by Livvy Aarons
The beautiful mustang was a mere figment of my imagination only to be replaced by some monstrosity that sat before me. The car was a blackish color with plenty of rust on the hood. The passenger side door was dented in so much that entry would be nearly impossible. From what I could see the interior was not much better, with the leather worn to threads in some places. I was glad my dad was standing behind me so that he could not see my disappointment.
“I got a really good deal—the guy who sold it to me said that she runs great.” My father tossed me the keys.
“Uh, thanks.” I mumbled.
“Sure. Now go find your room before your brother gets the one you want. You’re the lady of the house so it’s only fair that you have your choice.”
I really didn’t know whether to hug him or punch in the face for giving me this death trap. Well at least I had the piece of crap to drive. I guess I should be thankful that he even got me a car to begin with; he could tell me to keep saving for a car. I brushed off my disappointment and decided to check out my room. Walking into the house, I immediately smelled the musky scent of where the house had been shut up for too long. I had barely heard my father come up behind me. “Dad I hope you got a good deal on the house too.”
“I know it definitely needs some repairs. But with the money I saved your brother can actually go to a nice college and you can…afford to pay off your fines.” My father tried to keep positive.
I hated to tell him that it was a lost cause.
Exploring further into the house, I found the kitchen, which was small and very retro in décor. The cabinets were dark brown and in the corner sat a tiny teal colored refrigerator. Realizing this place couldn’t get any worse, I asked “Where’s the bathroom? I should go before I ruin this lovely plastic linoleum.”
Expressionless Ben said, “Its upstairs loser.”
I rolled my eyes and proceeded up the narrow stairway to calm my screaming bladder. While I was washing my hands, it hit me that I did not see another bathroom. Surely to God this was not the only bathroom. Oh but it was. This was definitely turning into a fun filled day of torture.
I strolled down to the last door on the hallway and shoved it opened, afraid of what was behind.
The room was stunning, light and airy with two large ceiling to floor windows. The movers had already set up my bed; it just needed sheets. The rest of my furniture was set up and I only had a few boxes that littered the floor. I let up the windows to help the room air out and the wind sent a chill up spine. The weather would get cooler up in the mountains than it did in Savannah. My grandma had given me some birthday money this past year and I would probably buy a jacket. The sunset had nearly faded into darkness when I there was a tap at my door.
“Let me use your computer,” demanded Ben, shoving me from the doorway.
“Why doesn’t dad buy you your own computer? I am sick of sharing.”
“Because we love each other so much” Ben smirked.
Great a comedian, two can play at that game. “Hey Ben, remember those pictures of you at grandma’s last year?” The glare he gave me was priceless. “You know the ones of you in that cute elf costume Aunt Betsy made you.”
Ben was fuming, “You wouldn’t dare!”
“Oh yes I would. Besides, it’s a new school year, new place. People would just love to know who you are.” I innocently batted my eyes. Facebook is a brilliant invention.
Ben stormed out of my room shouting, “Dad! Dad, McKenna won’t let...”
I stopped listening and slammed the door. Victory was mine, my father made the decision a long time ago not to be involved in my and Ben’s petty arguments. It was a very wise decision in my opinion.
Should I really give the kid a break? Meh—this was only to help him toughen up for high school, boys his age are simply cruel for kicks.
I stayed up for a while, surfing the web to pass mindless boredom but a quick glance at the clock I knew that two a.m. was my pass out time. It did not take me long to find my nightly medication, Ativan. The medication helped me relax enough to go to sleep, which I definitely needed for unpacking the few boxes I had to unpack tomorrow. Once in bed I stared at the one box I dreaded more than it should’ve; ten years is plenty of time to deal with my demons. The box had old drawings the school shrink made me draw when my mother first died; it also contained a few pictures of our family before my mother died. I did not like to look at either but my father insisted that I not burn them. Finally, I could feel the Ativan start to make me drowsy enough to sleep so I rolled over trying not to think of the monsters that plagued my mind. Even as hard as I tried, there he was grinning at me, waiting for my surrender. I sank deeper in my slumber, unable to fight it off any longer… Then as the drug was in full effect the flood of my memories over took me.
My father screams even seem louder and the black wings of my monster even bigger.
Chapter 2
Beefcake with a side of Peaches
The next morning when I woke up my muscles were all achy from the extended car ride, so I stretched as hard as I could. It was very bright outside so I knew that it was at least ten, maybe ten thirty. I glanced over at my phone, eleven-thirty; damn. Breakfast was out of the question, maybe I still had some power bars in one of the bags I left downstairs. I flung my legs over the edge of the bed but when my feet hit the floor, I heard something crunch and felt a sharp stabbing pain in my right foot. Wonderful, the blood would never come out of the carpet. Apparently, I must have knocked off a picture from my nightstand. The picture was of mom, my grandma and me. Funny I did not remember putting a picture on my nightstand. In fact, I did not even remember opening that box. I shrugged it off and hobbled to the bathroom to pick the glass out of my foot. After I played doctor to my foot, I went downstairs to find my father and Ben. Instead I found a note on the kitchen table; it was from my father.
“Sorry McKenna, I didn’t want to wake you. Ben and I have gone into town to buy groceries and other household supplies. I know you must be hungry. Meet us at the little diner we passed yesterday around 12:30. There is gas in the car so you don’t have to walk.
Love Dad.”
I flipped my phone to check the time eleven forty-five, just enough time to take a quick shower. The hot water felt good against my skin. You could say I lost track of time. The shrill of my cell phone broke my relaxing silence. I jerked the handle to the off position then grabbed my phone. “Hello? Hello?” No answer. The cell phone reception must be a problem. I put my phone back down to dry off. My phone went off again this time it was for a text. It was my father asking me if I was meeting him and Ben at the diner. I texted him back a yes then looked at the time twelve o’ seven; I would have to get dressed in a hurry. Rushing around, I threw on an old grey t-shirt and a tattered pair of jeans. Luckily for me I didn’t know anyone here nor did I really care. On the way downstairs, I gathered my hair up for a ponytail then grabbed my keys from the kitchen table on my way out the side door.
When I got to the garage, I pulled the door up and sighed. My father must have a dark, twisted sense of humor. Regardless I climbed in the metal heap then saw a note from my dad taped to the radio, “Love you. Drive safe.”
The stereo was new thankfully. It looked almost space age compared to the other styles in the interior. As I turned the key I braced myself for the black smoke to kill me however, the smoke never came. Instead, the motor growled as it came to life, sending shivers up my spine. I couldn’t help smiling thinking; well my car was junkyard on the outside and a beast on the inside. Once my excitement simmered down I pulled out of the garage and started towards town.
As I drove through the small square in town, I was attentive to see a couple of small shops, the courthouse and a rather large church. The eerie similarities in architecture between the courthouse and church wildly ironic, both are houses of judgment. The church was the bigger of the two, which meant that pastor of that church probably had more say in the town than the real judge. I hope that I wou
ld never meet either one.
I pulled into the diner but did not see my dad’s Liberty. The diner was virtually empty which was not surprising since it was Sunday. The church I passed by was filled to the brim with cars. My father has not been into the whole religion thing ever since my mom died. I don’t blame him, he is angry at God for poisoning her mind. My father just doesn’t know what I know nor does he see what I see. I decided that I would wait inside where I could “accidently” order my food; my stomach was getting down right furious waiting in the car.
When I entered the diner, I wanted to laugh at the retro styling that consumed the diner entirely but I had to admire them for trying. I found a large booth in the corner but still against the outer wall where I could see my dad and Ben pulled up. Curiously, I took in the place, the decor reminded me so much of the movie Grease I was just waiting for Olivia Newton-John to jump out from a closet with John Travolta. I shrugged off my daydreaming to check my phone; twelve eighteen. Huh, this was a first. I was never on time, much less early.
The waitress finally noticed me then sashayed over to my booth. She did not look friendly but seemed to drum up a smile by the time she got to my booth. “Hi, my name is Tiffany. What can I get for you?”
I could tell that this Tiffany was use to smiling on cue. “Just coffee for now” I said politely.
This girl was way too pretty to eat in front of; I would make my brother order double and just eat off of his plate. Tiffany rolled her eyes at my request, mumbling something as she fetched my coffee. I went back to staring out the window seeing a few people walking around in the square. Tiffany came back with my coffee then tossed a few packages of crème on the table. Suddenly her faux smile vanished when she glanced out the window. I tried to see what had her frazzled only to see a black BMW barreling into the parking lot. I watched the door wondering what was wrong with this girl. The bell on the door made me jump, then without a doubt I saw what had Tiffany worked up. The most beautiful man that has ever graced me with his presence has just walked into the diner. Calling this man handsome would be an insult to this Adonis. I pinched myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.
Nope—not dreaming.
He was nearly perfect with his heavily chiseled jaw, pouty lips and a make-me-sweat demeanor. The bell rang again only this time Tiffany shot to the door greeting another sexpot. The second guy was good looking but in a less traditional tone. The first was the more muscular of the two; the second guy was taller and had a lean edge about him. Sexpot number one could have been a Viking god in a previous life.
Tiffany seemed annoyed that I had taken notice to them and even more so that they had notice me. My breathing grew ragged as the pair walked closer to my booth.
Apparently, my attraction to them was too noticeable. Tiffany cleared her throat. Without taking my eyes off the pair I said, “Yeah?”
“I am sorry sweetie I didn’t catch your name,” Tiffany said sharply. I looked in her direction to see that she wasn’t asking for curiosity sake, she was making a note in her head to hate whatever name I gave her.
I did not want to make any enemies if it wasn’t necessary so I politely said, “McKenna Cole. I just moved here from Savannah, Georgia.”
“Well McKenna Cole, this is Aidan.” Tiffany put her arm around him in a possessive manner. “He is my boyfriend and I don’t like you staring at him.”
Well that settles that internal argument. Making this bitch my enemy was definitely necessary. At least I could say I tried and she provoked me first. “Thanks for the info Tiffany. I am sure your boyfriend can speak for himself. Unless of course you’ve cut out his tongue with those sharp choppers of yours.”
Tiffany angrily paced towards me ready to give the first blow.
Wow, this was really going to happen. I was going to lose some teeth and pride over someone I don’t even know. To keep some dignity I stood up to face my challenger. Tiffany may have been taller than me but I think I could take her.
Just before she reared back her arm, Mr. Beautiful number one stepped in front of her. “Excuse her McKenna. She doesn’t encounter such gorgeous competition every day. My name is Tristan by the way.”
Tristan’s smile was simply gorgeous, forcing me to sit back down on the cheap vinyl of the tiny booth. As I stared into his pale gray eyes, something inside me flinched. Not Human--there was definitely something wrong with this guy. There were no direct signs that gave his identity away immediately but I am sure I would see whatever it is soon or later. Some of the more powerful species took longer to manifest. Tristan reached out his hand to shake mine. Reluctantly, I put my hand in his; the heat from his skin rolled onto mine.
My forehead beaded with sweat, “Right, thanks.” I mumbled, jerking my hand from his. Remember McKenna not human.
“I love southern girls. They have the sexiest accent when their angry.” Tristan gave me a wink then sat down across from me in the booth. “Oh yes, just in case you’re wondering I am available for private tours of the town if you want. To really get a taste of what Harper has to offer, you need someone who can get deep in the thick of things.”
I could barely believe that a guy who looked like Tristan was even talking to me; much less flirting with me. Unfortunately, when I get nervous my brain stops working, spewing whatever garbage comes to mind.
In a deep southern accent I said, “Well Tristan I can already tell that you are only out to break this poor southern girl’s heart.” Oh this is great McKenna. Go ahead—make smart-ass remarks at a guy who just saved your face from being smashed in by brunette Barbie.
Surprisingly he laughed at my idiotic comment. “Hey Tiff you should be keep this one, she may help you grow a personality.”
Disgruntled by Tristan’s friendliness, she stormed off to the kitchen area.
Aidan rolled his eyes, “Thanks man. Now I have to clean up your mess.”
It should have set off all kinds of flares that he wouldn’t look me in the eye but the sound of his voice was hypnotizing. I wish I could have recorded his voice it was like butter on my ears. I could tell right away that Aidan was from Texas—possibly eastern Texas. My aunt married a lawyer from Texas last year and he sounded similar. Aidan quickly glanced over his shoulder before pushing the kitchen door open; cutting his beautiful green eyes in our direction. I had to blink to stop staring at him.
“Don’t worry about Aidan, peaches. He is use to Tiffany causing drama with the competition. They argue six out of seven days a week so he has become a pro. You can imagine what those two do on their off day.” Tristan grinned wickedly.
It bothered me that he looked too at easy lounging in the tiny booth. I nervously looked at my cell phone for the time, twelve thirty-six. My father would never shut up if he saw me talking with Tristan, who looked like someone that his eighteen year old daughter that is on probation should definitely avoid. Men like Tristan could charm the judge out of his sentence; this was something I knew too well.
“Am I boring you McKenna?”
“God no, it’s just that I have a magnet that seems to attract trouble and my father would make assumptions that could be damaging on your reputation. He would never let this go. I am sure you’re a nice guy but—he would not understand that you are just being friendly.” I lowered my eyes, feeling the burning shame in my cheeks. Tristan being “other” was the type of trouble that never seemed too far away. Maybe I could make exceptions to him since it would be a crime in itself to damage such a pretty face.
“You would definitely be the first to call me a ‘nice guy’ and as for my reputation; that is something that was questionable way before you came around. So tell me Ms. Cole what did you do to get yourself on probation?” The easygoing nature did not skip a beat with this one.
It was never easy telling people my faults but it was even harder to act nonchalant around ‘other’ beings. They were usually so confident and they could notice things much easier than a human could. It would be pointless to lie, he might see me for what
I am. Nervously I licked my lips. “You stopped Tiffany from bashing my face in, so you’re not as horrible as you think. The probation is for different things; none of which I’d like to talk about.”
Tristan gently lifted my head up, to meet his gaze. “Trust me they were all selfish reasons. I could not have her damage the most beautiful pair of blue eyes I have ever seen.”
The bell at the door caught my attention; it was my father and Ben. I quickly pulled my chin away, hoping that my father wasn’t paying attention. To say Tristan was annoyed at the interruption was an understatement. “Guess that is my cue to leave; Aidan is waiting for me outside anyway.” Gently he grabbed my hand then placed a feather soft kiss on my palm. “It’s been my pleasure McKenna. I do hope that you will change your mind about the tour.”
I couldn’t help but watch him walk away; my eighteen year old hormones begged me to do it. The snug cut of his black pants molded perfect to his ass and dear lord—other being or not—I wanted to sink my teeth into it. When Tristan got outside I saw him say something to Aidan, who was leaning against the side of the car with his head hung down. Almost as if he felt my eyes on him Aidan lifted his eyes to meet mine. A jolt of electricity shot through me when we clashed. I wondered if he watched the whole conversation that Tristan and I had; doubtful. Despite the spark I felt, he however did not look happy with me, rubbing his hand roughly through his dark hair. I must have really caused a problem with Tiffany. Soon the pair climbed into Tristan’s red BMW M6, leaving me drooling in their dust.
