Eternal Curse: (The Cursed Series, Book 1)

by Kara Leigh Miller

  My stomach was in one large knot. None of this seemed important anymore, and I felt like a jerk sitting here talking about Trent when Abby’s best friend was dead. Shouldn’t we all be doing something else?

  “Your mom used to brag about how responsible you were, how she didn’t have to impose too many rules or a curfew, and she could always trust you to do the right thing.” Aunt Beth stopped pacing. “And you’re not even here a week, and you’re skipping school with some boy you barely know.”

  Disappointment dripped from her voice, causing my stomach to hurt worse. Or maybe it was the way she talked about Mom that had me clutching my midsection in pain.

  “We were working on our History project,” I offered, hoping it would lessen whatever punishment she had in mind for me.

  Aunt Beth stopped suddenly and turned to glare at me. “You expect me to believe you skipped school so you could work on homework?” She made a noise that sounded like a mix between a grunt and a huff. “I told you not to lie to me, Chloe.”

  “It’s the truth!”

  “I thought you were dead,” she shouted, slicing her hand through the air. As soon as those words left her mouth, Aunt Beth’s eyes widened as she realized the implications of what she said. Tears slipped silently down her cheeks. “I know you’re having a hard time since your mom died, but you need to understand that we won’t tolerate this kind of behavior.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” I said, swallowing back my own tears.

  She sat beside me and patted my leg, just like Mom used to do whenever she said things I didn’t want to hear. “I’m sorry. I worry about you girls, especially now.” She sniffled, put her arm around me, and placed a kiss to the top of my head. “I’d never forgive myself if anything happened to you.”

  “Thanks.” I rested my head on her shoulder momentarily.

  It had been far too long since I’d had anyone comfort me like this. And it only made me miss Mom even more. Tears burned the back of my throat, and I sat up.

  “I promise it won’t happen again,” I said.

  Aunt Beth stood. “Good.”

  “I’m going to go check on Abby.” I grabbed my bag from where I’d tossed it on the floor and slung it over my shoulder. Before I went upstairs, I turned back to Aunt Beth. “Abby wasn’t the only one who lost someone today. I know Rachel was like part of this family. I’m sorry for you and Uncle Dean, too.”

  Smiling despite her trembling lips, Aunt Beth wiped her tears. “Thank you.”

  I headed upstairs and quietly walked into Abby’s room. She was lying face down on the bed, sobbing.

  “Hey.” I mentally slapped myself for saying such a lame thing. Sighing, I dropped my bag to the floor and sat on the edge of her bed. “I’m really sorry about Rachel.”

  Abby sat up, wiped her tears, and then flung her arms around my neck. I wasn’t expecting that, but I hugged her back and let her cry.

  I’d insisted on being alone when Mom had taken her last breath, even though Aunt Beth had begged me to let her be there, to help me through the process. But I needed those final seconds with Mom, just me and her, like it had always been. I closed my eyes and forced the memory away, tried to rid my mind of the uninterrupted beep of the heart monitor as it flatlined, the signal that Mom was gone. I heard that noise in my dreams.

  “They think she was murdered,” Abby mumbled as she pulled away from me.

  “I know,” I whispered.

  “I overheard Mom talking to someone on the phone earlier, and she said something about Rachel’s body being left at the bottom of Roaring Brook Falls.”

  My heart stopped, and I abruptly stood from the bed. The falls? That’s where Trent and I were today. Had Rachel’s body been there, and we’d missed it? Or had someone dropped it there while we were at his house? That had to be it, because if she’d been there, Trent and I would’ve noticed. My stomach churned, and I cupped my hand over my mouth.

  “Hikers fall all the time and die, but this sounded like something much worse. She wouldn’t have gone there on her own. She hated that place, hated heights. God, the thought of someone doing that to her…” She shuddered.

  “Don’t think about it,” I interjected.

  I knew what Abby was envisioning—every horrifying detail of Rachel’s death sprung to her mind. The fear on her face when she realized death was coming. The impact on her body. The aftermath. The helplessness.

  “Trust me, it’s easier if you don’t think about it,” I said. That was much easier said than done, though.

  “I can’t stop. Even when I try, my mind wanders back to her…” She hiccupped.

  I sat back down on her bed. “Believe me, I know.” I took a deep breath. “Every day is a struggle for me not to think about my mom, but it’s also getting slightly easier every day. Being busy, surrounding myself with people who care about me… it helps. A lot.”

  She wiped more tears and nodded.

  “And you have so many people who love you, Abby,” I continued.

  Abby fidgeted with the corner of her pillow, refusing to meet my gaze. “I’m sorry your day with Trent had to end like this.”

  I shook my head. “There’s nothing to apologize for, okay?”

  “Thanks.” Her bottom lip quivered, and more tears fell. She lay down, knees tucked to her chest.

  I took that as my cue to leave. I stood and grabbed my bag from the floor. “If you need anything or want to talk or whatever…”

  But she didn’t respond, so I left as quietly as I’d arrived. I went to my room and locked the door behind me. Carefully taking Mom’s urn, I went to the bed and sat.

  “Hey, Mom. I messed up today.” I frowned and blinked back the tears threatening to spill free. “Remember that boy I mentioned? He’s so nice. I think you’d really like him.”

  Talking to her was a pathetic attempt to distract myself. After several moments of deafening silence, I set her urn on the nightstand and then lay down, staring up at the ceiling.

  I imagined Abby curled up, crying over the loss of her best friend. My heart ached for her. While I barely knew Rachel, and what little interaction I’d had with her wasn’t exactly pleasant, I didn’t wish her dead. If anything, I was a bit jealous—not that I wanted to die right away—I wasn’t suicidal—but she would be in Heaven with my mom now. I envied that.

  My heart ached for Rachel’s family, too, and what they were going through. I still couldn’t believe her body had been found at the falls, in the same place Trent and I had been hours earlier. We needed to go to the police, tell them we were there. Maybe we could give them information that might help them find Rachel’s killer.

  My thoughts wandered to Trent, and I closed my eyes. I could see the perfect contours of his face, feel his soft lips on mine. Sighing, I rolled onto my side.

  WHEN I OPENED MY eyes again, it was the following morning. Holy crap! I jolted upright out of bed and rushed downstairs. Uncle Dean was already gone, but Aunt Beth and Abby sat at the table.

  “Why didn’t anyone wake me?” I asked.

  “They closed school today on account of Rachel’s…” Aunt Beth trailed off, as if saying the actual word was too difficult. “I figured because you missed dinner last night that you weren’t feeling well, so I was going to let you sleep.”

  “Oh, thanks.” I yawned and stretched my arms over my head. “Then I’m going back upstairs.”

  I kind of wanted to eat something, but I didn’t want to intrude on Aunt Beth and Abby. They needed time together, without my interference.

  I spent most of the day in my room, only coming out long enough to shower and eat. Abby didn’t bother me all that much. I truly felt for her, but I was lost in my own mind, missing Mom, thinking about Trent.

  I wish I’d asked for his number yesterday. But even if I had, I had no way to call him. And I didn’t want to ask Aunt Beth to let me use her phone to call him. Asking Abby for her phone wasn’t a good idea, either. Maybe it was time to get over my issues and ask Aunt Beth to turn my p
hone back on.

  The day passed at a torturously slow pace, and by the time dinner rolled around, I was so bored I offered to do all the clean up on my own. Uncle Dean gave me a funny look when I said it, but he didn’t comment. Neither did Abby. She just shuffled up to her room and slammed the door. We hadn’t really talked since yesterday afternoon. The entire mood in the house was gloomy.

  The following morning, I awoke with a gasp as my alarm sounded, although I couldn’t remember what I’d been dreaming about. Smacking the button to shut off the noise, I jumped out of bed and got dressed for school. I was actually looking forward to it because I’d get to see Trent. And Ellie. I kind of missed her incessant chatter.

  I grabbed toast and juice for breakfast before urging Abby out of the house. Her eyes were red and puffy, and she acted like she wanted to crawl back into bed, so she wasn’t moving very fast.

  The days after Mom’s death, I refused to get out of bed—her bed that had still smelled of her—refused to eat or shower or talk to anyone. At least Abby was doing slightly better than I had.

  “I expect you to go to school and come right home after,” Aunt Beth said before I was able to get out the door. “Together.” She gave me a pointed look.

  “Yes, ma’am,” I said, trying to act like I was sorry for skipping school the other day. I was sorry I’d upset her, but I wasn’t sorry for spending the day with Trent.

  Aunt Beth’s posture softened a bit. “Try to have a good day.”

  “Thanks,” I called over my shoulder as I followed a zombie-like Abby out to the car. “Want me to drive?”

  She shook her head and got in the driver’s seat.

  I wished I could say or do something to make her feel better, but no amount of “I’m sorry” would help.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN:

  Guilty?

  ABBY DIDN’T SPEAK A WORD ON the way to school, and I didn’t press her to talk. I wanted to rush inside and find Trent, but I didn’t. I waited for Abby and walked in with her.

  “Hey, if it’s too much for you today, try to remember something really happy about Rachel and hold onto it, block out everything and everyone else. That’s what I do,” I said.

  Abby smiled sadly. “Thanks.” Her lips trembled, and I was afraid she’d start crying again.

  I gave her a hug, then headed for my locker, hoping Trent would be there. When I rounded the corner, though, the hall was mostly empty. I trudged toward my locker and opened it. Taped to the inside of the door was the selfie Trent had taken of us. I studied the picture.

  His face was redder than usual, like he had a sunburn, and his blue eyes sparkled brighter than his smile—a feat I’d have thought impossible. And there I was, staring up at him with awe, my face flushed and wearing a goofy grin. I was a hot mess compared to him. Right below the photo was a note with a very neatly handwritten message:

  Want to be delinquents again?

  I laughed… until I remembered Aunt Beth’s scolding. I didn’t want to cause trouble, but I wasn’t going to stay away from the only person in this town who made it possible for me to forget the pain of losing Mom, even if it was only for a little while.

  Sadly, I’d have to say no to skipping school again. I pulled down the note only to find another one.

  Go out with me this weekend?

  My heart raced, and I stared at the words for a few moments to make sure I’d read them correctly. Trent wanted to take me out this weekend? I wanted that more than anything, but how was I going to get past Aunt Beth? She was sure to ask me where I was going and who I’d be with.

  Unless… Ellie had asked me to sleepover on Friday. Maybe I could convince her to cover for me for a few hours on Saturday. As soon as that thought entered my mind, I forced it away. I wasn’t going to abuse my friendship with Ellie like that. Besides, I was looking forward to hanging out with her this weekend.

  I tucked the notes in my pocket. I’d answer them and then stick them back in his locker. Wait. How could I do that when I didn’t know his combination? How had he gotten mine? I grabbed the locker door and studied it. He could’ve slipped the paper into the tiny slats on the front, but these were stuck to the inside of the door. How had he managed that?

  After I gathered my stuff, I closed my locker and turned around. Then I gasped with surprise. Trent stood behind me. I hadn’t heard him. He wore jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. I was beginning to wonder if he owned anything else.

  “You scared me,” I said, not even trying to hide my smile.

  He held up his finger, which had another note stuck to it. This one read,

  Am I annoying you?

  “No.” I laughed.

  He grinned, and it was like a punch to the gut. I fought to take a deep breath and swallowed hard against the swarm of nervous butterflies that had taken up residence in my chest.

  He held up his other hand to indicate he needed a minute; then he turned his back to me. A second later, he spun back around and held up another note.

  Can I drive you home today?

  “No.” I frowned. “I got busted. Aunt Beth said I have to come right home. With Abby.”

  “I’m sorry I got you in trouble,” he said, his voice smooth but not really apologetic.

  “You didn’t. I could have easily said no.”

  The corner of his lip lifted, as if he didn’t believe I could have said no to him. He was probably right.

  “So, what’s up with the notes?” I asked, leaning back against my locker.

  “You don’t like them?”

  “I didn’t say that. It’s just…” I shrugged. I didn’t want to say it was weird—it wasn’t—but it also wasn’t something I’d ever experienced before. “Different,” I finally said.

  “Well, you don’t have a phone, so I can’t text you. How else am I supposed to communicate?”

  I laughed. “Talk to me. You know, like you are right now.”

  “Okay. What about this weekend?” Stepping around me, he opened his locker. “We could hang out and work on our History project a bit more, if you want.”

  “I have plans with Ellie on Friday, but I’m free Saturday. I can ask Aunt Beth.” My stomach knotted.

  I knew she was going to tell me no. If I could convince Trent to meet her, maybe she’d change her mind about letting me see him. Although, with recent events, she might not let me out of the house simply out of fear.

  “Did you hear about Rachel?” I asked.

  “Yes.” He closed his locker and leaned against it. “How’s Abby handling it?”

  I wasn’t sure if I should be upset that he immediately asked about her, or if I should be glad that he was so considerate of her feelings. “Not well, but that’s to be expected, I guess.” I shrugged. “I know how she’s feeling, so I’ve been trying to give her space.”

  “That’s kind of you.” He reached for my hand and laced our fingers. “I’m sure that means a lot to her.” He tugged me closer, and I didn’t resist.

  “They found her body at the falls,” I said.

  He nodded.

  “We should go to the police.”

  “For what?” His tone was sharp.

  I glanced around to make sure no one was within earshot. “We were at the falls the day she died. We were there, and that’s where her body was, and…”

  “And what?” His eyes darkened, and he scowled.

  Without another word, he gently yanked on my hand and led me down the hall to an empty classroom. Ushering me inside, he closed the door and flicked on the lights.

  “What good will it do to go to the police?” He crossed his arms over his chest, his posture slightly intimidating.

  “I don’t know.” I glanced away from his intense stare. “But not going makes us look guilty.”

  “The only thing we’re guilty of is skipping school.”

  I narrowed my eyes. Why was he so dead set against telling the police we were at the falls? It’s not like we were hiding anything.

  “If we go, what will we
tell them, exactly? That we skipped school and hung out at the falls? Then what? We didn’t see or hear anything, Chloe. We have no information that can help them find Rachel’s killer.”

  I flinched at how blunt his words were, but he was right. We hadn’t seen or heard a thing. Still, I had to do something.

  “I don’t know.” I shrugged. “But maybe we did see or hear something that we won’t know is important until we talk to the police.” I stared at him, willing him to agree. He remained stoic. “I watch a lot of cop shows and true crime stuff. It’s always some really small detail that helps the police solve cases like this.”

  “This isn’t television.”

  I scowled. “So, what? We’re going to pretend we were never there?”

  “Yes, that’s exactly what we’re going to do.” His voice deepened, and I took a small step back.

  “But… what if we can help? Shouldn’t we at least try?”

  Before my father walked out of my life, he’d given me one piece of advice that I’d never forgotten—If you’re afraid to admit to being somewhere or doing something, it’s because you’re hiding something. A chill worked through me. Was Trent hiding something?

  “You want us to go to the police and admit we were at the scene of a murder?” His words were spoken slowly, as if he were trying to ensure I fully understood. “What happens when we end up at the top of the suspect list? Because that is the only thing that will happen if we come forward.”

  My eyes widened. That possibility never once crossed my mind. Maybe I was so desperate to find a way to help, to lessen Abby’s suffering, that I was grasping at anything to make that happen. I hung my head.

  He put his finger under my chin and tilted my head so I was looking at him. “I know you feel bad and even a little guilty, but we did nothing wrong.” He stepped closer, putting us chest to chest.

  I sucked in a breath and tried not to let my racing heart distract me.

  “Getting ourselves involved with the police will only cause more problems. Please trust me on this.” His tone was pleading.

  “Okay,” I said, defeated.