Cruel Deceptions ~ Romance/Hurt/Angst ~

[Minirose96]

I have remade this post for my story, because the last one was extremely cluttered, and hard to work on. Please do not post any comments on this post. If you have anything to say, please post it on the Cruel Deceptions commenting page, linked below. Thank you everyone who clicks to read it ^^

Cruel Deceptions Commenting Page:
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[Minirose96]

Chapter 1

Prom Night

It was finally time. Prom was tonight and I had everything I needed for the best night of my life. I had the hottest guy at school taking me, the most stunning dress available, and it was the end of her Junior year at last! Everything was perfect.

I put the finishing touches on my make-up, which highlighted my green eyes and long chestnut hair, currently pulled into an ornate bun. I had on a strapless knee length blue dress with rhinestones on the bodice, and blue, three-inch, lace-up heels. I was ready at last.

Just then, I heard a knock at the door. I took one last at myself in the mirror before going downstairs and opening the door. There he was, the hottest guy at school, and my boyfriend. It's been three years since he asked me out. It was my freshmen year in high school, and I couldn't believe a sophomore wanted to go out with me. Especially this one, who had been the dream of all the girls in my class.

"Wow Aurora, you look great," he says, stumbling on his words. So cute.

"You don't look half bad yourself Jared." He was in a navy blue suit, and his dirty blonde hair was ruffled like always. His blue eyes were beaming as he looked me over, sopping for an instant at my cleavage. I couldn't stop myself from blushing.

Smirking at my blush, Jared took my hand and led me to his cavalier. Unlike most girls, I didn't want him to rent a limo. They're just too flashy for me. I was perfectly happy to stay low-key about what we arrive at the school in.
He opened my door for me and leaned in for a quick kiss before driving us to the school, where the dance was being held.

As he pulled us into a parking space, I gazed with wonder at a gigantic balloon arc standing at the entrance. It was an amazing mix of green and gold, our school colors. Jared got out of the car, obviously not as impressed with the display as I was. He kindly opened my door for me again, and took my hand to escort me inside.
The music was blazing through the whole place, so loud the walls almost seemed to vibrate around us. It was amazing. I pulled Jared onto the dance floor, and we soon got caught up in the emotion of the others around us, swaying to the music with our arms around each other

After what seemed like hours of dancing, we moved away from the crowd, and sat at one of the many tables lined against the wall. Jared made sure I got a seat, and stepped away to get drinks, promising to return soon. I sat down, straightening the skirt of my dress downwards as I waited.

"Hey girl, having fun?" A familiar voice asked me from behind. I turned to see my best friend, Erica. I stood, and gave her a hug before looking at her own onsomble She was wearing a sparkling red just above floor length dress that had a slit on the left all the way up to her thigh. On her feet she wore blood red stilettos. Her shoulder length red hair was in ringlet curls. In short, she looked gorgeous.

"Definitely." I finally reply. "What about you?"

"The same, but Chris has two left feet, as usual." She says, giggling.

"I missed you guys dancing? So not fair." I teases, laughing with her. "So, where is Chris anyway?" I ask, looking around for her date.

"He's talking to Jared near the refreshment table." She answers, pointing towards them.

I looked over to where she pointed, and sure enough, Jared and Chris were talking, and occasionally laughing. Who knows what they were talking about, but one thing was certain: they should have been with their girlfriends, who were oh-so-lonely without them.

"Hey Erica, let's go remind those gossipers that they have two beautiful girls waiting for them." I say, smiling as we walk over to them.

I slip my arm easily into Jared's, and twine our fingers together. "Did you forget about me?" I ask, giving him my best lost-puppy face.

"Never," he replies, kissing my cheek softly, and smiling as my puppy face turns a healthy shade of red.

"What about you Chris?" Erica asks, mimicking my movements. "Did you forget about me?" she asks him, pouting.

"Not a chance." He replies smoothly. "You don't leave me alone long enough to forget about you." he teases her, squeezing her hand softly. Erica, of course, didn't find his comment as funny as he did, and slapped him playfully on his shoulder, shooting Jared and I a glare as we snickered at them.

"Come on Jared, let's leave these two lovebirds alone." I say, teasing them as I gently tug Jared back onto the dance floor. Once again, she get swept up in the energy of everyone around us.

As time went by, I finally spotted Erica and Chris swaying together, and I smiled to myself as I turned back to Jared, who had also caught sight of the lovely couple. We exchange a knowing glance and continue our own dance, his arms placed protectively on my hips as we sway together to the music.

[Minirose96]

Chapter 2

I Love You

It was well past 1:00 A.M. when Jared and I decided to leave. My heart was still beating loudly from all the excitement of the night. I breathed heavily as I hugged Erica and Chris goodbye, promising to see them tomorrow for our double movie date.

Jared took my hand gently and led me to his car. He got my door for me, and waited for me to get into the cavalier, and straighten my skirt before closing it. He walked around to the driver's side, and climbed in, grabbing my hand to hold as he pulled out of the parking space, and headed towards home.

He played with my fingers as he drove, and I was lost in my own thoughts. The night had been amazing, it was sad to see it end so soon.

A few more minutes flew by before Jared cleared his throat and asked, "Hey, do you want to hang out at my house for a few hours?"

I think about it for a few moments before nodding. "Sure," I reply, smiling at him. I liked it at his house. His parents were really nice, and they never hovered over us like mine did whenever he was over.

Jared nodded, and took a left turn, heading for his home instead of mine. Soon after he pulled into his driveway, and got out of the car, pulling the keys out of the ignition and picking out the house key before walking up to the front door.

Meanwhile, I got out of the car and brushed down my dress. I looked up, searching for his parent's old truck, noting that it wasn't in the driveway where it usually was. I shrugged, thinking it must have been in the shop again, since it was over ten years old it always had something broken. I always wondered when they'd get a new one for themselves.

"Hey Aurora, are you just going to stand out there all night, or are you going to come in?" Jared asks from the open doorway as he waits for me with an adorable smirk on his face. I stick my tongue out at him childishly, and walk past him and into the house, a small smile spreading across my face.

"What are you grinning about?" he asks, following me inside.

"Oh, nothing," I reply, knowing he hates it when I don't tell him what I'm thinking about.

I sat on the couch, and faced Jared, raising an eye brow as I waited for him to sit beside me. He rolls his eyes before taking a seat. I tried to lean back against the couch, but he pulled me up onto his lap, and put his arms around my waist, keeping me in place.

"Hey, I was perfectly happy on the couch you know." I say, teasing him as I snuggle against him.

"I know." He says, chuckling and kissing my cheek. "What were you thinking about?" he asks again, grinning mischievously.

I turn my head slightly so I could see his face, and frown slightly. "Stuff." I answer simply.

"What stuff?" He asks persistently.

"Just stuff."

"Come on Aurora, we can do this the easy way, or the hard way. Either way, I will find out what you were thinking about." He says, holding me more firming against him as I finally realize what he's planning.

I narrow my eyes as I stare at him. "You wouldn't dare." I say as a clear warning.

"What to bet on that?" He says, as he begins tickling me. I hated being tickled, and he knew it. I always started wriggling and squirming and squealing, and I didn't like it.

Just like every other time, I started squealing and squirming, trying to get away or stop him. I finally relent and squeak out being sequels, "Please stop!"

After a few moments, he finally did and I fell against his chest, my sides hurting from the forced laughter. "You're so evil." I say, trying to catch my breath.

"I'm not evil!." He defends himself, chuckling. "You just have such a cute laugh, I love hearing it." He says, grinning.

"Yeah, sure." I says, rolling my eyes.

After a small pause his mischievous grin returns. "So are you goign to tell me what you were thinking about, or shall the torture commence?"

"Fine." I say, crossing my arms in front of my chest over his arms.

"Well?" He asks, when I don't respond immediately.

"I was thinking about you. Thy way your eyes glow when you're teasing me, the way you always know jsut what to do to make me smile, the way you chose me out of every other girl, and the way you've made me so happy over these past few years." I finally answer, blushing deeply.

After a few moments of silence, he says, "Guess what?"

"What?" I ask, turning my head to face him.

"I love you." he answers, smiling and kissing my cheek.

I smile brightly, still blushing. He rarely ever said he loved me. He didn't have to. because I knew it was true, from the loving glances to the smiles he always game me. He always care about me. "I love you too." I say, my eyes glowing, showing just how truthful I was.

For a moment, neither of us said or did anything, then, as though a switch turned on, we both laughed. For no reason at all, other than that we could, we sat there, and held each other, just laughing together.

As we both calmed down, a thought struck me, and I looked down the hall, towards his parent's bedroom. With all the noise we were making, I was surprised they hadn't come out yet and told Jared to take me home. "Jared, where are you parents?" I ask, looking up at him.

His body stiffened slightly, then quickly relaxed. "They're probably still at the club. They thought I wouldn't be home for another few hours. They'll be home by four at latest." As he says the time, we both look over at the wall clock.

It was just getting to be two A.M. now, so we had two hours to spend. Alone. At his house. Oh gosh. "Why am I here if they're not?" I ask hesitantly, knowing they wouldn't like it.

"Well, uhhmn. . ." He says, leaning back slightly, causing me to fall backwards with him since I was laying on his chest. "We have some time alone so. . ." he says, trailing off.

I blush deeply, surprised. In the three years since we started dating, we had never actually done anything.

He must have taken my hesitance the wrong way, because he shifted us both so that I was just beside him instead of on top of him. "Never mind, forget I said anything." He says sheepishly, obviously embarrassed.

Well, maybe I was ready. He had been nice, and had waited three years to even ask me for anything of the sort, and I wanted this. I knew I wanted this. I turned towards him, and gazed into his eyes for a moment before kissing him slowly, and deliberately.

At first it was a soft, warm kiss. As he reacted, it grew stronger, and harder. We broke apart, both panting softly.

The next time, he kissed me softly, taking his time as though he were tasting my lips for the first time. He took my hands, and softly lifted me off the couch, still kissing me as he led me into his bedroom for the first time.

[Minirose96]

Chapter 3

Betrayal

I a woke slowly, and sighed. It was so different from what I had expected, and Jared had been so gentle. It had hurt, but he made the pain go away, and replaced it with utter bliss.

I sigh again, and open my eyes, which immediately fly to the digital clock on the bedside table. It was 4:30 A.M. It took my mind a moment to register just what that meant, but when it did, I bolted into a sitting position. "oh sh*t." I said, knowing I was going to be in so much trouble when I got home.

It took me another moment to realize that Jared was no longer beside me. He had been holding my waist when I fell asleep, and his disappearance was troubling since I needed a ride home now.

Where is he? I thought as I got out of the bed, finally feeling the aches from last night's activities.

I looked at the scattered clothes on the floor, and slowly bent to pick up my dress when I spotted it a few steps away. I slipped it on, and walked over to the small mirror on his dresser. I used his comb to straighten my hair, removing a few knots before I tied it up in a messy bun. I wanted to look as decent as possible for when I went home, since i didn't want my parents finding out about what had happened.

I glanced around the room once more, searching this time for my heels. I spotted them by the door, and picked them up, not bothering to put them on before leaving the room.

I walked down the hall, and into the living room. "Jared?" i said quietly, hoping he'd answer so he could take me home. I sigh quietly when he doesn't, and glance around, making sure I hadn't left anything in here, which was entirely too possible for comfort.

I took a few steps towards the front door, then paused as I heard Jared's voice in the kitchen. I roll my eyes, thinking, He must have gotten hungry or something and thought he'd slip out for a minute. Why didn't he wake me up, he must have seen the clock.

I walk towards the kitchen door, about to go in when I hear Jared talking to someone. I pause, thinking it was one of his parents until I notice the pauses in conversation. Who's he talking to on the phone this late at night? I wonder, leaning against the door softly to listen in on his half of the conversation.

"Yes I got it." huh? What was Jared talking about?

Pause.

"Of course it was easy. How could it not be?" Easy? What was easy?

Pause.

"I was going to get it anyway, so why not now?" Oh my god. Please don't be talking about what I think you're talking about.

Pause.

"You know I could have gotten it anytime I wanted, but why force her to give it to me when I got it easily by waiting until now." You f*cking pig.

Pause.

"No I don't care about her. I've never cared about her, I got what I wanted." That did it. Those words. They tore my heart and crushed my spirit in a way nothing else could.

I backed away from the door, barely able to contain the sobs that quaked through my body. I was so close to tears, it took every ounce of control I had not to cry as loudly as I could. I can't believe he would do this to me. How could he talk about it, like us, like that? I thought he loved me. I thought he loved me. That final thought continued to roll through by mind, repeating endlessly.

I had to leave, had to get away from this pain.

I crept quietly past the kitchen and to the front door, opening it just enough for me to slip out of. I left it open as I made my escape, walking down the driveway before taking off at a full run towards home. The tears fell freely, rolling down my cheeks, and dripping onto the pavement as I ran.

Home. It was only five miles away. If I had been calm while running, I could have made it easily. but I wasn't calm. I was anything but calm. The tears and sobs continued to echo through my body, and before long I had to stop to catch my breath. That was a big mistake.

As soon as I stopped running, I sank to my knees. I sat there in the middle of the side walk for who knows how long. Everything seemed so much worse out here, in the dark, with no one around and only my thoughts to comfort me, all thought they did not comforting on this night. They only made the pain that much more potent. How could he say those things about me? I thought he loved me. . .I gave him everything, my heart, my love, and finally myself, and he crushed them all with his words. I thought he loved me. The same thought from earlier continued to echo in my mind, a constant reminder of what had happened.

Eventually, I found the strength to return to my feet. I stood slowly, and began walking towards home, the one place where everything seemed to make sense anymore.

When I finally did walk into the house, I regretted it instantly. Mom and Dad were sitting at the dining table, staring at the door as i walked in. They did NOT look pleased. I glanced quickly at the wall clock, and winced inwardly. It was past 6:00 A.M. I looked outside the window, and winced again as I saw the beginnings on the sun rise. Yikes. I was in so much trouble.

After an uncomfortable silence, dad spoke, using his don't-you-dare-lie-to-me voice. I could tell instantly that he was p*ssed. "Where have you been all night?"

"I was at Prom, then I went over to Erica's house with Jared, Chris and her." I said, partially telling the truth in the beginning, and slowly working my way into the lie. I would give Erica the cover story later.

"If you were at a friend's house, why have you been crying?" mom asked, staring with worry at my eyes, that must have been red and puffy since I had only moments before stopped crying.

"I don't really want to talk about it. . ." I mumble, looking down at the tiled floor.

"But honey, you have to tell us, we were worried about you all night." mom said, coming over to touch my cheek. "What's wrong baby?"

"Jared and I broke up. . ." I finally mumble, tears once again beginning to fall.

"Oh, I'm so sorry sweetie. Why? he was such a nice boy." Mom said, hugging me gently.

"I really don't want to talk about it mom. Can I please go to bed?" I ask, stepping gently out of her grasp, and wiping my face with my hands to get rid of the lingering tears.

"Of course dear, have a good rest. We'll talk about it more later." mom says, holding her hand over dad's mouth just as he was about to say something else.

I nodded gratefully and headed up the stairs to me room, collapsing on the bed. I cried myself to sleep, buried in the familiar comfort of my down blanket.

[Minirose96]

Chapter 4

Dead inside

I woke up sometime around four in the afternoon only to have last night's events rush through me. It all flashed through my mind like a movie on fast-forward. Prom, which had been fun, Jared's house which had been beyond words, then, at the end, it all slowed down, causing the over heard conversation to echo through out my mind. Just thinking about it made me want to cry again.

I couldn't help but be a little happy that it was Saturday. That meant I had over a day to get a hold of myself before the last week of school started. School. That still meant I'd have to see him. I never wanted to see that lying pig again.

I pulled myself out of bed, and went to the mirror on my dresser. I was a mess, to say the least. I was still in my blue prom dress, once loved, and now hated beyond words. I hadn't changed before falling asleep, so it figures that I'd still be in the accursed thing. My eye were red and puffy, no doubt from crying even while I slept.

I pulled the pins out of my hair, allowing it to lay flat against my back before combing through it with my brush to remove the knots, which had built up as I tossed and turned while asleep. After I finished that, I put the brush back on the dresser and exited my room.

I went into the upstairs bathroom, just to the left of my bedroom, and turned on the hot water before slipping out of the dress and stepping into the warm stream. I was thankful that this bathroom was just for me, because I didn't want to leave it anytime soon.

The hot water helped to calm my nerves just a bit. Not enough to erase the pain, but enough to relieve the burdens of it all. I felt stiff as a board as I stood in the warm water's stream. It was so comforting. I never wanted to leave the water's warm caress. When I finally forced myself to turn off the shower, the water had begun to run cold.

I wrapped myself in a big fluffy towel, shivering from the sudden coldness of the air around me. It was like ice against my skin after the shower. I stepped out of the bathroom and walked back to my room as goosebumps began to rise on both of my arms.

I went to my closet and grabbed a black Rolling Stones t-shirt and a pair of loose jeans. After dressing in those, I grab my grey Aero jacket and slip that on over my shirt. It was still too cold. I rub my hands up and down my arms, adding some heat by friction before walking over to the mirror to make sure I looked normal enough to stop my parents from worrying again.

As I stare at myself in the mirror, I realize that I hadn't warn this shirt in almost a year. Not that it mattered, my parents wouldn't notice that, and I didn't want to change again. That seemed to be the only off detail.

I start to turn away from the mirror when something else catches my eye. I turn back to the mirror, staring at my reflection intently. What had it been? I thought, trying to find the littlest difference. I know I didn't imagine what I saw. Then I finally found the difference, so small, but so noticeable.

My lively green eyes didn't have their usual glow. They didn't even look alive anymore, but then again, I didn't feel alive right now. I felt like a walking corpse, trying to live the life I had before it changed. I was falling apart from the inside-out. It was only a matter of time.

I sigh and turn my back to the mirror, hating what I saw in it. I look over to my beside table, and notice my cell phone vibrating. I hadn't paid much attention to it until now, but it had been going off and on for at least ten minutes now. Who could possible be calling me now?

I walk over and sit on my bed before picking up the phone, and looking at the caller I.D. It was the one person I never wanted to see, hear, or think about again. HE was calling me. There was absolutely no chance of me answering that phone call. I let voice-mail catch it instead.

After he hung up, I flipped open the phone and went straight to my voice-mail box to see what he had said, curiosity getting the better of me. I did expect to see one voice-mail. I did NOT expect more than a dozen voice-mails, over a dozen texts, and about twenty missed calls with not message left behind. Oh Great. Now I have to go through all of them to delete them,[i] I think as I get to work.

I decided to start with the voice-mails first, since they would probably hurt the worst. I opened the first voice-mail and was startled by his worried voice saying, "Aurora, are you okay? Where are you? What happened? Please call back." [i]Sheesh. I think as I deplete it. One might actually think he cared about me. As if. He's probably just wondering when he can score again. All of the other voice-mails were pretty much the same thing, and I deleted them all one at a time, not bothering to listen to most of them.

Next were the text messages. The first few I opened were just written versions of the voice-mails, and pretty soon I just gave up and deleted them without reading them, clearing out my inbox quickly and effectively.

Finally, it was almost over. There was just one thing left to do, and then I would be through with him and his bullsh*t and fake love forever. I sent him one last text, that said only three little words. We are Over. I quickly blocked his number from my phone before setting it down and standing.

I left my bed room, and walked down the stairs, a false smile plastered on my lips. "Hi mom, hi Dad." I say, seeing them sitting in the living room.

"Good morning Aurora, are you feeling better?" My mother asks, looking up from her seat. "Would you like something to eat? I'll make your favorite."

"No thanks mom, and I'm doing fine." I say, giving her a hug as she sat.

"Are you sure?" She persists, standing.

"Yeah mom, I'm sure. I'm just not hungry." I says, giving her another hug. "I'm just going to stay upstairs today."

"Okay honey. . .I'm always here if you need to talk." she says, sitting again.

I smile faintly at her before heading back upstairs, and into my room. At least up here I didn't have to fake smiles, and pretend to be happy and okay. The second floor was mine, since my parent's bedroom and bathroom was on the first floor. They rarely ever came up.

I sat on my bed for what seemed like the tenth time that day, contemplating what to do now. I was supposed to meet Erica, Chris, and . . .him at the movies, but obviously that was out, since one, I hated HIM, and two, I had overslept. I didn't want to talk to them anyway right now. Erica would understand later.

I decide to just take another nap. I was tired, despite all the sleep I had just gotten. I changed out of the jeans and into a pair of comfortable sweat pants before turning off the lights and slipping under the covers. I soon drifted off into a restless sleep.

[Minirose96]

Chapter 5

Nightmares

Please note that this is only the first half of the chapter, the second half will be up shortly, sorry for the wait.

I was in a strange, dark place. All alone. The only thing around be were the shadows around me, which twisted and turned as though they were alive. I look around, hoping for a glimmer of something light, something different than the engulfing darkness around me.

Then, as if a blessing from some unknown watcher who pitied my helplessness, I saw it. A single, solitary light, so far away. But that didn't matter. All that mattered is that I could see it, could see my salvation.

Without pausing for a second thought, I ran towards the light, towards my safe haven. But as I ran, the light grew farther and farther, more distant with every stride I took.

The shadows around me stole the breath from my lungs, forcing me to stop, and regain the stolen air. As I panted, I watched the light. It flickered slowly before disappearing all together, leaving me in an eery darkness, though there were still shadows. My only coherent thought was that I must find the light, any source of light, to save myself.

But it was gone. The light was gone, and the darkness around me was closing in, engulfing me. I felt like I was going to suffocate in the endless blackness around me.

Then, a miracle. I heard footsteps. Someone was coming. Someone was coming to help me, to save me from this endless torment. I shouted, and cried, begging for help from the stranger, who was coming slowly closer. As the doorsteps grew louder, A light began to approach as well, beautiful light, coming from the strange figure approaching.

Out of the darkness, and into the light, I saw the familiar silhouette of the man I had loved, and still did, despite what had happened. He smiled softly, wiping the tears from my eyes as Jared's face came into view. "Thank you." Was all I could say as I slowly approached him.

He smiled back at me, the familiar smile that made me believe that it had all been a bad dream, and that he really did still love me. He held out his hand as I got closer, preparing to sweep me away from this pain, this darkness.

Just one more step, and I would be safe and loved in his arms, in the light, away from the darkness and shadow that brought only pain and confusion. But I couldn't take that last step, I couldn't reach him. I couldn't move my leg to take the last step to him.

I looked down, and watched, stunned, and a single think strange of shadow wrapped around my leg, holding me there. It wouldn't let go, not matter how hard I struggled. "Jared!" I cried out, scared as the darkness began pulling me back. "Help me, please!"

I looked up, meeting Jared's eyes, but they had changed from the loving gaze I knew. His hand had returned to his side, and the smile had faded from his face, replaced by an evil smirk. His eye were now dark, just as dark and malicious as the shadows. he started chuckling, as the light faded from him. "I would never help someone like you." He spat the words out scornfully before turning away, leaving me as the darkness pulled me steadily deeper into it's harmful embrace.

I was sinking, disappearing into the darkness. No way out, suffocating, I couldn't breath, couldn't thank about anything other than the pain. I let out one last scream, shouting his name before the darkness swallowed me whole.

I jolted awake, shaking terribly as I relived the last moments of the dream -- no, it wasn't a dream -- a nightmare. Goosebumps ran up and down my arms, not from the cold, but from the terror that still plagued me, even in the real world.

I was startled once again when I heard a succession of loud knocks on my bedroom door. "Aurora, are you okay?" My mother asked, her voice strained with sleep and worry.

I tried to respond immediately, but my voice was caught in my throat as I spoke, and I had to start again. "Yes Mom, I'm fine."

"Are you sure baby?" She asked, more awake and still just as worried.

"Yes, I'm sure. I'll be down in a minute."

"All right, I'm making breakfast now. It's your favorite." She said as she left, probably trying to encourage me to come down sooner so she could watched me herself.

I sighed and stood, stretching my arms up in the air until I heard the telltale crack of a popped back. The familiar sound and feeling made me feel just a little bit more normal.