Chapter 56

Celeste

The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silver sheen over the athletic fields. The grass seemed to shimmer in response, every blade reflecting the gentle glow of the night.

Matt and I halted in our tracks, both captivated by the serenity of the moment.

The moon, our only companion, was slowly inching its way upwards, painting everything beneath it in pale hues. The distant chatter of students walking home from the hockey game and the sound of the fine layer of snow crunching beneath our feet created an intimate symphony.

As we walked, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for moments like this—moments of simplicity and tranquility. No questions, no lies. If I really concentrated, I could pretend that the mask wasn’t here, lingering between us.

Suddenly, a distant howl pierced the air, echoing throughout the fields. It sounded so unnatural, so eerie and unlike any animal I had heard before, that I couldn’t help but jump, startled by the unfamiliar noise.

Matt reacted instantly. His strong arm wrapped around me, pulling me close to him. The warmth and strength of his embrace provided a comforting cocoon, shielding me from the chilling sound.

“It’s okay,” he whispered into my ear, his breath warm against my neck. “You’re safe with me.”

Gathering my wits, I looked up at him, my eyes searching for an explanation. “What was that?”

His brow furrowed as he seemed to consider his words. “Probably just a coyote or a wolf or something,” he replied, trying to sound nonchalant. However, I could detect the faintest hint of trepidation in his voice.

Suddenly, an unsettling memory bubbled to the surface. On the night of our first date, I had decided to walk home alone. I recalled the spine-chilling encounter with an unknown creature lurking in the shadows, its low growl stopping me in my tracks.

I relayed the story to Matt, my words tumbling out faster as the vivid memories replayed in my mind.

“...It growled at me, from the darkness. I couldn’t really see what it was, but it was big. And the way it growled... it was so menacing. I ran as fast as I could until I reached home.” I shuddered, the memory still fresh and frightening.

Matt’s demeanor changed. He stopped walking, his face going a shade paler, his eyes widening.

“Did you see anything else? Anything at all?” he asked urgently.

I shook my head, bewildered by his intense reaction. “No. Just a large shape and the growl. I didn’t wait around to find out more. But it was weird, you know? It looked too big to be a coyote, and we don’t typically have bears in town. They stay in the woods, away from people.”

His grip tightened around my shoulders. “You shouldn’t walk alone at night, Rose,” he warned, his tone uncharacteristically stern.

I stepped back, the protective cocoon he had offered moments ago now feeling stifling. “Matt, I’m a grown woman. I appreciate your concern, but I can handle myself, thank you very much.”

He took a deep breath, running a hand through his hair. “I know. I’m sorry,” he sighed, the stern facade crumbling. “But if you ever hear or see anything like that again, promise me you’ll let me know.”

I bit my lower lip, mulling over his words. “Sure,” I finally agreed, though a surge of unease lingered.

Matt’s reaction puzzled me. Why did he seem so perturbed by the story? My mind drifted to earlier that day, when I had spotted him emerging from the woods. His clothes had been covered in dirt, and there had been a mysterious aura about him.

Was he hiding something?

The thought nagged at me, threatening to shatter the enchanting mood of our evening. Yet, I decided against prying further. Perhaps there was a plausible explanation, and he would share it with me when he was ready. For now, I opted for trust, hoping it wouldn’t be misplaced.

We resumed our walk, the distance between us slightly more pronounced. The fields lay before us, bathed in the gentle glow of the moon. But the air was now thick with unsaid words and mounting mysteries.

After a few more minutes, though, I suddenly felt Matt’s hand in mine. He stopped, and I stopped along with him, my eyes widening slightly as I looked up at his tall form.

“You look stunning in the moonlight, Rose,” he said, his voice soft and filled with awe.

I blinked, taken aback. No one had ever described me in such a way before. But as I looked into Matt’s eyes, I could have sworn I saw them change color for a flicker of a second—from a deep blue to a shade of what looked like gold.

“What was that?” I began to ask, my voice a mere whisper. But before the words could fully leave my lips, Matt leaned in and pressed his lips against mine.

The world around me seemed to blur. His lips were soft, tentative, seeking permission. My eyes widened in surprise. I hadn’t seen it coming, at least not so soon. And yet, it felt... right.

Pulling away, he looked deeply into my eyes, his own filled with hope. “I’d like to be your boyfriend,” he whispered, his voice trembling just slightly. “If you’re okay with that.”

But instead of melting into his embrace, I instinctively took a step back. The mask I wore felt tight on my face, as if it were warning me of something.

“Matt, you hardly know me,” I replied, my voice filled with a strange mix of fear and longing.

He chuckled, a little bitterly.

“You’d be surprised, Rose. I feel like I know more about you than you realize. And it’s not just about being friends or casually dating. I want something real with you. Even with your mask still on.”

He paused, his gaze searching mine. “I know someday, I’ll just be happy to see what’s truly behind that mask, no matter what it is.”

His words left me breathless. No one had ever expressed such a desire to know the real me before. The thought was both thrilling and terrifying.

Matt continued, his tone passionate. “You see, I feel like your mask has actually been a gift. It’s made me look beyond what’s on the surface. It’s forced me to see you for who you truly are, not just for your appearances.”

My heart raced, emotions swirling. “I need to think about it,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to take that leap, to trust someone with my secrets.

He nodded, looking a bit deflated but understanding. “Take your time. I just want you to know my intentions.”

Before either of us could speak further, my phone buzzed in my pocket. Pulling it out, I saw a message from my overbearing brother, Jack.

“Come home right now or I’ll come looking for you.”

I felt a shiver of dread. Jack had a knack for turning my peaceful moments into storms of anxiety.

“I need to go,” I said hurriedly, the serenity of the moment shattered by the urgency in the message.

Matt looked taken aback. “Everything okay?”

I hesitated, not wanting to drag him into my complicated world. “It’s just... family stuff. I have to get back home.”

He nodded, concern evident in his eyes. “Be safe, okay?”

“I will,” I promised, my voice shaky. As I turned to leave, I paused. “And, Matt?” I began, my voice wavering, “Thank you for tonight. It’s given me a lot to think about.”

He smiled, albeit sadly. “Goodnight, Celeste.”

I ran the entire way home, the weight of the mask feeling heavier than ever.

Matt’s words played on repeat in my mind, making me question everything I thought I knew about myself, my mask, and the possibility of love.