The Black Ocean

Episode 3

In the distance, the dazzling pair of the evening made their grand entrance through the towering doors. My gaze matched Alex's, time seemingly slowing as we remained statuesque amidst the crowd. Blair clung to Dorian's arm, steadying herself in her towering heels. Dorian beamed at her, tucking a loose strand of her blonde hair behind her ear.

"The plot is rubbish," I remarked bitterly, a sardonic smile playing on my lips.

"The actors have no talent," Alex retorted, a wry smile touching his lips.

"Isn't Blair the lead you've been watching?" I probed cautiously.

He affirmed with a nod. I refrained from further inquiry, seeing the disarray in Alex's expression. We were fortunate that the crowd acted as a shield, obscuring us from view. As Dorian and Blair approached, we both pivoted toward the garden door. Alex clasped my hand, ensuring I wouldn't get lost amid the bustling crowd.

Casting a quick glance in Dorian's direction, I wondered if this could be misinterpreted. But that thought was sheer madness. Why was I even entertaining it?

"This time, I decide."

Alex's mood shifted suddenly, leaving me to wonder what was brewing beneath his calm facade. His demeanor was a mystery to unravel; perhaps he'd been through this narrative one too many times and had grown weary of the predictable script. My emotions scattered, elusive as I tried to gather them, staining every moment.

As Alex handed me a champagne glass, his eyes reflected an enigmatic darkness. We both recognized the role we played, mere bystanders in this grand production. "Care for a drink in the garden?" I suggested, acknowledging his subdued state. Maybe I could learn his composure in time. He nodded silently, gesturing for me to step ahead.

Headed to the garden, a tranquil wave of warm, humid forest air enveloped us. It felt serene out here. Though the music flowed from indoors, its volume was gentler in the open space, allowing us an easy conversation.

"If you're cold, I can grab something from my room," Alex offered, concerned. I declined, but he seemed skeptical. As we found a spot to sit, he placed his jacket over my shoulders, shielding me from the cooler breeze, a gesture I didn't resist, grateful for the warmth.

The scent lingering on his leather jacket carried a sporty fragrance, reminiscent of one I'd picked out for Dorian's birthday gift. It was probably packed away in his room. I took a sip of champagne, absorbing the ambiance.

"This song's great," I remarked, nodding toward the speaker as the tempo slowed, ushering in an emotional melody.

"The soundtrack of the film sucks too" Alex quipped, his attempt to stifle a laugh evident in his pursed lips.

"Quite the comedian. I am curious about your taste in music," I teased, finishing off my champagne with a single gulp.

"You're not planning on getting tipsy and ruining my Italian shoes, are you? They're suede," he warned, all seriousness.

"I'll hit the mark," I retorted, reaching for his glass. As I attempted to snatch it, his attention fixated on the door leading to the garden. The hesitation and discomfort in his hazel eyes hinted at the incoming company. Their approaching footsteps indicated they were heading toward our seated group. Though I couldn't see them, I had a strong hunch.

They probably couldn't spot us amidst the rows of ornamental trees surrounding our spot. I hadn't even known this garden seating area existed until I stumbled upon it.

"Why do you think Blake is writing your term paper for you?" Blair sounded irritated. The footsteps paused, not advancing further. Alex and I stood frozen, like two marble statues, exchanging puzzled looks, the buzzing in my ears morphing into a relentless ringing that clouded my thoughts.

"I can't believe we are fighting over Blake. She's only helping me because I have a lot of work at the company, and I asked for her help.

"Nothing's ever happened between you two before, has it?" Blair asked.

"Don't be absurd, Blair. I've never even considered Blake that way. She's a friend, and that's all. You're my first and only love. If it bothers you, I'll avoid seeing her again." he replied, shattering my heart into a million fragments with those words so casually.

Dorian's words kept echoing in my head, and my stomach churned, feeling like all those cocktails were on the verge of a colorful uprising. My grip on the champagne glass slipped, sending it crashing to the floor with a loud smash.

Alex's face went pale. Was he worried about me? That look on his face, it seemed almost like he couldn't care less.

"What's that noise?" Dorian's voice pierced the air, making Alex curse under his breath. He swiftly rose, grabbing my arm and lifting me onto his lap, just as the footsteps drew nearer.

He clumsily wiped my face with his hand as the footsteps approached. My brain kicked into overdrive, acknowledging that Alex was trying to save the situation. But at that moment, all I could think of was staying right where I was, stuck in a deep hole.

If we were going to pretend to be a couple too caught up in each other to notice others, we had to sell it. I moved closer to him, aware of how awkwardly close I was. His arms circled my waist, bridging the gap between us.

For countless nights, I'd fantasized about this kind of scene with Dorian. Him holding me close, a dreamy first kiss... Now, all those dreams have been shattered, replaced by a gaping hole of heartache.

"I am sorry," I whispered, a sentence that encapsulated both my current situation and an apology to Alex for what I was about to do.

I leaned in for a kiss, awkward and uncertain. His lips were soft and warm, his embrace tightening around me, as if he wished to pull me even closer.

I could see a hint of laughter in the curve of his lips. He was laughing at my awkwardness. His smile was undeniable, but the approaching footsteps shifted my focus. This was Alex’s scene and he was the screenwriter. Why did I have to mess with his script?

When he started kissing me, his kisses almost made me forget where we were. I wrapped my arms around his neck, tangling my fingers in his hair.