Chaos Descending

Betrayal

My immediate response surprised even me. "He's taken."

Carmen's eyes went wide. "By who?"

I swallowed hard. "By me."

"But you just said you're with Thomas."

"As messed up as this may sound, I have serious feelings for both of them."

She didn't seem convinced. "Do they know this?"

"Yeah, as a matter of fact they do. Just don't ask me if they're happy about it," I added as an afterthought.

"You're right. That's pretty messed up."

"I think we've established that already."

She shook her head. "You don't make any sense."

I shrugged. "I don't make sense. They don't make sense. But, together, we make sense."

"What about Vycandor?"

"I'm fire. He's ice. That's how this works.

"And Thomas?" she nudged.

"He's light. I'm darkness."

Realization slowly dawned on her. "Opposites attract, is that it?"

I nodded again. "Something like that." Truth be told I was dying to tell Carmen the whole sordid story. About me, about how Thomas and Vycandor were both my soulmates, and especially about the fact that the three of us were angels bound together for all eternity. But I couldn't make my mouth form the words. Instead, I clapped my hands together and said, "Aren't relationships great?"

"If you say so." The pained expression on her face said more than words ever could.

"Look, I know it's not entirely normal to be in love with two guys at the same time." The hunger raging inside suddenly became an overwhelming need. I licked my lips, searching the crowd. "It's not like I can help it. But, here we are trying to make the best of it. My whole world crumbles when they're not around."

As if reading my mind, they appeared out of the enormous crowd like magic and moved to flank me protectively, clinging to me like two June bugs on a hot summer night. In a way, I kind of liked the idea of them playing the roll of knights in shining armor. Although the whole damsel in distress wasn't really my thing. In the back of my mind I knew they were just trying to help in the only way they knew how. By ignoring the inevitable. The hunger was like a caged beast. I knew if I let it out now, there would be no turning back.

Drifting into silence, I watched intently while Skylar was joined on the stage by Nick, Lake, Mark, and Alex. Lanny and my other cousins decided to take a break as Skylar launched into a dynamic drum solo.  Always incredibly entertaining to watch, his powerful solo incorporated a strong, rapid beat. He didn't have to rely on tricks like spinning his sticks in the air, or tossing his hair.  Which looks cool and all but, for me, Skylar's straightforward approach to drumming was like baking a cake, putting on the frosting, and lighting the candles. He was the real showstopper, plain and simple.

Thomas stepped forward to get my attention. "Chaos, we have to talk."

Before I could answer, the band began to play a cover of "Your Betrayal," by Bullet For My Valentine. My gaze locked on Skylar's and my breath hitched in surprise. He had a sneaky way of choosing songs that seemed to betray his emotions.

Carmen squealed with excitement. "Oh my God! I almost forgot. You'll never, ever, ever guess where my brother's band is going to play this weekend!"