by Mya West
Bryce says a joke and Danna hits him in the shoulder again.
I smile at them. “So, are you guys together?” Bryce and Danna look at each other and burst out laughing.
Bryce looks at me and then back at Danna. “Well I guess she’s kind of right. We did date.”
“For a week!” Danna says laughing.
“She was the last girl I dated for that matter.” Bryce says looking at me with a smirk. “She helped me realize I have other interests.” A guy walks by and Bryce turns to check him out.
Dana waves her head. “I guess I have that power over men.”
Bryce hits her in the shoulder playfully. “Well, second thought you’re probably right.”
Dana looks at me. “So, what’s the scoop with you, new girl?”
“I guess I prefer being called new girl, than Apple Pie.” Bryce covers his mouth trying not to laugh and Danna gives him a cold look. “No, it’s okay. You can laugh at me. Everybody else at this school seems to do it.”
Bryce apologises. “I’m actually part of the band, and a few band mates told me something was going on in the cafeteria. I wasn’t there when it happened though.”
“You’re part of the band.” I say laughing. “What do you play?”
“Clarinet.”
I look at Danna. “How did you not know he was gay sooner?”
She shrugs her shoulders. “Would you mind telling me about how your first day at Rylan is going in an interview?”
“Interview?”
Bryce explained for her. “She’s part of the Ryland Academy Inquisitor and seems to think she’s Los Lane.” He turns to Danna. “She has the worst first day story here, why would you want to write about that?”
Danna raises her hand. “Exactly. That’s why it’s a good story. The paper only writes about fluff. All the good shit that happens around the hallways. Nothing is ever said about the ugly underside.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m not really the type who likes to be in the spotlight. Besides, I’m still thankful to be at a school like this, despite it being full of shitheads. Is getting pie’d on the first day some sort of dumb school initiation?” They both wave their heads no. “So, this isn’t something that happens often?”
Bryce sighs. “We have seen other girls embarrassed in front of everyone. It seems to be something some of the students enjoy doing around here. Getting pie’d is a first though.”
There goes my hope that Jaxson was just following some type of school inanition. I really thought he was different than some of the others.
I take a sip of my drink and look down. On the table someone had etched with a knife, a symbol that looked like a monster. It had some resemblance to the symbol on the book I found in principal Aldridge’s study.
Bryce looks at me with concern in his eyes. “What’s wrong? Danna was just joking about making a story on you. She won’t do it.”
“What is this symbol? Does it have some sort of meaning?” I ask them, pointing at the etched mark on the table.
Danna runs around the table, looks at it and rolls her eyes. Bryce peers across the table and looks the other way with a smile.
“So, do you know what it is?” I ask again, unsure how to take their reaction.
“It’s the symbol for- the Beasts.” Danna says in an eerie fake tone and laughs.
Bryce looks at me. “Some of these rich kids like to think they are part of something bigger. Old school lore is that when the school was first built, they organized a cult.”
“A cult?” I say raising an eyebrow.
Danna turns to me. “Not exactly a cult, unless you count praying to the money gods. It was more of a secret society. Rich people get together, so they can stay rich and get wealthier in the process.”
“Why do the rich get richer?” Bryce says to me. “The Beasts.”
“What a terrible name for a secret society. So, Danna, do they really exist?”
She shrugs her shoulders. “I think it may have been a thing back in the day, but now? I don’t think so. Maybe some of the rich kids have their secret fraternity where they gather to find ways to bang as many girls as they can. Some students feel like that symbol represents the Beasts, but who knows where they even got that from?”
“Principal Aldridge didn’t mention the Beasts to me during our interview yesterday.” I say, amused.
“You met with the principal outside of campus?” Bryce asks.
I nod my head. “Apparently all the new students have to.” Bryce and Danna look at each other again. “Okay, let me guess, you haven’t heard of that either? It could be something he does with only students coming here through scholarships.”
Bryce nods his head. “I guess.”
“I saw this monster symbol in a book in the principal’s home office yesterday.”
Danna’s eyes light up. “Whoa. That would be a story. Principal of Ryland Academy part of a secret society! That sounds pretty juicy.”
Chase Aldridge walks up to us. “Hey.” He says to me. “Hello.” He says to everyone else.
Dana looks at him. “Chase Aldridge, is your father a member of the secret society known as the Beasts?” She says half jokingly.
Chase smiles at her. “How the fuck should I know, Danna Abbott?” Danna looks at Bryce as if she’s amazed, he knows her full name. “Now please don’t misquote me if you print, and if you use me in your story, I demand my picture be on the front page.” Chase turns to me again. “I heard you had- a not so pleasant day. I’m sorry on behalf of the school for some being- dumb fucks.”
I sigh. “Did your dad tell you to talk to me?”
“No. I heard what happened. I think it was shitty. I’m hoping that because of what happened you may want to join me tonight?”
“For what?”
“Our gun date. Whenever I get red with rage, blowing things up seems to cool me off. You would be amazed how exhilarating it feels once you pull the trigger.”
I smile. “You know what, that sounds amazing.”
“I can pick you up, say seven-ish?”
I wave my head. “That’s okay. I can have Thomas drive me.” The truth is I was a bit nervous of getting my hopes up again. I wanted an easy way to leave in case the night wasn’t going how I would like.
Chase smiles at me and says he will see me later tonight. When he leaves, he takes a few steps, looking back to see if I’m still looking at him. I am. He smiles again.
When he’s out of earshot, Danna turns to me, unable to contain the excitement in her eyes. “Are you going on a date with Chase Aldridge tonight? Holy Crapola!”
“There’s a title for your next article.“ I joke.
Danna turns to look at Chase walking away and makes a satisfied moan. “Now, that guy, is certainly a beast- in the bedsheets.”
Bryce looks at me. “Just so you know, if you sleep with him, which is cool by the way, everyone will know the next day.”
“In fact, probably sooner.” Danna adds.
Bryce laughs. “That’s just how this place works. How do you think everyone found out I was gay? Before I could even come out there were rumours of what I did with who. If it wasn’t for gossip and rumours, this place wouldn’t be able to function.”
The girl from English class, the one who I threatened to aggressively place an article of clothing in her rear, walks by our table with her two snotty friends following closely behind. All three give me a cold stare.
“Is she a Beast too?” I ask.
Bryce laughs. “Just a bitch, which is even worse. The queen bitch is Selena Jensen, captain of the cheer squad. All round shitty person. Her two minions are Jenn and Mary.”
I look at the three bitches as they walk through the cafeteria. All three are getting everyone’s attention as they do. “Which one is Jenn, and which one is Mary?’
Danna smiles. “It honestly doesn’t matter. They both suck.”
Chapter 9
After greeting Davis Aldridge at the door, I meet Chase in the indoor
patio. Chase smiles at me when he sees me. I smile back but I’m taken aback by his choice of outfit. He has a green and black hunting jacket on, with red tape wrapped around the center of it.
He looks down at his jacket. “I know it doesn’t look very- hot, but it’s worth wearing. Sometimes we get unwanted hunters in the woods on my property. They wander in not knowing it’s private property. I’d rather wear this than accidently get shot. I have an extra jacket for you.”
I agree to wear one. Chase helps me put it on and turns me around. He whistles. “I didn’t think there was any way for you to look more attractive, but this is it. Have you ever wanted to be a hunter?”
“Depends what I’m hunting.” I say with a devilish smile.
Chase brings a heavy black case with him and we walk through his backyard towards the woods.
I was worried about seeing Jaxson tonight, and what I would say to him if I did, but Chase reassures me he wouldn’t be around. It would just be me and him.
At one point I trip and almost fall on uneven ground and Chase grabs my hand. Even when I maintain my balance, he continues to hold it.
I know Chase is aggressive when it comes to women, and he seems to have a reputation with the ladies according to Danna. Even though the idea of how experienced he probably is scares me, he brings out a flirtatious side of me I didn’t even know I had.
Part of me wonders what will happen when we are in the woods together, alone. Will we only be shooting guns? I don’t suppose in that large black case he has a bunch of condoms.
I wonder what it would be like to be with a man like Chase. The more I think about it, the more I’m warming up to the idea.
I try and remind myself that I’m out here to get an education and become something in life, not flirt with boys and hook up. I look at Chase for another moment, and none of that shit matters right now. I’m going to just go with the flow. Maybe tonight he will be- my first.
In the wooded area, the sunlight barely manages to shine through the tall trees. It already seems dark. Chase, as if reading my mind, tells me the range is lighted so he can use it any time he wants.
Finally, we get to the range, and he wasn’t lying. It looks like a professionally designed outdoor shooting range. I was half expecting to see empty bottles on a fence post for us to shoot at.
Chase opens the black case and pulls out a shotgun. “This has the easiest learning curve to it. Point it at your target and you will absolutely destroy it.” He takes out a brown leathered dual holster gun belt and wraps it around his waist. He takes out two revolvers with white tips and places them in the holsters. Besides his ridiculous jacket he looks like a badass cowboy.
“When do you show me how to use those?” I ask.
“Baby steps, darling. First blow shit up. Get used to firing something powerful and we will work our way up. You’ll be a badass gunslinger in no time.”
Chase explains some safety rules first to me about how to use a gun, and the range properly. He shows me how to load/unload a weapon and how to ensure the safety is on or off. We walk over to the firing line when I feel ready.
“Let me demonstrate first.” He says with a smile. He looks down the range at a pack of fake deer. He breathes and looks at them intensely, his hands at his sides. “Elle, yell out draw whenever you like.”
I smile. “D. Dr. Dra-.” Chase smirks at me and I finally yell, “Draw!”
Chase quickly takes out both of his guns while looking at me, turns his head and unloads bullets on his targets. He hits all three deer in the midsection several times. When he feels satisfied, he uses both guns on a single target’s head until he completely blows it off. A white stump replaces what used to be the deer’s head.
The loud shots scare me at first, but it’s exhilarating just watching him. I can’t wait for my turn.
“Seem like fun?” He asks, knowing the answer. I nod my head. He looks at me with a disappointed look.
“What?” I ask. He nods his head at my shotgun which is resting in my hands, pointing somewhat towards him.
“Safety lesson 101 Elle. Never point at something you’re not willing to kill.”
I quickly lower the shotgun. “Oh! I’m super sorry. I got caught up watching you I didn’t realize.”
“That’s okay. Lucky for me though that the safety is-”
I quickly look and answer before he can. “On!”
He smiles. “I set up a beginner’s range for you over there.” He leads me towards the firing line. I load the shotgun, and he seems impressed that I remember correctly how to do it. I turn off the safety and give him a wink.
“Now all that’s left is your target.” He says.
I turn and look at the fake, furry life-sized targets. A bunny, a deer and a large bear. “I honestly feel shitty about blowing up cute furry animals.”
“That bear is cute to you?”
I sigh. “I guess I can shoot the bear.” I raise the gun, aim and fire, completely missing my target.
Chase laughs. “What you just did is almost impossible with that kind of weapon. Can I show you some tips?” I nod my head and Chase comes behind me. He shows me the proper shooting position and holds my elbow up from behind. He places his other hand under my elbow supporting my stance and the other on the side of my hip. The thick hunter’s jacket I’m wearing softens his touch, but I can still feel the warmth from his hands.
He leans in closer to my ear. “It’s important when you pull the trigger, not to anticipate the blast. You’ll move from your firing position, changing the direction of where the bullets go. Instead, breathe deep, and pull the trigger while you breathe out, focusing on what you’re aiming at.” I can feel his warm breath on the side of my neck, and it gives me a tingling sensation. I wait for more instructions, but he says nothing. “What perfume are you wearing?”
I smile. “I don’t think you would know it. It’s some cheap knock off brand.”
I feel more of his warm breath on my neck and turn my head slightly. “It’s lovely.” He says. “Do you spray it everywhere?”
I turn my head, breathe deep and pull the trigger. The bear’s midsection is riddled with bullets, and I laugh. “That was amazing!”
“You have another shot. Pump the barrel and do it again.”
I take several shots with Chase behind me. Even though I think he knows I’ve got the hang of it, he remains there. He lets go of me suddenly.
I laugh. “I need more bullets. I think I found my new favourite hobby.” I turn to look at Chase and he is walking out into the woods. “Hey! Where are you going?”
“Some man’s business. No peeking, you.” I smile. “There’s a whole bunch of bullets in the case.”
I watch him as he walks into some trees and out of sight. “I said, no peeking.” He yells at me again. A moment after and I can’t see Chase. It’s as if he was sucked into the dense dark forest.
I walk over to the black case and try searching through different bullet casings but am confused which one I need for the shotgun. That was one thing Chase didn’t show me, of course, the one skill I required at this very moment.
Suddenly lights around the range shut down. I can’t see a thing. “Chase!” I yell into the darkness, but nothing responds.
I reach into my pocket for my cell. Before I can open it, a shot rings out in the distance. Knowing what the shots of a gun sound like, I know it was from a rifle of some kind.
Another bullet rings out and I feel a breeze by my face.
Was someone shooting at me?
Another shot rings out and hits a tree, right beside me. I jump and my cell drops from my hand. I scream and run into the woods. More shots ring through the air, screeching through the night sky and past brushes near me.
I bounce into something stiff and fall to the ground. I look up and manage to see through the dim light of the skyline, a shadowy bear’s face.
I’m in the shooting range. Another shot is fired, and I jump up and continue to run into the forest. I manag
e to not hit any trees or brush by some miracle. I focus on trying to find my way through the treeline and out of this hell.
I hear Chase yelling in the near distance. “Elle! Are you okay!” More shots echo through the air. “When I get more bullets, I’ll kill whoever is shooting at us! You better not hurt her you are fucking animals.”
I think about calling out to him. I stop and rest a moment catching my breath and lean against a tree. My hand feels a weird edging on the tree. I run my fingers through it. I move around and manage to get a good look through the dim moonlight.
A monster symbol, again.
A shot rings out and strikes the tree right above my head. If I had raised my head a few inches, it could have hit me. I run more, deeper into the woods. This time I take no breaks, and for once in my life I’m happy that I enjoy exercising from time to time. I have no clue how long I run for, but it feels like forever. When I feel I’m a good distance away from whatever was happening, I slow my pace, and try my best to not step on any twigs or make drastic movements that would give away my position.
By the time my adrenaline wears off, the sun has begun to rise, peeking on the horizon. I have no clue what time it is, but I can now see most of my surroundings. I find a fallen tree with a low bush covering one side. I hide under the low bush and wait, barely breathing.
I feel if I let out a breath, whoever is looking for me would find me.
Was someone even looking for me?
I try to calm myself and think rationally, but it’s difficult. I’m hungry, smell terribly bad, and wet myself.
I would rather be anywhere than this place, right now. Take me back to the ghetto, please!
I hear the distant sound of dogs and think of Chase. He must be looking for me.
In my paranoid state, I’m not sure if that’s a good thing.
The sound of the dogs is getting closer. Chase owns hunting dogs; they must have my scent and are on to my location. I peek through the bush and in the near distance, see two large hounds running my way.
