Josh had smirked. “That’s not what you said this morning.”
Lainy laughed. “That’s because you didn’t do the damn dishes!”
Dereck is still on an apple-pie high as we walk into Josh’s house that’s overflowing with people. As we make our way through the crowd, a guy steps out in front of me. Apparently, Dereck knows him. He rolls his eyes. “Oh God. Here we go. Serenity, this is my friend, Jack.”
“Nice to meet you,” I say. Jack keeps staring me down. “Am I missing something here?”
Dereck explains, “See, Jack here says he asked you out in the fifth grade, and he’s still holding a grudge—”
“For the life of me,” Jack interrupts, “why him and not me?”
I haven’t loved you for many lifetimes? “Huh. Well, Jack, the problem is simple. I was too young and naive to recognize a real man when faced with one in the fifth grade.”
Jack likes where we’re headed. “And now?”
“I am much wiser—”
“Okay”—Dereck steps between us—“we’re done here.” He guides me away, saying over his shoulder, “Mine. Mine. Mine.” Headed to the Crew, where Josh is holding a water bottle, eagle-eyeing us. Dereck reaches for the drink. “I’m dying of thirst. I just ate a whole pie.”
Josh hands him the water. “Why the hell are you so chipper? You didn’t deflower my baby girl, did you?”
“No, El Ca-pee-ton.” Dereck takes a big swig of water.
I shrug. “No deflowering, but he touched my boobs.”
Dereck spits the water out—right in Josh’s face.
Josh slowly wipes his soaking brows. “Oh, is that so?”
Now in a headlock, Dereck begs, “Wait! Josh, she asked me to!”
“Sure she did, Pretty Boy. You sound like your best friend. ‘My mama told me to.’”
The Crew eventually moves to Josh’s back porch. About an hour later, Sky finally shows. Dereck gives final instructions before Sky greets us. “Now remember. My mom said you must play this right, or she’ll never open up. No matter what, control your words”—he glares at Josh—“and your temper.”
“Which one is Pecker Head?” I look over my shoulder at Rocco standing behind me. He’s paling, checking out Bruno and his two friends. Sky seems detached as she walks toward us with red eyes.
Rocco leans down. “Serenity?”
I nod.
Dereck leans in. “What is it?”
Jolene loses color. “She’s been crying.”
Rocco’s energy vibrates off my back, so I face him. He mouths, “I can’t do this.” Without a second thought, I rest my hand on his chest, and for some reason, he settles.
Sky introduces Bruno and his friends to everyone and is nowhere near her sassy self. My eyes follow the dark mist, circling her as if in a panic again. It still can’t get a firm hold, and I’m starting to feel it recognizes the Crew. Seeing the vapors is how this all started. Hearing them is new to me. Feeling the mist? Absolutely creepy. The shadows are afraid.
Josh taps my elbow, pulling me from my thoughts. I’m shocked to hear Jolene has already started a conversation with the newcomers, and I haven’t heard one word. “Let’s get a Coke.” Josh is not asking. He’s leading me away.
In his kitchen, Josh asks some guy, “Hey, Clyde. Can you give us a minute?”
“No problem.” Clyde and his friends walk out. The tiny kitchen is now empty.
Josh bends down to communicate at eye level. Obviously, we’re about to have a serious conversation, and I’m to focus.
“Serenity, I’m not sure what you’re seeing, but I know it’s something. I don’t know how much I can handle ’cause I’m not much… on the, uh… anyway, can you, in Joshy Poo terms, explain to me what the hell is going on with Sky? And how I can beat its ass?”
I think for a minute. How to say the crazy without sounding crazy? “I… don’t think I see everything… like you do. My eyes seem to pick up on some… things… that might possibly require a… microscope for most people?”
“So, you have better eyes than some. I can live with that. Go on.”
“Annnd, what I see is… confusion. Yes, Skyler’s confused by… influences beyond… her control.”
Josh’s face scrunches.
“Uh. Okay. Influences take different forms—”
Josh closes one eye as if I’m about to cross the line and say too much.
“Breathe, Joshy Poo.”
Still bent over, he inhales deeply and blows it out.
“And the form is struggling to get a firm hold.”
“Why?”
“Rocco’s kiss.”
Josh raises a brow.
“Dereck did the same thing with my dad.”
Josh stands up as if I’ve just crossed a whole other line.
I smack him. “Not that, you freak! His energy affected my dad… oh, never mind. Look, I don’t know how this works, but it seems some people have certain effects on other people—not hormonally, a calming effect on… the confusion. When Rocco kissed Sky—not the kiss on the lips but the one at the drink bar—Skyler’s energy changed, and something powerful happened. The, uh, confusion has not been able to confuse Sky as much since then.” I proudly point at Josh. “You seem to have that effect, too.”
Josh winces. “I’m a… uh, un-con-fuser?”
I laugh at the invented word. “Yes, an unconfuser, on a different level. But when you held her in the backseat, before Bowl ‘Em’s, it happened—just not as strong. Didn’t hold like Roc’s. There’s a connection between the Crew and Sky and me. Something I don’t understand.”
He glances down. “Dereck is an unconfuser for you, isn’t he?”
“On the highest level possible.”
“Does Dereck know?”
I solemnly shake my head. “Not really.”
Walking back outside, Josh says, “So, Serenity, should I… I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but should I rub Rocco all over Sky—I can’t even finish that sentence.”
“I don’t think Sky’s date would care for that much.”
“You know I don’t care what Pecker Head thinks, right?”
“Oh, I know, trust me. Are you going to tell Jolene what I’ve told you?”
He takes another deep breath. “I think, for now, this will be our secret. I have to focus on Sky.”
Just then, Skyler is about to walk by us, looking as if her mind is far away.
I whisper to Josh, “See? Confused.”
Josh says, “Skyler?”
She stops like a human robot. “Yes?”
His expression shows his heart is breaking. His big hand reaches for her face. “Baby girl?”
As soon as he touches her, the hounding mist dissipates. Her little hand comes up to his, and she gazes at him. “Josh?”
He gasps with recognition.
Sky says, “I have to get Bruno and his friends their drinks.”
Josh gently smiles. “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. I’m here for you. I love you, Sky.”
Skyler tears up as she quietly asks, “Josh, what’s happening to me?”
He pulls her to him, fighting back his own tears. “I don’t know, but you’re not alone. Not anymore. We’ll stand by your side until we work this out.”
Going back outside is like walking into a hot swamp of emotions. Sky has gone for Bruno’s drinks, and Dereck is now standing with his back to Roc’s chest. Without Bruno knowing it, Dereck is keeping Roc from pouncing. What happened?
Josh seems to notice it right away and casually asks, “What’s going on here?”
With a strained jaw, Rocco replies, “Bruno ordered Sky to get them beers. His lack of respect makes me sick.”
; Before Josh can react, Sky walks up, distracted again. Josh grabs his stomach. Sky tries to hand beers to Bruno and friends, but Josh grabs them. “I don’t think so, little men. Not if you’re driving my precious cargo around.” The trio doesn’t seem pleased with the “little” comment, but they are little compared to my trio, who tower above us all. Josh hands the beers to Jolene with a kiss. “We need an exchange here.” Numbly holding the three bottles, Jolene tries to keep her hanging jaw connected to her face; her hotheaded lover is finally keeping his cool.
As Jolene places the beers back in a cooler, Josh puts his hand on Rocco’s shoulder. “Look at me.” Rocco pulls his eyes away from Bruno. Josh makes strong eye contact with Rocco. “Do me a favor. I saw something on Sky’s back. Go over to her and wipe it off, please.”
Rocco, seeming more than perplexed about El Capitan’s odd request, studies Josh while walking to Sky. Bruno jolts as if internally instructed to pay attention, and he becomes agitated. He steps forward. “I got her—”
Josh interrupts, “Bruno, would you and your friends like a Coke instead?”
Bruno, observing a bewildered Rocco searching Sky’s back for an item that doesn’t exist, answers, “Um, sure.”
Jolene hands out Cokes.
When Rocco comes up empty-handed, his face shows an awareness of Josh’s meaning. This overgrown country boy is catching on that he needs to stand next to Skyler. I sense a shift in the air as Rocco takes a step closer to her back, like a guard dog assuming his position, as if he has chosen never to leave her side again.
Skyler’s eyes slowly close, as if settling into a warm bubble bath she’s been waiting for. A devilish smile slowly creeps across my angel’s face. Sky leans her head all the way back so she can see him. Rocco peers down at her. As her eyes open, she says, “Hi, Teddy Bear.”
Dereck and Jolene’s eyes nearly pop from the sockets. Skyler is refreshed and reformed.
Rocco releases the most genuine smile as love pours from his eyes. “Hey, Lil’ Mama.” He kisses her forehead, and a union takes place.
The mist evaporates. And somehow I know… it’s for good this time.
Bruno, along with his friends, takes another step forward, as if defending a piece of property.
Dereck quickly hands me off to Jolene as he and Josh step forward. He says, “Whoa, not happening.”
Josh warns Bruno, “Hey, I wouldn’t do that if I were you…”
The Crew’s guy friends from school move in for backup as if they’ve heard a loud horn warning them of intruders. Rocco wraps an arm around Sky’s shoulders and chest, holding her close to him, as his other hand—now on Bruno’s chest—keeps Bruno at bay.
Bruno tries to knock away Roc’s hand—“Get the fuck off me!”—with no success.
Guys are realigning their positions again and moving in, compacting like sardines. I can almost hear the energy surrounding us crackle and pop.
“And this is where we bow out,” Jolene says, moving the two of us out of harm’s way.
I sure hope Bruno’s friends are ninja experts or something, because Teddy Bear is about to morph into Grizzly Bear.
With his hold on Sky, Roc begins pulling her to his side, as though he’s preparing to handle Bruno with one hand. “I will rip your—”
Josh and Dereck cut in with their arms, trying to build a barrier between Roc and Bruno, saying, “No, Roc… It’s okay… Breathe, big guy…” but it isn’t working. The only voice Roc responds to is Sky’s.
In his embrace, she faces him and touches his chest. “Rocco.” He glances down at her, and his shoulders immediately soften. “I need to talk to Bruno. To break it off—”
Bruno gets loud. “What the hell are—”
Bodies start to bounce again as each group defends its own.
Not Rocco. He just stares. “Are you sure? I’ll tell him for you.”
She smiles. “I’m a big girl.”
He smirks as if no one is watching and a battle isn’t brewing in front of him. “Not sure about you being big, Lil’ Mama.”
“Gotta clean up my own mess.”
Rocco releases his hold on her. Everyone takes a step back. Skyler gazes down as she walks to him. “Bruno—”
“Can we at least go over there, for some privacy?” Bruno points at a corner in the backyard where no one is standing.
Sky nods. I know she feels guilty. Bruno grabs her arm but quickly notices Rocco’s body language sending out a warning. Bruno lets go. They both start walking. Bruno’s friends begin to follow.
Josh reacts immediately. “Hey, your buddies can keep us company.”
Bruno gives an order with his eyes. They stay behind.
Everyone turns to watch the soon-to-be-ex couple walk away. When Bruno and Sky start talking, Dereck comes to Jolene and me.
Josh seems happy. “That was a close call.” He whispers to us girls, “Mission Pecker Head complete.”
Just then, Rocco jumps over the railing, heading to the corner of the yard, yelling, “If you touch her…”
Bruno pushes my Sky, and she flies to the ground.
Stampede. All guys involved take off running.
I don’t know what Bruno was thinking, but he faces us again, just in time to see the Rosco Freako Train. The train leans forward and picks up Bruno, then slams him to the ground. Sky is lying half on her side, looking shell-shocked and scared. Something deep in my soul snaps me into another mode, and I run toward her as a muscle-memory reaction kicks in. I can’t hear, I can’t think, I just have to get to her. In my peripheral vision, I see numerous confrontations. I duck and twirl through the chaos.
All I see is…
His hand dragging her by her hair… My insides, on fire with fear as I crawl to her. Once I get to her limp body, I cradle her and hold her close. I tuck my head over her, close my eyes, and wrap my arms around her. I scream in terror, “Please don’t touch her! Please!”
“It’s me, Serenity. It’s Sky. Open your eyes. I’m okay. Open your eyes.”
Desperately gasping for air, I hear Sky’s voice again, “Look at me. I’m okay.”
My eyes slowly open. I’m not holding—“Sky?”
Her big, wet blues stare back. “Yes, my sweet. It’s me.”
Jolene’s arms are around both Sky and me. Her heart is pounding on my back. “She’s okay. They’re both okay.”
Who is Jolene talking to? I lift my head, and every guy is standing around us, staring. They’re all out of breath, no longer fighting. Did I scream out loud? Dereck’s body trembles, possibly realizing he might be witnessing a glimpse of the world I hide. A shadow lurks within the storm that I endure every time this world erupts. I look down in shame, but as I do, I see Dereck’s hands opening and closing. My lie is bubbling to the surface and causing him anguish. My shoulders sink, along with my heart.
As the officer puts Bruno in handcuffs and reads him his rights, we are all sad. We are witnessing the cycle of abuse continue, right before our eyes. Bruno most likely learned this behavior, maybe at home. Sky learned to put up with such abuse from what she witnessed at her home. Her mom didn’t kick out the abuser soon enough—she allowed him to stay for some time. So Sky, in return, learned to accept it. What have I learned to accept?
The officers drive away. Skyler suddenly starts crying. With regret written all over her face, she studies Rocco, who is carefully approaching her. “I’m sorry I caused all this.”
He holds his chest. “I will beg you for the rest of my life to not believe this was your fault.”
Our real Sky allows her walls to fall and truly break from the inside out. She leans into him. “Oh, Rocco… I’m, I’m lost.” To me, his strong arms have never looked so gentle as he holds and rocks this baby girl. With his palm and his chest, he shields her face from the world that ha
s been so cruel to her. Thinking about how we’re still waiting to learn what caused her fall, I realize she needs this human shield.
“Then I’ll stay with you until you’re found.”
I believe him.
Chapter Seventeen
Graduation Day
The darkness that allowed Bruno in still has to be found, but another moment has arrived. My junior year has come to an end, signaling the conclusion of the Wise Ones’ high school adventures. Faith said we are to put worries aside and have a new focus for the day. Now is the time for Jolene and Josh to say hello to another stage of their life—college.
I wonder what we’ll do without them. I’m surprised to learn that Josh had many scholarship offers, and he’d picked one some time back. Jolene says he’s a powerful football player. I’d never gone to a game—not Sky and me, the hermits. Maybe I should have. Jolene also says not to worry, that I’ll get to see Josh play plenty in college games. They’re televised. When I ask if I should look for his jersey number or something, Jolene grins, saying his world is about to change. And that I’ll know who he is out on that field. I don’t know what she means, not until I’m sitting on the couch at Jolene’s one evening a few weeks later and see my Josh on the news. “It has finally been confirmed. Josh Dukes has picked UT, University of Texas. We are keeping our local star…”
Star? I’m baffled about why the news show cares. “Josh?”
But he doesn’t answer me. He glares at Jolene. She catches a glimpse of Josh out of the corner of her eye. “Josh, I’m waiting. I don’t want to be in debt with some huge school loan.”
“Okay.” He sits back and rests his ski-sized sneakers on her coffee table. “I will refuse my scholarship and wait with you.”
“What?” She pales. “Don’t say that. You’ve worked too hard for this.”
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