Find You in the Dark

by A. Meredith Walters

  We were still laughing as we rounded the corner into the kitchen. My mom was perched on a stool, taping away at her laptop. “What are you girls laughing about?” She asked, giving us a smile. I shook my head. “Nothing, Mom.” I said offhandedly. “Hi Rachel! Do you girls have lots of fun planned for your evening?” My mom asked, looking at Rachel.

  Rachel swallowed thickly and nodded like a puppet. “Yeah, we're going to see a movie at 8:00. You know the new Brad Pitt one that's out. He is so hot. Even if he is a little old. I mean, who cares when you look like that. And he and Angelina Jolie make the most perfect couple.” I elbowed Rachel in the ribs so she would stop her nervous rambling. Rachel closed her mouth and gave my mom a pained smile. There was no way my mom was going to buy this! It was too obvious we were lying!

  But the teenage gods were smiling on us. My mom simply gave Rachel an odd look and then nodded her head. “Okay, then have fun. Do you have your cell phone, Maggie?” She asked me. I pulled it out of my jacket pocket and waved it in front of me. “Love you. See you tomorrow.” She said, returning her focus to whatever was on her laptop screen. Yes! Home free! I tried not to run out of the kitchen in my rush to get out of the house before she changed her mind.

  Once in Rachel's car and headed down the road, she let out a loud breath. “Damn, I thought for a second we were so busted.” “I know. Especially after your fantastic monologue about the wonders of Brad Pitt. You are the worst liar!” Rachel blew her bangs from her forehead. “Well, maybe you shouldn't have had me do it then.” She snipped at me. It was time to lay it on a little thick. “Thank you, Rachel for everything back there. You are seriously the best friend a gal could ever, ever have.” I batted my eyelashes at her.

  Rachel laughed grudgingly. “Oh, just shut up, will you?” She flipped on the radio, ending our conversation.

  We arrived at Clay's house ten minutes later. Daniel, Ray, and Clare were already there. Ruby and Lisa were talking to them on the front porch. Clare waved at us as we pulled into the driveway. We parked and got out of the car. “Everyone ready?” I asked, barely able to conceal my excitement. I moved to Clay's side and gave him a quick squeeze before greeting Ruby and Lisa.

  Lisa dangled a key in front of her. “Here you go guys. Have fun. There should be cut firewood up already and there's a small grocery store about five minutes away. Have fun and be safe.” Clay took the key and gave Lisa a hug. “Thanks, Lis. You're the best.”

  We all called out our thank yous as we piled into separate vehicles. Rachel, Clay, Daniel, and I loaded up into Rachel's car while Ray and Clare followed in his SUV.

  I snuggled into Clay's side in the back seat, laying my head on his shoulder. He kissed the top of my head and laced his fingers through mine. I sighed in contentment. This was the most relaxed I had been in weeks.

  Franklin Lake was only forty-five minutes away. Close enough that you didn't spend all day driving but far enough that you felt like you were away from it all. Things in the car were a little awkward at first. But finally after awhile, everyone started to get comfortable and we were able to engage in conversation that wasn't entirely stilted.

  Rachel and Daniel were still tense around each other, but even they made an effort to enjoy themselves. I could have sworn I even saw Daniel smile at one point. Clay and Rachel talked about their creative writing class. Daniel spoke endlessly about the basketball team. For the first time in weeks, I felt a sort of civility fall over my friends and me and I realized with a pang how much I had missed them. I hadn't noticed how much I had pushed them away in my pursuit of my relationship with Clay. When was the last time I had talked to Daniel about something that wasn't in any way related to my rollercoaster love life? I couldn't remember. And that was sad. I was determined to rectify that this evening.

  Clay wouldn't let go of my hand the entire ride. His thumb caressed the sensitive skin of my palm, shooting sparks straight to my belly. Running his nose up the side of my neck, he murmured in my ear, “I love you, baby.” I squeezed his hand in return, my insides a twisty mess at his nearness.

  Finally, Clay looked out the window and pointed to a turn off just ahead of us. “You want to pull down this road.” Clay told Rachel, pointing to the narrow dirt path to the right. “Are you sure my car will make it?” Rachel asked hesitantly. Clay chuckled. “Your car will be fine. It's a little rough the first fifty yards but the rest is packed dirt, you'll be golden.”

  Rachel made the turn. “Alright, but if I eat it, you're paying for the repairs.” She grumbled. “Stop worrying.” I said, leaning forward and squeezing her shoulder. Of course, the first thing she did was hit a giant, crater sized pot hole, tipping the car precariously.

  “Fuck!” She screeched after getting back on the hard road. Daniel was laughing in the front seat. “You should have seen your face, Rach! That was priceless.” Rachel smacked his arm. “Shut up, Daniel, or you're hoofing it to the cabin.”

  Daniel snorted. “Whatever.” He muttered, but didn't make another comment. We drove for another two miles before the forest ended and we drove into a clearing. Sitting up on a hill was the most fantastic house I'd ever seen.

  “Shit man, this wasn't at all what I was expecting when you said we'd be staying in a cabin.” Daniel said, whistling. The wooden structure was built to resemble a swiss chalet. The entire front was nothing but windows and there wasn't one but two large stone chimneys jutting from the roof.

  “Wait until you get inside. It's incredible.” Clay promised as Rachel pulled into the two car garage off the side of the cabin. “I had no idea Lisa had the money for something like this.” I told Clay, a little awestruck. Clay reached into the trunk and pulled our duffel bags out. “It's actually Lisa's parents' place. Her family has the money but no one uses the cabin but Lisa. Most of her family has moved away, so she makes sure the property is maintained.”

  Ray and Clare had just gotten out of their car. “Damn...this is awesome!” Raymond remarked. Clare seemed as amazed as the rest of us. I still couldn't believe that this is where we'd be spending the night.

  Clay pulled out the keys and unlocked the door leading into the house from the garage. He quickly punched a code into an alarm panel on the wall, making it chirp. “Be careful, it's dark through here, so let's just get into the living room.” Clay grabbed my hand as I trailed behind him through the dark hallway.

  He pushed through a swinging door and flicked on some lights and I was totally dazzled. The living room, kitchen, and dining area were an open floor plan. A large sectional sofa sat in front of the huge windows overlooking the forest, a beautiful stone fireplace sat to the right. Just off to the left of the living area was an enormous kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, and a magnificent island with gas range stove top.

  The dining room was truly spectacular. A magnificent cherry wood dining table sat in an alcove off of the kitchen, again the wall was one large window over looking the lake. A glass chandelier hung above the table. Wood floors, interspersed with area rugs ran throughout the downstairs.

  I walked to the window in the dining area and looked out. It was a sunny day and the lake glistened. I could see a gazebo down below with screens enclosing it. Clay came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist, resting his chin on my shoulder. He pointed to the gazebo. “That's where the jacuzzi is. We will be enjoying that later.” He nibbled my ear lobe, making me giggle.

  “So who gets what rooms, dude?” Ray asked. Clay let me go and turned around. He pointed down a hallway leading off from the kitchen. “There are two bedrooms down there. Each has its own bathroom. You guys can decide who gets what.” He tugged on my hand and I followed him to a spiral staircase hidden to the right of the dining nook.

  He looked at me mischievously. “You and I get the room up here.” I followed him up the stairs that led to a loft area. The room was the entire size of the downstairs. “Oh my god, Clay!” I said breathlessly. Again, it was the windows. There was only one wall made of wo
od, the other three were nothing but glass. It was like being outside. An enormous California king- sized bed sat in the middle of the room. There were stairs off to the side that went down into a sunken area with a whirlpool bathtub and two pedestal sinks.

  “We get to sleep in here? Are you kidding me?'” I asked incredulously. I ran and jumped on the bed, laughing as I bounced. Clay stalked toward me and made a show of crawling on the bed until he was over top of me. I looked up into his face and smiled. I was so happy.

  He pressed his mouth to mine, his tongue invading and conquering. I groaned as he licked my bottom lip, teasing it with his teeth. “Nothing but the best for you, Maggie.” He said softly into the skin of my neck as he nuzzled me. I rain my fingers through his hair and molded my body against his. Clay left light kisses along the side of my face as he interlaced his fingers with mine.

  “This place is seriously unbelievable. Thank you so much for inviting us.” I told him as he pulled me tighter against him. Running his fingertips down my face, Clay smiled. “I know things have been tense lately. I haven't given you many reasons to smile.” I started to protest, but he covered my mouth with his finger.

  “I'm not blind. I know what being with me has done to your life. I see how your friends, your parents, hell, everybody, looks at you because you're with me. I haven't done much to give them a positive impression of me. I just wanted a chance to prove that I'm not such a bad guy. For your friends to see how much you mean to me and that I would literally do anything in the world for you. Then maybe, they wouldn't look at us like we shouldn't be together.”

  I hated that this is where we found ourselves. That he was so aware of the fact that no one understood our relationship and what we meant to each other. I wasn't sure one night with my friends would erase the months of damage. But I wanted to be as positive about it as he was.

  “I love you.” I whispered before kissing him again, wanting to take away the sadness and pain that never seemed to leave Clay's face.

  “Uh guys, we have a problem here.” I heard Rachel call from downstairs. Clay sighed and rested his forehead on my chest. “That doesn't sound good.” Clay commented. I chuckled and got up. “Come on. Let's go see what monumental crisis we have to avert.” I straightened my rumpled shirt and smoothed my hair before following Clay downstairs.

  Ray and Clare were gone when we entered the kitchen. Daniel was sitting on one of the stools at the island, his head propped on his hand, looking annoyed. “What's up?” I asked, looking at Daniel, who I knew from experience was usually the source of Rachel's problem.

  Daniel rolled his eyes. “You'd have to ask her. I don't see that there is any problem.” I looked at Rachel, waiting for her to explain. “I'll tell you what the problem is. There is only one extra room! And there's only one queen sized bed in there! I told Daniel, if he were a gentleman, he'd sleep on the couch, but he's refusing. He says I'm being ridiculous! Can you believe it? Him calling me ridiculous? That's just rich!” Rachel shot daggers at Daniel, who looked bored with the whole debate.

  “Uh, Rach, it's not like you haven't shared a bed with Daniel before.” I reminded her. Rachel huffed. “We were like eight. That does not count, okay. Tell him he has to sleep on the couch, Clay.” Rachel turned to my boyfriend, drawing him squarely into the middle of the argument. Clay looked flustered and his eyes found mine in silent appeal. I knew he was worried about making Rachel any angrier. But I didn't know how to help him, so I just shrugged.

  Clay put his hand through his hair in that flustered way he was known for. “Well, Rachel. I can't really say who gets the bedroom. I mean, that's really something the two of you have to decide.” Rachel looked like she wanted to throw something.

  “Well, I'm not sleeping on the couch. If the thought of sharing a bed with me disgusts you that much, you sleep on the there.” Daniel remarked grumpily. He hopped down from the stool and grabbed his overnight bag. “Where do you think you're going?” Rachel asked him angrily. He started walking down the hallway. “I'm taking my bag to my room. Later.” He called over his shoulder.

  Rachel whipped around and gave Clay and I a steely glare. “What the hell am I supposed to do? I shouldn't have to sleep on the couch because he's being a a dick.” I patted my best friend's back. “I have a solution for you.” I whispered conspiratorially. Rachel looked at me, interested. “Yeah?' She asked. “Why don't you stop being such a stubborn pain in the ass and take your stuff back to the bedroom. One night sharing a bed won't kill you.”

  Rachel harrumphed, picked up her bright pink bag and stomped down the hallway after Daniel. “You'd best stay on your side of the bed or I'll cut off your testicles while you sleep.” I heard her yelling. I couldn't hear Daniel's response.

  Clay looked bewildered. “She's scary when she's mad. I'd hate to be Daniel right now.” He said, going to the refrigerator and pulling out a beer. I cocked my eyebrow at him. He looked down at the can. “Okay, maybe not such a good idea.” He gave me a smile and put it back, grabbing a bottle of water instead.

  An hour later, Raymond and Clare emerged from their room, looking as though they had just woken up from a nap. Daniel and Rachel joined us in the living room not long after that, both looking less annoyed, though Rachel continued to bristle every time Daniel opened his mouth.

  “Didn't Lisa say there was a grocery store five minutes from here?” Raymond asked. “Yeah, if you go back down the driveway and head right, it's less than a mile on your left. It's just a little mom and pop place, but you can get the essentials.” Clay told him.

  “Cool, you want to come, Danny?” Daniel jumped at the chance to get away from a still fuming Rachel. “Clay?” Raymond asked. Clay looked at me and I nodded. “Go, have some guy time.” Clay grinned and I could see how happy he was to be included.

  “Ugg! I seriously need to decompress. Didn't Clay say there was a jacuzzi around here somewhere?” Rachel asked. I picked up our empty soda cans and threw them in the trashcan. “Yeah, it's outside in the gazebo. You wanna check it out?” I asked. Clare jumped off the couch. “Hell yeah, let's go!”

  Rachel, Clare and I went to our respective rooms and changed into our swim suits. It felt crazy to put one on when it was almost December. The three of us reconvened in the living room. I started to put my fuzzy robe on when Rachel let out a low whistle. “What?” I asked her.

  Rachel looked fantastic in her red one piece, cut up high on the hips. She gave me the once over. “When did you get that?” She asked, indicating my black bikini. I looked down at myself and blushed. Yeah, it was a little more revealing than my typical get up.

  I covered myself, feeling self- conscious. “I got it last summer, just haven't worn it yet.” I told her, slipping on a pair of flip flops I had brought along. “Well, you look hot. Where have you been hiding that killer body?” Rachel whistled, making me blush. Clare giggled, as she covered up her boy shorts and tank top. I grabbed some bottles of water from the fridge, tossing them at my friends, ignoring Rachel's comment. “Come on, before the guys get back and we lose whatever chance we have at relaxing.” I told them, leading the way outside.

  As we stepped out the back door, the three of us began to shiver. “Damn. It's freezing out here.” Rachel pulled her jacket tighter around her, but her bare legs were already breaking out into goosebumps.

  It had easily dropped fifteen degrees since we'd gotten to the cabin. Looking at the sky, it wouldn't surprise me if it snowed. Running as fast as we could, we headed to the gazebo. I opened the door and ushered them inside. “Hurry up, so I can close the door.”

  Inside, I was relieved to see baseboard heating running the length of two walls. I found the thermostat and cranked it. Rachel walked over to the jacuzzi pump and turned it on. The water began to bubble and swirl.

  We sat huddled together until it heated up. The gazebo had windows and I made sure they were all securely latched so as to not let in any cold air. Finally, it felt warm and comfortable so the three of us stripped off our outer
wear, kicked off our shoes, and slowly slid down into the water.

  It was a huge jacuzzi, easily fitting eight people. “Ah. Now this is the life.” Clare sighed in contentment, putting her head back. The water came up to our shoulders and fizzed against my skin deliciously.

  “This is just what I needed.” Rachel said after a long sigh. She had closed her eyes and sank down until the water lapped at her chin. Clare and I murmured our agreement. None of us said a word for a long time.

  “So, Ray told me on the ride up here that Kylie was trying to get back with Daniel.” Clare said, breaking the relaxing silence. I quickly looked over at Rachel to gauge her response. Rachel hadn't opened her eyes but I could see her jaw clench.

  “Really? Danny hasn't said anything.” I ventured, not sure I wanted to discuss Daniel and Kylie while Rachel was seeming pretty subdued. Clare nodded. “Yeah. Apparently she's been hanging around a lot. I know I've seen her at their basketball practices after school. I guess she and that other guy she was screwing around with didn't work out so she's trying to get her hooks back into Danny.”

  Rachel suddenly got out of the jacuzzi and wrapped herself in a towel. I watched her closely. I knew the topic of Kylie Good upset her.

  I tried shooting Clare a look that said to drop the subject, but she apparently wasn't picking up on my cues. “Well, Ray said that Daniel turned her down flat. Seems he's finally seen the light and realized Kylie is skank.” My eyes widened in surprise.

  If Daniel had a weakness, it had always been Kylie. He seemed to never be able to tell her 'no'. So the fact that he wasn't running back to her as fast as he could was surprising. Rachel was vigorously drying her hair, trying to act unaffected by the news.

  “Wow. That's awesome!” I enthused, truly happy that Daniel was taking a stand for once. Clare darted her eyes toward Rachel. “Yeah, maybe he's ready to move onto someone else.” Clare's eyebrows rose pointedly.

  I rolled my eyes at Clare's less than subtle tactics. “Well, I doubt that honestly. Daniel's head is too far up his own ass to notice anything. Let alone see someone standing right in front of him.” Rachel fumed, her voice catching.