Outsider: The Flawed Series Book Two

by Becca J. Campbell

  Alex walked back to the living room and dragged an end table over next to him. She set down his lunch and a dose of pain pills.

  “Eat up,” she said, plopping down in an armchair and pulling out her knitting. Josh had managed to roll onto his hip, fold his good leg underneath him, and prop himself up against the arm of the sofa. He ate both sandwiches and downed the juice without pausing.

  He settled back onto the couch and tried to hold his head up against the arm, but it looked awkward. Alex set her knitting down and retrieved a pillow from his bedroom. She wedged it into the crook of the sofa, and he gave her a faint grimace that was almost a smile.

  “Thanks,” he said.

  “No problem.”

  “You know, you don’t have to hang around here with me. You don’t owe me anything.”

  “I’m not here because I think I owe you something. Get that out of your head, okay?”

  He shrugged.

  “I can’t stay all day, anyway.” She eased back into the chair and picked up her knitting again. “I’ve got class in an hour.”

  “Only one?”

  “Yeah. I lucked out with a light load on Fridays this semester.”

  “Nice.” He was quiet for a moment but eventually spoke again, surprising her. “How was the trip?”

  “Good…but weird.”

  “Weird, how?”

  She shrugged. “Seeing my old friends again…family drama…meeting my dad’s new girlfriend.”

  “That sounds…awkward.”

  “Yeah, it was. Even just hanging out with him was a little awkward.”

  “I can’t imagine spending a weekend with just my dad,” Josh said.

  “He’s great, and I love him, of course, but when I was growing up he was gone a lot, even before the divorce. He had very little free time, and he was kind of stingy with the time he had. He wasn’t stingy with money though.” She couldn’t quite hide the bitterness in her voice.

  “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

  “I dunno. I guess I’ve just always wondered if he was trying to buy me off so he didn’t have to spend time with me. Actually, I…” Her face grew hot. “I’ve never really told anyone that before. It sounds bad, doesn’t it?”

  “No. It makes sense. It just sounds like you aren’t very close.”

  “I guess I’m not—with either of my parents.”

  “I’m not that close to my parents, either.”

  “Really? I got the impression that you were—from Chloe and Cam I guess. The three of you seem really close.”

  “As siblings go, I suppose we are. But I’ve never been able to connect with my parents very well. My dad is…well, he just doesn’t talk much. Even to my mom. He keeps to himself.”

  Alex thought how that applied to Josh as well.

  “My mom is the total opposite. She’s like an older version of Chloe.” He said it with a smile, but there was a trace of tension behind the words. “She’s always loved my music, but that doesn’t mean she gets it. She never understood why every day after school I’d lock myself in my room and play for hours. Neither of my parents are really what you would call ‘artistic.’”

  Alex nodded.

  “So I guess my point is…I understand where you’re coming from.”

  She smiled. This was a new side of Josh, and it made her hands speed erratically. She missed a stitch and had to stop, go back, and fix it.

  “So what made you move to Denver?” he asked.

  “Peer pressure?”

  “Let me guess, from my sister?”

  She nodded.

  He narrowed his eyes. “She’s pretty persuasive, but I don’t think that’s it. You don’t seem like the kind of girl who lets people push her around.”

  “Okay, you got me. It wasn’t really because of Chloe, even with all her pushing, prodding, and cajoling.”

  “Cajoling. Nice. I’ll have to remember that one whenever she’s trying to get me to do something. ‘Stop freaking cajoling me, Chloe!’“

  Alex laughed. “Just don’t tell her you got it from me.”

  “So why did you move?”

  “I just needed a fresh start—you know?”

  “Not really. Leaving everyone you know sounds…difficult. Moving to a new place where you have to meet all these new people…” He shivered. “That sounds like a nightmare.”

  She smiled. “I like meeting new people. Leaving my old friends was a little hard, but it needed to happen. I need to focus on what’s ahead of me instead of everything I left behind.”

  He arched an eyebrow. “So it’s been good, then? You’re not thinking of moving back?”

  Her thoughts drifted back to Ferno and her California friends for a moment, but she remembered how she’d missed Josh when she’d been away. “No plans to leave in the near future. You and Chloe have made this place feel like it could be my new home.”

  “Even with all our freakishness, huh?”

  “Takes one to know one. I’m right there with you. Speaking of gifts, who did you help this time?” She gestured at his leg.

  His face went serious and he looked as if he were debating whether or not to tell her. “Some preteen girl.”

  “Where?”

  “In the ER.”

  Alex was about to ask more, but at that moment the door flew open and Chloe burst in.

  “Joshua Walter Schuyler!” She threw her purse in a corner of the room and stormed up to him, her aqua eyes alight with hot fury. “How dare you?”

  Josh’s shoulders sagged as if Chloe’s very presence exhausted him, and his jaw tensed as though he was bracing for what was coming.

  Alex froze mid-stitch, watching them.

  “How dare you go hurt yourself again? We talked about this.”

  He swallowed silently, and his dark eyes went cold, narrowing at his sister. “ Why can’t you focus on the positive? I didn’t go to hurt myself. I helped someone.”

  “You promised you wouldn’t.”

  “I promised I wouldn’t risk my life, and I didn’t. I absorbed a dog bite and got a torn hamstring, but other than that I’m fine. I’ll recover.”

  She threw her hands in the air. “But you took a risk! Think of what could have—”

  “Chloe, just stop. I don’t want to hear it. Could haves don’t matter.”

  “But you can’t keep doing this!”

  Josh sat up and crossed his arms, refusing to answer.

  Chloe sent Alex a helpless what-are-we-going-to-do-with-him look.

  Alex met Josh’s gaze for a moment. “Chloe, I know you’re worried about him, but I don’t think there’s anything you can say.”

  “Because he’s being so pig-headed?”

  “No, because it’s his life—and his ability. If he decides to risk it for someone else, that’s his decision.”

  “But it’s stupid!”

  “It’s not stupid. It’s incredibly selfless. It may be dangerous, and I don’t know if I could get up the guts to do it, but that doesn’t mean it’s stupid. I think it’s brave.”

  Chloe sighed. “That’s just great. What am I supposed to do?”

  “I think you should trust that he’s being careful and respect his decision.”

  Josh held Alex’s gaze while she spoke, his eyes soft. She felt as though she could see into them, making some connection beyond words.

  Chloe could not, apparently, think of a good response. That was a first.

  Alex stuffed her knitting into her bag and stood. “Well, I need to head out, guys. Later.”

  Chloe mumbled something unintelligible, and the corner of Josh’s mouth curved up almost imperceptibly.

  ~

  That evening, Josh hobbled into the warehouse where Vicarious Jalapenos practiced with only minutes to spare. He gingerly plopped down onto the sofa at the far end and heaved a sigh. His leg was really throbbing, and he didn’t have the energy for a social gathering. What he wanted was to spend more time alone with Alex, even if it was just talking.
But it was her birthday, and Chloe had planned a giant bash, so he needed to be here.

  He’d just gotten settled when Alex entered and the place erupted into a massive “Surprise!” She looked shocked, and then pleased, when she saw all the faces in the crowded space. Her smile made his heart stutter.

  Josh didn’t know half of the people, but it looked like all her friends from California were here—and then some. Brightly colored streamers and balloons decorated the place—Chloe’s handiwork.

  After Alex’s arrival, a group from the crowd flocked to her. Most of them were guys, and Josh’s eyes narrowed when the tallest one, the dude with coal-black hair, accosted her with an enormous hug. Several others pelted her with hi-fives. At least a few of them beamed at her like she was a queen.

  “I can’t believe you guys came all the way out here!” Bubbly with excitement, Alex’s voice floated easily across the room. Her broad smile held, and her eyes were radiant with exhilaration.

  One of her crew, the dark-skinned guy with the shaved head and bulging arms gestured behind. “Your dad hooked us up with plane tickets—isn’t that great?”

  Alex beamed and ran up to her dad, throwing her arms around him. “I can’t believe you came to visit!”

  “I was just waiting for the right moment,” he said, patting her hair and winking.

  “Well, you just made my birthday. Was this whole thing your idea?”

  He smiled. “Oh, maybe. But Chloe was instrumental in the planning.”

  “And here you sent me a card and everything—I never expected this!”

  Her dad’s smile widened.

  A woman with ringlets of dishwater-blonde hair walked up from the opposite direction. Alex pulled away from her dad and exclaimed, “Mom! You’re here, too!”

  “I’d never miss your birthday.” She hugged Alex.

  From his vantage point, Josh caught the look that passed between her parents—an awkward moment of silent but tense eye contact. They both looked away at the same time, like they were scanning for some other focal point. Alex left them, going around the room greeting her guests with exclamations of surprise and joy. She was radiant, she was happy, and she was captivating.

  Josh adjusted his sprawled leg, wincing a bit. Chloe plopped down on the arm of the sofa, followed by Cam.

  “Hey, bro.”

  Josh frowned at his brother. “Why are you in town?”

  “For the party, of course.”

  “How did you know about her birthday?”

  “I called him,” Chloe said. “Isn’t this great? All her friends are here. Jim—”

  “Jim?” Josh asked.

  “Alex’s dad,” she said. “He told me about his idea for the surprise party, and I contacted the band.” She gestured at Benji and Guy who were socializing with a lean, dark-haired, olive-skinned young woman across the room.

  “And Cam.”

  “Yes, Josh, that’s what I said.” Chloe’s brow puckered for just an instant before she fell back into giddy bliss. “I just love surprise parties.”

  “They make me feel sick,” Josh said.

  She sent him a darkened glare. “Remind me never to throw you one.”

  “Will do,” Josh said. “So you’ve known about this whole thing for a while?”

  She nodded.

  “Why didn’t you mention it to me so I could’ve mentally prepared? You called Cam, but I didn’t find out about it until an hour ago.”

  “I don’t know, Josh. It just didn’t come up. I’ve been busy.” Chloe gave him a look. “Why didn’t you tell me about your accident earlier?”

  He didn’t have a response for that.

  She shrugged off his silence and looked at Cam. “So, we need to get you and Alex some alone time while you’re in town.” She held up her hand before he could protest. “Don’t worry, leave it to me, I’ll figure something out.” She hopped up. “Okay. Gotta check the food table.”

  Cam shot Josh a look. “She doesn’t get it, does she?”

  Josh shrugged. “It’s Chloe. You know, one-track mind. Maybe you should just tell her.”

  “And ruin her hopes at creating a match made in heaven?” Cam rolled his eyes and took her spot on the arm of the sofa. “So, I heard about your experiment.” He gestured at Josh’s leg.

  “I don’t know what I was thinking. It hurts so freakin’ bad.”

  “I’d have done the same thing,” Cam said. “Come on, playing the hero? It’s a total rush.”

  Josh wondered if Cam would regret it as much as he did. He wanted to tell his brother that he never planned to do it again because apparently he was a wuss when it came to pain. Instead, Josh bit his lip.

  “Alex is pretty popular with the guys, eh?” Cam raised an eyebrow and nodded her direction.

  “Guess so. She makes friends easily.”

  “I didn’t realize…” Cam started, then shrugged. “She’s a pretty cool girl. I probably didn’t give her enough credit early on.”

  “Yeah,” Josh said. He shifted awkwardly to dissipate the rush of heat flooding up his neck.

  Cam looked like he was about to say more but then stopped abruptly. “Whoa—who’s that?” He eyed the dark-haired, bronze-skinned young woman.

  “I dunno.”

  She looked Hawaiian, or Samoan, or something breathtaking and exotic with her sleek black hair, almond-shaped eyes, and the body of a runway model—all legs. If only Josh could have a nickel for every time he’d seen that look on Cam’s face.

  “Be right back,” Cam said, not taking his eyes off the woman who, at the moment, was laughing at something Benji had said.

  “Yeah, right. See you soon, I’m sure.” But Cam was already gone.

  “Looks like he has his eye on Elei. They all do.”

  Josh jumped at the voice near him. Alex had appeared suddenly at his side. He wondered how long she’d been standing there.

  “Doing okay?” She sat next to him, and he was acutely aware of her closeness.

  “Yeah. I didn’t realize it was your birthday.”

  “I hadn’t told anyone.”

  “Not even Chloe?”

  “No. My dad called her.”

  “Guess he’s not so bad after all, eh?”

  “Yeah. I was too hard on him when I was telling you all that. He really loves me. I know that. I just forget sometimes.”

  “Nice of him to invite your mom.”

  “He didn’t, actually.” Alex glanced at her mother who stood talking to Chloe near the food table. “That would’ve been a major feat—my parents actually speaking to each other. It was Chloe’s doing. She’s a thoughtful roommate.” Alex smiled again, but then her expression turned to a frown. “I just feel bad that you had to get out—with your injury and all. I hope you didn’t feel obligated or anything.”

  “No…no, of course not.” Josh hoped he wasn’t turning red. “I wanted to come when I found out it was your birthday. I’m not that bad, anyway.” He managed something of a smile.

  Alex studied him for a moment, eyes narrowing in concentration. She blinked as if a realization had just struck her. “Oh, gosh. You aren’t having a good time, are you?”

  “No! What? Of course I am.” His voice cracked. He cleared his throat, trying to hold the eye contact but wincing under her piercing stare.

  She shook her head. “This isn’t really your type of thing, is it?”

  “Hey,” he said, trying to drum up some enthusiasm. “Would I be here if it wasn’t?”

  “Well, either way, I just want to let you know it means a lot to me.” She put her hand on his arm, and it warmed his insides.

  At that moment, the lanky guy with the black hair came over, grinning at Alex.

  “Josh, this is Ferno. Ferno, Josh.”

  “Hey,” Ferno said, nodding at Josh.

  Josh returned the nod.

  “I think your dad wants you to open your presents.” Ferno nudged her with an elbow.

  “Oh. Okay.” She stood. “I’ll talk to you
later, Josh.”

  Ferno slung his arm around her shoulders and gave her a big grin. “I don’t know what you’re getting, but it’s huge! We’re taking bets on what it is.”

  Josh watched them walk off. There was so much about Alex he still didn’t know. She had a whole other life that had nothing to do with him.

  Jim cupped his hands around his mouth to make an announcement. “Hey, everyone! Thanks for coming for this special occasion. Now it’s time for presents!” He handed her a long, wrapped package. She ripped the paper, revealing a snowboard.

  “Thanks, Dad! I’ve been wanting to try snowboarding.” She admired the board and shook her head. “You didn’t have to buy me a new one. I was planning on renting.”

  “That’s not all. I’m going to take you shopping for boots and a coat and the whole wardrobe—everything you need to hit the slopes. Ski season is just starting, and I think your California friends are eager to learn a new sport.” He smiled at Ferno and the rest of Alex’s fan club.

  “Awesome!” said the short dude with the bleached hair.

  A dull ache squeezed Josh’s chest. Snowboarding was something he was actually good at, and he wouldn’t be able to go because of his stupid leg.

  “Cool!” Alex said. “I can’t wait. I just hope I don’t do something completely idiotic my first time on the run.”

  “I’ll take care of you,” Cam said, stepping next to her. Then he nodded at her friends. “I can show you guys some stuff, too.”

  “Cool,” Ferno said.

  “Thanks, Cam,” Alex said brightly.

  A little too brightly. Why couldn’t she smile at him that way?

  ~

  Nic ducked behind a clothing rack and watched them: father and daughter out on a shopping trip—an expensive one.

  The man put his arm around the young woman, grinning down at her. “I like it. You look beautiful in anything, Freckles.”

  It was sickening.

  The witch beamed up at her dad. “I’m just so glad you’re here.”

  Her dad shrugged and gestured to the snow bunny getup she wore. “So, how do you like it? I think we might have a winner.”