by LC Taylor
The two officers exchanged a glance. Officer Barnes cleared his throat, “Um, Ms. Aeddan?”
“Humm….” I glanced up to see them staring at me.
“Does she live close? Your friend? Maybe you should have her come over here,” Detective Smith said.
“Ok, now I am freaking out. WHY would I need my friend here? What happened?” I demanded tapping my foot on the floor.
“Look, there’s no straightforward way to say this, so I will just get to the point,” Detective Smith inhaled and paused like he was trying to convince himself it was ok to tell me. “Ms. Aeddan, I regret to inform you that your parents, Garrett and Maggie Aeddan, were involved in a severe car accident. They died at the scene.”
I woke screaming, and my sheets were sopping wet, drenched in my sweat. I stared at the ridges of my popcorn ceiling, Detective Smith’s words replaying in my memory, as he said my parents were dead. The official report said my they lost control in a curve and careened off the roadway.
Consequently, it flipped several times down the hillside landing in the deep ravine below. The emergency responders who arrived first on the scene told me they died instantly from the force of impact it made smashing against the jagged rocks, before finally exploding into the inferno wreckage once their car. It had left little chance for anyone to survive.
Every night since finding out, I relieved the details that claimed their lives in my sleep. I tossed and turned for what felt like hours. Kicking my covers off, exposing my bare legs to the cool air condition, until exhaustion claimed me again. I couldn’t fight to keep my eyes open a minute longer. I prayed for the nightmares to stop.
Chapter 3
The shrill sound of my alarm clock startled me from my unsettled sleep. I smacked it off my nightstand, causing it to tumble to the floor with a thunderous crash. Throwing my feet to the floor, I took a moment to gather my senses. Stretching my arms above my head, yawning as I shook myself awake. Subsequently, it had been eighteen hours since I buried my parents and returned to a normal life. Normal, ha! That was a contrived statement. I was a 17-year-old girl about to be 18, set to graduate high school in three weeks that just buried her parents. Undoubtedly, I had more money than the president, but how did that help me? It sure as hell wouldn’t bring my parents back from the hole in the ground.
I’d already missed a week of school, and having three more to go, I couldn’t afford to stay home and wallow in self-pity. I’d just plaster on a fake smile and pretend I was someone else when I got to school. Maybe no one would notice the broken girl beneath the smile, who was dying inside. At least, that’s what I told myself anyway.
I stood up, glancing around my room. A room that held photo reminders of the life had with my parents. A life that would not add any more memories to the frames. I stole a sideways glance at my clock on the floor and realized it was 7:00 am. Not much time before I had to get Carly, but still, it gave me enough to shower and grab something to eat.
Walking into the bathroom, I glanced at my lifeless reflection, noting that there were dark circles under my eyes – resembling something from the Walking Dead. I swiveled around turning on the shower…the water felt like a newly thawed creek at the start of spring when I stepped in. The ice-cold temperature caused me to inhale suddenly, stealing my breath from the shock as it caressed my skin. I slathered my shampoo in my hands and mindlessly scrubbed my head.
Drifting off under the falling water, my subconscious replayed memories of my parents. Soap ran down my face, making my eyes burn, snapping me out of the sad reverie. Glancing down at the bubbles that swirled around my feet, I realized I needed to shave my legs. It looked like I’d skipped shaving for weeks and started my transformation into a hairy beast. Once satisfied with my legs, I turned the water off and stepped out.
I didn’t feel like dressing to impress, winning anyone with my attire was not at the top of my list of things to do. Hell, I didn’t really want to go anywhere, but I put on a pair of black shorts and a pink t-shirt anyway. I didn’t care about make-up; it wouldn’t help hide my sorrow anyway.
My eyes looked as though I’d been in a boxing match from all the crying. And consequently, my complexion, which was naturally pale, now resembled the undead – yep, I could pull off vampire girl with no problem today. Especially seeing as my hair was jet black and straight as a board. It was long and reached to the middle of my back. Still damp, I pulled it into a ponytail.
Giving myself a once over in the mirror, I noticed that my usually pale blue, almost silver eye, appeared to be glowing – a fantastic addition to the vampire-like face. It wouldn’t matter; no amount of make-up would hide the damage from the tears I shed. It was hopeless, Hell... I was hopeless. No matter, I’d be lucky if I made it through the day without shedding more tears. Any makeup, would just wind up down my face and probably ruin my shirt.
Regardless my appearance, today was my first day back to school since my parents died. My dad had been the headmaster for the last 18 years… Today would be weird. Presumably, my peers thought having my dad at the school I attended was creepy. As if having him there stunted my social status, it didn’t. I wasn’t popular in school, but I didn’t care. Having my dad there was awesome, and today would be the furthest thing from awesome. My phone chirped on my desk. Picking it up, I saw a text from Carly.
Carly: R U Coming to get me?
Me: Yep. B there in 20
Carly: K. U Ok?
Me: Super
I tossed my phone back on my desk and packed my bookbag. Carly had been checking on me every day since I learned they died. She meant well, but it was overwhelming. Picking up my stuff, I hurried down the stairs. I wasn’t feeling like taking breakfast, but my stomach let off a ferocious growl. So, I grabbed a bottle of water, an apple, and my keys. I mustered the courage and walked out the door, double-checking the knob ensuring it locked.
I tossed my phone back on my desk and packed my bookbag. Carly had been checking on me every day since I learned they died. She meant well, but it was overwhelming. Picking up my stuff, I hurried down the stairs. I wasn’t feeling like breakfast, but my stomach growled ferociously. So, I grabbed a bottle of water, an apple, and my keys. Mustering up the courage I walked out the door, double-checking the knob to make sure it was locked.
Chapter 4
I stared out into the driveway at my car. It was old, with a dent on the driver’s door from the time my dad backed into it. The paint was the same shade of silvery blue like my eyes. My parents surprised me on my sixteenth birthday. When I walked outside, I found the car parked behind my dad’s car, with a giant yellow ribbon wrapped around the hood. The memory of that day flooded my senses. I smiled to myself remembering how I jumped up and down screaming, as rushing passed my parents, accidentally knocking my dad to the ground. The visual in my head caused a slight chuckle to erupt from deep within me.
Carly didn’t have her own car, her parents refused to buy her one, and she was stuck riding the bus. Of course, when I got my car, I drove her to school, and it’s been that way ever since. Making my way down the winding drive towards the main road, anxiety hit me hard. As I attempted to pull out, a sleek black motorcycle sped by, forcing me to stop abruptly. I couldn’t see the rider under the blacked-out helmet he or she wore, but based on their physique, it was probably a guy. That didn’t matter though, their driving was reckless and unbelievably fast, which just seemed to piss me off more.
“ASSHOLE,” I yelled out my open window as I flipped the driver off now well out of sight. Who goes mock eight down this winding two-lane road was not smart; I could’ve hit the idiot. They must have a death wish or just a complete lack of concern for other drivers, maybe both. My heart was racing from the adrenaline as I finally pulled out and headed towards Carly’s house.
Carly lived close. In fact, she was on the same street just two intersections down. She lived right off the road in a white one-story brick house with a small carport attached to the side. I pulled into her drivewa
y and laid on the horn. Carly came hopping down the steps, throwing a peace sign towards me as she stalked towards the car. Her mom was out the door behind her hollering something, but she waved her off and opened the car door.
“What’s up bitch?” Carly asked as she plopped into the passenger seat kicking her feet onto the dashboard. Carly looked beautiful as usual. Her fiery red hair, which she always wore wild, was in a messy spike. She was average height, with a voluptuous figure. She had all the right curves in all the right places. Most girls would kill for her booty; it was round like J-Lo’s. She had soft blue eyes, which she accentuated with black eyeliner making her look even more exotic. She, in a nutshell, is gorgeous, of course, the total opposite of me.
“What was up with your mom? And damn don’t slam the do….” she slammed the door with enough force to knock it off the hinges before I could finish.
“Nothing…Geez, who peed in your Wheaties this morning?” Carly popped gum in her mouth as she glanced at me.
“Some moron on a shiny black motorcycle almost became a hood ornament on my car this morning, that’s who. I swear it scared the living shit out of me! Not the way I wanted this morning to start. My heart is still in my throat,” I sputtered out to her, my heart still pounding like a jackhammer.
“Oh…hum…I bet that was the new headmaster’s son. He pulled in on a motorcycle Friday, they came to the school to get everything switched over and register or whatever,” Carly kept her eyes on me as she spoke. She was afraid I’d meltdown to the news that my dad’s replacement was already at the school. But I wasn’t naive, and I knew about her already. My parent’s attorney filled me in when I’d gone to sign the paperwork for their will last Friday. His conversation was coming back to me as I shook my head, looking over at Carly.
“Yeah, I heard she was already here. My parent’s attorney said she grew up here and well known by some of the older folks, but she left and hadn’t been back, well until now…” he didn’t tell me she had a son though, feeling oddly bizarre about the revelation. Presumably, the new headmaster’s son drives like a maniac. Slamming the car in reverse, I backed out of Carly’s driveway still pissed off.
As I pulled into the student parking lot, I noticed the same black motorcycle and its rider parked in the spot next to mine. “Great, can this morning get any better? Looks like you were right, it was the headmaster’s douche canoe son this morning. AND he’s parked right there,” I put my head down on the steering wheel and pointed in his direction.
“Seriously Dylan, you can’t write the guy off just for his driving… Are you? Technically, you almost hit him anyway. I know today isn’t easy for you, but when was the last time we had fresh meat at the school, how about NEVER. Besides, he could be just the distraction you need.” Carly snickered as she left the car.
She was right, I was, in fact, being a tad bit unfair. I was mad at the world and wanted to take it out on some poor schmuck that didn’t even know he’d done something wrong. Even though the asshat started my morning off rocky with his impeccable driving skills, I could not write him off – I mean I hadn’t even met him yet.
“Yeah, you’re right. I’m just in a dark place right now. Just promise you won’t let me turn into some pissed off girl who walks around in all black and listens to dark, angry music. Their death is still a fresh wound, and as much as I needed to come back, it’ll be hard... but I am here, trying, OK?” I begged her to take a deep breath. As I did, I was hit with a calming scent that relaxed me all the way to my toes. The smell was like a sea breeze blowing through a pine forest; it was truly addictive.
“I got your back. Come on, let’s go. You need to stop at the attendance office and check in with them anyway. The new headmaster wants to meet with you. I can come,” Carly cocked her head at me as she spoke. That’s one of the many things I loved about her. She keeps life in perspective for me and never sugarcoats stuff. If it weren’t for her, I’d have gone to a dark place for good.
I shook my head, trying to gather my senses, “Yeah, OK, let’s go. Let’s get this day over with.”
Chapter 5
As I locked my car and turned around, I walked straight into a solid wall of muscle. “Oomph” all the air was forced from my lungs.
“Umm, hello there,” the guy's tone was sarcastic and made me furrow my brow. “Did you bother to pay attention where you’re going or do you always bump into people?” he sighed, blaming me for walking into him.
“What!! Me?!! Look where I’m going – are you serious? I pay attention! I mean you were standing close to my car door…” I pushed him backward, “For fuck’s sake, MOVE.” Shoving passed him I brushed against his hard body. I glanced up at him, getting a good look at the mammoth blocking my path.
He was gorgeous. Standing at least 6’1, with beautiful blue eyes that resembled the color of the Caribbean Sea. His black hair was cut short and worn messy, like that ‘I just got out bed’ look. The navy-blue t-shirt he wore was stretched across his perfectly sculpted chest and broad shoulders in a way that made my insides quiver and my face flush.
And oh my god, his arms were massive, like the kind that would engulf you when you lay under him. I turned my face away, afraid he could see the desire behind my gaze. Caught up in visions of him crushing his naked body on mine, I didn’t notice the curb and nearly face planted on the sidewalk as a result.
“Jesus, are you ok?” he asked, reaching out and grabbing hold of my elbow to steady me. A jolt of electricity traveled up my arm from his touch, heat, and wetness pooled between my legs. I jerked my arm away and let out the breath I had been holding.
“I’m fine.”
His nostrils flared, and he closed his eyes as he inhaled. It was like he could smell the lust gathering between my legs caused by his touch. “You almost tripped over a curb, and you look like you’re about to black out. Let me,” he took my backpack from me. “I’m Jensen,” the corners of his mouth lifted into a crooked smile, and there was a hint of something else behind his eyes as he spoke.
“I don’t need your help,” I said through clenched teeth, “give me my bag please.”
“Nah, don’t think so. I’ve got to stop at the attendance office too. So, if you don’t mind… I’ll walk with you…and carry your bag,” he turned and started towards the school.
“Fine, have it your way.”
Carly’s mouth was wide open, as she was momentarily speechless as she hurried to catch up with him. “Ummm Hello, I’m Carly. Carly Brooks,” she stuck her hand out for him to shake, “the best friend.”
“I’m Jensen Wright,” his smile captivated me, sending chills down my spine, “a new friend I hope.”
“Don’t mind her, she’s still kind of out of sorts, her parents…,” I cut her off mid-sentence, my glare filled with ice, “My name is Dylan, Dylan Aeddan.”
I didn’t need his pity. Hell, he undoubtedly knew about my parent’s death, everyone else in this town did. And since his mom was the one that took my dad’s job, I’m sure he already had the details. I pushed through them and into the school. I needed to put some distance between us, in hopes the physical attraction I was feeling would dwindle.
“Dylan! Honey, I am so glad to see you” Ms. Casey, an older woman, who has worked in the attendance office for 25 years greeted me. She’s a short round woman with gray hair she always wears in a tight bun. She gripped me into a fierce hug smothering me against her robust bosom. Jensen walked behind me, discarding my bag into a chair as he made his way by. He cast me one last look before he went into his mom’s office, slamming the door behind him. The force of the door rattling the trophies and pictures hanging on the wall.
“I have your graduation details right here sweetie. Have a seat, Ms. Wright wants to meet with you and have a quick chat. I think you’ll like her. She’s been great for the staff… with everything that’s happened,” she waved her hands around in the air as if ‘everything’ was a force within the office air. I smiled at her, tears welling up in my eyes. �
�Oh honey, I am so sorry. I didn’t think. I miss your dad too. He was such a wonderful man” She smiled, the sadness present in her voice as she spoke.
“Excuse me,” startled by the unknown voice, I turned to find a striking woman standing behind me. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt, I wanted to introduce myself,” she stuck her hand out, grabbing it on instinct; I immediately felt warmth and compassion.
“I’m Cassandra Wright. Dylan, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your parents….,” for a moment, something flickered behind her eyes, like a lost memory hidden in the depths of her mind, “they were wonderful people and will be sorely missed – by everyone. I want you to know I am here for anything you may need, anything. Not just school related, I mean it,” she pulled her hand I didn’t realize I’d still been grasping, from my clutch.
Jensen chose that moment to storm by me, casting me a sly grin and winking as he did. “I’ll see you around Dylan.”
“Seeing as you’ve already met my son Jensen, I hope he wasn’t rude. He can be such an ass sometimes. Shit – sorry. Excuse my language; it’s been a while since I’ve worked in a school setting,” she said shaking her head. I couldn’t stop the chuckle that slipped from my mouth.
“No. He wasn’t rude… I was actually the one who was rude this morning. I walked into him and was embarrassed, and tried to make it his fault,” I wiped my eyes, “Thank you for checking on me, I’ll let you know if I need anything. I guess I should get going to class, I don’t want to be late my first day back.”
As I left her office, I took notice of her looks. She had bright blonde hair that cascaded down her back like a waterfall. Her eyes were a bright green and sparkled when she spoke. Not to mention her long legs. They were hidden under the black pencil skirt she had paired with a white blouse, which also fit like a glove. It was obvious where Jensen got his good looks.
