Invisible String

Chapter 3

The lights are dimmed, the temperature in this room feels cool. Even the parents chatter in the dining room feels like white background noise.

"Boo" whispers David, announcing his presence in my living room. I feel familiar hands rest around my shoulders. As much as I have tried to distract myself with studies and friends since summer ended, I've created million and millions of scenarios on how this thanksgiving event would play out. So far, it's exceeded most of them.

I close my eyes for just a second, wanting or not wanting the next scene of my imaginary scenarios to be played.

"Are you here to watch Vampire Diaries with me?" I reply nervously as I turn on the TV. I walk back to the couch with my favourite blanket. His hands latch on till the last moment before falling back to his side. He scrunches his hands into his jean pockets and grudgingly walks to sit on the other side of the sectional. I can see from the corner of my eye as the new episode starts that he is facing me. He stares for what seems like an eternity. The tension between us is shooting to space.

"Of course Ange, I love vampire romance!!" He sarcastically replies. I can still feel his gaze and try to concentrate on the episode. It's about a love triangle between brothers, just over centuries. Even with the dimmed lights, I can feel my cheeks burning. This was not how I imagined it would go.

"Ange..." David starts again. He was the only person who called me Ange, everyone else always calls me Angie. I slowly face him. I can feel his feet nearing mine, with only a blanket separating them.

"Yeah David, what's up?" I reply before pursing my lips. I really hate how downhill this is going. I can feel a lump starting to set in my throat. I want to put this summer behind to a simple memory as it's already October.

"I just wanted to ask you if you're mad at me" David stares intensely at me. His eyes are trying to see behind mine, he knows I can't hide my emotions well. I hate myself.

I am, you never called. You left me without saying goodbye.

"What would I be mad about, especially at you?". I act like I am dumb. I know my eyes are deceiving me but I don't back down.

"Ange come on...It's okay if you're mad".

"I'm not" I reply defensively. Shit, I hate lying. I stare blankly at the TV.

He scoots closer to my side of the couch, lying his head by my shoulder, till our bodies are in parallel direction. I can smell his shampoo but I try not to let it distract me from standing my ground.

We both silently watch the episode. I can hear the parents in the other room start to clean up.

"So...any boyfriend?"

"Nope, I'm just focusing on school right now." This guy is a psychopath, but I can't help replying "And yourself?"

"No boyfriends, but a bunch of people hook up at college. It's not a big deal, you know..."

"Cool....I'm going to help them clean the table. Are you coming?" I'm already halfway out the living room table to help clear off the table. I get the general message from David, it wasn't what I was hoping for. But I'm glad I know now and I don't need to waste any more time.