by Heather Beck
“Hey,” Anastasia said softly, while sitting in the chair beside Chloe’s bed. “How are you doing?”
“I’ve never felt better,” Chloe responded with a smirk.
Anastasia laughed lightly. “Stupid question, huh?”
“No,” Chloe replied quickly as she reached for Anastasia’s hand, wincing slightly at the movement. “Thank you for caring.” She sighed before continuing. “The doctor said I tore ligaments in my arm, suffered a mild concussion and let’s just say they had to really stitch up my wound.”
“You’re going to get better, though, and that’s what counts.”
Chloe shifted uncomfortably in her bed. “It doesn’t feel that way.” She then hurried to add, “At least one good thing has come from this – I know who my real friends are. You stayed with me when Kate and Marissa left. I’ll never forget that.”
“I had help,” Anastasia replied, causing Chloe to appear confused. “Frost dealt with the cougar, carried you to his SUV and then drove you to hospital. He actually saved both our lives.”
Shocked, Chloe looked at Anastasia with wide eyes. “I had no idea,” she muttered, her cheeks brightening with embarrassment. “I’m so sorry, Anastasia. I should have never told you to stay away from Frost, and I definitely shouldn’t have tried to make you change just to please Kate. I’ve been such an idiot.”
Seeing how upset Chloe was becoming, Anastasia spoke gently, “That’s in the past, and it’s not like you’re the only one to fall under Kate’s spell. We’ve so lost Marissa to her.”
“No, we haven’t. She came to see me yesterday in such a state that I thought she was the one who needed admitted to the hospital. I’m talking waterworks and umpteen apologies. Marissa regrets leaving us on that night, and she’s over being Kate’s minion.”
“Do we believe her?” Anastasia asked cautiously. She liked to think of herself as someone who could forgive others, but Marissa’s behavior had been really hurtful.
“Definitely. Marissa spilled a lot of dirt on Kate, and that’s going to come at a high price for her.” Chloe looked down at her bed sheets, obviously uncertain of whether she should continue speaking or not.
“What have they been saying about me?” Anastasia asked, almost in a teasing manner even though she found none of this amusing.
“Jill started the rumor about you and Mr. O’Donoghue, and Kate encouraged her to do so. Kate told Jill what you said about her and Jack. She wanted to cause trouble for you, and I guess she saw the opportunity in Jill.”
“Does Kate really hate me that much?” Anastasia asked, frustrated and upset. “I really haven’t done anything to her.”
“You’re kidding, right?” Chloe asked rhetorically, before continuing. “Your mere presence in Cedar Falls is reason enough for Kate to dislike you. You’re everything that she isn’t, and she’s so threatened by that.”
Suddenly, someone knocked upon the door and then entered. It was a young, attractive hospital worker who was carrying a tray. “Sorry for interrupting, but it’s time for Chloe’s lunch,” he said with a warm smile.
“Hi, Jay,” Chloe responded, immediately perking up. She gave her head a little toss so her hair would fall forward. It was beyond obvious that she liked him.
“I’ll visit you again soon,” Anastasia promised as she stood up and gave Chloe a gentle hug. She was almost out the door when Chloe called to her.
“Thank Frost for me,” she said sincerely.
“I’ll be sure to tell him,” Anastasia responded with a smile.
As Anastasia left the hospital, she felt so much better about everything. Chloe was going to be fine, and it seemed like Marissa had finally seen Kate for what she really was – a manipulative bitch. So what if Kate and Jill hated her? At least she had some real friends, including a wickedly hot boyfriend in Frost.
* * *
On the second day of Anastasia’s suspension, she’d begun to work at the library. She had reasoned it was easier to accept the job and keep her grandfather somewhat content than it was to refuse and start yet another argument. In truth, she wasn’t wholly opposed to the idea anyway. She hated staying home all day, by herself and with nothing to do but rehash bad memories. Besides, she could really use the cash.
Cedar Falls Library wasn’t the old, musty place that Anastasia had imagined it would’ve become. In fact, it had recently undergone a makeover and was as nice, albeit not as big, as any library in Toronto. The shelves were stocked full of a wide range of books, and there were a few new computers. There was even a small separate study room, although Anastasia suspected that it didn’t get used often.
As for the staff, there were two full-timers, her grandmother and Mrs. Davenport, as well as four other part-timers. Anastasia was mainly being trained by Mrs. Davenport, who was patient, friendly and very much an advocate for literacy. Overall, she was learning quickly, and her time there was mostly positive.
On this particular night, Anastasia and her grandmother were alone in the library, preparing to close early because of the monthly town meeting which would start in just over an hour. Right now, they were busy making sure all the books were properly shelved. This was Anastasia’s favorite part of her job because everything was so quiet and it gave her a chance to browse the books. There were so many titles that she wanted to read – although she hadn’t done that recreationally for years. It seemed as if a part of the old Anastasia was starting to resurface, and that felt so good.
“Can you flip the sign on the door to closed?” Mrs. Lockhart called to Anastasia as she started to turn off the computers.
Lost in thought about a paranormal romance book that she desperately wanted to read, Anastasia approached the door. She’d just turned over the sign when a figure appeared on the other side. Startled, Anastasia let out a loud gasp, her heartbeat quickening as the late night visitor opened the door and stepped inside.
“Hi, Anastasia,” Marissa said shyly as she pulled down the hood which had been covering a large portion of her face.
“Is everything okay?” Mrs. Lockhart asked, while hurrying to Anastasia’s side.
“I hope so,” Marissa spoke quickly, retrieving a beautifully wrapped box of chocolates and then offering them to Anastasia. “I know this can’t even begin to make up for all the things that I’ve done, but it is a peace offering because I am so sorry.”
Anastasia suddenly felt embarrassed by her over-the-top reaction to Marissa’s arrival, even though it was unexpected. “Can we have a moment alone?” she asked her grandmother, who nodded in understanding.
“Don’t tell me you’re lactose intolerant,” Marissa joked, although her laughter came out nervously.
Finally taking the chocolates, Anastasia said graciously, “You really didn’t have to.”
“I’m so sorry,” Marissa repeated abruptly, becoming very emotional.
From the way her lips quivered to her teary eyes, Anastasia guessed that this was the beginning of the hysterics which Chloe had so generously warned her about. As Marissa continued, she realized that her assumption was dead on.
“I know what I did was wrong, and I don’t even know why I did it. Supporting Kate in all her lies was horrible. I didn’t even recognize the person I was becoming. I was weak, scared and oh so wrong.”
“Calm down,” Anastasia advised, concerned that Marissa would actually start to hyperventilate. “Although I can’t deny that I’m still kind of pissed, I will be able to get over it sooner rather than later.”
“That’s all I’m asking for,” Marissa readily jumped at the opportunity to get their friendship back on track.
“It helps that you told Principal Keith the truth,” Anastasia added. “Thanks.”
“You have no reason to thank me,” Marissa said as she hugged Anastasia. “I was only trying to right one of my many wrongs.”
“Sorry to interrupt, girls,” Mrs. Lockhart said, while approaching them, “but I have to lock up now. Do you need a ride home, Marissa?”
&
nbsp; “No, I have my car.” She then turned to Anastasia. “We’ll talk soon, right?”
“Sure,” Anastasia replied with a smile.
After Marissa left and Anastasia’s grandmother closed the library, they headed home. With the waning moon still somewhat bright, Anastasia looked upon the woods. They were beautiful at night – from the safety of a moving car, of course. However, she experienced a weird sensation, as if someone or something was watching her. Chalking it up to mere paranoia stemming from that horrifying night in the woods, Anastasia averted her eyes to the road ahead. She was actually proud of herself for not having any other post-traumatic stress symptoms, and she wanted to keep it that way.
Their house soon came into view, and as Anastasia and her grandmother exited the car and then headed inside, they discussed what work would need to be done at the library tomorrow. Unfortunately, their conversation quickly came to a stop when they saw her grandfather pacing angrily in the living room. Notably, the love notes which Frost had written for Anastasia, along with the dried blue rose, were placed on the coffee table.
“Is that another gift from lover boy?” Mr. Lockhart asked harshly, while pointing toward the box of chocolates. “You have a lot of explaining to do, young lady.”
Anastasia felt her face burn with embarrassment. She couldn’t believe that her grandfather had read such personal notes. Anger rapidly set in as she realized how he had retrieved them in the first place; he must have snooped throughout her entire bedroom because she’d made sure that those notes were very well-hidden.
Looking confused, Mrs. Lockhart picked up a single piece of paper. She read some of it before hurriedly placing it back on the table. “Oh, Fredrick,” she said to her husband, “how could you?”
“Don’t turn this around on me,” he raised his voice. “I had to find out from the principal that a teacher is accused of dating our granddaughter. Can you blame me for wondering what else she’s been keeping from me? And I was right,” he added, while thumping his fist upon the coffee table, “she’s seeing Frost behind our backs.”
“Frost and I haven’t done anything wrong,” Anastasia protested, “but going through my stuff definitely is!”
“Although you may not believe it now, I am doing what’s best for you.”
“No, you’re not!” Anastasia cried. “Frost is the most kind, caring and amazing guy I’ve ever met – I’d never leave him.”
“Enough!” Mrs. Lockhart exclaimed before Mr. Lockhart could snap back. She turned to Anastasia. “You shouldn’t have kept your relationship with Frost a secret. We need to know that you’re being honest with us. That’s all I ask of you.” She then faced her husband. “You had no right to snoop through Anastasia’s personal belongings. I’m sure you’ve lost a little bit of her trust tonight.”
“Make that a lot of trust,” Anastasia mumbled.
“Anastasia is allowed to see Frost, if she so wishes,” Mrs. Lockhart continued. “However, there are to be no more secrets. If this family is going to work, we need to talk openly with one another. Is everyone in agreement?”
Neither Anastasia nor her grandfather said a word. Instead, they both nodded.
“Good,” Mrs. Lockhart commented as she began to leave the living room. “Now get ready for the meeting, Fredrick. I don’t want to be late.”
With a little satisfied smirk, Anastasia collected her notes and rose, while her grandfather looked on silently. She was surprised and very happy that her grandmother had stood up for her. It proved that Anastasia really could rely on her, and that security was priceless.
Quickly, Anastasia headed to her bedroom, still partially embarrassed that her grandfather had read the notes, but more so excited to see Frost. She knew that he would be coming to her window, just like he always did. It was actually a miracle that her grandparents hadn’t caught him yet – not that she was complaining. After all, a girl had to have some secrets.
Once her grandparents had left for the town meeting and she’d had the chance to freshen up, Anastasia waited by her window, feeling the rush and butterflies she always experienced whenever she was about to see Frost. When she saw him approaching from across her backyard, she quickly opened the window. By now, she was so used to the encroaching cold breeze which accompanied their nightly encounters that she hardly noticed it anymore.
“Hi, beautiful,” Frost said with a wide smile, before leaning over the windowsill and kissing her on the cheek.
“Hey, I’ve got some news,” Anastasia said, tugging playfully at the collar of Frost’s coat and giving him a secretive smile.
“Oh, yeah?” Frost said, raising his eyebrows with piqued interest.
Anastasia nodded. “We don’t have to hide our relationship any longer. My grandparents know we are dating, and to tell the truth, I’m really relieved.”
“That’s great, Anastasia, and also a little ironic. Last night, I told my parents we’re dating.” Hurriedly, he added, “I know I should’ve talked to you about it first, but the words just sort of came out. They’re happy about it and would love to have you over for dinner sometime soon.”
“Its fine,” Anastasia reassured him, noting how cute he looked when he was nervous. “Actually, it’s better than fine, and I can’t wait to officially meet your parents.”
“Good,” Frost said with a sigh of relief, “because it’s not easy to keep a secret.” He appeared thoughtful for a moment and then continued. “Anyway, I thought we could go for a drive tonight. Are you interested?”
“Definitely,” Anastasia answered, eager to try something different. “Meet me on the porch.”
Closing the window, Anastasia hurried to the foyer to retrieve her coat and boots. After putting them on, she stepped outside to find Frost waiting for her.
Frost didn’t say a word as he reached for Anastasia’s hand, his heat slowly spreading throughout her body as they walked toward his SUV. She’d originally thought his unnatural warmth was odd, but now it felt comforting, even though she still had no explanation for its cause.
“Won’t people see us?” Anastasia asked, wondering what had prompted Frost’s sudden desire to go out. “I’m still grounded until Monday, you know.”
“Supposedly, a lot of people go to the church for the town meeting, and it’s the only time your grandfather and my dad will be together in the same room. Trust me, it’s the perfect opportunity to hang out without being seen.”
Frost released Anastasia’s hand so he could open the car door for her, but still, she felt a wave of disappointment over their broken touch. She entered the SUV, and after he’d closed the door behind her, he swiftly got in and put the key into the ignition. Anastasia couldn’t help but note how he always acted like a gentleman.
“Speaking of your grandfather,” Frost continued as he drove down the street, “how are things between the two of you?”
“Oh, they’re great,” Anastasia replied sarcastically. “I love being told how to behave and especially who my friends should be. It’s also really healthy that the only time we talk is to argue.”
“Things sound pretty good then.” Frost kept a straight face even though he was obviously teasing her.
“Shut up,” Anastasia said, smiling slightly in spite of herself.
“Seriously, Anastasia, I’m sure your grandfather wants the best for you. He just doesn’t realize what that is yet.”
“Maybe,” Anastasia admitted, “and I do wish our relationship was better, even if only for my grandma’s sake since all this fighting is so unfair to her. But when nothing I say or do pleases him, I start to wonder what’s the point in trying.”
“If something’s important to you, then you should never give up on it.”
Anastasia thought about Frost’s words as she stared out the window, taking in the spooky scenery. The woods seemed alive as branches swayed in the wind, creating constantly moving shadows on the road. She even saw some type of bird – probably an owl – swooping among the trees. Unfortunately, the owl fle
w so fast that she had no time to point him out to Frost.
“I know you’re right,” Anastasia said, breaking the silence as she turned her head away from the window. She much preferred looking at Frost, anyway. “I’ve really made an effort with my mom, and I can already see the change in our relationship. We text every day, and we’re more open with each other now. She even admitted to feeling alone and overwhelmed for these past four years, so I guess we’ve found our common ground.”
“You’ll never have to feel alone again,” Frost promised, taking one hand off the wheel for a few seconds so he could lovingly caress Anastasia’s knee. “As for being overwhelmed, I’m here to share all your burdens.”
“I’m here for you, too,” Anastasia said quickly. “Always.” Looking at Frost, she couldn’t suppress her smile. He made her feel protected and wanted, as if he needed her as much as she needed him. Despite knowing him for a short period of time, she’d never felt so strongly about any other guy.
“Actually, I think I can ease one of those burdens right now,” Frost said, casting her a mischievous grin. “Not having you at school meant I had some spare time to do a bit of detective work. Turns out the investigation into your alleged affair with Mr. O’Donoghue has been closed due to insufficient evidence.”
“Are you serious?” Anastasia asked with wide eyes, although she knew that Frost wouldn’t joke about something like this.
Frost nodded. “I’m sure the news will be all over school by Monday morning – just in time for your return.”
Anastasia was silent for a moment as she processed the news. “You have no idea how relieved I am to hear all of this,” she said slowly, “but how did you find out?”
Frost shrugged as if it was no big deal. “I know how much this thing with Mr. O’Donoghue has affected you, so I made it my mission to get answers.”
“Well, whatever you did, thank you,” Anastasia said, deciding that it was pointless to dig into the matter any further. “You know, something else is kind of bothering me. This may sound stupid, but I feel like my grandparents didn’t want me at the town meeting.”
