ARI.

I wasn't so sure I wanted to turn 18 anymore. I was more keen on the idea of freezing in time, letting the world pass and letting the problems pass without me in them. I wanted to turn 18 under my conditions; under my rules. And all I wanted now, was to cancel my stupid Debut. I was completely over the idea of big parties, fancy dresses, dance rehearsals and coming out to all my friends and family as an adult. I agreed to a big soirée because my mom was so pushy, but with her confined to a hospital bed, I wasn't so sure she'd even have the energy to attend. But my mom was persistent. She was so adamant about this party, that it felt like she was trying to relive her own Debut when she turned 18 so many years ago.

"I'll attend your party even if they have to roll me on this hospital bed," mom joked, attempting to make light of this situation.

Even through the phone I could sense the forced strength in her voice. But reading between the lines you'd know that it was cynical and pessimistic. My birthday was two months away and if my mother was joking about hospital beds, it's safe to assume that she didn't see herself getting any better.

"I don't want this party anymore," I grumbled, slumping further into the driver's seat. My car was idle, parked against the curb of the O'Hara house. An Italian-inspired beach front-house loomed before me, with only one car in the driveway. Reese wasn't home and it was the perfect time to do some sleuthing.

"The venue and catering has already been paid for," mom explained, "your cousins are still excited."

"I guess," I exhaled, finally shutting off my car and shutting off the warm air that filtered through the vents. "I'm not very excited about it anymore."

"But I'm still excited," and it was that simple statement from my mom that sparked something in me.

I didn't want to let her down. I didn't want to take away something that clearly made her happy. I guessed my mother needed something, a little piece of life outside of the hospital to keep her spirits up; to keep her mind on other things. In a way my 18th birthday party was something she could look forward to. I had to stick with this party. Even though I wanted to cease everything about it, even though my mind was in a whole different dimension, I had to follow through for my mom. Maybe this party would distract me and keep me sane despite the shit that's culminating around me.

After hanging up with my mom, I grabbed my purse that was sprawled on the floor of the passenger side of the car. I pushed open the door and stepped out, gazing up at the O'Hara house. Christmas lights lined the rooftops, reindeer statues adorned the grass and deflated snowmen were in a pile near the door. I let out a breath with puffed cheeks, wisps of hot air dancing right before my lips. After taking in another breath, I stepped forward. I felt my heart thump against my chest as my feet slowly inched forward. Before I knew it I was standing on the porch, my arm raised and my finger pressing the doorbell.

After a few moments, the tall, rustic, wooden door opened. Kimmie stood there with a smile on her face and a pair of skinny jeans adorning her incredibly long legs. It was almost refreshing to see her in casual wear as oppose to the spandex and dance apparel she so often sports during dance rehearsals.

"Ari! Hey, come inside. It cold," Kimmie opened the door wider to let me into the warm home. She pulled me into a hug and she smelled strongly of vanilla and chocolate. It was welcoming, much like my surroundings.

The O'Hara house, though situated right on the Percival Shores Peninsula, was quaint. The walls were painted a pale custard color and the floor-length windows were like frames to the private beach in their backyard. The Christmas tree was tall, grand, and perfectly decorated, each ornament carefully placed. Christmas was three days away. We didn't even have our tree out of storage, much less erect and flourishing with decorations. Despite the gloomy weather outside, the home felt like a home; unlike mine and I was jealous.

"Let's hang out here in the family room," Kimmie said, gesturing for the soft couch. I plopped down, my eyes gazing out of the many large windows.

"You're house is so nice," I complimented, almost breathlessly. It really was something right out of a Pier 1 Imports magazine.

"Thanks. My mom's an interior decorator," she informed with a proud smile. "I just baked some cookies. I'll bring some out here with some hot cocoa and then we can start discussing this party of yours."

"Sounds perfect," I grinned.

Kimmie walked into the kitchen, the sounds of utensils to glass plates, and the stove top burner igniting filled my ears. I continued to observe all the the framed photographs and trinkets that embellished the living area. Then, when my eyes landed on a school photograph of Reese, my mind reverted back to the real reason I was in the O'Hara household.

"Hey Kimmie?" I called out, turning over my shoulder.

"What's up?" She replied, her eyes glued to something on the counter as her hand perpetually moved in a stirring motion.

"Is your brother home?" I asked.

Kimmie lifted her gaze, "nope. He's at the children's hospital. He won't be back till later."

Perfect.

"Oh, okay," I answered with a subtle smile, turning back around in the couch. I had a nice window of time to sleuth around and I hoped that Reese kept his bedroom unlocked. I needed to snap a few photos; I needed some physical evidence that could pin Reese and I knew I could find that evidence in his creepy lair.

"Hope you don't mind, I took the liberty of adding whipped cream to your cocoa," Kimmie snapped me out of my thoughts, rounding the couch and placing a tray of cookies and piping hot cocoa on the table.

"Oh, of course not," I let out a chuckle. "The whipped cream is the best part."

"Good, because it's homemade," Kimmie informed, taking a seat on the couch next to me. The both of us grabbed a mug and carefully I took a sip. No lie, that shit was amazing.

"This is wonderful, thank you for your hospitality," I kindly told her, setting down the mug and grabbing the light colored cookie.

"It no problem at all. So your party, have you given thought to what you want to do for the dance number? I can easily adjust the formations but I don't want to sway from any Filipino traditions," Kimmie expressed, taking another sip of the cocoa in her hands.

"I spoke to one of my cousins from the LA area and he said he can replace Michael," I informed and Kimmie nodded.

"Okay, that solves one problem. It's a shame really, Michael was promising," Kimmie sighed. I looked at her with a curious smirk, taking a bite out of the cookie in between my fingers.

"Come on Kimmie, even you have to admit that Michael isn't the best waltzer," I teased.

"No, you're right," Kimmie laughed, "but..." she paused and I cocked my head to the side. "Okay, if I tell you something, do you promise not to say anything?"

I leaned in closer, "yea, I promise."

"I think Michael is seriously in love with you," Kimmie disclosed.

"Dancer-with-nice-legs say what?!" I almost choked on the almond cookie in my mouth.

"Ever since the first rehearsal months ago, Michael has been coming over for private lessons to improve his skills," Kimmie informed. "He didn't want to disappoint you and ruin your big night."

"Michael was just being a good friend, that's all," I disregarded Kimmie's statement. There was no way in Hell that Michael was in love with me. I wasn't his type. He normally went for girls who were... well, easy and had their best assets out. I was the opposite of that.

"Good friends work hard. Like Ashton and Calum concentrating during practice instead of goofing around. Boys in love like Michael, take that extra step to impress a girl," Kimmie laid out her philosophy before me, and it did make sense. But if Michael were in love with me, why was he in cahoots with Reese?

"Um, may I use your bathroom?" I asked suddenly, standing from the sofa in an abrupt manner.

"For sure," Kimmie smiled. "Use the one upstairs and to the left. The one down here is embarrassingly messy."

I nodded my head, stepping over her feet and made my way to the staircase. I trailed my hands up the polished hand railing that had garland wrapped around it. Up the steps I went, I turned left at the top landing. I peered into each room as I passed, hoping to find Reese's bedroom in that very hall. Then, right by the bathroom, was a closed door with a keep out license plate plastered to the door.

Bingo.

With a trembling hand, I reached forward, grasping into the bronze doorknob. I twisted the knob and to my luck, the door wasn't locked. Quietly, I walked into Reese's nerd chamber, a wave of nervousness rushing through out my body. I couldn't believe I was actually doing this. The room was neat; no, not neat-- it was crisp, sterile and immaculate.

One wall was made of shelves, filled with several books that were methodologically organized in alphabetical order by author. Against the adjacent wall, was a large desk with four rectangular monitors and two key boards. There were two, black rolling chairs sitting before the table-- one for Reese and one for Michael?

All four monitors were on, each showcasing something different. One was filled with code; another was a split screen of four different video feeds around Percival Shores; another was some kind of advance program with a list of phone numbers to the side; and the last was some kind of camera feed in a location that was oddly familiar. This setup was something straight out of a spy movie.

"Reese's Pieces, you are one crazy motherfùcker," I whispered to myself, opening and closing the desk drawers. I only found printer paper and highlighters inside.

Reese really was a tech nerd and if I wanted to get to the bottom of this, I didn't have much time. I leaned forward in his desk, looking at the monitors, specifically the one with all the numbers. Pulling out my own cell phone, I looked through my text messages, finding the creepy ones and comparing the numbers in my hand to the one on the computer screen.

Exact matches.

I took a quick photo of the monitor before proceeding on. I had to be careful not to move anything. Reese's bedroom was too organized and I know he'd be able to tell if someone were inside. I stared at the fourth monitor, trying to decipher where the video feed was coming from. A few people showed in the feed walked in and out of frame nonchalantly. Some were walking into a door while some were walking out of it. With my eyes still glued to the screen, my heart suddenly jumped. The doorbell had rang and my entire body reacted to the echoing ring.

I stood still, trying to put my hearing senses into full throttle. I heard muffled voices downstairs but couldn't make out what was being said. With only about a minute left before I had to go back downstairs, I quickly turned my head back to the monitor. And that's when I saw him. Clear as daylight, black beanie and a lip ring, Luke walked into the screen from around the corner. He went up to the door, swung it open and walked inside.

Luke was alive.

He was okay and somewhere in this world and fùcking Reese was watching him. Watching his prey till Luke was vulnerable so he could hurt him. My stomach hurt, churning with fear just thinking about it. This was disgusting and it made me hate Reese. I needed to figure out where Luke was, get to him and warn him before Reese does something horrible. I took several photos of the fourth monitor before stuffing the phone into my back pocket. I practically ran out the door, quietly closing it shut. When I turned back around however, my eyes landed on a figure and I let out a yelp.

"Micha--" my words were halted with Michael's large hand over my mouth. He pinned me up against the door as he stared at me with an expression I wasn't sure how to decipher.

"What were you doing in Reese's room?" He asked, slowly dropping his hand.

"What the fùck is going on in that head of yours Michael? I want my best friend back," I snarled.

"Don't worry, Luke's fine," Michael revealed with an eye roll.

He knows of Luke's whereabouts?

"I'm talking about you Michael," I professed. "I want you back. You've changed. Reese changed you and I miss the old you."

Michael looked into my eyes, his own darting across my face. I tried to read his, but I couldn't make out what the hell he was thinking. He was a closed book when normally I could figure him out. 8 years of friendship taught me that and it was 8 years of friendship that I refused to throw away.

"Please tell me why you're doing this. Why are you suddenly besties with Reese? Why are the two of you threatening me and Luke?" I questioned, ire dripping from my voice. "You're the reason why he's not here."

"You don't know shit Ari," Michael sneered. I tried to unpin myself from Michael's grip but despite the fact that he still looked underfed, he was still very strong.

"Then enlighten me because I'm dying inside," I croaked. My tone was less angry now and more desperate, aching for the truth. "If you ever fùcking cared about me, you will tell me the truth."

"I've always cared about you. Anything I've done was for you. Anything I'm doing for you now is for you. You have no clue the shit I'm going through for you," Michael was rambling, spitting out words that made sense yet had no foundation behind it.

"If you need help, I'll help you but don't go to Reese when he's got some kind of perverted motive," I advised, shuddering at the thought that Reese was watching like a creeper.

"God! Shut up Ari!" Michael bellowed and then without any forewarning, his lips crashed into mine. Filled with a spectrum of emotions, Michael's lips moved against mine with fire. It was as if he were trying to confess all he thought about me with the kiss.

I don't know if it were the fact that I missed Luke and craved his embrace, yearning for some kind of affection but I found myself closing my eyes. I found myself clutching onto Michael's sweater, pulling him closer towards me. His grip loosened, but his kisses became harder yet slower and sensual. His hands trailed down my body, till they landed on my hips, as my own hands cupped his cheeks. Michael's thumbs lifted my sweater and shirt slightly, rubbing circles on the patch of skin between my top and my jeans waistband. I bit his bottom lip to cease the kiss, but our breaths continued heavily, fanning across each other's faces with warmth.

"I am in love with you Ari," Michael confessed, his voice deep and husky.

I opened my eyes to meet his, our foreheads resting against each other. I didn't know what to say to him. I loved Michael yes, but as a best friend. And even though our kiss was sweet, his lips weren't the ones I truly yearned against mine. I adored Luke, he was the boy who had my heart and I had a feeling that Michael knew that too.

"I know you're in love with Luke," Michael affirmed. "And that's okay. I'd rather have my heart broken by you, than by any other girl."

His face was drained of all color and the silence between us was so epic, it was like I could literally hear his heart shattering into a million pieces. I wanted to ebb his ache, so I opened my mouth to speak, but before I could utter a single sound, someone else spoke first.

"Ari! Are you okay up there?!" Kimmie called out from downstairs, causing Michael and I to let go of each other.

"Yea! I'm good. Had to make a call!" I lied. I rounded Michael, who was already turning the knob of Reese's room. He looked at me, nodding his head and shooting me a small smile that spoke a thousand words. I think it was his way of telling me he was going to be okay. Michael slipped into Reese's room and shut the door behind him, leaving me to my own thoughts.

Holy hell.

I walked down the hall and skipped down the steps where Kimmie was. She gave me a smile and a look of concern at the same time.

"Hey, everything good?" She asked me. "It wasn't the cocoa was it? I used whole milk instead of that fat free stuff. I mean, if you're gonna have hot chocolate, might as well go for the full fat, right?"

I chuckled and shook my head, "no, it wasn't the milk. But I have to go. It's my mom and I told her--"

"Not to worry," she interrupted me, and interrupting my attempts to make up an excuse on the spot. "Your mom is important. We can talk another time. Tell her I send my prayers."

"I will. Thank you," I pulled Kimmie into a hug, which she reciprocated merrily. After grabbing my purse and another cookie to go, I stepped out of the O'Hara house ready to find Luke.

In the frosty December air, my cold fingers struggled as I pushed the car key into the lock, but with the thought of my favorite quiff boy running through my mind, I quickened my pace. Once the door was open and I slipped into the confines of my car, I pulled out my phone.

"Alright, where are you Lucas?" I spoke to myself, looking at the photos that I took of monitor four.

I stared and stared at it, my eyes glued to my phone and my brain working into overdrive. As I examined each photograph, I came across one that had the mystery door in plain view. I knew that door from somewhere. I've been there but I couldn't quite figure it out. Frustrated, I closed my eyes and rested my forehead against the steering wheel. My thought about Luke and every memory I had of him. From encountering his drunk self in the alley, to dance rehearsals, to chilling the with other boys, to our first kiss, and of course, hanging out for the first time in Lotus Cove.

But then, that's when it hit me.

The mystery door was no mystery. Rounded tops, iron made, cross-hatched design and exuding the ambience of an 18th century barricade, that door Luke walked into was the same door I showed him several months ago.

The Lotus Cove Cafe.

//

LUKE.

I didn't want to go home; I didn't deserve to be home. Home was salvation, an abode for happiness and light. I however, couldn't be a part of that. How could I? I was a monster and the people of Percival Shores were right: I was a threat. And I proved it when I stupidly laid my hands on Ari. I angrily touched her instead of handling her with care. I shoved her, letting her body fly through the air and landing against the hard wall. It made me sick just thinking about it. It made me feel so disgusted with myself to know that my own hands were even capable of hurting her. I loved Ari. I fùcking loved her and I was the one who hurt her. She deserved someone better; someone who was going to protect her; someone like Michael.

Ari's love and care was a drug and that beautiful girl with the brown eyes was the dealer. She was healing me and killing me at the same time. I missed her; I craved her touch. I just wanted to see her and to talk to her. It hurt me so fùcking much to have to stay away. To "go missing" when all I wanted was to go missing in Ari's smile. I was in love. Fùck... I was in love with Ari Quiroz.

"Did you eat? I brought some sandwiches from upstairs,"

I turned my head to the figure at the foot of the stairs. Reese stood there in his hospital scrubs with a paper bag in his hands. He walked forward, setting down the brown bag on the circular table and proceeded to pull out food and drinks out of the bag.

"Not hungry," I told him, lying back down on the mattress that was on the concrete floor. I looked up at the wooden ceiling, the sounds of footsteps, dragging furniture, and billiards filling my ears. When I first came to the Lotus Cove Cafe with Ari a few months ago, I never knew that there was another room bellow the basement.

"Luke, you gotta eat something," Reese persuaded, taking a seat at the table. When I didn't answer, he continued, "are you okay, man? Want to talk about it?"

"Have you ever thought about what the world would be like if you weren't in it?" I asked, keeping my eyes on the ceiling above my head.

"Are you speaking in terms of figuratively or as a threat to my life?" Reese chuckled, attempting to make light of my very serious question.

"Figuratively," I replied. "Have you ever wondered how you'd benefit the lives of the people you love the most by just by disappearing?"

"Like how you disappeared by running away?"

"No, I mean, like permanently,"

"Like, faking your own death?"

"Like, suicide,"

"Holy shit. Luke! You're not thinking about taking your own life away are you?" Reese was suddenly hovering above me, gazing at my unfazed expression with a face dripping with concern. "You matter in this world, Hemmings. Whether you know it or not, you mean a lot to so many people."

"It was a figurative question," I simply told him, completely ignoring his prior statements. That seemed to ease his mind a bit because instead of staring me down like some kind of psycho, he walked away.

"Umm, I've wondered about it yea, and I think my parents and my sister would be upset," Reese disclosed.

I could hear him pacing around the room and when I opened my mouth to change the subject, I was interrupted by Reese's voice. Though he wasn't talking to me.

"Hello? Um, alright. I'll be right up," Reese was speaking into his phone as I turned my head to look at him. "Oh, are you sure? Like are you--" Reese paused, his eyes bolting straight to me as he listened to his phone. "Uh, okay then. I'll let him know."

"What's going on?" I asked him, sitting up on the mattress as he hung up the phone.

"You've got a visitor outside," he informed. "It's Ari."

I stopped breathing for a moment, hearing Ari's name slip out of Reese's mouth. I wasn't even sure I heard him correctly, but the seriousness in his face told me otherwise. So I stood up, grabbing my jacket off to the side and slipped it on. I swiped my beanie off of the table as I passed it, stuffing it onto my head before running up the steps. I carefully walked out the door, closing it behind me. I strolled through the narrow hallway and into the Cafe basement where a few students were enjoying pizza, beer and each other's company. It wasn't very busy, as winter break had started for the University and most students have gone home for the holidays.

I went up the second flight of steps to the main lobby of the actual cafe part of the building. I turned the corner to the back iron door and walked out. When I did, I was met with more than just cold air; I was met with coldness in the eyes of the girl I missed so much. Ari marched right up to me and while I expected a hug, I didn't get one. Instead, she arched her arm back and slapped me across the face. Then she punched my chest. Then pushed me against the brick wall. Then punched me again.

And again.

And again.

And again.

"Ari," I breathed, grabbing ahold of her wrists and attempting to cease her rampage. She tried to unlatch herself from my grip but eventually she slowed down her movements till she stopped moving altogether. Her chin fell to her chest and a whimper fell from her lips.

"How could you do this to me?" Ari cried. I felt my heart fracture in hearing the pain that laced her voice. She looked up at me with tears in her eyes and hurt on her face, "I didn't know where you were. If you were okay. If you were even alive. God dammit Luke! I can't sleep because all I think about is your safety. I'm having nightmares because of you and everything is falling apart and-and I just need you!"

"I'm sorry baby," I pulled Ari into my chest, hugging her tightly. Her arms snaked around my torso, holding onto me like it were the last time she'd ever hold me again.

"Come home. Please Luke, come home with me," Ari pleaded, continuing to wail into my chest as I kissed her forehead, rubbing her back with care. "It's no safe for you."

"I can't," I told her, causing Ari to separate our bodies.

"What do you mean you can't?! Your mom is dying thinking that you're missing somewhere! Christmas is in three days! Don't leave your mom alone! I'm slowly killing myself with the lack of sleep and the stress and I can't handle it. I need you Luke and I need you to come home,"

"I'm ruining your life, Ari. I can't come home. It'd best if I stay out of it,"

"Don't be selfish. Why are you doing this to me? Come home! Please!" Ari begged. She grabbed my hands in her little ones, bringing them to her lips. She gently kissed my knuckles and gazed at me with perpetual tears tricking down her cheeks.

"Baby girl," I breathed, taking my hands to cup her cheeks and catching the tears with my thumbs. I leaned down to caress her lips with mine. "I adore you," I spoke into her lips, "but I don't want to hurt you anymore. I'm not coming home."

"You're hurting me now," Ari's voice cracked, her body shaking as another round of tears dribbled from her eyes as she blinked. "Come home."

I shook my head, "no, Ari I'm sorry."

Ari was growing frustrated, screaming out into the gloomy sky and pulling at her hair.

"Umuwi ka na, Luke! Please! Mahal na mahal kita!"

(translation: come home now; I love you so much)

Even in a different language I didn't understand, I could still coherently hear the laceration her heart took each time a foreign word slipped through her lips. I didn't have to speak her native language to know what she was saying. The hurt look on her face and the way her voice strained as she yelled was enough of a dictionary to translate it to me. But even though it was tearing me up into jagged little pieces to see Ari in so much pain, I had to keep reminding myself that this was for her own good.

She'd eventually forget about me. She'll graduate high school, go to Newcoast University without me and grow up to reach all her dreams. Ari would also learn how to love again; get married, have kids and finally be happy. Disappearing, whether it's continuing to run, faking my own death, or even calling upon death myself, I was doing this for Ari's own good. Because I loved her.

"Goodbye baby girl," I kissed her forehead before stepping back and turning around. I walked towards the iron door that became my savior thirteen days ago and reached my hand forward.

"Lucas!" Ari grabbed ahold of my arm, pulling me back with all the strength she could muster. "Look me in the eyes and tell me you don't love me. Tell me you don't care about me and I'll leave you alone."

Ari waited for my response as I stood stationary, her grasp still on my arm and sending a surge of electricity within me. I had to fight every urge I had within me to not turn around, succumb to Ari's powerful gravity and go home with her.

Stay strong Luke, stay strong. You're doing this for Ari.

"I don't love you," I murmured. My back was still facing Ari; I couldn't look at her.

"Bullshit," she whispered. "Turn around and tell it to my face."

I took a deep breath inward, bit my bottom lip and turned back around. Ari's cheeks were stained with several trails of where the tears once skidded down her face, her eyes bloodshot and sunken, and it pained me to see her in such a state.

"I... don't... love... you," I figured saying the sentence slowly, as each individual word instead of a string of them would make it easier. I was wrong. It wasn't easier; it just made it look like the truth, and it was that pseudo-truth that killed Ari inside.

Ari whimpered again, hiccuping silently as she cried. I couldn't see that; I couldn't witness how much pain she was in. So I turned around; I turned my back on her and walked back up to the iron door. I felt a hand on my arm again and without having to look, I knew it was Ari. My own hand shook as I grasped hers, and threw it off of my body like a piece of trash. I continued to trek up to the iron door, hearing nothing but Ari's soft cries in my ears. As I swung open the barricade, and the smell of warm coffee tickled my nostrils, one last statement filled my ears. Soft spoken, laced with ache, and three words that cut me so deep, Ari's declaration carried like the wind:

"I love you."

//

OKAY. Why didn't my author's note not show up?! I totally wrote one, saved it but it's not here? LOL whateverzzz.

FIRST OFF, quite an emotional chapter! Definitely one of my favorites to write even though my heart was breaking at the same time. This story will only continue to build and I'm sure a lot of you are gonna dieeee from what I have planned. It's all for a good reason though.

THANK YOU all so much for reading and for voting. Also reading all your comments and theories are so much fun and they make me feel so happy. I won't be able to update again in a while which is why I posted 2 chapters within a day of each other. The next chapter will be a good one too and I'm excited to get started on it!

LOVE YA GUYS!