On The Rooftop Novels & Stories

“No, you don’t have to change. We’re going to the rooftop anyway.” I slide my feet into the flip-flops and Reggie walks me to the living room, still holding my arm. Marienne is in the kitchen drinking iced tea. Her face lights up when she see us. “We’re going to the rooftop,” Reggie says. “I’m being kidnapped,” I say. “Good job, Reggie,” Marienne adds. “Have fun,” Reggie doesn’t let me go until we get to the elevator which takes us to the rooftop. As we both sit with one foot on either side of the ledge, and looking down from six stories above the streets of Brooklyn, the cool air rushes through my hair.

I ask with tears in my eyes. “I did. The guys helped, but yes, it’s for you,” he says. I turn back around to take in every single detail and commit it to memory. The rooftop has been transformed into a magical escape from reality. There are twinkle lights strung all over the place. There’s a giant white screen by the outdoor furniture for watching movies. There’s a pizza buffet and a coffee bar. Their townhouse is in the perfect neighborhood, on top of a hill, just outside of town. There are other houses, but they each have their own giant lot. If I threw a rock, I don't think I could hit another house.

He let out a cough, grunting a bit and finally settling in. He took some more drags before glancing my way, carefully taking it out of his mouth and holding it out to me, "Want some?" "No, thankyou." I pushed his hand away gently, focusing on the people that seemed like walking toys below us. We were on a rooftop, about forty feets high. It was almost 5pm and apparently another rush hour asides the mornings, people rushing home from work, to recide in the comfort of their homes, beds and arms of their partners. Kyle had come over an hour ago and decided I had to leave the house.

“Yeah. It will be.” “NOW THIS IS FUCKING AWESOME.” JIM GOES TO THE EDGE OF THE ROOFTOP, MAKING MY ANXIETY shoot up, and looks out over the city. There is a patio on the roof of my building, and while it’s usually occupied, we’re some of the only people up here right now. “It is. But, uh, can you come away from the edge?”

“If he’s dead, then… where’s Elias? Who has him?” My jaw tightened. This wasn't a victory. It was foul play. Someone else had the upper hand, and I didn’t like it one bit. And also, where is Aurora? There was still one place left—the rooftop. We climbed, boots heavy against the stairs, until we reached the top. The scene stopped us cold. Men stood scattered across the rooftop, different kinds of guns in hand, pointing at us but none moved. None fired. The air was too still and quiet.

Quietly, I slipped away and made my way to the rooftop of the mansion. The cool night air greeted me as I stepped onto the rooftop. The noise from below was muffled here, leaving me with the serene stillness of the night. I picked up a wine glass from one of the tables set up here and leaned against the railing, gazing down at the festivities. The string lights twinkled like stars, and laughter floated up to me, a reminder of the joy that tonight had brought.

Inside the elevator, the hostess taps the button for the rooftop, and soft jazz spills from the speakers. Cole shifts his weight. “Is it always like this?” he asks quietly. “Yeah,” I say. “Pretty much.” The elevator doors slide open to a wash of warm light and open sky. The rooftop is dressed with sleek tables, wide couches, and cascading greenery framing the edges. The air smells like grilled lemon and sea salt. The city stretches beyond the glass railings—bright, alive. The hostess gestures to a corner table tucked away beneath a canopy of string lights, secluded enough to talk without interruption.

At one end of the rooftop's centre was a tufted loveseat velvet, with matching pillows, it was literally the only furniture in the rooftop leaving the rooftop terrace mostly bare. "It's funny how I never asked to come take a look at this place even though my sweetie outright told me about it…" Maddie muttered, her gaze still fixed on the sky. It had come to her mind a few times to ask Jake but then a lot had been going on, he had been busy with work too… "I think this is going to be my new favourite place," her voice came out dreamy. She ended with an excited giggle, and then continued admiring the rooftop's surrounding. Fascination danced in her eyes as she basked in the overall beauty of t

Red sat on the rooftop, the night air cool against his face as he leaned against the railing, the smoke from his cigarette curling into the sky. The club below hummed with the quiet sound of leftover music and murmured conversations, but up here, it was just the sharp edge of solitude. He exhaled slowly, watching the smoke fade into the night. Ivy stepped onto the roof, her heels clicking against the concrete as she approached. Her figure was framed by the faint city lights behind her, her silhouette cutting through the darkness. She leaned against the railing beside him, a slight smile on her face.

He had his own sleek duffel bag slung over his shoulder, looking effortlessly put together, as always. Jaden was already there, leaning against a pillar, looking as if he’d rather be anywhere else, yet a faint hint of anticipation flickered in his eyes. “Alright, everyone,” Justin announced, his voice carrying over the morning chatter. “We’ll be heading up to the roof. Our transportation is waiting for us there.” A wave of confused murmurs rippled through the group. Roof? What kind of transportation was waiting on the roof? We followed Justin towards the elevator, the anticipation building with each floor. When the doors finally opened onto the rooftop, a collective gasp went through the gro