The morning eventually shifted to nightfall and my plans awaited in the hands of Ethan. He sent me a text telling me he'd show up at my apartment around six. I glanced at the time, it was five o'clock, so I had an hour to kill before the fun began. I drove home and parked my car, then headed towards my apartment. I quickly jumped in the shower, then dressed in a dark purple jumper with jeans. For a finishing touch, my hair laid in soft brown curls, framing my face to make my grey eyes shimmer. Exactly at six o'clock, I heard the chiming of my doorbell, making Ethan's presence known. As I opened the door for Ethan I braced myself for whatever mischief he's planned for the night. Ethan greeted me with a friendly grin as I let him in. He had a small wrapped box in one hand and a cake box in the other. As he walked in I noticed he wore a soft green dress shirt with jeans and his hair was a tousled blonde mess, giving him a boyish appearance. Curiosity got the best of me and I asked, "So what's the plan?"
He gave me a playful smirk, "Now where would the fun be if I spoiled the evening by spilling my surprise?"
I inwardly groaned, "You know I don't like surprises Ethan." I told him with a warning tone.
He chuckled, "You need to lighten up and live a little Eve, because you're in for a real shocker. Before we leave I want you to open your gift." He handed me the small wrapped box.
I carefully ripped the pink paper and opened the box. Inside was an ancient, yet elegant violet gemstone necklace. "I hope you like it." he said.
"Thanks Ethan, it's beautiful. Can you help me put it on?" I asked.
He put the necklace around my neck then asked, "Are you ready for your surprise?"
I took a deep breath, "Ready as I'll ever be." I replied.
He jingled his keys in my face, "Then let's get to it Princess!" His voice hardly suppressed his excitement.
I chuckled at this boy's exhilaration; I really do question his sanity sometimes.
The drive wasn't long, but that still didn't stop me from firing questions at him. "Where are we going? If you bring me to a club I'm going to kill you, or if you planned another party-"
He cut me off irritated of my nagging, "Put a sock in it Eve! We're here now so you can quit bugging me."
He said while parking his car in an isolated area. Too busy yapping my mouth off to Ethan, I failed to notice our surroundings. I hopped out of the car looking at where he could have possibly brought us, coming to conclusion we were officially in the middle of nowhere. "What the hell Ethan, did you want to celebrate my birthday in no man's land!?"
"Take a chill pill Eve. We're not there yet." He told me as he locked his car and began to walk towards the forest a few yards ahead.
I caught up to him and asked, "So, you want to surprise me by the probability of us both being eaten alive by a wild bear?"
Stopping in his tracks he turned to face me, "Evelyn, I need you to trust me, ok? I'd never bring you anywhere dangerous, so please stop being so negative." he told me and began walking again.
Guilt rushed over me for realizing I made him think I had no trust in him. Reluctantly I zipped my mouth and stumbled after Ethan farther into the musty damp forest.
What felt like eternity, but in reality was a fifteen minute stroll through the forest, Ethan finally stopped walking. What towered before us took my breath away, in front of us stood a magnificent wisteria tree. It was absolutely beautiful with it's dark woodsy trunk spiraling upwards towards the sky, allowing its delicate wild flowers to rain down upon us; confining us in its exoticness. I looked at Ethan awestruck. "It's breath taking Ethan!" I exclaimed.
His eyes shone with joy at my happiness, "This forest is rarely used so I go here to think sometimes." He told me.
I walk further into the tree planting myself comfortably against the trunk, then looked up admiring its beauty. Ethan accompanies me and tilted his head upwards as he spoke, "I've never shown anyone this place before, I like to think of it as my personal thinking space, I suppose." he said.
As he was settled down into the dark mossy earth, he stayed quiet, almost as if he was composing his thoughts. His eyes were roaming the ground until they landed on a fallen flower that seemed to have caught his attention. Ethan began fiddling with the flower, as if it fascinated him. Suddenly he began to speak, "Eve, do you like fairytales?" He asked me.
I was a bit taken back by his question, and wondered why he'd ask something like that. "Yeah, I think they're cute, and kinda romantic."
Ethan shifted his body to face me now, his face grew more earnest, "Alright, well, how much do you believe in them?"
I shot him a strange look as I pondered on his question. He rose his eyebrows waiting for me to answer. "Well, I believe in fairytales to some extent, but come on Ethan, we both know they're just a figment of imagination."
Ethan stared at me for moment and said, "No, seriously Eve, what if magic existed and it's literally hidden right before your eyes."
I exhaled a small chuckle and shook my head at this boy's wild imagination. "Okay Ethan, whatever makes you happy."
His face grew into a scowl, "You really don't believe me do you?"
I became slightly impatient with his attitude, but nevertheless I attempted to keep the mood light. "This was a wonderful surprise Ethan. Thank you." I told him with sincerity.
"I'm glad you like it but-"
He paused, averting his eyes looking hesitant to continue. "But, what?" I urged him.
He inhaled a shaky breath, "I still have one more surprise tonight, but I need to know something first. Evelyn, do you trust me?"
He asked, his voice wavering at the end. Furrowing my eyebrows in confusion I said, "Of course I do, why would you even ask that?"
Before he answered he plucked a wild flower from the tree crushing it in his enclosed fist. What is he doing? I thought to myself. "Good, because it's time I show you who you really are Eve." He said while evading my puzzled look I shot him.
Note to self: find a therapist for Ethan. I'm in no mood for ridiculous riddles. I pushed myself off the ground brushing my pants off, I'm done playing games, I thought to myself. "Ethan I'm in no mood for your fun and games, just take me home please."
His eyes locked onto mine as he said, "As you wish Princess."
His eyes flickered closed as he whispered, "Creosa."
The ground beneath my feet began to tremor, my knees buckled as I plummeted to the ground. Flashes of vibrant colors danced before my eye, making it harder to concentrate. Noises became more defined and louder, making it difficult to comprehend anything. I desperately tried to grasp for Ethan, for anything really, but miserably failed. Fear ran throughout my body as my vision hazed to a black blur, followed by an ear piercing shrill. Caving to my fear I let my walls crash down, and I was enveloped into silent darkness.
YOU ARE READING
Imperium
RomanceEvelyn is a normal college girl with a normal boring life, or so she thinks. She plans to celebrate her 21st birthday with her best friend, Ethan. What she expects it maybe a few drinks and gifts from her friend, but what she doesn't expect is to...
