Page 88 of Dark, Forbidden, & Taboo

I move past the hedges, staying hidden in the shadows until I reach his window.My window,I correct myself.

I put my hands on the sill of his half-opened window and peer inside.

At first, there’s nothing that catches my attention. I can hear the television on and some program I don’t know running. I don’t own a television; I find no point in hearing more voices than the ones that are constantly warring inside of me.

I’m ready to let go of the sill and walk away, when something small and bright lands on one of my hands.

I look down and smile.

I’ve never seen fireflies so close before, as I rarely leave my home, but this is special to me.

Of the few things I remember that my mother taught me before she left, the meaning of fireflies is one of them.They are a reminder to let your light shine and to follow what you desire the most in your life, Georgie. Don’t let anything stop you when you see fireflies, because they’ll only sing their serenade for those that truly need it.

And when a small group of them come closer, dancing around me, I see it as the sign I need to know that I’m doing the right thing.

Chapter

Five

I’m standing on Duran’s porch, my hands clasped firmly in front of me. I haven’t knocked yet because I feel he should justknowthat I’m here.

After ten minutes has passed and no one has approached the door, I finally raise a small fist and rap gently against the door.

“Just a minute!” comes the muffled response.

I sigh as I put my hands together again and wait as patiently as I can. A sound of something heavy being moved greets my ears next before another few moments pass, and the door is pulled open.

“Yeah?”

His annoyed glare melts almost immediately into a curious smile as he realizes that it’s me. He pulls open the door the entire way as he steps out onto the porch, forcing me to take a step back.

“George, right?” he asks curiously.

I nod.

Duran is dressed so beautifully tonight that I know he has plans. And those plans obviously didn’t involve a visit from the strange girl that lives two blocks away.

“Got another package for me?” he teases, his eyes becoming friendly and welcoming.

I shake my head.

He pulls the door closed behind him after turning the knob and making sure it’s not locked, then leans back against it, his hands sliding into his pants pocket as he waits for me to speak.

A black vest, a white, crisp dress shirt rolled up to his elbows, and the shiniest shoes I’ve ever seen in my life.

I feel like I’m dressed as a beggar asking for some spare change, but I don’t think he even notices what I’m wearing, let alone cares that I’m here.

“Sweetheart, I have to get back to work here in a little bit, so what’s up?” he presses gently.

“Can I come in?” I finally ask.

I know that my eyes are sad when he reaches a hand out toward me and runs it gently down my arm.

“I have company,” he replies gently.

“I’d like to come in,” I repeat, my lower lip quivering.

“It’s not a good night, George. Is something wrong, though? Do you need something?” he asks, crossing his arms across his broad chest.

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