Set Me Free
Page 19
"So you don't feel so vulnerable then?" The counselor's eyes softened with a smile as I shook my head.
"Having people around me has really helped. They make me feel secure."
That was the truth. It had taken a long time for that helpless feeling to ebb. Even though the police and FBI had deemed me innocent and I hadn't been convicted of murder, I still felt like it would fall apart and my past could catch up to me. There was talk of me doing community service to make up for my conning, but after some pretty hefty persuasion from the Schultz's lawyer, the judge agreed to me doing a year's worth of counseling instead. In a way, Joanne was kind of like my parole officer, just a really soft-spoken, gentle one.
"So living with Zach's parents has ended up being a good thing?" She leaned back in her seat, twirling the pen in her fingers.
I nodded.
Upon hearing the news of Zach's summer, his parents cut their trip short. We tried to dissuade them, even Alex spent a good hour on the phone, but they were adamant and returned home the day before I got out of the hospital.
As nervous as I was about them knowing everything, they were the perfect anecdote in my recovery. Between them and Zach's friends, I was fussed over like royalty. It got a little irritating sometimes, but I'm sure my recovery was that much faster because of it.
Zach reluctantly left for college in August, leaving me bereft. That's when Loretta Schultz had put forward the counseling idea to their lawyer. My nightmares returned the day Zach flew out and it took less than a week for the lawyer to push with such tenacity that the judge would have been heartless to say no. At first, I hated the idea and nearly refused to go, but the judge ruled it and I had no choice. In retrospect, I'm grateful.
"So how about that urge to run? Do you feel like you can enter this next phase of your life and stay in it?"
My knee started bobbing the way it always did when I heard that three-letter word.
R-u-n.
On the counselor's advice I had joined the cross-country team at Monte Vista High. It helped to expel the pent up energy buzzing inside of me. Whenever things got hard, my first thought was always flight, but I was learning to reach for my running gear instead of my bag...tying on my trainers instead of shoving my belongs onto my shoulder and heading for the highway.
"I feel confident I can do this. I've managed to spend an entire year at high school as Lucy Tate and it's been okay."
"I know you didn't think you could handle it without Zach, but on reflection do you feel like this year apart has been good for you?"
I hated her for implying that when she first brought it up months ago. When Zach initially left I was surviving from one Skype call to the next. Life without him was torture and the amount of hours Tom Schultz held me in his arms while I cried was humiliating. He never said anything to that effect, just held me tight and kissed the top of my head. He was a good man, just like his son.
Clearing my throat, I focussed on picking the couch thread. "I guess it's made me independent. I mean I spent five years of my life looking after myself and then when Zach came along I just wanted to bury myself in his arms. So to have him leave was hard...really hard, but it forced me to keep busy and focus on school and knowing he was coming home each break made me want to stick around...so I could see him again. And Tom and Loretta paid for me to go to Arizona for my birthday, so that was good."
Joanne stole a glance at the notes on her desk. "You graduated with a 4.0 GPA. I say that was pretty good studying."
I grinned. "I like school and it's been really nice being there without having to worry about playing a role or trying to con anybody."
"Do you know what you want to study at college yet?"
With a scoffing laugh, I shook my head. "I'm still trying to get my head around the fact that I actually got in."
I bit my lip, excitement skittering through me. Alex had been instrumental in pulling strings and was able to collate all of my previous high school grades. After one full year at Monte Vista, I had everything I needed to go to college, something I never dreamed I could. My parents had left me our house in L.A. and the judge allowed me to take ownership of it on the condition that it was sold immediately so that debts could be repaid and I could get myself a tertiary education.
"I've chosen a variety of classes to start with and I'll see what sparks my interest. I keep coming back to the performing arts classes, but I'm not sure I should."
"Why?"
"Well, I've spent most of my teenage years pretending to be people I'm not and maybe it's just time to be me for a while."
"Doors are beginning to open up for you, Lucy." She leaned forward. "Maybe this is a path you'll take in your future. You obviously have a gift."
I smiled, my cheeks heating with color.
"You don't need to be afraid of what's ahead. Just remember to take one event at a time and if the past starts to weigh you down, go for a run, clear your head. You do not belong to your past."
I nodded.
"You are the new and improved Lucy Tate and you need to own that." She winked.
With a cheerful snicker, I pressed the thread back into the couch and glanced at my watch. My time was almost up. "Hey, I just want to thank you for talking me through all this stuff. I don't think I would have survived this year without you."
She grinned, leaning her elbow onto her crossed legs. "You know what, you're a lot tougher than you think you are. I'm confident after everything you've been through that you could survive anything." She reached out her hand and I leaned forward and grasped it. "I'm here for you anytime, no matter what part of the country you're in."
"Thank you."
She squeezed my hand. "The future is yours, Lucy. Go and claim it."
*****
I couldn't stop smiling as I drove back home. Stopping cautiously at the intersection, I checked each road before easing my way through. Tom Schultz had been teaching me how to drive and in spite of his assurances that I was really good, I still felt cautious.
The song on the radio forced a hum to reverberate inside my mouth. The future was mine. Damn, that felt good. I had a summer to look forward to and then the prospect of heading off to college...with my boyfriend.
My skin turned warm just thinking about it. He'd be home in two days time. We had a lot of catching up to do. I tittered. The very idea of his hands on my skin sent thrills buzzing through each nerve ending. As good as it was to be independent, it was such a huge relief to know that I never had to live away from him for this length of time again.
In two days time, my future really began and I couldn't wait to claim it.
My smile grew wider, if that was even possible, as I pulled into my driveway.
Pushing the door open, I grabbed my bag and threw it over my shoulder as I walked up the path. The house seemed eerily quiet as I opened the door. I thought Tom and Loretta said they'd be home.
That familiar fear spiked through me as I clicked the door shut. I glanced up the stairs, memories taunting me. Closing my eyes, I leaned against the door, drawing in a deep breath and wondering if I should hit the road for a run.
"Hey, Lulu."
My eyes flew open, joy flooding my system as I let out a squeal and flew into Zach's arms. He caught me, chuckling as he took a step back to counter my attack.
"What are you doing here?" I squeezed his neck, pulling back so I could kiss him senseless.
He could barely speak past my kisses and ended up having to hold my face and pull me away from him. His brown eyes were dancing as he laughed. "I've missed you too."
"I thought you weren't coming home until Sunday."
"Well." He cocked his head, a look of mischief dancing across his face. "I didn't want to miss the party."
"What party?"
And on cue the living room erupted. "SURPRISE!"
I flinched as people jumped from behind couches and the lights went on. Words were stripped from my system as I drank in all their lovely faces. Everyone was here. Zach's fa
mily, including his San Fran cousins and Alex, Jaeda, Elliot, AJ and Liesl...even a couple of people from my senior class that I'd made friends with this year.
"Holy crap..." I covered my mouth, tears lining my lashes as I was quickly gathered into one embrace after another.
As I cried my way through the reunion, Tom and Zach pinned up a big CONGRATULATIONS sign on the wall with the University of Arizona logo in the corner. AJ and Liesl started dishing out food and I spent the next three hours playing catch up with all the people I loved.
Zach's hand remained on my back for most of the party. By the time it was over, I was completely drained, yet elated. I flopped down on Zach's bed with a blissful sigh.
"You have fun?" He lay down beside me, inching his arm under my back and pulling me on top of him.
I gazed down at his face and whispered, "Thank you."
"It was actually Mom's idea, so I can't take all the credit."
I kissed his soft lips. "I'll let you take some. You came back early for me."
"I love you." He ran his finger down my hairline. "And I can't wait to have you by my side when we head to Tucson this year."
"It's gonna be awesome." I grinned.
His hand glided down my back, cresting over my butt and giving it a little squeeze. "Although we've got the summer to enjoy first." His eyebrows wiggled and I laughed.
"Zach, the party guests may have left, but your parents are still down the hall," I whispered against his lips.
"Oh come on, they know you sneak into my room when I'm home. They're not stupid."
"Yeah, I guess my door does make that little squeak. That's why I leave it open when you're here."
"They know we're in love, Lucy." He kissed my cheek. "And I think they're pretty cool with that."
I closed my eyes, relishing the way his lips felt as they traveled over my skin. I arched my neck back, giving him easier access. With a delicious moan, I quickly found his lips, loving the way his hand felt as it moved up my neck and cupped the back of my head.
Yes, the future was mine now. The past was the past and could remain there.
I knew there would still be challenges ahead of me, but I would survive them and a kiss from my Zach could turn any bad day into gold.
I could do this.
As our soft kissing grew with fervor, a smile broke over my lips. If it weren't for this guy beneath me, who knows where I'd be. He'd drawn me back, he'd held me still and he'd given me the confidence to fight back.
The day I stopped running was my first step towards a real future.
Zach Schultz set me free and I was never going to forget it.
*******
Thank you so much for reading Set Me Free, if you've enjoyed it and would like to show me some support, please consider leaving a review on the site you purchased this book from.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Writing the first two books in this series has been a total pleasure. It's made more so by the following people...
Margery from Evatopia Press - Once again, I had so much fun working with you on this project.
Kate from Dwell Design & Press - I love this cover so much. You are a talented lady and pure joy to work with.
Cassie - Your feedback is always so insightful. Thank you!!
My proof-readers - I love your eagle eyes and your constant support.
Inklings & Indie Inked - There's nothing more to say than, I heart you girls big time.
My street team - Thank you for your continued support.
My readers - Thank you for reading my books. Thank you for reviewing them and writing to tell me that you enjoyed them. Those messages totally make my day.
My family - Where would I be without you? Thank you for pulling me back into reality and showing me how precious real life is.
My Savior - You continue to inspire me. Thanks for your unwavering love.
OTHER BOOKS BY MELISSA PEARL
The Fugitive Series
I Know Lucy
The Masks Series
True Colors
Two Faced (Releasing: 2014)
Snake Eyes (Releasing: 2014-2015)
Poker Face (Releasing: 2015)
The Songbird Series
Fever (Releasing: June 15th, 2014)
The Time Spirit Trilogy
Golden Blood - Black Blood - Pure Blood
The Betwixt Series
Betwixt - Before - Beyond
The Elements Trilogy
Unknown - Unseen - Unleashed
The Mica & Lexy Series
Forbidden Territory
Find out more on Melissa Pearl's website:
http://www.melissapearlauthor.com
ABOUT MELISSA PEARL
Melissa Pearl is a kiwi at heart, but currently lives in Suzhou, China with her husband and two sons. She trained as an elementary school teacher, but has always had a passion for writing and finally completed her first manuscript in 2003. She has been writing ever since and the more she learns, the more she loves it. Keep an eye out for future projects.
CONNECT WITH MELISSA PEARL
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EVATOPIA PRESS
For more information about Evatopia Press visit http://www.evatopia.com/
Learn more about other Evatopia Press authors...
Lizzy Ford - http://www.guerillawordfare.com/
Mia Fox - http://miafox.net/
Cindy Mezni - http://www.cindymezni.com/
Cambria Hebert - http://cambriahebert.com/
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Dedication
Note from the Author
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Epilogue
Acknowledgements
Other Books by Melissa Pearl
About Melissa Pearl
Connect with Melissa Pearl
Evatopia Press