Blue Mirth

Unending

           

You Are The Reason - Callum Scott

Mercy - Shawn Mendes

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John Kenneth

I bike to the address. I don't want to go through the stress of parking. As I cycle through the street, I feel easy. More in control. There's music pouring into my ears from my phone. I pedal with the beat of the song. A James Arthur song comes on, and my pedalling slows down. I'm glad, because this was starting to feel like a workout. I see the house as I approach it. Purple and pink twinkling lights cover the top of the house, and drape down the balconies. They're even on the tree trunks. There are balloons at the door. And, as I come closer, the smell of booze. Didn't think there would be any drinking, but then I remember I'm at a typical young-adult party. I put my bike against the fence of the yard of the house, putting a lock on it. God knows who's trustworthy with unattended transportation here.

There are a lot of people at the door, all of them trying to get in at once, so I wait. I take a deep breath and regret it at once. Sure, I'm an adult, but, the smell of alcohol overwhelms me. Not ashamed to be admitting that, to be honest. I don't really understand what these people like so much about the grossness of drinking. I personally think that if I'm going to ruin my physical state, it's not going to be because of a disgusting drink. I glance at the door again, and there are still people there. The crowd starts to clear up, but I still don't go in. I hear an engine revving in the distance, and I get distracted. A car approaches the house, parks right in front as if the space had been reserved for it, and the door opens. I'd climb every mountain and swim every ocean just to be with you.

Ivy steps out of the black car – which is as good as any sports car, I see now – wearing a little black dress, a leather jacket draped around her arm, black knee-high boots on her feet. Her hair's down, and I can't believe that I've just noticed that it cascades down to her waist. Her face. It's... mesmerising. She's smiling her dimpled smile. The one that only comes out when she's listening to Ed Sheeran in her glorious car, or when she's eating dumplings under the stars. She looks so much at ease. And, for some reason, it relaxes me. Not even a minute passes when that feeling evaporates. Lucas Mark steps out behind her, his hand automatically reaching out to her arm. I tense up. She's still smiling, though. What...? He brushes the strands of hair that had come in front of her shoulders, and my head throbs.

The scar is exposed to the rest of the world. I thought she didn't want it out like that. That's what she conveyed when she wore a scarf over my sweatshirt the evening she got the scar. I don't know what's happening, but it isn't right. All this... it's a scam. She can't be smiling like that with Luke. That's how she smiles with me. He touches her scar, and the hair on the back of my neck stands. She's still smiling. Wha-? Luke kisses her hand, his movements smooth and slow. Ivy continues to react the same way. I can't take it. It's like my brain's dysfunctional. I take a step forward - I don't know why – and move towards them. Ivy catches my eye, and smiles a little wider, acknowledging my presence. Luke probably sees her face and turns. His face is serious, unsmiling.

"Hi, John.", Ivy says. I wonder for a moment why she seems so delighted, standing next to the guy who put that scar on her. "Hey, Ivy.", I manage, through the knot in my throat. "Kenneth.", Luke utters.

"Mark"

"I'll see you inside, Ivy."

And with that, he starts walking inside, turning back to flash his teeth at her, with she returns with a wave of her hand and a giggle. It's just us now, and I find that I can finally breathe normally. She looks at me now, and I stare at her. I register that she smells like tea, and something else. I can't put my finger on it, but it's sweet and strong.