The Thousand Year Curse (The Curse Books)

by Taylor Lavati

  Need 2 get drum set. meet me @ stage! JR

  The last thing I want is to go back into hell but I owe Junior. After I drop my backpack off in my car, I start to walk back inside twirling my key chain in my hand. He probably needs help carrying all of his stuff. Drums are the most awkward instrument to carry.

  I walk to the stage finding the back door that leads to the band closet. I hear some voices coming from inside the room. It's Junior for sure and some other guy. I figure it must be Aaron or Steve, his band mates.

  "Junior, you in here?" I ask out as I barge in the closet.

  "Yup, over here. Come help me with my stuff." He responds almost instantly.

  "Ready to go?" I ask him as I walk in and then I spot Ollie next to him. Junior notices my expression change and inches closer to me.

  "Ryder…" Junior says slowly, like I'm going to erupt. "This is Ollie, he's new here." Junior gives the formal introductions. Ollie's eyes wander to me and he flashes me a genuine, teethy smile.

  "Yeah, I know him." I bite out dismissively. "He's in my class." Junior acts confused by my rudeness. I really am not a complete bitch all of the time.

  "You are?" Junior asks Ollie.

  "Yeah. English class, fourth period." Ollie says back like it's no big deal.

  "Let's go Junior." I grab on his forearm and tug. He doesn't budge so I give him a disapproving glare. "You know Ollie is friends with Becca. They sit together in class." I further explain. Hello! The entire reason for my melt down today is right here!

  Junior genuinely seems confused. "You're friends with Becca?" He sounds almost hurt, like he could have had a new friend but I crushed his hopes.

  "I don't have any friends yet. This my first day here." Ollie states giving Junior a sincere, honest look.

  "Yes, you do. You were all over Becca in class!" I cut in yelling out to them. I am done with this whole conversation. We are leaving now. I want to go home already!

  "I really wasn't." Ollie finishes exhaustedly clearly tired of this whole exchange. I must look like a spoiled brat throwing a tantrum.

  "Ryder, give him a break, okay." Junior pleads to me—scolding me for being a bitch. His eyes are sympathetic but his voice is stern. He is under this guys spell. What a traitor. I decide to just go along with the charade.

  I sigh. "I'm Ryder." I hold out my hand to him like it's an olive branch faking a small smile. If it'll make Junior happy—I'll do it. He takes my hand and heat spreads within me. Butterflies flutter up my stomach and into my throat rendering me star struck.

  "I know." Ollie says.

  CHAPTER TWO

  new friends

  Sept 3

  It's weird Junior's becoming so buddy buddy with Ollie.

  He usually doesn't let new people in—not by choice.

  I think he does it more for my sake.

  What sort of charm is Ollie putting on us?

  He's just so confident. Not to mention his inhuman appearance.

  Just the fact that he can put Becca into submission is suspect.

  Something is between us—whether it is raw passion or some connection, it's evident.

  Should I let him pass by and save myself the heart ache I know will be waiting for me?

  It happened again, more frequently now too.

  I broke a cup, a plate and ripped my jeans last night.

  I've been getting dizzy too. I think I should tell someone.

  This can't be normal.

  Who can I tell?

  I have no one.

  Day two of high school hell, commencing in thirty minutes. I slept like a rock last night so I'm awake and right on time. I smell bacon, which sends me into high gear. After getting dressed, I gather my bag and run downstairs to check what's cooking—literally.

  "Hey dad. What ya making?" I ask investigating the kitchen. He's making up for not being around on my first day. We've been close my whole life. He's kind of all I've had since mom walked out on us both.

  She left before I can remember. My dad never told me exactly how long she stuck around but I can tell from his answers, she didn't stick around long. She didn't leave my dad a note or any sort of explanation. Honestly even if she walked through the door right now, I'd hate her.

  Dad never talks about her but he is definitely still hung up on her. I think he needs closure to get over her. I've tried to get him to date but without any luck. He's just about as stubborn as me.

  "I made your favorite, Ryder." He comes over to my side kissing my cheek before motioning me to take a seat at the island.

  You can tell by looking at him, he's had a rough life. He has grey in his dark brown hair, constant dark bags under his eyes, and wrinkles all around them. He puts on a good show for my sake but he's not fooling me.

  "How was your fancy pants trip?" I ask him gulping down a glass of orange juice.

  My dad works for an advertising agency. He had to go to some conference in California. Only three days away but still. I've never even left the East Coast.

  "Oh, you know. The usual. I'm exhausted so I took today off. I thought we could hang out tonight. Sound okay?" He asks me, continuing to cook at the stove. He starts rummaging through drawers so I take this as my opening.

  "You know, you should go on a date with the lady from work." I try to make it sound like his dating life is no big deal but he always hates talking about it. It really isn't as awkward as he makes it seem.

  "Ryder, it's too early for this." Dad rubs his temples being a tad dramatic, acting like I'm questioning him on his political views. He turns his back to me, refusing to talk.

  "Dad, you need to put yourself out there. What's her name? Cindy or whatever. She's hot." I argue, trying to persuade him. I feel bad for him. I need to get him some friends or a girlfriend before I leave next year.

  "Later. You and me tonight. Got it, kid?" He suggests quickly changing the subject.

  "Fine." I relent agreeing to our date. I smile ear to ear thinking about our predictable night ahead. It's always the same with my dad—football and take out. I glance at the clock in the kitchen and panic. Here I am chatting away—I can't be late to school!

  "Hey dad, you think I can take this to go? I promised Junior I'd drive him to school today." I ask him. He me made this amazing breakfast and I don't want to run out on him, but I don't want to be late either.

  I have a huge serving of bacon, half of which is on a large roll sitting in front of me. He made two fried eggs and put gooey cheese on top on the bun. If I could, I would eat a bacon, egg and cheese for breakfast, lunch and dinner—all day, every day.

  "No problem, baby. Just call me Mickey D's." Dad jokes shooting me a wide smile.

  "Dad, you're way better than some cheap Egg McMuffin."

  Junior and I walk into school a little early since I made the drive to his house then school super fast. I didn't hit any lights and sped like the Tasmanian Devil. I've been told time and time again that my lead foot gets me in trouble.

  I decide to go to my locker now, this way I can avoid the mad rush later. I don't want to chance an encounter with Becca in the halls. I immediately notice Ollie when I round the corner.

  I do not want the day to start off with him. My brain is all sorts of screwed up—all because of this new guy. I decide to put up a cold front. If he thinks I'm a bitch maybe he'll leave me alone.

  "Can I help you?" I ask him as I confidently stride closer to my locker acting like his good looks don't faze me.

  "Actually, you can." He turns facing me, a sneaky smile turning up on his face. Like usual, I am pulled into his words as my heart rate spikes.

  For a second, I fall into his trap but then remember who I'm talking to. I turn my face from mesmerized into a scowl and glare up at him. I can't crush on this guy! How do I tell my hormones to take a chill pill?

  "Okay. Well, can I at least get into my stuff?" I ask pushing him a little so I can pop open my locker. Big mistake there, I find. Instead of pushing him a little, my hand grasps his arm
lingering to feel his muscle.

  I rub my thumb against the lump again realizing I am fondling him. I retract my hand and immediately turn to face my locker so he can't see my crimson face.

  Honestly, I can't tell what it is about this guy. I want to dislike him so badly. I want to ignore him. He's gorgeous, yeah but I'm not a girl who likes a guy only for his looks.

  "I was wondering if you could tutor me?" He asks leaning against the lockers next to mine. I gaze over at him questioning why he's asking me. His arms are crossed over his chest and his head rests against the cold metal looking like he's posing for a photo opt. He interrupts my thoughts, "I moved here not too long ago and didn't realize you had summer work here."

  I can't shake the suspicion that he's doing this for other reasons. Becca and her crew could've put him up to this. Maybe I'm just being paranoid and he really needs help. Trust has always been an issue with me.

  "Why don't you ask Becca? She's in our class too." I stress to him turning my attention to my Algebra book.

  "Yeah, that girl I sat next to yesterday, right?" I nod up to him. "I don't think she has a clue what's going on in class. I'm not sure but last time I checked a tutor is supposed to be intelligent and help." He smirks at me, knowing he gave a perfect answer.

  "And you think I'm smart?" I prod deeper volleying the conversation back to him. I'm trying to keep a straight face but I want to smile so badly.

  "You aren't?" He sneers at me making a joke out of this. But whatever, if he wants a tutor, he'll get one.

  He gives me this smug grin knowing he's won this battle. I get pulled in noticing the cutest dimple on his cheek and his teeth shining so pearly white. My eyes travel up towards his eyes that you can get lost in for days.

  "Fine. When are your free periods?" I ask him trying to remain professional despite my heart rate spiking every time his eyes meet mine. My body is completely betraying me and making me want to jump this guy right here in the hall.

  "My frees are three, six and eight." He answers surprising me that he has so many frees.

  "Eight, it is. When should we start?" I ask retrieving my last book from the bottom of my locker. I try to act confident meanwhile my heart races a hundred miles a minute.

  "Today." He states sternly pushing off from the lockers and shoving his hands in his pockets. There's a slight shrug in his shoulders making him seem innocent.

  "Okay, bye." I say slamming my locker shut. Luckily, it doesn't make an earthquake this time.

  "Junior, you can't tell me it doesn't sound suspicious. He fucking sat with Becca in English. Kevin ate lunch with him. I feel set up. Help me out here and humor me." We're doing a group activity in culinary today and Junior and I decide what to cook next lab fast. I am trying to convince him Ollie is a traitor but he isn't listening at all. I might as well be speaking a different language to him.

  "Ryder, you need to relax. I talked to Ollie yesterday. He honestly seems cool. It's the second day of school. I doubt Becca is hooking up with him already." He stresses, playing the devil's advocate. I hate when he's logical.

  "You never know." I say lifting my voice at the end.

  "Okay, how about this… he's in the school band. I'll talk to him at practice and figure out where his head's at." Junior suggests drumming his pencil on the desk.

  "You're the best!" I jump up, hugging him around the neck.

  "Wait, he's in band?" I ask double checking my ears as I pull back. Hot guys aren't in band—Junior is like the one exception.

  "Yeah. He's amazing too." Junior says, his attention returning to the conversation as he stops drumming. "He didn't even try out. Teltz just let him in." Junior gushes, gossiping.

  "Hm. Thats interesting." Maybe we can convert him to the dark side of loser-ness.

  "Don't worry Ryder." He ruffles my hair up a little like an older brother would. I scowl fixing my hair. Secretly, I like when he treats me like this. "I'll chat him up after school at practice." He assures me returning to the drumming against the table.

  I try help Junior with our government homework the rest of the period but Junior isn't the best student. He would be, but he doesn't try. He doesn't plan on going to college so he assumes his grades are irrelevant. Basically, he's a grade A slacker. After a fun period, the bell rings. I say my goodbye to Junior and we part ways.

  I go straight to English class sitting in the same spot as yesterday not wanting to draw attention to myself. I drop my bag before placing my head on my hands on the desk. I can't help but think about Ollie. For some reason his face will not leave my brain. I try to focus on the scenery outside the window needing a diversion.

  The sky is clear and blue with a couple clouds littering the skyline creating wisps like cotton candy. Overall it's pretty perfect out.

  Almost instantly, a change in the air occurs. It's like right before a hurricane when the birds stop chirping and the world stills. The sky darkens and chills crawl up my back. I feel an anticipation cloud my mind—although I have no idea what I'm waiting for.

  This isn't normal. Nothing about this week has been normal. I feel sick looking at the black clouds hiding the sun. It's getting dark and I pray this is all a figment of my imagination.

  I am ripped out of my day dream by someone walking past me, the silhouette blocking my view like an eclipse. Yesterday nobody sat anywhere near me so I'm a little disoriented.

  A heavy gaze lands on the back of my head making me on edge. I turn to figure out who's behind me and it's Ollie, of course. My stomach betrays me fluttering when my eyes land on his full, kissable lips.

  "Hey Ryder." He smiles cheerfully at me pulling my gaze up from his lips to his eyes. I pray he didn't witness me looking at his lips.

  "What are you doing over here?" I ask him in a whisper changing the mood completely. The last thing I need is the bitch squad freaking out on me again. Once a week is enough and I'd had my fill yesterday for the whole month.

  "Sitting clearly." He states, a smile playing across his lips making me frustrated. A rumble of thunder claps outside and I flinch at the noise.

  "I get that. Why here?" I ask him, confused.

  "Because I want to?" He mutters as a question, unsure about my mood. He doesn't get what Becca does to me. Nobody does.

  "Please, just move." I reach for my bag to flee and skip class but end up putting the bag down realizing I can't run again.

  Instead of being mad at him, I am desperate. I plead with my eyes begging him, "she won't leave me alone if you're here."

  "I won't let anyone hurt you Ryder." His eyes are hard, drilling into me, solidifying his statement. I want to believe him, but why would I? All I know is Becca has no limits. She'd screw me over for talking to Ollie. She's going to try and prove a point—stake her claim.

  I give up on the hopes of him moving and turn around in my seat facing the from of the room sinking deep into my seat, trying to become invisible. A couple minutes tick by and I gain hope thinking she isn't going to come to school today. I keep chanting in my head, Please don't come, Please don't come, over and over.

  A sick sensation boils up in the pit of my stomach. I hear Becca before she walks in. Her minions walk in first and then her. She goes to sit in her seat and then she looks around the room most likely searching for Ollie.

  At first she doesn't notice me. Why would she bother to look way over here? Then her eyes are drawn to Ollie like a magnet. She waves to him and then notices me slouching. She sends a glare directed right at me that tells me I'm going to pay. Then she winks.

  Becca starts walking over to us strutting her legs, swaying her hips. Thankfully she's focused all her attention on Ollie. "Hey babe." She drawls to him. "What are you doing slumming it over here for?" She plasters an innocent smile on her face, batting her eye lashes at him. She even leans forward to show off her bulging breasts. I practically gag.

  "I'm sitting with Ryder today. Clearly." He puts on an equally fake smile before flashing a wide grin at her. He even blinks a couple
of times mimicking her. I can't believe what is going on. I simply stare at them both, wide eyed.

  "You're wasting your time. She's not into guys." She spits out, openly laughing at me. Her friends chime in laughing, following her lead. I can't help but blush from embarrassment.

  "I don't care what she's into and neither should you." He defends me, raising his voice so everyone can hear. "Class is about to start. You should go sit down." He declares but in a different way. I don't think it's his voice to be honest. The voice has a melody and a beat to it—deep and beautiful, but unsettling at the same time.

  If I didn't watch his lips move, I would think the voice belonged to someone else. I don't like the feeling it gives me in my bones but it works. Becca goes back to her desk and sits down. She doesn't even glance back until she is at her seat when her face transforms into a scowl. She flicks me off and I face the front of the room as fast as possible.

  The teacher walks in shorty after and starts class. I turn and face Ollie. "Thank you." I whisper. He nods in understanding.

  I owe him big time. He saved my ass. The rest of the period a stupid grin is glued to my face. The bell rings and I sprint to the student center leaving English in the dust.

  "Junior!" I call to him once I get to the large hall. I spot him in a line and rush to his side. "You're never going to guess what happened." I take a second to regain my composure from running so far. I bend over putting my hands on my knees. A little dramatic—I'll admit but I am out of shape.

  "What the hell?! Who hurt you?" He grabs my shoulders bringing me back to eye level. His eyes fill with rage. I can tell he will go beat the crap out of whoever did something to me.

  "No. No. A good thing!" I tell him shaking my head. I can tell by the look on his face he's getting impatient with me.

  "Well, what is it?" He begs for an explanation.

  "Ollie stood up to Becca for me and sat with me in class." I get out in one breath.

  "No way!" Junior exclaims his face lighting up as he lets go of me.