Arc Saturday descended upon him like a reckoning, fueled by his simmering anger. The days since Chelsea's absence had ticked by with agonizing slowness, each one a fresh reminder that he might be laughing and smiling with someone else – someone more charming, more appealing. Someone who was his complete opposite, yet somehow, Chelsea's absence had sparked a craving he couldn't shake. As the days ticked by, the ache of not seeing him grew, until it became a persistent hum in the background of his mind. By the time Saturday arrived, he was raw with anticipation, his defenses worn down by the relentless longing to be near Chelsea again. The clock ticked closer to 3:30 pm, and Penelope's gaze lingered on him, her eyes narrowing into slits of suspicion, as if trying to unravel a mystery hidden beneath his skin. "What?" Arc growled, annoyance lacing his tone. She stood frozen in the kitchen corridor, her eyes wi
Chelsea The car was a snug fit for Arc, its low ceiling and cramped interior forcing him to duck slightly to avoid hitting his head. Chelsea was a little proud of himself from cleaning out the car before coming to pick up Arc. "So here's the plan," Chelsea said. "We attend that party and make a show of our fake kin-man-ship in front of everyone." "Only you would call this pretentious charade a kin-man-ship," Arc retorted. "You're getting to know me better, that's great," Chelsea said. "So, what else have you observed about me?" "Except the fact that you annoy me, nothing else," Arc retorted. "Ha! I'm glad you think of me that way." Chelsea drawled. "Besides, being a thorn in someone's flesh is something I excel at, and, it's a wonderful trait to have." Arc shrugged and gazed out the window, his attention drifting away. The car groaned and screeched in protest as it rattled down the road, its worn joints and tired engine crying out in agony. "You're ok
Arc As they pulled into the driveway of a large, two-story building, Arc was assaulted by loud pop music blasting through the air. The cacophony was excruciating to his ears, and he wondered why the neighbors hadn't yet filed a complaint, assuming the party had been raging for some time. As Chelsea stepped out of the car, Arc tensed up and his anxiety spiked. Not wanting to appear weak in front of him, Arc followed suit, carefully exiting the vehicle to avoid hitting his head. But as he joined Chelsea, the chaotic scene before them sent Arc's instincts into overdrive, and he felt a strong urge to make a hasty retreat. "Now that's a party." Chelsea exclaimed, his enthusiasm unmistakable. Arc couldn't decide whether to agree or disagree since he'd never been to a party before but he knew this wasn't the sort of social gathering he wanted to be a part of. He found himself wishing they had indeed veered off course, maybe really falling into a
Chelsea River stood with a confident grace, their bright red hair cascading down their back like a fiery waterfall. The vibrant locks were untamed, with subtle waves and loose curls framing their pear-shaped face. Their eyes sparkled like shimmering aquamarine gemstones, radiating warmth and kindness. A smattering of freckles across their cheeks and nose added a playful touch, as if the stars themselves had kissed their skin. River's style is eclectic and bohemian, with flowing clothing that seemed to dance around them like the ocean's currents. A delicate seashell necklace adorned their neck, symbolizing their connection to the sea and its mystical allure. And their laugh was as delicate with a hint of fierceness that embodied her character. River was easygoing and had quite a sense of humour that resonated with Chelsea. Their friends- Kayla, Matty and Farron, were also alright, eccentric teenagers that took life in stride and they se
Arc As Arc's's gaze met Chelsea's, his heart skipped a beat. A warm, thrumming sensation settled in the pit of his stomach, leaving him yearning for something he knew was out of reach. Just as he was lost in his eyes, a cheerful voice cut through the moment. "Hello there, Arc! Surprise seeing you here!" Arc groaned under his breath, recognizing the chipper tone all too well. "Good afternoon, Miss Sarah," Arc replied with a hint of dry sarcasm. Sarah appeared before him, radiant in a bright yellow sundress, her hair tied up in a relaxed, messy bun. Her warm smile and sparkling eyes exuded a cheerful energy, which didn't surprise Arc one bit - he'd grown accustomed to her sunny presence. "You never miss an opportunity to highlight my single status, do you?" He rolled his eyes, "You're well past the era of trying not to be single." With a delighted clap of her hands, Sarah exclaimed, "Ah hah, someone's developed a
Chelsea Chelsea watched River disappear into the distance, promising to reunite and take a group selfie once they found their friends. But as he trudged up the steps to the house, his mind lingered on the mysterious woman who'd dragged Arc away. Why had Arc seemed so complacent, almost familiar with her? The memory nagged at Chelsea, and his unease grew as he heard a loud, angry shout erupt from within the house. As Chelsea reached the top step, the shout grew louder, and he could make out words: "I don't care who has a say, just get that thing out of here!" The voice was unfamiliar, so the venom in it sent a shiver down Chelsea's spine. He hesitated, wondering if he should enter the house or wait for River's return. The promise of a selfie seemed trivial now, replaced by a sense of foreboding. But since Arc was inside, Chelsea didn't hesitate before pushing the door open. Another angry voice responded to the first, and Chelsea w
Chelsea The gathering was a vibrant mix of generations, with guests ranging from their 40s to 80 years young, all united in the eclectic atmosphere of their hosts' quirky residence. The spacious interior, adorned with whimsical decor and curious trinkets, provided the perfect backdrop for lively conversations and laughter. The sounds of jazz and swing music entangled in the air that was filled with laughter. Some of the attenders preferred to linger by the fireplace, sharing tales and gossip with their neighbors. Chelsea felt like a stranger as he passed through the crowd, the curious stares he received, crawling under his skin like maggots. "Don't mind those old geezers," Sarah said, her voice low and reassuring. "They don't take kindly to newcomers." Chelsea nodded, following her closely as she led him to the kitchen. The kitchen was a sprawling space with immaculate, polished cabinets and surfaces that gleamed in the soft ligh
Arc "Don't worry, dear. Sarah doesn't bite," Doris's soothing voice reassured him. She had led them to a quieter, more secluded corner with less music and fewer people. They all sat around a round table, large enough to accommodate them, but Arc remained standing. "I'd be down in the dumps if I were you, boy," Doris said with a chuckle. "Your lover boy is going to emerge from there, chafed." "He's not my lover boy," Arc snarled, swirling around to face Ethel with a warning growl. "He's not my lover boy," he repeated, his voice low and even. "Don't go pointing those fangs at me, boy, I ain't scared of you," Ethel shot back, her tone defiant. "Ethel, why don't you let the young man be?" Gertrude intervened, her voice calm and soothing. "We can't take you anywhere without you causing a scene... or a war," Doris added, her tone exasperated. "Ursula had started it," Ethel defended, her voice rising. "You should've lef
Chelsea Five years had passed in the blink of an eye. His relationship with Arc had been a journey, filled with ups and downs. At first, there were Arc's doubts, which lingered despite Chelsea's best efforts to reassure him. Then, Penelope had left for college after , leaving Arc heartbroken. Chelsea remembered the day vividly - Arc's brave face at the airport, followed by tears and stories of their childhood in Chelsea's arms that night.As time went on, Chelsea encouraged Arc to pursue his passions. Arc had always dreamed of being a writer, having penned children's stories in his youth. But those stories had been burned, a painful reminder of his mother's departure. Chelsea's presence in his life had slowly begun to heal those old wounds, and Arc was finally starting to rediscover his love for writing.Arc's dream of pursuing an online English course had been within reach, but the tuition fees had seemed insurmountable. That was when the town had rallied aroun
Arc Arc's grip on Chelsea's hand tightened as they drove down the winding road, the destination unknown to him. Curiosity swirled in his chest, but it was overpowered by a creeping sense of fear. What if this was all just a dream? What if he'd wake up to find Chelsea gone, and he was still trapped in that cold, dark place? The memory of the stone slab and the menacing woman's face lingered, making his heart racing. Fear of being truly alone threatened to overwhelm him. So he held on to Chelsea's hand, his fingers intertwining with Chelsea's as the other hand steadied the wheel. Arc snuck a glance at Chelsea, finding him intently focused on the road ahead, his bottom lip caught between his teeth. There was a sense of determination etched on his face, as if he was on a mission. Arc's curiosity piqued, wondering what could be so important that Chelsea felt compelled to show him. A nagging doubt crept in - could this be some kind of cruel prank, designed to mock him? It was po
ChelseaChelsea stood at the door, his lip caught between his teeth as he hesitated over the plan he and the others had devised. The memory of the pain he'd caused Arc still lingered, and he'd long since accepted the weight of his mistakes. Yet, despite Arc's skeptical gaze and blunt refusal, Chelsea had glimpsed something else - a flicker of hope that had ignited a spark within him.He stared at the aloe vera plant, seeking answers, but its spiky exterior simply faced the open air, unmoving and unresponsive. The fact that it was still very much alive only seemed to mock him, a reminder that even the most resilient things couldn't provide the solace he sought.As dusk approached, the sun cast a warm, golden glow. The others had pressured him to put their plan into action the day Arc left the hospital, but Chelsea had insisted on giving him time to rest. However, he couldn't deny the truth: he'd been afraid to face Arc, to feel the weight of his disappointment, to see the d
ArcArc stepped out of the hospital, and the cool air hit him like a slap in the face. He felt a rush of emotions: relief from escaping the hospital's sterile smell and the suffocating white walls, annoyance at the doctor's presumptions and Chelsea's sudden reappearance.But Chelsea... Arc's mind snagged on the thought of him. He didn't know what he felt about Chelsea. Maybe he knew, but he didn't want to acknowledge the spark of happiness that had flared to life when he saw Chelsea standing in his hospital room. Arc tried to squelch it down, to bury it beneath a layer of anger and hurt.He didn't trust Chelsea. He didn't know why Chelsea was really back, and he wasn't going to let his guard down again. But despite his best efforts, memories came flooding back: the pain, the heartache, the longing. Arc's chest constricted, and his left leg wobbled beneath him. He stumbled, catching himself on a nearby car.As he leaned against the cool metal, Arc felt a wave of fear w
ChelseaArc drifted in and out of consciousness, his mind foggy and his body weak. Chelsea sat beside him, holding his hand and whispering words of encouragement. The doctor came in regularly, checking Arc's vitals and reassuring Chelsea that he was on the mend."He's doing well, considering," the doctor said, smiling kindly at Chelsea. "The fever's broken, and his infection is responding to the antibiotics. He just needs rest and time to recover."Chelsea nodded, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. He glanced at Arc, who was stirring again, his eyes fluttering open.The doctor smiled. "He's going to be okay. And I think having you here is helping him. When he's deep in sleep, he always reaches for you. It's quite remarkable."Chelsea's heart swelled with emotion. He was grateful to be able to be there for Arc, to provide comfort and support during this difficult time.Just then, a commotion erupted outside the hospital room. The band of grandmothers and book club membe
ChelseaChelsea's gaze lingered on Arc's fragile form, stretched out on the hospital bed like a broken doll. The steady beep of the machine was a harsh reminder that Arc's life hung in the balance. Chelsea's mind reeled with regret and self-recrimination. Why had he left him? Why had he abandoned him when he needed them most? The weight of his mistake threatened to crush them.As he stood there, frozen in anguish, the door burst open and Penelope stormed in. Her hazel-brown eyes blazed with fury, and her brown hair was disheveled, as if she'd rushed out of the house without bothering to brush it. Her glasses were knocked askew, sitting crookedly on her nose, and her rumpled clothes suggested she'd thrown them on in a hurry. Beside her, a girl with a worried expression tried to calm her down, placing a restraining hand on Penelope's arm.But Penelope shook her off, her eyes fixed on Chelsea. "What are you doing here?" she demanded, her voice like a whip.Chelsea opened his mouth to spea
ArcLoneliness shrouded Arc like a damp chill, seeping into his bones and echoing through the empty spaces of his room. He felt like a ghost, invisible and unwanted, a faint outline of a person slowly fading away. In the darkness, his thoughts unraveled, tangled threads of rejection and abandonment that seemed to tighten around his heart. His chest heaved with shallow breaths, his skin slick with sweat, as the weight of Chelsea's departure, and his sister's absence crushed him beneath its unyielding heaviness. His eyes, sunken and haunted, stared blankly at the ceiling as the shadows conjured echoes of his momma, her whispered absence a painful reminder of abandonment and rejection. His momma's presence, a whispered promise of love and comfort, hovered at the edge of his consciousness, a bittersweet reminder of all he had never known. Arc's gaze drifted upward, and his momma's face hovered above him, her wild auburn hair a tangled halo, her brown eyes almost hazel in the dim light.
ChelseaChelsea's response was immediate and icy. "Don't talk to me."He tried to walk away, but Kevin grabbed his arm, holding him in place. Chelsea shot him a glare, his eyes narrowing in warning. Kevin raised his hand in a non-threatening gesture, his expression conciliatory. "I just wanna talk."Chelsea's phone buzzed in his pocket, and he pulled it out to see a message from Lily: "Need some help?" He glanced over at her, then typed back, "No. I'll handle it."Chelsea put his phone away and folded his arms, his eyes never leaving Kevin's face. "Who are you texting?" Kevin asked, his tone light and curious.Chelsea's response was sharp and cutting. "Someone who doesn't have to resort to manipulating others to feel relevant." Kevin's grin faltered, and for a moment, Chelsea saw a flicker of annoyance in his eyes."Ouch, I guess I deserve that for dumping you the way I did," Kevin said, his voice laced with a hint of remorse. Chelsea felt a surge of anger and frustrati
ChelseaThe sun had set over the city, casting a warm orange glow over the crowded streets. The air was electric with excitement as celebrities, influencers, and industry insiders gathered for the highly anticipated MMAs – the Majesty Movie Awards.Chelsea stepped out of the limousine and onto the red carpet, his eyes scanning the sea of flashing cameras and screaming fans. The sound of paparazzi shouting his name and the constant click-click-click of cameras was almost deafening.Lily, who had helped him get ready for the event, gave him a final once-over before nudging him forward. "Go, Chelsea. Get them."Chelsea took a deep breath, pasted on a dazzling smile, and began his walk down the red carpet. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause as he posed for photos, waving to his fans and chatting with the occasional reporter.To his left, a giant LED screen displayed the MMA logo – a stylized, cursive "M" made up of tiny, shimmering stars. The screen flickered and changed, sh