Chapter 05: One Fine Day

Stephen King once wrote:

‘True love, like any other strong and addicting drug, is boring — once the tale of encounter and discovery is told, kisses quickly grow stale and caresses tiresome… except, of course, to those who share the kisses, who give and take the caresses while every sound and color of the world seems to deepen and brighten around them. As with any other strong drug true first love is really only interesting to those who have become its prisoners. And, as is true of any other strong and addicting drug, true first love is dangerous.’

I think the author knows more about life other than just how to scare the pants off of little boys and girls with his horrific narratives. True love is a burden and only one made ready to those capable of handling both the ups and downs that follow.
                                                                                                                                              - BF

Surprisingly in the history of her ‘back-to-school’ blowouts, Natalie beat the sun home. The dark mixture of purple and blue clouds was being surpassed by the bright, gorgeous shades of orange and pink. The sun was just beyond the horizon awakening its canvas to a new day when she stumbled from the cab to her front door. Waving drowsily to her friends, she staggered up the stairs and into her bedroom, bumping into everything in her path as she pulled off her stilettos by the heel.

She hastily pulled on her PJs and dropped to the bed allowing her plush pillows to consume her face and body. Caesar had again broke free of his bedroom and scampered into hers, beating her to the pillows before she could get her eyes closed good. The feel of the goose feather duvet instantly warmed her chilled body and she allowed the thickness of the quilt to encase her and soon drifted off to sleep.

After what seemed like five minutes passed, the beeping of the alarm clock beside her bed pulled her from slumber and she peered at it in annoyance before tossing it towards the corner of her room. Turning over, she wrapped herself within her sheets and tried to cover her face from the bright beams of sunlight that peeked in through the thin white curtains at her windows.

Her night had been filled with rushing from one event to the other to appease her mother and friends and now all she wanted to do was rest. The door to her bedroom opened and the clicking of heels echoed on the wooden floor as her mom made her way over to her closet. “Natalie dear, you’d better hurry! If you’re late again Chauncey won’t appreciate having to drop you off at school.”

“He’s the chauffeur; that is his job isn’t it?” She cracked listening to the scolding tone in her mother’s voice.

“I don’t know why you insist on beginning every semester of school this way but you’re a Silverman dear, you should conduct yourself more appropriately. Ah, this one’s nice,” she puffed out her lips in deep contemplation as she chose the suit for Natalie’s first day. “Now get up and get yourself washed and dressed and meet us down on the veranda for breakfast. Your father has something important to discuss with you.”

“Fine Mother, I’ll be down soon.” The door shut and Natalie swung her legs over the side of her bed. Stretching, she allowed her tired muscles to awaken slowly and rubbed a lazy hand over her face. First day of the semester and she was already dreading it. 

Her courses were preplanned for her by her parents; Business Law, Communication, Accounting, Business Finance, and Ballet. Yep, everything was planned, yet she still managed to sneak in journalism under her parent’s noses.

She stepped into the shower and let the warm water spray over her still half asleep body, curious about what her father wanted to talk about. Hopefully he hadn’t found out about her “extracurricular” activity since surely he would not approve. 

After dressing and checking herself a few times in the mirror, she headed down towards the back of the large manor to join her family. “Ah, there she is,” Estelle spoke as she watched her daughter take a seat across from her. Her breakfast of wheat bread toast and strawberries with Natural Chai tea sat in front of the chair waiting on her. “I was beginning to think I should ring for you again. And what on Earth are you wearing? That is not the outfit I selected for you.”

“Sorry Mother, I had no idea a 15-minute shower would take 15-minutes. And of course I did have to take care of my hair. I do want to conduct myself in a more appropriate manner,” she quipped. “The dress you selected for me was fine but I wore it just the other day and Suzette from the Yacht club spilled on it, surely you noticed the stain? I’d sent it off to the cleaners but they can’t always work miracles.” 

“Then you should throw it away Dear, no use holding on to something that’s been marred.”

“Of course Mother, I’ll take care of it.”

“Well I think you look wonderful Dear. A bit too casual for my tastes but I don’t really know women’s fashion.”

“Thank you Dad.”

Arthur flashed a warm smile at his only child before folding his newspaper and sitting it to the side. “Now then Natalie, your mother has brought it to my attention that you’re no longer interested in ballet and are hoping to branch into something that’s nonconducive of your time?” 

She swallowed hard, it was what she’d suspected; but how had she found out? Natalie fidgeted with her fingers for a moment and dropped her eyes to the large ensemble of food on the table. “Sit up straight Dear, don’t slouch,” Estelle chided and took a bite of her mushroom omelet. “Answer your father.”

“Well not exactly. I was merely hoping to get a little more involved with my writings. I’ve great interest in creating stories and dreaming up new worlds for my characters to explore.”

“Fiction?!” her mother gasped as she poured a generous amount of creamer into her tea. “Why on Earth would you ever want to give up something as elegant and enchanting as Ballet for scribblings in that dreadful journal of yours?”

“They’re not scribblings Mother, they’re my thoughts and I work hard on them. I was maybe looking into doing something with that once I graduate,” she noticed the disapproving scowl on her father’s face and quickly tried to make herself clearer. “I do still enjoy dancing I just don’t think it’s what I want to do forever.”

“Don’t be silly Dear! Of course it’s what you want. It’s all you ever talked about when you were a little girl,” Estelle smiled and shook her head at her daughter. “We’ve paid a fortune in getting you those classes and personal trainers, there’s no way you’re giving it up now! Really, the things kids think of these days Arthur; incredible.”

“I guess it was just an idea.” Natalie offered a stiff smile and her father turned his attention back towards his paper. “I have to run,” she stood and gave both her parents swift pecks to the cheeks. “I wouldn’t want to be late on my first day back.”

“Chauncey will drive you.”

“It’s ok Mother, I’d really rather take my car.”

“Yes well it’s out at the moment being detailed. Chauncey will drive you and pick you up. You have ballet rehearsal at 4 and Janice Dupree at the South Preston Women’s Club would like to meet with you concerning this year’s gala. I told her you would be available at 3.”

“Yes Mother.” With a heavy sigh Natalie started for the driveway followed closely by her personal guard Brody Warren. His hair stayed neatly trimmed and he always wore a black Armani suit and dark shades regardless of the time of day or if he was indoors. And in the three years he’d worked for the family, she couldn’t remember one time seeing him actually smile and jokingly referred to him as her personal Terminator. He opened the door for her and helped her into the backseat of the Rolls-Royce and her driver pulled out of the gated courtyard heading towards Overton Academy.

A new semester starts today and I see a lot of fresh faces; but of course there are still the older ones. New students, same entitled attitudes. One thing Overton is known for is its alumni; born of the affluent. Sadly none of these people know anything about life. They run around helplessly just getting by. I’ve seen more in my four years beneath this city than they have in their entire lives.

They’re oblivious to the world and everything around them. But what can one expect from Cresting Heights finest? All of the “beautiful people” in their cliques and high fashion are too caught up in their own worlds to concern themselves with the reality of this town. They flock together judging the lesser of us. In this society you’re either rich, or you’re invisible. And all too often you can fall from grace; cursed forever as a pariah. They care nothing for loyalty or honor it’s only about their next big thing and I should know; I used to be one of them.

                                                                                                                                                - BF

Blake stood and slinked back into the shadows at next bell. It was a rarity he got to enjoy the peaceful solace of Overton’s quad before a new group of students crowded the gardens. Still he found plenty of times to get out and feel the sun on his face without concern someone would see him and withdraw from his presence out of fear. And then there was her. Normally he’d have recoiled to the dark recesses of the underbelly of the city. But all too often lately he found himself waiting just a moment longer to capture a glimpse of her before stealing away into the maintenance tunnels.

Today she was wearing a slinky, purple tank dress that clung to her body in all the right places. It wasn’t unusual to see her with her friends, laughing and smiling as they always do. And her smile was radiant. He had several shots of it in fact and still could not seem to have enough. Her group came closer to where he stood beside the pear tree. Quickly he stepped through the metal gates, locking them behind him as he moved. 

“Party at Jess’ place tonight Nat, you’ll be there right?” Roxanne smiled and leaned deeper into Darren’s arms.

“With bells on!”

“Good! And don’t forget it’s games night and tonight it’s your turn to choose!” Jessica added and started off after the couple.

Games night, Natalie thought as she started home. It’s what Jessica called her raunchy get togethers and questionable behavior. A group of close friends from school, guys and girls, would gather at someone’s place and they’d drink, as well as participate in other indecent activities. But games night meant Jessica rallied up another victim to drug up or get drunk and dare them to do elicit sex acts for one of her rich friends. Later on she’d tease them mercilessly about their behavior that often times they do not remember. 

Regardless she’d call them every name from skank to slut in public forever tarnishing their reputation. For Natalie it just seemed an excuse for Jessica and the others to be nasty to those less fortunate. Often times Natalie questioned why she even chose to attend most of Jessica’s get togethers only to remind herself that it’s part of being a member of the upper crest; something her family beat into her head since childhood.
 

I’ve never been in love before. I’ve never known the sting of heartbreak or the utterly blissful state of romance. I’ve had summer flings, one night stands and even the occasional girlfriend but no one that ever made me feel so alive. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe it’s not love. Maybe I just desire my humanity back so much I feel close to someone I see being forced to live a life she doesn’t want. But if I am wrong, what is this aching in my heart? How can I feel so close to someone I’ve never really met? Why does the very idea of touching her send my heart to my stomach?

If I could have a photograph for every time I thought about her, the walls of my home would be covered with her face. Stephen King must have felt the burn of love to understand that it’s not only the sweetest feeling in the world but also the worst. Like a drug, every vein in your body hungers for its next hit; longing to satiate the beast. You desire to be near the object of your affection even in its briefest of moments.

The intense rush you get as your heartbeat increases, your pulse begins to rise; the adrenaline surges through your blood taking over every sense until you’re a huge ball of nerves. There’s nothing like it and nothing that can ever come close. You want it, you need it, you crave it. But is it fair that she is within my every pore yet I am not even a blip on her radar? I’d give anything to be close to her. To look into those gorgeous eyes of hers, to smell the scent of her shampoo and to feel the delicate touch of her skin; it would be heaven.

                                                                                                                                         - BF

Natalie finished getting ready and started down the stairs calling her goodbyes to her parents as they lounged around the living room. She refused her chauffeur and decided to walk herself to Jessica’s place. It was only a few blocks up and the short trip would provide her with some time to clear her head. Walking out into the chilly night air, she wrapped her arms around herself and hurried through the front gates. “I won’t need you tonight, Brody,” she smiled dismissing her guard for the evening. Thoughts of her day fluttered through her mind as she was once again reminded of who she was, a Silverman.

Natalie stepped into the crosswalk moving at a more hurried pace to reach the next block and cursed herself as the wind picked up and sent a chill along her spine; perhaps she should have driven to Jessica’s. But just another two blocks more and she’d be sitting in the warmth of her friend’s living room joking with friends.

Heavy footsteps sounded behind her and she hesitated to turn its direction. Instead she moved faster, turning a corner as she noticed the lights of her friend’s apartment just ahead in the distance. The movement sounded harder, her pursuer had also picked up speed. Panic roused within her stomach and suddenly the chill that had crawled up her spine had turned to heated fear motivating her to keep moving quicker. 

Natalie again hurried in pace as she rounded yet another corner hoping she was only imagining these events and whoever it was would keep walking past. However her stalker’s shadow merged with hers over the lighted sidewalk dashing all hopes that this was just a random stranger out for a walk. Suddenly a hand slipped over her shoulder and she jumped in fear and turned preparing to defend herself. “Come on you…Brody?”

She peered into the serious face of her personal guard and tried to calm her rapidly beating heart as a curious expression crossed hers. “What…?”

“Your coat,” he offered a stiff smile and reached out his hand to produce her favorite red peacoat. “Your mother insisted I bring it out to you.” She gratefully retrieved the coat from his hand and tossed it over her shoulders.

“Thank you Brody.”

“You’re very welcome Miss. Would you like for me to accompany you the rest of the way?”

“That won’t be necessary; Jessica’s is just ahead. I’ll see you back at the manor later.” 

“As you wish.” He bowed courteously and turned back towards the direction he came. Natalie breathed in a deep sigh watching as he retreated before starting her trek up the road once more. 

She walked for another minute or two before again hearing footfall behind her. “Brody I thought I said…” her mouth was quickly covered by a cold, calloused hand muffling her screams. The large, muscular figure pulled her into a dark corner of an alley just three houses away from her friend’s. Natalie kicked and fought back trying to break free but the more she struggled the harder the man held her.

The smell of stale beer and peanuts leaked off his breath as he exhaled near her cheek. He threw her against the dumpster and kept her hands pinned successfully behind her back. She clenched her eyes shut as silent tears rolled down her face. Her legs still frantically kicked at the man but all motion stopped when she heard the clicking of his gun. “Keep squirmin’ bitch and I’mma find a nice soft hole to shove this thing! If ya scream, you’re dead, understand?” 

She nodded quickly as the man stepped away. “Now hand ovah ya purse and jewels!” Natalie made a motion to undo her necklace watching the gun the man held closely. “Quickly! Quickly! I ain’t got all night!” A fierce rumble echoed off the ivy and muck covered walls rattling the metal dumpsters lined against it. The man jerked towards the sound, aiming his weapon in the darkness of the alley. There in the distance with his hands balled into fists stood a hooded figure, darkened by the dim glow of the nearby streetlights.

His seemingly glowing eyes pinned the man in place and he lifted his weapon higher preparing to fire. But before he could squeeze the trigger, the dark figure lunged forward, tackling the man to the ground. The mask he wore fell to the pavement with a light clinking sound revealing the scarred flesh beneath. His fist pounded into the man’s face at an incredible speed and he didn’t let up until his eyes were in the back of his head and he was out like a light. The man turned his gaze towards Natalie and she could see large scars carved into one side of his face. She gasped; shrinking back in panic, her necklace slipped from her hands. Blake quickly snatched up the piece of molded plastic and placed it back on his head.

Out of fear she ran and didn’t look back until she’d made it up the porch at Jessica’s place. Just as she reached for the buzzer on the door a hand slipped around her wrist and turned her around pinning her against the wall. “No please!” She flinched and brought her hands towards her face in fear. Towering over her, Blake waited until she pulled her hands down and stared into her piercing hazel eyes. Unwillingly she looked up into his olive green stare and shivered beneath its intensity.

For the longest time they stood in silence neither moving an inch from their spots. The inner door of Jessica’s apartment started to open drawing Natalie’s attention and she turned to face her friend as she emerged from inside. “Are you just going to stand out there all night or what?” Natalie looked back to the spot Blake stood noticing he had quickly vanished and was nowhere in sight. “Come on! Riley’s half drunk already and I am not about to miss him fall flat on his face!”

Natalie sighed and looked again towards the dark alleyway hoping to catch a glimpse of the man that had come to her rescue. There was something dark and alluring about him. He wore a mask on one side of his face yet still she noticed the scars. She was certain she’d seen him before but wasn’t quite sure where. Gripping the handle in her hand Natalie stepped inside and hurriedly shut the door behind her.

I did it. I got close enough to smell the sweet scent of her skin; peaches and lavender, there’s no mistaking it. I wanted to say something as I stood there looking into those hazel orbs of beauty. I wanted to tell her she didn’t have to be afraid of me, that I was no one to fear. But who am I kidding? She had just watched me beat some guy to a bloody pulp and I know the scars on my face scared her as well. Still, if she knew me, she’d have no reason to run off like she did. I guess I’ll just hang on to her necklace until such time I can see her again.

Natalie; she is everything that love should be and she doesn’t even know my name. I’ve never imagined that one girl could become the center of my universe. But if anyone has successfully warmed my frozen heart, it’s her. She is the driving force of my world, the reason the sun seems so warm and the stars sparkle so bright in the night sky. She is the one redeeming quality of a quickly darkening city and the only reason I remain here. And as much as I want her it’s something that can never be. It would be risking way too much and I cannot afford to place anyone in harm’s way. But to me, she is the person Stephen King was describing and the reason why true first love is so dangerous.

                                                                                                                       - BF

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