“Hey! Enough!” The coach yelled, rushing to Kim’s aide.
I closed my eyes to keep myself from hyping out. The anger I felt was getting to an uncontrollable level. When I opened my eyes, everyone was staring at me. Kim looked savagely pissed off. Red welts were on her thighs and cheeks. She pushed the instructor off of her and angrily limped in my direction. I held my ground. Kim bullied me long enough. She was overdue for some payback.
“You fucked with the wrong girl,” she said venomously, barely an inch from my face.
Kim was so close, I could smell the banana she had for breakfast. And tequila?
“That’s funny. You look exactly like the right one to me,” I said, casually crossing my arms and putting a defiant smirk on my face.
“This isn’t over, bitch. I will ruin you.” She spat before turning away.
If she only knew she already did that. Now, it was time for me to return the favor.
Bring it on, Kim. I had a few things in store you.
Chapter 15
Welcome Home Ana, Part III
Ana
I watched Kim walk away, feeling slightly satisfied with myself.
“New girl! Laps for the remainder of the class!” The gym teacher yelled at me, pointing to the track outside. If that was my punishment for pelting girls with balls, I'd take it.
I casually began walking out of the gym and then exited the side doors to the bright sun. Guess it was a good thing the whole burning-vampires-under-the-sunlight thing was a myth. If it were true, I'd be long gone.
Outside, the boys were in the center field playing football. The track circled the field, so, at least, I'd get entertainment by watching them. I started slow running while I searched the field for Simon. He was easy to spot due to how skinny he was.
The guys were chasing after some boy with the ball. Simon, of course, was lagging behind. Out of nowhere, a jock tackled Simon hard to the ground.
What the hell! He didn't even have the ball. Me being me, of course, I cut off the track and darted to the playing field. The jerk was laughing as he got off of Simon. He went back down as I pushed him back.
“What the hell is your problem?! He didn't have the ball!” I yelled, hovering over him.
The guy pulled his helmet off. Blonde hair with green eyes stared at me, shocked, before giving me a smirk. It was Bobby Kennedy. He was one of the jocks responsible for the prank that was pulled on me two years ago. If my memory served me correctly, he put the pig ears on my head.
“Whoa, babe, chill. It's just a game,” Bobby said as he got up and dusted himself off. All the boys huddled around us.
“Why do you care, anyway? Is nerd boy your boyfriend?” He asked, laughing as if that lame joke was funny.
I didn't have time for this. I swang my right fist and punched him in the face. Stupid Bobby went down fast. The other players all laughed and unanimously said “oh”.
Suddenly, the football coach that didn't give a crap earlier when Simon was getting treated like dirt came rushing to the center.
“What do you think you’re doing?!” The mid-forties man snapped.
I only shrugged.
“Teaching him some manners.” I responded, looking at Bobby holding his lip. The idiot was looking at me in awe.
“I've never had a girl hit me before,” he said as he gave me a weird look.
Uh, I didn't have time for this. I turned around to search for Simon. I spotted him walking away, back towards the gym. Sprinting at human speed, I caught up with him right before he entered.
“Hey, wait up,” I said as I grabbed his arm.
Simon ripped his arm away from me. The look in his eyes had me taking a step back. Simon was mad.
“What's wrong with you?! I don't need you protecting me! I don't even know you! Geez! Just stay the hell away from me!” Simon angrily strode away. I was left there standing in shock and hurt.
I didn't mean to come off so strong, but he was my best friend. How could I not want to protect him? Okay, so he didn't know who I was. Maybe telling him would make this whole thing easier. Knowing Simon, a freak out was highly likely.
The bell rang, ending the hour’s session. On my next class, I'd try to give Simon a little more distance. If I kept this up, I was sure he'd start to get scared of me, if he wasn't already.
Just before I entered the building, out the corner of my eye, I saw Simon’s dark curls dashing through the parking lot. Was he skipping class? No way! Simon was missing class. But, sure enough, there he was, sneaking into his old beat-up car. I crossed my arms and laughed when he started it. The car rumbled to life so loudly, it scared him, prompting him to duck. Very smooth, Simon.
Slowly, he pulled out of the school grounds. Should I follow him? If I did and he caught me, he would be livid. If I didn't and he got hurt, I would be livid.
Decision, decisions.
Ultimately, I followed him. Too bad, I didn't have time to get out of this ridiculous small gym outfit. Oh well.
I stayed back, far enough so he didn't see, but I still kept a good eye on him. Where was he going? I wondered as he turned down a side street. Simon surprised me by stopping at the park. I watched him walk and take a seat on a bench overlooking the pond.
Why was he here? This wasn't one of our usual hideaway spots. It was mainly because Simon didn't like kids, and I didn't like crowds. Looking around, there wasn't either of those here at this time of day. Maybe, this was a good place for him to think.
I continued watching him for a few minutes. He tinkered with his phone for a while, but, other than that, nothing. Was he waiting for someone? What if he had a girlfriend? Wow! That would be so great for him! I hoped I like her.
Before I could imagine anymore scenarios, a teenage boy approached the bench. I inched closer to the bush that was hiding me, desperate to see who it was. From behind, the guy was clearly tall with a great body. The short sleeves of his shirt showed me his toned arms. The jeans showed his nice butt. His hair was dark brown and short, but, at the top, about an inch or so was fashionably fanned up. I wished I could see his face or the wind would blow and I could catch his scent.
There was something about his posture that was familiar. The guy sat bedside Simon, and they did that guy-fist-pump greeting.
“Hey, man, what's the emergency?” The guy’s deep voice washed over my sensitive ears, freezing me inside out.
I knew that voice.
Even if a hundred years had passed, I would still know that voice.
It was the voice I used to look forward to overhearing every day at school.
It was the voice that I used to long for at night.
It was the voice of none other than Jace.
***
Jace
I sighed as I looked out the car window. I couldn't believe my mom forced me to miss school today to go on some stupid college tours.
“Jace, it was a nice school,” my mother said as we pulled into our driveway.
“Whatever,” I mumbled. I took my phone out to another frantic text from my friend, Simon.
For the last two years I’d gotten to know Simon, we had become good friends. At first, it was tough with our classmates teasing me, but after what happened with Analise, I no longer cared. I didn't live my life to please other people now. After losing the most important girl to peer pressure, I vowed to make a change. All I needed now was the girl that was always meant to be mine: Ana.
As soon as the car parked, I hopped out and rushed to my truck.
“Where are you going?! Next tour is in an hour!” My mom shouted at me.
I just waved her away as I hopped into the black pick up.
I already had a plan after high school. Simon and I were going to search for Ana. I knew she was out there somewhere, and we would find her. When we did, I planned to get on my knees and beg for forgiveness. I knew Ana and I shared a connection. I just let high school bullies get in the way.
I waved to my angry-looking mother as I backed out of
the driveway. If only she understood why I wanted to put college on hold. I tried to explain it to my mother before, but she only called it nonsense, and it was best left to the police. Yeah, right. The idiots at the police depertment had been coming up empty for the past two years. I was sure Simon and I could do a better job.
Speeding down the empty streets, I hurried to the park to meet my friend. Simon’s text was a bit strange, but it suggested that something else was going on. Of course, it would be on the one day I wasn't there. If Bobby and his buddies were messing with Simon again, I was going to beat his ass. I already told them to back off. Though I was sure, behind my back, they still gave Simon hell.
As soon as I arrived at the park, I spotted my buddy sitting on the bench. I casually sat beside him and fist-bumped him as a greeting.
“Hey, man, what's the emergency?” I asked, wondering what got Simon so riled up, he skipped class.
“There's this girl...” Simon responded, staring at the water.
“A girl, huh? Is she hot?” I teased with a grin.
Simon shoved my shoulder playfully
“Yes, but that's not the point.”
“Okay, what is it? Do I know her?”
“No, she just started today. And, she… Well, first, she won't stop following me.”
“You 911 texted me because a hot girl is following you?” I was starting to think Simon was beyond strange and more insane.
“No. Just listen. This girl is different. When she's close, I feel like I know her. Like I miss her. And when I looked into her eyes, I swear I saw Ana there...” Simon trailed off.
“Sy, buddy, we both miss Ana, but…” I started.
“No, don't try to make me sound crazy! I know what I feel. There's something about this girl. I mean, she punched Bobby for me! Tell me that's not strange.” Simon was getting borderline hysterical.
I held my hands out in a non-defensive gesture to calm him.
“Chill, Simon. We’ll figure it out. Wait, did you say she punched Bobby?” I asked when I finally caught on.
Simon nodded.
Wow! Maybe Sy was onto something. It did seem weird a new girl would punch the most popular guy in school on her first day. Add that to her punching him for Simon, and it made the whole situation crazier.
No matter who this girl was, she couldn't be Analise. Ana was always so quiet and avoided conflict. She would never just outright punch someone especially Bobby, one of her biggest tormentors. The thought of all the things they did to her had me balling my fists. How I wished I could turn back time and be there for Ana when she needed a friend.
My phone went off, and I didn't need to look to know that it was: my mother.
“Hey, I got to take off, but I'll be back at school tomorrow. Just stay away from her until we figure out her deal. Okay?” I said as I stood to leave.
“Okay. Thanks for coming,” Simon said, and he fist-bumped me before I left.
“Anytime, man.”
The dark clouds shrouded the sun, making the day look gray. I knew, at any moment, the rain would start. When I got into my truck, thunder roared from the skies. I watched as Simon, along with a few other people, ran to their cars. Not a second later, the rain started to fall.
I thought this was perfect. I sent a text to my mom informing her that, due to the downpour, I would be late in getting back. After all, my safety should be first.
I sat in my truck, just listening to the heavy rain fall. I saw Simon’s old car trudging down the road. Why would he try to drive in the damn storm?! In that pile of heap of a car, too.
I started my truck and decided to follow him in case his car broke down. Besides, that gave me more reason to waste time instead of going home immediately to my overbearing mother. I followed a little ways behind Simon. The slow old car was almost getting blown over by the high winds.
Suddenly, Simon’s breaks squealed as he came to a halt in the middle of the deserted street. What the hell?! I pulled over to see what stopped Simon like that. Maybe, it was an animal on the road.
I turned up my wipers, so I could see more clearly what was going on. Through the windshield, I saw the outline of a body standing in front of Simon’s car. From the shape and tiny shorts, I knew it was a woman. Her long wet hair clung to her slender, shapely body. I couldn't see her face with all the rain, and I wondered who this girl was.
Simon jumped from his car and stomped to the girl. The pair immediately began arguing. I practically had my head pressed against the windhield. Yet, I still couldn't hear a word they were saying with the loud rain. So, I just continued to watch.
The arguing stopped and they just stood there, all soaked while staring at each other. Was this the girl Simon was ranting about earlier?
Out of nowhere, Simon dropped to the ground. I didn't see the girl touch him, so I assumed Simon fainted. I hurriedly pushed open the door and ran to my friend. The rain instantly soaked my clothes, but I didn't care. In a matter of seconds, I was on the ground, clutching an unconscious Simon. I felt for a pulse and breathed a sigh of relief when I felt a steady one.
“What happened?!” I shouted in the rain as I continued to check on Simon.
When I looked up to get answers from the girl, she was gone.
I whipped my head in every direction.
No sight of her anywhere.
How on earth did she disappeared so fast?
***
Ana
No way! No flipping way!
I had just finished listening to Jace and Simon’s conversation at the park. I couldn't wrap my mind around the two of them actually being friends. I mean, Jace never spoke to us before. What could have changed that? Maybe it was just me he never wanted to talk to, and Simon was ignored simply because he was my friend. But Simon always had my back. He wouldn't become friends with Jace if that were true. Then how did this happen? Better yet, what could they even have in common?
I raked my brain as I slowly began walking down the road. I could hear the thunder crack in the darkening sky. I knew I heard Jace say he missed me. No, that was not right. I must have heard wrong.
A single raindrop hit me on the head. I stopped walking and lifted my head to the sky. Hundreds of drops began to pour onto me. I didn't care. I always liked the rain for some reason. Like an idiot, I stood in the middle of the street, soaking up the rain as I tried to ease my raging mind.
The sound of screeching tires brought my attention to the present. Simon’s ugly car halted less than a foot away from me. I didn't even budge. He got out of the car, and I could tell by his pace that he was pissed.
“Really?! It had to be you that I almost just killed.” He shouted as he threw his hands up in exasperation.
“Calm down, Sy-fi. You wouldn't have killed me. Geez!” I said back just as exhausted.
“Why did you call me that?!” He said with a curious look on his face as he took a small step back.
I rolled my eyes. This was just getting ridiculous. I just called him the nickname I gave him when we were kids. Honestly, I didn't care anymore! Hiding who I was from him was just too hard. I needed someone to talk to, and he was the only one I could trust. If only he wouldn't freak out when I told him
“Why are you friends with Jace?” I asked, trying to change the subject until I made a firm decision to tell him.
Being dramatic, he threw his hands up again and flinged water everywhere.
“How do you know that?! Were you spying on me at the park?!” Simon accused, scrunching his face in wonderment. Even beneath his thick glasses, I could see his hesitation.
I just shrugged
“What?! This is insane! Why do you keep following me?! Who the hell are you?!” Simon’s voice was starting to crack, and I knew he was getting overwhelmed.
“Do you really want to know Simon?! Because once you do, there's no going back!” I shouted sternly.
He eagerly nodded.
Well, here goes nothing.
“I'm Ana!” I told him as I loo
ked straight into his eyes.
They widened slightly at my confession and then narrowed.
“No, you’re not! That's not funny!”
“Fine, ask me anything!” I challenged.
He studied me for a minute. I could see the light bulb going off in his head.
“Okay, remember when we were kids and used to play aliens takeover?” He asked.
I thought back to Simon and me running around the playground. It wasn't cool for middle schoolers to still play but we didn't care. I nodded my head and prepared for the question I knew he would ask.
“Alright, so what was our secret phrase to let each other know an alien wasn’t in our body?” Simon raised a brow as if he was certain I wouldn't know the answer. We didn't have any friends back then either, so he probably thought there was no way I could have known.
Time to prove him wrong. “Luke, I am your father.”
Simons jaw dropped. He looked like a bucket of freezing water was poured over him. I could hear his heart hammering against his chest. The color drained from his face. He was looking at me like I was a ghost.
“Sy-fi?” I asked, stepping forward cautiously.
“Ana...” He mumbled before his eyes rolled back, and he went down like a rock.
Oh, that was just great. He fainted; literally passed out. Geez, if this was his reaction to finding out that I had returned, I could only imagine what he would do when I told him I was a vampire.
Pure: A Paranormal Romance Page 14
