by S J Crabb
I feel uneasy at her words. There is an air of menace that surrounds them and I am not sure that I will be able to cope with it.
Heading home later I decide to have an early night. I need some time alone to re group and clear my head. I did think of going to the Ridge but can’t take the chance that Ash would turn up. I am starting to feel more and more imprisoned as each day goes on.
When I get to school the next morning once again the talk is of a disturbance on the other side of town last night. Apparently some thugs went to a bar and trashed it. The rumours are that the owners owed Mr Knight money and he had run out of patience. The bar was completely destroyed and the owner was badly beaten. Most people believe that it was down to Ash and his gang and I feel sick thinking about it.
I overhear Skylar boasting to her friends near the lockers. “Of course it was Ash and his gang, Jace told me. It’s them all over. Mr Knight calls and they come running. I’ll tell you what though girls, I had a good time afterwards if you know what I mean. Jace was on fire. Ash doesn’t know what he’s missing with me. I always used to help him calm down after a fight, it’s what I do best.” They all laugh and Teagan says, “Well you were lucky. I haven’t seen much of Jacob at all lately. I’m getting quite worried really; do you think he’s gone off me?” Another girl who I know to be called Paisley laughs saying, “You’re joking aren’t you. Have you looked around lately? There’s not much to choose from amongst this bunch of nerds. If he’s got someone else they must be from Freyview.” Then what I hear next chills me to the bone. Skylar says darkly, “Jace told me that Ash is interested in someone called Ana. I have a friend who goes to Freyview and she is going to find out if she goes there. When I find out where she is I think a visit might be in order, don’t you agree girls.” They all head off laughing viciously and in my nervous state I drop my books on to the ground. As I bend down to retrieve them somebody else goes to help me at the same time and we bump our heads. In alarm I look up and see a good looking guy kneeling before me. He has twinkling blue eyes and a kind face. His hair is a sandy colour and is the typical buzz cut that most of the Jocks prefer. Even from this position I can see that he is extremely fit. Smiling at me he hands me my book and helps me to my feet. Blushing I say, “Oh, thank you. I’m sorry if I hurt you.” He laughs and rubs his head. “Don’t worry about it; I am just glad to be of service.” Grinning at me he holds out his hand and as I shake it he says, “Hi, my name is Easton, you’re Grace right?” Smiling nervously I nod and he says, “I’ve seen you around. You’re Gabe’s cousin aren’t you?” I nod at him shyly. “I’m sorry, I don’t think that I’ve seen you before.” He pretends that I have wounded him. “And there I was thinking that you were dreaming about me in lessons.” He laughs good naturedly. “Anyway, just a thought but I was wondering if you wanted to grab a coffee with me after school? I’d like to get to know you and I promise to make you laugh.” Feeling completely shocked I don’t really know what to say. He is looking at me with such a hopeful expression and seems like a really nice guy. Any other time I would have taken him up on his offer but my heart is taken and I know that none of this would go down well if Ash found out.
Before I can answer Gabe comes around the corner with his arm around Piper and seeing us they come over. “Hey Easton, what’s happening?” Grinning ruefully Easton says, “I was just asking Grace is she fancied a drink with me later after school, and then you bulldozed in before she had a chance to reply.” Laughing Gabe slaps him on the back. “We’ll all go, how about that. You up for that Piper honey?” Slipping her hand in his she grins. “Of course I am. What about you Grace?” Before I can answer Gabe says loudly, “Of course she is; we’ll have fun. Right then girls we’ll meet you by the entrance after school.” Easton smiles sweetly at me and then goes off with Gabe leaving me shell shocked. Piper grins at me. “He’s gorgeous. He’s on the team with Gabe and is a real catch. Look at us, two invisibles with two of the hottest guys in school. I knew that this was going to be a good year.” Feeling extremely worried I say quickly. “They never gave me a chance. I can’t go on a date with him, please Piper you’ve got to help me.” She shoves me playfully. “Oh no, you’re not getting out of it that easily. You’ve got to conquer your fear of boys some time Grace and it may as well be with him.” The bell rings and she pulls me off to class.
I spend the rest of the day trying to think of how I can get out of the coffee date. Maybe if I pretend to be ill I will be sent home. I certainly feel ill at the thought of what might happen.
By the end of the day my nerves are frayed. Piper grabs me by the lockers and marches me to the entrance and my heart sinks when I see Easton and Gabe waiting. Looking around quickly I am grateful that there doesn’t appear to be any of Ash and his gang around at least. As we draw near I try to get out of it saying, “I’m sorry Gabe but I don’t feel well. Maybe we can do this another time.” Gabe grins knowingly. Leaning towards me he whispers, “You’re not getting out of this Grace. Easton is a good guy and you deserve some fun. You work all the time and go to school. It’s about time you found out what school life is really all about. Don’t worry though; I won’t let anything happen to you, that’s why I’m here.”
Resigned to it I think that if we can just get this over with then no harm may be done. My knees trembling I follow Gabe to his car and climb into the back beside Piper. Sinking down into my seat I just pray that nobody saw us.
Chapter 19
We drive to a coffee shop on the other side of town. I am thankful as it would have been more awkward to have gone to Violet’s. At least this way with any luck no one will see us.
We all take a seat near the back as it is quite busy. Looking around me I can see that there are quite a few kids from Freyview High and realise that this must be where they hang out. Leaning over to Gabe I say quietly. “Is this such a good idea? I mean after the trouble at the game we may become targets.” Gabe looks unconcerned. “No we’ll be fine. We come here a lot and most of the kids are cool. The rougher ones don’t come here and go to another place a way from here.” He then turns to Piper and they start kissing, which is so embarrassing. Easton grins at me and says softly, “Sorry Grace. You’ve been put on the spot a bit here haven’t you?” I smile at him. “Oh it’s fine. Anyway tell me about yourself Easton; Gabe says you are on the team with him.” He laughs good naturedly. “Yes for my sins. I enjoy it and I’m hoping that I can continue when I go to College next year.” Realising that he is in the year above me, it makes sense that our paths haven’t crossed before. “Anyway Grace, tell me about you. Gabe tells me that you are staying with him and his mom. Don’t you have a family of your own?” Feeling awkward I can feel my face flush. Grabbing hold of my hand Easton looks worried saying, “I’m sorry Grace, I didn’t mean that to come out the way it did. You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.” I pull my hand quickly away. “Its ok, no worries.” Suddenly I see him tense up and follow his gaze. My heart sinks as I see Ash and Jacob glowering at us from across the room. I never saw them come in and my face must register my surprise. I catch Ash’s eye and he looks at me angrily. Gabe looks around as if sensing something and frowns. “What are they doing here? I’ve never known them to come here before.” Piper looks at me a worried expression on her face. Then some other kids from Freyview come in and I see some girls watching Ash and Jacob with interest. Obviously not sensing the drama they saunter over to them flicking their hair over their shoulders and hitching up their skirts. I see one of the girls go up to Ash and look at him suggestively. I hear her say, “Well well, you certainly don’t come here often or I would know about it. How about buying a couple of girls a coffee hot stuff, you never know what your reward will be.” I watch in horror as they then slide into the seats next to Ash and Jacob effectively trapping them. Seizing my chance I say to the others, “Look I really need to use the restroom. Do you mind?” They don’t seem to think anything of my request and I race off as fast as I can. Reaching the sanctuary of
the ladies I sink back against the wall. This is not good. Wondering how on earth I am going to get out of here without Gabe or anyone else suspecting anything my mind goes into overdrive. Splashing some water on to my face to cool it down I leave the rest room intending to tell the others that I feel sick and need to leave. Before I even close the door a hand reaches out, grabbing me and pulling around the corner out of sight. I see Ash standing there looking at me angrily. My knees feel weak because despite the threat I love him so much and want nothing more than to kiss him and never stop. Looking at me his eyes turn as black as can be and he hisses, “What is going on Grace. Why are you here with him?” Looking up at him fearfully I say, “I couldn’t get out of it. I tried to say no but Gabe made me come with them. There’s nothing in it though, I promise you.” Relaxing slightly he takes me in his arms. Burying his face in my hair he breathes in deeply. “I can’t stand this, its torture for me. I have never been in this situation before. I want the world to know you are mine and the thought of anyone else touching you makes me want to kill them.” Feeling extremely worried I know that it’s not just a figure of speech with him. Pulling back he kisses me gently. “Meet me later Grace, usual place. I’ve been going mad without you.” Lowering my eyes I hesitate and he lifts my face to his and I can see the worry mixed with uncertainty in his expression. “What is it Grace, tell me?” I sigh softly. “I don’t know Ash. I want to be with you more than I have ever wanted anything in my life, but I am scared.” Looking surprised he says, “Of me?” I nod my head sadly. “I’ve heard things this week that makes me question whether or not I can really help you. You live in a different world to me and I don’t think I’m strong enough.” I see the pain in his eyes and it breaks my heart. “I know Grace. Don’t think that I know what I am asking of you. The selfish part of me won’t give you up when I know that I should. You deserve better than me, don’t you think I don’t know that? Please hear me out though. Meet me later and I’ll try to explain.” Holding him close I agree to meet him. I can’t help myself either. I know that I should keep away but I can’t.
Making my way back to the others I feign illness. Gabe jumps up in concern and I feel bad. Following them out I can see that Ash and Jacob have already left and the girls are looking extremely put out.
By the time we drop the others off I am feeling slightly better and feel bad about ruining the coffee date. Gabe drops me off and then heads back off with Piper to spend the evening at her house. I spend some time helping my Aunt with tea and then make my excuses saying that I’m going for a bike ride to clear my head.
The Town seems quiet as I cycle through it. Despite my reservations I feel excited to be meeting Ash again. The Ridge is the only place that we can be together and be ourselves. As the lights fall behind me I begin the climb up the side of the hill. By the time I reach the top I am tired but exhilarated. Taking a break I look out over Falcondell. Such as lot has happened since I came here. It feels like home to me now and the thought that I may have to leave one day fills me with dread. My thoughts turn back to Ash and a shiver runs through me. He is so dangerous but compelling. I already know that I can’t give him up and that thought terrifies me.
Chapter 20
As I reach the lake I can see that he is already here. As I approach he moves quickly towards me and pulls me to him almost crushing me in the process. Drawing back his eyes dance in the moonlight and he says softly, “Thank you for meeting me Grace. I was afraid that you would think better of it.” I smile at him and raise my eyes up. “You afraid, that I can’t believe.” Grinning he pulls me down beside him. “Oh but I am Grace. I have always had everything I wanted in life until I met you. The fact that we have to act as strangers when we meet is destroying me. If it was up to me I would ignore everyone and crush anyone who came between us, but you are holding me back and I will go at your pace because I don’t want to lose you.” He puts his arm around me and rubs his hand gently on my shoulder. I snuggle in to him and it feels so right, just sitting here together. Turning to face him he lowers his lips on to mine and kisses me so sweetly and gently that it brings tears to my eyes. Gone is the aggressive, snarling bad boy and in its place is just a kind, gentle soul with so much love to give.
Breaking away he says with a groan. “This is also torture for me. I want you so much but need to protect you from me at the same time.” With a big sigh he says, “It sure is easier being bad.” Laughing I pull him up and pull him towards the lake. “Come on; let’s go for a swim to cool you down.” Following my lead he removes his clothes, leaving his underwear on to spare my blushes. I do the same and follow him as he jumps in. Catching hold of me he once again pulls me towards him and kisses me deeply and passionately. Never before have I had feelings of wanting somebody so badly. Pulling away he looks at me gently and reaching up takes the locket in his hands. “You don’t need this here Grace. Let yourself be free, take it off.” Reaching up I remove the locket whilst holding his eyes with mine. I see his expression change to one of wonder and awe as I feel the release from the prison. His eyes glitter and reaching up he runs his fingers through my hair. “You are so beautiful Grace. It is no wonder that you have to suppress it because it would send many a soul mad just to look at you. Blushing I lower my eyes and reaching up he tilts my face up to his. “Never look down around me Grace. I love everything about you and will never hurt you, please believe me.” Nodding slowly I reach for his hand and pull him towards me. “Stop talking.” I say to his surprise and laughing he crushes me once again to him and it is all that I want.
Later on we sit overlooking the Ridge, the Town glittering below us. Ash has his arm around me and my head is on his shoulder. Speaking softly he says, “I want us to as close as this everywhere Grace. All of this pretence is killing me. The fact that I can’t be near you is destroying me inside. When I feel like that I want to cause mayhem and damage which then drives you away. I want to be everything you want and more but all I’m doing is being everything you despise.” I shake my head sadly. “I know how hard this is for you, it is for me too. I just worry that if my Aunt and Gabe found out then they would have no choice but to tell my guardians and then I would be shipped straight out of here. Then I would lose you forever. Surely this is better than that?” Angrily he replies, “Why would they do that, it doesn’t make sense. Don’t they want you to be happy?” Raising my eyes I say, “In case you hadn’t noticed you are their idea of my worst nightmare. We are opposites that attract. They will fear for me and only have my interests at heart.” He falls silent and I can tell that he is thinking about it. Interrupting his thoughts I say, “Anyway, my life would also be hell at school if Skylar and her friends have their way. It’s just better this way.” Ash looks annoyed. “They are not a problem, one word from me and they wouldn’t dare cause any trouble. No the problem is with your side.” He pulls me up. “Say we’re ok Grace? When I saw you with that guy I nearly murdered him on the spot. He won’t give up and if I see him trying to get you to be his I will lose it.” Stroking his hair I say gently, “I am not going on dates with anyone Ash. I was put on the spot and didn’t want to appear rude that’s all. It won’t happen again.” Then a thought strikes me. “How did you know where I was anyway. I mean not just at the coffee shop but also at the Game. I heard that you never go to the football, why were you there?” I can see his eyes flash in the darkness and he smiles wickedly. “You’re not the only one with magic Grace.” Reaching over he holds the silver heart that he gave me in his hand. “I gave you my heart and everything that goes with it. I can feel when you are sad, happy and excited. I just have to close my eyes and I see where you are. You see you can’t escape from me Grace, it’s what I do and who I am.” I look at him in surprise. “That would explain a lot.” I joke, but inside I realise that this is part of who he is. He likes to know everything and as he said, knowledge is power. I just hope that I can get him to use it wisely, for good and not evil, although given who he is I know that I will have my work cut out with tha
t one.
Despite neither of us wanting to leave the other we both head off to our respective homes. As I cycle back I wonder what his home life is like. Having seen his uncle I don’t think its all milk and cookies and I realise that it’s no wonder he is like he is with his uncle and father as role models. Like me he is a product of our peers and we are governed by them.
When I get home I am glad to sink straight into bed. At least it’s Saturday tomorrow and I can avoid school for a couple of days. I have a bad feeling that everything is going to go wrong.
Chapter 21
Walking up the steps to the library I am looking forward to the peace and quiet within its musty walls. The diner is always so busy and there is never enough time to think. The library on the other hand gives me lots of thinking time. I haven’t managed to get far with my shelf sorting. One morning a week just isn’t enough.
As I get inside I see Mr Watson sitting at his desk and my heart sinks as I take in his dishevelled and unkempt appearance. He smiles sweetly as he sees me coming. “Oh hi Grace. It’s good of you to spare me your valuable time every week.” Looking at him I can see that he is tired again, judging by the large black circles under his eyes. I wonder what is happening in his life at the moment that is obviously causing him to be so tired. “Hi Mr Watson, would you like me to grab you a coffee before I make a start?” Shaking his head he jumps up. “No, let me for once Grace. It’s the least I could do for you after you give up your time to help me.” Smiling warmly at me he shuffles off to the coffee shop across the street. As I watch him go I feel worried about him. I decide that the best way that I can help him is by sorting out the shelves so I begin my laborious task.
