Eclipse
Chapter 8
I had waited at home until seven thirty by which the bus had already left for Serena to come pick me up but she hadn't. I had no choice but to walk to school which made me a few minutes later so I had to serve detention later after school. I went through the day hoping to see her but she wasn't there. I got of coins and used the public phone to call her but her phone was still out of range. I asked Troy where Serena was and he said she was already gone by the time he woke up. Gone where, he did know. The dream I had had in the night came back at me and fear clutched at my heart. She wouldn't leave right? Not without saying anything at least right?
Worst of all, everywhere I went people were staring. Some guys came up to me congratulating me for 'banging' the hottest girl in school. Looks changed, smart and has 'banged' the hottest girl in school. Overnight, I became popular. Even though I tried to tell people that there had been no 'banging' they insisted not to listen to me. In frustration, I gave up. Even the popular girls who had never given me a second look were now trying to flirt with me.
She never showed up any time of the day and after serving my detention, I went home hoping she had called. The phone was not there. Rolling my eyes, I ransacked mother's room and found the phone underneath her bed. I went and connected it but there was no dial tune. I sighed; I knew she had cancelled our phone.
I changed, picked up my book bag and headed to the crown arcade. I arrived at the arcade and everything stopped. Everyone was looking at me and I rolled my eyes. Gossip sure does travel fast.
"Andrew, I need to use your phone quickly." I said.
"Oh, sure man. At the back." I dropped my pack on a nearby table and rushed to the back of the arcade, the storage room where the phone was at. I picked it up and dialed again. This time it said the line had been disconnected or something and I should try back again later.
I slammed the phone down on the cradle.
"Easy there tiger, my phone is innocent." Andrew said from where he was standing at the door. I sighed, glaring at the phone as if it was its fault that my life sucked.
"I'm guessing you could not reach Serena." I looked at him and something he saw on my face made him stop joking.
"What's wrong man? I've never seen you like this." He said, worry in his tone. I explained the dream, the whole day of not being able to reach her and Troy haven not seen her in the morning.
"Calm down. Give her some space. I bet she will turn up at your door step by the evening." He said. I wished I was that confident.
"Tell you what, why don't you sit down and have a bite to eat and tell me what happened yesterday." I looked at him as if he was an idiot.
"Nothing happened." I said through clench teeth.
"Come on now Darien. You vanish the whole day, locked up in a hotel with the girl of your dreams who is known as the sex goddess. I'm your best friend man, you should be able to tell me anything!" he said.
"And as my best friend, you should believe me when I tell you the truth. Nothing happened." He looked at me critically.
"Your serious." He said with wide eyes.
"Of course I'm serious!" I snapped. I sighed and shook my head. "I better get out of here. The atmosphere is not welcoming." I said and walked past him. When I reached my pack, I picked it up and hi tailed it out of the arcade. I went to the library where I hoped to have some peace and quiet to do my homework. I had quiet but not peace. Too many eyes and snickers were directed at me. I left to the park, no good.
Defeated, I made to come home but then an idea struck me. I was thinking to go to Serena's house but I changed my mind and instead went to house of thunder, Lita's club. I could tell Michelle who opened the door was shocked.
"Darien, what are you doing here?" she asked.
"Why, I can't come to eat?" I said dryly. She rolled her eyes.
"I know that's not why you came here." She said and I sighed.
"Have you or Lita seen Serena?" she blinked.
"Serena is in the US." She said.
"What!" I asked, my eyes wide.
"She didn't tell you?" Michelle asked. I shook my head no. "Oh"
"Michelle, who is it?" I heard Amara's voice ask.
"It's Darien." She answered. A few seconds later Amara joined us.
"Well Lover Boy, it's a surprise to see you here." She said.
"He thought that Serena might be here. He didn't know that she left this morning for the US." Michelle said.
"Sorry Lover Boy, but Serena is across the ocean. Some sort of emergency came up and she had to ditch." Amara said. I was hurt that she hadn't called me in the morning to tell me she was living.
"Mmm…why don't you come in for a few minutes Darien." Michelle said. I shook my head and turned to leave.
"No thanks." I said softly. I felt I needed to be alone to cry. Sorry Andrew but Serena would not be turning up anywhere at any time. Guess my mom had finally gotten her wish.
"Lita would be very sad if she knew you came by and did not try some of her famous food." Amara said. I stopped walking.
"Come now Darien, its ok. Serena will be back soon. And while she is away, you can use this opportunity to get to know us. You know, if we don't approve of you and Serena's relationship, it will not become official." Michelle said. I turned to her in confusion.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"She made a promise to us that if she were ever to be in a serious relationship, if we didn't approve, she would drop the guy." Amara said and Michelle nodded. I stared at the two of them, my mind rushing a mile per second. I didn't want Serena to drop me because he friends didn't approve! At the same time I wondered if we would ever have a relationship that would last. In the end, I just followed them into the house that was a cottage. Michelle lead me to the very back of the cottage which opened up into a terrace. I was shocked. That entire side of the cottage was a sliding glass which opened up onto a flower filled where chairs were position artistically so that people could sit and enjoy the peace of the outdoor. At the far right, the cottage also opened to the dance floor where chairs and tables were lined up and people were sitting and eating. There was this homey feel to the entire place that warmed me. I was surprised. There was one particular corner of the restaurant outside that was more private than all the others. It was closed off by a white gate and Michelle opened. It was a circular design that you could not see anything within from the outside the gate. And when the gate opened, it looked onto a small field of roses in all colors. At its center was a white bench with a big long pillow on it and a white table which I realized were made of marbles. The table was covered with a white lace table cloth and on it was a long book. Behind it stood a long and big metal that from the top to almost half of the metal staff was covered with a white rug. I realized it was an umbrella, though it was closed and I suspected it is use to keep shade or prevent rain from wetting the person under.
"This is Serena's private luncheon. You may stay here for as long as you want. I'm sure she won't mind." Michelle said as I looked around. It was very beautiful. I could see Serena sitting on the bench with her hair sprawled around her enjoying the son. But the image I had was not that of the energetic Serena, but the calm Serenity living in her.
"Look through the menu and see if there is anything in it you want. In the mean time, I will get Lita to bring you some of her specials she reserves for important customers." Michelle said and I nodded. She walked out and closed the door softly behind her. I walked to the table where the book which was actually the menu laid and picked it up before sitting down on the cushioned bench. I flipped through and saw that she labeled the foods by where they are from. French, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, African and Indian. I knew most of the foods in the Japanese and Chinese section and a little from the French and Italian but nothing from the African and Indian. The options to choose from were a lot so I decided to leave it up to Lita and Michelle to offer me whatever they thought was good.
While I waited for Michelle to return, I took out my assignments and began working on it. She eventually came back a tray of several foods.
"This is one special from every section of the menu. We wanted to see which is more to your taste. Afterwards, we will bring you more from the section you like and the choices you have made of your own." She said and I looked at her with large eyes.
"No, this will do just fine." I said. There was enough food on the tray to feed three people! What was she talking about adding more?
"Well, don't hesitate to ask for more." She said and left the garden. The foods were delicious. If it wasn't made by Lita, I probably would never had considered trying the African or Indian food but haven tried them, I knew I would always be ordering them whenever I came there to it. The African foods were more salty than the rest but it had this unique taste in it that you cannot identify. Worse, it leaves you feeling the need to eat more in other to identify it. If you a person without self control, I strongly discourage you from eating it because even when full, you might not be able to stop. And the Indian food, it was really good. I especially liked the chicken that was barbequed with spicy and interesting tasting spices.
Lita came in later to say hi and see if I enjoyed the meal which I praised her very much for. She also assured me that Serena hadn't meant to hurt me by not calling and that she probably felt it wouldn't be a good idea because of what happened yesterday. I thanked her for that. After she left, she and Michelle came in later to persist me to try more foods but if I did, I would not be able to move. They made me promise to come there as often as I can. Lita preferred I was there every day. I laughed at that, the distance from my house to there on foot was like an hour. She said she would send someone to come pick me up if ride was an issue. I told her I would think about it.
After they left me alone, I worked through all my homework until I was done and studied for other things. I repacked all my books and hanged the pack over one shoulder before grabbing the tray of food and heading back to the main area of the restaurant. When Michelle saw me carrying the tray, she quickly ran to me and took it away from me.
"You should have left it there, I would have picked it up later." She said.
"Nah, it's ok." I said as I followed her to the back where I said goodbye to Lita. She hugged me and once again told me I was welcomed to come back whenever I wanted. She seemed a bit sad I was leaving but I think she just felt pity for me since she knew I was worried about Serena. I bade farewell to Michelle, who also hugged me, and Amara who slapped my back in a friendly manner. Though truth be told, it hurt!
I left with a promise to return soon and headed for home. I arrived about 8 to find mother waiting by the dining table.
"Where have you been?" she asked, her eyes tight with suppressed anger.
"Out."
"I can see that." She said and I sighed.
"Why are you doing this mom?" I asked.
"Until you get it through your thick skull that that girl is not good for you! You will be in this house no later than 6 pm every night do you hear me?" I didn't reply. "Well do you?" she snapped.
"Enough mother!" I snapped back. She took a step back, her eyes wide. This was the first time I had ever raise my voice to my mother but I was too angry. A whole day without Serena, not knowing what happened to her, learning that she had left without a goodbye. As much as Lita had assured me that she would be back, until I saw her with my own eyes, I could not believe it. And Lord knew I missed her so much. Just one day and already I felt the unbearable distance and her absence left a whole in me. How could I survive however long she would be away?
"Did you just raise your voice at me?" Mother asked, her voice was deathly cold.
I sighed. "I'm sorry mom. Serena is not here, she had returned to the US." I said. There was few moment of silence.
"Good and God keep her there too!" Mother said. I looked at her with pain filled eyes and walked to my room. I came out only to take a shower and returned inside my room.
And this is how my life pretty much was from that moment on. Trying to defend Serena against my mother, explaining to people at school that I had not sexed Serena, avoiding all the advances of the girls, and even that of Mina and Rei who suddenly was interested in me because as she claimed 'I look like her dream man.' When I wore baggy clothes and showed my poverty, she didn't want me then, now that someone had helped cleaned me up, she was interested. It was that vainness that I didn't even want to be friends with her. I found myself spending more time with the trio, Lita, Michelle and Amara. If I wasn't with them, I was locked up in my room. Life was useless and with no way of communicating with Serena, I began to lose hope.
A day turned to two days, then three, a week, a week and a half, two, three and on. They were all the same to me. It was like one long intolerable day and again, the days flashed by like scenes in a movie only this time, I felt the passing of the days. A day felt like year or torture. And little by little, I lost interest in communicating with people. Other than the trio, I talked to no one else, not even my mother. I didn't even eat her foods anymore. Whether she was saddened or not, I didn't know and I certainly didn't care. If I have forever lost the one thing I care about because of her impulsive judgment, then I wanted her to know what it felt like to lose someone you love. If she was insisting on punishing me, why not experience it for herself and see how unbearable it was, after all, that's what she's always done.
Amy would drop in now and then but barely much was said. She would only pat my hand and say it will be alright. What would be I didn't know and didn't care much for. The only times I felt alive was when Amara was teaching me how to drive after she learned I didn't. You only know you are alive on the brink of death and I nearly killed us on several occasion. But by the third week, I could drive properly and on my own. I wasn't a pro yet, but you certainly couldn't tell I was a beginner. I planned to get my license exactly on my birthday.
The morning of my birthday arrived. I opened the door to go to school only to find Amy and Troy about to knock on my door.
"Happy Birthday!" Amy cheered as she handed me a bouquet of mixed flowers.
"Morning and Happy Birthday." Troy said as he handed me a small box.
"I hope you're not proposing to me." I said, looking at him funny. He blinked, not getting the joke but Amy laughed hysterically.
"Can I open it now?" I asked.
"Yeah, sure." He said as he placed a hand around Amy's waist. She didn't even blush. She had changed, gotten stronger and bolder while I was pinning away. I opened the box and found a gift card.
"How much?" I asked, looking at him.
"A thousand dollars." My jaw dropped, so did Amy's. I guess she hadn't known.
"Oh, is that too small?" he asked, looking puzzled. His head cocked to the right. It reminded me so much of Serena I had to hold back in tears. I shook my head.
"No, that's too much!" I said.
"Really? That's actually the lowest amount of a gift I've given anyone." He said. Amy and I stared at him. Had he been giving mansions to people?
"Well cheap or not, this is huge. Are you sure it's ok to give this amount to me?" I asked, trying to wrap my brain around it.
"Serena will not be too happy about it." He said.
"Oh?" I said. I didn't know how to feel about that.
"Because it's too cheap?" Amy asked. He nodded and I shook my head.
"No wonder she get cars and houses for presents." I said with a sigh.
"Really?" Amy asked me with wide eyes.
"Yeah." Troy confirmed. Amy and I looked at each other, this was too much.
"Well, shall we go?" Troy asked.
"Go where?" I asked.
"To school?" Amy said with confusion.
"Well excuse me, this is the first time you've come to pick me up!" I said in my defense.
"True. We will wait for you in the car." Troy said and the two walked away. I could not help but watch his hand on her waist as they disappeared around the corner to the front. I sighed. How I envied them. I turned around and locked the door.
Please God, easy my loneliness and grant me peace.
I left the door and went to the car. As soon as I entered, I wanted to get out. At the back seat where I was sitting, Mina and Rei sat there. They turned and grinned at me.
"Morning." Mina said chirpily.
"Morning hon. Happy Birthday." She said as she handed me a wrapped gift. I didn't want to take it but Amy turned around and gave me a look that said don't be rude. I sighed and took the gift.
"Thank you." I murmured grudgingly.
"If you go out with me, I will give you even more." She said.
"Nah, this is fine." I said and she rolled her eyes. I opened it to find a gold chain and watch. It looked expensive.
"Made by one of the world's best watch maker in the world!" she said.
"Sartor?" Troy asked, looking through the review mirror.
"Yup." She answered and he nodded in approval. I guess it really was expensive. But where would I wear something like this to?"
"Thank you." I said again to her as I rewrapped it and placed it in my bag.
"You're welcome."
"Here is mine." Mina said as she stretched a present to me. I really then wanted to roll my eyes but Mina was much better than Rei so I didn't hesitate. I took it and opened it; all the while she was staring at me with dancing eyes. When I opened it, I found a two way ticket for two people to Paris.
What the heck?
"Do you like it?" she asked. I forced a smile.
"Of course, thank you." She smiled. I placed that too in my bag. They began talking but my mind was mingling in my plans for this afternoon. Get my license.
We arrived in school and there was this big poster with a "HAPPY BIRTHDAY DARIEN HONEY" on it. I buried my head in my hand and groaned. God, what happened to the peace I prayed for? Or did I pray for it too late?
When we got out of the car, the cheerleaders rushed to the front of the poster, Rei and Mina went and joined them and they began a cheer for me. I was so embarrassed I wanted to die.
"Troy, get me out of here." I said, looking at him with wide eyes.
"It's alright man. Just take a deep breath and it will be over." He said as he placed an arm around me and Amy took my arm from the other side and they walked me toward the cheerleaders. The cheerleaders parted and we walked through, all the while I was praying for an earthquake, or some phenomenal to occur and either get rid of me or them. And that was how the rest of the day pretty much was.
God definitely hadn't granted me peace.
As soon as school was over, Amara appeared and I loved her for it. They were going to drag me off to some party which I had no interest in going. Ok so maybe it wasn't some party, it was my birthday party. After all the partying we've had throughout the day, I was too exhausted for more. I immediately sat in Amara's car, she took a look at the sign and she chuckled.
"Hard day?" she asked.
"Birthdays are a nightmare." I said and she laughed. We drove to the place where I had to take the test and suddenly I felt nervous.
"I promise you Darien that if you do not pass, I will personally show you hell." Amara said and I gulped. Oh she was serious and she meant her threat. I sighed.
"God, please, please, please, help me pass!" Several days previously, I had taken the written test and now I had to take the actual driving test.
To make a long story short….I PASSED! Amara actually hugged me too. Something she threatened me that if anyone was to hear of it, she will definitely send me to hell. I gulped and sealed my mouth. I will most definitely take it to my grave. I don't even remember what happened. All I knew was that we had returned from the driving, the tester had not said a single word. As soon as I parked, I turned to her and she smiled.
"Congratulation, you were splendid. You passed." She said. I wanted to jump up and down but I didn't and instead thanked her. We did some paper works, took my picture for an ID and gave me a temporary license.
"Time to celebrate!" Amara cheered and I groaned. She laughed. Maybe I should have put of till tomorrow to get my ID.
We arrived at the restaurant and as soon as we entered, a cheer of happy birthday went off. The entire inside was decorated in balloons, posters saying happy birthday, and anything that pretty much celebrates a birthday. And worst, my schoolmates were there. I looked at Amara and glared at her.
"I never said anything." She said. Lita appeared at my side and dragged me into the cheering crowd. After which the only thing I remembered was blowing the candle.
During the celebration, Lita pulled me aside and told me to follow her. I did. We sat inside Amara's car and she began to drive. There was this serious worried look on her face that made me worry.
"What is it?" I asked.
"I've got to get you out of here. Serena's father is heading to the restaurant right now." She said.
"I don't understand."
"From what Serena and Troy told me, he was enraged when he heard what went down between you and her and the mother. He was out of town then but he is back. I had hoped to hide this party from them but he knows and is heading toward the cottage right now."
"Yeah but why are we running away?" I asked, puzzled.
"Serena's father is very dangerous. When he is mad, he can kill without a second thought. Do you know how often he has abused Serena when he is angry? Serena doesn't want him to hurt you so I have to hide you. Unfortunately, he knows your house and ours. I'm going to leave you in a hotel at the other side of town. Amara will come and pick you up later and drive you out of town."
"Is this all necessary?" I asked. This was just too much. She turned sharply to me and the fear in her eyes scared me. I had never seen Lita afraid. I had seen her stand up against strong bullies at the restaurant, I even saw her in a fight where she beat up this big boxer guy. And she was afraid of that handsome man who wasn't that much taller than Troy? I guess size do really fool people. As soon as we arrived, she quickly got out and I followed her. We were at a Victorian Inn.
We didn't go into the office; instead we went around the building. This was the kind of building where the doors faced outside. We climbed the stairs to the second floor and entered through a door which Lita had to use a car for. Inside, I saw that there were rooms on the inside as well, including a game room, swimming pool, recreation room and big breakfast room. I followed her to through the hall way until we came into the last door down one hall.
Lita leaned against the door to catch her breath and opened the door.
"Get in." She whispered urgently and I did.
"I need to return to the restaurant or else they will know something is up. I should have had Michelle bring you here but she isn't as fast a driver as I am and I need Amara at the restaurant while I am not there to keep things under control." She said. My back was to the room as I was facing her at the door. The room was still dark.
"here." She said as she handed me a room key. "Do not leave the room for any reason until I have called you, do you hear me?" she said. I nodded but then realized she could not see.
"Yes." I said.
"Good. I'm sorry things have to get like things. Whenever people get involve with Serena, it never exactly goes well." She said and stood up straighter.
"Amara will be back for you as soon as possible. You can use the phone in here to call your mother….opps, no phone at home. Well, I will drop by her later to let her know what's happening. I will see you later. And remember what I said, do not in any case leave the room!" she said, baked out and pulled the door shut. I stood in darkness. From the little light that had fallen in from behind Lita, I had seen a light switch at the corner of my left eye. I moved slowly toward it, hoping not to crash into anything.
I switched it on but nothing happened. Great.
Then suddenly, small lights illuminated from all around me. I turned around and my eyes widened and my jaw dropped. Candle lights were lit on a table in the middle of the room and on the lamp post by the bed. But most shocking of all was the person on the bed dressed in a silky looking night robe sitting on the bed looking at me with a smile.
My eyes grew wide.
READ AND REVIEW!