Pitch Black Heaven

I couldn’t help but feel nervous as we sat in front of arrival gate four at the airport. In fifteen short minutes five people with more pasts and secrets would arrive to help out with the Liam situation until it was resolved, I knew I’d feel more out of it than usual. I was extremely timid knowing one of those five would be Zach’s only ex girlfriend.

Zach went to get coffee so I knew it was my only chance to talk to Scar about Kimberly.

“Have you ever met Kimberly Zach’s ex girlfriend?” I asked measuring her reaction.

Scarlett stifled a laugh. “Yeah I met the bitch a couple of times…”

“Bitch?” I said trying to hide that I was glad now that I had someone on my side.

Scarlett nodded with an evil smirk on her face. “Yep, that describes Kimberly Fields perfectly.”

I couldn’t help but giggle. “Do I get to know why you don’t like her?” I wondered with a pleading smile.

She laughed again. “None of us really liked Kim… She was possessive over Zach and treated him like a bit of a toy. By the time I joined they’d already been together for two years, they were a good couple but not right for each other. She also wasn’t much help in our gang either, not very good with a gun and wasn’t willing to learn, she was really only with us because of Zach.”

“But Julia and those girls don’t have a ‘Liam’ reason to be in Rapture, how come you don’t hate them?” I felt guilty, I was probably annoying Scarlett with my ongoing questions.

She thought about it for a second. “Well firstly they’re actually nice unlike Kim was, and secondly, they’re really good help.” We both laughed.

Right on cue Zach arrived with our coffee’s handing Scar and me our lattes before taking a seat next to me. I forgot about Kim for a while once Zach put his arm around my tightly. But of course, five more minutes passed and the first people from the Washington flight began exiting through the Gate 4 doors. Taking my hand, Zach pulled me onto my feet. The only thing stopping me from going crazy with anxiety was the soothing circles Zach rubbed with his thumb on my hand.

Then I got my first glimpse of Kimberly amongst the group of guys she had traveled with. I knew it was her because of the way her eyes lit up once she caught sight of Zach, the way she pushed her cart towards us beaming. She had golden brown hair - right on the verge of blond – baby blue eyes full of fiery sparks and a light yet warm tan. She wore a brown trench coat and jeans that hugged her perfect body amazingly.

My heart sunk into the deep pits of my inner hell. Oh shit, how could I compete with that?
“Zach, oh my god it’s really you!” She squealed loudly like a school girl seeing someone famous for the first time. She abandoned her cart and ran full speed towards him. I didn’t even care when she jumped onto him, wrapping her legs around his waist and arms around his neck. I was already numb. I just released his hand and took two steps back,
right into Scarlett.

I wanted to leave desperately, I couldn’t watch anymore, but my feet refused to move and take me far away. My eyes were glued to Kim as her lips made their way to the side of his lips.

“She is out of line, that stupid bitch just kissed your boy.” Scar said in my ear aggressively.

Too my relief Zach wasn’t too enthusiastic about Kimberly’s actions. He pushed her away. “Er, Hi Kim…”

Kim’s forehead creased. “What is with you, you haven’t seen me into years and you can’t even greet me with a kiss?” She actually looked surprised.

Zach leaned towards her. He was going to kiss her! My heart was slowly being chipped away with a jack hammer but thankfully he didn’t, he only spoke softly into her ear. “Kim I need to introduce you to someone…” He said holding his hand out for me to come and take it. I couldn’t make myself move.

“Go Rhiannon.” Scar said, pushing me forward. I walked awkwardly to Zach and took his hand. Kim’s bubbly expression slowly turned sour and she began to catch on.

Zach cleared his throat. “Kim, this is my girlfriend Rhiannon.” He put one arm around my waist and hugged me to his side. I forced a tiny smile which I doubt she saw though the anger clouding her eyes.

“You have a girlfriend?”

Zach nodded holding me closer. I can honestly say I felt horrible right at that very moment, because what she said tore me up.

Looking up from under her long, mascara coated eyelashes she spoke in a childish voice. “What about us?”

I swear I heard Zach choke on his own words. His whole body stiffened. “Kimberly we were over years ago, you didn’t really think…?”

She shook her head looking embarrassed. “No, no, that’s alright.” It didn’t look alright. Plastering on her best fake smile, she tried to look at me with a friendly face. “Nice to meet you Rhiannon, I’m Kim.” I could see the glare behind the smile, and I didn’t need to think about what it meant. She didn’t like me, she was jealous, and she wanted her boy back.

“Hey...” I said simply.

Before an uncomfortable silence could begin, Zach decided to lighten the tense mood. “How about we all meet up this week, we can catch up then?” He suggested with a smile.
It was then that I remembered the four other people converged around us talking with Aaron, Luke and the other guys as if they’d been apart for centuries. They were all new faces… ones I’d never seen before.

We all agreed to meet at Scarlett and Marcus’ apartment the following night for some take out and time to catch up. Kim sounded eager to come back to Zach’s with us so she could get to know me better - I already knew that wasn’t what she was really interested in doing – Zach refused in the end, saying that she should head to the hotel with the other guys and get settled in. She unwilling agreed.

~

“Are you angry at me?” He said once we got inside. I looked over at the messy bed and remember what almost happened the other night.

“Why would I be angry at you?”

I followed him into the kitchen waiting for a reply. “I just thought you’d be angry about Kim.”
There was no need to answer the question. “Well at least Kim seems to like you...”

“She doesn’t like me.” I scoffed, wondering why Zach hadn’t seen the glares she’d secretly given me. “The way she looked at me when you introduced me as your girlfriend… I just knew she hated me.”

He opened the fridge as I sat down at the small dining table glumly. “Aw c’mon, she doesn’t hate you, she doesn’t know you. Look there’s nothing to worry about. She knows we’re over and that I love you now.” He held up a bottle of orange juice and a bottle of lemonade. I pointed to the OJ. Returning to my gloomy state I began fiddling with the salt and pepper shakers. Zach placed a glass of orange juice beside me and sat down too. “Just go to school today, get ready for graduation and forget about Kim.”

I sighed heavily. “Alright, fine I’ll go.”

“Do you want something to eat?” He asked still watching me worriedly.

I shook my head and got up. “I should probably hurry up before I’m late, I’ll see you tonight.”

Zach followed me to the door. I grabbed my backpack, took out all the clothes, and stuffed them into my other suit case. Luckily I’d left most of my school books in the bottom of my bag when I’d taken it here. I slung it over my shoulder.

Zach opened the door for me and walked me out to the car. I didn’t say much during the drive. I couldn’t stop myself thinking and dreading the ‘catch up’ dinner the next day. I didn’t want Kim to be in the same room as me or Zach.

Once we pulled up on the sidewalk people were already rushing to their classes, the school was bustling with activity. I turned to Zach. “I guess I’ll see you later then.” I pulled the handle and went to get out but Zach grabbed my wrist and yanked me back in.

“You’re not getting away that easily.” He placed his hand gently on side of my jaw and kissed me, I immediately felt light headed. “I’ll pick you up later, right here, wait for my okay.

I nodded and stumbled out of the car with a buzzing feeling inside. “Bye, I love you.” I said, blowing him a kiss.

“I love you too.”

I shut the door and turned around to face the school with a groan. I immediately wondered where Tiarne was. We’d barely hung out for more than a few minutes since she’d joined, we were both preoccupied. From what I’d heard she and Luke were official now, I wished I’d been there for the phone call when she would have gushed over how excited she was.

“Get to class!” I heard Zach shout from the open window. He was leaning across the seat with the most amazing smile I’d ever seen in my life. He hit the gas and disappeared down the road.

I looked down going red in the cheeks and tried to walk to class without drawing much attention. Everyone still continued to stare. It was obvious they’d seen the news. I was made out to be some sort of hero but half the stares I got were glares from passing girls. I knew where to find Tiarne, she always sat by the outdoor basket ball courts before school watching the guys do warm ups.

As expected she was sitting right there on the bleachers with her books on her lap. “Tiarne Everton?” I said as if she was an old friend I hadn’t seen in years.

She turned around with a dull expression which turned to excitement when she saw me. “Holy shit Rhi, you’re finally here. I’ve missed!” She shouted so loud the basketball team stopped in their tracks to watch her come hurdling towards me, arms wide open.

“Ah, don’t kill me!” I yelled as she smacked right into me, almost sending me toppling backwards. She hugged me so tightly I thought my ribs would break. I hugged her back relieved to see my best friend after over two weeks.

She finally released me and grinned widely. “I haven’t seen you in ages, where have you been?!”

I breathed a laugh with no idea where to begin explaining my hectic few weeks. “Long story, very, very long story.” I said with another laugh.

She linked arms with me and we both sat on the bleachers and watched the players on the court shooting hoops. The first person that caught my eye was Spencer who kept glancing over at me with a smile.

“Spencer has the biggest crush you, I’m not even joking.” Tiarne said with a cheeky smirk.

I elbowed her in the ribs. “He does not… Spencer knows I’m going out with Zach.” I knew I was lying to myself, it was obvious and Tiarne wasn’t the first to tell me. “Okay I guess you’re right…” I muttered.

Their bell rang noisily through the courts and the players finally relaxed. “Spencer’s going to come over and talk to you, I bet you a million dollars… I’ll see you at lunch.” Tiarne grabbed her bag and books off the seat and walked briskly away.

“So the local hero finally shows herself.”

“Hey Spencer,” I said, turning to hug him. Things became awkward when he held on for a bit too long. I took a deep breath once he released me. We both stared at our feet. “We did make a pretty good team that day.”

Spencer looked up with a huge grin. “I agree.” He said with a laugh. “C’mon walk with me.”

I grabbed my bag and followed him across the basketball courts and towards the football field. I was probably going to be late for class but I really couldn’t care less at the moment.

Spencer suddenly dropped onto the ground in the middle of the football field and sat causally looking up at the sky for a brief moment before dumping his bag on the ground beside him. I sat opposite him enjoying the morning sun seeping through the cracks in the cloud cover, the oval was a sea of green but I could already feel my bottom getting wet from the damp grassy ground.

“So Balker, what’s up?” Spencer asked nonchalantly as he leaned back on his palms. No one had asked me ‘what’s up’ in so long.

I shrugged. “A lot of things…” I crossed my legs and began ripping the grass from the ground.

“Something’s wrong, I can tell… Do you want to talk about it?” Spencer said noting my disinterest in small talk.

I exhaled sharply. I decided to tell him what was really on my mind. Spencer was a good guy, I could trust him. “Zach’s ex girlfriend Kimberly is in town…”

“Ah…” He said with empathy. I knew he was just waiting for me to go on.

“I know Zach has no intention of getting back with Kim but I just can’t stop thinking she’s going to try something…” I started shaking my head, full of worry.

Spencer slid over and sat beside me. “I’m guessing you’re a bit jealous?”

“As much as I’d like to deny it, I can’t because I honestly am.” I sighed heavily.

“Well I hope you know I’ll always be around if you need someone to talk to.” Spencer said, resting his arms on his knees. “You can always rely on me.” He smiled.

I smiled back at his sincere face. “Thanks, that means a lot.” We sat in silence both just thinking for a while. “I would just hate to ever see him be stolen by that Kim girl, he just means too much to me.”

Both our eyes locked, our faces seemed so close, a little too close for comfort. I didn’t risk tilting away in case I offend him. “I know what it’s like to see the person you love with someone else. It’s not a great feeling...”

I couldn’t help but glance down at his lips which grew closer and closer, I knew what he was going to do but I couldn’t register in time. The warmth of his lips pressed against mind for only a few seconds before my eyes widened, the spark going off in my head.

I leaned away and gently pushed him back. “Whoa Spencer,” I breathed, blinking rapidly. “I have a boyfriend…”

Hurt completely coaxed his features, I could tell I’d upset him. God I was such a bad person. He looked away from my eyes and quickly got up and grabbed his bag. “I’m really, really sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.” He raced off before I could even get a word out.

I shoved my bag to the ground and rested my head against my knees feeling awful inside. It almost felt like I had led him on, like I was partially at fault, which I defiantly was. For goodness sake I had a boyfriend who I loved very much.

I could just make out Spencer’s retreating figure rushing away. He was already past the basketball courts, he didn’t look back once. I yanked my bag from the ground hastily and stormed off to class with intense loathing for myself. I’d probably just lost one of my closest friends.

Good job Rhiannon.

I was completely lost half the class, I’d missed so much but I knew that if I could just concentrate I would be able to pick it up in no time. That was the trouble. I couldn’t concentrate for more than a few minutes before thinking about, Zach, Kim and Spencer…

Once the lunch bell rang I sat frozen in my seat for quite a while as Mr. Davies wiped down the white board. I was a little worried to go to lunch. I’d had enough of the staring and rumors being whispered about me, what made things worse was that I knew Spencer would be there.

When Mr. Davies turned around, waiting patiently for me to leave I forced myself to get up and walk to lunch. “Good to see you back Miss Balker, congratulations on your heroic effort at the Country Club.” He said with a huge yet creepy smile as I walked past.

My body slumped. I wished everyone would just forget about that. “Thank you Mr. Davies.” I hurried away.

Once out the class room I rushed straight to my locker. I shoved my books inside and quickly slammed the door shut in case someone walked by and pestered me about my ‘heroic effort’.

Outside it had gotten chillier. I hugged my arms to my chest and glanced over at the basket ball courts as I took the long way round to the cafeteria. Neither Spencer nor the basket ball team was there, they would defiantly be at the cafeteria now I was sure of that. My stomach did little flips as I pushed the doors open. Right in the same seat we always sat, Tiarne and the test of the lunch time gang were talking and eating their lunches. Tiarne and Hannah both stopped talking and looked over to me. Waving their arms, they beckoned me over.
I dragged my feat as I made my way nervously to a seat and sat down opposite them. “Hey guys.” I said as happily as I could.

Hannah giggled. “We heard about you and Spencer,” Both her and Tiarne laughed this time. “The whole school knows.”

I dropped my head to the table miserable. “Are you bloody serious…?” I mumbled into the table. There was no need for a reply.

“Aren’t you going to eat something?” Tiarne asked.

“No, I’m keeping my head firmly to this table forever…” I knocked my head once against the table to confirm my statement.

I heard Tiarne get up. “No way am I letting you starve on your first day back, get up and stop being such a wimp.” She grabbed my arm and yanked me from the seat. Tiarne got me a tray and handed it to me. “You have no problem looking after randoms at the Country Club but when it comes to boys you are hopeless.” She shook her head mockingly.

I actually cracked a smile. Tiarne always knew how to make me feel better. As we progressed down the line I decide to ask Tiarne some important questions now. “Why haven’t you been helping out with Rapture lately? Don’t get me wrong, I know you’re busy with school but I barely see you anymore.”

“Yeah you’re right, with graduation coming up I’ve been trying to focus on school until then.” She took an apple and water bottle for herself and we ambled back to our seats.

“Plus you were busy with your new boyfriend…” I said eyeing her with a smirk on my face. She stiffened. “You never told me that you and Luke were going out…”

Tiarne bit her lip. “I’m sorry Rhi I swear was going to tell you.” She said apologetically.

I laughed. “It’s okay, I’m happy for you. You two make a good couple.” I really was genuinely happy for them. I had Zach, she had Luke. Things seemed to just work.

“Thanks.” She smiled.

My mood dropped the instant I saw Spencer and two of his friends walking towards us holding their trays with almost no expression. As they got closer I turned and opened my mouth to say hi to him – it was my chance to explain my reaction - but as if I was invisible, he walked straight past me only leaving a slight gust of wind running through hair.

My words froze and fizzled away in the bottom of my throat.

Tiarne and Hannah had both noticed, I turned in my seat and looked down at my food. Their stares were boring into me. I couldn’t take it, I couldn’t handle being amongst all my classmates, they didn’t know me, yet they all had some twisted idea of who I was thanks to the media. They thought I was some crazy, gun wielding psychopath gone heroic young woman.

I pushed my tray into Tiarne’s arms folded across the table, and briskly marched off.

I went to sit by the side of the school on the damp cluster of benches among the trees where most kids came to study during warm summer days. The end-of-lunch bell rang and I didn’t bother to go to class, detention was the least of my worries. I sat there for two hours barely moving, waiting for the final bell. I was ready to ambush Spencer the moment he got out those doors.

The final bell chortled and I went to the edge of the sidewalk leading towards the car park and stood in the middle of the pathway to Spencer’s car. Perfect timing, I could see him shuffling down the stairs alone, I couldn’t spot any of his friends. Without realizing my presence he walked right into me.

“Sorry,” He went to step around me.

“Spencer.” I said firmly, I held my arm out blocking his escape.

His mouth scrunched up angrily. “I don’t want to talk about this, alright…”

I took a step back and right into his escape route again. I could see he was losing patience. “Please don’t be like this, let me explain.”

He sighed. “How about I give you a ride home, we can talk then…?”

Zach was picking me up, I bit my lip guiltily. “I can’t, Zach’s coming to pick me up.” I watched his expression carefully, he wasn’t happy.

“Well then hurry up, let’s talk?”

I wasn’t sure where to begin so I just let it all out. “I seriously didn’t want to offend you when I pushed away, it’s not that I don’t like you it just that I have a boyfriend-” His face creased with frustration as he tried to twist away from me. I grabbed his shoulders and made him face me. “-Who I love so, so much. You seriously can’t expect me to throw that away? You’re like a brother to me Spencer, and I’m sorry if you want more but that won’t work.”

He slipped from my reach. “I’m going home.” He hit the button and his car lights blinked, doors became unlocked. He drove away and didn’t even bother to look back.

I had to keep reminding myself he was just hurt, and that it was my fault.

Zach was there to pick me up soon after. He got out of the car this time and waited for me. I was so lucky he was mine. I immediate wrapped my arms around his waist with relief when I reached him. His kissed my cheek and held me close. I didn’t want to tell him about Spencer.

“I’ve got to show to something you…” He said in my ear as he opened my door. I slid in and noticed the newspaper on his seat. As he got in the driver seat he handed me the news paper. “Read the front page.” He pointed at the headline. ‘DETROIT MASSACRE OVER?’

It didn’t make sense. I shook my head in disbelief. Liam wouldn’t give up like this. My eyes skimmed over each line, and I couldn’t believe what I was reading. Two last bodies we’re found today raising the death toll to sixty two but their time of death was presumed to be over one week ago. No such killing had been made after the Country club incident and witnesses had spotted suspects over the massacre – Liam and his gang – at the airport leaving on flights to Hawaii.

I was full of skepticism. Why would he leave so suddenly?

“Have you still got Will’s phone?”

I thought back and remembered taking Williams phone before he left. “Yeah I left it at your place that night, why…?”

“If Liam’s number is on it, we can call him and trace the call, then we’ll know where he really is…”

I smiled. “Good idea.”

~

There was a knock on the door, just one knock. Zach got up and answered it. I followed and stood behind him waiting cautiously. Jeremy was standing on the porch, pulling his hood down.

“Did you trace the call?” Zach said immediately. The rain was pounding down loudly, a grey haze surrounding the house.

“Can I come in?” Jeremy asked.

Zach and I stepped aside and Jeremy entered. We led him to the kitchen at sat down at the dining table.

“So… did you?” I pressed once we were all seated.

“Unfortunately, no... The numbers on the phone were only that of family members, we tried to find a number that might lead to Liam but so far, nothing.”

Zach and I looked at each other with disappointment. “What about call records, text messages?”

Jeremy shook his head. “I’m sorry, but no, we couldn’t find anything.”

I sighed. “I guess we won’t know for sure if he really is in Hawaii or not…” My hopes for a relaxed night disappeared.

“Well actually we do know where he is…” He pulled a folded sheet of paper from his pocket and unfolded it. “He is in Hawaii with a few of his other friends, from the looks of it he’s planning to stay there for a while.” He held forth the paper. I took it. Zach and I both stared at the black and white picture taken from camera footage. It was a photo of Liam with a suitcase rolling behind him, four men and Ailee at his side. “That’s Liam and his friends at the airport in Hawaii, he really has retreated there.”

“Then why don’t the police follow him there, arrest him, why the fuck aren’t you people doing anything?” Zach said furiously. I place my hand on his hand, rested on his thigh.

“Calm down…” I whispered surprised at his sudden infuriation. He exhaled sharply in response.

“Look I know you think it’s that easy, but it’s not. He is of great flight risk and I’m sure he and his gang will be armed. Things like this take time, he is high on my priority list, I know he has killed many and believe me… I want him locked away as much as you do. Please, just be patient.”

Zach scoffed. “I think I’ve been patient enough, it’s been years since he killed my parents, years. I’ve waited this long to get him, no luck at all. I’ve been very patient...”

“I understand, and I am doing everything I can. I promise you I will call and update you if anything happens. The cell phone you gave me is the kind of thing that will really help, maybe this time the cell phone didn’t help us that much, but the information you guys get is invaluable. You kids are right there in the thick of it, you know more than we do. Don’t think for one second your help is going to waste.” Jeremy pulled Williams phone from his pocket and handed it to me. “You guys can have another look at the phone. I doubt you’ll find anything but hey, it’s worth a try.”

I smiled. “Thank you Jeremy, and thank you also for the information you sent us.”
He smiled back. “I promised you guys that information, so of course I would come through.”

“So what happens now?” I asked both Zach and Jeremy. Would we just hand over the job to the Jeremy and the police or would we follow Liam to Hawaii?

“We’ll have to speak to Aaron first. I don’t think any of us we’re prepared for another move…” Zach didn’t look to happy, he looked disappointed.

Jeremy looked back and forth between us both. “I should leave to two to talk. I’ll call you if anything happens.”

“Alright bye, thank you.” I said, my eyes following Jeremy as he walked out of the kitchen and to the front door. One the thud of the door closing echoed through the house I looked to Zach. “Move…?”

He closed his eyes for a few seconds. “I’m not sure, it depends on Liam… we might have to, we’ll follow him.”

“Well I guess mom wouldn’t mind, I mean I’m eighteen already-”

Zach held one finger up. “Rhiannon maybe you should just stay in Michigan with your mom.” He looked down guiltily.

My forehead creased, deep lines forming. “Zach you know that’s not going to happen, I’m with you guys till the end.” I couldn’t believe he would suggest such a thing.

“You’re graduating in less than a week. Don’t you want to go to college, do something more with your life?”

My jaw lowered with astonishment. “No… I want to be with you.”

With no warning he wrapped his arms tightly around me, holding me so close I swear I could feel his heart beat against mine.

~

Scarlett walked sluggishly towards me and handed me my drink. She looked so pretty, all dressed up. “You look nervous?” She noted, mixing the drink with her straw.

I took a quick sip of mine before sighing. “Maybe because I am…”

“Believe me… I won’t let her get between you and Zach.”

I made a face. “Someone’s protective these days?” I said, nudging her.

She laughed. “Rhiannon your one of my closest friends, you and him and have been through enough, I’m just looking out for you.” She bent her knee slightly, turning away, but not enough for me to miss the slight blush that lit up her cheeks.

“That’s good to know but I’m just worried, worried she’ll try something. I can’t help but be nervous.”

I didn’t notice Zach approaching from behind. “Why be nervous?” He asked, stepping into our conversation. I glowered at him knowing he already knew the answer. Wasn’t it obvious? I didn’t want to be around his ex, let alone become ‘buddy-buddy’ with her.

“I’m going to go find Marcus…” Scarlett said through the tension, she took one step back and slipped away quickly.

“This is stupid Rhi, I already told you. She’s my ex girlfriend nothing more…” He looked down, shaking his head.

I was still irritated but I didn’t want to start the night on a bad note. I put my arms around him. “Alright, I’m sorry.” His arms slowly but surely wrapped around me too.

A knock at the door interrupted.

“I’ll get it!” Scar shouted, dashing to the front door. She opened it to reveal Kimberly in a little white dress, I mean little.

I groaned quietly to myself and sat glumly on the couch, folding my arms across my chest as the rhythmic steps of Kimberly’s shoes clattered through the living room. “Hey Zach,” She said in her perky voice.

“Hi Kimberly…” He said with less enthusiasm. He didn’t looking at her but looked at me. I didn’t look back. I could see him pulling Kim over towards me, I literally cringed away. “You remember Rhiannon yeah?”

“Yeah of course I do.” She sat down on the arm chair in front of me smiling.

Zach stood there awkwardly, not saying anything to keep the conversation flowing. “Uh, I’ll be right back…” He walked away briskly.

Oh great. A lovely awkward moment for me to sit through…

Kimberly crossed her legs and twirled a lock of her hair around her finger. I sighed.

“Do you have a problem with me or something?” She suddenly asked, but not in a rude was, as if she was truly curious.

I looked up slowly. “Why would you think that?”

She sighed heavily as she came to sit beside me. “I don’t know if he told you this but Zach and I dated for a few years back when we were younger.”

“I know…” I muttered.

“I’ll admit it, I’m jealous of you… I never really wanted to end things with Zach and now I’m suffering the consequences.” I didn’t know what she was really saying. Was she telling me she was backing off or just getting started? I decided to say nothing. “I’m not trying to get him back either.” She said looking irritated.

“I’m sorry…” I apologized, finally looking her in the eye. “It’s alright. I was just worried you were going to try something on him.”

She laughed. “Zach’s amazing but I do have my eye on other guys, don’t worry.” A small smile spread across my face. "I have nothing against you Rhiannon, I hope you don't either."

Kim excused herself and went to join the others as they drifted around the room talking to one another. I’m sure I refilled my drink over five times as I settled on sitting alone. The people around me had history, endless memories to laugh about and friendships I couldn’t match. I was the new girl, the outsider. It felt like starting high school all over again.

After half an hour of listening to chatter and laughter I felt Zach plop onto the couch beside me, his arm around my shoulder. “Hey,” He said smiling.

“Hey, where have you been?”

“I’ve been talking to Aaron.”

I frowned at the smirk playing on his lips. “About…?”

He laughed, it was so much lighter and cheerful that usual. “Let’s get out of here.” He took my hand and led me to the front door.

“Where are you going, there’s still half an hour to go?” Scar said, scuttling over in her heels.

“I’m telling Rhiannon the news.” Zach replied.

Scarlett grinned. “Oh, well I’ll see you two tomorrow.” She blew me a kiss. “Wait, can I tell the others?”

“I already told them!” Zach called back as he jogged to the car, still holding my hand.
I couldn’t help but grin during the ride back to his place. “C’mon, can’t you just tell me already?” I asked pleadingly.

“We’re going to the hotel to pick your mom up.”

“Why?”

He exhaled through a toothy smile. “It’s alright for her to go home now.”

I could tell Zach was up to something. This news was something good, something Zach and the others were very pleased about. I mean of course they’d be happy... The police were slowly getting closer to taking down Liam and until Liam started up a fuss again, we were all just waiting casually on the sidelines with more help than ever before.

Once we arrived at the hotel it was raining heavily. The sidewalks, glistening with water, shone like ice. I stepped out of the car and ran across the street, holding my arms above my head hoping to keep my hair dry. As I reached for the door Zach’s cold hand stopped me, he pulled me aside.

“Wait, don’t you want to know the news?”

I smiled. “Well…?”

He looked up at the sky a few second but soon fixed his eyes back firmly on me. “California.”

My smile faded, my eyebrows pulled together tightly and my forehead creased. “What do you mean California?”

“I know what you’re thinking… ‘What about Liam’. Well Liam won’t be coming back to Michigan for a long time. He knows the police are onto him, now is our chance to take a break.”

I couldn’t focus on his reasoning. All I could hear was the pounding horns clashing together along the streets and the low pattering of raindrops hitting the ground.

A break…?

Pitch Black Heaven - © MemoriesdonoJustice / Rose Tonis 2009