“Where’s the tramp at? Do you know who it was?” Amber asks as she looks around the room.
“I don’t know her name. I’ve never seen her before. Her hair is red and curly, she has green barrettes holding it back. Before you ask, yes she’s pretty. Not as much pretty as she is cute. She’d probably look better without her braces.
Amber clamps her hand to her mouth and moans out an “ohhhhhh.”
“Do you know who it is? What does ohhhhhh mean?”
Thorne shrugs his shoulders. “I’m new here; I don’t know any of the girls other than you two.”
“It sounds like Meredith, you better hope not. She’s a hoe like no hoe you know.”
“What do you mean hoe?”
“Don’t tell me you didn’t have hoes in your old school. She likes sex, she tells everyone who will listen, about her desire to sleep with every guy in our class. Guys love her, why wouldn’t they…”
I stop her before she had a chance to finish the sentence. “I’m not worried about that, Caleb wouldn’t go mess around with anyone.”
Thorne laughs out loud. “He’s not a saint. Any guy that has it flung in his face non-stop is bound to give in eventually.”
“Caleb isn’t like that, he’s a good guy.”
“Caleb might be a good guy, but he’s not blind. I’m just sayin’ you shouldn’t push him away. You might be pushing him into the wrong hands.” Thorne said skeptically. “I’d find out more about this girl and figure out what her motive is. If her quest is the entire class, he might just be a notch in her bedpost.”
“Ewwww, that’s horrible Thorne.”
“Are you listening to me? He isn’t that way,” I said.
Thorne set his cup of tea down on the table and leaned back in his chair. “I didn’t think he woud, I was trying to make you think about what kind of guy he is. Give him a break. As a matter of fact, here’s your chance.”
Caleb approaches the table, and I see the hurt on his face. “I’m sorry, that was dumb of me.” I say trying my best not to show how pathetic I feel.
He pulls me in and kisses my forehead. “Are you okay? You seemed really on edge earlier.”
I let out the breath I’d been holding. “I’m fine. I feel terrible you didn’t sit with us for lunch.”
“It wasn’t that bad. I had a chance to sit with Brad and Michael, they’re twins and don’t have many friends here at the school.”
Amber shoots me a thumbs up.
“I need to turn in my permission slip. Can we go see the weight lifting coach?”
Caleb shakes his head yes, and we turn to leave when we hear Thorne.
“Hey, slow up, I need to turn in my slip too.”
“He’s taking weight lifting?” Caleb whispers to me, I whisper yes back to him.
A chair squeals across the floor behind us. “Oh for cripes sake, I guess I’m going to take weight lifting too. I feel so damned left out. If I get hurt, it’s all on you!”
Caleb and I laugh as Amber joins us in the hallway.
“Some kids had asked me when we’ll be getting together again to practice what we did at my house. I was thinking tomorrow night would be good. I sent a text to my dad, and he said it was OK with him. He’s going to text your grandma and have her to come over and help. We can go see a late movie when everyone leaves.”
“I think that would be perfect.”
“What’s going on? Are you having a party or something?” Thorne smiles and smoothes chapstick on his lips.
I avoid his gaze, knowing that if I don’t, I’ll blush and give away our secret. I can not imagine Amber liking Alaska.
Caleb gave him a short overview of what happened at his house two weeks ago. We all agreed that it would be beneficial to have a refresher, and now that we know more Tamers, we can have more people show up.
“Let’s give the lovebirds a few minutes alone, they’re practically conjoined twins.” Amber waved as she happily walked away with Thorne.
The coach for the Weight Lifting class wasn’t there, but we all left our permission slips in the clear box on the door.
“C’mere,” Caleb pushed on the door, and it opened to the weight room. He pulled on my hand and I followed him into the locker room. The smell of sweat and the sound of water trickling from the showers gave it the Stephen King bogeyman feel. Across the room was another door. “I want to show you something.” I giggled as we ran through the room; my reaction is to laugh when I’m scared. The door opened easily, the smell of chlorine practically knocked me off my feet.
“Wow, a pool? I didn’t know we had a swim team.”
“I don’t think we do, that’s what’s strange. They use the pool for scuba diving lessons and survival skills. Look how deep it is. I’ve never seen a pool that deep before. There isn’t a shallow end either.”
We stopped for a second, and he turned me to face him. “Jess, why were you so mad?”
Because some crazed hoe was trying to make moves on my man. “I don’t know, instinct I guess.” Because she’s pretty and has that cute bouncy red hair. Ugh!
He drapes his arms over my shoulders and puts his forehead to mine. “You’re all that matters to me, you’re the most significant reason for my life. This is for real, not something I’d screw things up to be with the school hoe.”
I laugh nervously. “So you know she’s a hoe?”
“I know, but not first hand or anything.” He pulls me into a hug. “Jess, when I said I love you…I meant it.”
Before I can respond, his lips are on mine. Chlorine wafted all around us, but we were somewhere else. We were in our reality. His tongue, silky smooth in my mouth. My heart is beating faster than a marathon runner. His hands, strong and gentle, stroking my lower back. A moan escapes my throat, I pull back and look into his eyes, and I see my reflection. He leans in and kisses my neck, and I melt into him. The memory exchange from him to me…was him seeing me in my school uniform. He’d felt happy and proud that I’m his girlfriend. He has access to most of my memories, we don’t know why I only receive his memories when we kiss. Sometimes it would be of him and his mom and sometimes it was things like picking out underwear to wear for the day. I’ve never shared that bit of trivia with him.
“Eh, hem. Students aren’t allowed in here without a teacher. The way you two are pawing at each other, I’m making a logical guess you’re unsupervised. You should be ashamed of yourselves, practically making a baby at school. That’s what’s wrong with kids today, they think it won’t happen to them. Before you know it, you’ll be a statistic and be an unwed mother. You need to think with your brains.”
“Thank you for the pep talk, we’ll leave. Sorry to disturb your work day. Just for your information, I know two teenaged moms, and they are devoted parents and exceptional students. Just because some people make the wrong decision doesn’t mean they’ve ruined their life. I’d never make that decision, but you’re acting as if they’re serial killers, and they’re not.” I tug on Caleb’s hand. “Let’s go, we’ll be late.”
We run to the locker room, the guy is yelling behind us that we’re going to slip and fall. “That must be the maintenance man that everyone was talking about last year. His wife went off the deep end and stabbed the neighbor in the front yard. She is in the loony bin, and he takes his frustrations out on the students.”
“As long as he doesn’t know who we are and doesn’t report us, he can be grumpy.”
Chapter 13. Grandma
“Jessie! Come on, we’re going to the Wal Marts for refreshments for your friends.”
Grandma is standing in the living room with her Seven jeans, red stilettos, and red v-neck t-shirt, not a man on this planet would call her grandma. She may not resemble a grandma, and she might even be sexy, but she is all grandma on the inside.
“Stilettos for Wal Mart? Are you trolling for a husband?” I snag my purse, and we head out to her BMW. She bought a SUV last month, but she said it makes her feel old. The bad thing about taking her car
is the size. We can only pack a few bags in the trunk of her two-seater.
“Do you honestly believe I’d run off with someone I met in a discount store?” We both broke out in laughter.
“Not really. Have you ever thought of Mr Gabe? He’s pretty good looking, for a dad.”
“Really? I haven’t noticed…okay, so what if I did? I don’t think he’d want to go out with an old fool like me.”
“You’re not old, and he isn’t a kid. He’s in his late forties, and you’re in your mid fifties. It takes a ten year span to call you a cougar.”
“You’re sweet. He’s still mourning the loss of his wife. I remember what I was like when your grandpa died. It took me years before I could even talk about him.”
I lean over and change the station. “I get it. I wouldn’t rule him out though. You two have a lot of fun when you’re together. Both of you know what it’s like to lose someone you love so much.”
The drive is approximately five minutes away, depending on the stop light pattern. Grandma is known for her lead foot and cheeky mouth. I love her the way she is, because she isn’t like everyone else. We made it in four minutes flat.
We’re barely in the store and here comes Thorne from the nutrition isle. “Hey Jess, fancy meeting you in such a common place.”
Grandma nudges me, “Who’s the hot tamale?”
“I’ll tell you in a bit.” I study Thorne’s face for some sign he was here for himself and not stalking me. “Thorne, this is my grand….Miss Gayle. What are you getting on the nutrition isle?”
“I figure if we’re gonna take the weight lifting class, I might as well bulk up. They carry the protein powder; it’ll make me get some guns like you’re boyfriend.”
Grandma takes the cart and heads over to the produce section.
“Did you follow me here?”
“I suppose I did.” He smiles and runs his hand through his hair. “Although, I beat you into the store.”
I bet his hair is soft and full. Aghhhhh! I did not just think that! “The bad guys are searching for me in here? Give me a break.”
“They’re searching for your kind everywhere. When they find out New Bern is crawling with them, all of you will be in danger. You have me, who do they have?”
I turn and head to electronics. I’ve been thinking about getting another e-reader, or possibly a tablet. My sixteenth birthday is coming up next week, and I’m sure I’ll get some money from my dad. He hasn’t called me all week. I hope he’s okay. I’m probably the only kid my age who doesn’t want a car. I’m afraid of being responsible for other people. My nerves get the better of me when I’m behind the wheel. My palms sweat, my heart pounds, my legs shake and I hyperventilate before I ever pull out of the parking spot. I’ll leave the driving to the people that can handle the inner chaos.
“Tell me, what exactly will you do? I mean, do you shoot them or stab them? Won’t you go to prison for killing someone?”
He leans in, I feel his breath on my ear, and he whispers to me, “I have a big sword.”
“You’re going to walk into school wielding a sword? Yeah, even Fate can’t get you past school security.”
“Want me to tell you a secret? I have it with me.” He raises his eyebrows at me, so damn cute and so damn aggravating.
“You’re carrying an invisible sword? Okay, I’ve taken in a lot of crazy lately, but I’m not that gullible.”
Thorne pats me on the shoulder. “Sweets, you haven’t seen crazy yet. If I have to pull this thing out, it means the shit has hit the fan. I have the Fragarach, the sword of retaliation. One swipe and it sends flames burning its victim until life escapes them. The only thing that can heal them is the hands of healing.”
“Why would you cut someone that you’d want healed?”
“You’re not experienced in sword fights are you? Sometimes the innocent get in the way.” He cocks his head to the side. “Your grandma is ready to leave, she’s by the bananas.”
“Good-bye Thorne.”
“Hasta la vista.”
She may have been in the banana section at one time, but she had darted halfway across the store with lightning speed. I found her near the unmentionables.
“How do you feel about thongs? I spend all day trying not to get a wedgie, what’s the point of a string up your bum?” Grandma holds up a hot pink thong.
“It’s so you don’t have panty lines.” I pick up a pack of thongs in wild colors. “Here, you can get a variety pack.”
“Why not go commando if you want to keep the panty lines at bay?”
“Eww, that’s gross.”
She shakes her head back and forth. “You’re grossed out by commando and not butt floss? I hope you don’t get into any accidents and, the hospital has to cut you out of your clothes. Your hiney will be exposed to the paramedics.”
“If I’m in an accident and they’re cutting me out of my clothes, I’m guessing being embarrassed is not going to be an issue.”
Grandma grabs the thongs and tosses them in the cart. We rounded the corner to look at the bras, my least liked section.
Grandma dangles a white generic bra. “You think they have one of those ladies who come and measure your boobies? I’m not sure what size I am these days.”
“Shhhh, no I don’t think they have anyone here to measure you.”
Without warning grandma is pulling the bra from the plastic hanger and putting it on over her clothes.
“Grandma, what on earth are you doing?” I put my hand to my forehead and say a silent prayer Thorne isn’t lurking around the corner. “They have dressing rooms.”
She isn’t paying any attention to me. She’s got the bra on over her red t-shirt and looks undoubtably crazy. “Where’s a mirror, I need to see what I look like.”
“Bonkers, you don’t need a mirror to prove it either. Okay, the show is over, please take it off.” In my attempt at being discreet I begin walking slowly to the socks.
“You’re no fun. I figured you’d find it fun to try on the boobie slings. I mean, for goodness sake, you have some serious knockers.”
I’m shocked she said that out loud. “Oh, I’m not calling you Miss Gayle in front of anyone for an entire year. Leave my boobs out of this,” I huff. Between being mortified and finding it a little funny, I refrain from cracking a smile. I think of a payback, and it suddenly hits me. “Grandma! Do we need to get you those Depends so you stop leaking?” I say loud enough for anyone to hear.
“Playing dirty are you?” Grandma says and busts out laughing. “Let’s get outta here. I’m hungry for a Gyro and sweet tea. How about Famous? You can get a sub or some pasta.”
“I’m down with that. Can Amber go with us? The anniversary of her brother’s death is this weekend. I’m sure it has been on her mind. Her sister and parents started family counseling, but she refuses to go. She said she’d rather go alone, but she doesn’t want her parents to pay an extra co-pay for her. Did I tell you her dad won’t let her get a job? I think the vibe in her house is heavy.”
“I forgot about her brother. Of course, send her a message and tell her we will be at her house in twenty minutes. It’s essential for you to listen to her if she needs to talk. Let’s drop this stuff at home and go get her. You know you have to ride in the granny mobile.” That’s what we call her Escalade.
20 MINUTES LATER
The Escalade glided over the dirt road to Amber’s house. The house is a Cape Cod style home, and it looks like a magazine cover. The only difference is the secret ramp on the side of the giant porch. Her father is paralyzed from the waist down from a surfing accident last summer. The same one that took her brother’s life.
I knock on the door and Delores the caregiver answers. “Hi Jessie, I’m taking dinner out of the oven, so you’ll have to excuse me.” She scurries off towards the kitchen.
Amber’s dad wheels into the room. “Hi Jessie, how have you been? Are you feeling okay? Amber told me that you were pretty sick.”
“T
hank you, no, I’m fine.”
“Oh, look who’s here, Miss Perfect. Thank you for honoring us with your presence,” Jasmine, Amber’s little sister hatefully says.
“Jasmine Lee, get to your room!” He turns his chair to face me again. “I’m sorry, Lee’s having a tough time this week. We all are if truth be told. Amb will be down in a minute, would you like some tea?”
“No thank you. My grandma is in the car, I’ll let her know it will be a few minutes.” He typically stayed in the study every time I’d been over to the house.
“Beeeeeeeee, I’ve been dying to go to Famous. Have you had their baklava?” Amber turns to her dad. “I’ll be home later. Mom is at bookclub, and the little house of horror reject is up in her room having a tantrum.” She makes a feeble attempt at putting her arm over my shoulder. My 5’9 to her 5’1 make us a pretty odd couple.
“Hold up, let me see!” I demand, and she gives me a quick smile and does a pirouette, then curtsied. Her green and black striped knee-highs match the black and green polka dot platforms she has on. Her little black skirt has black and pink bows all along the hem. I’d never be able to pull off the off the shoulder tee, a neon tank top like her. Amber is addicted to changing her hair color and wearing. Today isn’t any different. “Blue extensions?”
“Electric blue, do you love it? I love love love them. Some of the blue hair on top is my hair.” To be festive, she wore long eyelashes with one single swallow tail blue feather. “Do you love my eye make-up? I found a tutorial on Youtube to do the glam punk look.”
“Totally. I totally love it…on you. Grandma is going to faint, she’s in the car waiting.”
My favorite part about the restaurant is the authentic food. All the way there, Amber chattered about the ridiculous notion that Nyx would bother with her. The one valid point was the only thing they did was kiss, why would a thousand year old relationship have friction now. I tend to agree with her, it is ridiculous.
After taking a seat in a semi-circle booth, we placed our order with a bouncy happy waitress. A group of police officers are right next to us, and a young family are in the booth behind us. When we’re in public, we try to keep the Tamer talk to a minimum. It wouldn’t be good for cops to overhear us talking about banishing gods to the Underworld.
Enlightened A Light Tamer Novel (The Light Tamer) Page 8
