Three Times Torn

by Felisha Antonette

  “I don’t like you in my head,” I sass, eating my last fry. Images of us from last night float around in my mind like popping bubbles. They cause pleasurable currents to surge through my body, forcing me to gnaw on my bottom lip.

  “Hmm. Don’t see you complaining now.”

  Too wrapped up in the memories, it takes me a second to realize he placed them there. I scowl at him. “That was low, Nate.”

  He chuckles. “I know, baby. I’m sorry.”

  I stand from my chair, unwillingly walk over to him, and sit on his lap. “I hate it when you do this,” I grumble. I’m leaning in to kiss him, not wanting to do this either. “This isn’t fair,” I complain, as my arms lift and wrap around his neck. “Ugh, Nathan. You are such a cheater.”

  Glen laughs from behind me. I can’t turn around to look at her. “That has to suck, Cey.”

  I stare into Nathan’s eyes, mumbling, “It does to an extent.” They swirl into this new, radiant forest green. A deeper brown circles his pupils. His eyes churn and the colors mix in a way that’s affectionate. I don’t have the words to explain it, but they speak to me by their swirl. “And then there’s that,” I mutter under my breath, gazing. They’re more beautiful than the galaxy, than the most serene view of mountain or water.

  “You two should get a room,” Scott declares.

  Nathan and I whirl around, lowering at him. “We have one,” Nathan starts. “But every time we’re in there, so are you.”

  “And with the way you two went at it while we were in school, this is G compared to your rated R,” I add. They were overly nasty. Many days I was victim to witnessing Glen’s tongue down Scott’s throat or Scott’s hand too high up Glen’s skirt.

  “You’re right, Cey. We can’t talk,” she chortles, kissing Scott’s cheek. He almost melts, blushing hard.

  Able to move my own body, I leave Nathan for the sink. Glen meets me, handing me the soap. “Thanks for showing me Scott.”

  I shake my head as I’m rubbing my hands together under the cold water. “I didn’t do anything, Glen. You already knew it was Scott. You just needed to realize it for yourself, in your own time.”

  “You and Nathan seem happy even with everything going on.”

  “You can say that.” I turn off the water and grab a paper towel. “We have our good days and our bad, but I’m not going anywhere, and neither is he.” I pinch my lips together and shrug my shoulders. “We’ll fight each other for each other if need be. You know?”

  “Yeah. I need that attitude with Scott. I mean, it says a lot when a guy jumps off a mountain for you.” She lowers her voice to say, “I do miss Monahan.” And boy can I see it in her eyes. “But what’s real is better than what someone makes you believe.” She drags her gaze away from me.

  I follow it, seeing a quick swirl in Scott’s eyes as they churn to a bright blue and green.

  Glen goes to him, and he stands at her approach. “I know, but we’ll get past it,” he says out loud to something she didn’t speak. “Where we’re going today, it’s not going to be safe. I’m talking the worst kind of dangerous. I need you to stay with me. I won’t lose you again.” The back of his hand glides across her cheek. She grabs it. “I love you, Glen, more than myself. Thank you for coming back to me.” His voice cracks and he clears his throat. A deep breath stalls him from finishing. She pulls him closer, almost encouragingly. “Thank you for accepting me,” he continues, taking her face in both his hands. I can’t see Glen’s face, but I see Scott wipe what must be a fallen tear from under her eye. With every word he speaks, his eyes grow brighter, shining every emotion he holds within them. “Glen. . . Thank you for choosing me.” His tight face twitches a smile before he dives in, placing his lips to hers.

  I lean against the counter, watching their exchange. Glen wraps her arms around him as they kiss. “I’m sorry, Scott,” she says against his mouth. “I love you, and even though I may get chaotic and it may not seem like I’m with you, I am. I’m carrying your heart forever. I promise I’ll never break it again.” Her words are quiet, not intended for anyone to hear her other than Scott. But we did.

  That’s because you’re being nosey.

  I wrinkle my nose. You are too, I nag at Nathan. His stop and stare smirk pinches a dimple in his cheek. He nods for me to come over. I do, willingly, leaving Scott and Glen to their moment of perfection. You think this time it’s permanent? I ask him.

  I hope so, Sparks. I can’t take it.

  Life’s got you stressed. I round him to his back and massage his shoulders.

  He grabs one hand and kisses my palm. It does.

  Hmm, I’m sorry. Wish I could make it better.

  You do. When you’re not pushing me away or telling me to leave.

  Yeah, well, I wouldn’t have to do that if you weren’t always an asshole.

  You’re right, Sparks, he drones, voiced laced with his bullshit, sarcastic tone.

  Like you’re doing right now. I push his shoulders and walk into the hallway, down to the living room. I can feel him rise from the chair and slowly follow behind me.

  “Sparks,” he calls in that deep voice he uses.

  I’ve already cornered the living room. I’m not answering, and I empty my mind so he can’t find me.

  He turns the corner, instantly locating me leaning against the wall.

  Dang! “What do you have a Tracey GPS?

  “What are you up to?” he asks, stepping in front of me, providing me with no breathing space. Each time I inhale, his scent fills my nose making me lightheaded.

  “Trying to figure out what you did to me last night.” I avoid looking in his hypnotizing eyes.

  “Doesn’t matter, as long as you felt good while I did it,” he drawls seductively.

  “Mmm.”

  He takes another step closer, grabs my waist, and lifts me up with my back to the wall. I clench my legs at his sides, with him not holding me up. “Did you?” he asks, stealing my gaze.

  “Probably.”

  “I don’t like that answer.”

  His eyes swirl a minute before settling on this color that’s going to drive me crazier than I already am about him. Loose strands of his hair have fallen around his forehead. I push it back like he does and let my hands rest on the back of his head. Breathing, I say, “I love what you do to me. No matter how you do it to me. Better?”

  “Much.” His eyes turn hazel. “Tonight is going to be dangerous. You wouldn’t be going if I had someone I could trust to look out for you. But know that I don’t want anything to happen to you. Only tonight will you be able to be inside my head.”

  My heart excitedly jumps around in my chest. “Sorry,” I mutter, noticing his tight-lipped expression.

  “I’m only doing this because I need you to stay focused. That mind of yours goes off sometimes.”

  Yeah. . . Like now, watching your lips move when you speak. Argh. Those lips can make any girl lose focus.

  Sparks.

  I jump from him invading my headspace, bringing me from my thoughts.

  “See. Anytime you fade out like that; I’ll take you over. We can’t leave anything to chance.”

  “I’m sorry. You’re right. You’re just really close, and you smell so good, and your lips distract me when you speak.”

  His lips spread as he smiles.

  I kiss them. “But I heard everything you said.” Letting my head fall back against the wall, I recite his words.

  “Something like that, my love.” He grabs my thighs. “Now, come back, so your lips can distract me.”

  I do, falling into him, never hitting bottom. Butterflies burst in my chest.

  “Calm down, Sparks.”

  I break away. “I can’t. It’s . . . addicting, Nate. How do you do it?”

  He carries me over to the couch and sits with me on his lap. “A lot of control. Except for last night, I lost it.” His head tilts back on the couch, exposing his neck.

  I lean in, placing my lips on it for a single kis
s. A hard chill makes him shudder. “That was interesting,” I say.

  “That’s what you do to me.”

  “I like that,” I say, beaming.

  He bites his bottom lip and takes me in for a split second. Then he seizes me, grabbing the back of my neck, drawing me into his caress. Our lips lock and tongues twist as we break personal boundaries. Nathan pulls back before I can float away. “I seriously don’t want anything to happen to you.”

  “It won’t. You’re safe; I’m safe.”

  He nods.

  “Alright. What time are we leaving?” Scott asks from the living room’s opening—Glen tightly wrapped in his arms.

  I move from on top of Nathan to sit next to him.

  “Now,” Nathan answers. “I just figured we needed some time.”

  “You figured right,” Scott agrees.

  “Time for what?” Glen asks.

  “With each other,” Scott answers.

  “Why?” I ask.

  “Would you prefer us not share some alone time with each other and we get caught tonight. Then probably not see each other period,” Nathans says.

  Fear pricks the back of my neck. “No. . .” I drag. “I’d prefer not to have known that.”

  He shrugs. “I told you curiosity killed the cat.” He grabs my hand, filling me with the confidence and reassurance I need to tackle this.

  Everything is going to be fine. “Olar’s worth it,” I say, wishing he were here to say something witty.

  “Yep, let’s go get him.”

  “You’ve done stuff with them like this before, right Cey?” Glen asks as we head out.

  “Yeah. But not rescue missions. More like we’re on defense. The only other time we went for someone was when we were saving you, which seems like blowing bubblegum compared to this.”

  “Or chewing gum,” Scott jokes.

  “You’re taking this easy,” Glen tells him.

  He shrugs. “Another day and another near death experience.”

  THE SUN WILL SET soon. Our ride to wherever we’re going is long and silent, save the exchange of saliva and smacking going on in the backseat. I couldn’t be more disgusted, but I’m happy I have my friend back, and she’s happy—what seems like a true happiness. The look in her eyes when she looked at Scott, the weight of her promise, her conclusive tone. I think they’ve finally met their point when their hearts, bodies, and the bond agrees. And besides dealing with family drama, and the intensity of the bond, they’ll have smooth sailing from here on out. Hopefully, we all will.

  I smile to myself, looking out the window. We’ve driven a few hours to a small city with a few moderately sized buildings in its center. Through the city, Nathan turns into an underground tunnel. I find relief in seeing we aren’t the only ones entering this underpass. In another mile, Nathan takes a turn and pulls off to the side of the road.

  Twisting in his seat, he asks me, “You ready?” I shake my head. “I’ll open up once we get in. Step where I step, move where I move, think how I think. Stay by me and don’t wander off, don’t look around. Stay focused. We want to be in and out.” His phone buzzes. Swiping it from the cup holder, he brings it to his ear, saying nothing.

  The person on the other end speaks quietly, informing, “They are moving him in two hours. You come now or never.” She gives some jumble of directions. I lost her after straight to the left.

  Nathan lowers the phone, and the screen displays the call has ended. He looks in the backseat. “You ready?”

  Scott shakes his head, saying, “Yes.” This tickles Glen.

  Nathan’s brow jumps in a single up-down flash, and then he gets out. I wait for him to open my door, and I join him on the sidewalk. “If you get scared, grab me. I’ll take it away until you get it together. I don’t want to be in here long, Sparky.”

  I grab his hand. “I know, in and out, too risky, focus, stick to you. I got it,” I say. It’s more of me pumping up myself.

  “Calm down, Sparks.” My anxiety eases when he interlocks our fingers. “I got it. And if anyone comes at you, don’t hesitate to turn them into ash. This is the only time where it won’t matter who can see. We don’t want to take any chances.”

  “Noted,” I respond, sure of myself.

  Glen and Scott finally get out of the car. “Sorry,” Scott says, closing the door.

  “Don’t worry about it. Make the car disappear,” Nathan tells him.

  “I didn’t know you could make things disappear,” Glen mentions.

  Scott pats Glen’s lower back. “That’s not important right now, darling.” He focuses on the car, and it fades out.

  Nathan takes me by my shoulders, turning me around. We face a large, fenced in, dark tunnel. Hurrying me, he instructs, “Use your hot hands to melt the metal and make a hole.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Yes, at least my height.”

  A concrete wall to my left goes up high and shapes an arch. This may have been a train tunnel at some point long ago, or a mining transport hole. The chain-link fence encloses the opening, keeping in the creepy darkness that rests in the depths of the tunnel where the dim light of the underpass can’t reach. Willing my hand to heat, I place it to the coiled metal, reaching as high as I can. To my liking, it quickly melts beneath my touch. I run my hand out about five inches more than Nathan’s body width, melting the metal down. The fence bends backward and breaks off before I make it to the ground. Nathan lurches forward, catching it before it clinks against the muddy concrete.

  He steps through first, quietly placing down the broken fence. He examines the entry before extending his hand behind him. I walk in, taking it. Glen and Scott are right on my heels.

  We creep through the darkness, following Nathan until he can’t see any more.

  Sparks?

  I’m on it. I will the film to cloak my eyes, allowing us sight in the darkness.

  We’re following Sparks. Stay close, Nathan says to all of us.

  You sure you will be okay, Cey?

  What?! Oh my gosh! I jump excitedly. Glen, you did it!

  Yeah. I’m happy, Cey. I swear I’ve never felt this good about anything.

  Nathan! I squeal.

  I know, Sparks. Stay focused. You two can celebrate later. We’re on limited time.

  Right. Sorry. Oh my gosh, she did it! Yay, Glen! Two-second dance party. I throw my arms in the air and move my hips with one swift motion to a non-beat. Woo♪! Okay, now focus and celebrate later. I couldn’t be happier for her and Scott.

  I continue down the tunnel, seeing nothing but space.

  We’re going to follow the tunnel until it ends. When it does, make a left, Nathan informs.

  I follow his instructions. We make a left. The tunnel grows darker. The air’s thick and muggy, and reeks of musty mildew. It coats my skin, making me sticky. Critters are scampering as we carefully stroll through the blackness, and I train my eyes not to scan the ground.

  We come upon the steel, screen-like door. A deadbolt and padlock seal the entrance. Now, what? I ask.

  Melt the lock. I’ll unlock the bolt. Just look at it, so I know where it is, Nathan says.

  I melt the lock, and the bolt unlocks. Nathan pulls the door open. There’s no whine as it swings open. I suspected there would be from its rustic look.

  We continue, not yet allowed a glimpse of light.

  Walk down to the first door on your left. Everybody stay quiet. Don’t even let your steps sound. Once we make it through, Scott, you and Glen move to the left side of the room. We’ll take a right. There will be three there. I’ll take care of them, if I need you, Sparks, I’ll let you know. Don’t move unless I say.

  I lead us to the door. It opens on its own. The dim lighting from the room frees us from the dreary shadows. Scott and Glen take their spot, and I take mine. Nathan moves faster than my eyes can follow, dropping the three guys before they’re able to speak. Sparks, close the door, he rushes.

  I run over, quietly pushing the door closed. We m
eet in the middle of the room.

  The next door we go through is where Olar’s supposed to be. Stay by my side; use my instincts to guide you. I’ll stay open to you. Touch me if you get scared or uncomfortable. Stay focused, Sparks.

  I nod, lacing my fingers through is. Sealing our hold, I’m flooded by him, seeing through his eyes. I feel every bit of him; the breeze from the air blowing past his head that I can’t feel, being shorter than he, the warmth of the room to him where, to me, it’s cold. His determined and confident aura impels me, and as he is, I become.

  You ready? he asks, and I echo him.

  We nod.

  We approach the door, breathing on the same breath and stepping with the same foot. The dark wooden door swings open.

  We’re hit head on by two men the size of Top. I dust one before he can wrap his blood-drenched hand around my face. Nathan takes care of the other one.

  Jail-like cells aligning the walls hold men and women who scream for freedom and beg to be released. They blare at the top of their lungs, demanding we help them. We spot Olar on the ground level, hanging from the ceiling by his arms wrapped in barbed wire to his torso. We race to his cell, and I’m yanking at the lock. Being a larger lock, it takes longer to melt. Snatching it off, Nathan and I yank the cell open, and Glen and Scott rush in. Scott climbs Olar, and with is mouth morphed animal-like with razor sharp teeth, he chews the wires loose.

  Olar drops to his feet, unwrapping himself.

  We turn, looking around the big room, making sure no one’s coming up behind us. The oversized room filled three floors high with occupied cells holding screaming humans and blaring creatures echo as they grow louder, seeing Olar get free.

  Easy, let’s go, Nathan and I say.

  Olar slowly approaches us. His facial expression makes us question his action with his eyes sad yet eager and a frown to his mouth. I can’t, he says. I have to find Lana.

  We dig our teeth into our tongue, biting back our irritation. He’s lost his mind. Who the hell is Lana and why do we give a damn about her? We came here for you. We have you, and now it’s time to go. Before we can’t go! we say harshly.