Tall, Dark Streak of Lightning (The Dark Lightning Trilogy)

by J. M. Richards

  I froze and didn’t turn.

  “Sorry,” the cashier replied, not sounding the least bit sorry. “Those were back ordered. This is the last one.” And with that, she scanned the copy of “Intro to Algebra” that I had pulled off the shelf just moments ago.

  He gave a dry chuckle and stepped closer so that he could come face to face with me. “Well, aren’t you a lucky girl,” he said, smiling.

  “Yeah,” I croaked. “Super lucky. Now I’ll be the only one in class able to do the homework assignments. Hurray for me.”

  “At least you’ll be able to study,” Chad returned, still in a teasing tone. “And who knows? Maybe it will impress the professor and you’ll become his special pet and get good grades without having to try very hard.”

  I laughed at that. “Maybe, but I doubt it. The word on Dillon is that he’s a real stickler.”

  “Oh, you’ve got Dillon for Intro? Me too! What time?” He consulted his schedule. “I’ve got him at two-thirty—”

  “Tuesdays and Thursdays?” I finished in surprise. “Me, too!”

  “Well, now I’m the lucky one, since I seem to know the only girl in class with a textbook.”

  The cashier, who had been waiting through our whole exchange, sighed huffily. “You do know we’ll be getting the rest of the books in by the end of the week, right?” She held out a hand and told me the total. Wincing at the amount, I handed her my card.

  “Still,” Chad persisted, “until the rest come in I’m sticking with you….” He hesitated. “Don’t tell me, I know we had a class together….” He screwed up his face as though concentrating. “Emma?”

  I shook my head, sure I was blushing. I couldn’t believe he remembered I’d been in his class, even if he couldn’t recall my name. “Anna. Fisher.”

  “Right! What did we have together—Basic Humanities?”

  “Um, I think it was Comp I,” I said, feigning a weak memory though I knew perfectly well I was right.

  “Oh, yeah! You were the chick who wrote a paper defending that Dark Lightning dude.”

  “That was me,” I admitted shyly, feeling flattered that he had remembered it.

  “I’m Chad,” he said, flashing me a wide grin.

  The cashier rolled her eyes and held out my receipt for me to sign. “Thank you,” I mumbled. I scribbled my signature and hastily gathered my books to make way for Chad to check out.

  “Well,” Chad said, still smiling at me as he set his books on the counter, “I guess I’ll see you in class, Anna.”

  “Right,” I said, giving a stiff wave. “See ya.” Then I left before I could do or say anything horribly embarrassing, something I’d been prone to during my high school days.

  The whole way back to my dorm, however, I kept asking myself what had just happened. Chad Chang had smiled at me and talked to me like I was one of the pretty, much-admired girls he usually was surrounded by. Things like that just didn’t happen to me; I was invisible to most guys.

  Except Davin, I thought. But then I tossed my head. Davin was different. And even he hadn’t remembered my name from class.

  As I reached my room, I shook myself from my reverie. It was probably just a weird fluke, and most likely he was just being nice. Whatever it was, I was determined not to let it go to my head.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “You never lose by loving.

  You always lose by holding back.”

  —Barbara De Angelis

  When I arrived at Algebra, Chad immediately waved me over. I thought that uncommonly nice, considering we’d only just officially met, and I had bought the last textbook available. I sat with a smile and we chatted before Dr. Dillon came in. Chad leaned over and looked at me from under his long, dark lashes and spoke in a soft but assured voice. Suddenly I found myself leaning in to listen better, and I felt my pulse falter every time he smiled at me.

  I knew rationally that I was being silly, and I kept telling myself not to get sucked in by his charms. It wasn’t as though we talked about anything other than the weather and how hard we thought the class would be. Still, I was so bashful and nervous around him that I just kept nodding in response to everything he said.

  As we left the room, we discovered that our next classes were in the same building and continued on together. We resumed our conversation, shifting the topic to whether or not Chad was going to major in History. He had a fascination with ancient cultures, but his parents wanted him to study something practical like Accounting or Business, and apparently they weren’t very happy that he’d chosen to attend Dubsy instead of some place with a little more prestige, like Pitt or Harvard.

  I was so busy nodding and keeping that pleasant look on my face that I nearly didn’t see Davin. He was ducking out of the library, which was next to the Carnegie Humanities building. (People in the Pittsburgh area always pronounce it Car-NEG-ee, instead of CAR-neg-ee, like they do everywhere else. Since Andrew Carnegie—the billionaire who founded Carnegie Hall in New York, amongst other things—had lived in Pittsburgh, I wondered if they knew something others didn’t. Or perhaps it was more mysterious Pittsburghese.)

  Seeing him gave me a jolt, much stronger and more painful than the mild attraction I was feeling for Chad. I wished he’d seen me, too, but he was already hurrying away to the other side of campus. My heart sank and the burst of adrenaline faded from my system as I watched him disappear, a tiny dark dot in the distance.

  “Well, anyway,” Chad said as he held the door open, “I guess I’ll figure it out eventually.”

  I nodded again, this time feeling guilty because I had missed his last few sentences by wondering how Davin was doing. “Thanks for walking with me,” I said, standing near the hallway that led to my class.

  He put one foot on the stairs. “You’re welcome. I guess I’ll see you Thursday.” He smiled at me again, and I savored that on that way to my Humanities class.

  This became something of a ritual with us. We’d talk before class, usually about how boring or hard the previous assignment had been or how bad the Cafeteria lunch had been—heavy, intellectual things like that. I would mostly listen and nod in agreement, since most of his thoughts were something of a consensus opinion anyway.

  Then after class we’d gather our stuff and walk over to Carnegie. He’d say something funny and I’d laugh and he’d even ask me a few questions once in a while. More than once, though, I’d catch a glimpse of Davin strolling out of the building before we went in. He never saw me. But I actually made it a habit to look for him before I’d even realized I’d done it. It bothered me, probably because each time I felt either guilty or fake, and I wasn’t sure which—or even why.

  I still hadn’t figured it out when Homecoming rolled around. I sighed when I saw the flyer for the dance stuck to my door. As I went in, I pulled it off savagely. I’d avoided it the previous year, having come down with a cold the day before and thereby begging off. But even though Tiffany and Misty weren’t likely to hound me about going this year, since I hardly ever saw them, I still felt a twinge of dread. I liked dressing up and all that as much as the next girl, but I’d had some pretty pathetic experiences at dances in high school. Well, actually, overall high school had been wretched. But dances in particular had been atrocious; I’d been a lot heavier back then, dressed up in whatever we could find from the thrift store. I’d go to the dance, and end up standing on the sidelines while all the pretty girls got asked to dance. That’s what I told Jill when she came in and asked if I was going to go.

  Jill gave me a serious look. “High school is over, Anna. It’s time to leave that stuff behind. I think you should go.”

  I shrugged. “Dances are for couples,” I objected. “I mean, it’s fun to go with a bunch of girls, but not when the slow songs start.” I wasn’t planning on going. At least, not until a study session when Chad happened to ask what I was thinking about it.

  “Oh…um…” I bit my lip as his adorable face looked at me expectantly. “I was thinking I might go,
” I said finally, which was a tremendous lie. If Jill had been there she would have choked.

  “Well,” Chad said, looking slightly nervous for the first time in my memory, “what would you think about going together? You and me?”

  My jaw dropped. I blinked. Had I just imagined that? Or did he really ask me? “Sure,” I blurted.

  “Great,” he said smoothly. I was sure he hadn’t had too many girls turn him down. He smiled. “I can’t wait.” “Neither can I,” I grinned. I nearly burst into Jill’s room, feeling like I was about to have a nervous breakdown. I was equally anxious and giddy when I spilled the news: Chadaskedmetohomecomingcanyoubelieveit?”

  She laughed. “What?” When I told her, more coherently, she looked thoughtful. “So, you said yes.”

  “Of course!”

  “Even though you didn’t want to go an hour ago.”

  “Going with a guy is different. Especially this guy. I still can’t believe he asked me. I mean, really.”

  “It’s not that far-fetched,” she chided. “And it’s fine that you changed your mind. I’m just glad it wasn’t because of Davin.”

  I whirled to face her. “What does that mean?”

  She shrugged. “You know. I just hate seeing you pine over him when he’s clearly not ready for or even capable of a serious relationship right now.”

  “What? Why would you say that?”

  “Look, I know you think the world of him, and I’m sure he’s a nice guy. I just don’t want to see you get hurt. He’s got trouble written all over him.”

  I frowned deeply. “Jill! That may be the most judgmental thing I’ve ever heard you say. You hardly know him.”

  She folded her arms defensively. “You’re right, I don’t. But I see the way you look at him and talk about him...and it just doesn’t seem like he has his act together enough to appreciate you for the great catch you are. And I’m sorry, but that puts him on my bad list. And here you have a guy who actually seems to have taken an interest in you. I’m saying it’s an improvement.”

  I bit my lip, feeling conflicted. “Look, Jill, I know you’re just being loyal, and I appreciate that. But Davin...well, he’s my friend, too, even if you don’t see it. But...that’s all we are right now, and I get that. Chad... nothing may even happen with Chad, but I’m enjoying hanging out with him. He’s a nice, cute, normal guy. And right now, that’s enough for me.”

  “Good,” she said. “You should have a normal guy who sees you for what you are. That’s how it ought to be. I’m glad he asked you to the dance, and I’m glad you’re going. Maybe it will remind you of how nice it is to be in a normal, drama-free relationship.”

  I didn’t say anything. I sometimes felt that way, too, that maybe I should let Davin go his own way and focus on my healthier relationships. I still cared about him, but I barely saw him; it made me wonder if he was avoiding me. That stung—but there to ease the pain was Chad. I was starting to really like him. I tried to tell myself that hanging out with a guy like Chad was just what I needed. Someone without a lot of baggage and secrets. And I almost convinced myself. Almost.

  By the time the night of the dance came, I was nervous—giddy, but nervous. I felt really pretty and special by the time I was ready—not at all like I had in high school. Jill helped me do my hair, and the dress was borrowed from Jill’s roommate Lindsey, who was around my size—short and curvy like me, not skinny petite, but not overweight either…those days were behind me. It was a dark burgundy red—a color I love—with sequins around the neck and hem. My hair was up with curls hanging down and I was wearing more makeup than usual—but it was a special occasion.

  Chad picked me up promptly at eight, bearing a white rose. I was excited and fluttery-nervous. He looked fantastic, of course, with his dark hair hanging over his forehead and his lean body in a dark suit.

  His attractive, angled eyes looked me over approvingly. “Anna, you look amazing.” He smiled—a smile that I am sure he perfected over the years to send the girls a-swooning. I kept my balance, however, as he led me to the dance floor.

  The lights were dim, the music was good, and I was with the most handsome guy there. It should have been the perfect evening. I think I wanted it to be, and I just kept telling myself how perfect everything was. Chad was being a gentleman, and he was making me feel attractive and desirable. During a slow song, he drew me a little closer. I rested my head on his shoulder (since he wasn’t all that much taller than me) and tried to feel as wonderful as I’d imagined I’d feel.

  Then I saw him.

  A wave of icy hot adrenaline washed over me; I tensed up a bit and Chad asked if I was all right. “Fine,” I said, forcing a wide smile. I glanced back to where I’d seen Davin. He was sitting at a table—talking with Jill. My stomach lurched. I wanted the song to end, but the stupid singer just kept dragging it out, repeating the chorus about eternal love and so on over and over, holding out long notes over piano and saxophone. All right already, I thought irritably, we get the point. Droga! Just end the song! It finally did, and I told Chad my feet needed a break.

  He led me to the table where his friends sat; I hesitated briefly and glanced a few tables over where my own friends (and Davin) were sitting. As Chad sat next to me, he followed my gaze. “Friends of yours?” I nodded. “You wanna invite them over?” He motioned to some empty chairs at the table beside us.

  I shook my head. “Nah. I’m fine.” I forced a cheerful smile. Chad sat next to me, and had the exasperating audacity to rest his arm on the back of my chair. I really didn’t want to invite Jill, Lindsey, Kim, or Davin over, partly because there was no room at our table, but partly because I wanted to get away from the people I found myself enveloped by.

  Chad Chang was gorgeous and popular, and the friends he surrounded himself with were equally attractive and social. They were also, unfortunately, rather shallow and snobby. I’d started out the night wanting to give his group the benefit of the doubt; I’d tried not to assume they’d fit the stereotype. But the girls gave me the obvious once-over that clearly let me know they didn’t think I was Chad-worthy; the guys almost completely ignored me and kept talking about how they wanted a beer. In between dances, the boys huddled together and talked in low voices. I couldn’t tell if they were talking about sports or their dates (or both) but one word I heard them use a lot was “score.” The girls, on the other hand, blatantly critiqued the outfit of every girl in the room and gossiped the whole time. The worst part was, Tiffany, my erstwhile suitemate and lunch partner, was dating one of Chad’s friends. She completely ignored me. Apparently I was no longer worth her time, though she did give me the jealous eye when I sat down with Chad.

  I sat there, not a part of either group, and not particularly holding Chad’s attention—except for his arm, still staking his claim on me. When we danced, I enjoyed myself. But at the table, failing to integrate into his social circle, I had half a mind to get up and leave. I didn’t, mostly because it seemed both rude and a waste of a good hairstyle. Instead I stayed there, staring unhappily into space and trying not to glance in Davin’s direction.

  I caught my eyes straying his way again, and felt my heart jolt when I saw he was no longer in his seat. For one second, my heart plummeted; he’d left without even talking to me. But then he was right there, making his way toward me, and my pulse began to race. I straightened in my chair, and Chad noticed my movement, breaking off his conversation with his friends long enough to ask, “Is everything okay, Anna?”

  “Sure,” I replied distractedly, and several people glanced in the direction I was staring.

  “It’s that weirdo in the trench coat,” one of Chad’s friends murmured. I automatically shot him a dirty glare.

  “Oh my god, he’s coming over,” his date hissed, nestling closer as though Davin had some kind of contagious disease.

  Ignoring everyone else, he nodded at me. “Hey, Anna.” His eyes flickered momentarily to Chad—and presumably his territorial arm. But he smiled at me noneth
eless.

  “Hey, Davin.” I tried to sound calm and nonchalant. “Long time no see.”

  “I know. How have you been?” Once more, a glance at Chad, whose arm was curling closer.

  “Good,” I said. “How about you? Still busy as usual?”

  “Always,” Davin replied, with a wistful smile.

  “This is Chad,” I said. “Chad, this is Davin.”

  Chad gave him a tilt of his head as acknowledgment. “Hey, how ya doing.” He was polite, but a little stiff.

  Davin nodded back at him.

  From across the room, I could sense the rest of my friends watching; sure enough, Jill was shooting me a glance with her eyebrows nearly halfway up her forehead. I bit my lip. I knew what she was thinking: Drama! My table—full of Chad’s snobby friends—was silently unwelcoming.

  “So, do they have anything to drink here? I’m so thirsty.” I looked at the plastic cups in front of the other girls.

  “Yeah, over there by the door,” Tiffany informed me, her first sentence acknowledging me since I’d sat down.

  I started to move, but Chad stood. “I’ll get it. You want water?”

  “Yes, please.”

  He moved off, slowly. He didn’t want to go, I could tell, but he also wanted to make it clear that he was responsible for me for the night. As soon as he was gone, as if on cue, every other couple excused themselves from the table and went to dance. Which left me alone with Davin. Not the way I would have chosen, but it was a relief just the same.

  “Wow. Was it something I said?” Davin quipped, watching the exodus.

  I sighed. “No. It’s them. They’re not allowed to mix with other life forms.”

  He laughed softly. “Right.”

  “Which explains why they’ve been ignoring me all night,” I went on, feeling at once nervous and bitter and frustrated. When Chad had asked me to the dance, I’d thought it sounded perfect. My shot at a normal romance. But I could see two things clearly: 1) I didn’t mix with his group, and 2)…I still had feelings for Davin.