Hidden Worlds

by Kristie Cook

  I blinked. “You know?”

  “Yes, Lorraine,” the principal said in a voice I’d never heard him use. It was gentle. Fatherly. “Your mother came to see me during registration and explained the situation.”

  I’d thought no one in school knew. I wasn’t sure how I felt now. “No, there’s no news.”

  “Do you ever talk to him when you’re sad or scared?” Mrs. Underwood asked.

  I frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “Some people find relief when they talk to their diseased or absent family members, especially when they’re upset,” the counselor explained. “Yesterday, you were seen in the parking lot during the assembly yelling and talking to yourself.”

  Oh, crap. The thought that someone might have seen me talking to Torin never crossed my mind.

  “Lorraine,” Mrs. Underwood urged gently.

  I couldn’t tell them the truth, so that meant doing some damage control. I braced myself for the lie of the century. “I do that sometimes. Talk to my father.” I stared at the principal, my eyes welling. The tears were real. I missed my father, missed talking to him. “He and I are close and often discussed school, my goals, and any problem I might have. He’s always there for me. Even though he’s not here, I feel like he can hear me, so I tend to pour out my heart to him. In my head.”

  “I understand.” Mrs. Underwood nodded, pity in her eyes. I really hated to be pitied.

  “I didn’t know I was vocalizing my thoughts,” I added, glancing at the principal. He squirmed. It was obvious he was uncomfortable with a student crying in his office. He slid a box of tissues toward me. “Thank you.”

  “Lorraine, I want you to try something else,” the counselor said.

  I nodded, dabbing at the tears.

  “Whenever you feel like talking to him, write your thoughts down. Tell him everything just like you would if he were standing before you.”

  I was so happy to leave the office and go back to class. No more talking to Torin and his friends when they were covered in their runes.

  ***

  Cora frowned as she studied me and Eirik across the cafeteria table. “So you’re going swimming, too?”

  “Yep.” He glanced at me and winked.

  “What’s going on? There’s something different about you two, something I can’t put my finger on.”

  My face warmed. I hadn’t had a chance to tell her that Eirik and I had kissed. From Eirik’s smug smile, he hadn’t said anything either. I bumped him with my shoulder.

  “Tell me. I hate secrets, and you two are buzzing with one.” Eyes narrowed, Cora scrunched her nose and leaned forward.

  “You haven’t heard?” Keith said, joining us. He sat next to Cora and planted a kiss on her lips. “They’re dating.”

  “No, we’re not,” I said quickly. Eirik and I hadn’t exactly discussed it and made it official.

  “Absolutely not,” Eirik added, but he spoiled it by smirking.

  Keith looked confused. Cora gave me her ‘I know you’re lying’ look. Then she glanced at Keith and pouted. “Do you have to volunteer tonight again?”

  “My mom insists. She’s on call this week, so I can’t skip. I’ll make it up to you next week.” He looped an arm around her shoulder and gave her another kiss, a longer one.

  “Get a room already,” Eirik mumbled.

  Cora gave him a saucy smile. Then she frowned, her gaze on something behind me. “Wow, Eel strikes again.”

  I glanced over my shoulder. Jessica Davenport was making goo-goo eyes at Torin, her arm linked with his, her annoyingly perfect smile at full throttle. Jess was a senior co-captain of the Trojans Swim Team. Her on and off-again relationship with Drake, Kayville High’s bad boy, often played like reality TV. They usually had a public breakup and then an equally nauseating make-up session. Their last breakup was on the last day of school, which meant she was on the prowl for an interim boyfriend. Some say her nickname ‘Eel’ was because she moved like an eel under water. Cora insists it was because she was a predator. No guy was safe around her, and Torin fit her type to a T—athletic, gorgeous, bad attitude. From the smile on his face, she was his type, too.

  I turned around and stared at my food, my chest tightening with an emotion I couldn’t explain. I ate without tasting the food. Torin and Jess looked perfect together. They both had black hair and gorgeous, unusual eyes. Hers were violet.

  “I thought she and Drake were back together again,” Cora said, but no one responded. “Knowing her, she’d play with poor Torin’s heart, then dump him and go back to Drake.”

  “So that’s Torin,” Keith said.

  “Why do you say it like that?” Cora asked, going all defensive.

  “He was the dude at the club.” Keith glanced over at me with a frown. “The one who told you to stay upstairs, right?”

  “Yes.” Please talk about something else.

  “Darrel said he also hauled out a guy who was bothering you,” Keith continued like a derailed train.

  “Whoa, who was bothering Raine? When?” Eirik asked.

  “It was nothing,” I said quickly.

  Eirik frowned. “Where was I?”

  “You’d gone for our drinks, and a guy came on to me. Torin happened to pass by and told him to get lost.” My attempt to make it seem trivial failed to placate Eirik.

  “Do I know this guy?” Eirik asked.

  I rolled my eyes. “Will you forget about him? I didn’t even recognize him under the crazy club lights.”

  Eirik glanced over his shoulder at Torin and scowled. “But Torin came to your rescue. He seems to be around a lot when you’re in trouble.”

  Cora leaned forward, eyebrows cocked. “Really?”

  “He’s exaggerating,” I said, even though I knew he was right.

  “No, I’m not. At the park, at the club, and yesterday when you had a nose bleed. I don’t know whether I should thank him or accuse him of stalking you.” Eirik sounded annoyed, as though he was looking for an excuse to take on Torin.

  “Sounds like a stalker,” Keith said.

  “Keith,” Cora protested, but her eyes were on my face. “He’s a nice guy and Raine’s neighbor. Of course he’d want to help her if she’s in trouble. Have you guys thought that maybe Torin likes Raine? I’d rather he dates her than Ms. Violet Eyes.”

  Silence followed Cora’s statement. Keith’s eyes moved back and forth between me and Eirik. I sat stiffly, listening to Jess’ annoying giggles, wishing I could tell her to shut up.

  Eirik took my hand and squeezed it. Then he smiled at Cora. “He can’t date her because Raine and I are together now.”

  The smiled disappeared from Cora’s lips and a wounded look crossed her face. Then she kicked me under the table.

  “Hey, what was that for?” I protested.

  “For keeping me out of the loop, that’s what.”

  Lunch was awkward after that, and I didn’t get to talk to Cora again until the end of the day. Her eyes were red as though she’d been crying. “You okay?”

  “My life sucks.” She closed her locker with so much force it rattled. “You, my best friend, are keeping secrets from me. Things are not working out between Keith and me. I want to dump him, but he’s so nice and sweet and supportive.”

  “And an amazing kisser,” I added. “You told me.”

  She made a face. “I might have exaggerated a bit to, you know, gross out Eirik. He was giving me one of his scornful looks.” Her breath hitched. “Oh, let’s not talk about me. Let’s talk about you. Have you two kissed?”

  I laughed and linked our arms. “Give me a ride home, and we’ll talk. This is all new to me, so I’m not sure how much I should tell you.”

  “Everything.” We barely left the parking lot when she said, “Okay, spill.”

  I leaned back, closed my eyes, and tried to relieve the kisses Eirik and I had exchanged. Instead of Eirik’s face, I saw Torin. Torin laughing at something I’d said. Torin pushing my hair away from my face. Torin t
elling me I was beautiful. My stomach lurched, and my breathing quickened. Why was he intruding on my most cherished thoughts? He wasn’t my boyfriend. Eirik was and he was perfect in every way. He was my best friend, the boy I’d loved since I became old enough to appreciate the difference between boys and girls.

  I pushed images of Torin away and focused on Eirik. “We kissed for the first time at the club. It was so beautiful, Cora. Perfect.” Kissing Eirik was like floating in the clouds, so comforting and pleasant. “Every time we kiss, I want to—”

  The car swerved, yanking my attention to the road.

  “Sorry about that. A dog dashed across the street out of nowhere.” Cora’s knuckles were tight on the steering wheel, her face pale. She looked pretty shaken.

  “If you want me to drive—”

  “No, I’m okay,” she said through clenched teeth. “I hate it when people don’t restrain their stupid dogs.”

  “Cats are worse. Anyway, back to Eirik—”

  “You know what, I think I’ll let you drive the rest of the way.” She signaled and pulled up on the edge of the street.”

  We traded places. As soon as she sat, she removed her phone and texted Keith. For the rest of the drive, she kept busy texting. The subject of Eirik didn’t come up again and became a non-issue when I entered our cul-de-sac. My car was gone.

  THE UNEXPECTED

  “No,” I moaned.

  “What?” Cora asked.

  “My car’s missing.” I parked and jumped out of Cora’s. Who could have taken it? Mom? I reached into my pocket for my cell phone and speed dialed her number. Please, let her be okay. “Do you have my car, Mom?”

  “Hey, sweetie. You didn’t use it, so I took it in for inspection. The registration card’s been sitting in my office for weeks, and the deadline is tomorrow. All’s taken care of now. I’ll bring it home.”

  I was so relieved she was fine, but I wasn’t taking chances. “That’s great, Mom. Can I just come over and pick it up? I need it now.”

  “Sure. Bring mine. The spare key’s in the drawer. Oh, Mrs. Rutledge said you left with our new neighbor on his Harley this morning. When am I going to meet this young man?”

  I swear I couldn’t sneeze without that nosey hag saying something to somebody. “I don’t know. Whenever. I’ll see you in a few minutes, Mom.” I hung up, looked at Cora, and grinned. “My mom took it in for inspection.”

  Cora rolled her eyes. “Of course she did, and you were acting like it’s the end of the world. No one around here steals cars. Pick you up at seven fifteen,” she added then reversed.

  I waved and went inside the house to retrieve the spare key from the kitchen, my car keys, wallet, and laptop and headed to the garage. I almost collided with Torin, who was entering the cul-de-sac as I left. I ignored him even though my stomach did its usual flip-flop. I didn’t understand my body and how it could ignore what I knew. Torin was bad for me on some many levels. It didn’t matter that I melted every time he was within an inch of me or that the mere thought of him had the power to send my pulse leaping. He was trouble. I’d lied to the principal and my counselor today to protect him and his friends. Who would I lie to next? My friends? My mother?

  Mom’s store was on Center Street, one of the busiest streets in Kayville. I couldn’t find a place to park, so I parked in one of the reserved lots in the back. My Sentra was there, runes squiggled all over it. I really hated those things.

  The bell dinged when I opened the back door to enter the custom-framing and mirror store. I couldn’t see Mom, but Jared waved from behind the service desk while the new girl, Deirdre, was busy talking to a customer at the other end of the store. I ran a hand along a baroque picture frame, peered at the designs, and frowned. No, it couldn’t be. My crazy mind was seeing symbols that looked like runes in places they shouldn’t be.

  “Hey, Raine,” Jared called out.

  I moved closer and smiled. “Hey. Where’s Mom?”

  “With a customer, but she said you should wait for her. How’s school?”

  I shrugged. “Same. How are things here?”

  “Crazy busy. We got a huge order from the museum that’s keeping us busy.”

  That explained Mom’s new schedule. Not only did she frame mirrors and print art for furniture stores, she started receiving orders from Portland Art Museum a year ago. I moved around the store, studying framed photographs and mirrors.

  “There you are,” Mom said from behind me, and I turned. As usual she was dressed in a colorful top and skirt. Then I saw who her customer was, and my smile disappeared. Eirik’s mother. Despite not being related, she was tall with blonde hair like Eirik. Unlike him, she always dressed in an expensive, designer suit and was unapproachable.

  “Hi, Mrs. Seville,” I said.

  “Lorraine.” She gave me one of her stiff hugs. “We haven’t seen you around the house lately.”

  Not when they were at home. She and her husband were cold and unwelcoming most of the time. “I’ve been kind of busy with school and swimming.”

  Mom hugged me and smiled. “And she does so much around the house, too. Where are you off to, sweetheart?”

  “The Swim Shop for a fitting,” I said. The swim team used different swimsuits each year. “Doc said he’s already talked to them about this year’s team suit. I also need a new pair of drag shorts, goggles, and fins.”

  Mom frowned. “Do you need more money?”

  I shook my head. “I have my debit card.”

  Mom smiled. “Okay. Since it’s almost three, why don’t you go to the shop, then come pick me up for your check up?”

  There was no way I was driving my car with her in it. Outside, I approached my car as though it was a viper. What if the car only acted weird when I was behind the wheel? Body tense, I slid behind the wheel, inserted the key in the ignition, and turned. The engine purred to life. Holding my breath, I backed out.

  So far so good. Keeping below the speed limit, which wasn’t hard on the busy Main Street, I indicated and exited the parking lot. By the time I reached The Swim Shop, I was sweating.

  My drive back wouldn’t be as traumatic, but with Mom in the car, I’d be crapping bricks again. I shoved the keys in my purse and went back to the store, reaching a decision.

  “Can we take both cars, so I can go directly home after the checkup?”

  Mom frowned, but she nodded. “I’m almost done here.”

  “I’ll fill out the forms while I wait.”

  She gave me a blank look. “What forms?”

  “For the swim team. I’ll need our health insurance number and your signature. Actually, I can just type in your name.”

  “No, you will not, my little Ms. Independent.” Mom pinched my nose and went to retrieve the insurance card. “I don’t understand why we have to do this every year.”

  I chuckled and started on the forms. Mom did her motherly duty and signed it before we left for Kayville Medical Center. Dr. Sherry Carmichael was a member of Marlow Clinic, which was affiliated with the medical center. She’d been my doctor since birth, and there wasn’t a thing she didn’t know about me.

  “Any aches that I should know about, Raine?” she asked, examining my legs.

  I shook my head. “No.”

  “Are you looking forward to another swim year?” she asked.

  I smiled and nodded.

  “I heard about Kate Hunsaker,” she added. “It’s always sad to lose someone so young.”

  “Yes, such a terrible tragedy,” my mother said, before changing the subject. “Do you think Raine’s a little underweight, Dr. Carmichael? She hasn’t been eating well lately.”

  “Mom?” I protested.

  The doctor smiled. “She’s fine, Mrs. Cooper. Her weight is within the range for someone her height.” Dr. Carmichael signed the forms and handed them to Mom. “But if you’re worried about anything, feel free to come see me. You, young lady,” the doctor added, focusing on me, “should remember that you need about 4,500 to 5,000 c
alories a day, which includes your BMR. Remember to avoid fast foods and snacks. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables... nuts... small amounts of red meat... fish and chicken... breads and pastas... Eliminate sugar from your diet. Listen to your body. If you’re hungry …”

  I heard this every time I saw her, so I basically tuned her out. When we left her office, Mom took my arm. “That went well.”

  “Underweight, Mom? Really?”

  “I had to say something to shut her up. Everyone I meet wants to know how you are dealing with Kate’s loss.” She humphed.

  She was being overly sensitive about Kate’s death because of my birthday party. “I’m okay, you know. I’ve accepted her death for what it is. A terrible tragedy.” Please let her believe me … please let her believe me …

  She cupped my face and kissed my cheeks. “That’s my baby. Now, what do you want for dinner tonight?”

  “We have enough leftover lasagna. I can toss a salad and make fresh garlic bread to go with it.” She nodded. “Oh, can we have Eirik over for dinner?”

  “Sure. I’ll bring dessert.”

  “Didn’t you hear the doctor? Cut down on sugar.”

  Mom laughed. She knew how I loved cookies, especially chocolate chip. I waited until she left before starting my car. Once again, the car behaved. No engine sputter, sudden stop in the middle of traffic, or anything out of the norm. I was grinning by the time I entered our street.

  Torin’s door opened as I drove past his place. By the time I pulled up and parked, he was crossing our lawn. My heartbeat picked up tempo. I stepped out of the car to find him leaning against the body of my car.

  “Very courageous, Freckles,” he said, a wicked smile on his sculptured lips. “But then again, I didn’t expect anything less from you.”

  “I’ve no idea what you’re talking about.” I closed the door and stepped away from him, running from his intoxicating presence and his effect on me. He had a shadow on his chin, which made him look even yummier.

  “Ride with me again,” he said, hurrying ahead of me and turning to walk backwards so he could look at me.

  My feet faltered. “What?”

  “Take a ride with me.”

  “Why?”