Carved

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER EIGHT

DYLAN

 “Carved.”

I was so close to kissing Ella again.  I could see the pain in her eyes and I wanted to kiss it away.  My throat closes when I see her scars below the beauty of our shaded tre.  Nobody has heard the song except the guys. It was something we were in the process of working on.   They agreed this was one of my most powerful songs. My compassion and distress emanate with each note.  They knew it was about a girl, an angel, that helped a troubled boy with struggles of growing up unloved.  I continue the song with the telling of the drinking, drugs, jealousy and hate that ended with a carving of a heart and an unbearable loss.  We will never be apart. The love is forever carved in my own heart. Only Dex knew the song was about Ella, until now. 

“Can I hear the song?”  Ella asks

“Not at this time.  I will eventually, when it’s ready.”  I will when we are together and I can hold her in my arms.  

“Are you okay to continue with the photo shoot?”  Mary looks at her watch and the sky. I know she wants to finish before she loses the light.  The sun sets rather early this time of year. We only have a couple more hours. Still, her annoyance annoys me.  

Lucky for the lady, Ella recognizes when I’m getting angry.  She walked outside to let the sisters help the girls pose in different positions.  They fix their hair and makeup several times. Ella’s next outfit is a vintage white dress paired with brown leather knee high boots.  She looks like she did when we were younger. She loved wearing dresses, especially the old vintage ones.

The other girls are wearing outfits that match the autumn leaves.  They all have on different fabrics like lace, sheer floral, leather, and distressed jeans.  They go through several poses and different emotions. Mary takes a few more pictures as the sun sets.  At the end of the shoot we help the three sisters pack up.  

I notice Ella stop to watch the sunset with amazement.  If I didn’t know how much she loved watching the sunset, I would have thought this was the first time she has experienced one.  

“Did you break up with your boyfriend yet?”  I walk closely to her and whisper in her ear.  “I know I said we would be friends, but you look so beautiful in this light.  Can you blame me for asking?”

I caress Ella’s cheek, and take a step closer.  I’m so close I can feel the warmth of her body. Her eyes find mine and I can’t look away.  I’m lost in her eyes. Again. I want to pull her against me and finally cover her lips with mine.  Again. The moment is broken when we hear clicks of the camera. I turn to see Mary taking more shots.  She points behind us and there’s a deer walking past. Did she take a picture of the deer, us, or both? I feel Ella’s small hand against my chest.  Tingles run through my body with her touch. Her touch also surprises me.  

“Please, don't let Becker see those pictures,” she worries.  "I won't break his heart."

“We wouldn’t want that would we?”  I narrow my eyes as my heart clenches.  Becker. Always Becker. I run my fingers through my hair.  “I think we all need a drink. Can we meet you at Duck’s? It looks like your band wants to celebrate…and get to know the guys better.”

“Oh my gosh!  What time is it?  I have to meet Becker for dinner.  I’m going to be late.”  

“Wait, I was hoping we would have a chance to talk.”  I grab her hand before she runs away.

“I will try to join all of you after.  Okay, thanks again for…” She trails off and waves her hand towards the photographers and reporters.  She looks down briefly as if there’s something else on her mind to say. She must have changed her mind and I watch as she runs away back to the restrooms to change her outfit.