Carved

CHAPTER 16

DYLAN

    Serene Dautry.

    Ella was a sight for sore eyes.  She really is my world, but when I saw Ella’s flushed face and disgust directed towards my bed, my world was flipped upside down.  I had heard Dex yell something about Serene from the bathroom door earlier. I had no idea she was here. Here in my room wearing only a black bra and panties.  I know this is her doing. I don't blame Dex, but he shows guilt either way.

Why now?  I never noticed her show any interest.  Is she suddenly jealous? I don’t get it.  She has seen me talking to other girls before.  They throw themselves at me all of the time, but she's never done anything like this.  Did Ian put her up to this? If she’s scared of losing the Philly gig over competition she ought to be.  I hope to never see Serene Dautry again.  

I come out of my stupor when I hear the front door slam.  Ella is gone and Dex is throwing clothes at Serene to get dressed.  I’m still standing there wondering what the hell just happened when Dex yells at me to go find Ella.  Crap, with the way I acted this morning and now, I wonder if she will ever forgive me. I practically pushed her out of the house when I wouldn't talk to her.  I just couldn’t get past Ian hitting her and I wasn’t there to protect her. It almost killed me and I wanted to kill Ian. Figuratively speaking, but I would love to do some bodily harm.  I also received another call from Jamie’s mom about the memorial. I couldn’t take it. To make matters worse I told Ella I couldn’t make the dinner with the group. I knew she was upset, but Dex and I were writing our introductions for the different bands.  She probably thinks it was an excuse to be with Serene. Just saying her name leaves an awful taste in my mouth. Bitter.  

I run out the door and down the steps in a flash.  My towel almost fell off a few times. I’m still holding my towel when I run out of the house.  I see a black SUV pull out of the driveway and drive off. My world comes to an end when I see it turn the corner out of sight.  No, no, no. I have to call her and explain.

I stop when I hear giggling from the neighbor’s house.  The teenage twins are taking pictures of me in my towel.  Great. I walk back inside feeling defeated. Serene is walking down the stairs with her nose in the air and a confident stride.  My fists tighten and I have to step aside to calm myself down before she passes. I don’t trust myself not to rip her head off and I would never hurt a girl.

“Serene, I wish you luck on tonight’s show, because this will be the last one you ever do for me.  I hope to never see you again after this.” I say before she exits. She has the nerve to look surprised.  Unbelievable.

“Dylan, don’t you see I’m in love with you.”  Serene tries to get closer to me.  

I move back and tighten my fist around my towel.  This girl is just as crazy as Vicky. “I hardly ever see you.  I can’t remember ever having a real conversation with you. Why now?”

“I tried to talk to you, but you were always busy.  I was giving you time. I knew I never had any competition with the other girls.  So I waited patiently. When I saw the way you looked at that pickle bitch, I knew I was going to lose you to her.”

“You never had me!”  I yell unable to keep my anger in.  I rub my hair with my available hand, careful not to drop the towel.  “I’ve been in love with Ella since the day I met her. There will never be anyone else for me.  You need to leave.”  

“You just don’t see how good I can be with you.”  She storms past me and walks out the door.

“Buh bye, now.”  Dex waves her away and wipes his hands after.  “Where’s Ella?”

I close my eyes to hide the pain.  “The SUV drove off when I got out there.  I didn’t catch her in time.”

“I’m sorry, dude.  I’ll get my phone and call Whisper.  Maybe, she can help explain what happened.”