011~ CULPRIT
1396 Words
Lucas
In the dimly lit living room, I found myself seated on the familiar sofa, the ambient glow of the room accentuating the swirl of thoughts in my mind. Biting on the tip of my phone, I pondered whether it was the right time to make that call, cautious not to inconvenience her during what I knew were tumultuous days.
Jaxson's revelation from yesterday lingered, a vivid memory replaying in my mind. Ivy's arrest for smashing her brother-in-law's car is an act propelled by the searing pain of her sister Leah's husband's infidelity. A sigh escaped me as I reflected on the complexities interwoven into Aria's world.
As I sought her name on my contact list, my finger traced the screen where her name was displayed, illuminated by the soft glow. Aria, someone I knew to be emotional and caring. My intention was genuine, a desire to check on her well-being amidst the chaos that had unfolded.
Decision made, I pressed her name and felt the slight vibration as the call connected. My mind buzzed with a mix of anticipation and concern, understanding that sometimes, a friendly presence could offer solace in times of distress.
As I dialled her number, anticipation fluttered in my chest, quickening my heartbeat in tandem with each ring. When she finally answered, her voice, a melodic symphony, flowed through the phone, resonating with warmth and familiarity.
My heart skipped a beat, caught in the cadence of her words. The mere sound of her voice painted vivid emotions, sparking a joy that radiated within me.
I greeted her softly with a, "Hey."
"Hey," she responded, her voice carrying a blend of exhaustion and surprise. The sound of her voice brought a subtle happiness.
"Didn't think you would call me?" she remarked.
"I wanted to call yesterday, but I felt it wouldn't be the right time," I explained, running my hand through my hair as I sat up, the decision to reach out not impulsive but rooted in genuine concern.
"You must have heard what happened," She said, aware that the news had already reached me through Ivy.
"Yeah, Jaxson told me. Are you okay?" I asked, my concern evident.
"I am not the one hurting," she sighed, the weight of the situation palpable.
"It must be hard watching someone you love go through that." Her silence followed, and I hesitated for a moment before offering, "Do you want me to come over? Give you a shoulder to lean on."
She laughed. The sound of her laughter over the phone was like a soothing melody that resonated deep within me. A warm, comforting feeling washed over, and for a moment, everything else faded away.
"You are very bad at comforting someone," she teased.
Undeterred by my lack of expertise, I admitted to myself.
I might be bad at it, but I want to try for you.
"If you want some company or just to get away for a bit, I'm here. We could do coffee or beer," I suggested, providing an option for a temporary escape from the heavy realities she faced.
A pause ensued on the call, during which she likely considered a myriad of reasons not to accept my offer. She tends to have so many reasons to reject me.
"Yeah, that sounds nice. Let's do beer," she unexpectedly agreed.
"Seriously?" I asked, a mix of disbelief and joy colouring my tone.
"Don't let me change my mind, Lucas. Send me the address. Bye," she said and hung up.
I stood up with excitement coursing through me, almost jumping in anticipation. There was an urgency to pick something nice to wear, and I hurried to my room, deliberately ignoring Jaxson's calls.
Jaxson leaned against the doorframe, eyeing me as I frantically shuffled through my closet.
"What's up, dude? You look like you won a lottery or something," Jaxson remarked, amusement lacing his words.
Absorbed in picking out an outfit, I shrugged nonchalantly. "Just got plans, you know?"
Jaxson chuckled. "Wait, don't tell me it's a girl? Who has you trying to look your best?"
I paused, my fingers hovering over a shirt, and then a soft smile played on my lips. "A beautiful lady. The most beautiful I've ever seen."
"f**k! I know that look that is the look of a man who is head over heels. Spill in the details. Who's this mystery woman?" Jaxson demanded.
An unfamiliar flutter stirred within me at Jaxson's words. It felt like a gentle breeze of revelation, whispering secrets I hadn't yet uncovered.
A subtle weight settled in my chest, an unspoken acknowledgement of something stirring deep within. Love? When did that happen? I furrowed my brow, trying to decipher the intricate tapestry of emotions weaving through me.
Unsure if it was indeed love or just a fascinating sense of intrigue, I couldn't ignore the subtle transformation in my thoughts and feelings.
If this is love, Lucas Walker, you're in deep trouble!
I shared the address with Aria – 'Harmony Haven Pub.' It held a special place in my heart, a haven where my brothers, Theo, and I frequented. The only other person privy to this location was Ivy. It amazed me how close we became in just a year; it felt like she was our little sister.
This camaraderie was a trait passed down from our father, one that Cole and Jaxson, who grew up with him, inherited. Unlike me, who discovered my father and brothers later in life, I was welcomed with open arms. Cole, Jaxson, and Theo treated me like family from the moment we met.
Our bond deepened quickly, leading us to get matching tattoos of the four elements on our arms during my high school years. It was a symbol of our connection.
The soft hum of chatter and clinking glasses enveloped the bar as I sat at the booth, patiently waiting for Aria. The dim lighting casts a warm glow, creating an intimate ambience. I took in the familiar surroundings, the low hum of conversations blending with the smooth tunes playing in the background.
Owen, the owner of the bar, approached my table with a confident stride, placing a glass of whiskey in front of me – my usual. "Are you alone today?" he asked, a knowing glint in his eyes.
"Thanks, Owen. Yeah, just waiting for someone," I replied, nodding appreciatively as I took a sip of the rich, amber liquid.
I glanced over at the entrance now and then, my eyes instinctively drawn to the opening door. The anticipation heightened with each arrival, my gaze searching for the familiar silhouette. Then, there she was.
Aria walked in, and for a moment, time seemed to slow. She wore a pair of well-fitted, faded blue jeans that accentuated her slender legs. Tucked into the jeans was a simple white, slightly oversized T-shirt that hinted at a relaxed and comfortable style.
Her hair, not intricately styled, fell loosely around her shoulders, cascading down to her waist. Her vibrant green eyes scanned the bar, and a wave of relief washed over her when our eyes met. I waved, a soft smile playing on my lips as she made her way over.
"This place is nice," she remarked, settling into the booth across from me.
"You don't mean that. You hate bars," I chuckled, remembering her disdain for such places.
She rolled her eyes dramatically.
"Did I come late? It was hard getting here," she said, gesturing towards my empty glass.
"No, I came early," I assured her, appreciating the effort she put in to join me.
"This is a first. Lucas bringing a girl here. You must be special," Owen commented, returning with two glasses of the bar's signature drink.
"Good evening, sir," Aria greeted, her cheeks blushing slightly.
Owen placed the drinks on the table, "On the house. This is our signature drink," he said before leaving us.
"Why are you turning red?" I teased, leaning in as she glanced down at her drink.
She pouted, tucking her hair behind her ear, and took a sip. The moment the liquid touched her lips, her expression shifted dramatically. She coughed, her face contorting in surprise as she placed the glass back on the table. I couldn't help but burst into laughter at her reaction.
"Okay, maybe you're right. I hate bars," she admitted, earning another round of laughter from me.
- Writer
