The Cursed Series, Parts 3 & 4: Now We Know/What They Knew

by Rebecca Donovan

  I stare out the window, trying to recall if this is true. Or if he’s really been protecting himself, and that has coincidentally included helping me. I need Grant and his charts right now. I’m tired and confused. I have no idea who’s really on my side. Other than him.

  There’s only one way to know if I can trust Parker.

  “Have you hooked up with Nina since you promised you wouldn’t?”

  Parker stares out the windshield, gripping the steering wheel with both hands. He doesn’t answer and refuses to look at me.

  I release a breathy laugh. Of course he has.

  When we pull into Stella’s, I open the door before he shuts off the Rover. “Lana, don’t.”

  My torso screams in protest when I move too quickly. I tense up, inhaling sharply. This gives Parker the time he needs to intercept me, standing in the open door to block my way so I can’t get out. I push him with my free hand since I’m still holding the box.

  “Get out of my way, Parker,” I growl.

  “Look at me,” he says, bowing down to force eye contact. I glower at him. “She’s my weakness. I’m sorry. I tried. I really did. But you started seeing—”

  “Don’t you dare blame this on me,” I reprimand, tempted to kick him in the knee, but knowing that’s a second-grader move.

  “I’m not … really,” he fumbles. “I was jealous. I hate knowing that you want nothing to do with me and there’s not a thing I can do to change your mind. It was a moment of weakness … it didn’t mean anything.”

  “Isn’t that the problem?” I glare at him. “You use her.”

  “We use each other,” he corrects vehemently.

  “You know that’s not true. She has feelings for you, no matter what she says. So stop lying to yourself … and me.” I look him in the eye, infuriated. I’m done holding back. I’ve tried to tell him, and if being brutal is finally going to get him to hear me, then he’s going to feel every word. “You’ve deceived me from the first night we met, Parker. Making me think you were your brother when you kissed me.” He opens his mouth to argue. “Don’t. You saw him talking to me all night. Maybe it’s my fault too because I wasn’t paying enough attention to what he was wearing or whatever it was that would’ve helped tell you apart. But it was my first party. You made me feel … noticed. In a good way. You were my first kiss, Parker. But I was kissing the wrong guy. You’ve always been the wrong guy.”

  Parker takes a step back like I did strike him. “Wow.”

  “If you didn’t try to manipulate everyone to get what you want, maybe I could trust you. But half the time, you’re lying. I know it.”

  He holds on to the top of the door, his eyes focused on the ground.

  “I’m just something you want because you can’t have me,” I challenge.

  His eyes flip up to meet mine, shocked. “You really think that?”

  I shrug. “Why do you like me, Parker? I’ve been nothing but cruel to you.”

  He gazes over my shoulder for a few seconds in contemplation.

  “Maybe it is the challenge,” he considers out loud. Then he gives me a steady look. “But not all of it. I respect you, Lana. You’ve always stood up for what you believe in and fiercely protect the people you care about. That’s admirable. And … it doesn’t hurt that you’re fricken hot.”

  I roll my eyes. He was doing so well … for a second.

  He chuckles. “Sorry. Trying that honesty thing you’re so good at.” He reaches for my hand, and I let him take it. “I understand why you can’t stand me. I get it. I’ve pretty much fucked that up for myself. And I’m sorry.”

  “That’s not what I said, Parker.”

  His irresistible smile appears. “You mean, there’s a chance?”

  I scoff in disbelief and yank my hand back. But he won’t let go.

  He laughs. “I’m kidding.” I roll my eyes, and he laughs again. “Okay. Fine. I’ll stop pursuing. And I’ll really break things off with Nina.

  “I swear,” he adds passionately when I give him a glare that lets him know I don’t believe him.

  “But I really do hate being on the outside of all of this. Will you please consider telling me what’s been going on? I know this thing with Vic is more than what happened that night at The Point. And Brendan and my brother—maybe both my brothers—are somehow involved. I could know something that might help.” I don’t respond. “At least think about it?”

  “Sure,” I reply reluctantly. “I’ll think about it.” I suck in through my teeth when I shift to get out of the Rover.

  “I’m going to fucking kill him whenever I find him,” Parker mutters, helping me down. I look up at him, surprised by the strength of the threat. “I care about you, Lana. There’s nothing you can do about that. So get used to it.”

  He opens his arms, and I sigh, leaning into him. He’s hard to stay mad at. All the Harrisons are. I can’t seem to stay upset with any of them. For some insane reason, they’re my weakness.

  He leans down and gently kisses the tender spot on my head, not letting me go.

  “We’re never going to happen,” I mutter into his chest.

  He chuckles. “I know.” He steps out of the way, so I can close the door.

  I stand in front of Stella’s and blow out a breath. I was really hoping to never return here again. Squinting, I think I see … My heart skips a beat.

  I shove the wooden box at Parker and mutter, “Maybe you should stay in the car.”

  Parker turns to what has me planted in my steps. Even through the grime of the windows, I can feel the heat from Nina’s seething glare. And beside her, Tori is shaking her head in utter disgust.

  “Fuck.”

  The truth will forever be the truth. Denying it, won’t make it false. Dying words forced me to accept this reality.

  Nina is up and moving before I take a step. Tori follows. They’re headed toward the back entrance. I sprint to the other side of the diner, wanting to intercept them without getting Parker involved. I know what Nina thought she saw. Now I need to convince her she didn’t. And having Parker try to argue the point alongside me will only make him … or us … look guilty.

  “Hey,” I say as she storms down the metal stairs, her heels clanging loudly with each step.

  “What the fuck, Lana?!” Her voice carries across the parking lot. Nina steps in front of me, her arm raised and bent at the elbow, a finger thrusting in emphasis. “You don’t even tell us you’re in town, and I have to find out by watching my boyfriend kiss you! Who the hell do you think you are?!”

  “Uh, boyfriend?” The word stuns me more than the screaming and the glittery two-inch nail waving in front of my face.

  Tori stands behind her with her arms crossed and her head tilted as if daring me to say the wrong thing.

  “He didn’t say … forget it. It’s not like that. You know I’m not interested in him. And I only arrived this morning because my mother’s in the hospital.”

  Tori rolls her eyes dramatically.

  “What was that for?” I spread my arms at the affront. “What do you have against my mother, Tori? She could have died last night.”

  “That woman has issues,” Tori scoffs, circling a finger in the air.

  “Who gives a fuck about your mother? I want to know why the hell you’re all up on Parker like he’s yours! He’s not. I can’t believe you disrespected me like that. You’re supposed to be my best friend.”

  “I am,” I protest adamantly, “which is why I’d never touch him, no matter if you were together or not. You know my rule.”

  “I don’t think I know you at all,” Nina barks, hands on her hips.

  “I could say the same about the two of you.” I eye them in abhorrent disbelief. “You say you’re my friends, and so I ask you to look out for the only family I have—you can’t even do that.”

  “The only family you have? Are you serious right now?” Tori steps forward, a sharpened fingernail waving back and forth in front of me. “I’ve been there fo
r you every fucking time you needed me. Got you out of some serious shit. And you’re going to go and tell me she’s family? We were your family. She did nothing for you but bring you down.”

  “You were my family?” I repeat, my brows raised.

  “That’s right,” Nina inserts. “We were.”

  “You’re seriously going to choose a guy, who doesn’t even acknowledge you as his girl, over me?” I shake my head at Nina with a scoff, then bat Tori’s nail away. “And I’ve had your back as many times as you’ve had mine, so don’t be acting all crazy and wave your fricken finger in my face when I say she’s my only family. You know exactly what I mean.”

  “You did not just call me crazy, bitch!” Tori yells, her hand flying toward my cheek.

  I duck away, and her nails graze the side of my face.

  “What the fuck was that?!” I shove her shoulder, causing her to stumble back.

  “Don’t you dare touch her!” Nina hollers, spinning me by my shoulder just as her fist slams into my jaw.

  My head jerks back, and my teeth slam shut. When she swings again, I block her with my forearm and follow it up with a punch to her stomach. She chokes out, bending over as I bring a knee to her face.

  She staggers, blood seeping from her mouth. “Oh, you’re fucking over, whore.” Her hand emerges from her pocket with a blade in hand. The pink switchblade she gave to me.

  “You’re really going to cut me right now?!” My eyes go wide with shock. “What the hell is wrong with you? You’ve completely lost it. Stop overreacting and put down the fricken knife, Nina. You’re acting like a stupid bitch.”

  “Stupid bitch, huh? You seriously just say that to me? Oh, you’re asking to get cut.”

  She swings. I jump back but not before the tip draws a line on my forearm.

  Tori’s talons grab for my hair. I slap her hand away and lean into a sidekick to her ribs, sending her to the ground. Nina lunges with the knife again. I sidestep, grab her wrist and attempt to twist it, so she’ll be forced to drop the blade. But she spins with me, her elbow bending, and the knife goes into … her.

  I let go as soon as I feel the blade puncture the flesh to the hilt. She stares, disbelieving, at the blood-slicked switchblade, having pulled it back out. Her hand goes to the wound. Blood seeps into the fabric of her yellow blouse and spreads quickly.

  “Omigod, Nina. I didn’t mean for that to happen.” I gape in horror.

  “Cops are coming!” someone yells out the back door.

  I step back, looking between the two girls, silently pleading. Nina staggers unsteadily, blood dripping between her fingers. Tori supports her and carefully lowers her on the step. The switchblade is abandoned on the ground.

  “You have to know I never wanted this to happen. I didn’t want to hurt you.”

  “But you did,” Nina snarls, tears streaming down her face. “So just get the fuck out of here.”

  “Tori,” I beg, “you know this got out of control.”

  “You crossed a line, Lana. No coming back.” Her face is hard, and her words are barbs, penetrating deep. “Now go.”

  I swipe the switchblade from the gravel just as I hear sirens in the distance. Running to the other side of the lot, I fold the blade and stuff it into my front pocket. Parker is sitting in the Rover, completely oblivious to what just happened on the other side of the building.

  Jumping into the passenger side, I order, “Drive! Now!”

  Parker looks down at the blood on my hand. “What the hell just happened?”

  “Go, Parker! Right now!”

  The sirens are getting closer. My heart is pounding out of my chest.

  Parker puts the car in drive and spins out of the lot, dust flying behind us.

  “Don’t speed,” I tell him. “We don’t want to draw attention to ourselves.”

  “A little late for that, don’t you think?” he says, shooting a side-glance at me. “What the hell happened back there? Did Tori or Nina do this?”

  My hands shake. I’m still reeling with adrenaline.

  “I thought you were friends! What the—”

  I bang my fist against the seat. “I don’t know! I have no idea what the fuck just went down!” I press a hand to my forehead, flashes of the confrontation hitting me over and over again. “It’s like she couldn’t even hear me. And then Tori was on her side … neither of them would listen. They were convinced I’d wronged them even before they stepped outside.” I turn to face him, my rage boiling over. “All because of you, Parker. All for a fucking guy who played with her head. Made her think she loved him. And for what? To turn on her best friend because I didn’t respect her? Are you fucking kidding me?!”

  “What are you talking about?” Parker yanks the wheel and peels into the parking lot of a convenience store, slamming the car into park. “This is not on me! Whatever the fuck just happened is not my fault!”

  I close my eyes, clenching my jaw, barely in control. My entire body is trembling with adrenaline and fury.

  And as fast as it took over, the rage drains the energy from my body. I blink back the tears.

  “You’re bleeding,” Parker notes in shock.

  I lift my left arm; blood runs down my arm and drips onto my leg. “Sorry. I didn’t realize … I’m making a mess.”

  “Shit, Lana.” Parker reaches into the backseat and hands me a folded beach towel. “Here. I should take you to the hospital.”

  “No,” I respond quickly. “It’s not deep. I just need to clean up and bandage it. It’ll be fine.”

  The tears have escaped despite my resistance. I turn toward the window, hoping they’ll stop. I can’t lose it now. I can’t.

  “She said you’re together,” I say quietly, my body still quivering.

  “We’re what?” Parker asks in confusion. “She thinks we’re a couple?”

  I swallow. My throat is like sandpaper, burning and coarse. “Yeah.”

  “That’s what this is about? She thought you and I …”

  I nod. He sighs.

  “We’re not,” he says quietly. “Shit. I didn’t mean for this to happen. I think I … I’m sorry, Lana.”

  I’m not ready to face him, but I turn my head slightly in his direction. “What are you talking about?”

  “She told me … she loved me the last time we were together. That she wanted to give us a try. And … I didn’t know what to say because … I don’t feel the same. So I kissed her. I guess she thought that was a yes.”

  “You’re such an idiot,” I groan, leaning my head against the window.

  She chose him. That’s what I can’t get over. Nina’s need for respect blinded her. She refused to see that I would never betray her. She was so consumed by jealousy, she wouldn’t hear the truth. And Tori stood by her, the ever-loyal cousin. But we were supposed to be family, right? Such bullshit.

  “Can you take me home? I need to get cleaned up before I see my mom.”

  “Yeah, sure.” Parker backs out of the parking spot. “Do you have bandages?”

  “Uh, I don’t know.”

  “Why don’t we go to my house? No one’s there. That way we don’t have to worry about Vic showing up either.”

  “I need a change of clothes,” I tell him since mine are covered in blood. My foot touches the backpack. Reminding me that I packed some things before leaving Blackwood. “Forget it. It’s fine. I have something.”

  “Okay.” He gently touches my arm, drawing my attention to him. His piercing blue eyes shimmer with unshed tears. “I’m really sorry.”

  I nod and look away again.

  Parker sets me up in a guest room. He offers to bandage my arm, but I refuse, preferring to shower. He hands me a trash bag for my bloody clothes and leaves me. Lifting my shirt over my head is excruciating torture. The muscles in my stomach and back scream in protest when I raise my arms. I gasp and pant as I drop the sticky shirt to the floor.

  Against my better judgment, I look in the mirror. My face is pale, except for the r
eddened blotch along my jaw and the small blazing streaks on my left cheek, courtesy of Tori’s nails. The marks aren’t deep, but they’re raised and angry. I lean in to inspect my jaw. It’s not turning purple, thankfully, but I can’t touch it without my eyes watering.

  A dark bruise is already deep purple on my stomach, right below my sternum. I guess I should feel lucky he missed my ribs; he definitely would’ve broken something. There’s a twin bruise on the left side, carrying over to my back. I’m pretty sure I’ll be peeing blood.

  My forearm has stopped bleeding, but the slice is long, running from my wrist to my elbow. She would have cut me to the bone if I hadn’t backed away. I stare at the red streak, my chin trembling.

  Turning away, I step into the shower and adjust the water until it’s as hot as I can stand it. My body needs ice—an ice bath would be ideal. But I need to feel the heat right now. I can’t seem to stop shivering.

  They were supposed to be my best friends. And now … I’m questioning if it was ever real.

  I trusted them … with my life.

  That thought buckles my knees, and I grab on to the edges of the tub to keep from falling. I sit down and hug my legs to my chest, letting the water spill over me. With my face pressed to my thighs, I release the tears. And the sobs follow, loud and ugly, until I’m howling with grief. My back quakes with each inhale. I grip my arms tighter, pressing my legs against my chest.

  They were my family. I relied on them to be there for me. But … they didn’t choose me.

  Today. Really. Fuckin’. Sucked.

  When I finally turn off the water, my skin is pruned, and my throat is raw and scratchy. My muscles scream in protest, refusing to hold me up. I have to hold on to the wall while I dress to keep from collapsing. I carefully bandage the cut with ointment and gauze.

  When I exit the bathroom, I find all three Harrison brothers sitting on the bed, waiting for me.

  I took everything away from you. Your life. Your love. Your dignity.