Paradise

Chapter 13 - Perfection Shattered

The moment was almost perfect as he was.

After we devoured our delectable meals, we pulled a blanket from the backseat of my car and placed it on the hood so we can comfily lean against the windshield and marvel at the stars and the dazzling city before us.

The place was exactly as breathtaking as Logan said it would be. Right there in front of us was the twinkling lights of all LA. But what caught my attention the most was the astonishing panorama of the night sky fixed with glistening stars. And with Logan's arms wrapped around my body and the perfect day we just had at Disneyland, it was hands down the most lively and incredible day I've ever had.

As if the sight wasn't enough, our conversations were meaningful as well. Our conversations ranged anywhere along the realms of our best childhood memories to why our favorite holidays were our favorite; to discussing why the sky is called the sky to the places we've been dying to visit all over the world; to our pet peeves to our fears and dislikes concerning clothing trends and celebrities; to why our families are messed up to our favorite coffee drinks. And along the way, the subject of our past relationships came up.

"How can someone as gorgeous as you only have two ex-boyfriends? Is the world blind?" Logan muttered changing his gaze from the stars to me.

"It's likely when you consider how many jerks are out there." I said.

Logan sat up. "Okay, what idiot ruined love for you?"

I found his sudden protectiveness attractive. "My last to relationships completely ruined it for me. Me and my first boyfriend agreed to mutually break it off because, well, it just wasn't there anymore, you know? I guess the flame had died out between us, it simply wasn't the same and I think that's the case with everything. Eventually, two people just drift apart without ever realizing why and it sucks. My most recent ex broke up with me when he found someone else who was willing to put out. Turns out, that girl ended up dumping him and he tried to go after my friend Jennifer. Being the good friend she is, she turned him down in front of the whole football team at lunch and she told me about it too."

"Wow, Lancaster. You've had terrible experiences with love. Except for the first guy, that didn't sound too bad."

"It wasn't. I mean, why regret something you once wanted? Just like with everything else, it had its highs and its lows, the highs were everything I could ask for while the lows were basically a dark hole of misery but you can't have the good without the bad, right? Besides, that was a long time ago and I wouldn't call it love," I pointed out, "I didn't really feel anything for them like I feel for-" I stopped in my tracks.

"C'mon, finish the sentence!" Logan teased, "You were going to say 'me.' Admit it, you feel something for me, Avery Lancaster!"

"I do not you narcissist, conceded egomaniac." I flirted.

"Narcissist, conceded egomaniac? Ouch, that's harsh but you still love me." He said as he kissed me.

That day had no flaws and that night was seemingly perfect... Until the drive back to the hotel.

At around 2:15am, I received yet another call from Brooke.

"Is that your sister?" Logan asked, glaring at my glowing phone.

"Yeah."

His jaw clenched and he took a long breath of air before speaking, "Don't answer it, do you hear me, Avery? It'll just lead you to more pain." His voice sounded deadly dark and grave.

I turned to face him yet he didn't take his eyes off the road. "Why not? Did it ever dawn on you that maybe I do want to talk to her? You can't control who I can and can't talk to. She's my sister. What's wrong with you?" I beamed him an angry look.

His nostrils flared, "You're making me out to be the bad guy here. I'm trying to protect you!" His voice started to escalate.

"From what?" I hissed back, "From my sister? I've known her my whole life; she's probably calling to see if I'm all right! After all, I was convinced to just drop everything and run away like delinquents." I immediately regretted it after it was too late. The words were out in the open and Logan looked like he was going to explode.

"You make it sound like I kidnapped you against your will! You wanted to come along as much as I did. You trusted me then so trust me now. If you answer her calls, you'll just get hurt! If not by her then by your parents. C'mon Avery, don't be stupid."

"Oh bullshit. Maybe they're all looking for me right now!" I yelled.

His voice fell quiet, "Then why aren't your parents calling you?" he paused, "Why is Brooke the only one trying to contact you? Say it is your parents, why did it take them this long to call? Why didn't they notice the hour, no the second, you walked out of that house with your suitcases?"

We were both quiet. Logan's breathing had calmed down and I tried to hold back the tears. "You asshole," I said in a whimper, "How could you say that to me?" the tears found their way to my cheeks, "I thought you were different!" I screamed.

"Don't give me that, Avery! You know it's the truth no matter how much you lie to yourself," he said with no emotion, "There's no running away from it."

"Stop the car." I said abruptly.

"You're insane."

"Stop the car!" I repeated, only this time I yelled it.

"No! You're dumb if you think I'm leaving you out here."

"You're not leaving me anywhere. This is my car, you get off!"

"Avery, calm down!" he shouted.

A roar of a wave hit in that car as we tried to yell over the other. Neither of us were listening to what the other was trying to say. Our screams got more intense with each passing insult. The sound of the police sirens and the shining of the its red and blue lights on the rear view mirror caused us to stop cold in our tracks.

Thanks for sticking with my story this long, really brings my heart joy every time I see how many views I get (which isn't much to some but great for me).

What are your predictions as to what is going to happen?? Why are the police after them?? Are they after them or is it just a coincidence that the police happened to be behind them?

Also, don't be afraid to give me feedback, I crave it. I want to improve and know what I'm doing wrong. Give me some tips and suggestions please!

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