Heartthrob of Aclea

Chapter 14 - The Night I Met Her

'What... How...' I stammered to the stimulus of seeing Camellia in the flesh. I was sure I missed her so much it ached every time 'Aaron is a lone wolf' crossed my mind.

'Surprise! I'm sorry I didn't call you. Things got pretty mad and I'd had a hard time to compose myself.' Camellia caressed my hair, just like she did years ago. Her smell was still the same, her hair was still curly like ever, her accent was diluted with a tone of a New Yorker.

'Either way, you can't sleep here tonight. You know the rules.'

'And here goes the twat,'

'Hey!'

Camellia hugged me. And I did the same.

'You will go to the dance, right? I have spent hours to get here and if you dare refuse-'

I neared her face and kissed her. If I didn't shut her, I would be earning a sleepless night and that was the last thing I wanted. I was all knackered. Even the kiss was bad, I stopped before it got worse. Lying down on my bed, I curled into a ball whilst Camellia tucked me in.

Jeez, what was I? A three-year-old boy?

'It was nearly dawn outside. I'll see you at the dance, eh?' I yawned.

'Have a nice sleep, Aaron.'

When another kiss landed on my forehead, I curled a weak smile before detaching from the world.

A week passed like a moment. I didn't know how I got here. All I could perceive was, right here, right now, me staring how graceful my brother held Catherine in his arms, dancing in the moonlight; all the laws of physic were breaking loose. It wasn't 'Aaron situation', except I did something remarkable that made Brian fell before his spark holder and torn his best suit.

Which of course, I strummed my bass guitar out of tune, fingertips aching. My, my, I would never forget this precious moment.

While I was laughing the shit out of me, came Elliot and Ethan with their hands balling hard fists. I was immediately dragged to my chamber and forced to glue on a sofa whilst facing a woman who was going to be my date tonight. My mind was dizzy and I felt I had detached from reality. Not that I hadn't taken heroin before, but this time, it really kicked in. Camellia pootled closer; her perfume diffused all over the room and I swore, it was intoxicating.

'Stop acting childish, Aaron! I've told you to wait for me.' She pinched my thigh hard. I couldn't help wincing. 

'Camellia, you took two hours just to choose your dress!' I exclaimed.

'Because I am attending The Ball, not going to the supermarket!'

'Women!'

Rolling my eyes, I deepened my voice. 'I'm not in the mood to dance.'

Surely, my words were all just rubbish. And here I was, moving back and forth with Camellia, palms kissing, eyes engaging. Huge windows were opened, welcoming the cold night air to fill in. The ballroom was packed like a canned tuna. Some lords were discussing recent news from the council, some ladies were flirting the jazz singer, some kids had their eyes glued on the gadgets and didn't want other Millenials or Baby Boomers to disturb them.

Brian and Catherine proceeded their dance behind me. He was wearing a new suit and had his hair done while Catherine... was pretty much the same when I saw her earlier; her icy blue gown outlined her small and fragile figure, her hair was pulled and knotted into a cute updo, her light makeup accentuated her beautiful face. Brian was lucky to have the brightest star in the room sliding in the arms of his.

I turned to Camellia, who was leaning on my chest, eyes closing. I wondered what if I happened to meet someone else and fall in love with her? What if it hurt Camellia in the way that, God forbid, she would leave me? I had sorted out my feelings and painted my future, albeit it was merely a prediction; Camellia was not someone who I would settle down with. 

'If I pulled another prank on Brian-'

'DON'T, AARON. JUST DON'T.'

While I was chuckling, came Julia with some paperwork in her hands. I excused myself and thanked Camellia for a brief moment of intimacy. I would love to walk her to her house but when I was reminded of her dad's disapproving grin, I had no choice but to suppress my intention. While Camellia dissolved into the pitch-black of the night, Julia handed me a three-piece contract in black and white. When I read the first sentence of the contract, I could feel a painful lump in my throat. It was about sending me to rehab... for the detoxification of me.

'It can't be true! I can't go there. I was well-behaved. I didn't do anything embarrassing!' The dislikeness in my tone was crystal clear.

'Your parents suggested it. People would start to acknowledge you after Brian's coronation. We don't want you to get worse, Aaron. This is for the best.' Her argument was firm and I was gutted. 'You will start your first session next Saturday.' I nodded fleetingly before putting out a cigar and get the fuck out of the room.

I sat alone at the lounge, commanding a view of a big empty swimming pool before me. I knew my addiction had gone far, somehow. I was just having fun. Couldn't my family admit that I was happy living in this way? Ugh, stupid royal rules! Bummer!

Splash!

The profanities I had thrown for pushing me into the water formed irregular bubbles before the very eyes of mine. It took God's power to move me and I couldn't get madder for interrupting my me-time. When I finally could see properly, a woman, possibly Camellia-sized, swam in front of me without even glancing to whom she had stumbled upon. Ah, pissed off!

I threaded water to keep afloat and she too.

'This is all your fault! I spent hours just to dress up and perfect my hair. Look what you have done!' Her eyes were burning fury and her crimson lenses didn't clue a better outcome too.

'You must be so satisfied to ruin my night, aren't you? Congratulations! You've just achieved your ultimate goal.' Her sarcasm was rich with hatred and thick American accent. I was overly stunned about being shocked like that, though the fault of getting in the pool together was hers per se. As she tucked her black flatten hair aggressively behind, I was flashed by an eight if she hadn't pushed me with all her might. As she made her way to disappear, I held out my hand, almost begging her not to leave. I didn't know what had crawled on my nerves to do so, but I wanted to have more time to lock her beautiful face in the back of my mind.

'Wait, miss. I didn't mean to-'

And she walked right through a door to the West Wing of the palace, never looking back.