Pitch Black Heaven

“California… a break…?” I exclaimed. I defiantly wasn’t expecting this.

Zach nodded, a smile breaking out across his face. “Rhiannon, we need a break… everyone does. You can’t honestly tell me that lying on the beach all day with me and your best friends doesn’t sound slightly appealing?” He quirked a brow.

“But Liam… we can’t let our guard down, what if he comes back while we’re away? We can’t let any more innocent people die. We’ve failed in that area far too much…”

His eyes were full of concern again. He placed his hands on my shoulders and pulled me close as he said “Relax Rhi, it won’t be for long. Some of the guys will stay behind and take a break another time. C’mon this is sunny California we’re talking about!”

I pulled my eyebrows together deliberating. Sixty two people had died due to our mistakes - It was stupid to count I know - I couldn’t imagine the torture it would bring me if Raptures absence caused another preventable death.

“Rhi…” He said firmly lifting my chin with one finger.

I sighed in defeat gazing at the sudden spark racing in his eyes. “Fine…”

“Yes!” Zach held me close as he kissed me with a new fierceness. All I could think about what it would be like if we weren’t apart of this twisted shit we called a life, to be free, to be able to go places without a worry in the world. Life without Rapture, without Zach was all forgotten to me - even though sometimes I wish I could go back to those times.

As I broke away I remembered something. “Just give me one day to sort something out…”

~

I stayed at with mom at home that night to make sure she settled back in alright and also because I didn’t want Zach to be around for my house call. The next morning I got Spencer’s family address out of mom’s address book and scribbled it onto my hand.

“Mom I’m going out, I’ll be back later tonight to pack.” – I’d already told her about the trip to California, she wished I wasn’t going so soon but knew he couldn’t stop me. She was also very glad I was finally taking a break.

“Okay baby, see you later.” She called back.

I went into the garage and grabbed the keys to my bike, jumped on and headed towards Spencer’s place. It was in the same area as my place, just a few streets down. I could only vaguely remember Spencer’s parents. I hoped they wouldn’t mind my sudden arrival.

I checked the address twice before I left my bike by the front lawn and walked up the huge stairway towards the grand entrance of large glass doors. It was way fancier than my place and twice the size. They’d always been wealthier.

Taking two deep breaths and with a shaking finger I rang the doorbell. My left foot wouldn’t stop tapping nervously as I waited.

A woman in a long black pencil skirt and a rose colored silk shirt came and opened the door. “Can I help you?” She asked, looking me up and down skeptically.

“Hi I’m Rhiannon, Spencer’s friend… Is he here?” My tone sounded pleading, I couldn’t help but sound that way, the way his mom looked at me was as if I was unworthy to be on her front step.

“Rhiannon Balker? Oh I remember you and your family, sorry about your father…” She straightened up her skirt and tried to smile, her mouth barely twitched.

“Uh, thanks.”

“Er… Spencer’s up in his room.” Before I could step inside the house she held her hand up. “I’ll go get him, wait here.” She closed the door slightly and strolled away, chin up, like she was the most important lady in the world.

Bitch.

I waited for a few minutes, soon beginning to wonder if his mom had even gone up and told him I was here - but thankfully Spencer came to the door still in his old sweats, his face blank, all emotion hidden.

“Why are you here Rhiannon?” He asked monotone.

His hostility left me muddled for words. “I’m leaving on a holiday to California tonight…” I said slowly.

He sighed. “You’re telling me this, why…?”

I tilted my head to the side. “Spence are you really still angry at me?”

“I wouldn’t say angry, more along the lines of hurt.” He lent against the doorframe and stared me right in the eye. I felt guilty and looked down. “I think you should just get out of here…”

My eyes widened slightly. I couldn’t believe he was being so difficult. “Well before I go I just want you to know I came here to tell you I really am sorry, I didn’t want to leave for all these weeks with us on a bad note. I’m also sorry I wasted your time…” I glared at him before storming down the flight of stairs.

What a waste of time…

Just as I was about to get on my bike I heard someone running down the steps. “Rhiannon wait!” Spencer called, reaching out with his hands. I sighed loudly and dropped my hands from the handle bars.

“What?”

“Okay you’re right, this is stupid and I don’t want you to leave like this.” He reached for my hand and smiled. “Yeah I know you have Zach but at least let me say goodbye properly.”

“Spencer don’t waste your time on me, there are plenty of girls out there for you – far better than me.”

He shook his head and laughed. “Look after yourself in California alright, and make sure you come back. I don’t want you disappearing like you always do.”

“I will be careful and I will come back, I promise.” We both smiled, ogling at each other. “Oh and maybe we won’t tell Zach about what happened, I’ll tell him once we’re safely in a different state.”

“Ah, that’s good idea.” Our laughter faded into silence

“Bye Spence.” I whispered. Pulling him down by the collar of his shirt, I kissed him on the cheek. “See you in a few weeks.” I started up the bike and saluted him jokingly.

“Bye Rhi, by the way, try wearing a helmet sometimes!” He shouted, waving to me as I sped away, I watched him through the side mirror, laughing softly till he was out of sight.

~

Scarlett and Tiarne came over that night to help me pack.

“Fucking Los Angelis, California… This will be amazing!” Scarlett kept smiling to herself.

“I was worried at first but you know what, I’m actually really excited.” I said nodding.

As I continued packing I noticed that we girls had spent so many mornings, afternoons and evenings in my room together just as thousands of normal girls would do with their best friends. Knowing I was still the slightest bit normal was comforting.

Just as I shoved my bikini and beach towel into my suitcase there was hammering on the front door down stairs. I went to ask but a knock at the front door silenced me. I ran downstairs knowing it would be Zach.

“Rhiannon Zach’s here!” Mum called just as I skidded into the front hall.

“Zach!” I said, hugging him with enthusiasm. Mum cleared her throat before we could lock lips.

“Don’t make me rethink letting you go off on holiday together…” She pursued her lips.

Zach kissed my hair. Mum could handle that at least. Well I had to give her credit. She was very supportive of my amazing boyfriend and I owed her some sort of repayment. Huddling into Zach’s arms I watched Scarlett cruise by and over to Marcus. I wondered if Zach and I would ever last long enough to have such a strong relationship. They practically lived together already and had a stronger connection than some married couples I knew.

“I’ll get my things…”

Rushing up the flight of stairs I made my way over to my suitcase, ready to leave.

“Hey you forgot this.” A voice said from behind me.

“Tiarne oh my god, don’t scare me like that!” I hollered as I turned around to see her holding up my cell. My heart was pounding one hundred miles an hour.

“Jeez Rhi, calm down...” She said, handing me my phone with a laugh.

I needed to stop being so paranoid, I thought I’d gotten over that stage. With another gasp for air I grabbed my duffel bag, zipped up my suitcase and rolled it to the top of the stairs.

“Need some help?”

“Oh my god,” I knocked the suit case over as I stepped back in surprise. “Why does everyone have to sneak up on me?” I said with my hand on my chest.

“Sorry.” He apologized rubbing my shoulder. Zach picked up my suit case with ease and carried it down the staircase. Still having second thoughts I didn’t follow.

Once he noticed I wasn’t behind him he turned back around, eyes boring into me. “Are you okay?”

My forehead creased like a scrunched up paper bag. “Are you sure about this…?” My eyes wandered to the floor.

“Rhiannon,” He pronounced my full name so articulately. “We already went over this, everything will be fine. Remember, some of the guys will be staying back to keep an eye on things.”

I shook my head.

Zach breathed a sigh before grabbing my arm and pulling me down the stairs. “Will you stop being difficult and just come to California with me?” He stopped and bent at the knees so our faces were level, putting on his puppy dog eyes, he begged me silently.

“Okay, okay…” I said, giving in.

He grinned happily and towing me by the waist as he pulled my suitcase along to the front door where mom was waiting.

“Have you got everything baby?” Mum took my face in her hands, holding my eyes.

“Yes, I’ll be fine. Don’t have a heart attack before I can even get out the door.” I said jokingly.

Mom rolled her eyes in agreement. “I know I can seem over protective but I’m just worried
about you…” Her brows pulled together slightly. Zach took my suitcase to the car - where the others were waiting - to give us some privacy.

“Yeah I know mom.” I muttered. “Just look after yourself for me, it’s you I’m worried about.”

“Count on my baby to be worried about me…” She shook her head with a loving smile. “Oh I’ll miss you. Come back to me okay.” She leaned forward on her toes and kissed my head. Every time I went off somewhere moms parting comment was always ‘Come back to me’, I didn’t know whether to fret over that or to feel loved. Keeping positive I decided to feel loved rather than add more worry to my already large worry pile.

“Bye Mum, love you.” I said, creeping out the door. She mouthed a goodbye and blew me a kiss.

I guess I’d be missing graduation and my mom.

~

It was my first time in Los Angelis, my first time in California all together. Let’s just say it was actually along the lines of what I’d pictured. We’d arrived at the prime time of the sun burnt state, blistering heat, rushing swells as the arms of the sea clawed themselves up the beach, only to be pulled back again. Huge crowds of people flocking to the beaches, tanned, perfect bikini bodies filled the streets. The only one of us with a half decent tan was Julia who’d taken it upon herself to get a light fake tan before the trip.

I’d changed on the plane from a fluffy coats and jeans, to short shorts and a tank top. I couldn’t help but feel self conscious. I wasn’t tanned enough for the sunny capital. Thank goodness I did, because it really was a hot change getting off the plane. Even in the airport I could feel the heat creeping in. I guess I’d been used to the wintery weather in Detroit.

Once we made it past the thick of the city and to the coast I immediately knew I was going to enjoy three weeks here.

Scarlett had everything planned out.

We’d all spend the first night in a fancy hotel right by the beach, then head to a smaller hotel further in the city to make she we didn’t blow all our money on accommodation – we were already strapped for cash just from buying the plane tickets. Then the last day we’d go right back to the fancy beach front hotel to enjoy the rest of the stay. She had site seeing planned, activities and even dinners.

I didn’t mind what we did, I was just happy to be away from Michigan for a while and away from the messy state Liam had left it in. I couldn’t really say I had completely forgotten Liam and left my worries behind, I really hadn’t. Every time I would zone out at the beautiful scenery I’d get an image of him and tense up again. I’d need to work on forgetting my brother if I really wanted to enjoy my holiday.

We traveled in two SUV’s - we’d hired upon arriving – to the beach front hotel -I was already keen on ditching the big, bulky SUV’s for a nice motorbike – it was late in the afternoon and was already tired.

The hotel was beyond words, dozens of stories high. It towered above me like a sandstone palace. How we could afford this, I had no idea.

“Scarlett are you serious?” I asked quirking a brow as I got of the car slowly and robotically.
Scar slipped on a pair of sunglasses with a grin. “Of course I am, this place is amazing! We’re going to get the best hotel room we can, with the best water view possible.” She rushed ahead of everyone, pulling her suitcase behind. She was literally jumping up and down with excitement.

I shook my head.

“Pretty awesome don’t you think?” Zach said, putting one arm around me.

I adjusted the strap of my duffel bag nervously. “Yeah it is but it seems like too much, I don’t even know where to begin finding something to do.” There was so much to do but still I was lost for both words and ideas.

“I’m sure we’ll find something to do.” He winked and took my suitcase for me.

Scarlett got us three rooms near the top floor, and she was serious when she said she wanted a good room with a good view. The rooms were amazing, two bedrooms in each room filled with plush double beds – not that they seemed necessary, the couch looked amazing enough. Mahogany wood kitchens and huge glass windows with views overlooking the water as the sun streaked the sky oranges, pinks and purples and turned the water a sea of deep, deep blue. Mini bars and plasma TV’s, each room was like a mini mansion.

“Who’s bunking with who?” Tiarne asked the group as Scarlet began handing out keys to people.

“Well fuck all that girls with girls and boys with boys…” Marcus said, pulling Scarlett close as he pecked her cheek.

Aaron rolled his eyes. “We don’t all have girlfriends like you…”

“Fine you can share a bed with whoever you want, but I’m with Scarlett.” Marcus retorted, poking his tongue out childishly.

“I’m with Rhi.” Zach said, yanking me to him by the arm. I smiled and laughed.
With that, everyone worked out what was happening and got their selves together. Luke, Tiarne, Zach and I decided to share one hotel suite and that was fine with me, I was glad to be spending time with Tiarne since it had been ages.

“You want to come on a walk with me Rhi?” Tiarne said as I rolled my suitcase into my room. “I just want to check out the beach and the shops quickly, please?”

“Sure.” I said, grabbing my sunglasses out of my duffel bag.

We took the elevator downstairs and took the back entrance right onto the edge of Venice Beach, even with the sun setting there were still many beach goers strolling along the beach wall happily. Cafés were closing and the clubs were gearing up for the night.

“Shit this place is beautiful hey Rhiannon,” Tiarne enthused, stretching her arms above her head. “Aren’t you glad we came?”

I sighed, I was, it was actually great to be somewhere warn and sunny, somewhere happy.
Everything felt so surreal. “I am happy to be here.” Looking up ahead the shops seemed to keep going and going along with its neighbor the beach.

“You want to get in the water for just a bit?” Tiarne skipped ahead and already began scurrying to the water.

“But I’m not wearing my bathers!”

She laughed freely as she ran into the water as it splashed and foamed around her legs. She walked deeper and deeper till the water almost reached the hem of her shorts. I shrugged to myself.

Why not?

Creeping slowly to the unfamiliar creature, I cautiously moved toe by to the water’s edge. As I sucked in a breath and prepared to take a step in, but the sea caught me by surprise and rose up to meet my shaking legs.

“Ah, it’s so cold!” I squealed, pulling my shorts up higher just in case. All my life I’d only been to the beach once on holiday, it didn’t compare to Venice beach. The one I’d visited had been grey and gloomy. The sky hadn’t been a bright blue or purple and pink nor the water deep blue from afar and crystal blue up close, just a canvas of grey and overcast.

I waded out deeper, not caring when the water swayed against the hem of my shorts. I just focused on my breathing and forgetting Liam and his gang.

Tiarne and I reluctantly headed back to the hotel room, Scarlett had something planned for tonight. Arriving at our rooms Scarlett was leaning in our doorway.

“Get dressed girls. We’re going out to find a club!” She said cheerily as she gestured to her dress.

“Clubbing? Clubbing on night one?” I replied skeptically. It wasn’t really on top of my to-do list for our first night here. I was already sleepy anyway...

Scar rolled her eyes. “Yes clubbing, don’t you want to come have fun with me and the others?”

“Is Luke going?” Tiarne asked.

“Yes and I bet he won’t go if you don’t come so please Tiarne, please come.”

If I went I would probably collapse half way through the night. “What about Zach, is he going?” I asked secretly hoping he wasn’t.

“I’m not sure, I was just about to go in and ask him but then I heard you two coming down the hall. Why don’t you ask him and come tell me your decision, I’ll be in my room.” Scarlett backed away down the hall to her room glowering at me with a pout. “You’d better come.”

“I’ll let you talk to Zach alone…” Tiarne smiled thoughtfully and headed in the same direction and Scar.

I opened the door slowly, just enough to slip in. I took slow even steps till I was standing in the middle of the room.

“Hello?” Zach called from the bedroom, suddenly the door flew open and yes, he was shirtless.

“Shit.” I cussed under my breath. “Uh sorry, I didn’t know-” Let’s just say I wasn’t really sorry I’d seen what I’d seen.

He rolled his eyes playfully. “Relax, you’re not a stranger. Did you want something though?”

“Yeah actually, Scar wants to take everyone out to a club and she wanted to know if we wanted to go too…?”

“Well I’ll go if you go.” His smile made me feel funny. Good funny. I bit my lip sheepishly.
“Not your thing is it…?” He asked walking back into the room.

I frowned, following him. “It’s not that, it’s just that I kinda wanted to stay in tonight.”

Zach slipped a grey tee on and sat on the bed. “Well we could always just stay in…” One brow on his

It took me a minute to catch on but I finally did after standing there muddled, looking like an idiot. “Oh.”

Zach chuckled and pulled me onto his lap. “Choice is yours.”

I could already feel the heat pounding through my veins and building up in my cheeks. “I’ll be right back.” I rushed out of the room and down the hallway. I could hear Tiarne, Scarlett and the other girls talking in their hotel suit. I ran in.

“Help, you have to help me right now!”

They all looked up at me with confused expressions. “What’s happened?” Tiarne asked.

“Not what, but what’s going to…” I knew I was making no sense to I tried to be as forward as possible. I grabbed Scarlett and Tiarne by the wrists and pulled them into an empty bedroom. “Zach and I are at that point in our relationship where, you know…” I raised my brows up and down a few times.

“Oh, oh wow… okay then.” Scar said also raising both brows. They both started giggling.

“This isn’t fucking funny.”

“Okay, okay calm down what do you want us to do?”

~

Once everyone had left I made the very awkward reentrance to the room where Zach as waiting on the couch.

“Hey,” I said shakily.

“Hi.” Zach smiled, making everything seem better again. He patted the seat beside him. Slowly I went and sat. “I’m not going to be pissed if you say no I hope you know…”

Fuck. He could sense it. I picked through my thoughts for something less pathetic to say than ‘sorry’. “Zach…” I began.

“No Rhiannon, don’t… Look I don’t care when and where it happens – preferably not when we’re old and dying – but honestly, I’m good right now.”

I curled up close beside, letting my arms find their way around his warm body. “Now,”

“What…?” He looked down and brushed my hair away from my eyes.

“I love you.” I said, barely a whisper. I got on my knees and slowly leant down to kiss him.

Why not? I’d been through plenty in my lifetime already, and I really did love him. These three weeks would be my little slice of perfection.

Pitch Black Heaven - © MemoriesdonoJustice / Rose Tonis 2009