A Haunting Lust

Chapter 1

She swiped her brush harshly across the dull canvas, adding another dark color to the collection of scribbles that formed a girl, even in just black in white her sadness was visible. "What's on your mind, kid? You don't paint stuff this dark unless somethings bothering you." Danny said staring at the drawing and then looking towards Malia. "Nothing." Barley creeped out of her mouth, and her brush hit the floor with a thud. She stood up and went to walk out, but Danny grabbed her arm and pulled her down next to him. Although Danielle was still technically a girl, he considered himself a boy, so of course Malia did too. She knew that her parents wouldn't be okay with it if they knew Danny was actually Danielle, but that secret stayed between them. Danny would have the surgery eventually anyways. Malia sat there next to him, staring out of the big window in her room. She loved having a condo on a high floor, the view of upstate New York  never failed to calm and inspire her. Danny then spoke up. "Is there something I don't know?" Malia let out a lingering sigh. "Look, my parents told me about a week ago that we're moving, and I haven't been able to tell you yet. I guess telling you would make it feel more real." Danny just sat there a little shocked. The sun was blaring through the window, it illuminated his eyes. Malia just took it in, she didn't know how many more moments like this they would get together. She stared out of the window while he just looked down, obviously in deep thought. "How far?" Danny's voice was thick with sadness. "North Carolina." This time it was Danny who let out a long sigh. They just went in for a hug and didn't let go for a good while. Malia knew she wasn't in love with him, but she knew the thought of what could have been would bother her for a good while. Almost having something or someone was always tragic. She still had a few days before she left but they didn't bother spending them together. They didn't see the logic in growing closer together, only to have her leave. She spent most of her time with her best friend Arris. "It may be a far way, but I will make the time to come and visit at least once every month or two." He said over the phone the night before Malia was set to leave. "You better. Or else." She taunted playfully, earning a small laugh from Arris. Malia didn't bother to pack her art supplies, just one brush and charcoal pencil just in case. She decided to leave the rest, the New York view was the only thing calming enough to inspire her art, and she didn't figure she could ever love something in North Carolina enough to paint.