First of all, I am SO sorry for the late update. (Kind of ironic that I'm saying sorry and the title of the chapter, isn't it? Lol) But really, I can't express how sorry I am for such a long wait. I'm back in school now and I also got a new job so I just haven't had time while trying to juggle the two of them. I would never leave something unfinished though, so thank you for keeping your patience! Alright, just a few responses... Mere & Chloe: Aw, sorry it was so sad! Also, thanks for checking out my one-shot :) SweetP: Well, of course I would ;D Haha oh I'm sorry you were confused! I'm glad you liked that line too, I always imagine that it would be true (before Lightning came to town that is). Whoops! You're right, that would have worked so much better. That's ok, criticism is always needed to get better :) And thanks! Lol I don't know if you can say that either, but it is a review on my story and I'm fine with that ;) Guest: Lol true. Thank you though :) lizzie & Pancake: Thanks for your reviews! It means a lot! And one last thing, a quick update in case anyone forgot; last chapter was Sally's point of view back in Radiator Springs as she woke up from a nightmare and realized Levina was missing. She then discussed it with the townsfolk very early the next morning. This chapter goes back a tiny bit to before it was morning and is in Levina's perspective. Enjoy!
Chapter Thirteen – Apologies
(Levina's POV)
My eyes slowly open and the first thing I notice is the heat. My entire body feels sticky with the uncomfortably high temperature. The back of my hair is mussed, the skin of my fingers is swollen and my shorts feel like they are sewn onto my thighs. I tap my right hand along the side of the car until I feel a button to open the window. For a minute, I simply take gulps of fresh night air and allow myself to fully awaken. Once my brain has drifted out of its drowsy state, I look over at Damian behind the wheel. Soft music is exiting the car stereo, Maroon 5, I think. However, he doesn't look tired at all. He is clearly one who knows how to roll with the night life.
Damian steals a quick peek in my direction. "We're almost there," he says quietly. "We should make it before two a.m."
"What part of Motor City do your parents live in?" I ask in attempt to carry conversation. Then I turn my head quickly away as I realize what a foolish question I've just asked.
I hear the smile in his voice as he tells me, "They live on the Eastern side. My place is to the South though."
His place. My heart jolts uneasily. Perhaps I should have thought this through a little more before taking off? Even a hotel or something would have been fine. No, I convince myself, I'm seventeen now, I can do this. This is my only chance, I have to take it.
The city starts to roll into view not much longer. I've never seen a big city all lit up at night like this. The glitter of lights spawns into golden globes that illuminate from high on poles. Every storefront, every entrance to every building and every inch of road is brightened by the artificial lightning, forcing out the darkness. It is both awe-inspiring and disheartening to see the city so well-lit. Something about denying the reflection of stars above seems wrong to me.
After a series of turns, Damian grins and tells me that we're nearing his apartment. He points to his left and explains how close we are to the track. An actual track… I can't even express how the thought makes me feel.
We climb out of the car a few minutes later and he leads me up the side stairs of an old brick building. At the third floor, he stops and unlocks a side door. I follow him cautiously inside, moving slowly until he finds the main light switch. Suddenly, the room is as bright and awake as the rest of the night outside. I stand awkwardly in the doorway, gazing around the unfamiliar abode. The room is quite open, with a lumpy set of couches situated around a coffee table and offering seating towards the television stand. From one corner of the room a stereo system produces the beats of a pop song.
"Sorry," Damian mumbles and stalks off to the stereo. "My roommate is always leaving this thing on."
I scuffle a few feet more into the room and become aware of a sweet smell hanging in the air. It is such a distinct scent, the smell of marijuana. I've caught a whiff of it many a time from Fillmore's tent in Radiator Springs. I study Damian's back as he cuts the music. I can't imagine him smoking, and my stomach lurches when I try to. I thought I knew him.
Damian notices my uneasy expression. Then, he somehow reads my mind and stammers, "My roommate, I swear. I've been trying to kick him out for ages."
I nod numbly, searching his eyes for some kind of comfort. Now that I'm in his element, the environment he's used to, everything seems so different. I feel out of place and lost, unsure of what to do with myself. I can't let him see that though. So, I ask him, "Where do you want me to put my stuff?"
He smiles with relief and the tension melts from his face. "Oh, right in here."
We enter a messy bedroom with pale blue walls and one large window across from a bed. More light streaks onto the bed from a streetlight outside. I wonder if people even really need lamps in a place like this. I chuck my backpack on the floor and stand rigidly, taking in my new surroundings yet again. Damian plops down on the mattress and watches me quietly. When I look at his face after surveying the room I'm met with the sight of his eyes running carelessly over my body and up to my face. I can almost feel the heat of the flames behind his pupils, burning ravenously. His arms outstretch for me and I nervously step in his direction like a timid animal. I don't know what I'm supposed to be doing in this situation. I feel like I don't know anything at the moment.
His hands settle on my hips and he gazes up at me. I know that not even my hair can hide the redness riding on my cheeks. I feel his hands climb their way up my sides until they are resting softly on my back. He begins to pull me into an embrace, but presses his lips eagerly on my mouth instead. My body feels frozen, my stance stiff and unnatural. My hands tremble with the jitter of nerves which I hope and pray he doesn't take notice of. He must not, because within seconds I'm swung onto the bed, his torso grazing mine with the movement of heavy breathing. I want to lose myself in the sensation of our teasing lips and the twist of our tongues, but I can't stop my mind from running elsewhere. All I can do is imagine myself as an outsider, watching myself go through these actions with this older man. It isn't what I planned.
His hands are all over me. His fingers tug at the material of my shirt and glide beneath the light fabric to stroke the cool skin of my stomach. I stare at the ceiling while he kisses the base of my neck and I try to will myself to feel the way I should. But I don't, I can't. All I can feel is that I've made a horrible mistake.
When his hands start to trail the waist of my shorts, I reach down and firmly grab his wrist. "I…," I begin to say abashedly, "I don't-."
"No," he replies and lifts himself away from me. I can see the pink in his face and I like to think it is from embarrassment. "It's fine. I'm sorry. You're probably tired, let's just go to sleep." Damian hastily rolls over and flicks off the bedside lamp.
I turn my cheek onto the pillow and in the darkness I can just make out the thick wall of his back. Did he really mean that apology at all? Then I quietly shift onto my back again, and this time there is no ceiling to look at. I know that in reality nothing truly happened, but I still feel as though some part of me has been abused.
Oooh, looks like Damian may not be the Prince Charming we all thought he was... ;) Anyway, this chapter and the next one to come were both inspired by the Coldplay song "Fix You", so if you want to listen to it when I post the next chapter that might be something cool to do but you really don't have to. The song basically sparked my brain for the next few chapters which was where this story began in my mind. So, if it wasn't for wonderful Coldplay then there would not have been a sequel! Their songs "Fix You", "The Scientist", "Yellow" and "Paradise" are all brilliant, so if you're ever bored do give them a listen :) I think that is all for now... Next chapter will be out as soon as I can but please have patience! Thank you for reading and reviews are highly appreciated!