Dark Lies

Chapter Two

"Complexity and Love. It is impossible to have one without the other. Either you live with both or none at all."

11:55P.M.

In apartment 9A, under the almost shattered ceiling, in the dark, laying on a green couch, Ashton felt those two seconds of nothingness, when the whole world falls silent and nothing else matters but the sound of one's breath. He turned on his box television -which still only received cable, even after hours of speaking to the service provider- and switched through the available channels, one by one, achieving even more frustration. Ashton was spiraling, spiraling into a disillusioned, lonely black hole filled with despair and tragedy.

Love transformed into hopelessness, then soared into anxiety, leaving nothing to feel but numbness. He was alone again, no one could carry him out of his struggles. Even though he knew he had issues, he wasn't the only one and so didn't entertain them.

Staring through his window, he couldn't help but think back to that night, the night of October 14. The night, television made a huge impact on his life, because the last time he felt this way, was during the Incident.

OCTOBER 14, 2004
MOSYDALE HILLS

Ashton, 9, was sitting on the soft maroon carpet of the living room, sinking all the time into his favourite primetime television sports-show Airblazers: 1982 EDITION. His mother, Diana, was in the kitchen preparing supper when his alcoholic-abusive father, Robin, entered through the front door once again complaining about Ashton watching his show when it was infact time for the family to watch the news channel. After lowering the television's volume and turning his head once more to witness his parents argue for the sixth time today, Ashton headed off to bed since he knew their arguements wouldn't last and the same pattern of violence would once again unfold, but this time it was different, something was telling him to stay and watch a little bit longer.

"Robin, you are late again. What was it this time?" Diane asked Robin,
"It's none of your business. Just do what your good for and bring me my damn food." Robin arrogantly replied opening the fridge,
"No!" Diane determinedly answered,
"Excuse me?" A frustrated and confused Robin asked,
"You heard me! I said no more. I'm sick and tired of you coming in late, doing as you please and disrespecting me. What are you teaching your son?" Diane snapped gazing at Robin's fists clenching so hard both hands turned pink, "My mother was right about you, but I refused to listen, blinded by so-called love."
"Ashton, sweetheart!" Diane exclaimed, "Pack your bags, we're leaving."
Robin flipped the dining table, creating a huge mess and repeatedly kicked the stove, letting it's flamable fumes roam free.
"You're not going anywhere." Robin argued.
"Oh really?" Diane replied, "Watch us."

Diane wasn't an idiot nor oblivious as to why Robin got home late. Three months before tonight she had secretly arranged a surprise work visit for Robin and was headed to him when suddenly, she got the urge for dessert and headed to Goodman's Wonder-Luck Shoppe, a diner up north, not far from her. She parked across the street, exited the car and glanced at Robin hand-in-hand with a mysterious shadowy figure heading out of a telephone booth. She thought of approaching them when she realized he was holding hands with Matilda, one of her closest friends. Robin discreetly followed them to the Britz Hotel, uncovering her husband's infidelity immediately. It drove her insane, mad and spiteful. Arriving home she chose not to confront him but forgive him.

Presently, Robin raised a hand at Diane and resulted into beating her up, only realizing after he stopped she wasn't breathing anymore. Frightened and horrified, Young Ashton quickly ran upstairs, grabbed the telephone and dialed the police -who told him not to worry- and hastily ran outside avoiding his father's sight. Robin chased him outside, coercing but failing to silence Ashton from screaming and pleading for help from the neighbors. By this time the neighbours had opened their curtains and doors, peeping out at the loud noises incase something terrible were happening. Ashton quickly slid under the old and rusted car parked just feet away from the trees, ignoring the scars, bruises and pain he felt and got -it must've been the adrenaline-.