by S J Crabb
Before long the game begins and we get caught up in it. By halftime Falcondell is slightly ahead and feeling pleased we head off to get some drinks. We listen in amusement as Piper rattles on incessantly about Gabe.
As we wait in line I feel somebody pressing against me from behind. Turning around I see a guy wearing the Freyview colours laughing as his friends egg him on. “Hello ladies. Would you like to come and experience the joys of sitting with some real men for a change and not those boys from Falcondell?” I push him away angrily. “No thank you. We are perfectly happy where we are thanks.” Laughing they close in on us and we don’t have much space. Cally says angrily, “Stand back and give us some space. You heard her back off.” Holding up his hands the creepy guy moves back and they all laugh wickedly.
Quickly we get our drinks and make our way back to the stands. “Urgh, horrible Freyview creepy guys. Thank goodness we go to Falcondell.” Cally says pulling a face. “Could you imagine dealing with creeps like that on a daily basis?” We laugh and then turn our attention back to the game.
Luckily Falcondell wins and we all cheer and shout until we are hoarse. Her eyes shining Piper turns to us, “Come on, let’s go and find Gabe.” Pulling us along behind her we tear off to wait for him to get changed. As we turn the corner my heart sinks as I see the creepy guys leaning against the wall. We will have to pass them and I know that we may not be lucky enough to avoid a confrontation.
As they see us coming they spread out and we can’t pass them. Nervously I look behind us to see if there is anyone around for support but there is nobody around in this part of the ground. Keeping our heads down we push past them. Then one of them grabs my arm and pulls me around to face him. He leers at me and I can smell the alcohol mixed with cigarettes on his breath. “Going somewhere honey?” Trying to pull away I look at him angrily. “Let go of me.” His eyes narrowing he says in a threatening voice. “Listen honey, I don’t like to lose and certainly not twice in one night. Me and the guys here figured to make up for it we would have some fun of our own and you lucky ladies are going to provide the party.” Cally and Piper look frightened and I watch as they are also grabbed by two of the other guys. A further two move across to guard the exit and all of a sudden I feel myself pushed against the wall as he holds me with one arm and then moves his other hand down to my waistband. Cally screams and then her attacker puts his hand over her mouth and also pushes her against the wall. Trying to fight him off I am no match for him and tears run down my face as I am powerless against him. His mouth is all over me and I can feel his heart beating in excitement as he tries to remove my jeans. Suddenly all hell breaks loose. In shock he raises his head as one of the guys on guard flies across the floor. With relief I see Ash and his gang standing there looking more intimidating than anything I have ever seen. Before he can react, Ash is on the guy and hauls him off of me with a howl of rage. He brings his fist up to the guys face and in horror I see him throw a powerful punch that brings the guy down. He then starts kicking him mercilessly and I realise that the guy doesn‘t stand a chance. At the same time I see Jacob inflicting the same on Cally’s assailant and Jace, Quade and Killian punching the lights out of the other guys. I feel sick, somebody must stop them. There is no respite and they carry on punching and kicking the guys who are overwhelmed and can’t even seem to fight back. Screaming at Ash to stop I don’t think that he is even registering anything other than his extreme anger. He shows no mercy and nothing is stopping him. Suddenly Lucian appears as if from nowhere. “Guys it’s time to go.” We hear a shout and then people running towards us. I hear sirens in the distance and then everything stops. Grabbing hold of me Ash pulls me along after him. I can see Cally and Piper being dragged along behind Jacob and the others and they don’t stop until we reach their bikes. Pulling us behind them we roar off into the night and I have never been as scared as I am at this moment. It appears that we all split up and as I cling on to Ash as he races off into the night I fear what will happen next.
Chapter 16
As I thought Ash takes us to the Ridge and as the powerful machine is silenced I sit there still clinging on to him, not quite believing what has just happened. He must feel me trembling and turns around his face looking anxiously at me. Holding me to him he says, “Are you hurt Grace?” As I look up at him his breath catches in his throat and his eyes fill with tears. “Don’t look at me like that, please I can’t bear it.” I know that my expression is a mixture of horror and disbelief and I feel stunned.
Pulling me from the bike he takes me over to a nearby patch of ground and sits me down. “Please say something Grace, I can’t bear to see you looking at me like that.” Looking at him I can hear my voice trembling. “You could have killed him.” His eyes flash and turn black. Nodding he says, “I could have done and I wanted to.” Hearing me gasp he says bitterly. “I warned you about me Grace. I wanted to protect you and in doing so I revealed that the person that you need protecting from the most is me.” Falteringly I say, “Why didn’t you stop?” He says angrily, “Because I can’t. Once I start there are no boundaries. The saying - He has the Devil in him- well that’s truer for me than most Grace. You must have guessed that. When I was born it was without any sort of moral compass. All of my life I’ve cared for nothing or nobody.” Suddenly looking uncertain he says, “Until I met you.” Reaching up he takes my face in his hands. “You have made me feel again Grace. Around you I am a different person. I want to make you happy and I want to protect you. The fact that I can’t is tearing me up inside. If I had my way, and I usually do, I would have told everyone about us. I haven’t because I knew that you didn’t want me to. Do you know how hard that is for me?” Shaking my head the tears fall and I can hear the pain in his voice. “Grace, before you came I was lost. I had no purpose other than to learn everything I could because knowledge is power. I am to use the knowledge against other people to get what I want. If anyone gets in my way I crush them. There are never any repercussions because my uncle is too powerful.” Waving his hands towards the lights of the Town he says, “There will be nothing said about what we did tonight. There will be no witnesses and those guys will never talk. Even if they did my uncle would sort it and if he didn’t…” He laughs a bitter hollow laugh. “Then my father would, and nobody ever goes against him.” I feel the fear creeping through my body and I almost can’t look at him. “That’s all well and good for you but not for the rest of us. We have to live with your actions and now those guys will be damaged and probably word will get out about the three of us and Skylar and her friends will seek retribution. We will have to deal with the fallout not you.” He looks at me angrily. “Nobody will say anything. If they do I will sort it. Skylar and her friends are nothing and I can deal with them in a matter of minutes.” Then his voice lowers and he looks suddenly uncertain. “What I can’t deal with is the thought of losing you Grace. For the first time in my life I have something pure and innocent that I will guard with my life, even if it means going against everything that I want.” Taking my hands he looks deeply into my eyes. “I love you Grace and will do anything that you ask. Please help me, I know that you can. Only you can make me believe in a better life than the one that lies ahead. Please say you will?”
As I look into his eyes I can feel my heart breaking. We are as far apart as two people can be yet bound together so tightly that one will not survive without the other. I sigh softly. “How can this work Ash? I want it to more than anything I have ever wanted. My life is no different to yours. It has been mapped out for me since the beginning. I am expected to follow a path and my whole life has been charted along that course. I am sure that as soon as my Guardians find out about the company I am keeping I will be whisked away from here never to return.” As I look at him my eyes mist over and reaching up I touch his face. “But I can’t imagine not being with you.” Remembering another quote from Tess I say gently, “Sheer experience had already taught her that in some circumstances there was one thing better than
to lead a good life, and that was to be saved from leading any life whatever.”
His eyes gleaming in the darkness Ash pulls me gently towards him. He touches my lips with his in a gentle loving kiss. I know that he wants to protect me but I wonder just how that will be possible.
We sit together for a while thinking about the night’s events. Remembering Cally and Piper I say, “What about my friends, will they be ok?” He nods. “Jacob will see that Cally is ok and Quade will have taken Piper home. They won’t talk so don’t worry about them.” Thinking about Jace and Skylar I say, “But won’t Jace tell Skylar what happened?” Ash laughs evilly. “I told Jace to get with Skylar to get her off my back. She will only be happy if she thinks that I am jealous. Little does she know that Jace is just along for the ride.”
Shaking my head he looks at me and raises his eyes. “What? I’ve told you what I’m like. I never cared for her she was just convenient.” Snatching my hand away I say in a tight voice. “Just take me home Ash. I think I’ve heard enough for one night.” Looking alarmed he says quickly. “Not you though Grace. You have changed me in here.” Grabbing my hand he holds it to his heart and I can feel it thumping in his chest. He looks at me with a gentle expression. “I want to make you happy Grace and if doing that means I have to change then I will. I need you to make me feel.”
Looking at him standing there as one big conflict of emotions I realise that he does need me more than anyone has ever needed me before in my life. One thing more I realise is that despite everything I have seen and heard I need him too. Pulling his face towards mine I kiss him and pour all of the love that I feel into it. Now I know I’m in trouble.
Chapter 17
Ash drops me off near to my house and I head off home with a heavy heart. I can’t get the images out of my head of the violent scenes that I witnessed. Pushing open the door I see Aunt Sarah baking in the kitchen. Wiping flour off her hands she smiles warmly at me. “Hi honey, come in and I’ll make you a drink and you can tell me what happened at the game.” As I sit there I just wish that I could. However I know that as soon as she finds out about Ash I would be out of here quicker than I could pack.
Looking around me I realise what I have missed out on all my life. I have watched other people have a perfect family life with two parents who love them and brothers and sisters to share and argue with. How I wish that I had had that too. This is the first time in my life that I have come close and I will do anything to stay here.
Interrupting my thoughts the door slams and Gabe flies into the room. Slamming his bag down on to the floor he goes to the refrigerator and grabs a can. Looking at me he says, “Where did you all go? I looked everywhere but nobody knew where you were.” Looking down I avoid eye contact. “We left when we heard there was trouble, sorry Gabe we didn’t think.” Sitting next to me he shrugs and then grins broadly. “We won though. It’s always good to beat Freyview. They are such a bunch of losers in more ways than one.” Aunt Sarah looks pleased saying, “I’m glad you won honey.” Then she laughs and waves her hands towards me. “Although Grace looks a bit shell shocked after her first game, what did you mean that there was trouble though?” Luckily Gabe chips in. “Some guys from Freyview got badly beaten. They got carted off in ambulances.” Aunt Sarah looks shocked. “Do you know who it was?” Gabe raises his eyes up. “No prizes for guessing who, but of course there were no witnesses and by all accounts the guys who were beaten up said they didn’t see who it was.” Aunt Sarah looks worried and turns to me. “You didn’t see anything Grace did you? I’m so worried that you could have been caught up in it all.” I look at them both nervously. “Don’t worry Aunt Sarah; I know that I’m to keep away from anything, that’s why I left.” Luckily they seem to believe me and I feel terrible. I know just what would happen if they discovered that I was very much involved and I can’t take that chance.
We manage to have our dinner without further mention of the game and the drama that unfolded afterwards. The phone rings and Aunt Sarah passes it to me. I hear the urgency in Cally’s voice as she speaks. “Grace are you ok?” Trying to sound light hearted around my Aunt and Gabe I say, “Yes, you?” “Not really. Shall we meet up at Violet’s? I’ve already called Piper and she’s going to meet us there in fifteen. We need to get our story straight.” “Ok, I’ll see you there.” My Aunt looks up in surprise. I try to look normal as I say, “Cally wants me to meet up, she’s got something on her mind. Is it ok?” Aunt Sarah smiles. “Of course dear, but don’t be late; you look as if you need the sleep.” Gabe looks up. “Do you need a lift?” Shaking my head I say quickly, “No need, I’ll cycle there. It’s not far and I’ll be fine.” He looks relieved. “Good. I’m just going to get changed and then I’m meeting the guys for a celebratory drink.” Raising her eyes at me my Aunt laughs. “I can’t keep up with all the comings and goings in this house. Just be careful both of you.” Smiling reassuringly at her I too race off to get changed.
In no time at all I am at Violet’s and see them waiting with worried faces in a corner booth. As I slide in beside Piper, Cally looks at me fearfully and whispers. “Oh my God, I am still shaking. Did that just happen?” Piper and I look as worried as she does and Piper says fearfully. “What will happen if Skylar finds out that we were with their guys? I can’t even tell Gabe because Quade warned me not to. He said that if I breathed a word of anything that happened he wouldn’t be able to protect me from Skylar and Ash.” Cally looks equally worried saying, “If Teagan finds out I’m in so much trouble. Do you think anyone saw us?” I shake my head firmly. “Gabe seems to think that no one saw anything. I just hope that it’s true. We’re probably best just keeping our heads down and denying anything if anyone asks.” Just then Piper says, “I’m not going to lie though, that was probably the most intense experience of my life. I never thought I’d be rescued by a bad boy and whisked away on his motorbike. I don’t think I’ll ever be the same again.” Grinning at Cally I say, “Don’t let Gabe hear you talking like that. He’ll be turning up in a leather jacket with a motor bike quicker than you can blink.” Piper laughs, her eyes shining. “This is now officially the best week of my life.” I smile but I still feel hollow inside. Seeing my expression Cally says, “You’re worrying about the creepy guys aren’t you?” I try to smile. “Look I know they were evil and I’ll admit I was relieved to see Ash and his gang, but I can’t get the image out of my head of them on the ground. If the sirens hadn’t sounded then I don’t think that they would have stopped.” Cally and Piper look equally grim. Cally whispers, “Jacob was so wound up. I couldn’t believe it. He was so angry and I agree he probably wouldn’t have stopped. It took a lot to calm him down.” Piper looks surprised. “Didn’t they just drop you off like me then?” Cally and I share a look and say quickly, “Of course they did,” in unison and I see Piper’s eyes narrow. Luckily we are interrupted as Sylvia one of the waitresses comes over to take our order. By the time we have finished we decide to just carry on as normal and deny everything. It’s all we can do and I am dreading the thought of going to school tomorrow as I am sure that my guilt will be written all over my face.
Chapter 18
The next day it is all anyone can talk about. I try to keep away from Ash and his gang, especially Skylar and her friends. The word is though that she is not happy. I overheard someone saying that Skylar thinks that Ash was at the game looking for someone. If she found out it was a girl then she would make it her business to destroy them. Feeling uneasy I carry on but it is difficult to concentrate. Luckily I have a shift at Violet’s after work to take my mind off it all.
I feel so at home at Violet’s now. I love everyone that works there and feel part of a large family. It is such a happy place to work and Violet is a great boss. Once again I am set to wait on the tables and I am soon busy. As I come out of the kitchen my heart sinks when I see Ash sitting at a table with his friends. Averting my gaze I try to ignore them. Violet assigns one of the more experienced no nonsense servers to their
table and I do my best to avoid them. I can feel Ash’s eyes on me though and it is extremely distracting.
After about half an hour the door opens and with interest I see a man walk in who looks around him with a hostile expression. He is dressed in a black suit and his hair is also black and swept back away from his face. He has an arrogance about him and despite the fact that he is a handsome man he appears cold and callous. He surveys the room and as I watch I see Ash look at him with an angry glare. Just then Violet comes out of the kitchen and seeing him tightens her mouth saying, “What are you doing here Jake?” In fascination I watch as he prowls over to her and runs his fingers around her waist and then lowers them, gripping her from behind. Leaning down he brushes his lips against hers and I see him whisper something in her ear. Violet blushes and her expression changes as she licks her lips. Pushing him away she says loudly, “Go on then, pick me up at closing time and don’t be late.” I watch as he smirks at her and then his eyes scan the room and settle on Ash and his gang. The others look uneasy but Ash just stares at him with a bored expression. The man goes over to them and I can see him say something to Ash. Whatever it is Ash doesn’t like it and slapping some money on to the table he grabs his jacket and I hear him say, “Come on guys, we’re out of here.” The man looks pleased with himself as he follows them out. As I return to the kitchen I ask Sally my fellow waitress. “Who was that?” Shivering she says, “Jake Knight. He goes out with Violet and that was his nephew who he spoke to. Not a family you want to be involved with in any way take my word for it.”
