Separation is the only choice. (WP Entry 2014)

Chapter Two

Dalila and Amber wandered down the sidewalk, making little head way towards the hospital. It was a twenty minute stroll to the massive cream building, it's haunted aura infecting any who dare intrude. Dalila hated the beast, avoiding it her whole life with ease. That was, until Hayden had been injured. Sleep rang through the town, too early for any one to stir. They always took the pathway through the park, so Amber could smell the daffodils. Their aroma wafted through the air, making Dalila queasy. She hated the flower, but withheld her discomfort for the sake of Amber. It was the least she could do.

Hayden had been driving when the accident occurred. Vallorie had designated the task of informing Hayden of her new engagement to Dalila - probably assumed it might mull over easier. Both women, Vallorie and her true mother, knew of Dalila's love for Hayden. They never even suspected her relationship with Amber.

The sound of the dead tone of her cell phone rang in her eyes, making her shiver. She had never expected Hayden to crash, to end up in the ICU. She had escaped the accident with few injuries, though guilt and fatigue filled her each day. Dalila made a move to entwine her fingers with Ambers, subtly inching their hands together. With a look of disdain, Amber sighed, grasping Dalila's hand firmly.

"It doesn't hurt to hold hands, right?" she smiled grimily.

"Only when you look that beautiful," Dalila mumbled under her breath. Amber had been in the same program as Dalila, coping with the death of her twin brother, James. It hadn't been easy on her. He drowned one summer while they were visiting their family home in Quebec, their father's fault Amber confirmed. The man killed himself four months later, like Dalila's father. Both Amber and Hayden had been entered in the program, their only distinguishing traits contrasting eye pigmentation. Hayden, with his muted sapphire eyes seemed timid and fidgety. Amber on the other hand had captured Dalila the first moment she gazed in to her tawny brown eyes.

Amber leaned slightly against Dalila, brushing her fingertips along the park shrubs. "Do you remember the day, we played tag here, just you and me?" A smile flickered across Dalila's face for the first time in what seemed like eons. How could I forget.

"Of course, Bee. The day you kissed me for the first time." Amber's cheeks flushed pink, as Dalila brought them to a halt. "Why do we have to stop? Any of us. Those women, mom and Vallorie. They enrolled us in Jennifer's class. They have a warped idea of what goes on, the relationships Jen weaves between us," Dalila brought her icy fingers to Amber's cheek. "Why do we have to be the ones to fall out of love? Why do I have to abandon the only people who have ever loved me?" Dalila drew closer to Amber, causing the girl to shuffle nervously. Does she want me to kiss her? Only one way to find out.

Leaning in, Dalila brushed her lips against the cracked flesh before her. How could such lushish lips be so hard? She withdrew before Amber could push her away. She always seemed to push her away nowadays.

"Lila, we can't. We just can't, not now. We've got to wait, patiently, Lila. See what Hayden says when he wakes up." Sighing, Dalila released Amber's hand. This wasn't her fault, any of it. They had fallen in love, her and Amber. Infectious, lustful, care-free love. Ever since her first day in Dr. Morgan's program, the connection had been there.

. . .

"My names Amber, I'm twelve this fall. And this is Hayden, my older brother. He's fourteen, but I promise he's not as stuck up as he looks." Polished golden tangles flowed down the girl's back. How... pretty. Taking a deep breathe, I extended my hand, the way grown ups always seemed to do.

"Hi, I'm Dalila. Call me Lila though." I manage to get the words out. Amber smiled, taking my hand.

"Do you want to be partners? They said me and Hayden can't be together, since were related. But they can't object to the three of us, can they?" Amber led the duo over to a pair of chairs, quickly stealing a third from a neighboring table. The round wooden furniture seemed over sized for the trio, but Amber did not seem to mind. She was the ring leader here.

Hayden had not made a sound since their previous introduction. His rich hair reciprocal to his younger sister, the boy seemed depressed. They must deal with grief separate ways. His glare reached my eyes, softening slightly. Hayden opened his mouth as if to speak, but must have decided against it, his mouth forming a firm line.

"Hayden, can I ask you a question?" I murmured just soft enough for the siblings to hear. The room bustled with parents and children chatting idly, leaving us the privacy I needed. He nodded, though he seemed weary. Taking a deep breath, I whispered the first thought that came to mind.

"Do you think I'm pretty?" My eyes averted towards the floor, Hayden's bulging out. I glanced at Amber, a wolfish grin spread across her face. Hayden muttered something incoherent, causing Amber to elbow him less than gently.

"Well, Hayden, speak up! Is Dalila, the raven haired wonder, as gorgeous as can be?" Hayden sneered at his sister, making direct eye contact with me.

"Do you want to know what I think of you?" His face was still, Amber's smile lacking reassurance. How could I have possibly been so bold? I nod, praying he takes mercy on me.

"I think you're absolutely alluring, Dalila. From your glowing lily white skin, to the ebony wisps framing your face. If I could only lay my head against your voluptuous-"

"That's enough, Hayden." Dr. Morgan had joined our table, smiling sweetly. "I see you've found a way around my instructions Amber. Though I applaud your efforts, I'm not sure you'd like to share partners in this particular situation. This is a permanent pairing. Trial and error, yes, but ultimately perpetual. Would you like to share sensual partners with your brother?"

I gasped, locking eyes with Amber. She knew? Dr. Morgan had said this would be between us, the intentions of our union. I shudder, moving my gaze toward Hayden. He showed no signs of conspiracy, seemingly shocked.

"If Hayden doesn't mind, I don't. We couldn't decide who would ask her, so we agreed to go in it together. Jennifer, there's always been three of us-" Amber began, teardrops forming in her eyes. I reached my hand to her instinctively, lacing her fingers between mine. Looking at Dr. Morgan, I gave a surrendering smile. The Collins siblings had captured me, consuming my self-doubts and countless issues as well.

. . .

"Amber, can we please just have a moment? I know it's w-wrong, but Hayden-" Dalila stuttered before wrapping her arms around Amber's neck. The blonde sighed deeply, embracing the hug. Swiftly, Dalila tilted her head once more, kissing Amber gently. At first, she was resistant. Dalila could tell her heart was not in it. Withdrawing a mere inch, she leaned her mouth towards Amber's ear. "Babe, please. I know you miss me, please. I need you."

Another sigh escaped Amber's lips. She took Dalila's face in to her palms, smashing their lips together. Amber ran her tongue across Dalila's bottom lip, beckoning entrance. Opening the parting, her tongue invaded the space, deepening the kiss. Amber's hands wandered across Dalila's body, groping her viciously. Neither of them acknowledged the public setting. Oh, the sparks, the delicious taste of a well-breed woman. Amber backed away too soon, holding Dalila's hand.

"We should go now, Lila. It's time." She kissed Dalila's cheek, dragging her down the cement pathway. Kisses held too short, relationships oppressed by tyrants incapable of love. This was her life now, a black abyss. And some days, when she was fortunate, she'd see a speck of light. Kissing Bee, that was the brightest speck she'd seen in a long time.

A/N: So I haven't proof read this chapter in over a month and I'm way too busy for my own good but I wanted to update. So please point out an grammatical errors you spot and comment! Vote! Let me know if it's a worthy enough plot for the Wattpad Prize. Thank you :)

Over&Out - Jen