Broken Wing (Arthur Academy Book 1)

by Kathleen Mareé

  He turns to walk away, causing me to have to jog to catch up to him. “And why would Paxton want to punch you? Aren’t you guys like bffs and in your own cult or something…?”

  He chuckles. “I can see why he likes you new girl. You have some fire in you don’t you?”

  “Likes me? I’m pretty sure he’s already engaged,” I mutter, before Austin snaps instantly. “Who told you that?”

  I shake my head. “Doesn’t matter.”

  “Look, things aren’t always what they seem okay. And despite what it looks like, he cares about you and your life here. He wouldn’t go to this effort for just anyone.”

  I glance at my hands knotting at my stomach, not sure I like hearing about how the god of the campus likes me. And what did Austin mean by nothing is what it looks like? Did he mean about what I said about the engagement rumour? Because if he was with Amber for another reason than what it appears, then I’m not sure that makes him any better in my book anyway. As nasty as she is, that’s not cool.

  “Well he shouldn’t be going to any effort for me, with everything I’ve heard. And anyway, I barely even know him.”

  Austin stops as we reach the dorms and pulls out his phone, bringing it to his ear as he glances at me. “The fact that you even barely know him, is more than most people. Trust me. He’s a closed off son-of-a-bitch on a good day, and remember what I said… nothing is what it seems.” He stops suddenly, when I hear a line of curse words on the other end of the phone that’s pressed to his ear.

  “Glad you’re happy to hear from me Luce. We’re downstairs can you buzz us up…?”

  More words are muffled on the line, before the door opens and Austin laughs leading me to the elevator.

  “You’re not coming in?” I ask when I step inside and he stays in the lobby.

  “I’m not sure I’m welcome, besides, I’ll come by after practice.” He looks uncomfortable, like he wants to come upstairs, but I shrug and let him vanish from sight as the doors slowly close.

  I reach Lucys open door, peeking inside to see her tossing clothes out of her drawers and onto the floor. There was a sea of colour sprawled all over it.

  “Umm, bad time?”

  “Ugh, no, I just, I’m looking for this cute black top I wanted to wear tonight and I’ve looked everywhere and can’t find it. I just have to wear it tonight.”

  I tried not to deflate thinking about how she made plans to do something and hasn’t mentioned it to me, maybe I got the whole closeness of our friendship completely wrong. Or maybe I was just being overly sensitive and needed to get over myself.

  “Oh, you headed out?” I sat carefully on the edge of her bed and picked at invisible lint that was on my jeans.

  “Just my parents place for dinner, and this, particular piece of clothing pisses off both my father and my brother, so I have to find it. A-hah, here it is!” She pulls out a flimsy see-through shirt, that’s long-sleeved, but cropped. If she wore a bra, that’s all you would think she was wearing.

  “They won’t appreciate you wearing something like that huh?”

  “That would be a no. They still see me as the young, innocent girl of the family. All the hard stuff falls onto my brother, because they can’t bare for the girl of the family to have to do anything other than look respectable and keep her mouth shut. So…. I dress like this just to piss them the hell off. And also to show them that I’m definitely not that innocent twelve year old they still think I am.”

  “At least they sound protective. You have no idea what I would give to have a family that cared that much about me…”

  Shit, did I actually say that out loud. By the saddened look on Lucys’ face, it appears that I did, and so I jerk to my feet to change the topic pronto.

  “So, what times dinner anyway? You have time to come to the beach for a quick sun hit?”

  “The beach? I didn’t think you were a fan? I mean, won’t you burn?”

  “I’ve never lived remotely close to a beach before, and yes, I may be fair but an hour won’t kill me. I need some sun….”

  She smiled. “Okay. The beach it is. Let me give Mercedes and Gabe a quick call and get them to meet us.”

  “Okay, I’ll just run down and grab my suit.”

  I head for the door perkier than when I entered, before turning over my shoulder and adding, “Oh and Luce? Can I trouble you to call past the diner on the way there? I need to grab my schedule.”

  She shakes her head with a chuckle. “As long as you let me organise you a ride back here once we’re done, so I can head straight to my fathers, you have yourself a ride.” She waggles her brow playfully causing me to smile.

  “Deal.”

  We met Gabe and Mercedes at the beach, and were lying on the hot sand just gossiping with one another about classes. I was glad the earlier awkwardness from lunch was long forgotten, and I don’t think I’ve laughed this much ever, just listening to the escapades that is Gabes’ life. Like, he was a total slut, but he was also totally proud of it. And I loved the fact that he was just himself.

  “So, you just let him have you under the bleachers again? I’ve heard you Gabe. Like, you’re loud! Really loud. You can’t subject spectators to that kind of noise.” Gabe cackled, flicking sand playfully at Mercedes, who shrieked loudly.

  “Well, what can I say, you have to strike when the irons hot with some of these football guys. Most of them are either up for an experiment, or so far in the closet they are on their way to Narnia.”

  At talk of football, my thoughts drifted to Paxton and what Austin said about him.

  “He cares about you…”

  I didn’t want a guy like Paxton Reed to care about me. Even though someone like me was foreign to that concept, I knew that someone like him has way more to worry about than someone like me. I didn’t need anymore drama in my life. I came here, thinking it would be drama-free for the first time in forever. I wanted it to stay that way.

  “Sorry I’m late, I had something to do.”

  Tucker appears above us, and despite me shielding the sun with my hand, I didn’t miss his toned abs glistening in the light. There was definitely something in the water here that’s for sure.

  “Who you chasing after this time?” Gabe quips.

  “What do you mean this time? I barely chase anyone at all…” he mutters, pausing uneasily. I don’t miss the way his eyes roam over me laying on my side and the black swimsuit I had on, before he takes a seat beside me.

  “Well there’s someone you’re chasing. You’ve been running off somewhere for awhile now, and we are just yet to work out her name that’s all. Unless it’s a he…?”

  Everyone laughs, as Tucker shifts uncomfortably.

  “I didn’t think you were so interested in my extra-curricular activities Gabe.”

  “Oh, you know me, I always pay attention.”

  We all went for a quick dip in the water, before heading back to our spot on the sand. Time flew by because the sun was starting to dip in the horizon beyond the oceans edge.

  “Okay guys, I’ve gotta’ go see the fam.” Lucy gave an over-the-top sigh, like she was going off to a tooth exam than an actual dinner with her family.

  “Give the parentals our best, love,” Gabe sing-songed, as he towelled off. “You okay to get a ride back Hendrix?”

  I nodded, but before I could reply, Tucker added, “Yeah, I can take her.”

  I smiled timidly, and uttered a thank-you.

  We parted ways with Mercedes and Gabe, as I headed with Tucker toward his truck, towel slung around my waist. I was grateful for the afternoon, and even more so that Lucy didn’t press me to wear her extra bikini she had in her bag. Having my stomach on display was a no-go for me, and it wasn’t because I was ashamed of my slim-frame. It was because it would raise far more questions than I wanted to answer about what they would see there if I did.

  Of the things I didn’t want to see there either.

  “You hungry?” he asked when he tossed his bag in the
back of his truck.

  I shimmied into my pinafore over my swimsuit, and scrunched my wet towel in my bag. “I could probably eat, yeah, that would be nice.”

  He smiled. “Great, I know just the place.”

  I hopped into his truck, not feeling uncomfortable about this trip with him this time. Tucker had been nothing but nice to me, and I’ve made it clear that we are not going on any dates. As far as I’m concerned, it’s just two friends having something to eat, and given I really didn’t want to sit in my room all night alone – some company and good food, sounded like the kind of life I was desperately trying to build here.

  After sometime, we pulled up at a little diner on the main highway between the coast and the school, and on entry we were basically the only two patrons. I followed Tucker to the front, watching as he smiled at the young guy behind the counter.

  “Cous’! Good to see you.”

  They shook hands politely, but not like two overly-friendly cousins would.

  “And who is this beautiful lady?” the guy asks, who couldn’t have been much older than a Senior in college.

  “Oh,” Tucker smiled too-widely making it look sinister almost. “This is Hendrix. Hendrix James. Hendrix, this is my cousin Ric.”

  I reach my hand to his politely adding, “Cousin? Are you Lucys brother?”

  The shock on Tuckers face replaces the grin, before Ric laughs loudly. “I can’t say I’ve heard that one before. But no. I’m on the other side of the family.”

  “Oh, sorry.”

  “It’s all good. You go to the same school as Lucy and this dimwit here?” He asks sceptically, which makes me feel uncomfortable.

  “I do actually, we’ve become good friends.” I don’t miss the disappointment on Tuckers face, but any opportunity to keep reiterating our friends’ status, is one I can’t seem to miss.

  “I’m surprised you haven’t met the rest of them then.”

  My mouth drops open ready to continue, when Tucker interrupts and orders us something from the menu. I did find it strange that Lucy hadn’t mentioned much about her family, but then again, I avoided talking about mine at all costs – so who was I to question why. From what she’d said, I didn’t doubt her relationship with all of them was a little more than complicated. She lived a life so different from mine, but we shared that minor detail in common. I was so lost in thought, that I barely heard what Tucker ordered, which is why I asked him as such when we took a seat by the back window.

  “Trust me, you’ll love the food here. Ric’s been trying to get this place off the ground since he finished college. The décor may need work, but the food is awesome.”

  I glance around seeing what Tucker meant by the décor, but it looked too similar to the kinds of places where I used to grow up. It wasn’t dirty or unkempt. It was more of a shabby chic look that just didn’t scream designer décor. Which was okay by me. I liked it.

  “So… thanks for the ride and for the food.”

  Tucker smiled. “You’re welcome. Trust me, once you’ve had one meal here this will be the best, non-date, ever.” He winked playfully, causing me to offer a relaxed smile back.

  “Have I been that obvious about being friends?” I ask, tucking my braid behind my left ear.

  “Hmm, only about as obvious as a bull in a china shop.”

  “Are people even still using that reference?” I tease, causing him to throw a sachet of pepper at me. I laughed.

  “So how has your week been?”

  I shrugged. “I guess it’s been good. I didn’t expect for so much to happen this fast, like you guys and everything.”

  I didn’t know what I meant by everything, until Tucker sighed causing me to look up at him.

  “Well, you’ve certainly made an impression,” he grinded, before realising I was looking at him. He shrugged and smiled, once he caught me watching. “I just mean, you’ve been on everyones’ radar. Which was to be expected as it’s what happens with all the new scholarship kids in this kind of over-privileged circle. But just….” he adds, pausing for a second before glancing up into my eyes. “Just be careful. Despite everything going on, the last thing I want is for you to get hurt.”

  I sat back a little confused, the sincere look on Tuckers face was making it feel like he was talking about something actually happening rather than just giving me some friendly advice. It was unnerving.

  “And what makes you think I’ll get hurt? Trust me. I can look after myself.”

  I scrambled for my glass of water, gulping down the feelings that were beginning to surface. I didn’t go into my past with anyone, ever, and I felt uncomfortable even contemplating giving a glimpse of that side of me to someone like Tucker. Despite how nice he was to me, he didn’t make me feel comfortable like Lucy did. And as safe as someone else for that matter…. Which still felt too foreign for me to understand why.

  “I’m sure you can. But just, I wouldn’t be a friend, if I didn’t say so okay.”

  I smiled. “Okay, friend. Thankyou.”

  After our meal and much easier conversation, I had Tucker drop me off at the dorms; glad to be spending a night in my own room. I was so used to being alone, that being around these new friends so much made me miss the silent alone time too.

  After having a shower, dressing, and trekking back to my room, I sat cross-legged on my bed and started flicking through some Accounting notes from todays class. I couldn’t help the smile that crossed my lips when I noticed just how many notes I took down today, which followed with images of Austin stoically letting me do so. It was strange to feel like I had some kind of protector next to me today. Like I never felt protected my entire life. Not even the people who were supposed to be my protectors, ever played that role. It was like it created a security blanket over me that meant I could put all of my fears aside and just focus. It felt… good. Which I wasn’t sure what that said about me considering I was more than capable of being independent. But I guess when you’ve spent your entire life looking over your shoulder, knowing you had that support – was unconsciously something I may have never known I needed.

  I lean over my dresser and turn off my bedside lamp when my hand brushes an object off the top, causing it to clatter to the floor. I pick it up, cautiously, because the shiny metal object in my hand was something that I know I didn’t own, nor leave here.

  My heart leaped in my chest.

  And as I swiped its’ face and the screen lit up, a single text message illuminated the screen with only two words.

  You’re welcome.

  And I fought the simultaneous smile and frown that was trying to appear when I saw the name that was attached to the message.

  Paxton.

  Why in the hell was Paxton giving me a phone, and how did he even know (or care) that I didn’t have one? How did he get in here? What was his game? Why was he trying to subtly interject himself in my life?

  There were too many questions floating around that I wasn’t sure I wanted answered. Because despite any feelings that tried to rise when I thought of Paxton Reed – the main one was the reason I couldn’t ask him any of them.

  A guy like Paxton Reed was far too dangerous and full of drama to even attempt to get involved with.

  But how do I stay away from him when it’s clear he isn’t planning on staying away from me?

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Paxton

  I found myself waiting on the front steps of my parents’ porch for Austin to pick me up, after not wanting to leave here after our dinner last night. It was odd, feeling the need to stay here last night, although it helped that my father was out on business which may have strengthened its’ appeal. But after seeing the photos that Amber had from Hendrix’s past – I wasn’t sure I would have the strength to stay away from her last night. To do what, I had no fucking clue, but the pure anger I felt when I held them in my hands, was something I had no way to control. The black and blue bruises that covered her porcelain skin, which was cracked so wide open that you co
uld see the bright red blood seeping out from within that beautiful body - was something I didn’t expect. She haunted me last night. There was one photo where she was covering her chest like a frightened child, gazing upwards into the lens. But her eyes – they were void of emotion. She was broken, fragile and nothing like the girl I knew with determination that held a fire in her gaze. It was a fire I was drawn to like a moth drawn to flame. The rage that overcame me was instant and it took everything I’d learned over the years to try and contain it. I couldn’t shove Amber out the door fast enough, despite her lame attempts of trying to seduce me into something more. She puts on a good show for my father, which is all he wants to see, but if she thinks I will change my mind when it comes to her and I – she’s a lot dumber than I gave her credit for. But now, seeing as Amber has gone through with her side of the bargain and given me these photos (photos which, I have gripped in my hands right now) meant I had to play the part in return like my father wants me to.

  For now, anyway…

  But it was all a total lie. I know it, and besides my sister and Austin knowing it too – no one else should know right now. This world, our families; they are all about image. All that would have to happen is for this to get out into the public, like at school or in our social circles, and my fathers integrity would be questioned. And you can’t be a leader when your pawns know you’re full of shit. So that’s where I need to work out real fast, how I can manage to get my mother out of here and somewhere safe, whilst also trying to stop lying to my friends and ensure that Hendrixs future isn’t at risk; because when I stop following my fathers orders and the charade with Amber ends – the fallout will be a disaster.

  For all of us.

  It would only be a matter of time before Amber starts leaking gossip of our supposed engagement through the Academy, mainly to ensure her social status as queen bee was untouchable, and then the lies to my friends would have to start. My friends would understand, as they know what this world is like for us. We all have our secrets and lies that need to play out. But there was someone who didn’t come from this world that I was desperate to understand. I needed to get through to Hendrix before any of this shit surfaced. But I was running out of time. I spent all night wondering why this girl has me so hooked, but the more I thought about it, the more it made me angry. Because there wasn’t a reason. No fucking reason at all. It would be far easier to go along with this charade, play ball this year and just marry Amber after Senior Year, so I know my mother would be safe and Hendrix – the girl who is weaselling her way into my soul – would be safe too. And I can continue living as a shell of a human for the rest of my life under my fathers control.