Desire, Fate, & Love

Chapter 2

The next day was my birthday party and a Saturday. I thought I would be free of the stress of the last few days. Why had Rhys Scott taken an interest in me of all people? Had he run out of girls at school? Was that even possible? I tried to push him out of my mind as I helped my parents set up the party. It was a small one. Just my friend group of five. I heard someone honk their horn quickly and couldn't help the smile that filled my face. As I ran out to greet my friends as they piled out of Lisa's van, I froze in my tracks. A sleek black car pulled up next to Lisa in the driveway.

Lisa winked at me as Rhys stepped out of his car. He smiled as he approached with a gift under his arm. My friends giggled like children and went inside ahead of me. Rhys smirked softly as he walked up to me.

"Happy birthday Lily." He said with a broad smile and I blinked at him dumbfounded. Why was he here? I shifted my gaze to my feet quickly to avoid those green eyes.

"I didn't invite you," I said softly, not knowing what else to say. I saw his feet falter in place slightly, but I didn't look back up. He sighed harshly.

"Do you hate me that much?" I glanced up briefly to see him run his hand down his face with a groan of frustration. "Would it be easier to charm her?" He mumbled low enough that I almost thought I imagined the words. I shifted my weight a couple of times and took a deep breath.

"I just don't really know you. It's my birthday and I didn't expect something like this." I tried to explain without seeming mean. I fidgeted with my fingers. I watched as he reached forward, taking my hand lightly in his. Suddenly, I felt sparks down my arm. I looked up and watched in silent horror as Rhys's eyes shifted to pure black. Just as soon, they turned green again and he yanked his hand away.

"What the hell?" He said in what almost sounded like a growl. He met my eyes with a soft fear and then down at his hand that had touched me. "I have to go." He said quickly and turned to leave. He froze for a moment. He turned back, pushing the present into my hands, being sure not to touch me. "Your gift. Sorry to bother you." With that, he raced to his car and drove away before I could say anything. The image of his black eyes flashed through my head and I shivered lightly. Something about it had chilled me to the bone for a second.

I tried to enjoy the party but I found myself glancing out the front windows thinking he might show up again at any moment. At the end of the party, as I was opening my presents I hesitated about the one Rhys had left. Was it right for me to open it now? He had left it with me but I had been so rude to him. I had kicked him out, hadn't I? With encouragement from my friends, I pulled the wrapping off gently. Inside was a glass dome with crystal flowers. Lilies to be exact. As the cord wrapped around it unfurled slightly, I walked over to an outlet. Plugging it in, I watched as the lilies lit up and cast light about the room in a kaleidoscope of beauty. I was amazed at such a wonderful thing and I felt twice as bad about how I had treated Rhys now.

After everyone left, I set up the crystal flowers in my room. I fell asleep that night staring up at the light flickering on my ceiling. That night I had a dream where Rhys was kissing me. I woke up with my cheeks hot in embarrassment. How could I have a dream like that after everything? I had decided that I had imagined Rhys's eyes changing color and put it out of my mind.

On Monday I made my way to my tree to find Rhys leaning against it clearly waiting for me. I froze as I saw him and tried to leave before he saw me.

"Lily!" He called to me and ran over. He stood in my path before I could get far. He held out his arms to block me from going around him. "We need to talk," he said with determination. I shook my head quickly.

"No, it's fine. I'm sorry OK?" I said quickly and tried to duck around his arm.

"No wait-" He started to say as he wrapped his arm around my waist to stop me. Those same sparks flashed through me at the touch. Rhys gasped loudly and jumped back. When I looked up, my eyes widened. His eyes were black again and this time they didn't shift back. He placed his face in his right hand with a sharp wince. "Don't look." He gasped out in a voice that sounded like he was in pain. I was instantly concerned and I took a step forward. His eyes flashed up to meet mine in fear and he stepped back. "Don't. I can't-" He winced again before he could finish his sentence.

I dropped my lunch box, forgetting it as he stumbled back like he was going to fall over. I reached out for him and his eyes widened sharply.

"NO!" He yelled suddenly and I felt my body freeze. An odd feeling filled my limbs and he took several steps back. He was panting now and he stumbled and fell back on his butt onto the grass. I wanted to go to him but I couldn't seem to move. I couldn't even open my mouth to ask if he was ok. He looked at me and those black eyes filled with sadness. "I'm sorry Lily. Go. Leave. You have to get away."

Suddenly, I could move again but instead of heeding his warning, I rushed forward, crouching at his side. He gasped loudly at that and groaned in pain. He opened his mouth but I cut him off.

"What's wrong? Should I go fetch the nurse?" He chuckled darkly at my words for a moment. He shut his eyes suddenly and turned his face away as if looking at me hurt him. "Rhys." Hearing his name caused a large shudder to move through him. He groaned and his hands gripped the grass beneath him tightly.

"Lily get away from me. Now. Please. I can't-" Each word came out in a gasp like speaking was a struggle until he choked on the last word like his throat had suddenly closed up. I reached out in concern and touched his shoulder. Suddenly, in a flash, I was on my back on the grass. Rhys was over me staring at me with those black eyes. I wanted to question him as he placed his hands on each of my wrists holding me down. I felt fear wash through me. Suddenly I was very afraid of him.

"Rhys?" I said his name in barely a whisper and struggled feebly against his hold.