Fallen From Grace

Growing Rivalry

Lily's POV

Mike walked into my apartment with a serious expression on his face. I didn't know why he looked so annoyed, it was unlike him. Maybe he wasn't happy that I forgot about our plans, I really did believe that we agreed to meet tomorrow but I guess I've just been too preoccupied lately. The feeling of being watched consumed my thoughts most days so it made sense that I wasn't paying attention when we changed plans. I just hoped that he wasn't too angry and would forgive me.

"Lily, we need to talk." Hearing his voice so cool should have been relaxing for me but it made the anxiety within me grow. Surely he can't have been this annoyed, right?

"Erm, okay. Let's go over to the living room then." He curtly nodded in response and proceeded to follow me silently. I had no idea what he wanted to talk about but I could only guess that it wouldn't be good. Once we sat down, he began speaking. His features completely changed, it was almost like he became another person. I swore I saw anger briefly touch his features but it quickly disappeared as he looked at me intently.

"Lily why were you out with Caleb? Do you know who he is?" I had no idea how to answer his question. Could he really be so angry that he thought I had forgot about him just to go out on a date? Surely he would know that I would never leave a friend like that, especially when they were helping me out of kindness. The distaste in his tone when he spoke his name only confirmed my suspicions that he thought I chose Caleb over him.

"Well," I proceeded, feeling worried about telling Mike the truth about Caleb. Not even I knew what we were, how was I meant to explain it to Mike? "I met Caleb at the charity ball I went to about a month ago. We only spoke briefly before he disappeared but I hoped we would meet again. Then when we went out last week, I think I saw him in the hallway before you came to find me but we didn't speak to each other. I'm not really sure though, it was like he disappeared when you found me but I know he must have been there in front of me. I can't have been imagining it, it felt so real. Then last night when I was about to close up, he walked in to the restaurant. It was so weird but he told me that he was in the area and saw me through the window. We spoke for a bit and exchanged numbers. He asked me to meet him for coffee today and I said yes. I know it sounds odd and you're going to think he's a stalker or something but it's not like that Mike. I can't explain it, I just feel drawn to him and he's such a nice guy. "

Mike’s features darkened, he looked like he was in deep thought and pondering something important. I didn't know if he believed me when I said he wasn't a stalker or if he didn't think he was a nice guy but he should. I knew Caleb more than Mike did and he was the sweetest today. Just kissing him sent electricity through my body and I wished we had been in more of a private setting. If I didn't have plans with Mike, I would have gladly let him whisk me away.

"You need to stay away from him." Mike's voice cut through my thought and caused turmoil within me. I looked at him to find his gaze serious and intensified as he spoke. For the first time since I've met him, I felt a dangerous aura coming from Mike which worried me further.

"What?!" I shouted. Disbelief took over me as his words sunk in. Was he serious? I finally found someone amazing to date and he wanted me to stay away?

"Lily, You need to stay away from him."

"No, I won't. I know I forgot our plans earlier Mike but I think you're over reacting. And I told you that he isn't a stalker. I want to know him better and I like him." My words left him unaffected, I may as well have spoken to a brick wall.

"No Lily, I need you to just trust me". he sighed, while running his hands through his hair, I noticed the stress on his face and realised that there must be a reason he wasn't telling me.

"Mike" I softly spoke while walking towards him. I placed my hand on his cheek and turned his face so that I could look at him clearly. "Tell me why you don't want me to see him. Don't lie to me"

"Lily-" he started but I quickly cut off whatever excuse he was going to use.

"You can't tell me to stay away from him and not tell me why. Trust me to make a good decision based on what you say, please. "

He sighed again before he spoke. "It's hard to explain Lils but we have a sort of history. I can't really explain so please don't ask but I know that he isn't a good person. In simpler terms, think of him as a demon. He does what he wants with no regards to anyone else and there isn't any good left in him. If he's nice to you, he probably wants something and I don't want to see you get hurt. So please Lily, just stay away from him. I need you to be safe and you won't be if he's around"

I looked at the anguish and worry on his face which made the turmoil within me increase. If Mike knew Caleb then I knew I could trust what he was saying was true, but I couldn't control my attraction to him. It was like every fibre in my body just wanted him near and I had no idea why, something about him just drew me in. I had no idea what to do.

"I'll keep my distance and trust what you're saying Mike but I need you to trust me too. I know you've got a history with him but I think he must have changed since then. I know there must be good in him, I can feel it. Just like I can feel the good in you."

"I hope so". We sat there together in silence for a few minutes before Mike stood up. "I know I was going to help you today Lils but I've really got to go meet someone. I'm sorry, it's just really important".

"Oh, that's okay" I smiled. I guess something must have happened on his way over here. "We can always do another day if that works?"

"Yeah that works for me. See you Lils" he waved as he made his way towards the door.

"Bye Mike". The door closed and I stood there staring at it while pondering Mikes words. So Mike and Caleb had history, maybe that is why they were acting so weird around each other in the café. I knew he was trying to protect me but I couldn't stay away from Caleb, the draw to him was too strong. I guess I just had to see myself whether he really was so horrible or not and I would deal with any consequences of that. There was just something about him that consumed me from the very first moment we met and I wasn't ready to leave yet..