When Art Rises: Living in Cin: (A Twisted Interracial High School Love Triangle)

by Lorrain Allen

  “Your motorcycle wasn’t outside when I got home, so where were you?”

  “I didn’t know it was a crime to go out on a Saturday night. If you must know, I went to see a movie.”

  “That’s a convenient story. What happened to your face?”

  “I fell off my motorcycle.”

  “On the same night Danny got into a car accident, huh?”

  “Yep.”

  “The crash happened on Fox Road,” Ricky says.

  “Yeah, so?” Josh scratches his chin.

  “You said everyone was meeting at Bri’s house. Fox Road is an half an hour in the opposite direction. You’re story isn’t adding up.”

  Josh and his dipshit friends didn’t have enough brain cells to rub together to come up with an airtight story.

  “We were coming back from the diner,” Cin says.

  That’s my girl, quick on her toes.

  “Fucking kids,” Ricky mumbles in frustration before going heading upstairs.

  “You dummies couldn’t come up with a better story?” I ask Josh.

  “Suck a dick, you bastard.”

  “No, thank you, but I’m sure that’s what you and your friends do in your spare time—sit in a circle, sucking each other’s dicks.”

  “It’s time I fuck you up.” Josh stands.

  I follow his lead. “There’s nothing but space and opportunity, so what’s up?”

  Cin tries to squeeze between us. “No. Fighting isn’t going to solve anything.”

  “Maybe not, but finally beating the shit out of this prick will feel fucking good,” Josh says.

  “Let’s go.” It’s about time to show Josh what his friends learned the night I arrived in Longhorn County.

  I follow Josh out the back door with Cin on our heels.

  “No, you’re cousins. You shouldn’t be fighting.” She jumps on my back, trying to stop me.

  I pry her arms from around my neck, but she wraps her body around me like a snake.

  I grasp her shoulders, shaking her hard. “You can’t stop this! It was bound to happen!”

  She stops struggling, accepting the inevitable. Something tugs at my heartstrings when she starts crying. Shit, am I growing a conscience all of a sudden? Still, I can’t let her tears sway me. This thing between Josh and me should’ve been settled a long time ago. I take off my shirt, throwing it to the ground. The son of a bitch tackles me in the next second, and damn, this motherfucker hits hard enough for me to go airborne. My body hits the ground with a thud, causing the oxygen to leave my lungs. I shake it off, jumping to my feet. This time around, I’m prepared when he makes his next move, ducking to avoid a right hook. I deliver a jab to his kidney, followed by an elbow to his nose. Blood immediately oozes from the mangled cartilage.

  “You broke my fucking nose!” He wipes the liquid pouring from his nostrils.

  “Now you and Zeke can be twinsies.”

  My lip splits the moment his fist connects with my mouth. After that, punches fly and blood flows as we beat each other to a pulp.

  “Enough!” Cin says, sobbing.

  We both collapse to the ground in exhaustion. I’m sure the fight only lasted less than ten minutes, but damn, it felt like hours. Josh is a fucking asshole, but I have to give him props because he’s a damn good fighter, unlike his friends. He almost whipped my ass.

  “I won the fight,” I say between breaths.

  “Like hell. I won fair and square,” Josh says.

  I turn to Cin. “Who do you think won?”

  “Fuck you both.” She stomps off in anger.

  They nearly killed each other. I drive to Lilah’s house, infuriated. There’s no way I could look at either one of them today without wanting to scratch their eyeballs out, so I showered and left. Of course, Ricky will want to know what happened when he sees their puffy black and blue faces. I park my car then call Lilah several times before she answers.

  “Hello,” she growls.

  “Open the door.”

  “You’re here?”

  “Duh, now open the damn door.”

  “All right, you don’t have to be a bitch about it,” she grumbles.

  I impatiently wait for her on the porch while she takes her sweet time to come downstairs.

  “About damn time,” I say when the front door finally opens.

  “I need coffee.”

  “You and me both.” I follow her through the house to the kitchen.

  “Why are you here?” Lilah rummages through the cabinet in her quest to find caffeine.

  “Art and Josh got into a really bad fight. They beat the holy shit out of each other. It was awful.”

  “Damn. I wish I was there to see their fine asses fighting. I bet it was like watching porn.”

  “Lilah, will you get your head out of the fucking clouds? There was nothing sexy about blood spilling everywhere.”

  “I bet the blood made it hotter.” She bites her bottom lip.

  “You’re sick.”

  “You saw the fight of a lifetime, and all you can do is complain!” Lilah exclaims.

  “Make the damn coffee,” I say, sitting at the small breakfast nook situated across from the refrigerator.

  “So demanding.”

  After a few minutes, she sits beside me, handing me a mug of the delicious smelling brew.

  I close my eyes, savoring the taste as I slowly sip the hot beverage.

  “Is Art fucking anybody?”

  I jerk, spilling coffee on my arm. “Shit.”

  “I’ll get you some ice.”

  “How would I know who he’s fucking?” I snatch the ice-filled Ziplock bag offered to me, pressing it to my reddening skin.

  “You could’ve overheard him on the phone talking to a girl or something.” She takes her seat again.

  “Well, I haven’t.”

  “Oh, okay. Bri and I were wondering why he hasn’t taken us up on our offer for a threesome.”

  It takes Lilah awhile to get over a crush, but I was sure Bri—who has the attention span of a fly—would’ve moved on by now. They must really like him. If my secret comes to light, Trevor won’t be the only one affected by my betrayal.

  “So now you and Bri are okay with sharing?”

  “I guess so. Fighting over Art wasn’t getting us anywhere, so we decided on a temporary truce.”

  “It could be that he’s not interested in either of you.”

  “A boy doesn’t have to be interested in a girl to have sex.”

  “Is sex the only thing you want from him?”

  “Of course not, silly. I plan to fuck him so good he’ll be pussy whipped and want to be my boyfriend.”

  “Sex won’t hold a guy’s attention for long. Anyway, what about Bri? Doesn’t she want Art to be her boyfriend too?”

  “He’ll choose me over her.”

  This conversation is giving me a headache.

  “Don’t be stupid. You and Bri have been throwing yourselves at him for the last few weeks like complete idiots. If he wanted to fuck, he would have by now. He obviously doesn’t want either of you.” I want to kick my own ass for causing the crestfallen expression on her face. “I’m sorry.”

  “You know, Cin, not everyone can have the perfect relationship with the boy next door. Trevor wants a future with you. You have a 4.0 GPA, and you’re a track star with a full ride to an amazing school. You have a big, bright future. I envy you.”

  “You have a lot going for yourself.”

  “I’ll be lucky if I graduate. I haven’t applied to a single college.”

  “What?”

  “I’ve been lying to my parents about that. College isn’t for me, but they don’t understand. I have no idea what I’m going to do.” Tears spring to her eyes and spill down her cheeks.

  I reach over, giving her a one-arm hug. “We’ll figure this out, together. You like hair, nails, and makeup, so there’s cosmetology school. Community college is also an option.”

  She kisses my cheek. “What w
ould I do without you?”

  “This is a lovely sight to see first thing in the morning—cousins bonding over coffee.” Katrina helps herself to the coffee before joining us at the breakfast nook.

  She is almost the exact replica of my mom, only a little taller with thinner lips and wider eyes.

  “Good morning,” I say.

  “Morning.” Katrina takes a sip of her drink. “I’m cool, right?”

  “Sure.”

  “Mom, if you have to ask, you’re totally not cool.”

  “That’s why you’re my favorite niece,” she says to me, completely ignoring Lilah’s statement.

  “I’m your only niece.” I giggle.

  “Since I’m such a cool adult can I be included in the girl talk?” Katrina waggles her eyebrows.

  Lilah rolls her eyes. “What we were discussing is between us.”

  Katrina pokes out her bottom lip and gives me her saddest expression.

  “Sorry, my lips are sealed.” I move my fingers across my lips in a zipping motion.

  “Fine.” Her lips morph from a pout into a wide smile.

  Nothing keeps Katrina down for long.

  “I’m excited you’re here. We can talk about Missy’s surprise party.”

  Though my mom’s birthday is on Sunday, my aunt knows how to party hard and doesn’t want to work on Monday with a hangover, so Saturday was the better option. There are four buildings on this plot of land. The main house, stable, vet clinic, and a guesthouse Katrina and Thomas had built a few years back. The guesthouse is where my friends and I used to party and have fun. Unfortunately our last get-together got out of control and Lilah’s father forbade her from stepping inside again. He even changed the locks. That’s where the surprise party will be.

  “Missy thinks Ricky is taking her to some fancy restaurant for dinner on Saturday evening. He’s going to blindfold her and drive around for about forty-five minutes. They should arrive by eight o’clock, so I need you girls to be ready by four o’clock to help me with decorations.”

  “You can count on me, Auntie.”

  “I guess I could help,” Lilah mutters.

  “Awesome!”

  “What’s on the menu?” I ask.

  “Tons of good ole southern dishes. The caterer and DJ are scheduled to arrive at six o’clock.”

  “Wow, you’re going all out.”

  “Of course, it’s a big day for Missy.”

  “Mom!” Dionte comes running into the room, distressed.

  “What is it?”

  “I can’t find my Nintendo Switch, and I know Lilah took it.” He throws her an accusatory look, pointing a finger at her.

  “Lilah?”

  “Did you see me take it?”

  “I fell asleep with it on my bed.”

  “What did I tell you about staying up late playing games?” Katrina asks.

  “Yeah, brat. Your brain cells are probably mush by now,” Lilah says.

  “Do you have his game or not?”

  “I told him to stay out of my bedroom and out of my things.”

  “Give it back to him.”

  “I’m not giving the little booger a thing.”

  “Now,” Katrina says sternly.

  “Why is it, he gets away with everything, but the moment I do something wrong it’s the end of the world? I hate it here!”

  “That’s not true,” Katrina says.

  “Yes, it is!” Lilah wails.

  “Stay out of your sister’s room,” Katrina grasps Dionte’s chin. “The next time you’ll be punished for two weeks—no games, cell phone, or TV.”

  “But Mom—”

  “No buts. Do you understand?”

  “Yes.”

  “Great, the matter is settled. Lilah, if you could be so kind as to give your brother back his game, I would really appreciate it.”

  Lilah leaves the kitchen with a satisfied look on her face, with Dionte following behind.

  “Is it possible to love two boys at the same time?” I blurt.

  I’m comfortable talking to Katrina about this topic. I know she’ll give me sound advice and won’t judge me. Unlike my mom, she won’t assume the worst.

  “Yes, that’s absolutely possible. Do you love two boys?”

  “I think so. I mean it feels like I do. What should I do?”

  “I can’t answer that question for you. Do what you feel is right, here.” She touches my stomach. “Your gut instinct will help you through this. Your heart and brain aren’t reliable. One is filled with emotions, while the other will overanalyze the situation.”

  “I’m so confused. I know with Trevor, there’s a possibility we’ll remain together through college and get married. He’s safer. The other boy is an unknown variable, but the way he makes me feel… Trevor has never made me feel that way. I don’t even know if this boy has even contemplated a future with me, because he doesn’t see one for himself.”

  “If you had to make the decision today to never see or talk to one of them again, who would you choose?”

  “The thought of being without either of them makes me sick.”

  Fuck. I was hoping she would say dump the other boy and stay with Trevor. I should’ve known she wouldn’t make this decision easy for me.

  “Am I a horrible person?”

  “No, sweetheart. You’re young and allowed to make mistakes. Life is about trial and error, so trust me, you’ll make plenty more.”

  “Some people would say I’m selfish and have no morals.”

  “And I say fuck them. ‘Do not judge, lest ye be judged.’ No one on this earth is so perfect they can judge anyone else. If you decide to be with Trevor, you’ll have to tell him the truth. No secret can stay buried forever. He may forgive you, and the two of you can move on, or maybe he won’t. You made the conscious choice to cheat, so you must face the consequences. This will be a life lesson for you. One you’ll always remember.”

  “Thank you, Auntie.” I give her a hug.

  “You’re welcome, Niecy.”

  My eyes roam over her body. I can’t help it. I look away when I realize what I’m doing, but it’s nearly impossible to keep my gaze from wandering back to her. It doesn’t help that she looks fucking good tonight, hanging up her baggy, unappealing clothes to wear a form-hugging gold dress. No heels—I doubt if my girl knows how to walk in those—but the black Chuck Taylors she paired with the dress works. She walks around, smiling and socializing with guests, with that asshole Trevor at her side. Damn if I don’t wish it was me. Cin is supposed to be a convenient fuck, that’s all, but she’s becoming so much more.

  The bottom line is she’s not for me because she deserves so much better, not an ex-drug addict and suicide survivor who’s responsible for the death of his little brother. I wouldn’t be able to give her my all. Would she even leave Trevor for me? It’s probably better not to rock the boat. I’ll enjoy her while I can. We’ve been sating our uncontrolled lust by fucking almost every night like wild beasts. The cutting has stopped, but my nightmares continue to haunt me. Damn, she makes me want to be a better person.

  “Hello, earth to Art. Is anyone home?”

  I reluctantly pull my gaze from the girl I’ve become obsessed with. I’m not here to witness the joyous moment when Ricky proposes to Missy. Cin’s the sole reason I decided to come.

  “What?” I take a big gulp of sweet tea.

  “You haven’t been able to take your eyes off of her for the last hour.”

  “Who are you talking about?”

  “Don’t play dumb.”

  Lilah is fucking annoying. She’s been hounding me like a dog chasing a bone ever since I arrived at the party. Whenever I move, so does she.

  “If you have something to say, say it. I’m no good at guessing games.”

  “You like her.”

  “Who do I supposedly like?”

  “Cin.”

  “What if I do? How is it any of your business?”

  “Everyone else wants her, so w
hy not you?” Lilah walks away.

  What the hell is that comment supposed to mean?

  Josh appears at my left. “Are you enjoying the party?”

  “Why are you talking to me?”

  “There’s nothing wrong with engaging in small talk.”

  “Next we can start trimming each other’s pubic hairs.”

  “Don’t be a dick.”

  “I can’t help it. It’s my nature.”

  Ever since the fight, Josh and I have a newfound respect for each other—though Ricky nearly blew a gasket when he saw our faces later that day.

  “Don’t try to suck up to me because I beat your ass.”

  “You did not beat my ass. I laid you flat, and you know it.” Josh snorts.

  That he did. My back still hurts a little.

  “If that lie is what helps you sleep at night…” I shrug a shoulder.

  “Look, I wanted to say sorry for not staying behind the other night and taking the blame with you. I know it was a shitty move. Can we let bygones be bygones? What do you say?” He holds his hand out to me.

  I look at it, suspiciously, not entirely sure I should trust him.

  “Don’t leave me hanging, man.”

  I grasp his hand, giving a firm shake. “This does not mean I’m going to trim your pubic hairs.”

  He laughs. “You know you want to.”

  I grunt in response.

  “What did you say to Lilah? She looks pissed.”

  “Nothing, she must be PMSing.”

  From the corner of my eye, I notice Cin leave the house.

  “Anyway, thanks for the girl talk, but I have to take a piss, unless you want to come with me.”

  “I’ll pass.”

  “Damn and I was so looking forward to continuing this conversation.”

  It’s time for me to catch my girl alone.

  Art is making it really awkward to be in the same room with him. He’s basically telling everyone here without words that he wants to spread my legs open and go berserk on my pussy. Trevor and I sit at one of the rectangular tables my aunt rented. The spacious living room has been transformed. Ricky and Thomas moved all the furniture into a storage shed. The expression of happiness on my mom’s face was priceless when the blindfold was removed and everyone yelled surprise. She will always remember her thirty-eighth birthday.