The Tyrant's Trophy

Maybell

Without thinking, she rubbed it “I’m fine. Listen, um…” Cautiously, Abijah reached to pat my leg. “My friend Kelly is planning a night out and I want to invite you. I think it would be good; to get out of this stuffy place for a night.”

She was right; getting out would be good. Freedom to me was equivalent to candy with a child: sweet and luring to the tastebuds. But there was one tiny issue…or issues. God knows how much I yearned to get out of this dreary nut house - I wasn’t exactly ‘human’ anymore.

I mean, come on.

How could I possibly go out?

My eyes would gather commotion as well as the fact that my hair moved on its own (unless I really concentrate). I can’t control my sense of smell or hearing or even strength that pops out of the blue when I’m emotionally upset. If anything, I’m positive the moment I step outside, humanity will label me an alien and ship me off to Area 51. I am basically Medusa in the flesh.

Even though the facts were stated, Abijah insisted I should join her along with her friend, and Quinn. She even came up with some materials to ‘aid’ me in not attracting attention. Of course, she left the decision up to me and Quinn would honor whatever I decided, so…I agreed.

If they could give me back any sort of normalcy in my life, then I’ll take it. With that, my…friend got to work. She and Quinn went out and picked up some makeup, brown contacts, and two cans of a tanning spray. The contacts hid my unusual eyes and the tanning spray was as close to my old complexion as well and it hid the shifting colors well. The shocking thing was what happened when they accidentally sprayed my hair with it.

My hair changed color as well. It went from the usual dark brown to two shades lighter and its texture changed to a silky soft. That was something I could never get even after straightening my hair. Quinn suggested doing tight space buns on my head so my hair won’t move so easily on its own. She also reasoned that Chad should come with us, despite it being a girl’s night, since he was the only one proven to keep me calm.

That idea wasn’t a bad one. Chad became my last strand of sanity. The only person I could truly trust in this whole world. If I felt slightly edged, I could lean on Chad. Abijah agreed though it vexed her. Chad said he and her had an argument but he never delved into what that fight was about. It must have been bad, I thought to myself, considering how curt his face became as we watched Abijah leave with that briefcase yesterday.

I wondered what was in that case even as they helped me get ready and apply my makeup, but I thought it wrong to pry. So I asked nothing at all and once they were done, they left to get ready themselves.

It left me plenty of time to mentally prepare. I had to remain in control tonight; I didn’t want to be the monster Phil left me as. When it was time, Chad came to get me. He was handsome in a navy blue button shirt and black jeans and like the gentlemen he always is, he offered me his hand and I took it gladly, allowing him to loop my arm through his.

The place Abijah’s friend picked was lively, with karaoke and a huge dance floor that customers made good use of. Waves of people crammed the place, making me a little woozy, but Chad kept our arms linked. Abijah led us to a booth on the other side of the dance floor. Her friend has been waiting for us and as soon as she saw the redhead, she practically swaddled her in a hug.

“This is Kelly.” Abijah had to shout over the music, though I could hear her fine. Kelly was a pretty thing with hazel eyes and a slightly tan complexion. She was almost the same height as Abijah, just inches shorter.

My hair longed to move as she observed Quinn, Chad, and me. Her eyes stayed on me before she shook my hand. “Nice to meet you.” She was studying me, something I wasn’t too pleased with, but she meant no harm. I chalked it up to insecurity: perhaps people could see through my disguise but she made no comment of it.

She and Abijah sat to chat while the rest of us stood, unsure of what to do. Well, I was unsure of what to do. Quinn knew what she wanted to do - hop in line for the karaoke. She was beautiful too with her hair down and dressed in a burgundy bodycon dress. She caught many male eyes as she walked but none of them were brave enough to approach her.

Then again, that could have been because Chad glared murder at the men who caught him catching them eyeing up his sister. I giggled to myself; Chad sure was protective over his own. I like that.

“Should we dance?” When Chad asked, a song called ‘Dandelions’ played. Whoever sang it wasn’t cut out for it, but it was a beautiful song either way. Unhooking our arms, he brought my hand to his lips and pecked it softly. “Can I dance with you?”

All he needed was a nod. We got on the dance floor and slowed and danced to the corniest song I ever heard. Oh but was it sweet: It felt good feeling Chad’s hands holding my waist and leading the dance. All we did was sway side to side; a rather lame way of dancing, but we didn’t care. Not with the way Chad looked at me; like he wanted me…like he needed me. My eyes drifted to that collarbone of his again. The sensation to lean up and bite it returned but then Chad did something that shocked me.

He leaned down, placed his lips next to my ears, and softly sang the song to me. His voice was melodious - something that caught me off guard. “I didn’t know you can sing.”

He chuckled. “I don’t. I usually don’t dance or sing to crummy music,” Looking me in the eyes, he smiled at me so endearingly - my heart almost stopped. “But I will just for you.”

“Chad…” What’s the meaning behind your expression? Why are you so sickly sweet to me? What am I to you that you look at me with such…such…love? Was it love he felt for me or am I deluding myself? I wanted to ask these things - to clear all confusion and keep my feet on solid ground. Yet nothing could come out. Not when the music changed and Quinn’s voice boomed on the microphone.

She was singing ‘The Fool’ by Lee Ann Womack, killing whatever mood was blooming between us. Awkwardly, I pulled away a bit, belittling myself for getting swept up in such fantasies. I still had my wedding ring on for Pete’s sake! Legally, my marriage still stands, and besides…Chad can’t love me. He has his life ahead of him, One day, he’ll find a girl who will be whole for him. Someone worthy of him…though the thought stung my heart a bit.

Chad doesn’t love me…and I don’t know if I love him. I don’t know if I want to love him.

Love is beautiful but it cuts deep,

Much too deep to bear.

A special scent caught my attention. It was stronger than the waves of smells emitting from the crowds and it grew. Chad must have smelled it too because he turned to find the source of it, only for some woman to strut up to us. I saw her before: she was at the diner where Chad got me the job. She and that other woman she fought with.

“Chad!” The woman placed herself between us, maneuvering Chad to face away from me. I shrunk back at the disgusting syrup tone.

“Amber? What are you doing here?” Chad asked her in a serious tone.

The lady pouted as she pressed her body against Chad. “I miss you.” She purred, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him into a kiss. She melted into him, moaning a bit until Chad pushed her away. “What are you doing?” The slut bit her bottom lip.

“You need to leave.” Chad removed her hands from his neck.

Shocked but not deterred, the girl smiled seducingly. “But I just got here and it’s been so long. Don’t you want to catch up?” Catch up…have Chad and her…slept together? My hair squirmed to wrap around the girl and throw her out a window.

“Now, Amber,” Chad’s voice made me flinch. He never spoke that way, at least not that I ever heard. It was new and exhilarating seeing that intruder be the target of his harsh tone.

Whatever her name was sighed. Before leaving though, she winked and blew Chad one last kiss. “I’ll be waiting for your call.” She then turned towards me and smirked, shoving me as she left.

Stupid girl; if she knew what I was capable of…“You’re pale.” Quinn’s sudden voice made me squeak, wondering where the heck she spawn from. “She touched my buns, silently telling me they were moving and I needed to get control. “Get some rest, Maybell, ok? Don’t push yourself to stay out.”

“I’m not sure,” I glanced around and spotted Abijah. She and her friend were still in deep conversation.

Quinn patted my shoulder. “It’ll be fine.” She assured me. “No one will mind. Your well-being is what matter. We all care for you.” She patted her brother’s shoulder before joining the two women. Placing a hand on my back, Chad escorted me out of the building and into his car.

All through the ride; I smelled her.

That girl who kissed Chad and that unpleasant rage returned.