Hillcrest Academy

by Cassie Pierce

  Hillcrest Academy

  by

  Cassie Pierce

  Copyright 2019© Cassie Pierce.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and events are either a product of the author’s imagination, or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual person’s, living or dead, business establishments, brands, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  For everyone who dares to live outside of the box.

  This one is for you.

  ~ Prologue~

  Why is it that we never realize what we have, until we no longer have it?

  That we never realize how much something is going to cost, until the devil cashes in the debt.

  A debt that is always more than we can pay.

  I wish that I were talking about money. I wish that more than I wish for my next breath. Unfortunately, my price was not paid in dollars. It was paid in blood.

  Her blood.

  And my punishment?

  My punishment was surviving.....surviving the accident that she didn’t.

  I am Maci Madison, and this is my story.

  Oh yeah.....you better buckle up. You are in for one hell of a ride.

  I guess to understand, you need to know how it all began. How one bad decision ruined my life. It was my birthday. The big 1-8! All I wanted to do was stay at home and read my new series about hot-bad-boy-vamps, and gorge on my mom’s homemade chocolate cake.

  Too bad that my BFF Ashlee had other plans.

  Looking back, I should have said no, but no was never really an easy word for me to say. Especially to Ash. Before that day I was a total people pleaser. I would often sacrifice my own happiness to make others smile. I always thought that it was good thing, but I was wrong.

  Saying no would have saved her.

  Besides, Ashlee Grace was my bestie....my person. She could talk me into anything, but this time two words pulled me in. Dylan Danvers.

  Dylan was my forever crush. The star of every dirty dream that I have ever had. He just didn’t know it. He was Redland High’s QB, and the only thing in the world that I wanted more than chocolate cake.

  And I looovvvee chocolate cake.

  That night started off innocent enough. Just a few drinks with friends. Everything was perfect. One lead to two...two to four....and four to bad decisions. It was late, and Ashlee’s boyfriend totally flaked on being the DD.

  Honestly, her boyfriend flaked on a lot. They had been together since fifth grade, but Parker Anderson was about as dependable as a junked-out car that had five hundred thousand miles on it.

  A Toyota he was not!

  I guess you can tell. We don’t like each other.

  I should have called my mom, but the verbal ass whooping that I knew I would get for my totally underage drinking made me stupid. Ashlee said she was fine, and the alcohol in my system made me dumb enough to believe her.

  I handed her my keys that night, and that single decision will forever be the biggest regret of my life.

  I can still remember the sound of the metal crunching as it folded in on us. The screams still echo inside my fractured mind whenever silence sneaks up on me. I can still feel the glass as it cuts into my scalp, and taste the tangy bitterness of my blood as it drips down my throat.

  I can still see her.....so still and so vacant. Her blue eyes open, but not seeing as I shake her and beg for her to wake up.

  Something that she will never do again.

  The police say that I was still screaming her name when they found me. I don’t remember any of that. I can vaguely recall going to the hospital, but my mother showed up soon after. I had minor injuries. A bump here, a cut there. I was lucky they say, but I think that it was more than luck. That whatever happened to me that night was something beyond the possible. They call it luck, but I call it punishment.

  Ashlee.....Ashlee wasn’t so lucky.

  The rest is a nightmare that refuses to let me go. I may have been the one to survive, but I doubt that I will ever feel alive again. Honestly....there is surviving and then there is living. My body may have survived, but my spirit....my joy didn’t.

  Everything that was anything died with Ashlee that night.

  ~ Chapter 1 ~

  Welcome to Hillcrest Academy, the South’s most prestigious boarding school for troubled and misunderstood teens. Our goal here at Hillcrest is not to change who you are but to mold you into who you are destined to be.

  I personally guarantee that your time here at Hillcrest will never be forgotten. It will teach you to see the world in a different light. Hillcrest is not a place for judgment, but for guidance. Our students may walk in troubled, but they all walk out with the knowledge base to find their place in the world.

  Sincerely,

  Wanda Worthington

  Head Mistress

  “Yeah right,” I mutter to myself as I re-read the brochure for my new school for what has to be the hundredth time since mom told me I would be spending my senior year here. I throw the pamphlet down and put my ear buds back in, struggling to stay awake. I can’t sleep. I just can’t. Every time I close my eyes, I am back to re-living that night. A constant reminder of what brought me here.

  It was a long trip from New York to the small little town of Carson Hill Alabama. Thank God that we flew most of the way. Once we landed at the small Alabama airport, it was only about an hour drive. One hour in the car is about all I can stand with Genny Madison. Seriously? What was mom thinking making me move here?

  Well....I know what she was thinking. She was probably thinking that spending my year in hillbilly hell is better than being in a prison gang. That is what I should be thinking, but honestly, I could care less where I spend the next year. Without Ash.....what’s the point? Judge Miller could have sentenced me to life, and it still wouldn’t make up for my poor judgement.

  “They probably don’t even have a mall.” I mumble under my breath as I glance over at my mother.

  My mom gives me a worried look before turning her eyes back to the road. I want to argue with her about the sudden relocation to nowheresville but decide against it. My mom is New York’s most coveted prosecutor. I never asked what strings she had to pull to keep me out of jail, but I’m not stupid. She didn’t decide to move me here because she wants me to experience the small-town life. This relocation has everything to do with that night. So, even though it goes against my defiant nature, I don’t push the issue. It would not matter anyway. My mom never loses an argument. Hell, she could probably sell holy water to Satan and make a fifty percent profit. She is that good!

  My usually out-spoken mother has been unusually quiet during the ride, and that worries me. In my world, silence is never a good thing. Silence is always a precursor to shitty events, or an invitation for even shitter memories. That is why I always have my ear buds blaring. I would rather risk permanent hearing loss than get sucked back to that night.

  I am brought out of my thoughts when the car comes to a stop at an old gas station; if that’s what you would even call it. It is an old building, about the size of a shed. It is painted a rustic red, and pieces of tin hang precariously from the roof. Every so often the wind will blow, causing a loose piece to slap against the structure. The pumps look like they belong in an antique shop, instead of in a store. They still have rolling numbers for Christ sake! An old man is sitting in a chair by the entrance, smoking a cigarette.

  “Yeah! That’s safe!” I think with a laugh.

  Mom lets out a long sigh, as she digs through her purse for some cash. She turns to me, raising a perfectly groomed blond brow as her mouth turns down with the hint of a frown.

  “Look Mace. I know that you are upset about moving, but just give it a chance okay. I know you don’
t think so, but you need this. You haven’t been the same since the a-accident,” she stutters over the word. I almost laugh. I think it is safe to say that is the understatement of the century.

  “You are going through something that I don’t know how to help you with— Hillcrest can. Start over. Make new friends.”

  The woman is officially out of her mind if she thinks a bunch of strangers can help me deal with my shit. I don’t want to start over. I want to go back and change everything. I certainly don’t want new friends.

  I want my best friend back.

  I want to be in Dylan’s arms again; to feel his kisses as they take my breath away. I want to hear Ashlee laugh again, more than I want my next breath. I can never have any of those things though, because death took them.

  And it is all my fault!

  “Mom. I don’t want to start over. Why can’t you see that? Why should I be allowed to start a new life when she never will? Why mom? Why did I survive when she didn’t? It’s not fair!”

  I can’t keep my voice from rising as I speak the words that have haunted me since that night. Since the age of five, Ashlee and I did everything together. She was an extension of my soul. She knew every secret...every fear....every everything that I ever felt. She was my family, since my real family was always too busy for me. Being the only child of a single working business-woman among the New York elite did not leave me much room on my mother’s calendar. I never cared though, because I had Ash.

  The pain and anger I feel just knowing that she is gone because of me is too much.

  In a very uncharacteristic move on mom’s part, she leans over the console and pulls me in for a hug. It is awkward, and a little stiff. Not at all like a mom hug should be. Genny and I are not huggers..... which is why I can’t help but look at her like she has sprouted an extra head.

  “The why doesn’t matter Maci.... you did. You just have to believe that God has a greater purpose for you. You’re special Maci. It just wasn’t your time baby.”

  I really want to fill my mom in on just how “special” I am, but now isn’t the time. I haven’t told a soul about what really happened to me in the car that night, and honestly....I probably never will.

  First of all, I already take enough psych meds, and if I say anything about the strange white light that I still think I made up, I will probably end up in a nice padded cell. Mainly, I keep my mouth shut because what I saw is impossible.

  Angels....angels are not real.

  Besides, I have enough on my mind changing schools senior year. I do not need to worry about all the things that make me “special” right now.

  “Okay mom. I’ll try to give Hillcrest a chance. Hey? You think this shed has indoor plumbing or am I going to have to use an outhouse?” I joke, as I reach for the door handle.

  Mom cracks a smile. “Now, that’s a good question.”

  I get out of the car while mom pumps the gas, and go in search of the restroom. I really don’t need to use the restroom, but I do need to freshen up. We will be at my new school in about ten minutes, and I do not want to show up looking jetlagged. Thankfully, the interior of the store is actually pretty modern, and it has a private bathroom. Once inside I walk over to the mirror to assess my appearance.

  “Uhhhh!” I groan as my reflection comes into view. I have dark circles under my aquamarine eyes; a side effect of no sleep no doubt. My long honey blond hair is sticking up in three different directions. My blouse and jeans are wrinkled from the long flight. I need an emergency make over.

  Stat!

  “Thank God for travel bags,” I mumble as I go to work on my total transformation. When I finally emerge from the restroom, I look like a new girl. A little concealer and bronzer bringing my skin back to life. A touch of eyeliner brings out the light aqua color in my eyes. A little hairspray and a good brushing, taming my long wavy locks back into their sleek strands. A quick change of clothes making me appear more put together. I know that I am going to have to change into my school uniform once I arrive, but I figure adding a pop of style to this small town can’t hurt. It might be my last chance, before they force me into submission.

  Or worse.... flannel!

  I put on my black heels with a red sole to add some height to my five-foot five frame. I take one last look at my beloved black mini skirt and silver blouse before heading back to the car. Mom is already buckled in and ready to go. She smiles when she sees my choice of attire.

  “Always the rebel huh Mace? You know that skirt is way shorter than dress code.”

  I laugh. “Some things never change mom. You better drive before I make a run for it.”

  “You...running,” mom says with a laugh. “Now that is funny.” I roll my eyes at her as she pulls out of the gas station. She isn’t lying though. If I am running, someone is probably chasing me. I mean seriously! Who runs for fun?

  Exactly ten minutes later we pull up at the gate of Hillcrest Academy. My mom cuts the engine and goes to the trunk to start unloading my bags. I take a moment to take in my new reality.

  I let out a laugh when I see the gate to my new school. You can’t say that life doesn’t have a twisted sense of humor.

  The gate leading to the campus is extraordinary. It looks like it was made of pure gold. Each section of the gate hollows out to make a perfect cross. Angel statues guard each side of the entryway. The gate is stunning, but it is the statues that catch my attention. The statue on the left is of a male angel. He is chiseled to perfection. His wings rest softly on his back and it looks like the sculptor has somehow embedded flakes of silver in each feather. He has one hand reaching to the heavens and his other hand is pointing toward the angel on the far side of the gate.

  His angelic counterpart is just as stunning but completely different. He too is sculpted to perfection, but his wings have flecks of black in every feather. He wears a sad expression and I can almost feel his pain just by looking at him. His head is down and rest securely in his hands.

  “Earth to Maci! You gonna help or what?”

  I am instantly pulled out of my trance at the sound of my mom’s irritated voice.

  “Sorry mom. It’s just that I didn’t expect anything here to be so distinguished looking.”

  Mom laughs as she hands me my bags.

  “Well, Mace. Just because something is different from what you know doesn’t mean that it can’t be better. Sometimes the most beautiful things are found in the most unlikely places.”

  Mom is right. If you think about it, most of the wonders of the world are in isolated places. They only become known because someone takes the time to look for them.

  My arms are already tired from holding my bags, and I haven’t even taken a step yet.

  “Um, mom? Why are you unloading my stuff here? The school is on top of the hill. Are we going to walk or something?”

  Now mom looks amused. “Not we my dear. You. They have a strict policy. Only students are allowed inside the gates. They have a convention center in town where students can meet with their parent’s during visitation. I’m sorry Mace. I want to go with you, but I can’t. This is where we say goodbye sweetie.”

  She cannot be serious. How can she be cool sending me to a place that she can’t even visit? When will I get to see her? I get strict visitation and all, but come on! I have never even heard of a school that will not let parents inside of the gate. That’s when I start to worry about what exactly goes on at Hillcrest.

  “Mom!” I whine. “Tell me that you are kidding.”

  “Afraid not baby girl. Look. I will visit when my schedule clears ok and I will call you as much as I can.”

  Translation: I will probably see you once a month max and we will talk about twice a week.

  I am about to protest when mom pulls me in for another hug. This one is just as weird, but I allow myself to melt into it. I don’t want her to go.....

  “Look! Your ride is here. The school must have sent someone to collect you. Looks like you don’t have to walk afte
r all.”

  I turn my head in the direction mom is pointing and sure enough, a small golf cart is approaching us. Mom gives my hand a gentle squeeze and gets back in the car. She blows me a kiss before putting it in reverse and driving away.

  “Great! I love you too mom.” I yell after her as she practically pulls out on two wheels.

  She could have at least waited until the golf cart reached us. What if it is some psycho? I place my bags on the ground and wait on my ride.

  ∞

  ~ Chapter 2~

  The soft whooshing sound of the gate peeling itself open startles me as I pull my gaze away from my mother’s retreating taillights. It’s silly, but I guess that the little girl deep inside of me was hoping that she would at least hit the brakes.

  As usual Genny Madison disappoints. She may be the world’s best lawyer, but sometimes she sucks as a mom. I may act tough as hell, but every little girl wants to feel loved. She should know that, being the adult and all.

  “I don’t have all night you know,” an impatient voice grumbles, causing me to snap my attention to the now open gate.

  The sun is just starting to lower to its nightly resting place, casting the world in a dim glow, but I can still see him perfectly. Leaning his tall muscular frame against the golf cart is the single hottest man that I have ever seen.

  His golden-brown hair hangs loose, sweeping his brow before resting behind his ear. His eyes....he has the strangest eyes. They are a blue grey that seem to change color every few seconds, as he watches me with clear annoyance. His inked arms are crossed over a solid chest, and I strain my eyes to get a better look at his tattoo.

  He is inked on both arms, which I find sexy as hell. I am just starting to make out the black twisting design the runs down his forearm when his voice reaches me.

  “Hey princess. My face is up here,” he snaps in a low tone that causes blood to pool in my flaming cheeks.

  What an ass. I mean... he isn’t wrong. I was totally checking him out, but he didn’t have to call me out on it. I push my embarrassment away, letting anger take its place. Anger I like. It is much easier to deal with. I square my shoulders, putting on the bitchiest face I can as I throw it right back at him.