Flight of Life (Essence Series #1)

by E. L. Todd

  “Okay.” He smiled. “I should have expected that.”

  Calloway was drinking from his cup when Hawk approached him. Calloway put down his cup and spoke before Hawk had the chance to say something. “We can continue this at school,” he said. “Drop it.”

  Hawk raised his hands in the air. “Wow,” he said in an offended voice. “I was just coming over to say hello. I didn’t mean to offend you, Your Highness.”

  “Well, now that you’re done you can leave.”

  “I’m not done,” he said as he looked at Weston. “Are you lost?”

  “Excuse me?”

  “You’re standing next to Calloway and breathing in the stench of his poverty. I just assumed you were confused.”

  “No.” She smiled. “I know who my boyfriend is.”

  Hawk raised an eyebrow. “This guy is your boyfriend?” he asked as poked Calloway in the chest. “This has to be joke.”

  “Well, it’s not,” she said as she ran her hand down Calloway’s arm. “And I love him very much.” Calloway felt his heart jump out of his chest then slam back inside his ribs. There was no truth to her words but he never expected her to proclaim her love for him just to heighten his reputation.

  Hawk laughed. “I would ask how much he paid you but Calloway’s poor so that didn’t happen. Therefore, you must be insane.”

  She grabbed Calloway’s face and kissed him on the cheek. He felt his body tremble when he felt her lips on his skin and he suddenly felt lightheaded. The scent of her skin washed over him and reminded him of a rose garden in the spring, buzzing with life and flying bees. The warm moisture of her lips sent waves of shock through his body and slowed time for just a moment. When she pulled away he realized the instant was over. Weston was his first kiss and it was a great one. “I’m insane in love.”

  Calloway stared at her while he was in a stupor, still processing what happened. Weston just kissed him—it really happened. He focused his gaze and looked past her head, and saw Tommy holding a cup full of punch over Weston’s head. He felt his heart race when he realized what was about to transpire. Calloway grabbed Weston by the arm and pulled her away before the red juice splashed all over her beautiful gown and her gorgeous hair.

  The contents of the glass splashed across the ground and a few drops splattered on Calloway’s shoe. He felt the hatred take over his body when he looked at Hawk and Tommy. They could tease him all they wanted—he didn’t care—but trying to embarrass Weston sent him to the brink. Everyone nearby stared at them, wondering what would happen next, but before Calloway could react, Weston stepped forward and shoved Hawk savagely, sending him backwards.

  “I know why you tease Calloway all the time,” she yelled. “And it has nothing to do with his family’s income or the material possessions he lacks. You’re just jealous that even though he has nothing in the world, he still has everything. Calloway has people who genuinely love him and respect him. What do you have?” she shouted. “All you have is fear. Even your own girlfriend only hangs around you because she’s scared of you, afraid to run away. You’re nothing but a loser who has no purpose in life.” Hawk tried to crawl away but Weston continued to pursue him, inhibiting him from rising. Calloway saw Easton and Breccan watching the scene with shocked expressions. Calloway was shocked to hear the venom and ferocity in her voice—she was livid. “You don’t understand happiness or love because you don’t feel it—you’ve never experienced it. I’m yelling at you in the middle of your own dance and not a single person has come to your aid. Not one person has helped you back to your feet and you want to know why? They want to see you fall, Hawk—everyone does.” Hawk tried to sit up but she pressed her heel against his chest. Calloway looked at the corner and saw the teachers watching the scene—they weren’t doing anything—they wanted this to happen just as much as he did. Everyone in the room was staring at Hawk lying on the floor of the gym, paralyzed by Weston’s power and strength. His lips were stretched into a scowl and his eyes flashed in hatred. “No one cares about you,” she said. “And when you tease Calloway it says more about you than it does him—and not in a good way.” She pulled her heal off his chest and glared at him before she walked away.

  Hawk got to his feet but none of his friends helped him. They were huddled together, laughing at the scene like random spectators. Calloway actually felt pity for Hawk in that moment. Weston was right—no one cared for him. He didn’t have a teacher that believed in him like Mr. Avey, and Calloway was certain he didn’t have amazing guardians like Aunt Grace and Uncle Scott. And he obviously didn’t have amazing friends like he did. When Calloway looked at Beatrice she was staring at him, and when he caught her look she didn’t turn away. He finally turned his gaze back to Weston. “That was unbelievable.”

  “I know.” She smiled. “I hope that holds him off for a while.”

  Calloway looked at Hawk and saw him storm out of the gymnasium doors. Beatrice didn’t follow him. “I actually feel bad for him—I didn’t think that was possible. I’ve even fantasized about hitting him.”

  “And that’s the difference between you,” she said. “You’re a good person, Calloway—he isn’t.”

  Calloway was quiet for a moment. “Or maybe he’s a good person that does evil things.”

  “That’s the same thing,” she said.

  “I hope you’re wrong.”

  She stared at him for a moment. “Me too.”

  Easton and Breccan walked over to them and they both stared at Weston in awe. Breccan gave her a high-five. “That was amazing,” he said. “The way he was crawling away from you was priceless! I loved it.”

  Easton held out her phone. “I got in on camera,” she said. “We’ll upload this to the school website. Let Hawk suffer through the same misery that you did.”

  “Delete it,” Calloway said suddenly.

  “What?” Breccan and Easton said simultaneously.

  “I said delete it,” Calloway repeated. “We aren’t doing that.”

  Breccan pulled his hair in frustration. “You’re so annoying, Calloway! He would never do the same for you and you know it. This misplaced empathy is going to be the death of you.”

  “So be it,” he said. “Now delete it.”

  Easton stared at him for a moment. “Calloway—”

  “I know he wouldn’t give me the same respect,” Calloway interrupted. “I get that. But I’m not him and that’s what makes me better. So delete it. I don’t need this video to prove that—I do it on a daily basis.”

  “Fine.” Easton sighed. She pressed a button on her phone and deleted the video. “But if I recorded it, I’m certain other students did as well. It’s probably going to get out anyway.”

  “That’s out of my control,” Calloway said. “And I wouldn’t make any effort to stop it.”

  Breccan sighed. “That’s a surprise,” he said sarcastically.

  “This dance was horrible,” Easton said. “And that was the highlight of the night.”

  “It was the highlight of the year,” Breccan said. “That deserves another high-five.” He raised his hand and smacked it against Weston’s palm.

  “Well, I had a good time.” Weston smiled.

  Calloway looked at her. “Me too.”

  “There’s still an hour left of the dance,” Easton said. “Would you rather stay or go?”

  Breccan stared at her. “Is that a real question?” he asked. “None of us like to dance or even want to be here. Let’s leave and get something to eat.”

  “Let’s go,” Calloway said.

  They left the gymnasium and walked through the winter night toward the car. Calloway took off his jacket and gave it to Weston without asking her. If he was cold, he knew she was—it was freezing. Weston wrapped the jacket tightly around her body and enjoyed the warmth. Easton put the heater on full blast when they got in the car and they drove to a fast food restaurant and ate their fries and milkshakes in the car. Calloway paid for their meal since he had extra money. Now he was
thankful Mr. Avey gave him back some of the cash—he would have been embarrassed if he couldn’t pay for Weston’s dinner—especially since it was cheap.

  “At least tonight didn’t turn out that bad,” Easton said. “It could have been worse.”

  “Did you two have a good time fighting?” Weston asked. “It looked like fun.”

  “We weren’t fighting,” Breccan said. “She was just yelling at me.”

  Easton glared at him. “Do you want me to yell at you again?”

  Breccan grabbed one of his fries and handed it to her. “Are you hungry?” he asked.

  Calloway laughed. The last time he offered her his food Easton was nice to him, touched by the tender gesture. Calloway had a feeling that moment wouldn’t be repeated.

  Easton grabbed the fry and through it in his face. It fell to the floorboard of the car.

  “Don’t waste it!” Breccan yelled.

  “All you care about is food,” Easton snapped.

  “And all you care about is being annoying,” he snapped.

  “Look what you did,” Calloway whispered to Weston. “It doesn’t take much.”

  “Knock it off,” Weston said. “Turn on the radio or something. Your voices make my eardrums shatter.”

  Easton turned on the stereo and looked at the time. “We should go.” She sighed. “The dance was over an hour ago. Steve is probably wondering where I am.”

  “Who’s Steve?” Breccan asked.

  “My stepdad.” She sighed.

  “I didn’t know that your mom was remarried,” Breccan said.

  “She isn’t. It’s her boyfriend but I just call him that—it’s quicker.” Easton put the car in drive and drove down the street to Breccan’s. They said nothing on the way back and Calloway felt the tension in the air. He was more aware of himself than usual because he was sitting so close to Weston. Her arm brushed his thigh when she moved and it made his skin tingle. Calloway tried to focus his attention on the scenery outside the window.

  Easton parked the car in the driveway when they reached the house.

  “Good night,” Breccan said as he got out. He closed the door behind him and walked to the front door. Easton watched him from the front seat.

  “I’m sorry I couldn’t walk you to your door,” Calloway said to Weston.

  Weston smiled at him. “That’s okay,” she said. “I can manage.”

  “Thank you for coming with me,” he said. “I really appreciate it. And thanks for standing up for me. That was an epic moment.”

  “We aim to please.”

  Calloway smiled at her. “Good night.”

  “Good night.” Weston leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. Her lips lingered on his skin for a moment, and Calloway could feel the softness of her mouth. Her arms brushed against his and he could feel the heat of her body through his jacket. When she pulled away she was smiling at him. “That one was just for you.”

  The Heist

  Calloway was relieved the last day of winter term had finally arrived. He had an exam in every class but that didn’t dampen his spirit or ruin his day—he was almost done. He took his morning finals without any complications and sat in the library with his friends at lunch. None of them were studying for their afternoon exams because they didn’t care anymore—they just wanted it to end.

  Calloway received his SAT scores by mail and he hadn’t opened the letter yet. He’d been staring at the envelope all day but he didn’t have the courage to look at the scores. He was going to wait until after class and ask Mr. Avey to do the honor. The SAT score was his wager into college. His grades weren’t high enough to make him a competitive candidate but if his score was outstanding, he might have a real chance. Fresno University was his desired institution, and he was determined to be accepted.

  Breccan was eating his chips at the table in the library. “Have you talked to Weston?” he asked.

  “No,” Calloway said. He hadn’t stopped thinking about their last kiss and how it made him feel. He knew he was immensely attracted to her—her outside beauty as well as her inner—and he had great respect for her, but he also knew she wasn’t interested in him.

  “She was totally flirting with you,” Breccan said.

  “I know she was,” he said. Calloway never told his cousin about the kiss and he decided to keep it to himself.

  Breccan stared at him. “And you aren’t going to pursue her?”

  Calloway sighed. “No,” he said. “She was only flirting with me to make me look good. That was the only reason why she came with me.”

  “I don’t know,” Breccan said. “She must be a very good actress.”

  “And if even she was flirting with me that doesn’t mean anything.” Calloway looked at Easton. “Doesn’t she flirt with everyone but never commits to a guy?”

  Easton nodded. “That’s how she is. Calloway is right—she doesn’t see him like that.”

  “Thank you,” Calloway said.

  “And if she did have feelings for Calloway she would tell me,” Easton said. “We argue a lot but we tell each other everything. And she would never date someone younger than her—even if it is only by a year.”

  Calloway looked at his cousin. “Drop it,” he said. “She doesn’t like me and I don’t like her.”

  “Now you’re just lying.” Breccan laughed.

  Calloway sighed. “Yes, I think she’s great. She’s beautiful, amazing, and funny, but I just see her as a friend—nothing more.”

  “So, you would turn her down if she wanted you?” Breccan asked.

  “That would never happen.”

  “So you would go out with her?”

  “Obviously.” Calloway laughed. “I would be stupid not to. But that’s never going to happen and I’m fine with that.”

  “A guy can always hope,” Breccan said.

  “And it would be a wasted hope,” Calloway said.

  The lunch bell rang and they finished their afternoon finals. Since they were taking an exam in photography the classroom had to remain silent, to Calloway’s advantage, and Hawk didn’t say a word to him. He wasn’t sure if Weston’s attack had quieted Hawk’s resolve to torment Calloway, but he was relieved that he wouldn’t have to deal with it until the spring term.

  After the school bell rang, Calloway walked to Mr. Avey’s classroom and sat in his usual seat.

  Mr. Avey looked at him. “Your detention sessions are over,” he said. “I have nothing left to teach you—for now.”

  Calloway smiled. “Well, that’s disappointing.”

  “What can I do for you, Mr. Martins? I’m certain there’s a reason for your visit.”

  “Actually, there is,” Calloway said as he took out the letter and placed it on his desk. “I got my scores.”

  Mr. Avey stared at him. “And how’d you do?”

  Calloway shrugged. “I haven’t opened it,” he said. “I was hoping you would do it. You paid for it.”

  Mr. Avey rose from his desk and grabbed the letter. He opened the seal and started to read the scores. Calloway felt his heart accelerate as Mr. Avey looked at the details. He wasn’t sure what was taking so long. Calloway feared he didn’t do well. When he looked up, Mr. Avey was staring at him.

  “I spoke the truth,” he said. “I really do have nothing to teach you.” He tossed the letter on the desk. “Congratulations.”

  Calloway grabbed the letter and looked at his score—it was almost perfect. The news washed over him like a new tide and he felt his body relax. It was exactly the score he was hoping for. “That’s a relief.”

  “I’m not surprised,” Mr. Avey said as he leaned against the desk. “Now you can attend whatever college you wish.”

  “Really?” he asked.

  He nodded. “And you won’t have to worry about the funds. I’m sure you’ll receive a full scholarship.”

  “This is too good to be true,” Calloway whispered.

  “You aunt and uncle will be very proud.”

  “And shocked.”
Calloway laughed.

  “I’m sure your family knows you are gifted.”

  “No,” Calloway said as he shook head. “They have no idea. My grades don’t reflect my abilities at all. They’ll assume I cheated.”

  Mr. Avey laughed. “Well, if their nephew is smart enough to cheat on the SAT and not get caught, he is a genius.”

  Calloway rose from his desk and placed the letter in his pocket. He stared at Mr. Avey for a moment and the room became quiet. The same thought was passing between them but Calloway couldn’t find the right words to say. Mr. Avey had been the father away from home and been the safe haven that he needed. He couldn’t put into words how much that meant to him. After a moment, he finally spoke. “Have a good holiday, Mr. Avey.”

  He nodded. “Merry Christmas, Calloway.”

  Calloway left the classroom and walked toward the parking lot. The students were exchanging Christmas gifts on the sidewalk and laughing together as they said their farewells. Breccan was standing on the curb waiting for him.

  “Finally,” Breccan said. “Mom is going to be here any minute.”

  “Why did she want to pick us up today?”

  “She wants to take us out for a treat since it’s the last day of school,” Breccan answered.

  “That’s nice of her.”

  “It’ll be something small—like a milkshake or something.”

  “That’s still really thoughtful,” Calloway said. “I don’t want her to spend any money on me though.”

  “She started working a few days ago,” Breccan said.

  Calloway stared at his cousin. “She did?”

  “Yeah, she works at a department store ringing up customers. She doesn’t walk around a lot so that’s good news.”

  Calloway sighed. “I was hoping to avoid this,” he said. “I’ve saved some money but it’s not enough to replace the camera.”

  “It’s okay,” he said. “You tried. And my mom isn’t going to work permanently. Maybe you could combine your money so she can quit.”

  “I have a feeling your parents wouldn’t take the money,” Calloway said. “I was going to slip it into her wallet.”

  “And you think they won’t notice a few extra hundred bucks?” Breccan asked incredulously. “My mom can be forgetful but she isn’t stupid.”