Hidden Monster (The Monsters Among Us Book 1)

by Amanda Strong

  Stripping out of my clothes, I dug in my pajama drawer and found a cotton nightgown. Glad for the first time my mom insisted on me using makeup wipes, I tugged one out and scrubbed my face until my skin felt raw.

  I crawled into bed and hoped my toes would thaw. Why was I out there anyway? I had a sinking suspicion I’d spent the night out there. Great, I sleepwalk now, just what I need. After a few minutes, my thoughts shifted to Blake. I hated to admit that I wished our walk had lasted a little longer.

  Maybe it’d be good to hang out with friends again. Blake doesn’t know about my near-drowning accident, or about what happened in the cabin. He doesn’t think I’m crazy like everyone else does. I grinned and then groaned. Darn. After this morning, he probably does.

  Chapter 6

  After helping around the house that morning, my mom informed me the sweatpants had to go, at least long enough for her to wash them. So for the first time in a month, I pulled my favorite jeans on. They slipped right off my hips, landing on the floor.

  Tugging the ends of my hair with my fingers, I peered at my reflection in the mirror. When did I get so pale? Wearing only a T-shirt and underwear, I turned sideways, noticing how far my hipbones protruded now. Since coming back from the cabin, I had a hard time keeping food down. Ironic, since the whole time I was there, I daydreamed about food. I didn’t want to worry my parents, but seeing how gaunt I was, I was sure they probably were anyway.

  I’m sure my sisters have noticed. It was no secret they struggled with eating disorders, especially Jocelyn with modeling. Krista would rather eat and spend endless hours at the gym. I’d never thought of myself as fat, just more athletic. I didn’t want to be skin and bones; I wanted to feel strong. It panicked me to see so little muscle definition in my thighs and arms.

  Sighing, I dropped down to my knees in front of my dresser and dug out a pair of Jocelyn’s hand-me-downs that had always been too tight for my liking. I slipped them on as the doorbell rang. I ignored it, figuring it was just another boy coming to see my sisters.

  My mom’s voice carried up the stairs. “Hello, you’re Katherine’s boy, right?”

  Knowing my mom wouldn’t know the names of my sisters’ suitors, let alone their moms, I peered out my bedroom door, curious.

  “Yeah, I’m Blake.”

  Blake? My chest constricted with nerves. What’s he doing here?

  “My mom wanted me to invite your family to dinner tomorrow night,” he said, answering my unspoken question.

  “Oh, we’d love to! Why don’t you come on in? I’m so glad you came by. I realized when I met your mom the other day that we neglected to exchange phone numbers.” My mom’s voice grew louder. They were coming into the living room now. Being the first room at the top of the stairs, I shrank back into my bedroom, not wanting Blake to see me when they passed the staircase.

  “That’s what she said. She wanted me to give you her number too,” Blake said.

  “Oh perfect. Let me write mine down to give to her, or better yet, I’ll call her myself. Want to sit down for a minute? I’ve wanted you to meet my daughter. She’s about your age. Actually, I think you’re in between two of my girls.”

  My throat closed up. Will he say he met me already? And that it was out in the woods? Oh gosh, months of therapy, here I come!

  “Yeah, my mom said she’s a senior like me.”

  He’s covering for me. I couldn’t help but grin. Wonder if I should go down? I didn’t have to wonder long. My mom’s head popped into the doorway.

  “Samantha? There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”

  My stomach fluttered as I nodded. I descended the steps, tugging at the bottom of my T-shirt to smooth it down. Once I was in the room, Blake jumped off the couch. Still wearing the baseball cap, he was now in jeans and a zipped-up jacket. I wanted to say something to him about wearing more clothes now that he knew how cold Durango was. Instead, I tried to tuck my hair behind my ear, realizing too late it was too short for that, my fingers fumbling with nothing.

  “Samantha, this is Blake. His family moved in where the Kelly’s use to be. His family just invited us over to dinner.”

  One half of Blake’s lips twitched into a smile. “Nice to meet you.”

  “You too.” My face heated.

  “Why don’t I go give your mom a call?” my mom announced, grinning as she rushed from the room. I tried not to be annoyed by her excitement. She was only anxious for me to return to normal life.

  Glancing back at Blake, I thought it was kind of funny that we shared a little secret, an inside joke. Only problem is, I am the joke.

  Blake must’ve been thinking the same thing because as soon as my mom was out of earshot, he said quietly, “So, I take it you made it home in time.” His crooked smile grew.

  “Yeah, about that, thanks.” I wasn’t sure what else to say.

  “No worries.” He paused. “I sort of get it. I mean, the part about not telling your parents. But I still can’t figure out why you were out there. I’d say jogging, but you weren’t wearing—”

  “It’s a… long story.” One I’m not sure I really understand myself.

  He glanced at me. “Ok, how about we just get to know each other first? Save long stories for another day?”

  His smile was contagious. I grinned back at him and pointed at the couch. “Sure. Want to sit?”

  He didn’t answer but plopped down on the middle seat. I stared at him, his grin a bit too cocky for his own good now. I chose the loveseat instead.

  “So where’d you move from?”

  “Anaheim.” He snatched a square throw pillow off the couch.

  “I’ve been to San Diego once, when I was little.” He looked like he was waiting for me to say more, so I added, “I don’t remember much though, just the beach.”

  For a split second, his eyes widened, and then he was spinning the pillow between his hands. “San Diego’s cool. How about you? Have you always lived here in Colorado?”

  “Yep, born and raised.”

  “So why haven’t I seen you at school?” he asked.

  At the same time, I said, “Have any siblings?”

  We urged each other on to go first, but I wouldn’t give in. He shrugged and said, “Fine, you win. I have an older brother and a younger sister.”

  “How old?”

  “My bro’s twenty-seven, I think. He’s a doctor, married, and has a kid.”

  I was surprised to see him pull out his wallet and show me a picture of a little, towheaded boy.

  “He’s cute,” I said, noticing how Blake caressed the picture with his thumb before tucking it away.

  “They’re still back in California. Going to miss my little man.” His voice grew soft. He cleared his throat. “Then there’s me; I’m eighteen.”

  “You’re already eighteen?”

  “Turn nineteen in April.” He caught my look of surprise. “My parents held me back. Don’t ask me why—they thought I’d be the star football player or something. And then there’s my sister, Anna. She’s fourteen.”

  “I’ve always wanted a younger sister.”

  “No, you don’t,” he said, but he was grinning.

  “So, are you?”

  “Am I what?”

  “The star football player?”

  He snorted. “Hardly. I’m all right, I guess. Now it’s my turn. Why haven’t I seen you at school? It’s not big. I sort of already know everyone there.”

  I could tell by his unenthused tone he wasn’t impressed by the selection. I supposed I couldn’t blame him, moving from California. It was a little different here. Still, it was all I’d ever known. I cleared my throat. “I’m not going right now.”

  “Why not? Don’t tell me your homeschooled.”

  “What’s wrong with homeschool?”

  “Nothing, I would just rather you be at the high school with me, that’s all. It’s a little dull for my liking.”

  I eyed him. Does that mean you find me interesting? “No, I gu
ess I should be homeschooling. My parents think it’s best if I stay home for a bit. Work some stuff out.”

  “That’s cool,” he said. “But don’t stay out too long, kay? I could use a friend.”

  “Oh, I’m sure you have plenty of friends. You just want someone around that’s insane.” Way to put that out there.

  “Exactly, you got me.” The way his eyes danced back at me, unhinged me. I was saved from coming up with a response when Krista burst through the front door. Cradling her cell between her chin and shoulder, she blurted, “Whatever, no way, girl!” Glancing at Blake and then at me, she added, “Got to go, call you later.”

  Wearing tiny running shorts, which showcased her long, shapely legs, Krista shed her light jacket, leaving her in a low-cut, sheer white tank top. Krista does love making guys drool at the gym. I glanced over at Blake; sure enough, his eyes were glued on my sister, his mouth gaping. Maybe I should hand him a napkin.

  “Hey guys, what’s up?” Her eyes were riveted on Blake.

  Here comes Krista the flirt. “Blake, this is my older sister Krista.”

  She flinched. “Watch who you are calling old, Sammy!”

  “Nice to meet you.” Blake’s tone was different. I couldn’t tell if he was flirting or not.

  Inwardly, I sighed. Krista will have her fun teasing and flirting until she has Blake wrapped around her little finger, and then she’ll dump him flat. That’s her MO. And I can keep on being his friend. Safer. Although, I thought as Blake and Krista bantered, Blake just moved here. So maybe, I shouldn’t be happy with my sister’s new interest. After all, Blake’s still in high school, and isn’t that taboo since Krista’s a freshman in college now?

  “We’re actually only like six months apart,” Krista teased.

  Guess the high school thing doesn’t bug Krista. After all, they are ‘only six months apart’.

  Blake glanced at me, as if remembering I was there still. “You guys must be close.”

  Ha, hardly. I stared at my sister. Didn’t she have enough college boys? Did she have to still draw from the high school pool too?

  Krista met my gaze, but she didn’t seem to notice my glare. “Well, see you around, Blake. I have to get in the shower. That kick box instructor was brutal, and I’m such a mess.” Krista’s grin grew more pronounced. “You’re cute. Have any older brothers?”

  Oh, gag me, Krista. I tried to keep my eyes from rolling.

  “Married.”

  “Darn!” She winked, her diamond nose stud twinkling under the light, and then jogged up the stairs.

  I drilled holes in the back of Blake’s head. “I can set you up.”

  He faced me and cocked his head to the side. “What?”

  “I’m just warning you now, she’s a tiger. Likes to chew them up and spit them out, if you know what I mean.”

  “Oh. So maybe you’re not best friends, huh?”

  “Sorry to burst your bubble, but no. Seriously though, I think she’s into you, if you like her.”

  “Naw. Not my type.”

  “Whatever, I saw you checking her out!”

  Blake wrinkled his nose. “Was it that obvious? Man, I’m losing my game.” His tone remained playful, and I couldn’t tell if he was serious or not.

  “Krista’s every boy’s type. Don’t even try.”

  He pointed his index finger at me. “You really don’t know me that well. Besides, why are you giving your sister such a hard time? You’re just as pre—”

  “You’re such a liar,” I cut in, suddenly uncomfortable. “I know that about you now.”

  He chuckled. “Hey, I better take off. Gotta help my dad out today.”

  I was disappointed to see him leave. I hadn’t smiled in a long time; it was nice. Wordlessly, I followed him to the front door. His hand rested on the doorknob, but he didn’t turn it. Instead, he faced me, his aqua eyes suddenly close. I dropped my gaze, landing on the hair poking out from his baseball cap in curls. I stepped back, my face flushing.

  He cocked his head to the side. “Your sister called you Sammy. Which do like better?”

  “Whichever, I don’t really care.”

  “Mm, I’ll think about it.” He squinted, as if he really did need to decide. Then half his face hitched up in a smile. “Will I be seeing you in the morning again? You know, you should at least wear some socks this time.”

  I wanted to slug his arm, but didn’t think we knew each other that well yet. Instead, I said, “Kind of hoping it’s not going to become a habit.”

  Blake grinned and left. I had barely shut the door behind him when my mom waltzed back in from the kitchen. “You and Blake really hit it off!”

  “Mom, were you listening in this whole time?”

  “No, I just heard the door shut and came in,” my mom said, feigning innocent.

  “Mom…”

  “Ok, I heard bits and pieces. Oh, Samantha, I’m so glad you found a new friend! I think this is just what you need right now!” I wanted to argue she was wrong, but I couldn’t. I had friends, Mack being one of them, but for whatever reason, I felt she might be right. Maybe Blake is just what I need.

  Chapter 7

  I didn’t know why I even bothered. One glance at my sisters made it all seem pointless. With little effort, they looked stunning, and Krista, I noted, put in considerable effort. Guess the tiger’s on the prowl again. At least I’ll smell good, I thought, slathering lotion on my arms riding in the back of our SUV. According to Krista, four houses was way too far away to walk in high heels.

  Katherine Knightley opened the door and I immediately knew where Blake’s aqua eyes came from, although hers were framed with black lashes instead of dark blond. “Please, come on in.” A girl stood behind her who was already taller than her mom was, but I guess that wasn’t too hard since Katherine was several inches shorter than everyone in the room was. Blake’s dad towered over his wife.

  The girl’s eyes darted to mine, and her pink lips split into a smile. “Are you Samantha?”

  I nodded. “Yeah, Anna right?” Anna’s eyes looked like they might pop out of her eye sockets.

  She gasped. “I’m so excited to meet you! Blake’s told me so much about you already. He said you’re totally into mountain biking too. That’s way cool! I just got a bike and—”

  “Anna!” Katherine cut in. “Let the poor girl get in the door before you talk her ear off.”

  I glanced at Katherine. “I’m fine. I’d love to take you biking, Anna.” My parents exchanged a quick glance, and I wondered why. Isn’t this what they wanted? And when did I tell Blake I mountain bike?

  Like he knew I was thinking about him, Blake entered the room. I hated that my eyes were drawn to him. Not wearing a hat for the first time, I was shocked to see how thick and curly his sandy blond hair was. The curls hung loosely around his ears and neck, not long enough to look shaggy. Just wavy enough to make me want to run my fingers through it, I thought, irritated with myself.

  Apparently, Krista felt the same way; she maneuvered next to him in a very obvious manner. I felt smug satisfaction that Blake took pains to walk around her to be next to me as we entered the dining room. Katherine had announced that dinner was ready.

  “I was disappointed this morning,” he muttered under his breath.

  “I told you, it’s not going to become a habit.”

  He glanced over at me as we sat down next to each other. I was relieved I could actually eat dinner. It was the first real meal I’d gotten down without feeling the need to find a toilet bowl immediately. My parents glanced at each other again, this time smiling. After eating, we milled around the living room. Krista had Blake cornered against a wall across the room, flirting shamelessly with him. It irked me to see him laugh and respond. When Krista’s cell phone rang for the third annoying time, she excused herself from the room. I glanced at Blake, and his eyes met mine. I dropped my eyes to the floor, wishing I didn’t care who Blake talked to. There was movement in my peripheral as he sat down next to
me.

  “Thanks a lot,” Blake muttered.

  I glanced over at him. “For what?”

  “You left me with the tiger.”

  “Looked like you were enjoying it from where I’m sitting.”

  He grunted. “Hey, want to sit on the porch? I need to escape while I can.”

  I nodded, excited to have my new friend all to myself. Following him out the front door, I spied a swing with floral cushions. Again, Blake plopped down in the middle seat. Does he think I’m going to snuggle with him? He saw my hesitation and gave me a lopsided grin.

  “Sorry, habit.” He scooted over, making room for me.

  I sat to the side, pulling my knees to my chest. He pushed off with his feet, and the swing rocked back and forth.

  “So you don’t like her attention?” I wanted to know the truth.

  “Mm well, that’s not entirely true. I mean, she is pretty good looking—” He stopped when I punched him in the arm. I didn’t care how well we knew each other. He deserved it. “What?” he chuckled, shifting away from me. He stopped laughing and moved back, sitting closer than before. “No, I don’t like feeling like a caged goat.”

  I wished I didn’t like feeling the warmth radiating from his body. It’s just cold out here.

  “Are you going to be at school tomorrow?” he asked, giving me a side-glance.

  “I don’t think so.”

  “Darn. I have to endure another day of the girls calling me Mr. Knightley.”

  “Why do they do that?”

  He shot me an incredulous look. “You’re kidding, right?” I stared back at him, clueless. “Every girl has that movie memorized. I’ve spent my whole life having girlfriends think they’re the first one to say I’m their Mr. Knightley.”

  “Who’s that?”

  “Really? You really don’t know what I’m talking about?”

  “No, should I?”

  “Huh, every other girl does.” For some reason, his words stung me, like I wasn’t a normal girl by his standards. “Jane Austen, Emma, ring any bells?” he asked.