14 Broken Wings

The smoke detectors were everywhere except in the new room. Thanking their improvidence, Ben and Alex had the opportunity to consume weedy smoke as much as they needed. Oddly enough, he should feel triumphant (earlier, he was); on the other hand, Ben lost that kind of contentment when his only friend got weirder because of the discovery. Worse and worse, Alex dwelled in the planetarium room since he found the safe zone for smoking, accounting for it his private escape, Ben thought this room would be Alex’s deathbed.

Alex was a little upset at first when people initially acknowledge the new room but as they took a small fancy to it (like Ben), not many spent a long time sitting there. Therefore, a few days later, there were only a few people visited. Another reason was when Alex started lighting a cigarette, people left; that was why the room smelt like weed all the time. Alex also found a way to banish people out of his favorite place. He wanted to seize the room as his only shelter without the mind of sharing.

“Come on Alex! Control your power. So, you can fly among these fake stars,” Ben shouted and yawned. He was sitting on the chair in the air like heaven’s king.

Alex looked upward and started to jump. The tall body flew into the air like a little missile and when the speed decelerated, it was like he floated in the air. His friend began to learn levitation and fought himself against gravity. “Yeah! That’s right!” cheered Ben. He saw Alex try several times until his head bumped into the ceiling.

“Oh, man. Don’t’ forget it’s not real.” His tone showed no sympathy but ridicule.

“Shit!” Alex scolded himself, then looked upward and revealed the evil smile.

Too late, the chair Ben sitting on was overturned by a force.

“Fuck you!” He nearly fell but his hands could grip the armrest in time. He gradually controlled it and the chair slowly lowered and lowered until his feet touched the ground safely.

“Fuck you, I’m done here.” His head was boiling and another main reason, Ben got bored of artificial stars.

“Easy man,” Alex lit a cigarette. It was the fourth one he exploited this morning. He smoked as though he could produce cigarettes from the air or had the magic to conjure them.

“How many you have now?”

“…Umm, nine, I think. Yours?”

“Eighteen.”

Those dark eyes shone brightly. “Give me five if you don’t want to smoke.”

“No.” Ben ducked one of his brows intending to irritate the buddy. “Unless you go somewhere else.” In the corner of his eyes saw the Big Bang he watched ten times. “I’m bored.”

“I won’t. You go. Find some chicks as you like.” Alex lay down stationing his position stubbornly.

“Trade for five packages?”

“No.”

“Eight?”

“No.”

“Ten?”

“No.”

“Are you insane?” He began to lose patience. Alex might consume too much isolation and weeds, and probably be out of his mind. “Are your growing weeds inside your head? You can’t live here! Come on! Have you ever returned your room? Or take a shower?”

Alex turned muted for a while. “Maybe, I’m bored too. You may have fun with girls, with people. My solution is smoking and watching them.” He exhaled a large fume. “They’re beautiful. Why can’t you see that? Such a mysterious beauty…who did create all of this?”

Ben finally sighed. “They’re beautiful and mundane. They’re senseless and lifeless. Alex, you’re going to be one of them.”

The smoke covered all over him as if it could respond to his comparison. “Go. I’m okay. I won’t go anywhere until they tell us why they send us here.”

“Like they will!”

Alex was still unmoved. Ben hit his hand in the air and the seats attacked the one who was smoking.

“Don’t mess with me!” Alex shouted and brushed them away. The furniture flew separately. “Go away!”

“Serve you right, stoner!”

Ben fanned his head from side to side. You’re mad. The young man exited the room, leaving Alex lost in the imitated universe he created. For almost a month, they were the first residents, using every space the place could provide. And they ran out of activities. If he had to live here eternally, he would die of boredom, suffocating of extra white color while Alex became one of the stars.

Ben thought of the girl, Alexis, but she always stayed with her friends and the Thomas. It was difficult to get to know the target when Tessa and that macho boy always blocked him. The last time their first met, he just introduced himself. Her cheeks turned red, trying to avoid his eyes, which also signaled the silver lining. Her hesitation slowed his pace but it was not a burden. He must make it forward little by little.

There are some basic rules to chasing a pretty girl. Do not flirt too much. Don’t act like you are ready to spoil her. Keep being mysterious. Reveal who you are. Reveal the fire of desire inside you. But act like a gentleman even though she thinks she knows you. Be a prince. Be a good friend but not let her friend zone. Be polite. Let her feel she is your precious and ignore her. Get her close and keep a distance. Make other girls fall for you too. Fool her. Make her confused. Until she starts to follow you until she falls for you, take down her pride, you win.

He spent an hour courting a girl he minded not to ask her name. For a hopeless romantic, it was easier. They were waiting for a prince and opened their heart to whoever they mistook for their prince. This night was probably not a lone night but the loneliness never left him. Or had he to stay in that room with Alex and let the weeds control his head? Why did he begin to feel passionless? It would be good news if there was something that appeared on that fucking black screen. But Nothing! Nothing….and he decided to leave this unknown girl alone.

Do I got infected by Alex?

He wandered alone and did not know what to do. Or they will leave us rotten?

They fell into this hell for almost a month. Drinking too much alcohol, or in other words, they had consumed a tank of it. Normally, humans with the gift like them were slightly got affected by the intoxication which included the effect of drugs. Nonetheless, if they were consumed in a large quantity, they would be affected anyway. The intoxication altered their stable consciousness—blaming their carelessness too. That day, troubled minds, they’d done the silliest thing—showing off their powers to each other at the sky penthouse (which belonged to Alex, not his family) on top of the city—where they were caught.

Ben discovered his superhuman ability in childhood while Alex found his own specialty by accident. For Sarah, they did not know exactly when she got it because she had never told. There, they boasted and performed the gifts, without knowing that a close friend would betray them. Within an hour, the cops intruded with the special warrant. Of course, they fought against them and if they wanted to flee from the scene, he was confident that they could. But the authority threatened that they would link this accusation to Alex’s and Sarah’s families. The strangest was they could not use their power. Probably the effect of consuming excessive drugs and alcohol. Moreover, Alex’s younger brother became their hostage. No surprise why they yielded. Ironically, they surrendered to the police in order to help the one who caused trouble. It was Nik, Alex’s brother, who reported to the police. Nik witnessed his brother’s secret with his own eyes and decided to inform the authority.

Ben admitted that he was surprised when discovered the fact that it was Nik who betrayed them because the boy was sweet...well as he had formerly misunderstood. But as he analyzed the situation in Alex’s family, he sensed some clues. The cold-hearted father expected his children to have extremely high competency since he hoped they continue all the businesses of Volcov. Vlad, Alex’s big brother, was Mr. Perfect and was able to respond to his father’s expectations in everything. Alex could be the second Mr. Perfect if he and his father argued less. The main reason for their dispute stemmed from Fyodor’s disapproval of Alex’s passion for photography. Although Alex’s competency had not been seconded to his older brother, he lacked a good obedient character. As the three brothers must help each other take care of the business empire someday, Nik had no mind sharing the fortune with his brothers. He regarded them as his rivals. The young boy might see the chance to get rid of one of the heirs. Consequently, when he found out that one of his brothers possessed unlawful power, he tipped the police without hesitation.

Ben knew Alex got hurt badly even the fact that Ben seduced Sarah and her betrayal could not wound him that much. Compared to the betrayal wound, this was just a scratch. Ben always seduced his girlfriend and Alex had been familiar with it. What truly caused Alex’s pain was Nik’s betrayal. And another thing, he longed for reconciliation with his father.

Who knew? The father who seemed to be strict and cold-hearted finally revealed that he did love his children unconditionally. When Alex had been arrested, as the king of Volkov Corporation Group, Fyodor made every effort to take his second son out of the case. For Alex, it was similar to falling to hell, without the chance of repentance. Even God of Volkov could not rescue his son. The affection Alex first realized warmed his heart and it might be the major factor that made him an introvert today. As Ben had mentioned, Alex and his father disputed several times, specifically since his mother died. Alex yearned to go back and reconcile any mistakes he had done with the father. Or at least, to speak their mind, they needed to talk but the chance had been taken away. Worse, the pain from his loving brother’s betrayal could not be forgotten as well.

“Nik, he’s being used. It’s not his original will. I know him. He changes because of Auntie Kat. It must be her. She put the bad thought in his head. She poisoned his mind,” Alex told Ben when they were imprisoned in a cell.

“If this thought warmed your heart, continue doing it.”

Enough of Alex. Listened to his story. Thinking of his own family made him want to laugh out loud. Ben was one of the children out of wedlock. He did not know who his real mother was but she might be a whore somewhere. Father said he was the smartest kid and had the potential to be his heir. Since childhood, he took little Ben to all the workplaces. Ben learned from his father and he was so proud, thinking his father chose him, his father accepted him as his true son. That was why people did not regard him as the bastard but as ‘Benjamin Rosier’, the son and heir. And when his father acknowledged the news of the arrest, he disowned Ben immediately. On the second day in the cell, Julian, a stepbrother, visited him with a jeering smile, telling them their father took him to the office. His unloving brother informed the news that now he became the favorite son, not Ben anymore. That was why Julian got a broken nose and lost some of his teeth because Ben hit the loving step-brother’s head on the corner of a table as gentle as a serial killer could be. On the day of the departure, only his old nanny came to make the farewell. Father might be busy fixing Julian’s face. An heir with a broken nose and without some teeth did not represent a good image to the business.

It served him right. No, he should deserve more.

Knowing he was no more the heir but a useless bastard, Ben had no regret for his action. His father had not regarded the children as the other parents did but he regarded them as his products. They were only the nominated successors. Thinking of his family, Ben wished he could go back home, revenge on his father, and destroyed more teeth of anyone who became his favorite.

“Hey, you!”

Noel Thomas was the last person he wanted to meet. Tessa’s brother called him and sounded more respectful than the last time.

“What’s the matter? I insist that she seduces me.” Ben, instantly, responded.

Noel frowned and said, “I just want to apologize for the last time I…was rude to you. I thought you harassed my sister but it was my sister’s that did…trick us...I should be careful to accuse someone.”

“Trick? She embarrassed me in front of the public! She abused my reputation, man.” Ben gave a mocking grin. “How can you learn the truth, young man? Why doesn’t she come herself? I will listen.”

“That’s not the point. I just want to apologize for my part. You’ll accept or not, I don’t care. At least, I’ve done what I have to.”

He just came and departed. Ben chuckled to himself. Weird. And then, he realized something. To approach that dolly face would be much easier. When the brother realized the truth, Tessa was just a liar bitch. Alex was right; the only fun thing for Ben was to chase girls.

No not one, Alex, annoying you is fun too.

He tried to figure out where Alexis could go. Probably a cinema room because she did not like the crowd he saw last time. It required no time for cheap chicks but girls with some classes, he must be classy too. Anyway, the first step was to get to know her more. She looks young. Maybe it doesn’t take that long? I hope that dumb blond is not around.

However, he did not find Alexis but another.

This time, it was not surprising to see her. Sarah was standing with her back against the wall, smiling gracefully. She was lovelier, Ben thought. Being caged for a long time dispirited them. Sarah, now, was similar to a dying rose. Her lips curled in disgust and delight when he shot a smile at her. Ben knew immediately what she wanted. Yes, she could not pass his test but admittedly, this dying flower still looked gorgeous.

“You look like a dead battery,” she said, her arms wrapping around his neck. In every class, bitch’s always bitch. He breathed in her perfume. It was the scent of roses.

“My dear, have you ever seen a forgotten expired corn soup behind the dusty shelf?” He pushed her golden hair away from her lovely face. “Use the mirror.”

“Sharp-tongued.” And she bent her head on his chest. Ben was quick to embrace her. Perhaps this was how Alex saw them comparable, one like a matchstick that was easy to lit, and one was the fire that burns everything. They worshipped human instinct and passion.

Her baby blue eyes met his ambers. “Tell me. Who is your new target? You wander around to hunt prey. I recognize the way your eyes gleam.”

“Huh? You come to me just for asking this question?” His two palms slid underneath her shirt, no bra again. The warmth of a woman’s soft body was always better than the warmth of a fur coat. Fondling her blossoms, she let him do it without protest.

“Who is the unlucky lady?” Her brow jerked up and she smiled challengingly.

Ben knew he never despised this woman but never loved her. All of the above, Ben was impressed that she had never bored him when it was time for this. Her scent of the rose extract— perhaps red roses, the soft of her smooth skin, and possession of a female predator, “You’ll see,” replied he. Lowered his head to where her lips were waiting. His tongue searched for the taste of her craving. It was spicy and sweet. The young man wondered which reason could make Alex run out of passion for this woman. How could he restrain himself when she came close and used her tongue all over his body?

She took off his shirt with her small hands but it seemed she tore it. For a few seconds, she seemed hesitating and tried to push him away. “This place is cursed, Ben. I don’t know why I keep messing with you. I don’t know at all.”

He pulled her close. Their mouths glued to each other while his hands moved to the lower part, touching her rose petals, already wet. She was pleased, pleased to be touched. It was not his over-pride but her singing, her breath, and her move. He reached for her tongue, and kissed her neck, removing her clothes. Until the nectar glided, the woman wrapped one of her legs around his waist, urging him to do it more. There, he pushed her into the nearest nook beside the drinking machine. And then they prepared to demonstrate the tantric performance in a semi-public place.

No one here and no one would care. Sarah unbuttoned her top revealing her full white breast. Ben sucked it intensively. She mourned. He moved up and dipped his tongue in this little mouth then her neck. She grabbed his face and bit his ears. Once their bodies entwined, Sarah arched her back and allowed him to reunite. He felt her warm temperature and the electricity. They beat the first rhythm and the other followed. It was the ballad first then the rock went on. Sarah was a really good partner. Her voice, her move, her body, everything stimulated the wild instinct in him. Ben groaned and made her cry harder until her body twitched. Her slender legs locked him up. He still moved ‘till all of their fuels ran out.

**********

“You two should marry but please don’t reproduce. Your devil offspring will cause the second apocalypse. Thank Satan for letting me be your friend…I can’t believe it! You guys are crazy?”

Ben sat with his back leaning on the wall, slightly exhausted, and Sarah bent her head on his right shoulder, the same breathing rhythm. Now, Ben checked his shirt that had been torn by Sarah’s claws. Alex was sitting in front of them, watching the best friend and the ex-girlfriend dressing up.

“Having children with him? I hate Ben, Alex. You know well.”

“I must be the bent Julius Caesar who wed Brutus.”

Alex rolled his eyes. “Yeah, but what the fuck I just heard? The bent Julius and Brutus coiled up to each other.”

Ben shrugged.

“You’re fucking crazy. I’m the maddest that befriend you two. It’s daytime and people are walking around. How can you do it?”

“It’s called excitement, son. And we’re cavemen. This is how cavemen do. Why you get out of that room?” Ben asked because Alex recently told him not to get out and he was about to root his feet in there. “Showering? Three days ago?”

Sarah yelled, “Ewww, Alex. Don’t skip a shower.”

“Am I stink?” He jerked his brow to challenge her.

Sarah, bending her head, gave him a cunning smile, then, licked her thumb. Just a moment Ben thought she could handle both men. But the truth was Ben and Alex did not share this kind of privacy, including 3P or orgy.

Well, it did not include when Ben was among women. They could not look at each other while they were having sex. He did not know why. They could change clothes in the same room but not this.

Alex averted his eyes from Sarah’s invitation. “I’m kidding. Forget it.” Turned to Ben. “Well, I just realize that I’m hungry so I leave that room. Then I heard her scream…” he narrowed his eyes to both of them including the knowing smile.

Alex, certainly, must be familiar with it. They spend their time together for a few romantic weeks before Ben destroyed their relationship. At least, now, they seemed to talk normally like really good friends.

“Is it hard to get a guy? Sarah?” asked Alex.

“Yeah,” The blondie confessed, combing her golden hair with her fingers. “There are a few hot guys and most of them lose their interest in women…including you.”

“I don’t…” Alex bit his lips. “We can’t go back.”

“I know. That’s why I’m with him.”

Ben chortled. “I think it’s your excuse, Sarah. You addict to me. Even you have men to fuck with but no one is as good as me,” Ben talked with pride. Sarah sneered at him but did not deny the boasting part. Of course, she hated him but not the whole. Their fire of desire corresponded to each other but it was only the fire. When they ran out of fuel, nothing connected. It was something serious people like Alex (even though he was not that kind of serious person) would never understand.

And Alex whispered, “Trista,” Ben clenched his fist right away.

“Actually, I thought you’re chasing the silver head? I see many girls die to bed him. Could not win him?” asked Ben.

The boy with the silver hair was a male that Ben surrendered to that kind of flawlessness. Even though he dyed his hair, the silver color maximized his divine appearance unless he was a weirdo whom someone muted his voice.

“He’s the real robotic humanoid,” Sarah replied.

“You give up on him?”

She rolled her eyes. “He might be handsome but too weird. My new favorite is the blond, the newbie. He seemed to receive my message but…he has a girl beside him, a very pretty girl.” Her eyes turned blankly as if she looked for him inside that little mind.

Ben thought he knew who this boy was; who acted like Bambi’s bodyguard and the girl Sarah mentioned must be Alexis.

“Your taste disappoints me, Blondie.”

Alex switched his eyes from Ben to Sarah, hugged himself, and sighed.

“Alex…” Sarah murmured. “I know we really can’t go back. We’re not in love anymore.”

“No,” he repeated. “Maybe…not from the start.”

“Last time I asked about going back. I didn’t mean it.”

“I know.”

“I’m lonely, Alex.”

“I know and I’m sorry I keep away from you. I did tell you I forgive.”

Oh, come on. Good ending scene.

“I think we can be good friends if you allow me to be your friend.”

“We can and I love to,” Alex smiled warmly at her. “But as your friend, I suggest you avoid Ben. Don’t you remember what he did to you? To us?”

Sarah stared at her lap but Ben felt like she was spying on him and then her voice changed. It was not bell-like but…sad. “I know Alex. Thanks anyway. I promise you…soon.”

What the fuck…Ben stared at these two and get paranoid.

Alex looked at them and said, “Let’s get some food. The longer I’m lingering here, the more I’m evil. Come on, two fallen angels.”

Alex stood up and encouraged them to move quickly. Sarah was still concerned about his words, “At least I’m an angel, even the fallen ones,” she muttered leisurely.

The man with the amber eyes laughed at her innocence, “The fallen angels are evil spirits, babe. And the evil spirits are demons.”

“Oh please. No matter what devil you are, you’re not Lucifer.” She said.

Ben sniggered at her. “Of course not. I’ve never been an archangel. But many told me I look like his son.”

“That sounds likely. What is your name, my demon?” She asked, still did not understand the tale he referred to.

“Elm. My old nanny told me that.”

Sarah glowered at him. “I’m not that flower girl.”

“No, you’re not. You’ll never be her.” You’re just a rose or a succubus.

But before they moved their butts, Alex ran back to him, eyes gleaming with delightfulness. And he shouted, “There is the message on the TV screen!”