Short Story "Ardent Flames"

Cigarette smoke furled up to the ceiling, leaving a stinging sensation in the air. The barstools squeaked under the weight of several patrons, smiling and joking with one another. It felt warm and homely within, as dim lights brightened the tables. The girl checked her phone once more. She knew that she shouldn’t worry; Jaime was almost always a few minutes late.

Constant chatter filled her ears as she surveyed the door. A musician sat in the corner, adjusting the height of the microphone and tuning his guitar slightly. Tapping her fingers impatiently would get her nowhere. A small bell tinged, alerting her of a newcomer. A tall man with curly obsidian hair met her eyes. He grinned, removing his scarf and coat, placing them on a nearby rack. The room now seemed more pleasant and full of life.

“Why, Bec, I barely recognized you!” Jaime embraced her. Rebecca steadied her grip so her drink won’t spill. He gripped her tightly, as they had just found each other after so long. His eyes shone bright blue in the dim lighting as he ordered a drink, taking in Rebecca.

“It’s been so long, Jaime, almost-” She cut herself off, trying to count the numbers.

“Twenty years, I believe. You don’t look a day over twenty-one, though.” He winked as the bartender delivered his glass with a slight tap on the counter. Rebecca flushed.

“Chivalrous as always, James,” She teased. He shrugged as if that much would have been obvious. The first few chords of a guitar pulled her from her thoughts. The musician was preparing to sing another song. James took a drink and extended his hand.

“Looks like we’re way overdue for a dance,” He challenged, offering his arm.

“No way. I haven’t danced since high school. And with all these people-”

“No one will care, Bec. It will be just us,” Jaime pleaded. The sincerity in his voice made her almost do a double-take. Almost. She stubbornly remained in her seat as he sighed a tad defeated. But his hopeful smile didn’t fully fade.

“Maybe you’ll change your mind after a few drinks,” He joked. He always mentioned that she needed to let loose and not be as uptight. She slapped his arm scoldingly. He pretended to be wounded, clutching his arm.

As she observed him, she couldn’t help but notice his ironed shirt and pressed pants. Unlike his rock band tees and ripped jeans she usually thought of. Instead of his wild, unkempt hair that she remembered, it was cleanly cut and tamed.

“What’s up with your outfit? The nicest thing I’ve ever seen you wear was a tee-shirt with a tux printed onto it.” Jaime laughed and drank. Deeply. Rebecca couldn’t stop herself from doing the same. The world became brighter and all the same, protective from inevitable darkness that was too soon to return. When the effects died and reality resurfaced.

_____

Everyone had come and mostly gone. The last call had been announced, so it wasn’t long before the bar would close for the night. Rebecca felt lighter, her head spinning slightly. It had been a long time since she’d been at a bar for more than an hour or two at most.

Jaime took her hand, his eyes dazed and cloudy. Definitely not a man who was thinking clearly. He pulled her up from her seat and they flew out into the crisp air that was so much different than the coziness of the bar.

“You asked me-” His thoughts were barely stitched together. Jaime leaned closer. The streetlights illuminated his sapphire eyes.

“About my clothing…” He stopped as if he was a schoolgirl sharing a secret. “It’s because I’m married.”

She stopped. Dead. Her ears couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

“You’re what?” It shouldn’t be all that shocking that Jaime---her Jaime---

Her mind became a blur; her mind fractured. All of her high school days came flooding back. A girl buried in her grades and books, whose best friend made every single person feel welcome. He was the one who wouldn’t hesitate. Rebecca had never told him, and now he was taken. Taken in a way that she would never be able to get back.

She glanced back at him. Their gazes locked. She looked at her boots, embarrassed as if she was sixteen again.

But Jaime didn’t look away from her. Her eyes settled on his once more. His eyes were on her lips. He looked entranced. Seduced with her stare.

“Jaime-” She pushed him away. “You’re drunk. You’re not thinking clearly.”

He only snickered, like she’d said something funny, placing his hand within hers. He didn’t frighten her, but she still wanted to be on guard. Jaime looked as if he would cry. Rebecca reminisced holding his hand and it didn’t have to mean anything….

But this meant something she was tempted to say yes to. His grip was earnest, his touch soft.

“You don’t understand, Bec, I never told you but I-” His voice seemed to rush and crack as if he would never get the chance to say it again. She put a finger to his mouth.

“Don’t say it.” she cut him off, because if he said it-

“I want to.” Jaime interlaced their hands. Rebecca felt a flare of anger. And regret.

“You’re married.” It struck her as real as any blow could. Affirming what she didn’t want. Jaime wasn’t married to her, and she wouldn’t take part in something so adulterous.

Rebecca tore away from his grip. Jaime retreated from her, but the sharp ache within his heart only grew. A look of shame was painted on his face, as he looked to the polluted sky. The stars were blotched out, and his mind was only filled with the “what ifs” of his life. She spun on her heel, tears soaking her face.

His longing voice called her name but she didn’t listen. She had to go. Away. Before she made a mistake that she wouldn’t regret.