by Kara L. M.
Electric Fog
Kara L. M.
Electric Fog
Text copyright © 2015 By Kara L. M.
All Rights Reserved including right to reproduce, distribute or transmit in any form, including electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publishers, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons living or dead is coincidental.
Published: Kara L. M. 2015
Stock photos courtesy of Shutterstock ®
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: F stands for
Chapter 2: Kisses and no kisses
Chapter 3: Summer school blows
Chapter 4: Zeke is not a geek
Chapter 5: Soccer Sucks
Chapter 6: Two hearts
Chapter 7: Lovers and Liars
Chapter 8: All is fair in love and injury
Chapter 9: Electric absence
Chapter 10: Birthday Surprise
Chapter 11: The hard truth
Chapter 12: A fast connection
Chapter 13: Two months until departure
Chapter 14: One month until departure
Chapter 15: two weeks until departure
Chapter 16: Love conquers all
Chapter 17: A new home
Chapter 18: Oh my Octavia
Acknowledgements
To my Grammy who listened to all the matters of the heart. Thank you for encouraging me to love.
And to all the readers and bloggers that love to discover new stories by indie writers.
Chapter 1: F stands for
“I will never live this down.” I stood horrified at the mailbox holding my report card, the letter F next to Pre-Algebra. How could this be? This past year was 9th grade and now my grades would count. Where I lived we called it middle school which is 7th grade to 9th grade. I was looking forward to starting high school next fall, but how could this be? The unfairness of this grade was making my stomach churn. Mr. McBeth was honestly the worst math teacher I had ever had. Don't get me wrong I never did well in math. It was my least favorite subject, but my Mother would sit tirelessly helping me with the homework. I remember those nights, feeling like a prisoner sitting next to my Mom while she did her best to help me understand. I don't know if my mind is wired differently and that is why I am so terrible at it, but I knew for sure that I had zero interest in math. “Well there it is.” I said to myself, the ending of my summer as I know it. That wasn't me. I was Liv, the blonde hair girl who was on the honor roll, who cared about grades and making Mom not have to worry about me. Not to mention the sting of what my friends would think. How would I tell them that while they’re sleeping in all summer I will be taking summer school because I was too dumb to pass? This is so embarrassing.
I stared up at the mountains towering above my neighborhood. Growing up in Sandy, Utah was a dream. The tree lined streets and views of the majestic Rockies never got old. I walked down our long driveway to my house. It was a simple brick rambler built upon a massive lot. We had a large backyard surrounded in tall hedges. One large tree in the backyard once held a tree house but now all that was left was a few pieces of wood that survived the harsh winters. Even on a bad day like this, I could stare at the mountain peaks and lose myself in the memories of hiking with Dad. He passed away from a heart attack when I was twelve. My eyes still burned with tears whenever I thought of him. Losing Dad made me realize that I had to give up dreams of having him at graduation or walk me down the aisle. It wasn’t easy returning to school after the funeral. As bad as it all was I knew the aftermath could have been worse. Luckily Mom was able to brush off her law degree and get to work. I was happy that between her new job and life insurance we didn’t have to move.
I dropped my backpack by the door and sat upon a metal stool in the kitchen. I cupped my face in my hands and took a deep breath. A click of the door and I see my Mom walking in from work. Her talent for dressing well didn’t trickle down to her only daughter. Her white button up blouse and navy skirt looked professional and she always spiced up her outfit with matching jewelry and shoes that made me envious. Why couldn't I think to make my outfits that put together? She came in with her long brown hair flowing around her face. My straight thin hair would never appear as glamorous.
“How was your day Liv?” “Fine.” I said. The short answer and slump of my shoulders gave me away. “So did you pass math?” She asked carefully. “No!” I replied but I couldn't stop the burning of my eyes, oh no here they come, big wet tears started pouring. “Mom I am sorry I let you down, I promised I worked hard it's just those tests, they ask things about the first problems we ever did in class and I can't possibly remember that far back and well you know Mr. McBeth he doesn't care if a student is struggling”.
She moved closer and put her arms around me, in a soft voice she said, “Liv you are smart, I have never seen anyone work as hard as you do.” I interjected. “Mom there is no way that can be true because I will never be good at this!” Then Mom did what I love about her most, she got mad, but not at me, at the situation.
“I have no idea how a teacher can fail a student that is trying.” She said frustrated. “This reflects on his ability to teach and help his students.” Her face was turning red. “I am calling the school.”She said matter-of-factly.
I watched her as she headed towards her room flipping her heels off as she went. She was on a mission and I couldn't help but feel relief. She wasn't disappointed. For once doing something as wrong as failing a class didn't ruin my life completely now that my Mom had my back. I sat on the barstool playing on my phone waiting to hear my fate.
I was scrolling through Facebook when my little brother Peter came through the door. Smack The door hit the wall. “Peter!” I hear my Mom scolding from the bedroom. Great she must be off the phone. “What?” Said Peter in a whiney voice. “Please do not slam the door when you walk through it. I don’t want to repair it for the eightieth time.” She warned. I sighed, of course another hole. Peter had successfully punched a hole through our wall by the front door too many times to count. My poor Dad used to spend time fixing it to perfection but after several times he decided a quick patch job would be fine. Peter opened the fridge and stared. His brown hair hung in his eyes. I couldn’t get over his weird choice of clothing, cargo pants and Hawaiian shirts. I bet he will heat up a corn dog or frozen burrito. I watched him reach and grab a Popsicle. Uh of course, it was ninety degrees outside. Utah summers were insanely hot. I preferred them over the long drawn out cold winters though. Trying to sleep in fifty layers got old each winter. Summer was an escape to tank tops and flip flops.
“Mom what's the news?” I asked with hopeful eyes not sure what to expect. “Well.” She said as she walked towards the kitchen. “Mr. McBeth received numerous complaints over his grades.” “Yes!” I thought to myself smelling a victory coming my way. Maybe he would be forced to give me a C for trying or maybe a D but no matter what it's better than summer school! She looked frazzled as she continued “But since he decided to retire this year he is already gone and no one but the teacher himself can alter the grades.” She said annoyed. “I am sorry Liv, you will have to take summer school.”
My stomach dropped. My summer was officially ruined. I sulked over to my computer as I logged in to get to the web. I Googled “Rocky Mountain summer school” and it popped up. I could hear my brother slurping his Popsicle behind me and I flipped around. “Go away! I am busy here”. “Summer school?” He said. “Wow Liv I knew you were kind of dumb but wow.” My eyes started to burn, but I kept it in. No te
ars for my lame brother who could never understand the pressure I put on myself to do well in school.
Mom had been washing dishes and hadn't noticed Peter bothering me but she looked over when I slammed the laptop shut. “Liv it will be ok.” She said hopeful. “We will make this work and you will be finished with that class before you know it”.
“If you don't pass maybe I can help you in a few years once I catch up.” Peter laughed. I stomped out of the kitchen. I walked briskly to my room and slammed the door, Ah privacy. My room was small but it was mine. I had a metal queen bed in the corner with a floral bedspread, a walnut dresser that had stacks of books and night stand covered in trinkets I had gathered on all my family road trips before Dad died. Under my bed was also hiding piles of books, I was an avid reader and my favorite was the sci-fi books. I can blame my Dad for that one. He used to make me watch Star Trek growing up and as a result I am a closet nerd.
My walls were light pink and the carpet was tan. Nothing really screamed my personality except for my photos having fun with my friends outdoors. I grew up next to twelve girls my same age, Peter wasn’t as lucky only ended up with two friends to choose from. It was nice having so many friends to choose from especially with girls.
I was a good girl and I prided myself in not swearing, wanting to drink or date bad boys. I could tell it made my parents proud that I was this way. They certainly struggled with Peter not wanting to do well in school. Who knows why that kid does the things he does. But what else can you expect from a twelve year old?
I stared at my reflection in the mirror. At 5’5 I had finally slipped out of my baby fat stage in time to join high school this fall. Although I wouldn’t have minded if a bit of fat would have stayed in the upper region, “A”cup represent! My ash blonde hair was finally growing out, just brushing my mid arm. A relief after my short haircut in seventh grade traumatized me for the last three years. I was lucky to have good skin but my lack of makeup skills bothered me. My phone buzzed and I look down to see a text from Katie, my best friend in the whole world.
“Ok now that summer is here we have to make a list of all the things we have to do before we start sophomore, can you believe it?” I smiled; even being down about summer school couldn't make me forget that high school was only three months away. I clicked the screen of my phone. “I know I can hardly believe it myself, well to start the list: hiking, laying out, going to parties, getting our first kiss to twin boys, shopping, snow shack, go to movies and let’s be honest boy hunt!” My phone buzzed not even a second later. “Let’s be honest Liv we will be boy hunting when we are doing any of those things lol”. A smile grew on my face. This will be a great summer and I don't care if I have to waste my mornings in math. I won't let Mr. McBeth ruin this for me! I jumped up from my bed and started to get ready. Tonight we were doing our traditional end of school girl’s night where we get dolled up and hit our favorite summer spots. The plan was to indulge in shave ice at the Snow Shack, hoping for cute boys but being satisfied with frozen sugary treats if nothing else.
I walked over to Katie's house once I was ready. I kept checking my outfit wondering if I should go change for the twentieth time. I was wearing light skinny jeans with a black tank top that had lace on the edges. I loved this shirt but for some reason I felt older today and wished I had something to show that. I was going to be in high school. I still couldn't believe it. Katie was still getting ready when I came in. Her room was a mess and the evidence was clearly showing that she was having the same predicament in picking her outfit as well.
“Oh my you look amazing.” She squealed as I walked in and sat down on the bed. Katie had the most gorgeous curly red hair. She was shorter than me but slim. “Do you think this shirt makes me look fat, I swear it shrunk because why is it pulling so tight to my sides?” She complained. “You look great girl!” I said with excitement. I honestly don't know if I knew what she was talking about, I was busy daydreaming about high school. “Come on Liv, just help me pick another shirt I want to get my first kiss tonight!” I finally snapped out of my day dream and walked over to her closet. I picked out a yellow tank top with sequins and handed it to her. “Try this one; you have always looked amazing in yellow.” A smile crossed her voice. “You're right and I think I have the perfect turquoise necklace oh and my sister Jenny has shoes that match it.” She mumbles about going to steal her sister’s shoes when I lay onto her bed sinking back into my daydream of sophomore year and what it meant. I was hoping to get my first kiss and could hardly wait to hang out with the senior guys.
We ran around with two of our other friends that night. Carly and Samantha were just as excited as me and Katie. Once we got our snow cup we sat on the grass admiring the guys driving up and parking.
“He is cute.” Said Carly as a tall boy with brown hair and tan skin got out of a blue car. “He’s ok.” Replied Katie. “I think the blonde spiky hair guy in the BMW over there is way hotter!”
We had a blast boy watching and at one point Samantha noticed a guy who was friends with her older brother that had parked across the lot. He was average height and skinny with dark brown hair. Once she reached him they high fived and he looked in our direction. She waved us over and Carly was the first to jump up. Of course Miss Carly was waiting to pounce on the first guy we talk to. She was a year older than us and more experienced when it came to boys.
“Hey girls.” Samantha said as we walked over. “This is Trey he is friends with my brother Ben.” Trey smiled at all of us. “It's nice to meet you.” He looked at me and I stuck my hand out to shake his. “Liv, and it’s nice to meet you too.” He didn't let go of my hand but he got each of my friend’s names and said nice to meet you. My heart fluttered at the touch and unsure I looked at Samantha who was clearly shocked as well. He smiled one more time at me and let my hand down.
“We’re going up to Flat Iron Park to check out the stars if you girls want to come.” I noticed that Samantha was bouncing up and down at the thought, Katie was onboard and Carly was already sitting in one of his friends cars. “Of course.” I said with a smile. I should be better at knowing whose car I was hopping in but this was part of the adventure. He opened his two door silver Acura and Carly and Katie slid in the back.” After you”. Trey said. I got in the car and he shut the door. Katie laughed in the back seat “Senior boys our first night of summer.WOW.” She mouthed the Wow since Trey had opened the driver’s side door.
This was my first time in a car with a stick shift and I was fascinated by it. I watched him move the stick quickly while pushing pedals. I felt my body push into the seat as we sped up the hill. A little laugh came out of me as I realized I like to go fast. If this was the first night of summer I couldn't believe it. It can only get better from here!
Chapter 2: Kisses and no kisses
We sped up the hill and stopped at the top of the park. His friends were close behind. We left the car and looked around. I had never been to a park after dark. There was no reason to and my parents always warned me to not go to places at night that weren't well lit. But I guess that was the idea since we were star watching. I heard a guy crack a joke behind me as we walked past the play structure. “Gotta love fresh meat.” He said in a creepy voice. I couldn't help but feel like we were not here to star watch. We get to the open field and Trey came up to me. “You want to go for a walk?” I stared at him then looked to Katie who was by herself. I wanted to go for a walk and get to know this cute boy but he was a senior. Were we really going for a walk? What if he wants to kiss or make out? I have no idea how to kiss someone. “I um sure.” My stomach fluttered as we walked away from the group which from the looks of it was starting to pair off and break apart.
But Katie who had figured out why we were here was heading to the swings alone. The park street lights were fading fast behind us as Trey and I walked away. “So you're sixteen?” He asked in a flirty tone. “Almost, my birthday is in July.” I realized that we were for sure heading to make out point. I had know
n this guy for two minutes; couldn't he have taken the long way? I suddenly lost my nerve. “I really shouldn't leave Katie behind. I don't want her to sit alone”. I turned around started walking back to Katie. “But I was hoping we could talk we are almost to my favorite spot.” He said with a silky voice. I slowed my pace and turned towards him eyeing the hilly spot behind the water tanks. “I would love to talk to but maybe we can talk with Katie so she isn't left out.” His look was incredulous as if he could tell that this poor almost sixteen year old knows nothing about boys. “Sure, you go do that.” He sounded annoyed.
“Hey Carly!” He shouted to part of our group that was down the hill. “Come here!” He yelled. I walked faster towards Katie and I felt annoyed at Trey for obviously not wanting to get to know me and mad at myself for not having the guts to get my first kiss out of the way. But as I sat on the swing next to Katie I knew I had made the right decision.
“Liv, oh my happened?” She asked. “Well I just don't see my first kiss going this way.” I admitted. “I think you made the right choice, who knows what he would expect being a senior and all”. She was right I am a good girl. Kissing for the first time was enough to take in but what if he wanted more. What would I do if I was all alone with him in the dark with no reason to stop what he wanted? I shivered. “Yes I feel good about it now but for some reason I can't help but feel bad too.” Katie gave me a hug. “Any guy who will take the next shot at Carly after you is obviously an idiot”. Carly our friend was every guys dream, flirty, curvy and experienced. I wonder if I could ever look like Carly to them if I kissed a few guys and wore a shorter skirt. Then a laugh escaped my mouth. “What!?” asked Katie. “Oh nothing just thinking about what it must be like to be Carly” “Ohhh yes I can't imagine”.
