Page 10 of Shrouded in the Dark

He didn’t reply as quickly as before so I picked up my charcoal and began to draw.

I didn’t think about it, I just let my hand move. The world faded away as a dark piece started to reveal itself. The edges of the paper were all black, forming a circle. Inside the circle was the form of a woman sitting on her knees, feet pointed behind her, her arms at her sides as she stared up into the sky, and cried black tears.

When I finished, my right fingers were black from shading instead of using a tortillon. I hadn’t even noticed I was doing it until the piece was done. I stared at the drawing for a few minutes, my brows furrowed. I didn’t usually draw dark things. At least it could bring more diversity to my portfolio.

My drink was cold but I finished it with the food. I used the restroom to clean up before heading out. As I got into the truck, I checked my phone for the time and noticed that Jasper had texted me back about thirty minutes ago.

Where is your vacation home that you had to get a truck working and you're that far out from anything?

I started up the truck before answering, letting it sit for a minute to make sure the battery was going to behave.

Our family cabin is in Tabernash. It’s the middle of the mountains, about a half hour from Winter Park. I have a whole mountainside to myself for the summer.

I drove the half mile north to the Safeway we always went to when we were in town. I grabbed a cart before going through each aisle. They’d done a renovation since last year, so now it looked more modern, with cleaner lines. I grabbed my headphones in my pocket, put them on, and pulled up a playlist on my phone while I shopped. My head was bobbing to the music as my lips mouthed the words when I was in the chip aisle looking at the options when my phone buzzed again with a text. It was Jasper again.

You’re shitting me? Our summer home is in Tabernash.

I blinked for a second. I was stunned.

Small world. Technically, it would be your vacation home if you visit it during the other seasons, too. Just saying.

Harhar. I forgot you have that sharp wit. You’re right. It’s our vacation home away from home. What are you doing right now? Still in town?

I bit my lower lip as I thought about how to reply. Did I want to tell him? We’d only hung out that once and talked a few times via text. It didn’t make us friends, but it seemed like he was trying to be. I counted backwards from ten as I felt my anxiety start making me doubt myself again.

After I breathed out the last second, I replied, jumping in feet first.I’m at the North Safeway getting groceries for the next few days. Would you like to come over for a BBQ later?

He didn’t reply after a minute, I put my phone back in my pocket and continued shopping. I grabbed a few bags of chips, dips, and a case of soda. I picked up a pound of hamburger meat, two steaks, condiments, salad, and sandwich makings. The last stop was the bakery for some cookies. As I was picking out the different kinds, my phone buzzed again. I set the cookies down.

That sounds like a blast. My friends are with me, though. Is it alright to bring them? It’d be four of us. Axel’s part of the group.

My anxiety had me breathing quickly and my hands started to shake. Ten, nine, eight… My eyes closed. It was Jasper and Axel. I’d met them, they both seemed nice. I sent a text to Mom first to tell her some guy friends wanted to come visit since they were in town too. I waited until she texted me back.

As long as you’re comfortable, no objections from us. You’re an adult, but I don’t want you to have an anxiety attack with no one with you. Felicity has been working on you during school. Think you can do it?

I thought about it for a few moments. Before I’d started hanging with Felicity, I’d have never said yes or even entertained the idea of throwing a barbeque with some acquaintances, but now?

I was going to go for it. I had my breathing exercises and Jasper didn’t seem the kind to be friends with assholes. I sent him a message with my address.

I’ll see you there in two hours. I’ll get the food started before you get there. Any drink preferences?

We’ll bring some drinks. Don’t worry about those. Thanks for the invite. See you soon!

I finished grabbing two dozen cookies and went back to the meat aisle. I would need a lot more meat if there were going to be five guys.

* * *

Jasper

“Hey, Seth,” I yelled up the stairs. “Hurry up! We’re going to be late!”

When we’d finally gotten to the house, we were all ready to smack Cody. He had a habit of singing annoying songs on long rides to get that reaction. My fox was having a fit. He wanted to get out to stretch his legs in the forest.

I’d forgotten that I’d texted Becca yesterday about getting here. When she’d told me she was in Tabernash, I’d shouted, making the other guys rush into the room.

“Remember Becca?” I’d asked Axel.

“Yeah, Felicity’s friend. Why?”