“Okay, what is it, Reed?”
He thought for a minute, looking down at his drink as he ran his thumb along the damp cup. “Well, I was wondering if you might consider dating me for real?”
“Um, I think this would be considered a real date, don’t you?”
“You know what I mean. We had to meet with the Drakes, and this doesn’t count. I want us to be—you know—a couple for real.”
I knew this conversation would come, but I wasn’t so sure of myself anymore. “You know how I feel about this. I think we should just stay friends.”
“Be honest with me, Kitty. Are you just protecting me?” The intensity in his eyes slightly startled me.
“Okay, honestly, yes I am.”
He reached across the table and took my hand. “I can protect myself you know. I can protect you too. We can be a couple and no one will get hurt.”
I pulled my hand free. “How can you say that? You’ve seen the things that have happened to me. I couldn’t stand it if people started treating you that way.” After I said it I wished I hadn’t. He had the stupidest grin plastered on his face, and I knew what he was thinking.
“So you do care about me after all.”
I crossed my arms over my chest and glared at him. “You’re stubborn.”
He laughed and took hold of my hand again, cradling it softly between his. “Yeah, I’ve been called that before.”
I snatched my hand away again, to his amusement.
We didn’t talk much on the ride back into Windrake Mountain, but he kept that silly smile on his face the entire time. It wasn’t as if I had proclaimed anything, but try telling him that. It was so annoying. I wished, more than anything, that he’d take this threat more seriously. It seemed my safety was more important to him than his own. I should’ve been happy with that, but I wasn’t.
He walked me to my front porch, stopping me as we approached the door. “I had a good time with you today, Kitty.”
“I had a good time too.”
“Do you feel better about things after talking to the Drakes?”
“I think so. It’s nice knowing they have our backs and will be looking out for us.”
“Yeah.” He seemed to be stalling, or did he want to kiss me?
He was just leaning in toward me when my mom opened the door and stepped out onto the porch. “Well, you must be Reed. It’s nice to meet one of Kitty’s friends. It seems so long since she had any of her friends over.”
Reed extended his hand in greeting. “Yes, I’m Reed. It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Langley.”
“Oh you can call me Janet. Would you like to join us for dinner?”
“Um, Mom, Reed and I already—”
“I’d love to,” Reed interrupted.
I eyed him curiously. He grinned and wiggled his eyebrows as he followed my mom into the house. I stepped in behind him and we made our way into the den.
“So, Reed, how do you two know each other? Do you have the same group of friends?”
“Um, not really.” We exchanged an amused look, and I almost laughed out loud. “We met at the masquerade dance, actually.”
“Really?” She eyed me. “Funny, Kitty didn’t tell me anything about that night.”
I shrugged, feeling guilty. We hadn’t talked much lately. The less she knew the better.
“Well, we just met briefly. We’ve been hanging out more lately though.”
“So I see. Well, thank you for being such a good friend to my Kitty. She is very precious to us, that’s for sure. You two make yourselves comfortable, and dinner will be ready in about fifteen minutes.”
When she was out of the room, Reed pulled me closer and whispered, “She doesn’t know what’s been going on, does she?”
I shook my head. “How could I tell them that everybody hates me and wants to see me suffer?”
“Not everybody hates you.”
I gazed up into his eyes, the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen, and was captivated. “Thanks, Reed. You really have been a good friend.”
He took my hand and cradled it between both of his. “Any chance you might reconsider that status?”
It was my turn to grin at him. “I’m suddenly really thinking about it.”
Chapter Twenty-five
Reed
“Why are you putting that smelly stuff on?” Kellee asked, peering around me as I adjusted my shirt in the mirror.
“Go away, Kellee!”
“Oh, you must be going to see herrrr,” she teased.
“You know for a ten-year-old, you can be very annoying. Now go annoy someone else.”
“I don’t have anyone else to annoy,” she whined. “You must really like her, huh?”
“Actually, I do like her. I like her a lot.”
“Will I get to meet her then?”
I winked. “Someday. If you’re really nice to me.”
She hugged my waist and took off down the hall, giggling.
I couldn’t believe my luck when Kitty agreed to go on an official date with me. I was afraid she might have been grounded after skipping classes two days straight, but she, like I, had come up with a believable story. Mine was actually the truth about helping a friend in need. Since I never gave my parents reason to doubt me, they didn’t drill me about it. Apparently, neither did her parents.
I was taking her to a nice restaurant called Giovanna’s and then to a movie. It was my chance to show her that I could make her happy—that she deserved it. I couldn’t blow it.
I ran my hand through my hair one last time and headed out of the room, with a piece of mint gum in my pocket and a whistle on my lips.
I knocked. Too soon the door swung open wide, revealing the most beautiful girl I’d ever seen. She was wearing a purple V-neck mini dress with black heeled boots. Her legs were amazing. I think I stared slightly too long. I hoped she didn’t notice. Her hair was styled edgy this time with the ends sticking out, her bangs swept dramatically to one side. Her big, green eyes locked on mine, and I had to refrain from pulling her into my arms and kissing her right then and there.
She smiled. “Hello, Reed. Ready to go?”
I opened my mouth to respond, when a big man, her father I presumed, stepped past her and onto the porch. “So, are you the Reed I’ve been hearing so much about?”
He stood stone-faced for a moment and then smiled, extending his hand in greeting. I let out the breath I’d been holding and took it. “It’s good to meet such a nice boy. My wife hasn’t stopped talking about you since you were here last. I’m glad to finally meet you. I hear you’ve been accepted to Lee.”
“Yes sir, I have.”
“Well, congratulations. It’s a great school. My Kitty has applied there as well. Okay, well I don’t mean to hold you two up. Take care of my girl, and have fun.”
I nodded and managed to smile at him. He was an intimidating man in size but very nice. “I’ll take care of her, sir. It was nice to meet you.”
“You too, Reed.”
He waved as we made our way off the porch and to my car. “Whew,” I said, peering down at her in relief.
She was suddenly laughing—hard. I froze at the sound. It surprised me, but I liked it a lot. “He likes you. After you impressed my mom’s socks off, he was eager to meet you. You did good.”
“Ah shucks,” I said, making my best hillbilly impression. This was rewarded with another laugh. I was pleased with myself.
Dinner was great, and the movie was even better. Kitty even let me hold her hand during the film. I allowed myself to become hopeful that maybe just maybe we actually had a chance at something.
Chapter Twenty-six
Kitty
Reed was waiting on me as I pulled into the parking lot. Heat rushed into my cheeks at the sight of him, his sandy blond hair waving in the slight breeze. Why again did he have to be so gorgeous? We had the best weekend together, and as a result, everything had changed. Part of me was thrilled about that, but the other part was still wary. I all
owed him to hold my hand during the movie and it felt so amazing—so right. It would really hurt me now if something happened to him. The thought itself was painful.
He pulled me up into his arms for a tight hug as I exited the car. “Good morning.”
I smiled like an idiot. “Good morning.”
He shrugged his arm over my shoulder and we began our usual walk through the parking lot. Suddenly, I had an odd feeling come over me. I stopped abruptly. “Do you feel that?”
Reed peered down at me in confusion. “Feel what?”
“You don’t feel that? It feels like we’re being watched.” We both glanced around, but no one was paying any attention to us at the moment, which was a rare thing these days. I then strained my eyes toward the surrounding forest. I knew I wasn’t going crazy. There was an undeniable presence of someone, or something watching us. It felt so real and almost supernatural. I didn’t quite know what to make of it, but somehow I knew Charity and Levi were responsible for it. I felt oddly reassured. I glanced up at Reed, and I knew he felt it too. We smiled but said nothing as we turned and made our way into the building and to our first class.
Reed didn’t meet me at my last class before lunch. I was instantly worried. Against my better judgment, I made my way into the cafeteria, anxious to find him. Our usual table was empty. Where was he? It was then that I noticed that most of the cafeteria was also empty. What was going on? No sooner had that question crossed my mind than a hand wrapped around my arm and was instantly being pulled from the room.
“Trent, let go of me!” I tried to jerk my arm free, but his hand was wrapped painfully tight. I would have bruises for sure.
“There’s someone waiting to meet you in the courtyard. You don’t want to miss this?” His voice was laced with contempt.
My gut lurched. “What’s going on, Trent? And where is Reed?”
“Oh, he’s been detained, but don’t worry. I’m sure he’ll find his way out here in time to see all the action.”
Oh no. Not good.
We reached the courtyard, having passed all the people heading there. To see what, I didn’t know and truthfully hoped to never find out. But something told me I wasn’t going to be so lucky to get out of this unscathed.
He shoved me hard and I flew forward. My hands sprang out and managed to break my fall. I cringed at the burning sensation spreading through my palms. I fought the tears that threatened to spill. I could do this. I had to do this. I slowly made my way to my feet, dusting off the dirt from my jeans.
“I’m surprised you haven’t heard the rumors. They’ve been spreading all day,” Trent barked, enjoying my obvious discomfort. “Bunnie and I are friends now, and it seems she really wants to teach you a lesson. A fight was inevitable.”
“Fight, fight, fight, fight.” The words echoed around me as the students began to gather around, whispering the word over and over. The volume grew louder and louder.
Uh oh. My heart sank. I had been brought here to fight with Bunnie. I knew it was a fight I couldn’t win. She was much bigger and meaner than me. I didn’t have a prayer. My thoughts went to Reed. I hoped he was okay.
They continued to chant around me. I was becoming frantic as I spun around to study the faces before me. They wanted a fight—and annihilation.
I couldn’t take it anymore. I snapped. “What do you want from me?!!” I yelled into the crowd that was growing by the minute. “What do you want?!! I have been beaten, pushed down stairs, kicked, spit at, ridiculed, mocked, and knocked unconscious! I’ve had pictures taken of my bruised body and posted on the Internet! I’ve had my tires slashed and my hair chopped off!! What more can you take from me?!!” Tears were streaming down my face now as I continued to yell into the crowd, looking at each face—into each pair of eyes that studied me. “I have done bad things—terrible things to most of you!! And I have come to understand just how painful those things were! I get it! And I am truly sorry—truly sorry!” I was sobbing heavily now. “I need you to forgive me! Do you hear me?! I need you to forgive me!! And……….I need your mercy now! Please!” I sighed. “Please give me your mercy.” I finished—exhausted—defeated.
CLAPPING. CLAPPING. CLAPPING. “Well,” Bunny said, stepping out of the crowd to face me, her expression smug. “That was very well said.” She mock pouted, her hand to her heart. “I’m sure we are all very touched.” Her face turned hard. “But those things you mentioned are just the beginning. We are not through with you yet.”
“Yes we are!” Phoebe said, stepping out boldly and standing in front of me. “I’m sorry I didn’t do this sooner.” She glanced at me and smiled, her eyes full of regret.
I smiled weakly, wiping at my tears.
Bunnie laughed as the other B’s stepped out and lined up behind her, yet their faces revealed reluctance. “You’re just a little girl, Phoebe. What are you gonna do, take on all of us?” Her face suddenly distorted with anger, and honestly it was scary.
Phoebe took a step back, beginning to lose her nerve, but then Haley stepped out of the crowd, taking a stance by her. “I’ll stand against you.” She shrugged. “It’ll be fun.” Her face gleamed with anticipation.
My legs began to shake, and my heart rate sped up as three more stepped out; Kyle, Mark, and Jessie. “Yeah, we’re in too!” All three turned simultaneously and winked at me. I watched on in awe as one student after another stepped out of the crowd and into the space between the Bee Hives and me. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. These people that I had been so terrible to were now standing between me and the one who wanted to destroy me. Each face held a bold defiance that warmed my heart. They were giving me mercy, but more than that, they were saving me.
Our attention was drawn to the crowd as Reed frantically made his way toward us. “Kitty!” he yelled, running to me and taking hold of my shoulders. “Are you all right?”
I smiled. “Yes, I’m fine.” And for the first time in so long, I meant it. I peered into the crowd and he followed my gaze to finally see what was happening around us. He glanced back down at me in awe.
Bunnie began her little speech. “This means nothing! You can all stand up for her now all you want, but tomorrow is a new day! She will get what’s coming to her and so will every one of you!”
“I don’t think so!” Reed said, stepping up to meet her head on. “You see, Bunnie, we’re all really tired of you and your little group. We’re making a stand here today. You see all these people?” He gestured to the now angry crowd around us.
As she turned to look around her, the crowd shifted and now all of the student body was making their way to surround the rest of us. That’s when we spotted Charity off in the distance, the marvelous Levi by her side, his arm wrapped around her protectively. They were standing by, willing to step in if need be. My heart warmed yet again.
“We’re taking a stand against you!” someone yelled out, drawing our attention back to the crowd.
“Yeah! We’re through with you and your threats!!” someone else yelled.
Even the other B’s had abandoned her and sulked over to join us.
Was this really happening? I felt so relieved and free for the first time since all this began.
“Well, Head B, it looks like your little rule has finally come to an end.” Reed was enjoying himself.
My eyes were drawn to him, and I couldn’t look away. He had changed in the short time I had known him. No longer was he the shy boy who kept to himself. He was strong, bold, and protective. I liked it—a lot.
“You probably ought to make a call to your mother and make sure she’s okay with homeschooling, because it looks like that’s your only option.” He smirked.
Her face was priceless, a mixture of anger, fear, and defeat. She glanced around at all the angry faces and finally landing her eyes on the other Bee Hives who had so easily abandoned her, obviously taking inventory of the situation.
There was a silence that covered the crowd as everyone anxiously awaited her next move. Her f
ace turned defiant as she stuck her chin in the air, spun on her heels, her hair whipping out around her, and stormed off toward the parking lot.
Cheers broke out as everyone celebrated our newfound freedom.
Reed pulled me into his arms and spun me around. When he sat me on my feet, he stared at me for a moment, each of us breathless with excitement. He put both hands in my newly short hair. His expression suddenly turned serious, his eyes full of desire. Then he kissed me, a deep, hot kiss that made my head spin and my heart race. When he pulled back to peer down at me, he traced along my face, studying each line and curve. Then he said something that stopped my heart.
“I love you, Summer Langley. I think I’ve loved you from the very beginning.”
I was speechless. I opened my mouth to respond but nothing came out. Tears filled my eyes and I smiled, finally finding my voice. “Oh Reed, I love you too. You stole my heart with a kiss, that first kiss at the dance.”
“Yes,” he said, grinning, “the stolen kiss. That’s what did it for me too.” I blushed at the memory. “But I think I can top it.”
I raised my eyebrows, “Oh do you?” Before I could even breathe his lips found mine, parting them as his arms wrapped around me, pulling me tight against him. That was it. There, in the arms of the most incredible boy I had ever known—I was forever lost.
Epilogue
Kitty
The summer was amazing, having shared it with Reed and Phoebe. For the last three months we’ve been inseparable. But now, as Reed and I embark on our new journey at Lee University, the joy is unspeakable.
We walked hand in hand through the campus—our campus. Just the thought of that sent a thrill coursing through me. I was finally here, and with Reed by my side. Our future was looking bright after all. After that mess with Bunnie was cleared up, I was ready for some good times. Reed said I deserved a happy life, and I was now beginning to think he was right. After that crazy day in the school yard, we never saw Bunnie again, along with the other B’s. Everyone assumed they became homeschooled, but no one really knew for sure. Honestly, I didn’t care. All I wanted was to move on—start a new chapter in my life—one that included Reed. And now that was happening.
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