Page 27 of Semblance

Justin opened the door to his condo, dressed in torn jeans and a white tank top.

He greeted me with a boyish “kiss me beautiful” type of grin, like he always did.

“I missed you in class today,” he said.

“I noticed,” I replied. “You called me five times in the span of five minutes.”

“I was wondering if you forgot about our test today,” he said. “I guess you did.”

Oh shit! Therewasa test today on Schubert’s Erlkonig. It was one of the more interesting topics in music history, and one that I read up a great deal on. It would have been an easy way to boost up my average in the course, which was presently suffering because of my dick-faced professor who didn’t agree with a few of my essays.

“Fuck,” I cursed.

“Yeah,” Justin said. “It was on a topic you liked as well. Where were you anyways?”

“Come on, let’s go grab some food at the Brickstone,” I said. “I’ll fill you in on the way there.”

“I was in the middle of making dinner, but I guess I can save it for tomorrow. Just let me get my wallet,” Justin said as he headed back inside.

“No way, you bought me lunch last time. Let me at least get your burger.”

“Are you buying me dinner?”

“Yes.”

“Is this a date?”

I saw the twinkle in his eye and regretted my offer almost immediately.

“No,” I replied. “I’m just paying you back. I don’t like being in debt to anyone.”

“You don’t have to do that,” Justin said.

“Yes I do. Now no more debating,” I said. “I’m starving.”

#

I was hesitant to tell Justin the truth, especially seeing how clandestine last night’s celebration was, but I was going to explode if I didn’t spill my guts to someone about it. Justin was my closest friend and I trusted him with just about any secret.

After having Justin swear an oath of eternal secrecy, I filled him in on last night’s events. As I listened to the words coming out of my mouth, I was beginning to realize how preposterous it all sounded: masked aristocrats, the Golden Virgin, secret societies, fucked up rituals, arranged marriages, and a dating contract. The only thing I left out were the names revealed to me.

Justin stayed quiet the entire time. I wouldn’t be surprised if he thought I was crazy.

When I finally finished spinning my yarn, I looked at him and shrugged my shoulders.

“Well?” I said. “Sounds crazy right? Am I going nuts?”

“You shouldn’t go on those dates,” he replied. There was anger in his voice along with resentment.

“Why?” I asked, but secretly I already knew the answer. It was a mistake to tell him about the dates.

For a second, I felt guilty that I was letting him down.

“Just don’t go,” he replied.

“I have to. I signed a contract remember? And I’ll be fine. Who knows, it might even be fun, mingling with the rich and famous.”

“What if I don’t want you to go?”

---