That Invisible String

Ben was gone for quite some time before Lucus and Allicia noticed. When in a crowded area, it was common to not see your friend and think nothing of it. One would most likely just assume that somebody was blocking the way. There was plenty to do. They walked around, eating fancy foods, commenting on the way snobby ladies talked, and even took a turn playing the piano. When Lucus touched the keys, they made such a beautiful sound. Deep and soulful. They felt full of color, something Lucus couldn't experience normally. Music was beautiful, but most people didn't know this. If sounds make you cover your ears and run away, why would you like the loud jumble of instruments that make up a song? Something about the way they blended together felt so much calmer. It could be a rock song, or a country song. Either way, the soft harmony they created was therapeutic. The same could be said for the crowd. In a different way, of course. Every singular person was walking around, but not without a goal in mind. They each had a reason for being there, and they all worked in the same way to get there. To get a hefty loan, an investor, or merely just somebody important to be used in the future. The tones in their voices screamed them out. The sounds of the crowds might have been loud, but you could hear every clink of a platter from across the room.

People seemed to form groups. Usually centered around one important looking person, many men and women, young and old followed. They all had fake smiles on their faces. It might as well have been a masquerade ball. Everyone was wearing a mask. A mask of smiles and content. Masking the greed and the backstabbing nature of everyone at the ball. Lucus and Allicia remained tricked by the masks. THey were much more finely crafted than any they might have tried on before. They looked as real as a kind smile. Almost indistinguishable. Fake laughs and gaudy dresses. Everybody was fashionable. Everything was a statement. From their dresses to the words they spoke. Phantom kindness. Undetectable.

A few boys often came around to talk to Allicia. Whether it was due to a cold gesture towards her by their parents, or them coming on their own account, they only talked to her for their own benefit. When they saw Lucus walking with her, they would simply pull her aside and talk in a lower voice. A hushed complement. They would often try to take her hand. A few even looked for a drink. At some point, Lucus forgot Allicia had come with him in the first place. It seemed that she was being passed between one rich kid after another. One rejection, followed by a new bachelor. To anyone with working eyes, Allicia was the catch of the party. The most real smile, the prettiest face, and the kindest eyes. Only the blind boy was with her. He had no competition. He couldn't even see her beauty. All Lucus would do at that point was wander around aimlessly. To the piano to play a song. Grabbing a new snack, or even sitting down at the bar and sampling some alcohol. It was gross. Bitter and strong. Eventually, Lucus noticed the lack of Ben. He assumed he was just quiet up till then, but eventually, even the quietest person had to say something. When this revelation came up, Lucus immediately began calling out for him. Just his first instinct. He stopped when he heard the whispers. They were sharp, but they didn't say them loudly. Gossip, gossip, gossip. No matter how regal or important, Lucus could never get away from the hushed up whispers of others. He opened his ears to Ben. It was overwhelming. He usually blocked it out. It's been a while since he last did this. Ben's voice. One of the most memorable voices he knows. At school, at home, at the park, when they got food. It wasn't hard to locate him. Lucus began making his way through the crowds. Ben's voice was getting louder, but he couldn't make out what he was saying. They were short, and sounded cowardly. Each time he spoke sounded similar to the last. Eventually, he stopped. The voices were clear now. They were yelling. It was a quiet yelling, and they were in the corner of the largest room, but they were still yelling. Well, it was more like the other person was yelling. Lucus recognized it from the short moments at Ben's house. When somebody opened the door and said hi to the delivery man. When Ben was called down to do his chores or something else. When muffled shouts were heard from the room down the hall. Whenever Ben received a call on his phone. His mom. The same distant, icy tone she always had. Every word seemed strained. Like she didn't want to get too close to Ben. An immediate distaste in her voice made it hard to believe this was her son she was talking to. Every phone call she made was short and sharp. Most times, she actually had a maid call him. You could always hear her in the background, though. Lucus never liked her, but it seemed out of place to comment on her. He wasn't part of Ben's world. Not from the same background. It seemed obscure that one could be so cold to their own parents, but then again, he would probably react the same should he ever meet them. That same barrier between them, Lucus and Ben's lives and where they differed. An invisible wall that Ben guarded and Lucus respected. An invisible line, never to cross. Lucus was closer than ever before. He was tiptoeing on that fragile glass, unable to bring himself forward. Spite was drifting around him. Hushed up angry whispers of words Lucus was too afraid to understand. He blocked it all out. He pushed them away, but the words began, to break through.