Missing Pieces

Tied Together with a Smile

Damon walks me to my door. No one else is home.

"Would you like to come in?" I bat my eyelashes.

"I don't think the authorities would favor that," he glances at our feet.

"They don't have to," I smirk and press my fingertip to the keypad, unlocking the door.

"Maybe for a minute."

I smile to myself leading him into the kitchen. The house, as always, is too clean. The white counters gleam. The carpets look as if no one has ever stepped foot on top of them. Every item has a specific place, with a label. My mother and Marli enjoy organization.

"Would you like anything to drink?" I tap the 'beverage' icon on our monitor.

"No, I'm fine."

I decide against water and click the monitor off. The last thing we need would be the authorities tuning into our conversation. Damon reaches for my hand, but instead of clutching it, he unclasps my wireless. He sets our identical wristbands side by side on the counter.

"You know, I have never seen your room," he pushes, giving me a sly smile.

"No boys allowed, mother's rules," I motion for him to follow.

I push open my door and turn to him. He cups face and kisses me hard. I lock my arms around his neck. His hands glide to my waist. He swiftly lifts me up and places me onto my bed.

"Sweetie," I wake up to my mother tossing garments of clothes onto my back.

"Whaaaaa?" I trail off. I blink rapidly, struggling to focus my vision.

"Get dressed! Emery will be here soon!" She tossed a pair of gold sandals at my chest.

I groaned reluctantly. I didn't mean to fall asleep. I wanted to call Damon; I wonder when he left. The outfit piled on my restless body seemed doable. I tugged at my sweater until it fell to the floor. I squirmed my way into the white dress my mother chose. It conformed to my shape, clinging to my skin. The halter top at least covered my chest. Sneering at the attire I pulled a dust blue sweater over. I ascended the staircase; I placed myself at the bottom.

"Well at least you're wearing the outfit I provided you, even if you ruin it with the sweater." My mother shook her head.

"She still looks great. Hi B!" Em's black hair is pulled into a loose, curled ponytail. She's dressed in a baby pink sundress.

"Thanks," I smirk. Quite frankly, I was surprised she was no longer upset.

"So I was thinking we'd head into town and explore? Maybe visit the sand?" My mother glowed.

"Sounds phenomenal!" Marli hooted emerging from the living room.

We ambled to the station awaiting the city train. The place seemed deserted. The street lamp nearby flickered. A slight breeze ruffled the surrounding trees and our particularly manicured hair. I couldn't focus on the words they spit. Their voices swirled in echoes throughout the train cart.

My wireless lit up on my wrist. I assumed it was updating authorities on my unanticipated location change. Instead, it buzzed with a new message from Damon. Smiling to myself, I twirled the dial and opened the message.

My motioned for me to disembark the train. The city art building towered in front of us. The steel blue metal reflected the moonlight. The girls traveled toward the entrance and flashed the identification glowing from their wireless screens. Grudgingly I do the same. I then detach myself from the group and reply to Damon's message.

He wanted to go running. If only I were home. If only I could sneak off. He continues to persuade me, encouraging me to join him tonight. He promised something special was to occur.

Emery and Marli ogled at a Picasso piece we've only seen a million times. All the artwork we are allowed exposure to lies in this building. Our outing is as intimate and significant as a fifth year field trip. I make my way toward the eleventh floor balcony; we used hide out here during field trips. The city lights erupted in specks of orange and gold. In the distance red dots flash. I inhale as a gust of wind catches my hair. The pines, though miles away, contaminate the air.

My wireless lights up once again. This time Damon begs me to meet him. Rather than arguing or ignoring, which I should do, I promise to message as soon as I'm home. For now, I'll bask in the night sky, enjoying the lights below.