Forbidden Bliss

I went back to college the next week with the joy of succeeding in avoiding Clyde. After the unexpected kiss, I'd not seen him for the remainder of the short semester break. I'd made sure to avoid all places where I could run into him. Almost everyone in our families had studied in Notre Dame. It wasn't coincidental that Clyde, Kim and I went there and my sister who was still in the nearby St. Mary's College would be joining us soon. Clyde and I were in the same year because he was so intelligent that he'd skipped a grade. His intelligence made him even more attractive. How could anyone be so perfect? We majored in different fields and I'd never realized how that was a good thing until that semester. While Clyde was in architecture, I majored in History. I stuck to The College of Arts and Letters, avoiding the School of Architecture whenever I was at campus. This was to my advantage because it ensured that we rarely met. Bes

"Get in the car now," Clyde ordered. The arrival of that Chris guy had completely changed his mood. His jaw was clenched and I could tell that their history must have been pretty awful. I stared at him for a while and burst into laughter. Didn't he realize how ridiculous he was being? "Who in the blue hell do you think you are, Clyde?" I narrowed my eyes. "Ordering me around like I'm your little submissive slave. I have stuff to do in my room. Leave me alone, for goodness sake." "Shannon, you're going with me whether you are willing or not," He looked directly into my eyes. "If you continue to resist, I'll kiss you so hard right here in front of everyone. Do you want that or would you rather we do that in the privacy of my apartment?" My lips parted.

Instead of spending the evening day dreaming about Clyde like I'd planned, I allowed myself get dragged to a party I didn't want to attend. I knew I'd regret it. Every time, I changed my mind, something always went wrong. Why would it be different this time? After hours of preparation, Beck came to take us to the off campus house party in his super cool sports car. As expected, his girlfriend Kelsey sat on the passenger seat while the three of us occupied the back seats. The house was huge, more of a mansion. When the car stopped, those of us in the back had to get over before Kelsey could lean close to Beck for a kiss. None of us wanted to see that. We knew just how far they could go in a very short time. While we got some air, we studied the vicinity. The house had a nice garden and an immaculate compound. After a short while, Kelsey and Beck joined us.

I recognized Chris's cold voice as soon as I heard it. How did he find me? Was he lurking in the backyard waiting for me all along? The swimming pool was so far from where we stood and I couldn't scream because of his right hand on my mouth. I imagined there was a gun hidden beneath his dark clothing. That terrified me, making me tremble from the crown of my head to my feet. Was I really going to die? Chris seemed capable of strangling and dumping me in the yard. His dark clothing and the coldness in his piercing eyes screamed danger. If he killed me, no one would care until morning. They'd think I passed out. I shook my head, trying to get rid of my pessimism.I looked up to the sky begging God to hear my humble prayer. I hadn't prayed in a very long time and I wondered if that was my punishment. I silently asked for a chance to get out Chris's clutches. They said God loved us despite our darkest sins. I let my troubled mind dwell on God's love instead of the dark

Guilt lodged itself in my heart when I realized what I was doing, betraying Clyde and his friends by speaking to their enemy. Even after being warned not to associate with him."I'm sorry Chris but I really need to go," I said nervously. "I wish I could tell you why but I can't.""We haven't even talked for a minute," he insisted. "Why are you in such a hurry to go.""Please understand," I begged."What do you think of me?" He brought his hands to my shoulders. He was so close and that made it worse. Clyde wasn't going to like any of this if Luke told him. "I totally understand. Enjoy your day, angel.""Bye Chris," I said and he removed his hands. I practically ran towards Ruby and Nina."What's the matter?""I'm fine. I Just have to get back to the dorm," I smiled,"Try to have fun without me."I couldn't wait to get to my dorm room. I hurried up th