Boundaries

                "Alright, so here we are. I suggest looking for a good place to set up. I haven't been in these woods yet." Alyssa said as they neared the oak trees in her backyard.

        “Right here is good.” Paul said picking a place that was well shaded by the leaves of the trees. “So, we left off right where Helena is accusing it of being a joke.”

        Parker was happily playing Helena and was a fairly good actress as well. Demetrius was played by Ty and Lysander by Cole. Since Paul was, more or less, the writer he choice to also be the man behind the camera, as well as a minor part as Robin. Justin's Oberon was also a small part, but he did a great job, Alyssa thought silently.

          "Is this a joke? Clearly this is a joke, right? How dare you pull this kind of cruel joke on me! I never thought the both of you would try to humiliate me like this." Parker started with passion.

        Alyssa watched from a distance closer to her house, mentally preparing herself for performing in front of Justin. As many times she had been on stage performing in a room full of people, there was something about Justin's eyes that made her feel like there was no one there but them. This private performance was far more terrifying than a room full of people.

        As though he could read her thoughts Justin sauntered over to her side. "Are you ready? You're up soon."

        "I’m trying to be."

         "Oh, I'm sorry did I interrupt you?"

         "No, no. I just hope I can remember all of my lines."

        "I'm sure you'll be great since you've had experience. I am not an actor in anyway."

        "That's a bit of a surprise to hear. You did such a good job at lunch today."

        "I wanted to do my best for you. I know you admire the art, so I wanted to make sure I didn't screw this up for you." He replied smoothly.

          Alyssa swooned. That is the sweetest thing! 

        "How very considerate of you," Dana commented walking up beside Alyssa.

        Justin's expression hardened.

        "Dana! What are you doing here?" Alyssa asked feeling a bit flushed. 

        "Well, since you stood me up for lunch, I had to stop by." Dana smiled locking arms with Alyssa lightly pulling her away. "Also, I have a gift I want to give you after all of this filming is done with and we can be alone."

        Alyssa didn't miss the lifted eyebrow and slight glance over to Justin. "That's very nice of you. You've given me so much already."

        "That's what friends do."

        "Alyssa, you're up." Paul called out.

       "Coming," Alyssa answered fluttering over.

        "We'll, pick it up on the last line."

        Ty picked up where they left off. "Look man shut up. You have no idea how deep this love is. You keep talking that trash and you will regret it. Look here's your woman right now."              

        "I can't see a thing out here, but I can hear yawl. Lysander, why did you leave me like that?" Alyssa walked into the scene fully in character.

        “Wow, she's good." Dana muttered to herself.

        "Yes. She has a great talent for acting." Cynthia agreed joining the pair of them. "I'm Cynthia and you are?"

          "Dana."

          Without turning to acknowledge him she asked. "And him?"

        "Justin. We're not together." Dana was sure to make clear.

        Cynthia smiled softly at her. "Are you the friend that she has been hanging out with? She did tell me that she managed to find a friend who made her feel right at home."

        "Aw that's so sweet of her to say! That would be me. We've gotten close in a short time."        

        "I think that’s great. This move affected her the most. She is a pretty sensitive girl," finally she looked over at Justin. “There’s no need for drama." 

        Dana could hardly contain her joy at what was happening. It was thrilling there was someone at home to keep Alyssa far away from Justin. "I couldn't agree with you more, Cynthia. Has she spoken to William lately? She can't stop talking about him. I was hoping he would call her this week. We haven't been able to talk."

        "Just last night they spoke. Well, it was nice to meet you. Please, tell Alyssa that I will be back before dinner."

        "You got it. Ciao." She replied waving.

        "Wipe that smug look off your face." Justin demanded with disgust. 

        "I know you're not talking to me bottom feeder."

        Justin hissed in anger.

        "Don't even think it. As if you didn't already know, I am very well protected. Besides, you shouldn't take your anger out on me. It could be dangerous. I can tell you have something up your sleeve. Listen very carefully, as this is the first and last time, I will say this. Stay away from Alyssa."

        "She isn't your property, gypsy. She can make decisions all on her own." Justin took one step closer. "You also need to remember your charms safety is conditional. Never forget that."

        "Are you threatening me?"

        Justin smirked. "Our usual arrangement holds no threats. You stay out of my business and I'll stay out of yours."

        "The only problem is Alyssa is my business. If you lay a hand on her it's over for you. Guaranteed." She said sweetly.

        "That's a wrap!" Paul exclaimed. "That was an awesome everyone. Alyssa you were wonderful."

        "Thank you. I would invite you all in, but I have other plans for today." Alyssa waved as they left one by one. To her surprise Justin hadn't said anything to her and was the first one to leave.

        "See ya around." Paul said, "I'm sure we'll ace this."

         “Me too!”

        "I thought they would never leave! Your gift is right over here." Dana hurried onto the porch.

        Alyssa looked down at the side table. "A flowerpot?"

        "Not just a flowerpot. There is a seed in there. Can we talk in private?"

        "Yeah, come on up to my room."

        "Oh, by the way Cynthia said she would be back before dinner."

        "You talked to Cynthia?"

        "Yeah, she seems pretty cool, but you look nothing alike."

        "I know. My father says I took after my great grandmother. Alright so what is it with this plant?" she asked as they entered her room.

        Dana looked around. "Very nice, do you prefer white walls?"

        "No. I plan on making it a visual documentary based on whatever emotion I feel when I pick up the paint brush. As you can see, I haven't started yet." She answered sitting on the window seat.

        Dana sat on her bed. "This is to be used as a practice tool for your powers. You should be able to provide sunlight and water without it ever sitting in a window. It must stay in the corner of the room. Now I will advise you to try using your water abilities with pipe water. Place it in a watering can and take care of it that way. This way you will build up your stamina."

        "Why should I have to do that?"

        "It's not why, it's how. Just know that you must." Dana placed it in the corner for her.

        "You are aware that's not really an answer?"

         Dana laughed. "It's the only one that matters. So, I was hoping that you would be willing to come over to my house for a family dinner. Everyone wants to meet my new friend."

        "Have you told them that I am a witch?"

        "That wouldn't be appropriate. If you don't mind, I would like to tell my grandmother and maybe Charlie since they understand these things. Besides, it will give you more support people to lean on if ever I am not accessible."

        Alyssa shrugged her shoulders. "I guess it's fine."

        "Wonderful and guess who else is coming to dinner?"

        "Philip."

        "Ding, ding, ding! I can't wait for you to meet him. Dinner starts early for us so try to get there around three pm if possible. Hey, would you mind if I painted something on the outside of door?”

        "I don't mind."

        "Your parents won't freak out?"

        Alyssa shrugged her shoulders. "They understand my artistic needs. It will be fine."

        "Excellent. Do you have any paint available?"

        "Right this way."

                Somehow when she pictured dinner at Dana's she didn't imagine this huge soiree. People everywhere, music was playing, conversations were lively and filled with laughter. Her finger barely left the doorbell when she was swept away by an older lady she could only assume was Dana's grandmother since she didn't actually introduce herself however she had no problem introducing Alyssa to the family members in a completely different language.

        "Mamma, give her some breathing room." A woman said from across the living room motioning for Alyssa to join her. She looked exactly like Dana or rather Dana looked just like her. "My name is Caresa. I’m Dana's mother. That lovely lady was my mother, Violetta. Don't be surprised that she was introducing you as Charlie's fiancé. I think that may have been exactly how Dana's father, Victor and I got together. She was sure he was going to marry me. Now here we are four kids later. Dana went to her room a moment ago. It's the first one on the right."

        "Thanks Mrs.-"

        "Caresa," she interrupted.

        "Caresa," she corrected with a slight nod. A familiar feeling warmed her. Now I know where Charlie gets his charm. 

        She very skillfully walked around the crowd to Dana's room. She wasn't completely surprised to see a Hamsa very Dana drew on her door there as well. It was a beautifully decorated hand carving with an eye in what would be the palm. 

        Dana peeked out them swung the door open to give her a big hug. "Alyssa, come in!"

        Her room was painted a deep purple color. Not a wall was bare. Beads, gems, and jewelry covered her desk.

        “I was just picking through some CD's. Where you here long?"

        "No." CD's? Insanity! It's so unnecessary with technology today! she thought with a look of disbelief.

        "Good. The younger crowd is downstairs that's where we'll be heading. I'll introduce you to others later."

        "Your grandma beat you to that and in another language. Sounded like Italian."

        "That's because it was Italian. That was my mothers’ mother, Nonna. She's Italian. My grandfather was just American mix. My other grandmother, Grammie, I will introduce when the time is right probably after dinner. That is if Nonna didn't already beat me to it."

         "Even if she did, I wouldn't be able to tell one way or the other."

         "You're not alone. Most of the people in there done even speak the language," Dana went back into her desk to pull out her CD's.            

        Sitting on the bed Alyssa glanced through the keepers. “Her, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Iggy Azalea. I never thought you'd listen to this stuff.”

         "You thought I'd be listening to the boring sounds of hippie music or something didn’t you? You should know better than to judge someone by their cover Alyssa. Come on help me carry these down." She said before switching off her lamp.

         Alyssa held onto the Cd's following close behind slightly embarrassed at her assumptions. She also felt a bit sad for all the women that were in the Lilith Fair because she absolutely loved them. Their soulfulness even if sorrowful at times seemed to grip her emotions and fuel her own creativity.

         The lighting in the basement was also very low lighting but hopping with hip hop on the radio and kids dancing as though they were on a music video.

         "This is Hillary, Sharon, Joey, Marco, Guy, Desta, here you go Desta." She handed the Cd's over to the young girl by the stereo across the dance floor.

         Alyssa did the same mumbling a hello as Dana was cutting back through to the other side of the room towards three doors, before she knew it.

         "This is the bathroom," she gestured to the way. "And this is Charlie's room."

         "But I-" Was all Alyssa could get out before she was pulled right in. Clearly, she takes after Violette, Alyssa noted silently.

         Charlie was talking to a big guy who turned immediately to look at her. His eyes seemed to gleam amber in the dimly lit room. As Alyssa glanced again, she found his eyes to be a simple shade of green, like the green in her hazel eyes. Although startled by Philips huge appearance she was pleasantly surprised by the calming sounds of electronic music softly playing.

        "Alyssa this is Philip. You already know Charlie." Dana greeted taking her place beside Philip.

        Charlie was lying on his bed, hands behind his head wearing a blue plaid shirt over a white tee. Alyssa found that his room was very much like his apartment severely lacking creativity.

         "How's it going?"

         "Good."

         "You should come out and enjoy the party." Dana insisted wrapping her arms around Philips massive arm.

         "You know I'm not into your music. Not hip enough." Charlie replied.

         "I love the techno." Alyssa threw in.

         "Dana doesn't even know what techno is or classic rock.”

         "Why should I? That dreadful old music no one listens to anymore. Come on Philip, convince him." Dana pleaded.

         Philip raised his brows looking down at Charlie.

         He shook head and stood smiling at Alyssa. "My music will always be around but how many chances do I get to make my baby sister happy." he squeezed her cheeks in his hand while saying this.

         "I would love to say thank you, but I think my cheeks went numb and I'm sure you'll want something out of this, but I won't worry about that right now. It’s time to party!" She exclaimed dragging Philip out of the room and into the heart of the party.

         Alyssa and Charlie stood awkwardly at the edge of the crowd.

         "Wanna give it a shot? I'm not a good dancer not as good as Joey anyway." He commented nudging his head at Joey break dancing and doing the robot.

         Alyssa laughed as he took her hand and lead her further into the dance floor. There she discovered he was right. He was not coordinated enough to be dancer and even laughed at himself while he tried his best. Soon Alyssa was having more fun laughing on the dance floor than dancing. She was usually a bit self-conscious about her dancing but clearly didn't have to be while she was with Charlie.

         After a few songs he leaned in simultaneously indicating with his hand "I'm going to go get something to drink do you want something?"

         Alyssa nodded. "Yes please."

         "Don't forget mine, Charlie." Dana called out as she leaned over Alyssa's back. "Come with me."

         She dragged her back into his room. "So, what do you think?"

         "I'm having a great time. Charlie is a lot of fun."

         "Not about Charlie, about Philip."

         Alyssa thought about it for a while. "He's big."

         "Yes! Isn't he fabulous!"

         "I don't think I've heard him say a word."

         "He is a man of few words but when he speaks, I'm all his. I'm sure it's the same way with you and William."

         More Justin than William she replied silently as Dana continued.

         "I was happy to see you enjoying yourself. Life is about living. I don't think you have lived enough."

         Just then Charlie walked in carrying three bottles of water. "You can sit on the bed. I haven't slept here in a very long time. It's nice to know that if I ever needed to I could though."

         "So, you went away to college?" Alyssa asked taking a sip of her water.

         "Yes, lived on campus in Boston."

         "What was your major?"

         Dana laughed almost choking on her water.

         Charlie narrowed his eyes. "Well, I changed it a few times. Finally, I settled on Nutritionist and Personal Training. I have every intention of putting myself out there."

         "I don't see anything funny about that."

        "How can you not! Look at those scraggly little arms." Dana wiggled hers to make fun of him.

         "Alright you asked for it." Charlie quickly locked her arms behind her back and pushed her head down with his hand.

         "Alright, alright you win! I'm sorry." she apologized rubbing her shoulders when he released her. "It's just compared to Philip."

       "That comparison is completely unfair. Considering I’m average build and pretty toned." Charlie stated sitting in his old desk chair and taking a chug of his water. "Dana tells me you're a witch?"

         Alyssa slowly took the bottle from her lips. "Yes, that's right."

         "What exactly is your power?"

         "I'm not sure what to call it. I can absorb the sunlight and distribute it. Also," she stopped talking took a deep breath. Water was slowly gathering from not only the inside of her bottle but Dana's and Charlie's as well. It all stopped in a circular shape right in front of her. "I can do this."

         Charlie looked at his half empty bottle then back to floating water. "Hey," he began, "do you think we could drink it when it's like that?"

         "Be quiet Charlie she may lose her concentration." Dana hissed.

         Alyssa smiled. "Give it a shot Charlie. I think it will be fine."

         Charlie smiled walking over. "Alright, Alyssa bring it closer.”

         Alyssa very carefully moved the water up and over to Charlie. She watched in excitement as his lips touched the unmoving water.

         "Excellent control, Alyssa! You should try pouring it in his mouth." Dana suggested.

         Charlie opened his mouth and watched patiently as the water was raised over his head.

         There was a brief knock startling Alyssa breaking her concentration. Just as the door opened, the water fell all soaking Charlie.

         Philip walked into a room with startled expressions. He was utterly perplexed "What's with those looks on your faces, Charlie, why are you all wet?"

         The room erupted with laughter.

         After a very pleasant dinner on the patio with the family, Alyssa was content to sit back and admire their closeness. Her own family was a small one and not many members in the extended family who lived in the states. She couldn't help but picture her grandmother that never looked at her and uncle that looked down on her.

         "Alyssa, would you mind joining me on a little walk?" Charlie asked as he stood. "It's good to walk after you eat."

         Smiling, Alyssa agreed then looked to Dana.

         "Oh, no. I'm staying here. I am quite comfortable." she informed snuggling with Philips arm.

With a soft smile she fell into step with Charlie. The slight breeze blew her strands of hair onto his face.

         "It's such a vibrant color." Charlie said dodging the vibrant stands, “Almost like it will burn to the touch. Can I?" He placed his hand over her head then quickly pulled back with a boyish grin. "Whoa! I think I felt some heat."

         "You can touch it. It's not a wig or dye. It's real."

        They stopped by the willow tree. He held her head as though his hands were a hat. "Hmm, you're right it didn't burn at all."

        Alyssa smiled. "Are you always this funny?"

        "Are you always this perceptive?"

        Alyssa laughed again.

        "Laughter is a wonderful thing especially in a world with so many tragedies. In a world full of darkness, you are a light. You must shine your brightest. Nothing good is found in the darkness."

                As Alyssa looked out her bedroom window, she could hear the last words Charlie had said before she got the call that Cynthia was picking her up. Appa was never one to let her stay over at strangers houses too long. Nothing good is found in darkness he had said, but in my dream, I had found Justin. He looked so fascinating under the moonlight. Why is it I have to fight the urge to go out there and see if he appears again? Maybe I should give in. Maybe I should-. Her thoughts stopped abruptly as she saw him standing just where he was before. Without hesitation she quietly rushed downstairs, to be sure not to wake anyone, and out the back door. Once the cool breeze touched her face, she realized she wasn't wearing her robe. Her eyes scavenged the grounds.

        "Alyssa," he whispered in her ear. He was standing behind her. His body was pressed against hers.

        Alyssa placed a hand over her heart as it was beating frantically. Could he really be standing behind me or is this all in my mind?

        "Look at me Alyssa."

        His voice sounded urgent, compelling her. All at once he stood before her, his eyes pleading. Heart wrenched she wanted to comfort him at any cost.

        "Do you want me Alyssa? Do you want me to be yours?" his voice sounded as though it was no more than the wind whispering softly. "You have to want me the way I want you. You must need me the way I need you. Say you’re mine."

        Without hesitation she whispered, "I'm yours."

        His expression softened but he did not smile. Alyssa's heart was pounding so loudly she was momentarily afraid she would wake her family somehow. She closed her eyes willing her heart to slow down.

        His hand touched her cheek.

        Their eyes met.

        He laid his head on her shoulder.

        She took a shaky breath as she felt his lips on her neck.

        He brought his head up again she saw his eyes glowing as they did in her dream.

        He lowered his lips once again.

        She closed her eyes enjoying the moment when she felt a prick followed by sharp pain. "Ah!" she cried out smacking her neck before frantically looking around. She was alone. Without a second thought she rushed into the house and straight to the bathroom. Flipping on the light she brought her neck to the mirror. What she found there was a complete and total shock. “More bug bites?” she muttered.  This can’t be another dream. It felt too real. Am I losing my mind? Once again, she heard Charlie's words. Nothing good is found in the darkness.