True Colors

by Melissa Pearl

  She pulled back and held my face in her hands. “Promise you’ll call Seth or Layla if you need them.”

  “I promise.”

  And with that, they finally let me go. I leaned against the car, waving at them until they had hauled their bags onto a trolley and headed inside. You’d think they were leaving for a year the way they kept looking at me.

  With a little jump of glee, I slid into the driver’s seat and enjoyed the power of Dad’s engine igniting.

  “Sweet ride,” I whispered, tempted to drive it the longest possible way home.

  I didn’t. I played the good girl, knowing that when Dad called from Hawaii, he’d ask. I pulled the car into the garage as instructed and noticed that Eric’s Jeep wasn’t in his driveway.

  Why would it be? He’d already texted to tell me he’d be home on Saturday morning as he was going out with Scott tonight. For once, Scott wasn’t heading to Palm Springs to spend time with his girlfriend, Piper. She was coming to him and since Scott had a free night, he asked if Eric wanted to hang out. Eric wasn’t the biggest socialite and seemed to have a very small group of friends, from what I could tell. The fact Eric was willing to give him a whole evening told me what a great guy Scott was.

  I hoped they had fun, in spite of my disappointment. I really wanted to spend my evening with Eric, and having to wait was a total downer. But I refused to be a needy girlfriend. Not that I was his girlfriend...yet.

  I grinned.

  I thought about texting Stella, but what was the point? She basically hadn’t spoken to me since I told her she wasn’t the only person in the world. It was getting awkward hanging out with the group. Her evil glares and scoffing tone whenever I spoke was getting old super-fast. Between Chase and her, I was getting major outcast vibes and it wouldn’t take much more until I spent my lunchtimes hanging out alone. The thought was far from appealing, but I hated the subtle cold-shouldering that was in play. It made me feel like such a loser.

  I decided I was cool with my own company outside of school though. It’d give me time to think. I was still trying to work out what kind of business Liam was into. I wouldn’t put it past Liam to be involved in some sort of cheating ring within the school. Like maybe Libby and her intellectual counterparts were somehow helping Liam and his buddies get good test scores or something?

  That made sense.

  When I thought about all the people who feared Liam the most, they definitely had some common ground. They were socially awkward…and they were hells smart.

  It was a pretty decent theory, but didn’t really have time to flourish because another though hit my like a bullet in the night...

  Liam had said, “blood on your hands.”

  What had he meant by that? Was the guy he’d been talking to a murderer?

  Dashing up to my computer, I pulled up the history I’d found on Liam. I decided to try searching in the Burbank local paper again, this time looking for anything involving murder about two years ago. I found four articles—one shooting, two robberies and a domestic violence case. It was horrible reading the meaty details, but I was able to rule out two that had already been solved. The shooting and one of the robberies remained a mystery. In fact the robbery wasn’t even a robbery; it was attempted. The owner of the car had been bashed over the head with a blunt instrument, but the weapon and the culprit were never found. The article suggested that the person was trying to steal the car, the victim tried to stop him, and then it got messy. I couldn’t help wondering if there was a link to the other car thefts happening in the area at the time. There were a couple more articles I found about the case, but it quickly went cold.

  I exited the screen and sat back with a sigh. Reading about those murders had really unsettled me. I was jittery, and my house suddenly felt ginormous and cold. Not really wanting to kick around by myself all night, I decided to walk to the nearest shops.

  I should have taken my car, but I loved that time of day. The sun hadn’t set yet and the air was refreshing. I was hoping it would clear my head and help me sleep.

  Wandering down Montana Avenue, I stopped to buy an ice cream and sauntered past the shops, watching people out of the corner of my eye. I wasn’t in the mood for reading faces, so I kept people’s masks in place and found the task easy. It was such a relief to know I could switch off if I wanted to. I pretended for a while that I was just an ordinary girl, licking on an ice cream and in no particular hurry to go anywhere. My nerves stopped clanging together and my mind shifted from murder mode into swoon mode. I started thinking about Eric and what we might do over the weekend. I was thinking a Saturday-morning surf followed by a little make out session on the beach. We could then go home, get cleaned up and spend the afternoon chillin’ at my place...just hanging out on our own.

  I blushed, wondering if Eric would show me what he meant by getting lucky.

  Crunching down the last of my ice cream cone, I wiped my hands and threw the napkin away. I needed to get home before it got too late. Mom and Dad would not be impressed if they found out I’d been walking around, by myself, after dark.

  I turned to head back when someone yanked my arm from behind and pulled me into the alleyway.

  The shock gave me no time to respond and it wasn’t until he was shoving me behind the dumpster that I even had the notion to scream. I opened my mouth to let rip when what felt like a cannonball struck my stomach. I doubled over, struggling for air as pain radiated though my abdomen. He pulled his fist back and thrust it into me again, my feet lifting off the ground with the force of the impact.

  I wanted to cry, to scream, to do anything, but I couldn’t breathe.

  He let me go and I crumpled to the ground, my hair covering my face like a discarded blanket.

  I tried to work out who it was through my tendrils, but tears were blurring my vision. He pressed my face into the concrete, his thumb digging painfully into my cheek. I thought my heart might explode; it was thrumming so loudly. The rough ground cut into my skin as he leaned over me, pushing until my skull felt ready to splinter.

  I whimpered when he brought his lips to my ear.

  “This is a warning.” His voice was harsh and gravelly. “Keep your nose out of Liam Donovan’s business or the next time I find you, you’ll really understand the meaning of pain.”

  He pushed off my head and strode away, his black shoes not making a sound.

  Tears gathered in my eyes as I strove for some kind of composure. I had to get up and go home, but I was too scared to move. My insides hurt and my limbs were shaking. Pushing myself up, I drew my knees to my chin, another whimper squeaking out of my throat. My body trembled and I leaned my head back against the grimy bricks, noticing just how dark the sky was turning. Wrapping my arms around my legs, I tried to quell the tremors and get my brain to function. I couldn’t stay tucked behind a dumpster. I needed to get home. But the idea of walking was too painful...and petrifying.

  I reached for my phone and ran my thumb over the screen. I could call Stella; she’d probably come and get me if I asked nicely. In spite of her cold attitude, she still had a heart. But then she’d want details, plus I’d owe her for all eternity.

  My next thought was Seth, but he’d just freak out and call my parents who would freak out even more and fly home again. I didn’t want that. I didn’t want to have to explain any of this to anybody. No, there was only one person I could call, because he already knew everything...but I really didn’t want to ruin his night with Scott.

  My lips quivered as I held my shaking finger over Eric’s contact details.

  Would he freak out? Would he tell me off for taking things too far? Would he make me go to the police?

  I didn’t want to.

  What could I tell them? That a guy with black shoes attacked me? That’s all I had. For someone with the power to read people, I was pretty damn useless.

  Tears stung. I pressed the back of my hand against my right eye, my lips trembling as they fought against the sobs. My limbs were shaki
ng uncontrollably and I was on the brink of losing it.

  I wanted Eric. I needed Eric, and even though we’d only been dating for a little while, I knew he’d want to know. He’d want to be the one to come and get me...and look after me. That was just the way he was.

  Pulling in a quivering breath, I dialed his number and pressed my lips together as it rang.

  “Hey, gorgeous girl.” Eric’s voice was light and cheerful.

  I couldn’t talk. Tears popped out of my eyes, dribbling down my face as I tried to find a voice. All I could muster was a shaky breath.

  “Caity?” Eric’s tone rang with urgent concern. “What’s the matter? Where are you?”

  “I need your help.” I managed.

  “Are you hurt?”

  I shook my head in spite of the pain radiating through me. “Can you come and get me?”

  “Tell me where you are and I’ll be there.” I could tell he was already moving. I could hear shuffling in the background. “Scott, sorry man, I gotta go. Where the hell are my keys?” More shuffling, muffled conversation. “I’ll let you know.” A door banged shut and I flinched. “Okay, where are you?”

  I gave him directions, but he already knew where I was talking about.

  “I’m sorry to ruin your night.”

  “Caity, stop it. Just sit tight. I’ll be there soon.”

  He hung up and I clutched the phone in my hand, peeking out past the dumpster to make sure the guy with the gravelly voice wasn’t coming back for round two.

  I sat in agonized silence, mustering the courage to get up and walk to the street where I told Eric I’d be waiting. But I couldn’t stop shaking and I didn’t want anyone to notice me. Anyone could see I was in shock and I didn’t want to explain myself.

  “Caity!”

  Eric’s voice made me jump. I peeked out past the dumpster and saw him standing on the street. He looked frustrated and scared as he pulled the phone from his pocket. The phone in my hand began to sing “Kiss You” and Eric spun around, his eyes wide and his face pale under the streetlights. He raced into the alley, following the sound of my ringing phone and found me huddled on the ground.

  “What happened?” His words were breathy as he crouched in front of me.

  I wiped my dribbling nose with the back of my hand and shook my head, tears bubbling over once more as I launched forward and wrapped my arms around his neck. His strength encircled me as he gently stood, bringing me with him. We didn’t move for a while; he just held me against him and let me sob into his shoulder.

  Gradually, as I focussed on the security of his arms around me, my cries ebbed away until all that remained was a snivelling, quivering mess. When my hiccuping tears had eased, he lifted me into his arms and carried me to his car.

  20

  Eric drove me home and carried me inside. I told him I could walk, but he wouldn’t listen; he just tucked his arm beneath my knees and walked me to the front door. I shakily punched in the code and then he carried me to the sunken lounge, propping cushions behind me before taking off to the kitchen and making himself at home.

  Five minutes later, he gently placed a steaming mug on the coffee table in front of me. “I hope you like Orange Blossom tea. I’ve never seen such a huge range of herbal tea before; I just went for the first one I recognized.”

  “It’s perfect.” I gave him a weak grin as I reached for it. Wrapping my fingers around the warm mug, I felt myself slowly start to relax.

  Eric studied every inch of my face as I sipped at my tea. His thumb was gentle as he caressed my grimy cheek.

  I winced.

  “Sorry.” He cringed. “Do you have a first aid kit or something? It might be a good idea to put some antiseptic on your face.”

  I nodded and pointed to the kitchen. “In the top shelf of the pantry.”

  He walked back into the kitchen, agitation radiating from him. I was surprised he’d managed to hold out this long. If it were the other way around, I would have been badgering him for answers the second we got into the car. He’d just stayed quiet...calm and quiet. His knuckles had been white on the steering wheel, so I knew it wasn’t quite that simple, but he’d known what I’d needed.

  He returned with some cotton balls, a bowl of water, and a little tube of antiseptic cream.

  “Face me,” he murmured. I put down the mug and turned toward him, our knees brushing together. “Where are your parents?”

  “They left for Hawaii this afternoon.”

  His eyebrows rose as he dipped the cotton into the water.

  “They’re gone for ten days, so I have the place to myself. I was going to tell you tomorrow, kind of like a surprise.” My chuckle died quickly.

  Looking into his tender gaze made my heart melt. There was something deeper there too, but I forced myself not to read it. I winced and grabbed his thighs as he patted my cheek clean. It stung. His brow was furrowed with concentration as he cleaned me up. I didn’t want to look in a mirror. I gingerly touched my cheek and figured it must be a small graze. It stung, but felt like a quick healer.

  I rubbed my tender belly and eased back onto the couch.

  “Do I need to take you to the hospital?”

  Drawing my hand away from my torso, I shook my head. “No. I’m okay. He just punched me in the stomach a couple of times and squashed my face into the ground. It hurt, but as far as injuries go, it feels pretty minor.”

  Eric studied me in silence until I tried to smile at him, and then his face bunched with an anger I wasn’t expecting.

  “Who did this to you? What did they want?”

  “I don’t know.” I kept my voice soft. “I didn’t see his face.”

  “Was he trying to rob you or something?” Eric swallowed, tortured agony flashing over his features. I could only guess what his mind was conjuring. I sat forward, wanting to ease his frustration, but knowing the truth probably wouldn’t.

  “It was a warning.”

  “Against what?”

  “He wants me to stay away from Liam Donovan.”

  Eric’s face paled, his usually gentle eyes growing hard. “What the hell have you been doing with Liam Donovan?”

  “Nothing. Just asking a few questions.”

  That answer didn’t satisfy him. His fingers were gripped together so tight I thought his bones might snap and his left leg bobbed uncontrollably. “You told me you were going to be careful, Caity. You promised.”

  Guilt stripped my insides bare. I hadn’t seen this one coming, but I probably should have. Liam’s phone call had been about me. The idea made me flinch.

  “I didn’t think I was being unsafe.” I sighed, placing my hand on his knee. He stood, moving away from my touch. “You’re angry with me.”

  He scowled. “Are you reading me right now?”

  I nearly laughed. “I don’t need to read you to see you’re mad. It’s obvious.” I blinked, hating the conflict. I didn’t understand why he was so pissed. “I’m sorry.”

  “I just can’t believe you lied to me.”

  His mask fell away before I could stop it and I glimpsed a hurt boy who’d been let down by almost everyone he cared about. I quickly shoved the layer back into place, unnerved by his vulnerability. “I didn’t lie to you, Eric... and I promise you I never will.”

  His gaze jumped to mine and I made sure my expression was open and true. “I was going to tell you everything tomorrow. You’re the only person I can talk to about this stuff, and I didn’t want to tell you over the phone. I had no idea this was gonna happen to me. Do you honestly think I would have ambled around after dark on my own if I thought I was in any kind of danger?”

  The anguish on his face was heart wrenching. “Someone hurt you, Caity...and I wasn’t there to stop them.” He sank back down on the couch, lightly cupping my cheek. “I’ve never driven so fast to find someone before.” He swallowed. “And when I saw you huddled against that dumpster, I thought my heart might break.”

  His voice hitched making my eyes glist
en. I leaned toward him and brushed my lips against his cheek.

  “I’m sorry for not being more careful.” My voice shook. “I didn’t know I was such a threat to them. I only asked a few questions. I just wanted to help Indie. She’s scared, Eric.” My lips bunched together as I tried to ward off the tears. “I don’t know what Liam’s doing to her, but it makes me sick. She’s suffering and I want to help her, but I don’t know how.” I was losing the tear battle, so just went with it, letting them stream down my cheeks.

  The attack scared the life out of me. I had to back away, but what about Indie? What did she face every time she was alone with Liam? If the guy who attacked me was the one Liam was talking to on the phone, then he’d obviously given Indie a beating before.

  “How can I walk away and forget what I’ve seen? What kind of person does that make me?” I blubbered.

  Eric caressed the tears from my face with the back of his fingers. “Caity, I need you to stop and go back to the beginning. I want to know every single detail of your week.”

  “Okay.” I nodded. “But can I ask you to do one thing first?” I grasped his free hand, threading my fingers through his. “Can you stay with me tonight?” I swallowed. “I don’t want to be on my own.”

  His thumb was soft as it brushed over my cheekbone. “I wouldn’t leave even if you wanted me to.”

  I breathed out a relieved sigh.

  “Thank you,” I whispered.

  I led him up to my room without saying a word. At first he seemed reluctant, but it only took a gentle tug to get him onto my bed. Snuggling against him, I laid my head on his shoulder. His reticence vanished as he wrapped his arm around my back and rested his chin on my head.

  “Now talk,” he whispered.

  I told him everything I could think of. He knew some of it already, but I noticed his grip around me got tighter every time I spoke about Liam. When I mentioned the murder, he squished me so hard my stomach hurt.

  “Sorry. Sorry.” He pulled away, trying to get off the bed.

  “You didn’t hurt me, I’m okay.” I wrapped my arm around him, trying to hold him in place, but he was stronger. Standing up from the bed, he ran his hand through his hair and paced to the window. “I want to kill that guy for hurting you.”