by Admin
“No, that can’t be," Raylee said quickly. “My dad called me at work at 6:25 tonight and said they were just running behind and they would be here by 8:00."
Kim looked at her sadly and then at the clock on the wall behind Raylee’s head. Raylee turned and saw it was 9:00—an hour later than her dad had said they’d be home.
“James just called me." James Snowfield was a family friend who worked as a deputy for the Silver Canyon sheriff’s office. Kim took a deep breath and continued. “He told me they found their car near the west end of the highway, but he couldn’t tell me anything else. We need to get down there, Raylee."
Outside, thunder knocked around the sky like a reverberating shotgun blast. Raylee shook. The rain tapped against the windows like a gentle provocation.
“I’m coming with you," Paul said.
DELETED CHAPTERS
Crystal
I
f she was going to get Ryan Davis to notice her, she’d have to step it up a notch. So far, he seemed to have eyes only for his math textbook. With Homecoming just around the corner, she was going to have to work fast. Gina Sanders, her best friend, assured her that she was the most beautiful girl at Silver Canyon High and that if Ryan didn’t ask her to the dance, then he was a moron.
There he was, the school’s junior varsity quarterback, looking so cool in his letterman jacket, like he hadn’t a care in the world. His black backpack was slung over his left shoulder and he ran a hand through his gorgeous blond hair as he slid into his seat across from her.
Crystal tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and tilted her head as she tucked her hand under her chin, giving him her sweetest look. But he was strangely focused, his nose stuck inside his math book.
Groaning inside, she tried something else. Stupid and cheesy as it was, she was desperate. Time was running out and she just had to go to Homecoming with him or she would die.
She picked up her number 2 pencil and let it slip from her hand. It made a soft tapping sound as it landed on the floor and rolled across the pathway to Ryan’s desk. She cleared her throat, and finally, finally! he looked up. She nodded at the floor, his eyes followed, and he stooped to retrieve her pencil. Handing it to her, he formed a small smile as she said, “Looks like you dropped this,” and her heart melted.
“Why, thank you, Ryan.” She stuck the pencil between her teeth, trying to draw attention to her face, especially the deep mauve lipstick she’d just bought that she was wearing for the first time.
He didn’t say anything, just stared at her, but that was good enough for Crystal. She removed the pencil. “You know, I’m not so good at this subject, but you seem like a real math genius. Maybe you could tutor me sometime.”
He seemed surprised and at a loss for words. Whether he was embarrassed by the attention or by the fact that she was talking to him, she couldn’t be certain. Yes, they had talked many times, in their cliques of cheerleaders and football players, but never one-on-one.
“Well, um, yeah, I could do that. We could start today, if you’d like.”
She gave him her biggest smile. “That would be perfect. Thank you, Ryan.”
She watched him flush and knew she had Homecoming locked.
Her good mood quickly disappeared when Raylee Johnson walked into the room.
She was a newbie, transferred from the other side of town, a nobody. She didn’t belong here. Already, she acted like she was better than everybody, always the first student to strut into the classroom, such a geek.
Of course, Crystal would never admit the truth to anyone, especially Gina, but she felt threatened by Raylee because she had a natural beauty about her that Crystal had to wear pounds of makeup in order to match it. Ever since middle school, Crystal’s mom had told her that she could never leave the house before applying makeup because the world would not accept her, that she did not possess the natural beauty that some women did, and that
in order to win any man’s heart, she would need to commit to a lifetime of wearing a mask. She had literally used the word mask, explaining that it served two functions, the first to show one’s self presentable to society and the second to hide inappropriate emotions like insecurity.
Crystal glowered at Raylee when she looked her way. Raylee didn’t even have to try to get Donald’s attention. Not that Crystal wanted Donald, she didn’t, but she had been trying to get Ryan for months, had put in a lot of effort, just to get him to really talk to her. That wasn’t fair. And even if Raylee possessed a natural beauty, Crystal knew that she herself was prettier. Gina had assured her of that.
With unhidden annoyance, she watched as the biggest loser in the school found her seat and waited, with straight shoulders and hands clasped, the perfect teacher’s pet, for class to start.
Gina must have picked up on her sour mood because a moment later, she slipped Crystal a note.
Forget the skinny kiss-up. You have Ryan locked in.
Crystal smiled. She did have the hottest guy in school. It was only a matter of time until he asked her to Homecoming. Raylee was nothing but a skinny loser with no future. Satisfied with the new turn the year was taking, she sat back in her desk. When Raylee happened to glance her way, she even smiled at her. Raylee looked confused. Good. She had her exactly where she wanted her—unsettled, wondering if Crystal might actually want to be her friend.
Ha. Not a chance.
S
Crystal: Homecoming, Part 1
he had done it. It had taken a lot of work. Pretending she was terrible at math had been a huge stretch, and doing three tutoring sessions with Ryan had been painfully boring, but it had worked. He had asked her at lunch to go with him to Homecoming. The most popular boy and the most popular girl in school attending the dance together, the way it should be. It was all so perfect.
Gina couldn’t go the mall, she was grounded for talking back to her mom, so Crystal went on ahead without her. By the time she dashed inside, she was practically soaked all the way through her t-shirt. Annoyed, she stopped at the bathroom where she spent several minutes using the blow dryer to dry her hair and a handful of paper towels to pat down her clothes. In the mirror, she reapplied her makeup. She had to look good at all times, especially when she came across gorgeous guys. Satisified that she had freshened up, she strolled over to her favorite dress shop. Apparently, everyone had the same idea. The place was packed.
Huffing with slight annoyance, she marched in, turning her head every which way till her eyes landed on a handful of black strapless dresses. With purpose and poise, she glided over to the display and skimmed through until she landed on the one. Smiling, she ran her hand across the silky fabric and brought the dress with her into one of the fitting rooms.
Last night, she and Gina had attended the premiere party of the year at David Espell’s house. David played tackle on the varsity team and was Ryan’s best friend, and known for his famous parties. His parents were
so cool that they gave them full reign over the house, everything except the liquor cabinet, which meant that they could play music as loud as they wanted. Since the Espell’s lived on twenty acres of land and deeper into the country, no one could hear them for miles. His parents stayed up in their room while the rest of them danced, played spin the bottle, or shot a game of pool.
Crystal had never been to a party, but she’d had the time of her life. When the music set the mood, she made sure to cozy up with Ryan on the couch. They’d exchanged a sweet kiss out in the open, so now everyone knew they were a couple, just like she’d planned it.
Today, he hadn’t even waited until they sat down to eat to ask her to Homecoming. She’d acted surprised, of course, but she’d said yes after a few seconds. It would hurt her reputation to look too eager, so she had to play it cool, but inside her body had thrummed with the fluttering of excitement.
Glancing at her reflection, she grinned. Just as she’d expected, the shiny strapless gown looked flawless on her. It hugge
d her hips in the right places and accentuated the softness of her bare shoulders. Ryan was going to flip. He would be hers permanently. Well, at least until she tired of him.
From her purse, she withdrew the tube of mauve lipstick and refreshed her lips. She turned slightly away from the mirror to check her profile, then to the other. She knew she looked stunning, that she was the envy of every girl at Silver Canyon High.
What a great way to start the year.
Changing back into her jeans and top, she exited the fitting room. Just as she was getting ready to head over to the cash register, somebody ran into her.
Of course it was the skinny loser. She huffed at her, but Raylee was already scurrying away like a scared little mouse.
Serves her right.
Feeling triumphant, Crystal paid for her dress and left. An anxious feeling was settling into the pit of her stomach. It was going to be an amazing year.
Crystal: Homecoming, Part 2
G
ina didn’t look happy when Crystal and Ryan swung by to pick her up. Her hair was flopping all over the place and she was grinding her teeth as she hopped into Ryan’s borrowed sedan.
“I am so sick of Henry. He acts like he wants to go to the dance, but then he says he “forgot” all about it!”
Ryan revved the engine before taking off. He was a little bit of a showoff. Crystal liked that about him. But her best friend needed her right now, so she turned around in her seat.
“He’s a jerk, Gina. You know that.” She squeezed her
shoulder. “Look, we’re going to have a good time tonight, and no one is going to take that away from us. No one.”
Gina curled her lips into a Grinch-like sneer, lowering her voice to say, “You think she’s going to be there?”
“I know she will be. Donald’s taking her.”
Gina scowled. “Why?”
Crystal shrugged. “Who knows?”
“Hey, she’s not so bad,” Ryan piped in.
Crystal just rolled her eyes. The last thing she wanted to do, or could afford to do, was ruin her chance with the hottest guy in school. One thing her mom had taught her was to never question a man. That’s how you pleased them. And kept them.
A few minutes later, they were strolling into the gym. As planned, David was distracting Mr. Foley when they arrived, so they easily snuck in with mini bottles of liquors stashed in their purses. Crystal spotted little miss
Skinny Penny on one of the lower bleachers. She nudged Gina, who glanced over, her lips pressing into a satisfied grin.
David bumped into them a second later, and both girls grumbled at him. He held his hands up in defense. “Sorry, sorry. For some reason, Mr. Foley thought I, of all people, would try to sneak liquor in. He gave me a regular pat down. I’m so humiliated that I might just report him to Principal Grabisch.”
The girls exploded in laughter, pleased that their plan had worked. Mr. Foley had it out for boys, especially David, but in his small little head, girls misbehaving was an impossibility.
Ryan led them all to one of the bigger tables where Crystal slipped him one of the bottles of vodka. He winked at her, kissed her full on the mouth for a long moment, then headed to the punch table. When he came back, he surveyed the room before he flavored all of their drinks. Lifting his glass, he said, “To a hell of a year.”
David raised his glass so swiftly that some liquid splashed onto the floor. “I’m going to need a refill.” They all laughed. “To us.” Crystal and Gina joined in the toast. They took a huge swig from their cups simultaneously, then sat back to watch the growing crowd.
“What happened to Henry?” David asked.
Crystal threw him a look.
“It’s okay. He apparently ‘forgot’.” Gina took another drink, finishing the rest of it.
David wrapped his arm around her. “Hey, no worries. You got me here.”
She turned to him and grinned.
Crystal was a bit surprised at how quickly she was forgetting Henry. They’d dated for six whole months. Gina leaned into David a little bit and he whispered
something in her ear. She nodded.
“It’ll have to wait though.” Gina rubbed the top of his hand.
Crystal sat up. “What will have to wait?”
“David’s parents are gone for the weekend. And their liquor cabinet is open.” She looked back at David. “Crystal and I have a little school project to finish up first. Care to watch?”
David licked his lips suggestively. “I can’t wait.”
Gina got up and followed Crystal to the bathroom.
Once they checked all the stalls to ensure they were empty, Crystal produced a little bottle of whiskey and a pack of cigarettes.
Gina looked shocked. “Where did those come from?”
“Special for our little mouse. I swung by Jimmy’s Liquor. He owed me a favor.”
“But what are you going to do?”
“Pastor Johnson is about to start a new sermon because we are going to get her suspended for a few days.”
“But how are you going to plant these on her?”
“Gina, did you not see the purse she brought with her? The perfect size to. . .”
“Yeah, but how are we going to do it? I mean, it’s not like she’s just going to leave it somewhere.”
“Did you see how deeply she’s looking into Donald’s eyes? Every time they are go out on the dance floor, she leaves it behind. She doesn’t even look in that direction, she’s so caught up with her new boyfriend.” Crystal dramatized the last couple of words as she rolled her eyes.
“Sounds like you got another plan locked in.”
Crystal smiled wickedly. “And what about Henry?”
“Henry who?”
“How can you forget about him already? I mean, it’s not like you two broke up. He just forgot. . .”
Gina scoffed. “As far as I’m concerned, we’re through.” She opened the door and peeked out, her eyes catching on her date. “Besides, David’s way hotter.” She looked back. “You ready?”
Crystal was surprised by the sudden aggressiveness in friend, but she nodded and followed suit.
They had to linger at their own table for a little while. Skinny Penny and Donald were enjoying a dinner for two and gazing disgustedly into each other’s eyes. Crystal couldn’t wait to see the way Donald looked at her once he discovered his new girlfriend’s hidden vices.
Finally, the time had come and the disgraceful couple were back on the dance floor. David’s and Ryan’s attention was rapt as they watched the girls walk nonchalantly over to the small table. Gina handed her the bottle and cigarette pack. Crystal bent as though she’d dropped something, prying open the purse before dropping the items in. Together, the girls walked back to their table.
Ryan’s interest was peaked. “Now what?”
Crystal was smug. “Now, we sit back and enjoy the show.”
They didn’t have to wait long. After a few slow dances, the little couple got some more punch to drink.
Gina whispered. “Now.”
Crystal stood abruptly, the boys looking on cluelessly as she made her way to the entrance.
Mr. Foley was wiping his clammy forehead and looking more than just a little worn out.
“Mr. Foley, do you have a minute?”
“Sure. Ms. Jordan.” He liked to refer to students by their last name. Crystal thought it was cute.
“Well, I hate to be a snitch and all, but somebody snuck some alcohol in.”
His raised his eyebrows as though that couldn’t be.
“I don’t see how that’s possible. I’ve been checking everybody as they come in.”
Oh, the hilarious irony of that statement.
“Well, apparently, somebody found a way around it.” She nodded in Raylee’s direction.
“Ms. Johnson? No, she’s one of her finer students.”
“Which is exactly why she did it. Nobody
would suspect Ms. Sk—Johnson.”
“That’s a hefty accusation, Ms. Jordan. What proof do you have?”
“She doesn’t know it, but I saw her smoking a cigarette too. But don’t take my word for it.” With that, she left Mr. Foley looking flabbergasted as she rejoined her party.
Less than a minute later, he made his way to the unsuspecting girl. Confused, she picked up her purse and opened it. He withdrew the liquor bottle and cigarette pack, then with a disappointing shake of his head, he uttered something to her, and soon after, he was escorting her out the exit. Poor Donald didn’t know what to do with himself, so he followed them.
As soon as they were out of sight, Crystal smirked. “Looks like the pastor’s daughter is not so innocent after all.” Gina smiled deviously. The boys looked stunned.
Her work was done. For now.
Crystal: Back to School
G
ina already had her license, which made going to school more bearable. Everyone in the sophomore class looked at the two girls with envy as most of them weren't yet of driving age and because Gina was driving a new Mustang convertible.
The student parking lot was ripe with seniors' cars, but a few empty spaces were left at the end of the row. Gina slid her Mustang into one of the slots.
"Tell me again how you got your parents to buy you this," Crystal said as they headed toward the building.
Gina shrugged. "Dad got a raise and he didn't know a better way to spend his money."
Crystal bumped against her friend's shoulder. "Got him wrapped around your baby finger, don't you?"
Gina laughed.
The hallway was swarming with chaos. Students were scattering in every direction, some running to miss the bell, others chasing down their buddies, and Crystal and Gina strolling in the middle of it all.
