Enchantress

Chapter 9

I quickly got up and threw on my black leggings and my oversized New York shirt on. I let my hair down and headed downstairs to find mom and dad in bed and Malachi in the living room, on the couch, with popcorn in his hands. 22 Jump Street was beginning to roll across the screen. I sat on the edge of the sectional and Kyky sat down beside me. Dom came down the stairs and grabbed the open end of the sectional. I sat quietly through the movie. On edge and feeling awkward because of Dom being so close. Things didn’t go well last time we spoke. Matti taking Eva home to meet his parents means my worst fears had come to life and all because I used the L word. I just wanted to go to bed. I was completely embarrassed. When I looked up the credits were rolling across the screen and neither of them were watching TV. They were both staring silently at me. I had apparently zoned completely out and at some point, started crying because my cheeks were wet.

“What are you staring at? I’m going to bed.” I got up, without saying a word, and went directly to my room. I just wanted to be alone. I didn’t even have control over my own emotions. I felt like I was twelve. I crawled into bed and turned off my light.

There was a tap on my door. I really didn’t want to know what embarrassing thing I did while I was zoned out that caused them to gawk at me like that. Malachi would be the one to rub it in but when he opened the door it wasn’t Malachi who came in. Dom came and sat on the edge of my bed.” Listen, we didn’t know you were here until we were already here. I don’t want to intrude on your personal space or make you feel uncomfortable so if you want me to leave I will. Before I do though I owe you an explanation. Lila and I had been in an arranged marriage. It was arranged before we were even born. Our parents have been friends for many years. Our parents are the type where you do what you’re told and don’t ask questions. Lila and I grew up together always knowing one day we’d be married and that we could never be with anyone else. I did love Lila but at some point, she changed, and I didn’t like the person she became. Then I met you. I feel something with you that I can’t explain but when I’m not with you, uh I know this is going to sound crazy, but I find myself wishing that I were with you. I wasn’t lying when I told you that it killed me to see you with Matti. Knowing that your hurting as bad as you are right now is killing me but to watch you cry is much worse. Therefore, I’ve been avoiding you and him. I knew he’d screw up and you’d get hurt but to take that manipulating slut home to his parents makes me want to kill him. I’m sorry that I hurt you. That was never my intention. I just felt such a connection and I’ve never felt like that with anyone else. It felt intoxicating and it makes me want to be in your life even if it’s just as a friend. I told my parents and Lila that there wouldn’t be a wedding. They took it pretty hard so now I’m disowned.”

He grew quiet and made a move to get up and I stopped him. “You're not crazy, you know, I feel it too. You were so back and forth, but now it all makes sense. I feel bad for yelling at you. I don’t want things to be awkward or tense between us but at this moment I just want to be alone. Can we talk tomorrow?”

“Sure thing,” he said leaning forward to kiss my forehead. With that he was gone, and I was already falling asleep.

I woke the next morning to yelling coming from downstairs. That never happens in this house unless it is Malachi and I yelling at each other. I hurried down the stairs to see what was going on. Mom and dad had already left for work. Malachi was in the living room with Dom and as I approached, they both stopped and turned to look at me. As they parted I found the source of the yelling. Matti was standing in front of them. He moved past them headed in my direction.

“Stop!” I wasn’t about to let him get close to me, let alone touch me.

“Get Out! Matti we are finished! I don’t want to hear whatever you have to say. Just leave!”

“Taryn, please hear me out.”

“No. You left without saying a word. No note. No call. No text. Nothing. Then you take your pregnant whatever you want to classify her as home with you to meet your parents even when you are not even sure if it is your kid. After what I said this is how you treat me? No. Just get out!”

He turned to look at Malachi and then headed for the door. Tears were streaming down my face. Dom moved towards me but before he could reach me Matti had come back and wrapped me up in his arms.

“Please don’t cry. I hate it when you cry. My intention was never to hurt you because I’m in love with you Taryn. I've never felt like this before and it scares the hell out of me. I’ll give you the space you ask for but please call me and let me explain.” He spoke and left. I was once again left speechless and crying.

Malachi followed him out. Dom walked over and wrapped his arms around me. I couldn’t say anything. I just stood there in shock and disbelief as the horror my life had become played out before my eyes. He walked me to the couch and sat me down. He disappeared and a few minutes later returned with a cup of hot chocolate. We sat in silence while I slipped away. Malachi suddenly reemerged from outside. I excused myself and retreated to my claw foot bath.

I was soaking in a hot bubble bath when there was tapping at my bathroom door.

“Go away!”

“Taryn, I’m not going away. Open the door.”

Holy s**t, that was Matti’s voice.

“It’s not locked you know.”

He walked in slowly being cautious of how I might react. He was right to because as soon as I saw his face, I wanted to hit him in it.

“What?”

“Will you please hear me out?”

“No.”

“Taryn, please.”

I stood up, naked, and motioned for him to hand me the towel on the counter. His eyes bore into me. He licked his lips. It was apparent that he was turned on, honestly, so was I. It wasn’t happening though.

“What do you want?” I said wrapping the towel around me and stepping out of the tub.

“When you said you were in love with me, I didn’t doubt it. I couldn’t say it back because I have never been in love before. That was until you.” He put his hands on my upper arms. His touch was gentle and soft. “I was scared, and I knew when I told you how I felt our relationship would change. With Eva and the baby and everything I thought I would lose you eventually, so I tried to add some distance to soften the blow. I’m sorry I pushed you away. As for Eva coming home with me, the doctor says she needs to be on bed rest and will need someone to constantly take care of her. That is quite possibly my child she is carrying and so I need to be the one taking care of her. That child is my number one priority and it’s not fair of me to ask you to be in a relationship with someone who has their pregnant mistress living with them. You also deserve to be with someone who can put you first. I am walking away but not for me, I am walking away for you, because you deserve so much more than I am able to give you right now.” With that he kissed me on my forehead, lingering a little, and then he was just gone. I was just left standing there gaping after him feeling numb and in shock.