by Raathi Chota
“That Benny’s old car is—”
“No, no about the…evidence.” I whispered the last part as I gathered my things. Benny gave me a concerned look as I walked down the bleachers.
“That there’s no evidence,” Liam whispered.
“The dress…” I trailed off as I pressed my books to my chest. Their eyes widened in unison as I bit the inside of my cheek.
“You never gave it to us. The last time you wore it was the night of Homecoming,” Benny said as he placed a hand on my shoulder.
“Sanchez, Byrne, Nielson, get your butts over here!” Coach yelled from across the gym.
“I washed it and put it on the line. Then you guys came, and that’s when we found…” I trailed off, and over Nick’s shoulder, I saw Coach march toward us. “I gotta go. I have to check if it’s still at home.”
“Should we come with?” Benny asked as I began to walk.
“No, it’s all good. I’ll see you later!” I exclaimed and ran out of the gym.
It turned out Benny was my ride home, but I couldn’t wait, so I jogged the whole way. I was nervous about the dress. How could I forget the dress? The thing with the most evidence—Christo’s blood, rips, and fragrance. When I got home, I burst through the door so fast that the hinges creaked. My mother’s car was in the driveway, but she was in the kitchen on the phone. I ran up to my room and literally threw everything out. I hadn’t seen that beautiful pink dress since September. Even though I put it in the wash then hung it up, I still saw the bloodstains. I took off my glasses and threw them on my bed. My room looked like a mess with everything thrown out. The front doorbell rang, and I groaned when Mom said I had to answer it. My expression changed, as I assumed it was Benny, Liam, and Nick. I walked down the stairs and opened the door. “I can’t find i—” I cut myself off as I locked eyes with Levi. I sighed as I saw Blake and Keene on either side of him.
“Hey, princess.” Levi smiled as he stepped forward and opened his arms. I forced a smile and hugged each of them as they passed me.
“My brother invited us to watch him fight tonight then we’re going street racing. Wanna come?” Blake asked as he shut the door.
“Now is not a really good time.”
“Why? What’s wrong?” Keene asked.
“Nothing, it’s just a school night and a lot of homework,” I said and walked past them. I thought of where else the dress could be then checked the closet by the stairs.
“What are you looking for?” Blake asked as I went through all our coats.
“Nothing,” I sang and shut the door. I wish I could tell them, I really did, but Ernst told me about how James watched all of them. I should be cautious with what I said.
“Please come with,” Levi whined as I walked upstairs. “Please, please, please, please!”
They apparently followed, and I felt Levi’s arms wrap around my waist as I walked. He continued to nag, but I ignored him as I attempted to walk. He placed his chin on my shoulder, and his grip tightened around me.
“No, we have spring break to do all of that,” I whined as I pried him off me. We entered my room, and he finally let go. I narrowed my eyes as I inspected the rest of my room.
“Whoa, were you trying to kill a spider and lost it?” Keene asked as I leaned against my desk.
“No, I’m just—”
“What are you looking for?” Blake repeated as he folded his arms. We locked eyes, and I shrugged.
“Are you looking for cigarettes?” Levi asked as he placed a hand on his pocket, and I saw the outline of his pack.
“No, I haven’t smoked in almost two weeks,” I said as the corner of my mouth turned up.
“A week.” Keene raised his hand, and I smiled then looked at Levi and Blake.
“Five days,” Blake mumbled.
“Oh shit, you were serious,” Levi said and scratched his head. “I thought nobody pays attention to those New Year’s resolutions.”
“Well, we are attempting before summer break,” I said and folded my arms.
“So what are you looking for?” Keene asked as he looked at my messy room.
“It’s not important. I’ll find it later,” I mumbled as Blake studied me. He continued to stare at me, and I returned the gesture.
“Dude, check,” Levi spoke up, and we broke contact when I saw Levi pick up my red bra and put it against his chest.
“Hey!” I exclaimed and snatched my bra from him. They laughed while my cheeks reddened, and I put my bra back in the drawer.
“So I heard you’re coming to Ethan’s beach house,” Blake said as they helped.
“Yeah,” I mumbled then crouched down to pick up a few books. I saw a pair of familiar combat boots approach me yet I continued to stack books on the shelf. Blake crouched down to help while Keene and Levi did my clothing.
“You’re hiding something,” Blake whispered then picked up the same book I grabbed. He placed his hand over mine and looked at me. “Is it Parker? James? Benny?” he asked as we put the book on the shelf. I ignored him and stood up and walked toward my bed.
“Hey princess, I also heard your little boyfriend wouldn’t be here the first few days of spring break,” Levi smirked and wiggled his brows. “Leaves you in our hands.”
“Yeah, well, I’m first going to study for a bit.”
“Really? You’re already such a smartass,” Keene said.
“Just a few days then I’m all yours.”
“Okay, but if you don’t, we’re coming to get you,” Levi said then pulled out a key. “Since I’m living in Illinois now, Angie gave me a key to this house.”
“You’re never going back to California? You’re actually staying here with them?”
“Yeah, most of it was my decision. Don’t blame my parents for it. They’re the best parents ever. I just…I wanna be independent,” Levi said. “Plus, here’s all the best memories.”
“I’m with you all the way.” I smiled.
“Okay, now that’s all out of the way, Lana, you coming or not, because Tamia texted that they’re getting a bite to eat first,” Keene said as he read off his phone.
“No, but thank you. Tell Axel and Tamia I say hi,” I said. Levi and Keene nodded as they walked out of my room. I looked over my shoulder to see Blake leaning against my closet. “Just go, Blake. Don’t worry.” I turned away. I heard him grunt as I stared at the floor. He walked past me and out of the room then shut my door. I bit the inside of my cheek and collapsed onto my bed. I heard a lot of voices downstairs and cut them out. I didn’t know how long I laid with my eyes closed, but when I opened them, I saw Benny towering over me. My smile faded as I raised my arms and he pulled me up and hugged me. “I’m sorry, I can’t find it,” I mumbled into his shoulder and looked up to see Nick and Liam. Liam had a tub of ice cream with four spoons, and he held it out. I pulled away from Benny and patted the seat next to me. Liam sat on my left while Nick sat on my desk chair. We passed the cookie dough ice cream and ate.
“We’re fucked.” Nick took the words right out of my mouth.
“Yep, but how could we forget that?” Liam asked as he took a spoonful and passed the tub to me.
“I remember that it was hung up on the line when you guys came, but when we came back, all the clothing was taken down,” I said and let the cold ice cream massage my tongue.
“Have you asked your mom?” Nick asked as I gave Benny the ice cream. I blinked continuously because I hadn’t thought of that. I abruptly stood up and looked at them.
“I’ll go ask now,” I said and held my hand out to Benny. “You coming?”
He put his spoon down then accepted my hand and stood up. Nick groaned as he looked at us then Liam. “Please don’t leave me here with him.”
“Oh, come on, Nick, I’ll teach you how to play human slingshot, so you’ll know when we go to the beach!” Liam cheered as Nick rubbed his forehead. Benny and I laughed as Liam explained the game. I’d gotten stitches playing it.
“Mom, have you seen
my Homecoming dress?” I asked as we entered the kitchen. It was only then that I saw Blake, Keene, and Levi.
“I’ve washed it multiple times, Lana, but those stains won’t come off!” Mom replied, and I stared at Blake.
“Oh yeah. Mom showed me a picture of you and Carter that night.” Levi smirked, and I felt Benny’s grip on my hand tighten.
“So where is it, Mom?”
“I was going to take it to the dry cleaners that Jade suggested. It’s up in my closet,” Mom said, and I thanked her and pulled Benny out of the kitchen.
“Do they know?” Benny whispered as we walked up into my parents’ room. I turned to him and walked back into the room.
“No, I’d never tell them without asking you guys first,” I said as he cupped my cheeks. “Plus, it’s not safe anymore.”
“Don’t worry, babe, everything’s going to be okay,” Benny whispered then kissed me. I locked my hands around his neck and leaned into him to deepen the kiss.
“Lana, is it there?” Mom yelled from downstairs. Benny pulled away, and our heavy breaths filled the room. I walked over to my parents’ closet. Benny and I searched both of their closets, but the dress was nowhere to be found. I rubbed my eyes as we walked out of the room. Benny pulled me in for a hug, and I melted in his arms. I walked downstairs while Benny went to Nick and Liam. I was about to enter the kitchen but got pulled back. I looked over my shoulder to see Blake.
“What are you up to, nerd?”
“Nothing,” I replied as he gave me a once-over.
“Bullshit. I remember the next day after Homecoming when we came to your house. You were still in your dress, and it was fucking ruined.”
“I-I can’t tell you, Blake. Just please trust me on this. It’s for your own good.”
“Fucking bullshit, Lana!” he snapped and placed a hand on either side of the wall. “Are you in some kind of trouble?”
“No, it’s just…don’t worry about it. Please, I’d tell you everything, but I just fucking can’t, okay?” I snapped then walked back upstairs, not because I didn’t want to say anymore. I knew if I did, more people would get hurt.
Chapter Three
Lana
Benny and I didn’t go with Aidan and Tiffany that night; we were too worried about the dress. We called Aunt Jade to ask her about the dry cleaners that Mom might’ve sent it to. We got the address and went there, but they’d never seen the pink dress before, so Benny dropped me at home and told me to rest as it had been a long day.
I slowly opened my eyes, and another pair of blue eyes met mine. His eyes sparked with interest as he smiled at me. It was the third morning where I’d woken up and Levi Radcliff was next to me. Not in a wrong way. Mom invited him for dinner, and instead of going to the Gunners’ house, he’d sneak through my window and park his car by Carter’s house. I watched as he ran his fingers down my cheek, and I leisurely closed my eyes as I took in his touch.
“Morning, princess.” His voice was draggy as I opened my eyes.
“Why are you here in my bed?” I stated as he put a lock of hair behind my ear.
“Blake told me about your nightmares and that they never stopped. I just want to comfort you,” Levi said. “Do you love him?”
“What?”
“Do you love Benny Neilson? Because he’s damn well in love with you,” Levi asked then reached over his shoulder and showed me the ring.
“I don’t know,” I mumbled as I stared at the ring.
“I know you, princess. Somewhere in your mind, you still remember what he used to do to you. You still remember what he used to say to you and how you cried in my arms becau—”
“Stop it, Levi,” I demanded and sat up. I looked at my bedside table and noticed that it was almost noon. Great, I missed school. Levi followed my actions then held up the ring.
“You won’t say it back because you remember everything. Are you just with Benny out of sympa—”
“No! What the fuck?” I exclaimed and got out of bed. “Stopping talking shit about my boyfriend, Levi. We’ve all apparently made mistakes, right?”
“Yeah, but I never did it again, and aga—” Levi cut off when my door opened. We turned our heads to see Keene open the door.
“Hey, you guys ready to go?” he asked as I scrunched my nose up.
“Go where?”
“Levi didn’t tell you?” Keene asked, and I shook my head and glared at Levi. “We’re going out with Carter, Axel, Blake, and Tamia.”
I turned to Levi, who didn’t pay attention. He played with the ring then glanced up at me.
“Princess, I’m sorry, I just don’t want him to snap or hurt you again. I want you to be happy,” Levi said as he closed his eyes for a moment.
“He won’t. He’s changed, and he makes me happy,” I repeated for what seemed to be the millionth time.
“Sure,” Levi mumbled then walked out of the room. I facepalmed then walked to my closet.
“Know your priorities, Lana,” Keene said, and I turned to him and nodded.
***
Since it was the last day of school, Blake and Carter dragged me off on a trip. Carter took his truck while Axel took his car, and we drove for quite a while. Blake barely spoke to me, and I sensed it was because of yesterday. Levi seemed on edge too, and Carter must’ve noticed when he turned up the music. Soon we jammed out to a few songs, and I saw the small smiles appear on their lips.
We stopped after an hour and walked up a hill. I smiled to myself since I wore those black Nikes that Ethan got me for Christmas. I topped the look off with a pair of ripped jeans shorts and a white graphic tee. The guys were in front and behind, which left Tamia and me. I didn’t know what she thought of me because the first time we met, she gazed at me. We’ve never had an actual conversation, so all I knew was that she went to college and had been best friends with Axel since they were little. She used to live in Minnesota but moved to Illinois because of college and Axel.
“Do you know where we’re going?” I suddenly asked. She looked down at me with an expressionless look.
“Off a cliff.”
“Okay,” I muttered as I watched her sip her beer. She turned to me.
“How long have you known Axel?”
“Err…around the same time I met Blake, I guess.”
“How’s your scar?” She looked at my thigh. I raised a brow, and she rolled her eyes.
“Axel told me about that night he was drunk. He didn’t mean to hurt you again.”
“Again?”
“Yes, again,” she stated and turned to me. We stopped, and she waited until Keene and Levi walked ahead. She turned back to me, and her light brown hair hit my face. “But drunken words speak sober thoughts,” Tamia grumbled, and I tried to remember what Axel said that night when he threw the bottle at me. “I’ve known the Gunners for many years, Lana, and I’m like a sister to them. I’ve always looked out for them, and I don’t want someone to come and fuck up their lives just like their uncle did.”
“I’m not looking for an—”
“I’m warning you, Axel is a huge softie compared to Blake, yet both of them saved your ass multiple times,” Tamia muttered. I was utterly shocked, but I always knew something was up. I couldn’t be mean to her because Axel and Blake would hate me. Like she said, she’s like a sister to them. I watched as she walked past Carter, Blake, Levi, and Keene then joined Axel as they shared a beer. I caught up with them and stood in the middle. Carter offered me a sip of his beer, but I declined.
“Where exactly are we going?” I asked as we walked up the hill and past trees.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Keene grinned as he playfully nudged me. I smiled and took in the sounds of nature. My expression soon changed as I thought of James. Ernst said he had cameras on the boys.
“Have you guys been here before?”
“Actually no, we just drove past and wanted to see what’s here,” Blake replied and pulled off his shirt. I blinked continuously since he threw his
shirt over his shoulder. I cleared my throat as I remembered what I wanted to say in the first place. If they hadn’t been here, then James couldn’t watch us.
“We’re alone, right?” I mumbled.
“What’s wrong?” Carter asked, and I noticed Levi slowed down while the rest of us kept going. I looked over my shoulder to see him type on his phone, so I left him.
“One of James’s men, Ernst, spoke to me the other day.”
“What?” Blake and Carter asked in unison. From the corner of my eye, I noticed Keene dropped his gaze.
“Where, Lana? When did yo—”
“Last Sunday at the diner,” I mumbled. Blake ranted about how I shouldn’t have gone off alone while Carter stared at me.
“Was it that chef?” Keene asked, and I slowly nodded.
“What did he tell you? Did he threaten or hurt you?” Blake asked as he tried to get to me, but Carter stepped in his way.
“No, he just…he said…” I stuttered because I didn’t know how to put it. I felt Carter’s fingers entwine with mine as he gave me a reassured look. “James is out to get me. He freaking planned it all.” I exhaled deeply as Carter’s grip tightened on my hand. I turned to Blake, whose jaw was clenched as he watched me. “That’s why I couldn’t tell you anything. He’s watching all of you.”
“Even me?” Keene asked, and I nodded. “Figures, I never paid him his money but for the ice. I told your dad, and he said I should wait. I have the money, though,” he added while I nodded. Silence took over us, and I slowed down my pace as well as Blake. He huffed and turned to me with his lips pursed.
“Look, I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you sooner.” I sighed. “Ernst also said that James was going to kill you all at the cottage that day.”
That seemed to catch his attention as he looked down at me. I noticed his nose piercing was gone, which made his features sharpen. His hair was in all directions from the drive.
“Why was he telling you all of this?” he asked after a while. I shrugged and looked over my shoulder to see Levi take off his shirt. I raised a brow and faced forward to see that Axel and Tamia stopped. Axel also took off his flannel as he stared onward.
