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by Admin

  “Yes, it was. Only Gina was done playing the games, saying you would have to do it yourself."

  When she turned back to Raylee, something different appeared in her face. Something like sadness. “I’m sorry. For being mean to you."

  Raylee felt relief. Finally, it was all clear. The culprit had been her all along.

  Crystal stared at her for a few seconds. “But I don’t know anything about a mask." She sounded genuinely unaware of the mask. Her eyes were soft, true, and confused as she quietly walked away.

  She really didn’t know.

  Raylee looked at Paul, her heart shaking. “I was wrong?"

  He hugged her closely.

  EIGHTEEN

  There were only two hours before the dance started. Paul would be coming to get her in a Corvette. Mr. McCoy allowed him to borrow it off the lot. She was glad she was going with Paul. She knew she could trust him, and she didn’t have to worry about impressing him or about her nerves frazzling her because they were only friends.

  Of course, she knew the inevitable would come, when she would see Billy and Crystal together. Inside, she felt pieces of her heart tear. This crush thing was getting more and more painful. How would she handle seeing them at the dance, arm in arm, maybe even kissing? She looked at the posters on her wall, taking her mind off of the intrusive contemplations.

  “Hey, where are you?" Paul was shaking her shoulder. She turned, not expecting to see him there, and she jumped a little. “Sorry, I thought you knew I was behind you. Your mom told me to come and get you."

  She pressed her hand over her heart. “Just a little anxious about seeing Billy, I guess." She let out a little laugh, but not without wondering what had gotten into her. She’d been so jittery lately around almost anyone, it seemed. For a while, that fear of danger being nearby subsided, but it was back with a vengeance. Nothing in her experience could fully explain it, but one thought persisted, that someone wanted to hurt her. This time, not just a random someone, but a person close to her in some way. She shivered.

  They headed to the living room where her parents were playing a game of cards. Upon seeing them, her mom got up and held up a camera that seemed to come from out of nowhere.

  Paul moved closer to Raylee. “You look great."

  "Thanks."

  "You ready?" her mom asked.

  "Oh, wait. I have something."

  "Paul, no, I didn’t get you anything."

  He waved his hand, dismissing her protest as he pinned a white corsage to her purple gown. Stepping back, he whistled. “Beautiful."

  Chagrined, she thanked him, and then they drew together again. Her mom snapped a few pictures, beaming proudly at her.

  "Have a good time!" her dad said, joining her mom as they saw them out.

  Arm in arm, Raylee and Paul made their way to the Corvette.

  When they arrived, the dance was booming. Head of the prom committee, Crystal had chosen a team of students who spent several afternoons carefully planning for the dance. Raylee was amazed by how effectively they'd transformed the gym into a fancy venue. The silver and blue decorations were gorgeous. Strands of soft blue lights were draped around the room, eliciting a romantic glow for partners.

  Her heart was soaring. She was here with her best friend Paul. This was going to be a fun night.

  Surreptitiously, at least as surreptitiously as she was capable, Raylee cast a few glances around the room in search of Billy, hoping to take her mind off the sudden trepidation. She saw him, standing alone near the far side of the room. That same feeling, like she was floating on clouds, took over her, but she couldn't seem to find any words, or any reason, to talk to him.

  This wasn’t a crush, as she’d previously thought. It was a sickness. She was heart sick.

  Paul placed his hand on her arm. “Dance or eat?"

  Grateful for the distraction, she agreed to eating. Several tables were filled with not just the standard fare, nachos, fruit, crackers, but also tiny sandwiches, complete with layers of roast beef, cheese, and wedges of lettuce. There were even platters of deviled eggs and black olives, and an array of desserts, including cheesecake. Instead of just the typical water jugs and punch bowls, there was a variety of soda liters to choose from.

  They carried their food-filled plates to an isolated table, taking in the decorations.

  Her gaze caught on Billy again. He looked so handsome in his tuxedo. It was hard to focus on her food with him in the room.

  Nearly thirty minutes later, Crystal arrived with Jenny, one of the cheerleaders, in tow. She wondered why Gina wasn't with her. In fact, Gina wasn't anywhere to be found. Did it have something to do with the strained conversation she'd overheard? She was relieved, at least, that Billy and Crystal hadn't come together.

  Crystal didn’t look at her or even get close to her. If they hadn’t been talking about her, then what had they been discussing that day? She didn’t have time to think long on it.

  She was chewing on a sandwich when “I’m Too Sexy" started up. She laughed-choked and a piece of lettuce flew out of her mouth.

  “Wow, I really know how to handle myself in public," she muttered, to which Paul laughed.

  She asked Paul to dance. He scooted out of his chair and led her to the floor. Right Said Fred was still belting out their hit, and Raylee couldn’t help but fall into a fit of giggles when Paul started sashaying like he was John Travolta.

  More top forty hits vibrated the dance floor. “2 Legit to Quit" made Raylee roar as Paul showed off some more of his crazy dance moves.

  At some point, and she knew it was inevitable, her eyes caught on Billy and Crystal. But she was surprised when they paraded up on stage a moment later, arm in arm. As though they were attending a wedding, all eyes went to the couple, even Raylee’s.

  Mr. Grabisch was scurrying behind them and taking the microphone. Raylee hardly heard the announcement, but she couldn't miss the crowning of the king and queen.

  At least the strange certainty that her life was in danger had gone away. Hopefully, that would last. She liked scary movies, but she didn't want her life to be one.

  Crystal received accolades for her role on the prom committee and cheerleading squad, but it was Billy's accomplishments that Raylee cared about.

  Mr. Grabisch shouted into the microphone. "Ladies and gentleman, this year’s prom king, Billy, has been a huge blessing for us these four years. He single-handedly began our school's first charity drive to raise funds for Silver Canyon Foster Care." Applause echoed throughout the gym. The morale was high. "He was there to help Coach Powers boost the spirit of our football team even when they didn't believe in themselves. And what happened?"

  "Victory!" the whole room roared.

  "That's right. But, more importantly, Billy has lightened the darkest of days for many students, be it someone who experienced a loss, to someone who just needed an extra boost in chemistry. Billy, the class of 1994 thanks you and wishes you all the best in your future endeavors." Principal Grabisch stepped away from the microphone and encouraged one last deafening round of applause.

  Billy said a few words. "Thank you, Principal Grabisch. Your words are more than generous. But I should really thank everyone in this room. Without you, I wouldn't have any reason to accomplish all this." The crowd went crazy.

  After the excitement of the crowd simmered, Raylee and Paul moved over to the lemonade and punch table.

  "Having fun, I hope?" Billy came up beside her. Raylee nearly dropped her punch.

  "Yes," she sputtered. “Congratulations."

  "Thanks." He looked behind him. "Well, I have to dance with my queen. Have fun." He looked at both Paul and Raylee before heading to the stage where Crystal eagerly awaited him.

  Raylee couldn't help it. She felt bummed about seeing them together, even though they weren't together. They hadn't even come together, but that didn't change her disappointment.

  The rest of the prom was fun, and Ra
ylee was glad that Paul asked her to go. He didn't mind dancing, and they ended up hopping around to almost every song that played, wearing themselves out to the point that their feet became sore. They drank probably two gallons of water each by the time the night was over.

  But just as the final songs played, Mr. Grabisch stepped up to Paul and Raylee.

  “I have some long overdue news for you. We discovered who put the mask in your locker."

  Here it was, the answer.

  “He’s even written you an apology." He handed her a small white envelope.

  He?

  “Who is it?" she asked anxiously.

  "He showed up to the dance, handed me this letter, and left. He seemed a bit embarrassed." He nodded to the envelope. “I’m sorry for your scare. I hope his letter, which I’ve read myself, will help you get past it."

  When he left, she hurried to rip it open, Paul looking over her shoulder as they read the note together.

  Raylee, I am really sorry for putting the mask in your locker. It was just meant to be a prank. I didn’t realize how badly it would scare you. I actually forgot about it until Crystal confronted David, Ryan, and me about it the other day. I caved and confessed. But now I realize just how horrible it was to put a scary mask with worms inside of it. And what David and I said back in freshman year, that bet, I’m sorry for that too, Raylee. Sincerely, Henry.

  Henry.

  Surprised, she stuffed the note back inside of the envelope. Now she knew who had been behind the mask. It must have been his shadow that day too. He’d gotten a duplicate mask and planted it at the Halloween event too. And he was behind the banging at the restaurant door.

  She frowned, suddenly feeling quite unsure of those last two things.

  “Paul, he didn’t mention the restaurant, or anything about the mask at the community center. If he was confessing to the mask, then why not the restaurant. Don’t you think he would mention trying to scare me on Halloween too?"

  “I don’t know."

  But she knew. His had been a mean prank. But was that all he was responsible for?

  Who had been at the door, in the hallway, lurking in the shadows?

  ***

  Right before graduation, Billy was named valedictorian. He accepted the granting with honor as he took the stage later that week. And, of course, not for the first time, Raylee wondered if she would ever get over her crush on him.

  He waited patiently for the roaring cheers to come to a halt before proceeding.

  "Fellow students, we have come far, as others have before us. Though life was sometimes tough, it was also full of fun and laughter and successes that we have only seen the starting lines to. You have been wonderful, all of you." He faced the staff, then his peers. "Coach Jarvis gave me a shot on the varsity team." Some of the team cheered while the coach nodded.

  "You took us to victory!" David shouted, and the crowd roared, not unlike a gladiator stadium.

  Smiling, he proceeded. "Thank you for being so supportive. And, so, as we leave this wonderful school and start a new path, remember who your friends are and thank them, thank your parents, your teachers. Don't forget where you came from." He paused, looking at the sea of faces. "This is the beginning of the end!"

  The whole class got to their feet and threw their caps into the air.

  With graduation over, Paul was back in full swing at work. Instead of going off to college like many of his classmates, he'd decided to stay in Silver Canyon and learn every aspect of his father's business. He figured there was no better way to learn than to do it hands on. His dad was a true business man, one of the best, and Raylee knew how important it was that he be the one to teach him the trade.

  Kim's Burgers kept her busy, but she still managed to find time to hang out, usually at their favorite pizza place.

  Finding a small break from their shifts, Paul and Raylee met at her house. They were sitting on the bench of the gazebo in her front yard. Billy's speech still lingered in her brain. "The Beginning of the End." He was right. This was a new path. Most everyone she knew was moving away, starting college, or joining the military. And though she had been accepted into the University of Washington, she just couldn't make herself go.

  “I’m supposed to start in the fall, but I’m going to work for a while first."

  “Raylee, what’s the real reason you’re not going to college yet?"

  “I don’t feel ready. I need to earn money. To get more secure. I don’t want to depend on my parents. I need to get on my own, the sooner the better."

  "Raylee, you have this whole list of reasons."

  "I know, it sounds crazy," she admitted. “I guess I'm just afraid."

  "Well, I'll be here either way."

  Like the storms that came and went without warning, she hesitated before the unknown path. At least she'd know what to expect here.

  As she sat in the gazebo, watching birds flutter their wings and listening to them chirp as they played together, a mini cyclone of fall leaves spun around her, a blur of reds, browns, and golds.

  Paul patted her hand and got to his feet. “Got to get back to work."

  “Bye."

  She felt that chill again, not knowing why.

  Feeling a little tired, she went inside.

  Upstairs, she flopped onto her bed and stared at the ceiling. So much revealed in the last few weeks, but still things that remained mysterious.

  Whatever this was wasn’t over.

  Outside, a band of leaves tapped at her window. She jerked a little, startled by the sudden sound, then looked away. Her eyes fell on her nightstand, where her senior yearbook lay open.

  Leaning over, she grabbed it and placed it on the bed, flipping through the book until she came upon the page she was looking for. There, underneath his varsity football picture, Billy had written these words to her.

  You always stood out to me as someone special. Call me—.

  She closed the book, held it to her chest, and took a deep breath.

  Maybe Billy would be hers one day.

  TURN THE PAGE FOR BONUS FEATURES!

  If you enjoyed Intent: The Beginning, please leave a review!

  Other titles by Krista Wagner

  The Magical Forest Series

  A Small Town Secrets Novel Standalone series

  Shrouded Memory

  Short Suspense Stories

  How To Write A Spiritual Dramatic Suspense Novel

  The Reluctant Billionaire

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Krista Wagner is a product of the 70's who loves all things 80's. A lover of suspense and young adult realistic fiction, Krista finds herself meeting new intriguing characters all of the time in her own fictional worlds. When she's not writing novels, you can find her watching suspenseful movies, playing 80's video games, reading the best book in the world, The Bible, and spending time with her incredibly entertaining family.

  Krista is the author of several titles including the YA Small Town Secrets Novel standalone series and the MG/YA Magical Forest series as well as her psychological thriller Shrouded Memory.

  Read on to see how it all turns out for Raylee in Intent.

  SNEAK PEEK AT INTENT:

  The smell of hamburgers and fries always clung to Raylee’s uniform like a cloak after work, forcing her to wash up if she wanted to be rid of the smell. Steam shrouded the mirror during her shower and she wiped it away with her towel. As she ran a hand through her disobedient tangles, her mind wandered to many things. Billy, of course, and what the future held, if anything, the game of Scrabble she’d be playing with her parents in just a bit, the taste of the chocolate cream pie, when suddenly the lights flickered above the mirror. Thunder boomed too close.

  “Not again!" she moaned.

  She ran into the living room, looked out the window and stared at the storm. Nervously, she dialed Paul.

  “What’s up?" he answered.

  “Why don’t you come
over?"

  “I thought it was a special night with your parents."

  “It is, but you can come too. Besides, they’re not home yet and I wouldn’t mind some company with this crazy weather."

  “Be right over."

  Paul arrived ten minutes later.

  “So, how’s taking over the dealership going?" Raylee asked.

  Paul shrugged off his wet coat and settled down on the couch. “A lot harder than I thought it’d be, but good."

  Even though she asked, Raylee wasn’t really paying attention. Her mind was preoccupied with Billy and the way he looked at her as she left the restaurant.

  “Can you believe I’m going to the park with Billy Thurman?" She plopped next to him on the couch. “He’s so much better than I remember him. Did you see how sweet he was with his cousins?"

  “Yeah, a real charmer."

  “He came in tonight just as I was leaving. I got to meet his dad, the mayor. I mean, Billy was always this great guy, but asking me on a date?"

  Paul’s mood seemed dispirited, and Raylee wasn’t sure why. He was probably worn out from the day. Owning and managing a dealership was sure to be demanding. “You’re definitely a somebody, Raylee. And how do you know it’s a. . ."

  Someone knocked urgently on the door. They exchanged curious glances as Raylee went to answer it. Through the peephole, she saw Aunt Kim.

  As she unbolted the door, Kim opened her mouth to speak and started gasping for air. Paul raced to the door to help her in. Kim fell against the doorframe, moving her lips to try to form words, her shoulders shaking as she blinked

  through tears.

  “Aunt Kim! What’s wrong? What is it?" Raylee said in a panic.

  Paul helped Kim to the couch. She sat down and stared at the floor. It was a very long time before she finally said something. When she did, her voice came out low and slowly.

  “My sister. . .your parents . . . have been in an accident."