Chapter 11: To Chaméno Astéri Mou

I look at him quizzically and Dillon notices.

"Something wrong?"

"Nothing. It's just weird."

"What is?"

"I used to know a guy who would call me Astéri Mou. But it was a long time ago."

"Old boyfriend?"

"One must first agree to date to be a couple."

Xander puts his lips to the microphone, takes a deep breath, and starts to sing.

"She crashed into my life like the waves that night.

Left like a passing light.

After a few blissful nights showed me how to dream and gave my life light.

Without her in my life, it's like a starless night."

His voice is a rough but sultry bass. It just draws you in like a moth to a flame.

"A lost star appeared before me with tears in her eyes.

I thought to give her happiness for just one night.

Enthralled by the beauty of her light.

Little did I know, it would bring tears to my eyes."

"Out of all the flames, she shined the brightest.

Out of all the girls, she made me the lightest.

With all of the questions, she was my answer.

Without my star, I am now the lost one."

As he continues to sing, his eyes never leave mine. The music resonates with me. Almost as if I lived the tale before. Why do I have this sense of deja vu?

"A lost star appeared before me with tears in her eyes.

I thought to give her happiness for just one night.

Enthralled by the beauty of her light.

Little did I know, it would bring tears to my eyes."

"The wandering star fell from the sky.

Now I wander the endless night to find my light."

"A lost star appeared before me with tears in her eyes.

I thought to give her happiness for just one night.

Enthralled by the beauty of her light.

Little did I know, it would bring tears to my eyes."

He is given thunderous applause but I don't hear a thing. I can't believe it. It's him. No wonder he reminds me of a panther. He was my panther.

"Alexi …" I say breathlessly.

It's been almost four years since that night. November 2016 I was at Laguna Beach for the first time. I had flown in from Texas to see my family. I was so upset that night I drove until I landed at a random location. I saw the sign for Laguna Beach and decided this is as good as any place.

I parked on the street and walked to the beach. As I walked the beach, I could hear the crash of the waves. The stars were shining like diamonds on velvet. As I walked, I felt only three things. The sand in between my toes, the wind on my face, and the tears in my eyes. Everything else feels numb.

Why does my family have to be this way? I don't understand. Why do they have to have so much strife? How could they betray me like this? Telling people my darkest secret. I trusted them. How could they?

I walked for what felt like hours not paying attention to my surroundings. Before I knew it I was a few feet away from a bonfire. The people there are drinking and having a good time. They seem happy. When's the last time I felt happy? I wondered to myself. While wrapped in my thoughts, I'm approached by a man from the bonfire.

I tried to step around him but he blocked my path. I tried to move again and we did the same thing several times. Tired of the same song and dance, I looked up to see who's blocking my path. The first thing I see is his height. He's easily 6 feet tall. With a bronze complexion, dark hair, and a short beard. He has a jovial smile as if he hasn't a care in the world. Examining me with piercing green eyes, his expression quickly turns to one of concern.

"Are you ok?"

"To be honest, I haven't had the best day."

Wiping the tears from my eyes, I hope he doesn't notice. I don't want to be a bother, but the tears won't stop flowing. Putting his hands on my shoulders, he looks into my eyes

"Hey, it'll be ok."

"I'm so sorry. I don't mean to bother y'all. You have a good night."

Walking away, I feel someone grab my hand from behind me. I flinch. I should've never come out at night by myself. It's so scary out here by myself.

"Hey, why don't you join me for a bit? We can just talk."

"I really don't want to be a bother."

"Five minutes. Just give me 5 minutes to make you smile. If not for you then do it for me. Or else I'll be heartbroken."

"Fine. I'll give you 5 minutes, but you have to tell me your name."

He may be beautiful, but you can't trust anyone. Might as well tell Ella who I'm with, in case something happens. He acts surprised when I say that.

"You're kidding right? You really don't know who I am?"

"Goodbye."

"Wait wait wait! I'm sorry. It's been a long time since this has happened. Please, don't go."

I don't trust him, but he seems harmless. Probably just another player, but I don't have the energy for games after today. I can't reach Ella and even she doesn't know the extent of my problems. What's the worst thing that could happen? I could use a shoulder to cry on and his looks broad enough. Maybe I could tell someone my secret. He's a stranger after all. Who's he going to tell? Feeling drained, I stopped walking and turned around. He looks genuine. Sighing deeply, I decide to give it a shot.

"Fine, you have 5 minutes but you better make them count. Clock starts now and I suggest you start off with your name."

"Alexi, my name is Alexi."