Dark Bonds

Matthew and I sat alone in the school cinema, munching on popcorn and sipping soda. A high school movie played on the big screen, its glowing colors illuminating the dark room with a mesmerizing brilliance.

We'd snuck in after Matthew "borrowed" the movie room key from Mr. Rogers while the man snored away at his desk. Poor guy must have had a long day.

The movie ended on a sour note-at least for me. The boy and girl didn't get back together. I couldn't help but wonder if the entire point of the film was just to frustrate its audience.

"Humph," I snorted in annoyance.

Matthew, seated beside me, laughed, clearly amused by my reaction. "It's just a movie, girl," he teased, shoving a handful of popcorn into his mouth. "Why do you always take these things so seriously?"

"Because it's annoying!" I retorted, crumpling the popcorn bag in my hands. "He likes her, she likes him, and they both know it! What's more straightforward than that?"

Matthew raised an eyebrow, then turned back to the screen as the credits rolled. "It's more complicated than that," he said, his tone casual. "I mean, it's safe to say he realized rule number five was no joke."

I scoffed. "But she loved him."

"It's obsession, not love," he countered, giving me a look that screamed, Isn't it obvious? "She threatened every girl who came near him, including his own sister. And don't even get me started on how she followed him everywhere, scared he might suddenly stop being straight. How is that remotely normal?"

I understood his point but decided to play dumb. "Well, yeah... isn't that love?"

Matthew's jaw dropped. "Oh my God."

I took a long sip of my soda, pretending not to notice his expression. "Matthew Cardinal," I began dramatically, "haven't you heard that love is blind? Let me teach you a big lesson, my friend: in love, everything is fair game."

His lips twitched, trying to suppress a grin. "Says the girl who's never dated or had her first kiss. Talk to me the day you lose that 'disvirginity,' baby."

I clenched my fist and punched him in the gut. He groaned, clutching his stomach. "Does it hurt?" I asked, grinning as I took another sip of soda.

Almost instantly, his pained expression melted into a smile. "If you didn't say it was supposed to hurt, I might've thought you were giving me a massage."

That did it. Gently setting my soda can on the seat beside me, I turned toward him with both fists clenched.

Seeing my face, he panicked and tried to escape, but I grabbed his arm and started punching his stomach-once, twice, and then some more.

"Fine, fine! It hurts!" he cried, laughing uncontrollably.

I paused, confused. No matter how hard I hit him, his laughter didn't stop. "Since when did I get this weak?" I muttered under my breath.

"Are you done, honey?" he asked, his voice dripping with mock concern. "Don't stop on my account."

My patience snapped. "You-" I stammered, searching for the right insult.

"Say 'bastard,' it's a classic," Matthew suggested helpfully, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

"Bastard!" I shouted, stomping my foot. The realization that I'd fallen into his trap only made me angrier.

"I'm going home," I announced, exhaling sharply in frustration.

Before I could leave, Matthew grabbed my hand. His usual playful demeanor was gone, replaced by a serious expression that made me pause.

"Have you seen the news? There's some scandal involving your dad," he said.

I froze, startled that it had hit the news already. But I quickly recovered, my face hardening. "I know all about it. But he didn't do anything wrong. It's probably some loser trying to drag him into their mess."

Matthew looked thoughtful for a moment before meeting my gaze again. "Losers get desperate when they're cornered. Tell your dad to be careful, honey."

I narrowed my eyes, clicking my tongue at him. "Since when do you give good advice? This must be a dream."

"Hey!" he exclaimed, feigning offense. "I have my moments, okay?"

"Whatever," I muttered, pulling my hand free and turning to leave.

"Hey, are you going to Elvis's party?" he called after me.

"Maybe," I replied without looking back.

As I walked out of the cinema, I felt the weight of Matthew's words settle over me. School was already over, and I needed to leave quickly before the irritating officers came looking for me.

Despite Matthew's concern, I wasn't worried. My family's influence was enormous, and I was confident my grandmother and the rest of our clan could pull Dad out of any mess. Unless the situation was utterly unsalvageable.

But I was certain it wouldn't come to that.