Breaking Point: Darkness Within

The Shadowing Prior to Lucas' Short Absence

          She stopped writing and closed her computer. She then rested for the night as it was fairly late. A few days passed, and New Year's Eve came about. She had a planned date with Lucas that day and went out with him. They went to a nice bakery and spent time together, heading to a New Year's party after when night came around. Zana's boyfriend had been asked to watch her closely as her parents knew none of the people that would be attending the party. She said that she would stay near him and that he was a good protector. When her parents did not seem to believe her completely, she brought up the Malcolm incident and said that he saved her from further harm. Her parents recalled that as they remembered what she'd admitted and let her go then, now assured she would be fine indefinitely for that period. Lucas and she stayed at the party for a few hours. Until ten at night did they dance, saving the kisses for later. Then she was taken home by him that night on his bike and they sat against the long-sided brim of the bed. She laid her side up against his and noticed something sticking out of his backpack when she turned to set her head upon his right shoulder.

         "Lucas? What is the thing sticking out of your backpack?" she asked in a gentle tone as she was happy, calm, and slightly tired physically.

         "Oh, that. One moment, please," he got up and got it out, bringing it over after and leaning softly against her once more. "It's the writing you made for me, dear. I've been reading it a little every day. Some are really so sad and yet, as a majority so far, it seems you're discovering your hope and will to move on."

         "That is correct, Lucas." She lent against him, moved her head closer to him, and delivered a soft kiss to his lower jaw. She then laid her head in a loving fashion upon his right shoulder and held his right arm with both her hands sweetly. "I love you, Lucas."

         "I love you very much too, dear. Do you want to rest for a bit?"

         "Would that be okay with you, love? I'm not being a burden?" she was not sure whether it would bother him or not and the hesitancy in her tone could be heard.

         "Zana, are you doing all right? You should know that such would never bother me. I like when you show me that I can bring you comfort and joy, so why ask?" he almost became concerned, worrying that her bad thoughts were smothering her again.

         "I guess my mind must be influencing me oddly without me noticing much. I'm sorry. Thought I was being kind. I had no intent to worry or upset you!" she made that clear in her voice, speaking concern for provoking him as she suspected she had.

         "It's fine. I'm not upset. I just had some worry that you were feeling down is all. I love you, silly," he tried to tone up the mood to make her happier.

         "Thanks, Lucas. I'm feeling a little tired so I'm going to rest a bit," she then closed her eyes and felt him hold her dear and rub her back as she drifted to sleep.

         About an hour passed and Lucas felt his phone vibrate in his pocket continuously, about three times before he decided to answer the incoming call. He didn't want to wake his girlfriend though and tried his best to keep both his volume and that of the phone lower. It turned out that his mom was asking what time she should go to pick him up as it was already eleven-thirty or as he often liked to refer things in English to Spanish, son las once y media. He asked his mother if he could stay for one more hour. He was relieved when she said that was fine, pointing out that it would take her around forty minutes to get there. He then hung up after saying goodbye and kissed Zana's head gently. He wanted to make this experience as nice as possible for her as he wouldn't get to see her for a while after this. He would be moving closer to the school soon and would not be free to spend time with the one he loved most. He felt as she, in her sleep, grabbed his shirt. Her grip perhaps was not much, but it still existed. Then she began to mumble some words, most barely audible.