"Forbidden fruit is always very intriguing...though never as tasty as one imagined it would be."

― Claudy Conn, Runaway Heart

I hung the coat I bought my mother in my closet and hid the shoes I bought my father as well. The two items were expensive and it took me two paydays before I could buy them. I smiled as I ran my hands through the thick material of the coat. I couldn't wait for them to open it on Christmas. I heard a crash and curses outside my room.

"You're an idiot, Ted." Brittany scolded.

I stepped outside my room and saw a broken plate and Ted's apologetic face.

"It's alright, as long as no one got hurt." I said picking up the pieces. As I pick up another, the sharp edge of the plate sliced my palm.

I winced at the pain. As always, Angelo came to my rescue. He was freaking out.

"Celeste, you should have been more careful!" He scolded as he leads me to the sink. He turned the knob and I watch red rivulets wash down the gray sink. My hand stung but it disappeared when Angelo wrapped a towel around it to dry it and placed a large band aid on it. I looked up at him. I had to crane my neck just to stare into his hazel eyes. I could stare into them forever.

"Thank you." I blushed.

"I don't want you to get hurt." He whispered softly. My heart beat faster when he uttered those words.

"You're my best friend." He added.

I shook my thoughts away. Angelo is my best friend since I could remember. It was normal for him to worry about me. My heart sank. He won't see me more than just a friend. He leaned in closer and I took a step back.

"We need to go back." I said tonelessly.

He nodded curtly.

Four of my friends lounged in the old beaten couch of my apartment eating pizza and watching an episode of The Walking Dead.

"Finally! Where were you guys? Did you make out in the kitchen or something?" Brittany snickered and laughing her head off. I rolled my eyes.

I wish.

"Hey what's in this black box?" Summer pointed out as she peeled away the intricate tie of the silky red sash.

"They're red apples. I got it from the boutique I told you guys about." I replied, taking two slices of pizza.

"Weird." Daniel murmured.

"What?"

"There's a note in here."

"What does it say?" I asked pushing Daniel's lanky form out of the way so I could take a closer look.

"Ow Celeste, calm down." He complained. I took the white glossy paper from his hands and read it out loud.

I offer you the magical entities these fruits have to offer which grants one wish per fruit by yours truly.

I heard a crunch to my left. I realized that most of my friends took an apple from the box and started to eat them.

"Guys! What if it's poisoned?" I said worriedly.

"Live a little Celeste." Brittany replied finishing the red apple completely.

"If it's poisoned, I would have died right now. See?" Brittany stood up from her spot and did a little dance. "I feel fine."

"It's actually pretty good." Daniel said softly.

"We could wish for anything!" Summer exclaimed.

"Yeah, you could wish for intelligence, Summer." Brittany pointed out taking another apple and biting down.

"Did I tell you guys I got these apples from a boutique that sell soaps shaped like a penis?" I informed.

"They must be doing something right because this shit is good." Ted said through mouthfuls of the fruit.

I groaned putting my hand on my forehead. Soon, my gaze slowly led to the last remaining fruit in the box. It has a beautiful crimson shade, sitting there innocently as if its intentions were only meant to be devoured. My hand reached for the box when I felt Angelo's warm hands on my cold ones sending tingles down my spine.

"I don't think you should eat this." Angelo said.

I frowned. He's been telling me what to do most of my life. It was just a fruit and besides, my friends have already eaten one and they seemed fine. I shook his hand away although I wanted it to stay. I've always been a good girl. I go to church, I've never skipped a class, and I trusted what Angelo tells me because most of the time he's right.

Not this time. I can make my own decisions and I have the right to eat what I want! I snatched the remaining apple from the box and took a small bite. Sweetness and an unknown sentiment enveloped my senses.

"This is so good." I moaned taking another bite. And another.

I felt Angelo's intense disapproving stare on me. I didn't care as I finished the fruit. I sucked the tips of my finger tips before the rest of the squad decided to go home. We said our goodbyes while I led them out the door. Only Angelo stayed.

"Are your parents coming home soon?" He asked.

I shook my head.

"Do you want me to stay with you for the night?"

"It's okay. I think I'll be fine."

"Call me if you need anything, okay?" he reminded me.

"I will. Good night Angelo." I said softly, closing the door.

I went to the living room when suddenly, I doubled over in pain. I gasped for air my hand clutching my stomach and my throat. I couldn't breathe and the pain in my stomach felt as if a I've been stabbed. Beads of sweat formed in my forehead and black spots filled my vision before a smooth mischievous voice echoed in my small apartment.

"Well, it took awhile for them to leave."

 New chapter! Yay! What did you guys think? What do you think will happen to Celeste in the next chapter? Who is the owner of the voice? :o Don't forget to comment/vote/ or add to your reading list :) Thanks for reading! Updates are weekly either every Friday or Saturday :) Also, thank you errantce for the beautiful banners!