I let out a sigh as Brandon came back in, followed by Mckayla, her mom, and Carter. Mckayla and Diane rushed over and began fussing over me. I was trying to convince them I was just fine when Carter cleared his throat. They both stopped and looked at him. Diane stepped back and let Carter take her place, and Mckayla crawled across the bed and sat on the other side of me.
Brandon and Diane leaned against the wall opposite me, looking equally concerned. He was mastering this parenting thing.
“I’m so sorry, Aubrey. This is all my fault.” I looked back at Carter and saw the pain in his eyes.
I scrunched my nose, confused. “What is?” I looked to Mckayla for clarification. She gave a slight smile and nodded back to Carter.
He was looking down at his hand grasping mine, stroking my palm with his thumb. “I must have scared you. You were sneaking around the house holding a knife, and when I came out of your bathroom I slammed right into you. You scared me just as much, and . . . I don’t know, you just collapsed. I tried to hold you up, but . . .”
He took a deep breath and finally looked me in the eyes. “I called 911 and they told me to do compressions if you didn’t start breathing on your own. Thankfully, you did a few seconds into the call.” He stopped and looked over to Brandon, then back to me, guilt on his face.
“I came by to check on you and drop off a gift for you. You’re usually home from dance by five, but when you didn’t respond I decided to just put your gift in your bathroom. I swear, I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m so sorry!”
I sat up and squeezed the hand that held mine. “You’re not making any sense. What gift? And what were you saying about a knife?”
Brandon spoke up this time. “Liv went to this new soap shop in L.A. It’s all organic, handmade stuff, and she bought a bunch for you. I gave it all to Carter to drop off since I knew I wouldn’t make it home until late tonight.”
I was more confused than ever now. “What does soap have to do with my waking up to an EMT in my face?”
Mckayla snickered behind me and rubbed my back. “You went all 007 and tried to attack Carter with a kitchen knife.”
I snapped my head toward her. “What?”
She laughed and pointed to the ground where one of our knives lay, looking very out of place. Hmmm.
I pulled my hand away from Carter’s and sat back against the headboard. I held my head in my hands, resting my elbows against my knees. Seeing the knife reminded me of something. After a few seconds of concentration, it all came back. I burst out laughing. They probably assumed I had lost my mind as tears rolled down my face. I began hiccupping through my giggles.
Mckayla began laughing, shaking the bed. “You guys, this is it. We’ve officially lost her!”
That seemed to break the tension in the room, and soon they were all laughing.
“Sorry, I just remembered. Carter, I’m so sorry!”
He reached for my hand and held it in both of his. Did he realize that Brandon could see him?
“Don’t apologize. You have enough to worry about without me sneaking around your house.”
“It’s fine. When I got home, I could hear someone inside, but I knew Brandon wouldn’t be home.” He nodded in conformation. “I assumed it was the person that left the note.”
Brandon stopped me. “So you went in?”
I shrugged. “It made sense at the time. I brought my phone with me!” As if that explained anything.
“Yeah, I noticed that was the only thing you brought. Your bags were sitting outside the door when I got here.”
“Sorry. My instinct was to find out who it was.”
“Well, next time, why don’t you use that phone of yours and call me, or the police, or security. Maybe I should just have them escort you from now on.”
“No! That’s ridiculous!” He was treating me like a child!
Carter was nodding his head, agreeing with Brandon. “That’s actually a really good idea. Everyone coming and going should have to check with them. Even if they know us.”
Brandon agreed before I could argue my side. Great, a babysitter.
We finished filling in the holes of what happened by the time dinner arrive. Diane had ordered it while they were waiting for the EMT to finish with me. She was always so on top of things.
They let me relocate to the living room as long as I allowed Brandon to carry me. They were being ridiculous about me relaxing, but I could get used to being treated like a princess.
After a few minutes of silence as we ate, Diane spoke up. “I hope this doesn’t affect your decision to let Aubrey go this weekend.” She winked at me as we waited for Brandon to answer.
“I don’t know. She lost consciousness. That’s kind of a big deal, Diane.”
I interrupted. “Miss Amy kept us forever today, and I didn’t eat anything before. It was probably low blood sugar more than anything.”
Mckayla sat beside me, shaking her head profusely. “I promise I’ll keep an eye on her the whole time! If she started acting sick or off, I’ll make her rest and take her back early on one of the cruisers.”
I didn’t love that plan, but I nodded anyway. Going with her watching over me was better than sitting at home alone all weekend.
Diane must have agreed with me. “It’s only an hour trip on one of the express ferries. They’re not that far, and the guys will watch out for them.” I knew I loved her for a reason.
I smiled and waited for Brandon to reconsider. Finally, he nodded.
Mckayla jumped up and threw her arms around him. “Thank you!”
I moved to stand up to, but Brandon pointed at me. “Sit. You may go as long as you promise to take it easy and call me if you feel sick at all.”
My cheeks hurt from smiling so much. “Okay, I promise!”
Chapter 4
Mckayla picked me up the next morning for school at Brandon’s request. Apparently, driving was too strenuous, but school wasn’t. I tried to say I was too exhausted to go, but Brandon used Catalina against me. Yeah, he was definitely figuring out the whole parenting thing.
There was a welcoming party waiting for us when we pulled into the lot.
I glared at Mckayla, and she just smiled. “What? They were concerned about you, and I just kept them updated.”
“How did they know there was something to be concerned about?”
“Well, Mike called you several times, but you didn’t answer, so he started calling around. He asked me, and I hadn’t heard anything, so I called Brandon and it was just after Carter had called him. Anyway, Brandon asked me to get my mom and go over to you since we were closer.”
“So why is everyone waiting for us?”
She looked at the group and shrugged. “I told Mike that you were unconscious and the EMTs were looking at you. I guess he spread the word, but I did tell Talia, Alexis, and Sean . . . they deserved to know!”
I fell into the seat and groaned. “I don’t want to get out and be hounded.”
“They do it because they love you. Now come on, we’re going to be late.”
My door opened before I could reach for it. Mike bent down, looking at me. “Are you alright? I’ve been so worried.”
I grabbed my bag and took his hand, allowing him to help me out of the car. “Thanks. I’m just fine. Sorry I didn’t call you back. I didn’t look at my phone last night at all.”
He shut the door behind me and put his arm around my shoulders. “No problem. I just wish I could have been there for you.”
I smiled up at him as we walked toward the buildings. I was trying so hard not to get annoyed by people worrying about me. I wanted to say I could take care of myself, but after last night that was obviously not true.
I let him guide me through the crowd of students and into our math class. When I sat down, Nick, the boy who sat in the row next to us, shot me a questioning look.
We leaned toward each other, meeting in the aisle.
“What’s up?” I whispered.
He followe
d my lead and whispered back. “Are you and Mike dating?”
My head shot back. “No, why do you ask?”
“I heard some of his friends talking about you two like you were a couple. Then you walked in with his arm around you. Looks like you are.”
I bit my bottom lip, thinking. Why would his friends say that? Did Mike think we were? “We’re just friends, Nick.”
He shrugged slightly. “Whatever you say.”
We both sat back and looked forward to where Mr. Cox was beginning class. I was hoping this would be the first time he decided to actually teach. I wasn’t in the mood to talk to anyone, and I wanted a few minutes to think about things.
No luck. Of course, the one time I wish I had a normal teacher, I’m in this class. Before Mike had a chance to move his desk next to mine, I pulled out a notebook and flipped it open. Maybe if I pretended to be busy, he would take a hint. Yeah, right.
“What are you working on?”
A plan to escape. “I’m just catching up. I didn’t get a chance to do any homework last night.” I continued to look down at my desk, avoiding his gaze. I grimaced at the sound of his desk scraping against the tiled floor.
“What are you working on? I’ll help you.” I snuck a peek out the corner of my eye and saw a wide smile. Why did he have to be so nice?
I tapped my notes with my pencil. “Chemistry—we have a worksheet due. And I have to write a chapter summary for History.”
“You’re in AP, right? I’m no help there, but I can help you with the worksheet. I’m taking Chem, too.”
Nice and helpful. Maybe I was being a brat wanting to ignore him. I pulled out the worksheet and set it between us. When I glanced up, he was watching me. His dark brown eyes shone when they met mine. His permanent smile was contagious. Maybe people thinking we were dating wasn’t the worst thing that could happen.
He was all business as he helped me with the worksheet. After a few minutes, Nick caught my eye and raised a brow high, as if challenging me. My denial probably seemed even less convincing now. Narrowing my eyes at him for a second, I looked back at my homework, trying to ignore him.
☼ ☼ ☼
I walked out of the gym with Cassie following second period. We were talking about the weekend and planning what to bring when Mike ran up to us.
“Hi, ladies. Cassie, do you mind if I steal Aubrey?”
Cassie rolled her eyes and smiled at me as she turned and headed toward her next class.
I watched her walking away, wishing she hadn’t left me. I’d told her what Nick had said in math, and she’d agreed with him. She even mentioned a bet she had going with the other girls on how long he would take to ask me out. I was praying they were all wrong. Luke might be out of the picture, but the wound was fresh.
I switched my books to my other arm in a feeble attempt to create a barrier between us. Didn’t that mean something in body language, like “don’t come any closer”? I gave him a small smile and continued toward the English hall.
“So, I heard you got permission to come on the trip this weekend. That’s great.”
I caught his smile out of the corner of my eye, and grimaced. Why did I feel so hot and cold toward him? He was definitely handsome and his perma-smile melted my heart, but he seemed too eager. Like he assumed I would immediately be on board with going out with him. Maybe I should be? My brain and heart were waging war inside my head, leaving me confused and annoyed. “Yeah, it should be a fun trip. I’m excited to get to know more people.”
His smile dimmed, but he recovered quickly. “I’ll make sure I introduce you around.”
I nodded slightly. That wasn’t what I meant. “I think it’s time I branched out a little more, you know?” Hint, hint.
“Of course. You’ve been busy since you got here, but everyone knows who you are. I mean, Mike’s girls are always well-known.”
I immediately stopped walking and faced him. “What?”
Before he could respond, Gage appeared next to me. He brushed my arm with his and looked between me and Mike. “Umm, what’s going on?”
Mike glared at him and turned, calling over his shoulder. “I’ll talk to you later, Bree.”
I released the breath I had been holding and looked up at Gage. “Perfect timing. Things just got weird.”
A smile broke across his face, and he laughed. He grabbed my arm and turned me, directing me to our class. “Oh yeah? My Spidey senses were tingling, so I knew a damsel was in distress somewhere close.”
I made a face at him. “Funny. Mike just refereed to me as ‘Mike’s girl,’ in third person.”
This set off a new series of chuckles. “That’s just wrong.” He shook his head as he continued to laugh at my expense.
“Stop! It’s not funny. I need to do something.”
He looked at me with a serious expression. “So you’re not ‘Mike’s girl’?”
“No! I’m not anyone’s girl. That makes me sound like an object. We’re just friends, anyway.”
“You might need to explain that to him, Bree.” He winked as he opened the door and waved for me to enter.
I shot him one last glare as I slid into my desk. I didn’t think I would ever need to explain to a guy that I was not theirs. Why did Mike just assume I would go along with that? Or maybe he was joking. Mike and the other guys sometimes referred to the girls we hung out with as “their girls.” Still not okay.
Chapter 5
The Catalina trip was all people could talk about, including the people who wished they were going but didn’t get invited. The boys who had practice complained constantly. Of course, the people who were going talked the most. We decided to leave after school on Friday, so carpools were being coordinated and the two guys with the boats were organizing who got to go in each.
I sat listening to the conversations floating around me while I munched on baby carrots. I didn’t have much input, since it was my first time going and I was mostly along for the ride. I didn’t care what car I went in as long as I had a ride, and felt the same about the boat. I figured the girls would ensure we were together anyway.
Talia was standing over the guys, organizing the boat groups, pointing and shaking her head. She grabbed the pencil out of Tony’s hand and began erasing vigorously. Apparently she didn’t approve of his plan.
Tony didn’t put up a fight. Few guys would. Even though it was public knowledge she was dating Mark, most guys took advantage of any chance to get close to her.
She began writing, and after a few moments nodded and gave the pencil back. She crossed her arms, looking pleased with herself, before looking around. Catching my eye, she smiled and mouthed, “You okay?”
I nodded and smiled back. Even though I sat with these people every day at lunch and in classes, I still didn’t feel like I was truly a part of their group. I didn’t want to impose any more than I already was, and I enjoyed watching them interact. You could tell they’d known each other forever and were comfortable with one another.
Mckayla sat down next to me with Sean on her other side. “Are you getting excited? It’s your first trip with us.” Her excitement was obvious from her wide smile, and her eyes were practically glowing.
“Yeah, I’m just watching them organize everything. I didn’t want to get in the way.” I nodded in the direction of Talia and the guys.
Sean laughed. Clearly he understood. “I wouldn’t want to, either. It’s best to stay away and ask to be directed later. Just plan on showing up tomorrow with a duffel bag; they’ll take care of the rest.”
I had assumed this was his first trip with them, too. He wasn’t exactly in this crowd before Mckayla asked him to formal.
He must have caught my confusion. “I’ve observed . . . from afar.”
I laughed with him.
Mckayla just shook her head. “You could have come before. I would have wanted you there.”
I had to look away. They were too cute together, and it made me miss having something like that. Before
Derek cheated on me last year, we were a cute couple like them.
Alexis bounded over with Justin in tow. “Are you guys ready for the best weekend of your lives?”
I had to laugh at her enthusiasm. It was just a two-day trip to an island an hour off the coast. I was pretty sure tents were going to be involved. That didn’t qualify for “best weekend” of anything.
The others agreed with her and started talking about things we were going to do there. Evidently bison lived there and were a must-see. Interesting. There was shopping, too. That was definitely more appealing to me. Snorkeling sounded like it could be fun, if I got over my fear of fish in the next day or two.
“Do you guys want to get together tonight to pack?”
I narrowed my eyes at Alexis. “What? How does that work?” Would we bring all of our clothes to one house and decide from there?
Mckayla laughed and bumped my shoulder like I’d said something funny. “We do a video conference with each other. That way we don’t double up on things, and we can make sure none of us forget anything.”
I believed a “duh” was implied.
We agreed to plan on seven o’clock, and Alexis promised to text us to remind us to sign on. I gathered my things as the bell rang and headed toward Yearbook with Mckayla.
☼ ☼ ☼
The warning text to sign on came five minutes before seven. I smiled at the message and sat at my desk to turn on my laptop. When the screen came to life, there was a strange icon on the desktop. I looked closer and realized it was an envelope, just not one that I’d ever seen on my computer. I was debating whether or not to click on it when the video chat icon lit up, signaling an incoming call. I quickly accepted the call, immediately forgetting about the envelope.
My screen divided in three as Mckayla, Talia, and Alexis joined the chat. Talia was standing in front of her bed with her hands on her hips. On her bed sat a pile of clothing at least two feet high. Her face was distraught, and I quickly realized the gravity of this call. This was a serious situation.
“This is a disaster! I have no clothes!”
Live Again Page 3
