Scarlet Flame

Chapter 7

"Ooh! You have a stereo?" Mason asked, intrigued. Dean was on my couch, fast asleep. It was getting late, and we had to be quiet. We didn't want the maid to catch us.

"Uh huh. Here," I handed him a CD case. "But keep it quiet," I cautioned.

"Bring Me the Horizon?" he read the case and popped the CD in.

"Yeah. You don't listen to music much, do you?" I stared at him as he looked at the stereo in amazement.

"We never really had any at our house," Mason shrugged and sat on my bed. I sat next to him and sighed.

"Now what?" Mason asked.

"Well...You never told me about yourself," I stated. He looked at me, his eyes showing warmth and love.

"It's always been just me and my brother. Our mom died from cancer, and our dad became depressed. So, he left. That's what Dean told me, at least.

He may not be that much older than me, but he's kinda like a parent. He's always there for me, ya know?" Mason glanced to the floor, then back at me.

"We were poor, but we managed. Dean didn't want us in foster homes or orphanages. I can't blame him. It's nice to have it just me and my brother.

Not that I mind having you around. I'm glad I met you, Scarlet," Mason stared into my eyes, and my heart melted.

"So, that's pretty much it. What about you?" he asked, his hand now on top of mine.

"Oh...Um...Well, my parents died when I was young. Xavier was the only one who could be trusted to be my guardian. He was...like the perfect dad and butler at the same time..."

(flashback)

"Look, Xavier! They're so pretty!" I pointed at a window. A bunch of jewelry sat inside, leaving me dazzled.

"C'mon. Let's go inside," Xavier led me through the door. I skilled behind him, admiring all the jewelry.

"Hello, little one. How may I help you?" a lady asked behind the counter. I looked at her and smiled.

"I'm just looking," I said in response.

We probably spent thirty minutes in that store. I wanted the perfect piece of jewelry to wear, but I couldn't find anything good enough.

"Scarlet? How about this?" Xavier called from behind me. Spinning around, I looked at what was in his hand and gasped.

It was a small locket with a silver chain. The locket was round, with what looked like a mixture of warm colors. Red swirled around orange, similar to a flame. It was perfect.

"It's amazing," whispering to myself, I lifted it out of his hand and held it up close.

After we paid for it, we headed home. My parents hadn't been there for days, almost weeks. I was wondering what had happened to them. Where were they?

I sat at my writing desk and drew. There was a knock on my door.

"Scarlet? I have some news to tell you," I practically ignored the voice as I looked at my TV, horrified. My parent's names flipped across the screen, and there were pictures of wrecked cars.

"Unfortunately, the young couple didn't survive," were the only words I heard. The lady on the news continued to speak, but I zoned her out.

"Scarlet? What's wr-" Xavier stopped as soon. as he entered my room. He followed my gaze to the TV.

"Scarlet, I didn't tell you right away because-"

"How could you?!?! Not telling me my own parents died?!?!" I screamed and threw the closest thing I could find at the wall. My locket.

"It wasn't the right time. You were having so much fun-"

"And NOW'S the right time? Just...Leave me alone!" Tears ran down my face as I stood up and backed away.

"Listen, I'm sorry," Xavier stepped towards me. I glared at him and shook my head.

"G-Go away!" I yelled as I fell to the floor, hugging my knees and bursting into tears.

"I'm sorry," Xavier exited my room, softly closing the door behind him. More tears streamed down my face, and I spent the rest of the night crying myself to sleep and asking myself one question.

Why?