A Night without Stars

by Sabrina Albis

  Autumn took one final look in the mirror, fixing any stray hairs and straightening her clothes until she was satisfied. Then she linked her arm into Rick’s. “Lead the way,” she said, and they headed for the door.

  “Rick, please! We want to get there today!”

  Autumn was sitting shotgun in Rick’s car, an old black Cadillac. Mandy and Nathaniel were in the back.

  “I am just saying! If any of us make it out of Eric’s house tonight alive it will be by some small miracle!” Nathaniel griped.

  “What the hell are you saying?” Mandy huffed.

  “I am saying, this whole party is a cover-up and we are actually being sacrificed to Eric’s demigods!” Nathaniel said sharply.

  Autumn glared at Rick. He glanced at her but had his eyes back on the road in a split-second.

  “What? I am driving at the pace I am comfortable with,” he said. “The speed limit!”

  Autumn rolled her eyes. She wasn’t giving Rick a death glare because of his driving. It was the fact that he obviously hadn’t talked to Nathaniel about dating Mandy. It was evident Nathaniel was still holding out for Autumn, even though she wasn’t interested.

  She looked out the window, taking in her surroundings. They definitely entered the wealthier part of Whitan. The houses were larger, the grass greener and lusher and the parks more clean and well-kept.

  “Are we there yet?” Nathaniel groaned and Autumn flung around in her seat to scowl at him.

  “Are you going to start kicking my seat next?”

  “We are getting close,” Mandy said, looking at her cell. “It should be around this bend here.”

  The car turned and suddenly they were driving uphill. Autumn could see many cars parked on the road already, lined up like colorful blocks along the street.

  “Looks like Eric has lots of friends,” Mandy said, sounding impressed. “I find it hard to believe he is an outcast.” She looked at Nathaniel accusingly.

  “The question becomes, how much does he pay them?” Nathaniel sniggered and Autumn barely resisted the urge to sock him.

  They drove for a little while longer, traveling along a winding cul-de-sac, until they reached an end. Beyond it, on a vast property, surrounded by nothing but trees and field, was Eric’s house.

  Hidden behind a large wrought-iron gate (that was closed at the moment) was a gorgeous Victorian style mansion. Autumn wasn’t materialistic, but even she could appreciate the beauty of this home. The mix of vintage elements and modern touches, made it unique and striking.

  “Autumn you didn’t tell me your boyfriend was loaded!” Mandy squealed.

  “He isn’t her boyfriend!” Nathaniel snapped.

  “Not yet,” Mandy said. “But give the girl time.”

  “I don’t really know anything about Eric,” Autumn admitted.

  “And yet here we are,” Nathaniel muttered as Rick pulled the car up and began parking along the side of the road.

  It took Rick time to park, as he cautiously maneuvered between two vehicles. When he was finally satisfied with his parking job, he turned to Autumn.

  “I parallel parked. I hate parallel parking so don’t say I never do anything for you.”

  Autumn smiled and planted a quick kiss on his cheek. “Thanks Ricky.”

  “No problem. Now let’s plow.”

  “I am just happy we didn’t miss the party,” Mandy said, as they began stepping out of the car.

  “We were going so slow.”

  Rick opened his mouth to retort but was cut off.

  “Hey guys!” Eric called out. “Good to see you all!”

  Autumn looked over to see him behind the gate, coming towards them. He was dressed in a crisp white button down, tailored grey pants and a red satin bow tie.

  “A bow tie?” Autumn heard Nathaniel mutter under his breath. “Who is this guy?”

  “Rick!” Eric called out, as he punched buttons on a keypad. The gates began opening.

  “You could have parked in the driveway!”

  “Dude, I would’ve,” Rick said, putting his hands in his pockets. “But there was a giant gate in my way.”

  Eric considered this. “I guess I should have instructed you to buzz in. My mistake. By all means, the gate is open now. You can move your car if you like.”

  “I’m all good,” Rick said confidently. “But thanks.”

  “Perfect,” Eric said.

  “Nathaniel nice to see you again and Mandy you look lovely.”

  Autumn thought Mandy looked amazing. She was wearing a leather mini dress with red Converse running shoes. Her pixie cut with spiked up, and her eyes were lined with heavy black liner.

  Mandy flushed a little. “Thanks Eric. You look pretty smoking too.”

  “Why thank you,” Eric said, tugging at his bow tie.

  He turned to Autumn, smiling at her, his eyes wandering up and down her figure appreciatively. His dark eyes burnt into her green ones, and her heart pitter-pattered in her chest.

  “You look stunning Autumn,” he said. “Though words can’t do your beauty justice.”

  Mandy let out a dreamy sigh while Nathaniel rolled his eyes. Rick shook his head, looking rather impressed.

  “Smooth dude. Smooth.”

  Autumn’s heart fluttered as Eric took her hand into his. Nathaniel grunted in protest and for a moment, she felt a stab of guilt. She didn’t want to hurt Nathaniel, but she couldn’t hide her feeling for Eric either.

  “Shall we?” Eric said and he led her by the hand, past the gates, as the others followed closely behind. As they walked up the long drive, Autumn could see just how vast Eric’s property was. Surrounding his house was a large garden with many different shrubs and flowers, some that weren’t even in bloom. Near the gated perimeter, tall oak and willow trees provided more privacy. In the middle of the front yard, was a beautiful courtyard with a fountain spouting water, a bird bath, and chairs and tables for outdoor dining.

  Autumn pictured herself sitting in a chair, reading a good novel, as the sun danced on her skin, and the birds played carelessly in the bird bath across from her.

  “Dude, this house is big,” Rick said bluntly and Eric chuckled.

  “Yes, it is quite the house,” he admitted, still holding onto Autumn’s hand tightly. “I am very lucky.”

  As they got closer to the house, Autumn could hear the faint sound of music, a swelling concerto, filtering through the open windows. The song was hitting a crescendo, and Autumn listened, enthralled. It was beautiful.

  “Is that classical music?” Mandy asked, crinkling her nose.

  Eric grinned. “Yes it is.”

  He turned to Autumn. “I hope your friends weren’t expecting some crazy rager. That really isn’t my style.”

  Autumn arched an eyebrow. “What kind of party is this then?”

  “A party where we can chat, share stories and laugh,” he said. “Not the kind we forget in the morning.”

  Autumn frowned. “You think we drink?”

  “Speak for yourself,” Mandy said, waving a flask in Autumn’s face. “I came prepared with provisions.”

  She took a long swig from the flask. “Anyone else want some?”

  Eric stopped dead in his tracks and let go of Autumn’s hand. Then he turned to Mandy, looking displeased.

  “Amanda, please hand me the flask.”

  Mandy looked at him, confused. “Amanda?”

  “That is your name isn’t it?”

  “Yes, but no one calls me that,” she grumbled.

  “The flask,” Eric repeated sternly. “I will need to confiscate it.”

  Mandy crossed her arms over her chest, looking appalled.

  “Isn’t this supposed to be a party dad?” she asked scornfully.

  “Yes, but no drinking,” Eric said firmly.

>   Autumn looked at the others. Rick was standing back, his body language indicating he wasn’t getting involved and Nathaniel looked utterly bored.

  “Call me square, but we don’t need booze to have fun Mandy. So please, if you want to enter my home, give me the flask,” he put out his hand expectantly.

  Mandy, who looked like she might explode from anger, began to tremble. She looked at Autumn for support, but she just shrugged helplessly.

  “I’m sorry Mandy. It isn’t my house.”

  “Just give it to him!” Nathaniel snapped, obviously frustrated. “His house, his rules Mandy!”

  Autumn knew Mandy hated authority. She hadn’t known her long, but she could tell that Mandy didn’t like rules. She marched to the beat of her own drummer, even if that meant pissing people off. In some ways, Autumn admired that.

  “Fine!” Mandy said, relenting and handing Eric the flask. “But I want it back when we leave! It’s a family heirloom!”

  Eric took the flask, smiling. “Not a problem. Thank you for being so cooperative Amanda.”

  Mandy groaned, looking defeated. “Stop that! Only my parents can call me Amanda!”

  They continued walking, until they reached Eric’s front porch. As they approached, a man, who looked to be in his seventies, opened two glass doors. Handsome, with silver fox hair and blue eyes, he was dressed in a tuxedo. He smiled at them warmly.

  “Greetings everyone,” he said, and then he looked at Eric. “Welcome back Mister Eric.”

  “Thank you Simon.”

  Eric began the introductions. Simon was Eric’s family butler and close family friend. He had been with the King family since Eric was seven years old.

  Autumn reached her arm out, glad to meet someone so close to Eric.

  “Nice to meet you Simon,” she said, shaking his hand.

  “Likewise, my dear,” he looked to Eric, the ghost of a smile on his face. “She is just as lovely as you proclaimed Mister Eric.”

  “Isn’t she?” Eric said, looking at Autumn admiringly. He looked back at Simon.

  “Simon, I left the gates open. Would you mind closing them?”

  “Of course Mister Eric,” he said. “It was a pleasure meeting you all. Please, enjoy your evening.”

  When Simon had left, Eric grabbed Autumn’s hand again. She looked at him, beaming. He looked much cuter when he was smiling, and right now she couldn’t imagine anyone calling him the prince of darkness.

  “I would offer to give you guys a tour,” he began.

  “But that would take all night,” Nathaniel offered.

  Eric smirked. “What I was going to say was I would offer to give you guys a tour, but I’m sure you are anxious to get to the party.”

  “And the food!” Rick added.

  Eric chuckled lightly. “Alright then. Let’s go,” he said and he motioned for everyone to follow him.

  Eric’s house was just as detailed on the inside as it was outside. It was decorated with rich tapestries, sculptures and art work.

  Autumn wondered for a moment if she would be meeting his parents tonight. The thought made her nervous, but she pushed it away. She would cross that bridge when she got to it.

  “Dude, we would need like, a golf cart to get around this place,” Rick said, stunned. “And I thought my house was huge.”

  Eric guided them down a long hallway with white carpeting at their feet. Along the walls were old-fashioned, wrought-iron sconces, filled with elegant white candles that were lit. They casted eerie and disproportionate shadows of everyone as they moved.

  “I really love candles,” Eric admitted, looking over at Autumn. “They create such a beautiful atmosphere in any room.”

  Autumn heard Nathaniel snickering from behind her, but she ignored him.

  Finally, they reached a hallway, where the sound of chattering echoed from an adjacent room. The music that had been playing in the foyer wasn’t playing here. This music was more modern, and beyond the clamoring of people, she could vaguely make out eighties hits playing in the background.

  Eric led everyone through two huge wooden doors that were open.

  “This way,” he said and they followed him inside.

  The massive room reminded Autumn of a vintage ballroom. It had glinting, polished wooden floors, huge crystal chandeliers hanging from the vaulted ceiling, large windows and a classic balcony.

  Autumn was breathless. It was like something out of a movie.

  Around the room, people were huddled in groups, chatting and dancing. She looked around, scanning the crowds for familiar faces, but of the roughly forty people in attendance, she didn’t recognize anyone. This didn’t surprise her. Eric was a lone wolf at school. It wasn’t like he was seen talking to anyone other than her in the halls.

  “This is a classy setup, King,” Mandy said, impressed.

  “Yes. The flask would’ve stood out a little don’t you think?” Eric grinned.

  Mandy looked down at her outfit. “Because the leather dress and red sneakers don’t stand out at all.”

  “Please allow me to get you all refreshments,” Eric said. “There is punch, water, soda.”

  “And food?” Rick asked excitedly.

  “Ah yes. There should be waiters walking around with trays of hors d’oeuvres.”

  “Sweet,” Rick said, scanning the room. “I see one!” And he rushed off towards the waiter giddily.

  “Nathaniel, why don’t you come and help me with the drinks?” Eric asked.

  Nathaniel shrugged. “Sure. Why not?”

  Eric gave Autumn’s hand a squeeze. “Don’t go too far.” And they headed off to a long banquet table set up at the end of the ballroom.

  When they were out of earshot, Mandy smiled at Autumn, looking like the cat that swallowed the canary.

  “Well, he has really taken a shine to you hasn’t he?” she said, watching Eric and Nathaniel in the distance.

  Autumn flushed. Eric was being very affectionate with her so far. That it could be this simple, that she liked him, and he liked her, was shocking to Autumn. It was never easy with the guys back home. They played games and courted five girls at once to see who the best choice was. It was a contest, and Autumn didn’t want to be included.

  “He seems to like me.”

  “Seems?” Mandy said incredulously. “The guy has practically melded his hand with yours. I say you are a shoo-in.”

  “What’s going on with you and Nate?” Autumn asked, eager to change the subject. “You guys have been bickering all night.”

  “Yeah, he’s a little crusty about you and Eric,” Mandy admitted, looking sullen. “Truth be told, the guy has it bad for you Autumn. I don’t stand a chance.”

  “Don’t say that Mandy!” Autumn scolded her just as Rick returned. “You need to give him time. He will eventually see that I am not interested and move on.”

  Rick, who had his mouth and hands full, looked at Autumn, perplexed.

  “Who? Nathaniel?”

  Autumn nodded.

  “I don’t know. He has that creepy shrine of you and your hair in a glass jar,” Rick said, looking distracted.

  “What?” Both Autumn and Mandy exclaimed.

  Rick chuckled. “It was a joke! Relax!”

  “Not funny!” Autumn snapped just as Eric and Nathaniel came back with beverages.

  “Here you are,” Eric said, and he began handing out the drinks. “I see you guys haven’t been mingling.”

  “We don’t really know anyone here but you,” Autumn admitted and Eric nodded.

  “Fair enough. Allow me to get things rolling.”

  Eric began perusing the room and it took him a moment to find who he was looking for.

  “There she is. Give me a moment.”

  And he was gone, moving across the room swiftly to retrieve th
e mystery person.

  She? Autumn thought, and she felt a pang. Perhaps it was his mother?

  “She?” Nathaniel said, echoing Autumn’s thoughts. “Maybe Casanova has a girlfriend already?” he looked at Autumn, but she didn’t flinch.

  “That is doubtful. He has been all over Autumn tonight,” Mandy said sharply.

  Autumn watched as Eric approached two people conversing. One was male and the other female.

  The girl was definitely not his mother. She was far too young. Autumn couldn’t make out too many details from afar, but she could see the girl was very attractive.

  Eric whispered something to the girl, who smiled politely and exited the conversation.

  As they began walking over, Nathaniel sized her up.

  “She is pretty,” he said brusquely. “But not as pretty as you Autumn.”

  “You’re an asshole,” Mandy muttered to Nathaniel. Then she looked at Autumn sympathetically.

  “She has nothing on you Aut.”

  “Maybe she is just a friend!” Rick piped in between bites of shrimp.

  Autumn smiled gratefully. “Thanks guys.”

  Should she be worried? Eric never mentioned a girlfriend, but why would he? She hadn’t asked him if he was single.

  Autumn’s stomach knotted up. She took a sip of her punch, willing herself to relax as Eric and the strange beauty approached them.

  Up close, Autumn could see that the girl was indeed stunning. Her eyes were violet, her skin was bronzed, and she had perfect auburn curls framing her heart-shaped face.

  She was tall and dressed in a strapless, black, maxi dress, with an amethyst amulet dangling down her chest.

  “Everyone, I want to introduce you all,” Eric began.

  “To your very lovely girlfriend?” Nathaniel said hopefully.

  The girl looked at Nathaniel appraisingly. “To his sister thank you.”

  Autumn felt relief sweep through her. She was his sister!

  The girl turned to Eric, her face humorless. “Where did you find this pinhead Er?”

  “We go to school together,” Eric said, smirking.

  “Ah yes,” she looked at Nathaniel, unpleasantly. “Proof the education system is still working wonders.”

  Nathaniel shot her a dirty look as Eric introduced her as his older sister, Arabella King. Everyone introduced themselves and when she got to Autumn, she looked her up and down, obviously scrutinizing her.