Figment of Dreams
Red (4)

In the morning I had several texts. Dosch again. I deleted all five without reading them. Neill missed me at breakfast. Sebastian texted me about tonight. Finally Ash and Oak both of them asked me to join them at the cottage. Didn’t think so boys. Not ready. Skylark asking for a night on the town, with just the girls. I texted her back that I was down for Saturday night. Tonight I needed to keep my sort-of boyfriend Sebastian happy. I texted him that I wanted to see him for dinner.

I took my shower quickly. My first class was at nine, which didn’t leave me much time. I was wearing my black skinny jeans and a white plain shirt. My hair in loose, still damp, curls and no make-up on. I was swinging the backpack over my shoulder and heading out when I nearly ran into Ash’s chest. He was looking rough, probably hungover, eye black and bruised. His cheek still swollen, lip cut. His hair greasy. He was a mess. ‘Sweet cheeks can we talk please?’

‘I’m already running late for class Ash.’

‘It’s important.’

Now he wanted to talk?

He was clutching his side as if he was hurt there too. I let him in and sat him down on my bed. Feeling sorry for him. ‘Let’s have lunch later okay?’ I caved. I’m weak. I know.

‘You stay here, shower, sleep. I’ll meet you at noon at the Terra Town. I’m having a hair appointment in the afternoon.’

He nodded and grabbed my hand. ‘That’s perfect. Thank you.’

I didn’t reply and left him to his own devices.

I ran out of Fae Magical studies in a hurry. Professor Mason had really gone out of time. I now had ten minutes to get to the town square by bike and that would be a feat.

I was only five minutes late when I entered Terra Town. A casual, European vibe, restaurant. With lots of space and nooks, we would be private. Normally the entire college ate on campus most days, so we wouldn’t be seeing anyone.

He was already seated. Showered but still rough looking. Hands on his head. A big glass of water in front of him.

I slowly walked his way, nerves acting up. What was he about to say to me?

I sat down, placed my bag down and glanced into his eyes. I saw so much shame there that I felt embarrassed. ‘Sweetheart.’ He sighed and his voice cracked. ‘I’m so sorry…’ he grabbed my hand, kissed it and placed his head down in defeat. He could barely look at me.

‘I just don’t… understand it-’ I had already lost all my control, tears falling down now. ‘Why would you…-’

He saw me crying and he flinched like that did him so much more pain. He placed his head in his hands again and shook his head.

The waiter came up to our table, saw the state we were in and turned on his heel. ‘Come back later…’ he added quickly.

‘I never should have done that.’ He whispered. Still not looking at me.

’No you….it’s not that. Thing. It’s afterwards.’ I stumbled.

He glanced up. Eyes wet. I had never seen him like this. My unalterable titan.

I hesitated but continued. ‘We did… nothing wrong. The place was kinda dodgy… and the timing was… questionable. But…-’ I took a deep breath. ‘You ignored me all week!’ I angrily hissed at him. ‘How do you think that made me feel? Like a two cent hooker, Asher!’.

There I said it. Now it was his turn.

‘Wait…. You aren’t angry about the bathroom sex?’

I rolled my eyes.

’No of course not, I wanted it stupid. As if you couldn’t tell.’

The waiter came back. I snapped at the dude: ‘two burgers, no pickles for him. A side of French fries and a coke.’

He shuffled away and I angrily crossed my arms and waited for his next words.

He had a small smile on his face now.

‘I thought… you wanted nothing to do with me after…’

‘After you left me there all alone and didn’t look at me the next day. Well yeah I did.’

He sat back and glanced at me, slightly amused now.

‘It was kind of kinky though, you must admit.’

I rolled my eyes again.

‘Don’t roll those eyes at me sweet cheeks.’

‘We are not good, it’s no time for nicknames.’

He grabbed my hand and squeezed. ‘Sebastian I can handle. That gangbanger I could see why. But my twin brother? I’m so jealous I could have strangled my own brother last night.’

I smacked his hand away and sighed. ‘Wait what?’

‘You and Oak?’ he added like I was stupid.

‘He’s my friend, Ash!’

‘Like I was your friend?’

’No… not like you.’ I said. But was not sure I meant that.

‘I think you’re lying.’

‘Well both of you are walking liar detectors these days apparently.’ I snapped.

‘I knew it!’ he laughed. ‘You like him.’

‘Doesn’t matter. He would never.’

‘I always thought so but now I’m not so sure anymore.’

‘You are jealous?’ I added, flabbergasted.

He laughed. ‘Can’t even think about it.’ He said.

I huffed. ‘That’s funny actually.’

’Can’t stand the fact you spend so much time with him, reading.’ He uttered that last word as if we were committing a crime.

‘You should try it sometime. You might learn a thing or two.’

‘Such as?’

‘How to treat a girl for one.’

‘Two orgasms isn’t the way?’

‘Asher Briareve!’ I squealed pretending to be appalled. ‘What in the world….-’ I closed my eyes to compose myself.

‘Not leave a girl in a bathroom afterwards perhaps!’ I hissed.

‘You got me there… I’m sorry sweetheart. Really. Truly. Sorry.’

The waiter dropped our dishes in front of us and hurried away like his tail was on fire.

‘You are leaving a big tip.’ I said to him.

Afterwards he walked me towards the hairdressers. We weren’t cool but I was going to try to forgive him. ‘Are you seeing Oak later?’ he asked with a slight edge to his tone.

‘Nope, Sebastian tonight. Skylark tomorrow.’

‘Can I claim Sunday?’ he hopefully added.

‘That depends on what you’re planning. I’m not doing any bathrooms anymore.’

He chuckled. ‘I’m making up for that first time of ours sweetheart.’

‘Who says there will be a second time?’ I teased. I was damn sure I would want a second time but he didn’t need to know that.

‘After what you see what I got planned… you would want to rip these clothes of.’

‘Sure Ash…’ I rolled my eyes.

‘So Sunday then’

I nodded. ‘Sunday it is… but Ash.’

He turned around and I stated. ‘Bring Oak.’