Changed - The Soul-Bound Cataclysms

NEW BEGINNINGS

KENDALL

 "Everyone quiet down, please.

 You can catch up on your own time!" 

The teacher stood at her side, hushing the class.

 All eyes turned, staring at them . ... At me!

shit!

 "I'd like to introduce you to our new student. 

This is Kendall Waterstone. Dr Waterstones daughter." 

She beamed at me with a dazzling smile, it came straight from her eyes. instantly making me want to smile back at her. 

 It felt strange to smile,

 it had been so long. 

The teacher is short, really short. 

Grey hair, in a severe bun, her glasses perched on her pointed nose. 

At least in her 60's, I judged. 

She reminds me of the Grandma in Tom and Jerry. 

Old school teacher.

a battleaxe.

"Just take a seat that's empty and I'll get you your books after registration." 

she gestured for me to go find a place to sit.

I find a desk and chair at the back, 

everyone's eyes following me until I was sat.

I ignore them.

Just keep walking Waterstone

 I chant help chant inside. 

I can feel my face, crimson from the unwanted attention

 Everyone turns back to face the teacher, Miss Landon, 

all except for the girl occupying the desk directly in front of me.

 "Hi. I'm Holly." 

Her smile is welcoming and genuine. 

I feel a warmth spread over me as I look at the girl. 

Black curls frame Hollys' face, 

it was round with warm emanating from her eyes.

 Her cheeks plump,

 like a chipmunk storing its winter supply. 

her lips were painted in a purple-hued lipgloss.

 teeth were perfectly straight.

  "Hello, I'm...." I found my voice.

 " Kendall! " 

she jumped in before I finish my introduction. 

Holly's voice was lilting and high from excitement, 

it made her cheeks jiggle.

Of course, she knows my name,

 the teacher had just introduced her. 

Stupid... Stupid... 

I bashed herself internally.

Holly must have seen my face and I saw a pang of guilt wash over hers.

"Sorry I should have let you finish, 

I'm always getting told off by Libby for butting in before people have finished speaking.

 It's like I can't stop myself..." She rambles her explanation. 

Holly Talks using her hands. 

Animated.

" I can show you around today... If you want?

 I am an excellent tour guide! " she proudly offered,

 unsure if I even want the tour.

 " that would be awesome, thanks.

 It's all a bit overwhelming " I answer honestly.

 Feeling slightly relieved.

 my first conversation here was with Holly. 

And it was a friendly exchange.

 I couldn't bring herself to lie to the rambling girl in front of me.

 Holly had the aura of openness, 

like she was shrouded in a rosy pink glow, 

that was making me feel so welcome. 

A friend would be nice, 

The morning passed in a blur.

 two more teachers did the whole introduction thing,

 even though most of the faces I had seen in my previous lessons. 

I had to admit to myself,

that it hadn't been as awful a day 

as I had believed it was going to be. 

There is always tomorrow!

Holly had stayed at my side all morning.

 filling me in on the teachers,

 the students, 

the cliques and the boys. 

I already know that Holly has a boyfriend, Chase.

he's on the football team and according to Holly,

“had the fittest body in the Sixth Form.

 No scratch that in Evermore! “

Her bestie was called Libby,

they had grown up together from birth, practically.

 I was just going to love Libby and vice versa, 

according to Holly. 

I couldn't help but listen to every word Holly said, 

she oozed warmth and made me feel like we had been friends forever, not just met this very day. 

I enjoy the morning.

 At lunch, we congregated in the cafeteria, 

Holly introduced her to Chase.

 She wasn't lying about him being ... Fit! 

He was tall, blonde tanned and from what I could see from the biceps sneaking out from his sleeves, 

toned too. 

Hmm hello, muscles!

He was polite and welcoming too. 

 Enquiring about where I was from and things I like he seems genuinely involved in what I have to say. 

I could tell he was going to be a friend right from the start.

 He then introduced his 2 friends, 

fellow teammates, Cam, he had light brown hair with speckled honey through,

 natural or box? I'm undecided. 

short back and sides

Neat and tidy.

Then there's Leo.

He's strawberry blonde,

Not from a box!

 Tall and lean.

 He had a resting b***h face, like he was uninterested in the world around him.

My first impression was of arrogance.

 Then the introductions halt as Holly squeals and dive into the arms of a blonde girl.

 " you take ages, come, you have to meet someone. '' 

Holly bounces, excitedly pulling the girl to us, giggling.

 She is stunning. 

Striking blond, straight, shoulder-length hair, 

that glistened in the sun. 

Almost like strands of silk. 

She had a face that could probably melt Satan.

And legs... For days... 

She was the epitome of the perfect teenager. 

Like she belonged in the centre pages of Playboy.

 A classy spread. 

Not smut... 

 I hadn't seen anyone that's as stunning as...

 "Libby... 

Meet Kendall... 

Kendall... 

This is my BFF Libby! " 

Holly's excitement exudes from her,

as she jumps and wraps her arm around Libby's neck.

we giggle in unison at her.

 "Hols, babes, calm down before you pee yourself! "

 Libby laughs, 

nudging her dear and excitable friend. 

"Sorry, she gets herself carried away, 

it's lovely to meet you.

 I hope it's not too dreadful the first morning for you?" 

Libby smiled and gently squeezed my upper arm.

 I giggle and genuinely smile right back at Libby.

 feeling like I had maybe, 

just maybe, 

 been lucky enough to find genuine friends on my first day.

 "No need to apologise, her giddiness is infectious. 

Holly has made this day so easy." 

I beam at Holly, who ha turned a lovely shade of pink.

The rest of the day passes by as good as the morning. 

I had lessons with Holly, Leo and Chase.

When another teacher attempted the introductions again.

  Leo interrupted him.

 "We know. 

New girl. 

Kendall. 

We have heard this already!" He seems irritated.

What have I done to annoy him? 

I feel my her cheeks redden,

 as he spoke up again,

 this time directly at me,

"Sorry, it's just I have heard you introduced in every single room now,

 and lunch. 

I think wall art even knows your name. 

We remember your name. " 

he looks down for a second then back at me, 

an apology in his eyes.

 Only for a second and then it was gone as quick as it appeared

l could do nothing but give a short smile, that even I knew looked forced. I averted my eyes from him. 

Not understanding what I had done to offend Leo. 

 wasn't going to let it bother me too much. 

I'm not everyone's cup of tea and that was fine by me. 

The final bell echoed as everyone jumped out their seats to get out of their educational prison.

To get home and be teenagers. 

I packed my bag and leave the class. 

Only then do I realise,

 dad didn't tell me where and when he was picking me up.

Crap!

 I look around, get my bearings, 

trying to figure out which direction home now is. 

Directions are not my forte... 

The complete opposite.

 I know that walking is my only option,

 especially since her mobile was at home, 

on her bedside table.

Double crap!

 "Oi!"

 A deep booming voice behind me erupted 

"Need a lift? " its Chase, in a silver BMW.

I shake my head, 

embarrassed to admit,

That a lift would be a lifesaver right now. 

 "Come on, get in.

 You live on the same street as me. 

So we are going the same way anyway."

 He smiles, opening the passenger door for me from the inside. 

His face was eager for me to get in.

 I wasn't going to turn down a lift. 

Especially now I know it wasn't going out of his way. 

It is spacious and cool inside his car.

 Black leather interior. 

It still had that new leather smell inside, mixed with Chace's scent.

 Musky and earthy.

 "Thanks.

 But how do you know we live in the same street?"

 I'm curious and ask as soon as I had belted and Chase set off. 

 " small town. Everyone knows everything. " 

he chuckles,

 finding his own words amusing. 

I'm confused but decide to keep my mouth shut.

 Presuming that I've been the focus of much gossip awaiting my arrival here.

typical!

 "In all honesty, 

I saw the moving van last week from my bedroom" he admits.

 "Oh! Well, thanks. 

I forgot to ask my dad what the sitch was getting too and from school. First-day nerves I'm blaming it on. "I joke, it makes him laugh.

 I, in turn, giggle too.

we chat constantly until he pulls in front of my house.

 Conversation flows naturally without us even trying. 

 arriving at my house, 

I get out of the car and thanked him again.

 For saving my ass from getting lost and probably ending up in Rossiter - two towns over. 

As I unlock my front door,

 I hear him shout again and turn to him.

 "I'm coming to get you at 7 p.m. 

Take you to the coolest hangout,

 where only the cool kids are permitted... 

And I'll get extra brownie points with my lady for bringing you. 

And I am not taking no for an answer. 7 p.m." 

He drives to the bottom of the street,

 Turns into the drive at the beginning of the street. 

I shake my head, 

Laughing,

at Chase and his demands. 

AVERY

 Leaving the beautiful estate I share with Zane. 

I can't help but appreciate my handiwork in the renovations that we completed on the 8 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms Victorian home. 

That's what it is to me now. 

Home.

Something I never had, until I was found by Zane ... And saved by Eleanor.

It had only taken me and the team 12 weeks to complete.

 A fact I'm proud of. I enjoyed restoring it. I tried to keep as much of the original historical building. It was too beautiful not to.

 I liked getting my hands dirty. Getting stuck into the manual labour along with the guys I hired for the restorations. 

It made me think of the mines and how hard I grafted as a child.

 I had to keep busy.

 Always had a project or two going.

 I didn't like being idle, it got me into trouble.

 A lot.

I smile, bringing up Eleonors face in my memory bank, her beauty and her smile that could make me run through fire. 

climb mountains!

 drink baptised water!

And I would. 

I remember the way her hair frames the perfect serene eyes that could make me do terrible terrible things.

 If she asked. 

I know that with every fibre in my being.

I would happily give up everything, 

and I mean EVERYTHING for her. 

I snapped back to the here and now, shaking the memory and walk into the surrounding forest,

that immerses the 100 acres of our property.

  I enter its blackness.

 "What do you mean that it's the wrong material?" 

I shouted at the small, balding man in front of me.

 Marc Levers was the foreman of my Company - Rebirth Restorations LTD

He ran the operation, 

well during the day anyway. 

I'm not in the mood to deal with this and I could feel my temper creep up my veins,

 my blood slowly simmering... 

I huffed and stare at Levers like he had grown a second head.

 "Sort it. Now!

 Before I find someone that can do the f*****g job right!"

 I scolded Mark, who flinched from the sudden flash of danger that crossed my eyes. 

I could sense Baldy was ready to piss himself 

HA! 

I had to calm this situation and I needed to do it now.

Mark had been working for me since I had moved to Evermore years earlier. 

I’m a decent employer to be fair.

 paid over minimum wage, 

would never let my business use less than perfect materials for the job we're working on. 

My anal approach to my business showed in the work. 

We’d renovated some breathtaking buildings. Homes, businesses, 

anything really that we are contracted to fix up and make beautiful again.

 From the inside out.

seeing the finished product at the end of the build made every pissed off moment worth it.

 It always did. Always had. 

My vision from my brain produced in reality right in front of me. 

Blew my mind every single time.

I know it stems back from being a boy.

 Using my hands. 

Daydreaming, in the small black and dangerous hole that was my childhood. 

Escaping the pit and fear.

 imagining different lives for myself, that wasn't in darkness and dirt.

We are currently halfway to completing an old block of run-down flats. 

ten stories high with twenty flats inside, 

well, there was when we started. 

Now it was three spacious apartments, 

with amenities at basement level, 

a laundry room, the rubbish collection area, 

even a state of the art gym was being installed at the rear.

 We are going to make a killing selling these.

I had a knack of getting derelict eyesores,

 for cheap as chips and making them into the grandest views that the spaces I bought brought to me. 

I bought these god awful flats and saw the open-plan apartments I was going to create.

 I suppose it's another of my little talents.

 It helped that I then sold them for way more than I paid and spent. 

Perfection is expensive this generation. 

leaving plenty of capital for the next broken eyesore to bring to life again.

 I never got attached to my projects.

 I enjoyed creating them,

 savoured the benefits and then it was on to the next.

 Except for The Estate.

Now that I am attached to.

 I feel at home here.

 I did the second Zane invited me in.

 Ha yep! you read right! 

I visioned the entire reno as he showed me around. 

I worked those contractors like f**k to finish. 

Ha

 Bob hadn’t worked for him since.

I'm talented and I know it!

I’m Avery DuPont, need I say more

 Arrogance radiated from me and I had a temper, 

a bad one!

 I had to fight more than I care to admit.

 every day of my existence.

 If things were not going my way,

 I'd have danger in my eyes, 

warning whoever had pissed me off to get out of dodge. 

Quick time.

Right now, 

it was Mark on the receiving end of those warning eyes.

 "I'm sorry Ave,

 I took my eye off the ball and should have checked the invoice myself." 

Levers admitted sheepishly.

 I know he's not one to make excuses. won't help his case.

I kept my deep blue eyes firmly honed on Mark, they had turned a steely grey.

 Mark knew he had majorly f****d up.

 I could tell by the sheer fear in his wrinkled and old eyes. working man's eyes! 

My dad had them before he was buried alive when I was six.

 "I'll have it fixed by lunch tomorrow, Boss!"

 His eyes pleading with me to forgive his mistake.

He knew I liked being called a boss. 

brownie points for him. 

I am the boss and he knew it. 

a good ego stroke!

 cheers bud.

"I think this might be your greatest refurb. 

From the shithole, we started with and just look... 

It's stunning... Well it will be when it's finished" 

I couldn't help but smile slightly, 

I knew exactly what Mark was doing,

 trying to appease his f**k up by sucking my d**k!

 I could read him like a book, but I gave him some credit,

 he knew he had messed up and he would have it sorted,

 like he said he would.

 He always did.

I felt a second of regret, 

at my outburst,

 at my employee and 'friend', 

using the term loosely. 

but only a split second and it was gone.

 Feelings were fleeting in me. 

I didn't have any actual friends. 

Marc Levers was probably the closest thing I did have to one. 

I wiped my hand down my face, 

like I'm wiping the anger right out of me and breathed out. 

I didn't know why my temper felt so frayed lately, 

it was a hiccup,

 they had them with most jobs,

 part and parcel of the line of work they were in.

 Maybe it was the memories of Eleonor earlier, 

thinking of her always set my nerve endings off,

 or I just need a nice, warm lady... 

To distract and quench my thirst.

 "I know Levers, I do apologise for losing my s**t. 

You are doing a bang-up job, 

I was just hoping to be a bit further along."

 I surprised myself with the apology.

Avery DuPont never apologised.

 what the f**k is wrong with me? 

I watch the look of surprise cross Marc's face but he quickly covered it up. 

more brownie points.

 "S'right boss. 

There have been a few more obstacles with this one.

 It will be finished in 10 days, that I can promise you Ave!"

 He looked at me, his boss and I relaxed. 

I was calmed and even apologised - 

who f*****g knew I had It in me! 

I smirked at my Foreman, 

his shiny bald head covered in dust and streaked with grime

 "don't make promises you can't keep!" I laugh. 

" Get yourself home and showered, mate, you look like crap and we'll...

 You smell even worse! "

 I nudged Mark, as I crumpled my nose in mock disgust.

 well, he did f*****g reek but I'm used to the stench after all these years.

 "I'll sort the materials out, you have done enough today." 

 Marc Levers did not need telling twice.

“cheers Boss” 

Already on his way to his van.

 “gonna give that busty redhead from the bar a booty call” he shouts back at me.

“dude? 

I thought even your greasy cheesedick had a bit of taste ``I laugh heavily. 

Mark got into his truck and was gone before I,

 the big boss man changed my mind. 

I walked into Dollys, it must be quite late. looking around at the thinning crowd inside my brother's bar. 

There are pockets of people mulling around, a couple of dancing... 

Puke!

It was a small basement bar. No windows. 

That's how Zane had wanted it. 

So you could forget the world was happening outside. 

It had 4 tables that seat 6 to eat, a bar with bar stools, a backroom that was normally taken up by the patrons there just to drink. 

A kitchen that delivered the most wonderful tasting dishes

I wouldn't know. Never tried. 

Not when I knew it was the round and sweaty pig that created them. 

Chef has always been a problem for me. 

I really didn't like the old and bitter ball bag. 

Always had a chip on his shoulder and wouldn't know respect if it came and bit his face off,

 which could be a possibility these days.

Two burly patrons sat at the bar harbouring their ales like they couldn't let them go like it was the last pint they would consume. 

A waitress and waiter were cleaning tables and talking about an essay they had to complete by morning.

 UGH, students!

 They were annoying little creatures that didn't have a clue about life,

 or what it had in store for them.

 They acted like there was nothing else more important than whatever shitty event that was their lives. 

It grated my nerves.

 They would learn. 

 I knew that first hand.

 I continued to look around until I found what I was here for. 

Zane. 

He was standing at a round table with a look on his face that I had never seen on my brother. 

He wasn’t moving.

 I’m positive he isn't breathing either.

 "What the f**k?" I whisper to myself, 

following my brother's penetrating stare. 

He was looking at a table of students. 

His face a mixture of emotions. 

His eyes blacken by the second.

 Was he angry? No that's not his angry face,

I smiled to myself,

 I know my bro!

I can’t put my finger on what that look meant,

 but I know I do not like it. 

 Four students sat, books strewn over the table, 

Coke cans littered the table and a half-eaten basket of fries sat in the middle. 

There were two males,

 athletes by the looks of them, 

probably the soccer team... 

No! Football team!

Not in the US anymore! 

I don't get why they can't just call it one name in both places!

A Black curly-haired girl with plump cheeks and innocence written all over her face was giggling,

 giving goo eyes to one of the lads, 

the Blondie.

 Next to him was the person I was certain was the reason for my brother standing, 

paralysed, in the middle of the room. 

She had flowing dark chestnut hair with tints of deep red through it, 

hanging free and loose, covering her face a little.

it shines like the fuckin Pantene ads.

 Her cheeks were slightly crimsoned, 

probably from laughing with her friends.

 She had the body of a woman, 

not like her friend with her, who you knew was just at the beginning of her womanhood, 

I could see exactly why little cherubs figure

  was making Blondie want to f**k her on the table.

 I know how red-blooded men think.

But the brunette!

she had the looks of the woman she had been before womanhood beseeched her.

 she wasn't skin and bone.

 Healthy.

Her skin was clear and pale and youthful. 

She had ruby red lips, glossed. 

She doesn't look as young as the others.

I wasn't entirely sure she was the same age as them. 

She didn't look like it, 

but looks can be deceiving. 

I know that better than most people.

She had full and pert breasts. 

He could tell through the Cherise off-the-shoulder top she was wearing,

 warming her skin tone and giving her hair a tinge of red, 

like a halo of fire. 

A Phoenix rising.

Her smile was genuine every time she flashed it at Her friends. I didn't know how I knew that I just did. 

Sensed it.

I stare at Zane’s face again, 

wondering what was going on in that brooding brain of his and why the hell was he staring at a teenager like that. 

Hungry.

He wasn't interested in romance, girls or dating. 

He was boring that way.

 Had been burned in the past.

 He believed he had already had his soulmate, 

and now she was gone.

He Felt he was cheating whoever he tried to date,

 with his heart and his secrets. 

so he swore off it. 

I don't know how he manages it, 

I couldn't go longer than 48 hours 

without the release of endorphins 

caused by the feeling of being with a woman 

 ok, 72 hours maybe... 

At a push.

His brother hadn't had female company in forever,

 I knew this as fact.

Every time I brought the subject of girls or s*x up, 

Zane shut him down.

 Refusing to amuse my scrutiny. 

 I loved bringing it up at every opportunity,

 just to see the black flash in Zanes' eyes.

 His eyes would warn me to be careful.

I knew his eyes going from his usual liquid Amber to almost midnight Black,

 warned to not push it.

 Me! Avery DuPont rarely listens to it.

I get a sick satisfaction seeing his reactions to me,

 I can thank Eleonor for that.

 I'm always telling Zane that he needs to relax, enjoy life and live.

 Not just exist.

it always fell on deaf ears, 

he was a perpetual martyr was my big bro, 

so instead, I chose to mock him whenever I could. 

I walked towards Zane. 

 "Jesus that bad bro?

 Need it that much you're undressing teenagers with your eyes now?"

 I laughed slapping my brother in between his shoulder blades,

 taunting and knocking Zane from his trance.

 Staring daggers at me. 

His annoying son-of-a-b***h of a Brother.

yep, that's me!

 "f**k off Avery!" 

He growled and turned to walk to his office.

 "Bro ... Wait up. 

I'm kidding, keep your knickers on!" 

I chase after Zane, catching up to him

 " liquid refreshment? " I asked Zane,

 nodding toward the office space,

 that only he and I were permitted entry.

 Zane had one rule. 

only one.

 in this place that he enforced. 

STAY OUT OF HIS OFFICE!!

And I knew exactly why.

Before entering the office,

we both turned and glanced at the girl again.

 Only this time she was staring right back at us. 

Kendall

I couldn't turn away and stop staring at the two men.

 she had felt them staring at her. 

my skin had prickled with thousands of goosebumps.

I had the feeling of being watched. 

Like a sixth sense.

 Fight or flight response.

 When I lift my eyes and looked around,

I notice two men, standing at the table adjacent

 to where I'm sitting with Holly, Chase and Leo, 

trying to get caught up in History- American Industrial Revolution,

 though not much work was being done. 

They were all too eager to learn new things about the new girl. 

So far I had answered all their questions,

 managed to avoid the awkward ‘mum’ conversation.

The b***h isn't spoiling these new memories.

 They all accepted the words I said about her leaving

and left it there. 

I knew right there,

 that I had found my group of friends here. 

my Crenshaw friends.

I hadn't laughed this much since leaving Holden,

Since leaving Toni and Abi behind. It is hard to think my friends back home,

 it was still home to me.

 it always would be. 

Hi again... 

There's the lump back again.

That's when the goosebumps originated...

The two were looking at each other, 

with what looked to be tension and simmering anger.

It coloured the air with dark clouds.

I could almost see the waves of animosity roll from the one with the dark hair,

 and even darker eyes. 

He was staring at the Blonde with daggers. 

If looks could kill i feared I was about to witness my first bar fight. 

I wanted to get out of there. 

I didn't want to witness these two knock seven shades of s**t,

 out of each other.

 She looked around to find her escape route.

None.

 s**t!

Suddenly,

 the dark brooding looking one stormed off towards the corridor,

 without looking at the Blonde with the f**k-me-eyes.

 I presumed he had stormed to the staff quarters.

 The Blonde jovially chased the other, 

tapping him playfully on the back of his shoulder.

All must be ok,

 Smiling, relief that they were okay with each other. 

not comprehending why I felt that way. 

I cast another look their way. 

They were both looking.

 At me!.

Shit! 

I inwardly cringe. 

Now you made yourself look like a right asshat staring at strangers.

 I feel my cheeks redden with embarrassment

 but could not summon her willpower to turn away from them.

 Great! 

Now my brain isn't working properly! 

Turn your f*****g head away. 

Now Kendall! 

I'm angry as hell at myself.

 My body 

 For deceiving me.

The darker of the two was tall.

looked like he packed the body of a lean gladiator, 

with arms that looked like they could protect you from a nuclear bomb. 

He has locks of deep brown, almost black, slightly curled.

 that he rakes his hands through, front to back.

Luscious Locks

His face is perfectly symmetrical,

 sculpted and defined. 

He could be a model. 

Dammit, he probably is a model,  

When I first looked at him his eyes were almost black. 

Like they were a deep abyss you would never return from but now,

 they were golden, liquid gold. 

Mesmerising. 

They held secrets. 

a current ran right through my whole body.

I wanted to know his secrets. 

I don't know why but I know I have had to know them

 I imagined swimming in those pools for a second

. Just a second though...

I shake my head, and the thought away.

The Blonde

 he is

drop dead gorgeous!

Sex on a stick!

 At least 6ft 5 inches tall. 

Muscles surrounded his lean and taut tanned body. 

He had long golden hair scraped up into a man bun. golden

Fuck! he made that bun sexy as heck,

 I couldn't stop the thought, as I bit my bottom lip. 

His eyes were blue, defiantly blue.

Not quite sure what shade to describe them I'm opting for azure,

 but that is nowhere near their true description

I don't think the word would even be in the Oxford Dictionary yet.

 He holds himself like the God I'm sure he is.

I can tell this just from the way he stood

 and interacted with The Brooder. 

Luscious Locks!

 He was branded now.

They both were:

Mr luscious locks - the dark one

Mr s*x on a stick- golden boy.

Mischief oozed from him,

 trouble in those insightful eyes and I couldn't help imagine what mischief I could get up to with him. 

Startled out of my reverie,

 by Leo clicking his fingers in my face.

 "Earth to Waterstone!"

 He clicked again. 

" you even listening? " 

 "Erm... What... Sorry. 

Zoned out.

 Information overload I think" 

I apologise and try to focus on what Leo is saying,

 Something about their History homework.  

Difficult so difficult. 

The Industrial Revolution didn't grab my attention right now.

When I look back towards the men. 

They have gone. 

Disappeared.

ZANE

“Avery. Just leave. Please.”

I cant focus whilst he stares at me,

With his wide blue beady eyes of his. 

“Stop looking at me like that!” 

I roar at him.

You would think I’d sprouted wings and horns

The way his eyes are boring into me.

Who is that girl?

What the f**k was that feeling?

What is happening?

My mind is racing.

my heart is pumping.

I can hear my blood rushing through me.

That heat.

What the hell was that?

“Avery, please just leave” I’m begging him to go. I just need some time to think.

“Bro. Why ya so tetchy?

I’m only pulling your Johnson!” 

I can’t stop myself from smiling at him. 

This golden lion of a brother had always had a way with words.

Blunt.

Honest.

It’s one of the many reasons I love him 

And hate him.

In equal measures!

“I’m busy, Ave.

And quite frankly!

I just can’t be arsed with your

Crap tonight”

I see him flinch at the harshness.

He didn’t show it, 

It just flashed in his royal eyes.

Then it was gone.

I didn’t mean to hurt his feelings!

Avery and feelings… Ha!

My senses are fried.

Every nerve ending in my body,

Sparked with the electricity she had set off in me. 

My skin vibrates.

 “Ave, I didn’t mean that to sound so….”

What’s the word!!

“Don’t worry Zee! 

What’s up? You look like you’ve seen a fuckin ghost!”

 He looks genuinely worried about me.

Siblings! 

“I think I have! Ave!

 Well, the ghost of a ghost anyway!” 

I hadn’t seen a ghost, as such.

But I felt it.

The feelings that stirred in me right now

Are the same as the ones I felt.

With her.

With Allison.

Her beautiful eyes of liquid envy looked right through me.

She had a flush in her cheeks.

Is that from me, angel? 

My closeness?

Or the spectacular event happening

Around us?

“I can’t believe how beautiful it is in here, 

When out there, I was terrified.

How can something so amazingly beautiful,

Be so dangerous? She asked me,

Like I knew the answers.

I didn’t.

But I would find them.

For the angel in front of me.

She was petite, reaching my shoulder, just about.

I know this as she’s lying her head there,

Watching the remnants of the smaller

Meteors piercing our atmosphere.

Breathtaking!

“It’s nature. Miss Allison”

I’d been raised to be respectful.

Manners cost nothing, mama used to say.

And this beauty had more than my respect.

She had my undying attention.

For as long as she wanted it.

“ beautiful and wild. Like you!...”

Shit! s**t! i***t Bollinger!

“I’m so sorry, Miss Al….”

She presses her finger to my lips,

So soft. 

I want to take her finger into my mouth.

Taste her.

“Shh... it’s Ally. 

You can call me Ally.”

Oh holy mother of God! 

She’s inside me. 

Etched in my heart already.

I knew that second.

I was forever in love.

I had found my other half,

My Soul Mate.

She is looking into my eyes. 

Deep and longing.

Her cheeks reddening more,

It’s me! I’m doing that to you!

I take a strand of her Auburn hair and twirl it,

Enjoying her scent.

My body was on fire. Burning from the inside.

I could feel electric shocks coursing between us.

Her breathing accelerates.

“Did you hear me?” She whispers,

Almost inaudible.

“I said you can call me Al….”

My body reacts on instinct.

I cup her head in my hands and pull her in.

What are you doing Zane?

Her reputation! 

Fuck her reputation!

She’s mine!

“I heard you, Angel!” I breathe as my lips find hers.

Softly and slow. 

Gauging if she reciprocated my need.

She did.

She pulls me into her,

Brushing her up against the hut wall.

Our mouths joined as one.

I was breathing her as she was me.

Her hands are in my shirt, gripping my muscles.

A moan escapes her lips sending me into a tailspin.

I hitch her up against the wall, 

her legs wrapped my waist,

I know she can feel me against her.

Oh, sweet Jesus! 

She writhes against me, my stiffness.

Oh, Angel! I want you so bad!

As I find the hem of her long dress,

I ride it up so her thighs show.

She catches her breath,

And gazes at me hungrily.

She wants me as bad as I want her!

I place her down on the dry, dusty hut.

She is disappointed.

“Miss Ally…. I believe we missed a few steps!

I’m Zane Bollinger. 

And I would love to see you again”