An outer suburb, Covenester, Fall 2006
The glass fell in one heavy pane through the old door, shattering into a million pieces on impact. A hand snaked through the suddenly exposed door panel, trying the lock. It took only three attempts for the door to reef open, creaking as if it had been gummed shut for over a century.
“Come on.” Eric’s voice was excited. “We’ve done it!”
There was hesitation from the others. It seemed that no one wanted to be the first one to walk through the door of the abandoned house, despite their determination to gain entry. Eric rolled his eyes and stepped in, dancing down the old hallway.
“Babies!” he taunted, staring at them over one shoulder. His bright green eyes seemed to gleam in the darkness, almost like a cat.
Tess Nolan stepped into the hallway, taking a deep breath. Her eyes wide, she stared around. She knew the old Grady house, of course. She had been passing by it on her way to school her entire life. Her dad had told her that old Mrs. Grady had lived alone here for years, with a posse of cats, until she died over twenty years ago. It had stood vacant ever since; apparently, it had never been sold, although why remained a mystery.
But she had never been inside before. It had always been out of bounds to her and her siblings—well, it was out of bounds to all the kids in the neighbourhood. They would pass by it in knots on their way to school and stare at the overgrown gardens and the boards and shutters that tumbled to the ground at an increasing rate over the years. Ghost stories had sprung up around it, of course. One persistent one was that old Mrs. Grady had died in here and hadn’t been found for over a month. She walked the corridors, some said. Sometimes, you could even see a light in one of the windows, if you were lucky enough.
Tess wrinkled her nose. Ghost stories were for babies, and she was sixteen now. Old enough to know better; and she didn’t believe in ghosts anyway. But that didn’t stop the shiver of foreboding that shuddered through her as she walked slowly down the decrepit hallway. Get a grip, she fiercely told herself. You don’t want Eric and Shay to see that you are scared. They will never let you come with them like this again.
There was a noise behind her. Panicked, she quickly turned around. But it was only Shay Sullivan following her. She could see that his eyes were wide, too, but he was trying to put a brave face on it. Just like she was.
“Come on,” said Eric forcefully. “Let’s explore!” He held out his hand towards Tess. She hesitated only a second longer, then took it. He pulled her down the hallway, running and laughing.
Tess glowed. Eric had taken her hand! He had turned around, and without even thinking about it, had chosen her to run through this old house with. Did it mean what she thought it did? She glanced at him sideways, trying to gauge his mood. He was excited to be in here, there was no doubt about that. But had he deliberately chosen to share this first moment of discovery with her, or had he just been caught up in the adventure?
Chill, Tess, she told herself. She knew boys don’t like it when girls act too keen. But the thought that Eric Thurston was actually holding her hand was too thrilling for words. She had been in love with him for so long, but he had barely noticed her before now. Now, he had asked her to go on this adventure with him and Shay, and he had taken her hand. Did it mean that he liked her? Really liked her?
“Wait up!” Shay’s voice was just behind them. Tess turned, glancing at him. She had almost forgotten that he was even there. Why, oh why, couldn’t it be just her and Eric on this adventure? Just the two of them, running breathlessly through the old house, then falling into each other’s arms…
“Tess?” Shay was staring at her. “Are you alright?”
“Of course I am, silly,” she said, wrinkling her nose at him. Shay could be so boring! He was always asking her if she was okay and hovering around her and her girlfriends in the cafeteria at lunchtime. She liked Shay, she really did, but he was so…normal. A regular guy, who got good grades and worked at his parent’s hardware store on weekends. Good looking, she thought now, glancing at him. But he was always so quiet and self-effacing most of the kids at school rarely paid him much attention. He tended to fade into the background just a little bit.
Not like Eric. Eric’s charm was like a beacon of light to all the girls at school. He rode a motorbike, of all things, to school. She and her girlfriends would huddle in a cluster watching him roar into the school parking lot then slowly get off his bike, taking off his helmet. His black leather jacket made him look like he could be in a gang. Imagine that! Going out with a bonafide member of a bikie gang. She would be the talk of the school and the envy of her girlfriends.
But it was more than his bike and his black leather jacket. Eric was a rebel. He ditched classes on a whim and talked back to the teachers. He had amazing green eyes and brown hair that sort of flopped over one eye, forcing him to push it back. When he had singled her out, asking her if she wanted to come on this adventure with him, she had been so overcome she almost couldn’t speak. She could only nod. Anything to be with him, and to escape the crushing monotony of life in this dull suburb, where the most exciting thing that ever happened was the postman being attacked by a dog occasionally.
“Meet me at the corner of Ashman Avenue at ten,” he had said, staring at her intensely. She had nodded again. Her girlfriends had tried to talk her out of it, telling her it was too dangerous—what if her parents found out?—but she had ignored them. She knew that they were just jealous that Eric hadn’t asked them.
She had been surprised to see Shay there, as well, although she probably shouldn’t have been. Against all odds, Eric was Shay’s best friend. They had been as thick as thieves since grade school. Shay was always tagging along behind Eric. She remembered them careering down the hills of their suburb on their push bikes when they were nine before they would stack them at the bottom. They would pick themselves up and shake themselves off like dogs, comparing wounds.
But even so, Shay was so average. She didn’t think he would have agreed to this adventure. It was against the law, after all, to be breaking into an abandoned house at night. And she knew that Shay wanted to get into law school one day. Still, here he was. Hovering over her, as always.
“Come on!” said Eric, again, pulling at her hand. She laughed and forgot all about Shay.
They entered the large living room. She gazed around. There was a huge fireplace against one wall, and strangely, pieces of furniture still in here, covered in dusty white sheets. Tess wondered, again, why this house had stood empty for so long. Surely someone had inherited it, after old Mrs. Grady died? Why hadn’t they sold it, or pulled it down, building a block of brick condos in its place? It stood on at least an acre of prime suburban land. It was a mystery.
Eric’s eyes roamed the room. “Let’s build a fire,” he said slowly. “There’s enough old wood in here to get it started.”
Tess frowned. “Won’t someone notice smoke coming out of the chimney?”
Eric stared at her. “This is supposed to be an adventure,” he stressed. “And guess what? I’ve brought some marshmallows with me. They’re in my pocket. Fancy some gooey marshmallows cooked by a fire, Tess Tippy Toes?”
Tess blushed deeply. How on earth did he know her old childhood nickname, given to her because of her tendency to peer through windows on the tips of her toes? It was so embarrassing! But then, embarrassment gave way to a glow of satisfaction. He must really like her if he had discovered her old nickname. Had he been asking around about her?
“Okay,” she said, slowly, a smile spreading over her face. “Sounds good.”
Eric set to work, breaking up pieces of furniture and tossing them into the fireplace. Shay just stood and watched, walking to the huge window looking down over the gardens. Tess noticed that he was frowning.
“Eric,” he said slowly. “I think Tess is right. Someone will notice the smoke.”
“Ah, man,” said Eric, staring at his best friend. “You’re killing my buzz! Just keep watch lik
e you’re supposed to, and we will all be peachy keen.”
It took him a while, but soon the fire was roaring in the grate. Tess coughed, trying to shield her face from the onslaught of smoke that had filled the room. Eric took off his leather jacket, fanning it, so that soon it started drawing into the old chimney. He took out the crushed packet of marshmallows from his pocket, finding makeshift sticks to spear them onto.
“Here you go,” he said, passing her one. She took it, and they poked the sticks into the fire. Tess watched the marshmallow blister and blacken on the end of her stick.
“They’re ready,” said Eric, quickly taking his out. Tess did the same. They attacked them with gusto. Tess laughed, trying to swallow the hot gooey mess of it in a dignified manner. She understood now why all the girls at school said that you should avoid eating around a guy you liked if possible. She had always thought it stupid advice, but it was kind of hard to eat a melting marshmallow and still look poised and cool.
Eric reached into his other pocket and took out a small hip flask. He took a long swig, then passed it to her.
“What is it?” she asked, sniffing at it cautiously.
“Rum.” He gazed at her. “Go on. It will warm you up even more.”
She hesitated then took a swig, mimicking his action. It was strong, and it burnt her throat. She coughed, handing it quickly back to him. She could feel a woozy warmth start in her stomach and spread out into her limbs like fire. It was hardly surprising. The only time she had drank alcohol before was one glass of champagne at her cousin’s wedding a year ago.
“Go easy,” said Shay, staring at them from the window. “Tess, you don’t want to roll home drunk. Your parents wouldn’t be happy, and it’s a school night, after all.”
Tess giggled. “Shay, you are such a wet blanket! My parents won’t ever know that I even went out tonight. They are probably snoring in front of the TV.” Her eyes slid sideways to Eric. “It’s a piece of cake pulling the wool over my mom and dad, believe me.”
Eric nodded, smiling, taking another swig. “It helps if you’ve never been in trouble. They don’t suspect a thing.” He handed the flask back to her. “Go on. Have another.”
Tess hesitated. She could feel Shay’s eyes on her, disapproving. Why was he acting like the big brother she didn’t have? It was so…boring. She took the flask. “Don’t mind if I do.”
She took a deeper swig. It burnt her throat just like the first time, but she was also feeling a curious numbness spread through her. She giggled again.
Eric stood up, quickly, holding out his hand. “Tess, let’s do some more exploring.” He turned to Shay. “You keep watch. Shout out if you see anything.”
Shay frowned, staring at them both, but nodded. Eric pulled her to her feet. She staggered a little against him.
“Whoa,” he said, smiling down at her. “Steady there.”
He slowly led her up the rickety stairs. She felt almost light-headed, and she was super conscious of his hand in hers. Where was he taking her?
“Come on,” he whispered. He stopped outside a room, pushing open the door. Inside, she could see an old wrought iron bed covered with a quilt so ancient it was practically falling apart. He led her inside then shut the door behind them.
“Alone at last,” he whispered, staring at her. “Tess, you are amazing. I’ve been watching you a long time.” He kept staring at her. “Are you glad you came?”
She nodded, swallowing a sudden lump that had formed in her throat. “Yes, oh yes! Eric, you have no idea…”
“I think I do.” He put one finger against her mouth. “Let’s not talk.”
He pushed her back against the bed, and they kissed. He arched over her, pulling her towards him.
Tess felt her mind spinning. She was in a strange room in an abandoned house, kissing Eric Thurston! All her dreams were coming true. Would he ask her to go steady after this? She could just imagine the look on all the girls’ faces when she walked into school with Eric on her arm. They would be green with envy.
But it wasn’t just about that. She had been in love with Eric since middle school, but she had never dared to hope that he would ever notice her. He was so popular with everyone, but he never usually dated the cheerleader types. And Tess was honest with herself enough to know that she fit into that category. She was a prissy do-gooder who had never caused her parents a moment’s worry. She had always gone by the book.
Well, the book was being well and truly tossed out the window now, she thought, dreamily. His lips were so soft, but passionate. She had never believed it was possible to feel such things.
He started to unbutton the top of her shirt, sliding his hand inside. She pulled away.
“Eric,” she whispered as he kissed her neck furiously. “We should stop. Shay is downstairs, and this room is unhygienic. We could catch anything lying on this bed. It looks like it’s been here for over a thousand years.”
He frowned but nodded. “If that’s what you want. You aren’t one of those kinds of girls, though, are you, Tess?”
She frowned, staring at him. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“You know.” He laughed. “Blowing hot and cold. I don’t want to be jerked around.”
She stood up. “I’m not jerking you around. I just don’t want to go any further right now, in this disgusting old room.”
“Right.” He stood up. “Just one more kiss before we go down?”
He reached over to her, grabbing her. They kissed, long and slow. Tess was just about to pull away once again when the door suddenly burst open. It was Shay, panting heavily.
“Guys,” he said, quickly. “There’s a car with flashing lights pulling up the driveway. We need to get out of here, now.”
They all ran down the stairs. They could see a torch flashing through the window, casting a tunnel of light over the hallway floor. Tess felt her mouth suddenly go dry. Was it the police? How was she going to explain this to her parents?
“Run,” said Eric, in a low voice. “Shay, take her out through the back door. I’ll deal with this.”
Tess stared at him, her eyes wide. “What are you talking about? Why won’t you come with us?”
Eric grinned. “All under control, baby.” He turned to Shay. “Do it, buddy.”
Shay didn’t need to be told again. He turned to Tess. “Come on. I’ll lead the way.”
Tess hesitated, staring at Eric. “I don’t understand.”
Eric frowned, his face darkening. “Tess, do what I say. Now.”
Tess turned to Shay, and they ran down the hallway, through the house. He reached over and took her hand, pulling her through the debris scattered over the floor. Tess could feel her heart thumping wildly in her chest. The last of the effects of the rum drained through her blood, and her head started hammering, as well.
“This way,” whispered Shay, staring at her.
“We can’t leave him,” she whispered back, furiously. “Why is he staying?”
Shay shrugged. “I don’t know, but we don’t have time to argue.” He stared down at her as he rattled the back door handle, shaking it open. “Eric does what he wants to do. Always has. Maybe he’s going to try to talk to them, to buy us some time to get out of here.”
Tess stopped, suddenly. “I’m not leaving him! He’ll get charged. How can you run away from your best friend?”
Shay’s face darkened. “I’m protecting you, Tess. Which is what Eric wants as well. Now stop standing here arguing with me and let’s get moving.”
Tess hesitated a fraction longer then took his hand. They sprinted through the back garden, stumbling. She almost fell over an old watering can lying in the middle of the yard, but Shay was with her, and pulled her to her feet. They ran behind an old shed and crouched down, panting heavily.
Tess felt tears suddenly spring into her eyes. She turned to Shay. “We have to go back. We can’t leave him there. If he is going to get into trouble, then we must face the music, too.” She gazed at him, her
eyes glistening. “It’s the only way, Shay.”
Shay’s lips thinned. “Tess, you don’t know what you are saying. This will go on your permanent record. Eric is trying to save you from that, and he’s entrusted me with it.”
“What about his record?” whispered Tess, furiously.
Shay sighed. “Tess, this isn’t the first time Eric’s been in trouble,” he said. “He doesn’t care about taking the rap, believe me.”
“What?” she hissed. She stared at the house. “You’re telling me that Eric has been in trouble with the police before?”
Shay ran a hand over his face. “Many times,” he replied. “But he usually gets out of it, somehow. Maybe it’s because his parents are rich. But you don’t have that, and neither do I.”
“So, it’s about protecting yourself, then?” Her eyes were hard as she stared at him. “I should have known. You want to get into law school, don’t you? You can’t have anything blemishing your pristine record!”
He stared at her, suddenly furious. “And what about you, Tess? What do you want to do when school finishes? You are a smart girl and could do anything with your life.” He breathed heavily. “You’ve got no idea what you are saying. You want to march back in there and hand yourself over like a sacrificial lamb, all because you have a crush on Eric?”
Anger tore through Tess. “We’ve hardly been on a crime spree! We broke into an abandoned house in the night, so what? They won’t throw the book at us. We might get cautioned, but that’s it.” She took a deep breath. “And I don’t believe in running away and leaving one person to take it all. We all did it, willingly. Why can’t you see that?”
Shay stared at her. “Tess, Eric wanted me to take you away, and that’s what I’ve done. What he chooses to do himself is his business. I don’t know why he chose to stay; we didn’t have time for a big debate about it! But if you want to go back in there, I can’t stop you.” He held up his hands in surrender but continued staring at her as if he would like to pin her to the spot.
Tess took another deep breath, trying to control her anger. Shay had given her a choice. He said he wasn’t going to stop her. Could she do it? Walk back into that old, dark house and say to them that she had been there, as well, and was as much to blame as anyone else?
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