Mangled Hearts: Francesca and Cade (Scarred Hearts)

by Felicia Tatum

  Gasping, she looked down in horror, “Cade…it’s hurt,” she cried out.

  I moved closer, seeing a small puncture on its side. Francesca looked like she was about to burst into tears, so I decided to act fast. “Here, let me have him,” I said, reaching for the ball of fur.

  “How do you know it’s a him?” she asked, caressing its back.

  “I don’t,” I admitted. “But you need to go to work, and the kitty needs to go to the vet, so let me take it. You can come get it after work…assuming you want to keep it?” I questioned, a small grin playing at my lips.

  Her mouth fell open in shock, “Of course I want to keep it, Cade. Look at the poor little orphan! It’ll die if I take it to a shelter.”

  “What if it has an owner?” I said, suddenly wondering if a neighbor of mine had lost it.

  “Then it needs a better one. It’s hurt, so obviously they didn’t love it like I will,” she stated. Looking down at it lovingly, she whispered, “Like I do.”

  I looked at her, remembering just how much I’d always adored her huge heart and loving ways. She continued to pet and whisper to the kitten as I watched. I stood, reaching down to take it from her. She reluctantly released it, but not before giving me stern instructions to not hurt, drop, or mentally damage the creature in any way.

  Chuckling, I reached my free hand down to assist her in standing. “Let me help, Francesca.”

  More bouts of electrical currents moved through my body when our skin came in contact. She stood, her eyes in a deep connection with mine. The kitten meowed, breaking our trance.

  “Let me get you some money,” she said, rushing back to the car before I could tell her it wasn’t necessary. She bent over in the car, her body distracting my thoughts from the vet in an instant. I missed her touch, her kiss, her laugh. Everything.

  She bounded up to me, bending down to rescue her shoes and thrust $200 in my face. “Take this. Get kitty all the help it needs, and find out if it’s a boy or girl. It needs a name,” she said, a huge smile crossing her face. She bent, nuzzling its head and kissing it gently, before looking back up into my eyes. “Thank you, Cade. I’ll be back later.”

  “How? You don’t have your car. Let me pick you up from work,” I suggested, desperate for more time with her.

  She bit her lip as she contemplated my offer. “Ok…don’t forget kitty.” She walked off, turning one last time and giving me a small wave.

  My heart almost flew out of my chest. I’d managed to get her back in my life. Now I had to figure out a way to make sure I didn’t lose her again.

  Chapter Seven-Francesca

  I stumbled in my office building, barely hearing Zander shout his greeting as I passed. Tumbling through my office door, I collapsed in my swirly chair, kicking my shoes off, and spreading my papers in front of me. I glanced through the “while you were out” notes Zander had piled on my desk, groaning at all the people that demanded my attention today.

  I switched on my computer and checked my emails to see if Cade had a court date yet. He’d been in trouble before. I remembered it, but I wasn’t sure if he was legal when it happened. He might be able to get out of this with minimal punishment.

  I logged my notes, adding them to the folder I’d created for his case. After catching up on all I could for Cade, I began on the Archuleta case. Mr. Phillips had left me a message saying the court date began tomorrow, and he needed a few more bits of information for the arguing lawyer to take with him. I buried myself in the research. I skipped lunch since I’d gotten in the office so late. I somehow had managed to keep my thoughts of Cade to a minimum, which wasn’t an easy task for me. When his face had been mere inches from mine, I couldn’t help but remember the first time he’d kissed me. My first kiss ever.

  9 years prior-March

  I’d finally obtained my license and was allowed to drive my mom’s old car to school. It wasn’t much to look at, but it beat taking two busses every day. Since I got bored a lot (I somehow managed to finish all my school work and ended up with no homework. Every single day.), I would drive around town after school, and see if there was anything to get into, or anyone to talk to. That’s what teenagers did, right?

  It was a beautiful spring day with the sun shining brightly and just a few clouds decorating the sky. The trees and flowers were in full bloom, giving everything a new beginning feel and heavenly smell. I rolled down the windows, breathing the fresh air deep in my lungs. I’d made it through half the town when I saw him. He leaned against his vehicle, hands deep in his pockets, and his mind lost in thought. His boot trailed a circle in the dirt. When the light turned green, I pulled the car to a stop behind him, smiling and cocking my head in question. He strutted forward, a delighted smile on his face and gleam in his eyes.

  “Francesca? What are you doing?” he asked, leaning down where his arm rested on my window seal and his face was no more than five inches from mine.

  “I was just out and about, saw you standing there. Everything ok?” I asked, tucking a stray hair behind my ear.

  He smiled brightly, “My car isn’t working at the moment. My dad has to come get it.”

  “Oh, that’s awful,” I said, thinking about my next move. I did something I didn’t even think I could. “Do you want a ride somewhere?” I questioned hopefully. I wanted to spend some time with him alone. We hadn’t since the day we skipped school, and just talking to him in the halls wasn’t enough. Now that I drove everywhere, I didn’t get to see him at the bus stop either. My heart sped up in anticipation.

  He looked at me, his mind reeling. I could almost see the wheels turning. “Let’s ride around and see if there’s anything to do,” he suggested, jogging around to the passenger door. He slid in, his face beaming with excitement.

  I just prayed I wouldn’t wreck the car in his presence.

  “So, what’s up?” he asked, snapping the seat belt buckle.

  “Not much,” I said, glancing at him for a moment. “I got bored with just my sister to talk to, so I came out to town.”

  “How old is your sister?” he asked.

  “Thirteen. She’ll be coming to high school soon. Yay,” I said, not at all excited. I threw my arm up, mocking a happy wave.

  He laughed, “It’s not as bad as you’d think. My brother, Cason, came this year. Me a senior and him a freshman, I was worried. But he’s ended up more popular than I am, so it’s all good.”

  I giggled, “I doubt that,” I said, turning the car onto a back road.

  “Oh, I know where we can go,” he said, moving swiftly in his seat.

  I grabbed my heart, “You startled me. I’ve only been driving a few months. No. Sudden. Movements. Cade.” I said, glaring at him out of the corner of my eye.

  He stifled a laugh, his eyes growing wide. He reached out, his hand rubbing my thigh. “Sorry,” he said, gently. He looked forward, not moving his ever growing warm hand, “turn right on the next road,” he instructed.

  I did as he told me, my mind not breaking away from his hand caressing my knee. He killed me inside every time he did that. He drove me crazy in ways I didn’t know were possible. I searched my surroundings, not seeing a business anywhere in site. Or even any homes. “Where are we going?” I inquired.

  He squeezed my knee and released his grip. “Up ahead, pull into that gravel area.”

  I did as I was told, my curiosity going wild. I parked the car, turning to him for answers. He simply smiled and got out of the car. I followed, hot on his trail. “Cade…” I said, my stomach gripping in knots. I trusted him…but I couldn’t help but think of every single scary story I had watched or read. You never go in the woods with a boy. Ever.

  He must have sensed my apprehension, because he reached out and took my hand in his. Our fingers interlocked and sparks shot up my arm and straight to my heart. It fluttered in excitement, and my uneasiness floated away with the slight breeze. We were surrounded in trees, and looked to be heading deeper into the woods. I gingerly stepped over st
umps and rocks, determined to not fall and embarrass myself. The trees came to life, swaying in the wind, as if the branches were waving to us as we passed. The silence surrounding us made me highly aware that I was in the woods alone with the one and only Cade Kelling.

  “Just up here, there’s something I want you to see,” he said, smiling and stepping up to lead me.

  My heart skipped a beat and I quickened my pace. We came to a clearing overlooking a huge bluff. The rocks were jacked and aged, but so beautiful. There was a tiny guard rail that I assumed was to ensure no one fell off the edge, but I didn’t see that helping much. Large blooming trees decorated the other side, making the view magnificent. We stopped at a huge boulder, and he pulled me down to sit with him. Now that I was so close, I could smell the faint scent of alcohol.

  “Have you been drinking?” I asked, nonchalantly.

  His smile disappeared and he looked down, disappointed. “Yeah…I just had a few,” he admitted.

  I’d heard the rumors that he drank and did drugs, but he’d never said anything to me about it. I didn’t pry, figuring he would tell me if he wanted me to know. I didn’t say anything, only waited for him to continue.

  “Francesca…I’m sorry. You deserve so much better than me. I don’t know what I’m doing. I’m just a loser that can’t stop drinking or getting into drugs at parties,” he looked at me, desperation in his eyes. “Please, tell me to go away.”

  “I can’t. I drove you here,” I said, trying to lighten the mood.

  He closed his eyes, “You know what I mean.”

  “I can’t,” I whispered.

  He put his hand on my face, caressing my cheek. “You’re so beautiful and you don’t even know it. Those girls that are mean to you…they’ve broken your self-esteem. I wish you could see you the way I do. A gorgeous girl with the most amazing brown eyes I’ve ever seen.”

  I gasped as he leaned his head forward. I’d never been kissed before and I had no idea what to do. Yes, sixteen years old and never had a boy interested enough to kiss me. And he thought he was a loser. His lips took mine, and fireworks exploded all around me. The sensation of Cade’s lips moving against mine sent an army of butterflies to my stomach. His hand moved up to my hair, pulling me closer. I gently moved my lips in the way he did, growing nervous from my inexperience. I tore myself from him, turning my head away to hide my embarrassment.

  “What…,” he said, slightly out of breath.

  “I’m sorry, I’ve never kissed before,” I mumbled.

  “You’ve never been kissed?” he prodded gently.

  I shook my head no.

  He grabbed my chin, turning my face to look at him. “Francesca, I can’t believe that. That was an amazing kiss. You are an amazing kisser,” he said, smiling and pushing my hair out of my face. “I’m honored I was the first.”

  I could only smile back. My mouth wouldn’t work because my mind was in overdrive. I’d just had my first kiss…with the boy I may very well be falling in love with.

  Present Day

  The shrill sound of the office intercom broke me from my memories. I pushed the flashing red button, “Yes?”

  Zander’s deep and powerful voice filled my office, “Francesca, Mr. Kelling just called and left a message for you. He wanted me to tell you that the situation is taken care of, everything is as it’s supposed to be, and he will meet you at the appointed time.”

  I sat silently. Cade had called my office. I don’t know why I was surprised. Or maybe I did…he had never really been the “call and let me know things” type of guy. He’d stood me up on many occasions in our past, but something seemed different this time.

  “Francesca?” Zander inquired.

  “Oh, sorry, Zan. I wrote it down. Thanks so much.”

  “Welcome, talk to you later,” he said cheerfully, cutting the connection.

  I couldn’t let myself think this time was different. It couldn’t be different. Things would never be the same after everything we’d been through. I couldn’t let myself get lost in my fairytale longings. Sighing heavily in frustration, I tore my mind from his silky hair I wanted to just run my fingers through over and over, and his soulful eyes that penetrated my soul every time I looked into them. I had to work on the Archuleta case.

  And I did, the rest of the afternoon.

  Chapter Eight-Cade

  The vet had been able to see us immediately. The kitten, a boy, had been attacked by a dog according to the looks of the puncture wounds. The vet cleaned him and medicated the area, then gave me one of those bowl things to go around his neck. I couldn’t help but laugh hysterically at how ridiculous this poor cat looked. After the vet, I made a stop at Walmart and picked up essentials for her new pet: food, litter box, litter, and a collar. I’d ended up back home in less than an hour after Francesca left, giving me the day free. I had a job. I didn’t like it much these days, but Pops had made sure I was free for our meeting this morning.

  Anger rose in me as I realized he probably knew Francesca was going to be my lawyer. The dirt bag did that on purpose, hoping I would make a fool of myself in front of her. Mom couldn’t have known…she knew how much Francesca always meant to me. She’d never even met her, yet she loved her. I punched the coffee table, making the kitten jump up from what appeared to be an uncomfortable looking nap. I reached out, caressed his head. “Sorry,” I told it, petting him until he relaxed back to sleep. I jumped up, rushing to the kitchen to grab a bottle of Jack. It was merely 11 a.m., so I knew I could have it out of my system before I had to go get Francesca. I sat back, relaxing with the calming liquid in my hand. Flipping the TV on, I channel surfed through the bottle. Time had a way of getting away from me.

  ###

  I woke suddenly, my mind fuzzy, the empty Jack bottle on the coffee table in front of me. I was supposed to do something. I looked around, trying to gather my bearings when I saw the cat staring at me expectantly. “Shit. Francesca.” I frantically searched for my phone, grabbing it from my side table. The time showed I had ten minutes to be there. I knew I’d never make it on time. I dialed the office, let the assistant know I would be running late, and ran to find my keys. I gathered the food, the cat, and the medicine from the vet and dashed out the door.

  I drove recklessly, but that was nothing new with me. I slammed my hand against the steering wheel as I sat waiting for another red light. I growled at the clock on the dash, wishing I had gum or something to get rid of the alcohol on my breath.

  I pulled into the firm’s parking lot, skidding to a stop when I saw Francesca nearing the vehicle. I reached across, opened her door, while madly trying to stop the cat from escaping. She gasped, caught the cat in her arms, and glared at me. “Really, Cade? Just open the door with a cat in the car?”

  “Sorry,” I said, praying she couldn’t tell I’d been drinking.

  I heard her sniffle…then she sniffed the air, leaning closer to do it again. “You’re drinking and driving,” she spat at me, anger evident on her gorgeous face.

  “It’s been hours, it’s ok…”

  “I cannot believe you would drink and get behind the wheel of a car after what happened. Dammit, Cade, put the car in park and let me drive,” she demanded, grasping the cat firmly and stepping out of the vehicle.

  It seemed I didn’t have a choice in the matter, so I shifted gears and got out, avoiding her death glare. I hated that she was right so much, and I hated more that I’d upset her after I thought I’d gotten in a good spot with her.

  She sat behind the wheel, putting the cat down in the backseat. She adjusted the seat, mirror, and wheel to her liking, not once looking at me. I studied her, realizing just how sexy she was when she was angry. Probably wasn’t the best time to tell her that, though.

  “Do you want to know what the vet said?” I questioned, hoping to change the subject so she would forget some of her anger.

  The car jerked forward. “Yes,” she replied firmly and with no emotion. She stared straight ahead, not once g
lancing at me.

  “Well, it’s a he, like I said, and he has to wear that bowl thing for ten days. You have another appointment then. The card is in my wallet, and the doctor gave me some antibiotics to help heal him.”

  She didn’t say anything. Her eyes were locked on the road. I didn’t know where we were going, but it wasn’t back to my place. I leaned back as the cat climbed over the back of my seat and curled up in my lap.

  “Hamlet,” she said, gazing at the red light we had been at for what seemed like forever.

  “Excuse me?” I asked, confused.

  “His name is Hamlet,” she said, nodding to the sleeping fur ball in my lap.

  I stroked his back, his purring kicking up a notch even though he didn’t open his eyes. “Hamlet. I like it. Why Hamlet, though?”

  “It was my favorite Shakespeare play in high school,” she told me, her voice flat. The light turned green, and she eased the car back in motion.

  “Francesca…” I attempted to explain, but she cut me off fast.

  Holding her hand up, voice stern, she said, “Not now, Cade. Just wait until I get you sobered up.”

  “I’m fine,” I tried to tell her, but she shook her head and kept driving.

  “I can’t do this,” she said, her voice shaking.

  I backed off, staring out the window instead. I knew we were on the other side of town, but I had no idea where she lived now. Being a lawyer, I supposed she had an upscale place, making my small apartment dull in comparison. I had a one bedroom that was perfect for me. Easy to clean, simple to furnish, it was actually more than I needed. She turned on a street that housed modest homes, and I was surprised. I thought for sure she would have an apartment, but this whole street was houses.