Cursed

by K. K. Allen

  With a satisfied smile, Charlotte drives us out of the Summer Estates gate and goes straight to where we had taken a left at the T last night. From what I can tell, this is the entire town, a T-shape with carved-out inlets that make up waterfront housing developments. We drive past the public beach, where a long rock structure juts into the ocean. Huge waves crash over the end of it, sending water spraying high into the air.

  Past that is a row of large coastal homes that appear dated compared to the ones in Summer Estates. In fact, the farther down the road we travel, the older the houses seem to get. One house in particular sticks out like a sore thumb. It looks completely abandoned, with chipped paint, angled shutters, boarded-up windows, tall weeds for grass, and overgrown pathways. Yet, I can see past the distress and visualize the beautiful landmark it once probably was. But even as it is, I’m strangely comforted by the sight. To know this town isn’t the immaculate storybook land I initially thought is enough to ground me back into reality.

  My eyes are still focused out the window on Charlotte’s side as we pass another public beach, this one clearly not as well cared for as the one near Summer Estates. It’s completely deserted, save for a man dressed in all black. It’s him.

  My pulse takes off racing. From the T-shirt that stretches around his muscles, to the cap he wears low enough to cover his eyes, and to black slacks that make me desperately want to know where he’s headed, there’s no question that it’s the jogger from last night—the older guy with the unforgettably harsh glare.

  I’m relieved he doesn’t look at me this time as we pass. Letting him catch me staring the first time was almost too embarrassing to handle. I don’t think I would survive it again.

  “Here we are.”

  Charlotte’s voice cuts through my racing thoughts, and I look forward to find the landscape changing before my very eyes. As we escape the last of the worn-down section of the neighborhood, we start to pass over an arched one-lane stone bridge. Its rails and end posts are sculpted like Greek pillars with a statue of Apollo and his bow perched on each one.

  Beyond the end of the bridge sits a castle-sized black iron gate with “Summer Island” written in metallic gold above it. A matching gold Greek sun with an S separates at the middle when the doors begin to open.

  “Summer Island? You’ve got to be kidding me,” I mutter. “My grandparents developed this too?”

  Charlotte’s light infectious laughter floats through the air. “Your grandparents’ parents, yes. Rose and George just added all the embellishments.”

  I don’t even notice the guard house to the side of the gate until Charlotte slows the car and rolls down her window. “Hey, Herk. Meet Rose’s granddaughter, Katrina. I’m sure you’ll be seeing a lot of her.”

  They exchange a wink, then he leans over to smile at me. “Well, well, well. She does exist,” he exclaims. “It’s so lovely to finally meet you, Katrina.”

  “It’s just Kat.” I can’t help but smile back at the charming and animated man.

  “Of course, of course. Well, I’m Herkle. But the people around here call me whatever they want. Herk. Herkie. Hercules.” He holds up an arm, pushes up his massive bicep, then winks as if it’s some inside joke.

  I let out an awkward laugh, not knowing how else to respond. “It’s nice to meet you, Herkle.”

  “Will I be seeing you at the next Encha—”

  Charlotte gives him a wave, cutting him off, while starting to drive forward again. “Not yet, Herk. In time.” Then she faces forward, leaving me confused, and drives through the open doors of the gate.

  “What was he talking about, Charlotte?”

  Charlotte shrugs and tosses me a smile. “There’s a weekly event Rose runs. Kind of like a town hall meeting but a bit more exclusive. You’ll attend one soon enough.”

  I don’t want to speak my thoughts aloud. The last thing I want to do is attend a town hall event. What would be the purpose of that?

  Large overgrown trees shade the winding pathway for what feels like miles before the branches thin out and I’m able to see the sky again. My jaw drops at what opens up before me. Among Greek-inspired buildings with a contemporary spin, temple structures make up office buildings. There are outdoor restaurants, a shopping center, and a large stadium, which holds what appears to be an athletic center of some sort, with tennis courts, basketball hoops, a track, and a pool. It’s like we’ve entered some sort of ancient Greek paradise.

  “Pretty cool, huh?” Charlotte is staring back at me with a smile that lights up her entire face. Obviously, she’s proud of what my grandparents created.

  I’m still wrapping my brain around the fact that my family owns everything in this town. No wonder that Alec kid knew who I was before I ever introduced myself. What else does everyone know?

  “Where would you like to go first? Perhaps we’ll start by getting you a nice dress for your birthday.”

  The mention of my birthday throws off my mood some. “Why would I need a dress for that? I don’t have plans.”

  Charlotte’s eyes widen. “Oh my. Rose didn’t tell you?”

  I scrunch my face, confused yet again. “Tell me what? I’ve barely spoken with her.”

  “Your eighteenth birthday is a big deal, not just because of your age, but because this year, it falls on the summer solstice. We always have an elaborate party to celebrate the summer solstice.” Her eyes are so big and bright, I feel like I’m supposed to make some sort of connection.

  “Um, okay.” I say the words slowly, trying to make sense of something. But I’m only growing more frustrated with all the secrets and insinuations that there’s something big I’m missing. “I don’t plan on celebrating my birthday. Whatever plans Rose has, she can cancel.”

  Charlotte makes a noise in the back of her throat, clearly frustrated with me. “Kat, please,” she says almost desperately. “You have no idea how big of a deal this is. To your grandmother. To the town. To you—” Her face relaxes some. “Please, just humor me today. Let me get you a dress. Or, if you’d like, pick out some fabric, and I can make you one myself.”

  Charlotte’s craft room is beginning to make sense. I let out a heavy breath, knowing my stubborn nature isn’t doing anyone any good.

  But when is any of this going to start making sense? Why does it always feel like I’m missing something important? I let out a sigh. “Okay. I guess a new dress won’t kill me.”

  Charlotte’s lids widen at my surrender. “Really?” She claps her hands together. “I know just the perfect place to start.”

  One gorgeous green dress, a pair of silver heels, and a pair of tiny diamond earrings later, Charlotte is still trying to convince me to get something in every store we go into—swimming suits, workout clothes, and casual outfits for whatever. I refuse all of it.

  We’re setting our purchases in the car when Charlotte tilts her head at me. “I don’t suppose I can talk you into getting a mani-pedi with me, can I?”

  Biting down on my smile, I shake my head then point at the three-building structure behind her with the columns that line the center building and curved stairs wrapping both sides. “Actually, I kind of wanted to check out the library.”

  Charlotte looks over at it then shrugs. “Okay.” She fishes something out of her purse then hands me a plastic library card. “You’ll need this. Meet me at Island Grille when you’re done.” She turns and points across the grassy courtyard that takes up the center of the island. “It’s right down that gravel drive next to the marina. You can’t miss it.”

  “Okay. In an hour?”

  She nods. “See you then. Bring your appetite,” she calls as she walks off, her hair flying around her face in the breeze.

  I cross the street toward the library, in awe once again of the detail put into these replica structures. My mom never mentioned how obsessed Rose was with her Greek ancestry, but it’s all starting to come to light now. Between all the Summer-owned properties, Rose’s home, and the touches of her heritage spr
inkled throughout, my curiosity was piqued enough to want to know more.

  I’m halfway across the street when I hear an engine getting louder as it gains speed down the main drive. I look over to find a red Audi convertible heading straight for me. The driver’s eyes are pinned on me like I’m a target on a crash test she can’t wait to nail, and her friend is laughing maniacally in the passenger seat.

  What the—?

  My heart speeds as I think quickly. I don’t know whether to run backward or forward in an attempt to save myself from harm. All I know is that the woman behind the wheel has no intention of slowing. If anything, she’s speeding up. Her chin tilts down, her eyes narrow, and her fingers lift before regripping the wheel.

  I’m running out of time, and I can’t help but think about my mom and wonder if this is how she felt in those final moments before she was struck.

  Maybe this is how I die too.

  I snap out of my haunting thoughts just long enough to make a decision to sprint forward, but after one step, I realize there’s no time to run from the quickly approaching vehicle. Instead, I use all the energy I can muster to leap out of the street.

  I didn’t anticipate my strength. I fly through the air, clearing the street and sidewalk completely, then lose all control as I try to get my feet beneath me for the landing. My toes touch down on the grass, but I’m leaning too far forward. Momentum pushes me hard onto my knees, and I roll until the towering statue of Athena stops me.

  “Oomph.” All the air leaves my body, just as I hear the squeal of tires from applied brakes.

  I look up to find two familiar-looking girls in the car, one with light brown hair, the other blond. “Sorry about that!” the blond girl in the driver's seat calls out. “I hope I didn’t hurt you.” The laughter in her voice tells me I shouldn’t believe her. Then she speeds away with her friend hollering with laughter beside her.

  I roll my eyes and stand up, dusting grass and dirt from my black shorts and tank top. Now I remember where I know those girls from. They were at the volleyball game, cheering on Alec and Brett. I had a feeling they were trouble even then. The near hit and run incident just solidified it.

  After checking my body to make sure they didn’t do any real damage, I confirm all my bones are intact. In fact, there’s not even a scratch on me. I blow out an annoyed breath and climb the steps to the library then stop immediately once inside.

  White marble floors span the length of the three-story building. Endless rows of books surround the perimeter of each floor. The center is a wide-open space with a large glass dome ceiling that pours sunlight down onto a gold statue of the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen in my life. Her hair is long and flowing. Her eyes catch the light so that they appear to glow, and her nude form reveals gracious curves. Her expression is one of someone putting up a great fight. The arm she extends is flexed, showcasing her strength, and she’s holding something. It takes me a second to figure out what’s in her hand, and when I do, I gasp.

  A black snake with gold scales is wrapped around her fist. It looks to be hissing at her, with its mouth open wide and its reach only inches from her face. I nearly believe she’s in some kind of danger. But then I realize it’s the serpent that is helpless within her grip. Curious, I get closer to the statue to see if there’s any information written about her. But after circling the figure a few times, looking for a plaque or anything to clue me in as to who she is, I come up empty.

  “Can I help you with something, miss?”

  I look at the man who just approached. “Actually, yes. Who is she? I can’t find any information about her.”

  The man cranes his neck to look up at the statue, and by the blush that creeps onto his cheeks, it’s clear I’m not the only one who finds the woman stunning. “I believe she’s an ancient Greek goddess.”

  I frown. “Right, but do you know her name?”

  He looks back at me, seeming completely thrown by my question. “No. No one knows who she is.” He perks up. “But if it’s Greek mythology you’re interested in, I can point you in the right direction.”

  My curiosity fades into intrigue when I realize I can probably find the woman with a little research. “That would be great. Thank you.”

  The man smiles and leads me to the top floor then to a section in the back corner named Mythologies. He leaves me, and I immediately begin scouring the shelves. One of the first books I come across is about the summer solstice. I slip it out from the stacks, remembering how interested Charlotte seemed to be in the occasion. I can brush up on my knowledge at least.

  The next book I find is all about gods and goddesses from ancient Greece. I pull it down, sit on the floor, and begin to thumb through it, determined to find out who the statue in the library depicts. I flip through every single page, skimming the words and focusing on the images. Disappointment fills me when I get to the end, no closer to figuring out who the mystery woman is. How strange. Sighing, I pick myself off the floor, squeeze the book back into the stacks, and continue perusing.

  I’ve just pulled out two more books that might help feed my curiosity when I look up at the large wall clock and gasp. Shoot. My time is up. I take off down the aisle and round the corner, plowing headfirst into a moving target.

  I stumble back. “I'm so sorry.”

  “Don’t be. I wasn’t looking.”

  I’m so flustered that I don’t realize I’ve bumped into Alec until I hear his deep, familiar voice. I look up at him, causing a stampede of horses to start galloping in my chest. Even in the darkness last night, I knew he was gorgeous, but today is a different story. With the sun at his back, his green eyes practically sparkling with his smile, and his clean-cut good looks, I know I’m in trouble. “It’s you.”

  My entire body heats so fast, I have no chance of hiding my deep humiliation. I can’t believe I just said that. After the way we met last night, and now this, he must think I’m a total weirdo.

  “Are we going to meet like this every time?” he jokes.

  I cringe then let out an awkward laugh. “I really hope not. I am sorry, though. I was rushing to be somewhere, and I wasn’t paying attention.”

  The corner of his mouth tips up playfully. “It’s okay if you’re doing these things on purpose just to talk to me.” His eyes glimmer. “I don’t mind.”

  I bite down on my smile and roll my eyes. “You’re onto me.” Another thought crosses my mind. “Except I’ve been up here for some time, while it looks like you just got here. So, maybe it’s you who is trying to run into me.”

  This time, it’s Alec’s face that flushes with color. “Okay, so I might have seen you from downstairs and come up to say hello. I didn’t know you were going to throw yourself at me.”

  I laugh while my eyes catch on something he’s holding. My books somehow found their way into his hands when we bumped into each other. “Oh, I’ll take those.” I reach for them, but Alec pulls them out of reach from me and glances at the one facing him.

  “The summer solstice, huh? I guess you are your grandmother’s daughter.”

  For a second, I wonder if he’s trying to offend me, but that doesn’t seem like something he would do. Still, his comment rubs me the wrong way. “What do you mean?”

  His eyes widen like he realizes how he might have come across. “Just that your grandmother is into all that stuff. It makes sense that you would be too.” When I give him a strange look, he shakes his head. “It’s not weird or anything. It seems half the town is into this stuff. You would think we lived on an ancient Greek burial ground or something.”

  I smile and slip my books from his hands, knowing exactly what he means. “Moving here made me curious, I guess.”

  He pushes his hands into his pockets and rocks forward like he’s nervous. As he does, a strand of curly hair falls in front of his eyes. Besides being ridiculously cute, he’s also sweet and friendly, and for some reason, he came up here to talk to me. Warmth spreads in my chest.

  “Curious about t
he solstice or Greek mythology in general?”

  “Both.” I shrug. “My birthday falls on the summer solstice this year, and Rose wants to have this big celebration. I don’t really understand what the fascination is, but I want to try.”

  He gives me a smile that melts me down to my toes. “Well, it’s totally cool if you’re into it all. Some people around here don’t get it, but I think it’s cool how history and mythology blend together. My parents are fascinated with all that stuff too.”

  “They are?”

  Alec nods. “Oh, yeah. They’re herbalists, so they’re all big into sacred healing rituals and holistic healing and all of that. My mom owns an herbal shop on the island, and my dad teaches ancestral herbalism at the private college. I don’t know if they’re quite as intense about it as Rose, but it all stems from the same beliefs, I think.”

  I nod, sensing he has something more to say. But judging by the bend of his brows, he’s figuring out how to word it.

  After too much time passes, unease shakes through me, and I give a shaky laugh. “Is there something you want to ask me?”

  His eyelids spread wide, and his mouth opens. “Um, no.” He shakes his head. “It’s not important.”

  I push my lips to the side and frown. “Just ask. Is it about my grandmother? Or me?”

  Alec shuffles his feet. “Now that you’re putting me on the spot, I wish I never even thought about it. I don’t want to offend you.”

  I straighten my shoulders and look him dead in the eyes. “You don’t even know me. There’s no possible way you can offend me.”

  He releases a breath. “Okay. It’s just… people around here call your grandmother a Wiccan or whatever”—he nods at the books in my hands—“because she’s so obsessed with all of that. They think she’s into witchcraft and stuff.” He lets out an awkward laugh. “Crazy, right?”

  I open my mouth to tell him she’s not into anything like that, but then I snap it shut, realizing I actually have no idea what Rose’s religious beliefs are. “To be honest, I don’t know Rose well enough to speak on her behalf, but I don’t exactly get witchy vibes from her.” Despite the awkward conversation, a smile breaks out on my face.