Envy
It has been two weeks since he last saw her. Two weeks, and he doesn’t think his heart can handle the pain any longer. Ben cranes his neck, eyes skimming over the scene at the park, searching for his one true love. She said she would meet him here at eleven. It’s nearly quarter past and there is no sign of her. She’s not coming. Ben thinks, standing from where he sat on the swing. She’s not coming and she doesn’t love me.
His phone vibrates suddenly in his pocket, three steady pulses that mimic his heartbeat. His hands tremble as he pulls it from his pocket and stares at the screen. Jenna. His heart sinks — he already knows what the message says. Ben lifts the phone to his ear.
“Ben,” her voice floods through Ben’s ears. Oh, how he missed the sound of her voice. “I’m sorry, I can’t meet you today. Something came up with Corby.” So they were together. “He really needs me right now and I can’t leave him alone. I’m sorry, Ben. It’s just better this way.”
The line goes silent. Ben closes his eyes, that feeling returning to in heart. That feeling of emptiness, mixed with anger. Most of the time, it is the emptiness that overrides the anger, but this time, it is the latter. Fury rises in his chest. He cannot bear it anymore. He can’t live like this.
This must end.
And there is only one way to finish this.
***
The dark alley of the Hunt Valley movie theater conceals Ben from the mass of pre-teens standing at the entrance. Their squeals and screams make chills run up and down his spine. The noise reminds him of a time, not so long ago when he was with Jenna. She’d look at the teens, rolling her eyes, and mock their high pitched squeals.
The memory sends Ben spiraling in nostalgia. Sharp pangs shoot at his heart, every beat drawing him closer and closer to utter defeat. He loves her . . . so much he can barely stand it. Even now, standing alone in an alley, he can almost hear the sound of her voice — her laugh.
The noise snaps Ben from his reverie of memories. He wasn’t imagining it, it was her voice. Ben presses his back to the wall, and peeks over the edge of the building. Strolling from the exit of the theater, Corby and Jenna walk hand in hand. Corby leans over and mutters something into her ear, sending her into a fit of girlish laughter.
At the sight, Ben feels sick.
Wrath begins to bubble in his throat, and he is thirsty. Thirsty for revenge, that is.
The couple stops just a few yards from the alley. “Goodnight, Corby,” he can hear Jenna says. “I love you.” She wraps her arms around him before turning to depart, a smile on her face. Corby stands alone now, grinning as his love recedes into the darkness.
Ben licks his lips, anticipation creeping over his skin. Now is the time to put his plan into action. “Corby!” he hisses. The other boy turns, frowning into the alley.
“Hello? Is someone there?” He takes a few tentative steps forward. One more step, and Ben springs into action.
P.S.: Anita didn't tell me the title, so I decided to go with my gut and follow the "seven deadly sins" theme she had going there
