by K. Walker
My chest swelled, and my eyes burned as the sensations I’d been running from clutched me in my breast, and the unbearable pain of her loss weighed me down again.
“Oh, sweetie,” Aunt Celine whispered and pulled me in again for another hug. “Shh. It’s okay. I miss her so much, too. You’re not alone.”
I clung to her as the tears stained her expensive shirt, and she didn’t care. She held me for as long as I cried, and I was glad that I, at least, had her.
When she let go, her eyes were glossy, too. “The bathroom is right next to the bedroom. You can go and wash up if you want. Tyson’s room is on the other side. Liv is across the hall and Robert and I are on the other wing. Guest rooms are downstairs.”
“Okay, but I’ll wash up later.”
“Whenever you’re ready and don’t be afraid to ask me, or Robert, for anything. We’re more than glad that you’re here with us.”
“Thank you,” I smiled through my sniffles.
“I don’t mean to be so blunt, but we have some official business to talk about. Like I had told you, you’re enrolled in Bridal Creek High. I’m going to have to see about getting you a car. You have a driver’s license, right?”
“I do,” I told her and sat on the footstool.
“Great. I’ll have to get you a car. But you can ride with Tyson or Liv, for now. Um, what am I forgetting?” she asked herself and pinched her lower lip. “Oh, your schedule and locker assignment were emailed, right?”
“Yep,” I replied.
“Great. That’s your work station,” she stated and pointed to a small desk, chair and lamp in the corner. There was a computer on it, and by the looks of it, I could tell it was also new. “I just put that there because Liv and Tyson live out of their room so I assumed you would do the same.”
“Oh, yeah, that’s fine,” I said gratefully. “You’ve done more than enough, Aunt Celine.”
She clapped her hands together. “Okay, so that’s that. Shall we go eat?”
“Yes!” I said emphatically and jumped up. “My stomach is getting numb.”
She laughed as she looped her hand through mine. “I’m going to love having you here,” she beamed as we walked out of the room.
We were a few feet away from the staircase when Robert stepped into view. He glanced across at us, and his brows narrowed like he was wondering who I was. Then they straightened as he remembered.
“Hi, you must be Quinn,” he said and thumbed through some envelopes he had in his hand.
“Yes,” I replied stiffly. I wasn’t sure how to relate to him just yet. “It was nice of you to offer me a home here.”
“Oh, you’re welcome, dear,” he replied without looking at us. “It was your aunt’s idea, but family is always welcomed here.”
“In any case, I’m glad,” I said politely.
He looked up, and I was suddenly struck by how good he looked. There wasn’t a single age-line or crow’s feet at the corner of his eyes. His forehead was smooth like he never had a care in the world. He wore slacks that fit his form like they had been made for him, and his hard, muscled chest pressed against the button-down shirt he wore. His brown hair was smoothed back, which made his facial features even more prominent.
But it was his eyes that struck me the most – I couldn’t read a damned thing from them. It was as if he had purposely shut the world out.
“It was nice meeting you, but I’m afraid I have to run,” he said and walked off quickly.
“Darling, are you leaving again?” Aunt Celine called after him.
“Yes, dear,” he said almost too formally. “I’m going to the Country Club for a while with the guys,” he announced without looking back. He stopped outside the door and looked back at us. “Do you want to come?”
“No, of course not,” she replied. “I can’t leave Quinn on her first day here.”
“No, that’s okay,” I began to say.
She squeezed my arm. “No, it’s not.”
“Well, suit yourself,” he said and disappeared inside the room.
Okay, then!
We looked at each other and raised our brows at the same time. “And that’s Robert,” she said with a laugh. “Ignore him, and you’ll be fine. I learned to,” she giggled, and I did too as we walked back down the stairs to the kitchen.
And my stomach rumbled when I smelled Lily’s finished dishes.
Chapter 4
I looked at my reflection in the mirror, and I didn’t recognize the girl I saw.
Aunt Celine was waiting outside for me, and Olivia was sitting on the sectional we used in the trailer. Her eyes were as red and puffy as mine. I didn’t think I had tears left, but every time I thought I was done, I would start crying again. I had absolutely no control.
“This is so annoying!” I shouted. I was angry at everyone and everything. It wasn’t fucking fair! This damned black dress that made me look like a shroud. These heels that pinched my feet. The blistering heat outside. Didn’t it always rain at funerals? That’s the lie they fed us on TV. Maybe they just wanted to make it seem sadder.
I would have liked if it had rained. At least then, I could cry uninterrupted. And the sunshine outside didn’t make it any less sad. I was even angry at the sun for shining.
“Quinn, don’t be so hard on yourself, okay?” she said soothingly as she stood. “Do you want me to wait outside?”
“No,” I sniffled and sucked in a deep breath. “I’m okay now.”
But I wasn’t close to it. Still, I had to get through the day and afterward. I wiped my face and reapplied some makeup so I wouldn’t greet all the other mourners looking like a zombie. Everyone was as somber as the day, handing me more grief with each handshake and pat on the shoulder.
I was basically led into the church, from arm to arm, with Olivia in close pursuit. I could tell she was afraid of leaving me alone — no telling what I would do. Or if I would actually run away like I had threatened.
I didn’t hear much of what was said inside the church.
A bunch of people, some I didn’t even recognize, others who hadn’t been to see my mom in months, or years, even those who had been so mean to her, all stood and gave some stellar performances. It made me sick. I wanted to chase them all out. They were hypocrites, and I was angry at them, too.
I clenched my fists as the pastor spoke about her, about her being in heaven with the angels, and all I could think was that heaven didn’t even need another one. I needed her! I was all alone, and I began sniffling again.
Aunt Celine placed her hand around my shoulder and rocked me. It was strange how I didn’t remember her, but she didn’t feel like a stranger either. She had a kind face and made it so much harder to be mad at her. She looked so much like my mother.
I used to know her, though. Mom used to talk about her. She had hated my father, especially when he got mixed up with the wrong crowd and kept bringing his problems home. Aunt Celine had tried to get mom to leave him, and that’s how they had argued and Mom had told her to leave her alone.
I was pretty sure there was more to the story than that, but that was the version I got. I was four at the time – thirteen years ago – and I didn’t remember anything about it. But she was the only living relative I had, and the crushing pain gripped me again.
It was even harder at the burial site. Bowed heads covered by hats sniffled and sang sadly. I stood where I could see the coffin, and my lips trembled as I stared at the open box. My feet started to move, and I inched closer to the open casket. I could see her face, her lips locked tight, and her hands stiff at her sides.
My chest started to thump again, and my head felt like it was about to explode. My entire body shook, and I looked into her face, willing her to get out of the casket.
To get up!
To come back to me.
I was angry at her, too, for leaving me, and the tears filled my eyes. I couldn’t see her face anymore. I wiped them away and looked again.
That time, her body sprang
upright, and her eyes opened.
“Aaahhh!!!”
I clutched my chest as my eyes opened and I bolted upright, panic seizing me. I panted and stared into the darkness. My chest was heaving, and my throat was dry.
I slapped my hand to my face and fell back against the pillows. I heaved an exasperated sigh as I remembered where I was. That wasn’t my bed. It wasn’t my home. I was a stranger there.
I couldn’t go back to sleep. I was afraid to. My heart still pounded from my nightmare, the one I’d had ever since Mom died. I tossed and turned, and then sat upright. I glanced at the door as my heavy bladder began to get a little uncomfortable.
I wasn’t sure why I was nervous. It wasn’t like I was trespassing, yet, that was exactly how I felt. I got up and my feet sank into the softest bedside rug I had ever felt. I needed to use the bathroom, but my head was foggy, and I felt dizzy as I walked across the room.
I cracked the door open and glanced down the hallway. It was dark, with faint shadows dancing on the walls because of the moonlight streaming in through the windows.
I checked both ways like I was crossing the street and walked closer to where I thought the bathroom was. I saw a light under the door, and my heart sank. I thought about going back to my room, but the urge to pee was too strong.
I started writhing and rubbing my legs together to keep from wetting myself. I really needed to go. I hurried further down the hallway to where I thought the bathroom was. I could barely see anything at that point when I pushed the door in without thinking. The light struck my retina, flooding it with a blinding flash. I raised my hand to cover my eyes until they adjusted.
When I removed them, I was face to face with a tall, brown-haired, muscular, and very naked boy. His eyes searched mine, and he didn’t move.
“Who the fuck are you?” he asked sternly.
“Sorry,” I muttered and attempted to leave. “I didn’t know anyone was in here.” I tried to look away, but his junk was just there, dangling in front of him, hypnotizing me. I wanted to look away, but the pull was too strong.
“Do you like the show?” he asked in an annoyed voice.
I closed my eyes tightly and turned. “I’m sorry. I just really needed to pee.”
“Well, there’s the toilet. Pee!” he fumed.
I wrinkled my brow and turned back to him. He hadn’t moved. Instead, his arms were crossed over tight pecs and solid abs. His brown eyes were intense, and they flashed of arrogance. He had every right to be, and I assumed he must be Tyson Pierce.
I was trespassing in his home.
“With you standing there?” I managed to ask when he gave no indication of moving.
“Why not? You’re still looking at my cock? What’s wrong if I get a look at your pussy?”
“You know what? I think I can hold it,” I replied and started to back away.
“Good. Just get the fuck out then!” He growled and slammed the door in my face.
My heart was racing by the time I stepped into the hallway again. I no longer had the urge to pee. I ran back to my room, amazed that I found my way in the dark again. I hit the bed face down and pummeled my fists into the soft mattress.
The effect was anticlimactic!
I clenched my jaw and flipped over onto my back. If that was Tyson Pierce, and he was a twin, then I had no reason to believe his sister would be any more welcoming of me.
I hated living there already!
I had nothing to look forward to but a new school year in a new school, where I knew no one and everything was unfamiliar to me. I could easily have been living on the moon.
I sighed. Is it too late to just get back on a plane and go back to the familiarity of the trailer park? That was the most logical thing for me to do. But I could hear Mom’s voice in my head. She had always wanted the best for me, and I would try for her and Aunt Celine. At least she was nice.
She had to know how awful Tyson would be. The gall of him! Not because it was his house. He had no right to be that mean to me. I hadn’t meant to walk in on him – if the place was more familiar to me, I would have found the bathroom quite easily.
All sorts of thoughts flooded my brain. And none were good. I dreaded what would happen the following day as I started to play out scenarios in my head.
I wiped my hand down my face and was surprised to realize that I had been sweating bullets. I was nervous as hell, and I lay awake for a long time before sleep finally visited me.
But that was no easier because the face that met me there brought me as much comfort as it did distress. And I woke up several times before morning, shivering, and mopping up tears.
“I need you, Mom,” I whispered to the room as I hugged the pillow and pretended it was her.
Chapter 5
I had the worst night of my life.
Well, the second-worst. The first was that night Mom didn’t come home.
When I checked the time, I was surprised that it was already 10:24. No one had come to wake me up.
I’m shocked!
I rolled my eyes and got out of bed. I stood next to the canopied structure and wondered what the hell I was supposed to do. And then I remembered I had school the following day – I was obviously not going with Tyson. I was still undecided about Liv and hoped to hell that maybe she would be different than him.
I reached for my phone and saw that Aunt Celine had sent me a text message:
Aunt Celine: Good morning, sweetie. I didn’t bother waking you because I know you had a long day. I hope you had a restful sleep. We’ll be having brunch by the pool later. You’ll officially meet everyone then.
Me: Okay, and thanks, I did.
I had to lie – I didn’t want her to know how much of a jerk Tyson had been last night, or that I was still having nightmares that kept me awake for most of the time. Still, I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe he was in a bad mood or just shocked that I had walked in on him naked.
I was a little anxious after I dressed in my ripped, jean shorts and navy tank, and headed into the hallway towards the bathroom. Thankfully, no one was in there this time, and I closed the door and looked around.
It was pretty much what I had expected – golden claw-foot tub, matching walk-in shower with glass doors. One look revealed similar golden finishing on the taps and towel bars.
I stood in front of the large oval mirror over the face basin and checked myself. I turned my head from left to right and examined my messy hair. I wet my hands and finger-raked my hair before grabbing it up at the top of my head in a semi-neat ponytail.
I smoothed the edges of my hair and satisfied that I looked presentable enough and finished washing up before I exited.
My heart was beating against my chest. I was nervous as hell as I walked down the stairs. I didn’t even know where I was going or what I should be doing. I was relieved when I spotted Aunt Celine through one of the openings so I hurried over to her.
“Oh, there you are,” she said and smiled. “I was about to send Mae to check on you.”
“Mae?” I asked.
“Our head of housekeeping,” Aunt Celine replied. “We’ve been waiting for you. Come on; I’ll tell Lily we’re ready.”
Great!
If they were waiting for me, they wouldn’t be friendly. I was about to walk into enemy territory without a shield or a chance in hell.
Brunch was set up in the common room, yet another room I hadn’t seen before. Tyson was standing by the window; his back turned to us. A picture of his rigid, naked body flashed across my mind, and I quickly batted it away.
Liv was sitting on a sofa; her leg draped over the arm as she searched her phone. Her hair was out and curled down her back. The black-framed glasses she wore gave her a sophisticated look, and when she looked up, I noticed her coral, full lips.
“Oh, finally,” she said and sat up.
“Everyone, we’re about to start,” Aunt Celine said, and all eyes found me. “Where’s Robert?”
“He went out,” Tyson answered without looking. “Can’t say I blame him.”
“Tyson, be nice, will you?” Aunt Celine snapped, and he turned and held up his hands.
“Fine,” he said and looked at me. His eyes dug into mine, and I felt like I was slowly losing every piece of clothing I wore. I subconsciously hugged myself to block him out.
“Hello, Quinn. How was your sleep? I trust it was the best you’ve ever had.” He flashed me a smile, but there was no doubt as to what he was insinuating. He knew where I was from, and by his tone, I could tell he wasn’t going to let that go.
His brown hair was tousled, and his eyes flashed of fire. It was hard to deny his good looks, chiseled form, and self-assured attitude. But he was no prince charming. I had already seen his fangs and felt their pinch.
“Oh, good, we’re all here,” Robert said as he entered the room, rubbing his palms together.
“Are we staying here?” Tyson asked and scrunched up his face. “I thought we were going to the dining room.”
“Not this morning. I didn’t want it to be too formal,” Aunt Celine explained.
“Doesn’t matter to me. Let’s just get this over with,” Liv said in a bored voice. “I’m having friends over later.”
“Yep!” Tyson replied and plopped down on the sofa beside Liv. She nudged him when he practically sat on her.
For a moment, he looked like a human being that is until he glared at me again. I turned away and tried to avoid his gaze as much as I could. But somehow, my face kept returning, like some unknown force was coercing my actions.
It was like trying not to look at a disfigured face – you don’t want to look, but you can’t help it.
“Okay, just take a seat somewhere—anywhere.” She took her spot next to Robert. He was sitting in the large armchair by the fireplace, and she pulled up a chair.
That left me, in the middle of the room, with all eyes on me. I searched and found an unoccupied loveseat across from the twins and retreated there. I couldn’t even relax. I sat on the edge and clasped my hands between my knees as I looked at Aunt Celine.
