Within Reach

by Talie D. Hawkins

  “Do you think he’ll figure it out?”

  “Nah.”

  “I can’t believe you did that,” I mumbled.

  “Believe it. Besides, I had to do something to get my edge back. All the sleeping you do around me is giving me a boredom complex,” he said as he popped his last bite of food into his mouth. “You have some waffle on your face.” He reached to brush it off and I instinctively flinched before his hand made contact. I saw his face wrinkle in confusion. “You really don’t like to be touched, do you?”

  I squeezed my eyes shut for a moment. I didn’t want to have this conversation. Our breakfast had been so nice and I didn’t want to ruin it.

  “It’s not that...I just...I don’t know,” I said, feeling frustrated.

  “I see it on your face all the time. If someone gets too close you cringe, almost like it’s painful.” So he had been paying attention. I didn’t know how to feel about this. “Is it like a past trauma or something?”

  “I don’t know what it is. Would it be okay if we headed back now?”

  “And boom. She shuts me down.”

  He didn’t press anymore. He got up and waited patiently for me to follow. We rode home in silence that wasn’t entirely uncomfortable and it gave me enough time to wonder if the rest of my life would be filled with moments like the one at the diner, or would I somehow find a way to let people in.

  Chapter 7

  “Oh, do you have the notes for the weekend homework in chem?” he asked as I was about to get out of the car.

  “Yeah, let me grab them for you. Want to come in?” We both headed up the porch and I noticed that my dad’s truck was gone. “I’ll be right back. You can wait on the couch if you want,” I said as I noticed he was looking around at the pictures we had on the walls. Most of them were of me as a little kid and I was starting to feel a little self conscious.

  Once he sat down I headed to my room to get the notes. Gwen was just starting to come to as I walked in. I could tell she was trying to puzzle together her night and where she was by the wrinkle of confusion between her eyebrows.

  “What in the literal hell?” she asked in a voice laced with sand paper.

  “Come out after you brush the alcohol stench from your mouth,” I said as I grabbed my backpack.

  Riley was on his phone, whispering and grinning, when I came out. I cleared my throat and held the folder of notes out for him to take. He looked up at me, mouthed a silent “thank you” and walked out with the phone still attached to his face.

  “Why was Riley here?” Gwen had snuck up on me, smelling much better than before.

  “It’s a long story and I’m sure you’ll be hearing varying levels of it for a few days.” I turned to face her and she had a fierce eyebrow raised at me so I gave her the abbreviated version of what had happened. I left out the part about Riley duct taping Trey to Chris’s bathroom. She already looked horrified at the news of Trey physically threatening me.

  “I want to be sick,” she complained.

  “I don’t think that has much to do with Trey. You need to eat.” I went to the kitchen and found some pop tarts. I felt a little guilty because of the great breakfast I had, but she had been passed out and wouldn’t know any different.

  After Gwen was done eating I drove her home and decided I would be a hermit for the rest of the day. Every once in a while my phone would chime with some sarcastic commentary from Riley about my notes. I finally sent him a text that said “GOODNIGHT” and turned my phone on silent mode for the rest of the evening.

  The next morning I tried to brace myself for whatever might happen. I was tired because I tossed and turned and I didn’t have time to think about clothes, so I tossed on some black leggings and a white Mickey Mouse shirt. I gave myself a look in the mirror and groaned. My hair was wreck, I had bags under my eyes, and I felt like I was catching a cold. I slipped on my boots and an army jacket since the heat was finally starting to break.

  I saw Riley when I went to my locker. He was rubbing noses with a blonde whose face was hidden from me. When I heard her giggle I wanted to gag. I had been so transfixed on what they were doing that I didn’t hear Gwen sneak up on me.

  “Boo!” was all she had to say to make me jump out of my skin.

  “Jesus!” I yelled a little too loud. Riley looked in my direction and gave me a snarky, disapproving nod of his head.

  “Sorry,” she said with a laugh. “You’re an easy target. It’s just good that you didn’t flip me over your shoulder or something.”

  “That would require physical contact.” She nodded that she understood. “Speaking of which, something weird happened the other night. Remember when I told you I let you sleep it off at Riley’s the other night?”

  “Yeah?”

  “I sort of fell asleep...and I may have had my head on Riley’s shoulder.” I felt stupid when the words came out. Even more stupid when she raised an eyebrow at me.

  “Scandalous,” she teased.

  “Seriously, listen! It felt a little too good.”

  “Oh, you mean like ‘the feels’?” she whispered.

  “Like so calm and serene that I could get addicted.”

  “Are you sure that wasn’t just sleep or something?”

  “No, it was him and it was....” I was cut off by a surge of rage that didn’t belong to me. It knocked the wind out of me and I had to stop myself from doubling over. I was glad the hand that brought it couldn’t see my face twisted in pain.

  “Hi Chris,” Gwen said. His hand finally disconnected and I felt a wave of relief.

  “Can I talk to you for a sec Jane?”

  “It’s a free country.”

  “Alone?”

  “I’ll leave you to it,” Gwen said as she excused herself.

  “I’m really, really sorry about the other night. I feel like a complete asshole.” He apologized and everything on his face said he was sincere. If he hadn’t touched my shoulder I would have bought it.

  “Look, it’s fine. I should really get to class. Apology accepted.” I wanted to be ten miles away from him.

  “No, it’s not. I need to make it up to you,” he said just before his hand landed on my shoulder. It was back- seething rage that made my heart pound and my head hurt.

  “Don’t touch me!” I blurted out. I saw Riley’s head snap in my direction and everything on his face matched what Chris was feeling. “Seriously, just back up,” I said with a shaky voice.

  “I was trying to apologize,” he said defensively.

  I tried to steady my voice. “I said apology accepted.” I stepped back in case he tried to reach for me again. His posture straightened up and he was glaring at someone behind me.

  “Some sort of problem over here?” I heard Riley ask in an icy tone. Chris’s eyes narrowed as he looked up at Riley.

  “Nope. No problem,” he said bitterly.

  “Good. Keep that little heart to heart we had the other night in mind.”

  Chris shook his head in frustration and I could see his jaw tighten as his mask of the apologetic boy started to wear off. He didn’t say another word before he turned and stormed off, punching a locker as he did. I flinched from the loud bang.

  “You’re ok. He’s an asshole. Don’t let him get under your skin,” Riley said, trying to keep me calm. I turned to face him and he was still watching Chris walk away.

  “Thanks,” was all I could manage. The aftershocks of what just happened had me feeling sick. I got away before Riley could ask me anything and did my best to get on with my day. I was glad I had work after school because the last thing I wanted was to go home and be alone with my thoughts. Max was behind the counter when I walked in and I didn’t see Zane anywhere.

  “Oh thank heavens,” she said dramatically. “Zane has the flu and I can’t talk to another single person today,” she said as she untied her apron mid order. The customer she was with looked back and forth between us in confusion.

  “Hi, what can I get started for you?�
�� I asked with a sunny smile. I took their order and got to work on it and only saw a handful of customers for the rest of the night.

  At the end of the night I yelled a “goodbye” to Max, who was busy doing the books in the back. The parking lot was practically empty aside from my car and something had my nerves on edge. I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and I tried blaming it on the chill in the air, but I knew I was right to be on edge as soon as I saw my car.

  All of my tires had been slashed. I took a deep breath and told myself not to freak out. I knew who was responsible. No one had that much hostility for me. Only Chris. I went back into the coffee shop and startled Max.

  “Sorry, I’m going to be stuck for a bit. Car trouble.”

  I played it down, but as soon as she heard the conversation with my dad she insisted on calling the cops and my dad agreed. He arrived at almost the same time as the officers. I gave them my statement and they took a surveillance video from Max that gave a clear picture of the parking lot, but I couldn’t wait for them to look it over. I was fuming mad and I wanted to deal with it.

  The tow-truck took my car to a tire store and I would be without it for the night, so I asked my dad if I could borrow his truck and he reluctantly agreed.

  I tried not to speed to Chris’s house, hoping that if I took my time I would calm down. That didn’t happen. I jumped out as soon as I pulled up to his curb, not bothering to turn the lights or engine off, and stomped up to his front door.

  I only had to pound twice before his smug face greeted me.

  “Jane! What a nice surprise,” he said, looking a little too pleased with himself. “What are you driving? Are you having car trouble?” I grabbed his arm and only needed to hold on for a sec to confirm that he was all too satisfied with himself and still filled with plenty of hostility for me. “Hey! Let go crazy bitch.” He didn’t have to ask again. I was repulsed by what I felt.

  “Do not come near me again. Do not come near my place of work again,” I said through gritted teeth. His mom appeared behind him with a concerned look on her face.

  “Christopher, what is going on here?”

  “Your son needs to learn to deal with disappointment,” I said as I looked him in the eye.

  “What on Earth?” She asked.

  “The police have surveillance so you can pay for my tires now, or you can pay for them and quit school when I file a restraining order.”

  “Chris, what is she talking about?”

  I didn’t move from where I stood as I watched him squirm.

  “Mom, pay her,” he said with disgust.

  “For what? What did you do?” She demanded again.

  He didn’t answer her, but I could tell by the look on her face that she knew he was an idiot and this wasn’t the first time she had to bail him out of a situation. Moments later she had her checkbook and I was pricing new tires on my phone to come up with an amount. I warned him to stay away from me one last time before I went back to the truck, and I found a surprise waiting for me in the driver’s seat.

  “Why does your dad need such a big truck?” Riley asked.

  “I need to get it back to him.”

  He hopped out and leaned against it.

  “Paying Asshat a little visit?”

  “Asshat slashed my tires.”

  Riley’s posture changed and I saw his fists ball at his sides as anger washed over his face.

  “He did what?” he asked in an icy calm voice.

  “It’s done. I have my new tires paid for.” I showed him the check and he eased back a little.

  “Are you okay?” he asked.

  “Yeah. I was pissed, and I still am, but I’m cooling down.”

  “Okay, just drive safe. I’ll see you at school.”

  I got in and he closed the door for me, but as I drove away I saw him approach Chris’s house and I cringed. I stopped and debated whether or not I should go back. I rested my head on the steering wheel and groaned before I decided to go home. There was nothing that I could do to stop whatever Riley was going to do.

  I got home and got grilled by my dad, which wasn’t so bad. He only asked what was necessary. He knew I could usually handle what came my way and that I would ask for help if I couldn’t.

  Once he was done I went to my room. I was tired but too worried about what Riley may have done to be able to sleep. I picked up my phone to call him a few times, but I reminded myself that I would know soon enough. I sent Gwen a text with a brief run down of what happened and she responded with every shocked and angry emoji possible.

  My dad dropped me off at school the next day and I dreaded walking in to face Chris, but I was ready for anything he wanted to throw my way. What I wasn’t ready for was the black eye and fat lip he was sporting as he glared at me.

  Riley was waiting for me at my locker with an explanation.

  “I’m only responsible for the fat lip. He fell all on his own and got the shiner,” he said, not bothering to look away from his phone as he spoke. “I saw you stop. I thought you would turn around to stop me, but I’m glad you didn’t. I have wanted a reason to kick his ass ever since he took one of my action figures in fifth grade.”

  “Why would you do that?”

  “It was a rare Darth Vader with a removable helmet. Super collectible.”

  “You know what I meant.”

  “Riley!” I heard a girl squeal.

  “Time to work on Trig. I’ll catch you later,” he said as he embraced the poor girl who would be doing his homework and disappeared with her.

  I found Gwen at lunch and finished my slashed tire tale with more details this time and added Riley’s heroic act to the story, leaving her speechless for a change.

  “He hit him?” I nodded yes to confirm.

  “Anyway, can I get a ride to the tire place? I need to pick up my car, but I have to cash this check first.”

  “I’ll take you,” I heard Riley say from behind me.

  “Are you eavesdropping now? And don’t you need to go find Trigonometry Barbie?” He rolled his eyes at me.

  “I’m going. Every time I’m around you both, I feel like I’m intruding,” Gwen said as she got up.

  “Guess you’re stuck with me,” Riley said with a smirk.

  “Thanks, I guess.”

  I found Riley after school at his car. He was waiting for me and opened the passenger door as I walked up. I had that creepy feeling that someone was watching me and when I scanned the parking lot I found a set of eyes fixed on me. It was Mary Kate- the same girl who had taken Riley away to work on trig.

  “You’re not helping me make friends,” I said, motioning to Mary Kate. He looked in her direction and flashed her his most dazzling smile which seemed to stun her.

  “That’s okay. I’ll be your friend,” he said with a wink that Mary Kate couldn’t see.

  “Thanks for the ride,” I said as I got in.

  “You grabbed Chris. I saw it. You never touch people.”

  I shifted in my seat for a minute.

  “We never talked about your car. Do you actually use it for its intended purpose? I mean, what a waste of a Jeep Wrangler if you don’t.”

  “Nice try. I don’t get distracted from the topic very easily.”

  “I was mad. I don’t know why I did it,” I said, hoping he would buy it.

  “Do you want me to stay with you?” he offered when we got to the tire shop.

  “I’m good. I’m going straight to work from here. Thanks again.”

  “Jane!” I heard him yell from his car window.

  “Yeah?”

  “Be careful.”

  My car was back to normal and I parked it near the front of the shop so I could keep an eye on it all night. Zane even stuck around a little later than usual just to make sure everything was quiet, and Max did her ordering and book keeping from a couch that was next to the front window of the shop. It was over kill and I had insisted they not go through any trouble, but they didn’t listen to
me.

  I had a surprise just before it was time to close up. Riley walked through the door just as I was about to lock it.

  “Hi there,” he said with his hands in the pockets of his hoodie.

  “You don’t seem like a coffee at night kind of person.”

  “I’m here for the gargoyles...and to make sure nothing untoward happens to you tonight.”

  “Are you a victorian novel now?” I teased.

  “Victorian isn’t my style. Too many ghosts and wives locked in attics.”

  “Hey,” I said as I playfully pouted. “Don’t make fun of my namesake.”

  “Seriously? After Jane Eyre?”

  “Did you come here to make fun?”

  “Maybe just a little. I mostly wanted to make sure you’re safe,” he said with no humor in his eyes.

  “I’m safe,” I said, feeling a little stunned. “May I go now?” I managed to whisper. I looked down at my feet so he couldn’t see the color rising into my cheeks.

  He walked me to my car and made sure I was in safely before he left the parking lot.

  I thought about this strange presence that was in my life suddenly and how it had happened so fast. Just a few weeks before, I was dreading my assignment with Riley and I had judged him pretty hard. He had a reputation- and not because he didn’t earn it. He used his good looks and charm to his advantage. It allowed him to be lazy and have others do the work for him, which was outrageous because he was smarter than most kids in our school.

  I tuned the mysteries of Riley out of my head with loud music as I drove home and found my dad looking out of the front window when I arrived. I’m sure he was still spooked from the other night and wanted to make sure I was home safe.

  “Maybe I should pick you up and drop you off,” he offered as we ate some left-over pasta.

  “No, I told you it’s handled. I’ll be okay. Riley was there to check on me tonight. I should be fine with the two of you keeping an eye out.”

  “Riley?”

  “Just a friend from school.”

  I got a suspicious look but he didn’t press. We cleared the table and loaded the dishwasher.