborn and I let stubborn Irish in my blood take hold. I stood my ground.

“Want another drink?” Leia asked from behind me, startling the life out of me. I replied with an eager nod, and letting the alcohol drown out the noise of the party, and of my ego.

It had to be at least two hours and about five drinks later. My vision was hazy, but clear enough. I had been looking at that particular corner of the house more often that I’d like to admit. His own collection of beers were growing. We always seemed to be catching the other staring and then looking away suddenly. I was growing tired of it. What was it that he wanted exactly?

Anger suddenly rose from within me. It was like he was watching me, keeping tabs. I didn’t like being watched. I stomped my way over to him, not caring that I too was now in the confines of the dark.

“What do you want?” I asked him, annoyance seeping into my tone with my arms crossing my chest. I tried to ignore the way his eyes widened when he saw me.

I tried to ignore how he suddenly looked ravenous. I tried to ignore how is eyes swept my body, making me place my hands on my hips, taunting him. If he wanted to be a moron, then I could entertain him.

Without words, he told me what he wanted.

I shivered, though it was over eighty degrees out here. He placed his hand on my arm, his eyes dangerous, and daring. He lowered his face so that his lips hovered inches above mine. And he never said a word. He backed me up, further and further into the shadows. The alcohol making the music and heat swim around us. The lights fading, the people fading.

It was only us.

My back touched the house and I sighed. We were finally alone. But he didn’t stop moving. He came closer and closer, he lifted my legs up, so that they wrapped around his waist, and he moved closer still.

He claimed my lips, in the most passionate kiss I’ve ever witnessed. I could feel everything. Longing. Hurt. Happiness. Anger. Lust. Regret. Everything was too intense. Everything was doubled, because I was feeling the same. I turned my face for air. But his lips never left my skin. He just trailed down my jaw, and then my neck.

“I..missed..you..so..much.” He said between each kiss. And every word was enough to make me tremble. There was so much wrong with what we were doing right now. But I just didn’t care. I wasn’t going to ever separate myself from him again. It just wasn’t worth the depression and emotional pain.

He hugged me close and it was my turn to ravage him. I kissed every inch of is glorious face, taking an extra minute on his ever so soft lips. They had the slightest taste of beer on them. I ran my fingers through his silky hair that I missed so much. God, I worried so much about him. I didn’t realize that I was crying until he wiped the tears away.

“What’s wrong babe?” He said, his coal eyes shining in the dark. He was so beautiful. I didn’t know what I would do if I lost him. I didn’t answer him. Instead I just kissed him.

“Lets leave.” I was looking at him, and him at me, we couldn’t possibly know if there was anyone looking at us.

But there was. And he came out, giving us our own little applause. His shirt was grease stained. His back was to the party. The music was loud as ever. I didn’t recognize this man. But I felt Keanu go rigid beside me.

_________________________________

So, from here on out, its the turning point. :)