Peach Melba: brown sugar cake, vanilla buttercream, raspberry jam, brown butter roasted peaches, graham cracker crumbs.
[REPLACEMENT]
I was nine when i ran away with my dad and my dog Luke
I was nine and i lost the person that meant everything to me and my dad.
that person was mom…
I was nine when she was taken away from me.
It was the afternoon and dad said it was going to rain. Mom loved it when it rain but I disliked it. Dad told me to call mom to go inside before she gets wet, so i did. Luke wanted to come but I told him to stay and wait for me, i could tell Luke didn’t like it when i was far from him. I ran outside to the backyard where my mother had grown all kinds of flowers, flowers that normal people would not recognize or even like, but they are special flowers, flowers only grown in Apuron. A magical land where only special people who had powers can enter. I see my mom starting a knew patch for her Bulbeon tulips, a flower that starts off ugly but grows into a lovely and sweet flower.
“Mom!” i ran to her, “Daddy say it’s going to rain c’mon.” i tugged on her top but she didn’t move.
she smiled at me and stopped me. I gestured to sit, so I did. “Thats great!” she laughs
“No mommy! It scary!”
“Now, Lacey you know that rain it great for flowers?”
i shook my head up and down
“Then why be afraid of something that gives life?” i was nine i didn’t really understand what my mom meant, so i stared at her.
“Help me bring my tools in side the shed, will you?” she smiled. I love her smile, it was like a warm glass of milk on those nights that you couldn’t sleep, her smile brought warmth to everyone. It was powerful. I grab whatever tools i saw and ran them in the shed.
“Oh sweetheart thank you for helping mommy, run inside now before it starts to rain. I’ll sing you to sleep my dear.”
“But mom.”
“Don’t worry honey, I just have to clean up then Im going straight inside.”
”okay..” i saw a worried look on my mothers face before i ran inside to where my father was watching us. she pat me on the head as i ran in, I ran up the stair and Luke followed he was as big as me but he still needed help getting up the stairs. I cleaned up brushed my teeth and changed into my red sink sleeping dress. I jumped into my bed and i waited for my mom. I heard I noise outside but it had started to rain and thunder has started. BOOM! every time i heard the thunder I cried but this time i must stay strong, after all i shouldn’t be afraid of something that gives life, for what ever that means. I heard the scream of my mother and i ran down. I fell down the last few steps and hurt my foot but Luke helped me up and i ran to the backyard. I didn’t know where my father was, but there i saw my mother laying on a bush of blood roses but it was her blood. it was raining hard, and i ran outside.
“Mom?” i shook her, but it was like she was asleep.
“Mommy?” i shook her again
“Mom wake up! i want to her you sing mom. Mom wake up!” at some point I started crying and I knew but i wouldn’t allow myself to think it.
“Mom, Dad is worried, Luke is scared! I’m scared mom, mom wake up!”
it was raining so hard and the thunder and lighting are loud, i cried to hard to the point where i couldn’t produce anymore tears but the rain help make me look like i was still crying.
I looked up to the sky, “c’mon rain give life to my mommy.” i still felt like crying but no matter how hard i couldn’t feel the tears coming.
“Mom WAKE UP!” i gave up and hugged my mother cold wet body.
“Lacey! Lacey come here now!” i heard my father and Luke bark from inside. I couldn’t move, I didn’t want to.
“I’m so sorry honey.” my dad picked me up and kiss me on the head. i kicked and screamed for my mother to wake up and scream at my dad ‘why are you leaving her!!!!’ i cried again and there where tears this time.
“We have to go, it isn’t safe here.”
And through that night, my father took me in his car and drove i didn’t know where we were going but i sat in the back with Luke’s head on my lap. i cried silently and i started out the window and saw the muddy road and the boarder of green grass. i thought i hate the rain, why didn’t it give life to my mom? i hate you rain. i couldn’t speak anymore. i just started seeing flashes of my mother dead body on the rose bush. I hate you rain. I don’t remember much of that night later on but all i remember is waking up in a different world, i was in a house with two people, a man and a women. they held hands and cried with my father, i didn’t cry i held it in i felt my throat widen as i try not to cry. I saw a head pop out from the shadows, he looks at me with those sad eyes. He looked lost but he cried as he ran to his parents. I stared at him, his green blue eyes were all glossy and crying. i looked away and pet Luke who was sitting beside me.
“I’m sorry, John for your loss, but we assure you that your daughter will be safe and sound here, in this world.” the man said with his son buried in his chest.
“Thank you. You are the only people i can trust right now.” my father said choking after a word. I closed my eyes, and saw my mother smiling. I imagined her voice saying ‘i’m so sorry Lacey. I love you and your father so so much. im sorry.” i felt a warm tear run down my face. i kept my eyes closed and pretend like i was sleeping.
my father lifted me up and brought my up stairs and laid me down on a soft warm bed. “Lacey open your eyes.”
i kept them shut. “Lacey sweetheart i need you to open your eyes.” he whispered.
i opened them and tears started flowing, and i sat up and hugged my father and we both cried all night because we realized that the person we love so much is gone and she’s never coming back.
As the days go by, my father explains to me where we are. We were in a place called Earth and in Earth we were in Canada and in Canada we were in a small town called Melrose will. As weeks go by, my grim face goes by and i start to speak more. even to the boy that keeps looking at me. As the months go by, my father brought me to places in Toronto like the CN Tower, we didn’t go up it because i was scared of heights and the strange vehicle that only goes up and down. we went to Niagara Falls with the family of three, we went to parks and we went camping. As the years go by, I was 12 and was enroold into a school called Melrose wood academy. It was a prestigious school with stuck up girls and boys, i was bullied mostly because i was the only on in my class that didn’t have a mommy. I told all of them that my mom is on a trip in Toronto, the kids said that she is never coming back and that she never loved me. they pulled my long brown hair and cut it. But as days go by and the bullying the little boy with green blue eyes just watched and looked at me . I hated him for not helping me. until one day where he punched a girl that was threatening me with scissors i forget why she was doing that but i knew the next day i didn’t see her and the kids stop torturing me. I boy stopped looking at me and he pretended like i didn’t existed and i did the same. When I became 13, it was different, i had short brown hair and dress in dress and skirts, i was what they called “cute” every boy wanted to play with me at recess every girl wanted to be my friend but one person never spoke a word to me. It was the last day of school where a boy named Gino was pushing me and asking me to go out with him, i didn’t want to go out with anyone and specially with a boy like him with dark brown eyes and black hair that was messy and a round shape figure. He had chased me into a corner in the school, everyone was gone home with their parents but i had to wait for the boy with blue green eyes.
“Hey stop it!” Gino kept touching my hair and i sit in the playground steps.
Gino said he’ll wait with me, and i said whatever. Gino made weird kissy noises and i told him to shut up. i wondered where he is, i looked at my plastic watch and he was ten minutes late. Gino was getting worse, he started to hug me and continue to make kissing noises
“Gino, shut up or i’ll punch you!”
“My mom told me if a girl punches me that means she likes me.”
“well you mom is wrong and you’re stupid.” i got up and started to walk out of the school, where Gino grabbed my arm. Then out of nowhere, blue-green eyes boy came out of no where and pushed Gino to the floor and kicked him. He grabbed my hand and ran. he was fast, and determined to get out of the school area, we ran all the way to the house. I was out of breath, and he just looked at me, i saw my reflection in his eyes, i was puffy and red, i don’t remember if i was red because of all that running or because i realized how close he was to my face.
“Thank you.” i said as i followed him to the house.
He shrugged, and walked away, “Wait!” i grabbed his shoulder and hugged him.
i smiled at him and said “thank you.” i ran off to find my dad.
“Hey shoelace!” i laughed and jumped on his lap.
“HI daddy!”
“how was school?”
“It was great.” i smiled.
later that day, the blue-green eyes boy came into me and my dads room, i was doing my homework even though it was a friday.
“Your doing homework… now?” i turned around to see him sitting on my bed and playing with a stuff animal my dad got me from the Niagara Falls.
“Yea, i don’t want to get in trouble.”
he sniffed, “Ha! your such a goodie-too-shoe.”
i sticked my tongue at him and we both laughed. i contined my work and assumed he would have left but he didn’t he just sat there watching me and occasionally playing with my stuff toys.
“i’m done my homework. What do you want?”
“Want to play with me?” i stared at him confused.
“What?” he grabbed my hand and he told me to meet him downstairs and put on my shoes.
“Oh wait you might want to wear shorts.”
“But i don’t have any!” he ran out of my room then came back with a pair of blue shorts. i put them on and i put on a new shirt with little characters on it, and i grabbed my dad’s hat that he got at Niagara falls.
i went down stairs and waited for him. “hey kiddo, where you going?”
“I don’t know.” i smiled at him and looked up at my dad but the hat fell down and covered my eyes.
we both laughed, “here kiddo.” he grabbed my hat and adjusted it.
“there we go.” i pat my head. and the boy came running down stairs.
“You ready?”
“Whoa, kids did your parent say its okay?”
“yes sir” he smiled at my dad. my dad smiled and thought.
“Well, Jake.” my dad got down to his level. he continued “You take care of my little shoelace. I am counting on you to protect her. okay?” he smiled.
“YES SIR!” he brought his hand to his forehead and dropped it.
“Good boy. Now be safe!”
he grabbed my hand we started walking.
“Where are we going?” i asked him.
“BARK!!!BARK!” I saw Luke running out the door. and my dad waving at us. i waved back.
“Sorry Luke! c’mon boy.”
“Your dog is old.”
“No he isn’t he’s only 50!” blue-green eyes dropped his mouth. i laughed.
“Well.” he smiled and scratched his head. “we’re going to the park, like normal kids.”
“the park?”
“It’s a great place, you’ll like it.”
i just smiled at him, even though i’ve been in this world for 4 years i still didn’t know anything about being a normal kid.
“I bet you don’t know my name.”
“It’s Jake.”
“You heard that from your dad!”
“No, he told me your name when we first came here. I just liked calling you blue-green eyes boy.” i laughed.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t really help to you and i’m sorry we haven’t talked a lot.”
“that’s okay. I mean you did help me twice!” i said
“Well…yeah.” his face turned pink.
“Thank you Jake.” i smiled at him. his face turned red, he grabbed my hand.
“c’mon> LETS GO!”we ran to rest of the way to the park. We played a lot of games, like tag, hide and seek, baseball. every friday we went to the neighborhood park and played with Luke. As the days went by we became best friends, and when we went to high school together we became lovers. Until, senior year.
but we continued to be best friends and he continued to be my protector.
[REPLACEMENT]
chapter 4: not so bad.
Holiday Sunset
chapter 3:no blood no fowl.
As my shift ended at the café i offered Phillie some help. She wanted my to hand out a new poster.
“It’s for July 1st” she smiled, she was so excited to see her poster up through the whole town.
“The Open is open on July 1? so i don’t get a day off do i?” i laughed.
“Sorry, but all hands on deck, i cleared it with Harry he said it was a great idea and he could test out new drinks and food on the customers.” i’ve never seen her this happy since we brought down the wall that separated the bookstore from the cafe, which helps with the name of the whole place.
“I’ll make sure everyone in town well see these.” i grab the box and head out to her bike.
“Whoa, where are you going?” he has lighten up since this morning.
“I’m doing my job.” i secure the box on the back of the bike. “I have to put up these posters through town. Might take the whole day, don’t wait up.”
i got on my bike and pedal fast to get away from him, i turn the corner at the end of the block and decided to go backwards from my usual route. I stop to every poster board i saw and occasionally stopped at some store where i knew the owners from the cafe. i am one of the best waitress they had in the town, i sometimes give them a free cookie, on me of course. i reach Lilly lane which is three blocks away from the Open, i stop and post one poster on a wall of clothing store. i knew the owner there since it was Jake’s mom, i opened the door to see Jake working, i wanted to wave but flashback of last night kept hunting me so i ignored him and so did he.
“Hey Mrs. Foster may i put up some posters around your store for the cafe?”
“Oh of course honey! Have Jake help you.” she called Jake.
“No!” i said a little to loud, “I can do it myself im in a rush anyways.”
“Okay dear, the ladder is in the back.”
“Thanks Mrs. Foster.”
“Call me Judy!”
“Okay…Judy.” i smiled and went to get the ladder, i heard Jake laughing when i called his mom Judy. It feels weird to call anyone their first names, im so use to calling adults mrs. , ms , or mr watever. i tried to get the ladder from the back but it was caught of something. i heard the bell of the door, i was hoping i could do this without being in someone’s way, i have to hurry.
i saw was holding the ladder, it was a black strap, i slipped through and under strapped it and the ladder almost fell but i caught it.
“Everything okay there darling?” Mrs.Foster said.
“Ah, yes Mrs.. i mean Judy.” oh crap, i think something cut my bad hand again.
“Crap it hurts…” i wiped the blood on my skirt hoping the blood would blend in the dark colour.
i manage to carry the ladder out and went to the side of the store and climbed up.
oh man my hand is starting to bleed a lot. i drip on the clothes. that was all i could think of. i decided to climb down and get a bandage in the back. i search the first aid kit and got the bandage wrap i cut what i needed and went into the washroom. i wash then apply the wrap to my hand, it still stings when i touch it but at least i would drip blood on the clothes.
“You okay, Lace?” i heard Jake. I nodded and walk back to the ladder, i grab a poster and a tack and i felt a little dizzy but i just shock it off. i was on a blank space on the wall, i set the poster on the wall and went to go pin it but i pricked my finger, i saw blood drip and it landed on a piece of clothing.
“ah, crap.” i jumped back a little and lost my balance and fell over the ladder. but my body didn’t hurt. i looked under me and it was Jake. i jumped up.
“Oh my god! Jake!”
mrs.Foster came running and told me to call 911, i search for my bag but i forgot it back at the cafe. smart. i ran to the back of the check out table and used their phone. i told 911 i fell off a ladder and landed on my friend and hes is not responding.
6 minutes laters ambulance pick Jake up, the man asked his mother is she wanted to come but she said she couldnt she had to watch the store and close up. i offered to go with Jake. Judy thanked me and ran into the store to close up, i don’t know why she thanked me i was the one who caused this.
“Jake, im so sorry!” i said as they roll him in the back of the car.
the last thing i saw was the bike i left on the building wall and my car, then they shut the door.
“Is he going to be okay?” i asked the other man that was doing so many things i couldn’t even process because he became blurry then a black screen.
“Hey kiddo.” I heard a familiar voice.
“Daddy?” my voice was horse.
“No, stupid. Tye.”
“What?” i opened my eyes to see a white background and i saw Tye standing over me.
“I’m just checking on you, now this isn’t the deadline but i heard what happened. Now i got to go but you’ll survive, stupid.”
“Sh-shut up Tye.” i manage to say before i passed out.
i woke up again, wondering if i dreamed it or not but when i woke up i found i was in a bed. Im in the hospital, why? i looked around confused.
“Hey clumsy.” i heard his voice.
“what happened to me.” i felt dizzy as i talk.i tried to sit up but fell back into the pillow.
“You fainted due to the loss of so much blood.”
oh no the shirt! i bleed on the shirt. i should tell Judy i should call her.i get up slowly this time and try to get out of bed, but he catches me and lays me in bed.
“No! the shirt i need to tell her.” the more i talked i felt like puking. my vision blurred and unblurred.
i saw david close to my lips… oh no he’s going to kiss me again.
“NO!” i manage to turn my head but that was a mistake. Everything spin’d and i felt like puking even more.
“stupid David.” i said as the room spin’d
“Who?” i heard Jake.
then the room stopped spinning. i turned my head to see Jake with a cast on his left arm.
“Oh Jake! im so sorry.” i felt dizzy again.
“I told you i’d protect you.” i see him smiling at me. “Im just glad you okay.” he eyes were filled with love as he looked at me, i smiled back.
“Beautiful.” Jake said before fell asleep.
“J-Jake?” i saw him look over Jake, he must have use sleeping spell.
i manage to slip out of bed and try to host my self but my arms gave up on me and fall into his arms, his warm, strong, a little harry arms. he carries me again to my bed and tucks me in.
“Stop trying to injure yourself even more.” i can’t see anymore i can only see blurry figures “Sleep princess.”
i closed my eyes and felt something so soft and sweet on my lips. i dreamed of my father and he was teaching me how to fight with my baton, i hit him on the leg hard but my dad just laughs and kisses my forehead. we fought again but i lost my balance and fell into the grass floor, my dad stood over me and shock his head at me in disapproval, was he mad at me because i fell, no. i wasn’t a little girl anymore. now i was in handcuffed to a old broke bed frame and two people hit me in the face and beat me. i pushed them down with my mind but they got angrier and beat my harder. i was bleed to my death, and i saw my mother when one of them moved they saw her and started to beat her. i scream to move and to get out. “Mom ! Mom! get out Mom! Mom!” they’re killing her, “Your KILLING HER.”
i screamed as i woke up from my nightmare Jake was on my foot of my bed, “Whoa, Lacey you okay, your safe.”
“My mom.” i started to cry into Jake’s chest. i felt his hand petting my hair trying to calm me down and i do, i wipe my tears off.
“How long have i been out?” i asked him sitting straight.
“Well… it’s been a day.”
“What?”
“Yesterday, you cut your hand and you lost a lot of blood and you fell off the ladder but i broke your fall.” he smiled and lifted up his cast arm.
“Oh my god, im so sorry.”
“It’s pretty cool.” he gets up and grabs a sharpie from my table side.
“Sign?” he smiled
i smiled back at him and took the sharpie and wrote how sorry i was and wrote a joke and ended of love, shoelace.
“Im getting discharged today.” his smile was gone.
“What?”
“You lost a lot of blood, so the doctors want you to stay for reasons.”
“Reasons?”
“They think your suicidal.” he comes in with a smirk. Jake looks at him and looks back to me.
“I’m going to the caf, do you want anything?” Jake looks at both of us. i shook my head.
“No thanks, kid.” jake leaves the room and mumbles that he’s not a kid.
“What do you want?”
“Nothing, i’m am your guardian . Here to watch and protect you.” he looks down at my left hand.
I see the blood through the gauze and hid my hand. i never was grossed out by blood but this was my blood, i like it in me than out. he takes my hand and looks at it.
“you got to be more careful.” he sets my hand down gently. i shake my head, i never been treated like a kid, i hate it.
“I know, it was just an accident.When do i get out of here?”
“Well, in the case… the doctors think you’ve been cutting you hand.” he clears his throat. “Have you been?”
“What no!” i yelled , “The first cut was by you,i fell and cut my hand on the cement and when i was getting the ladder something cut the same spot on my hand. Im not suicidal.” i crossed my arms.
“I was just asking Lacey. i’ll go call the doctors and talk to them.”
“Whatever.” luckily there was a TV in my room, i grab the remote of the night table beside my bed. I checked through the channels and resorted to a talk show. Talk about, what else? love. there were couples that had complications before they got together. One couple had a five year gap between them, they met in college, the guy was a professor and gave up his job for his girlfriend. Another couple was three years apart, which wasn’t that bad, but the girl was married to someone who she felt that she didn’t love any more and she found him. They had fights and her neighborhood didn’t approve of divorce. i got bored and turned off the tv.
i looked to the window and saw another building. It was part of the hospital, i decided to walk around, i don’t like to feel restrain. i saw a walker near the door, i had to get up slowly and take my i.v bag with me. i moved like everything was in slow motion, if people actually saw me they’d think i was in the matrix or something. i finally got up on my feet but my whole body felt heavy and i have shortness of breath, did i really lose that much blood? the whole room was blur and i felt like going down. i saw a white figure running and catch me before i fell and sat me on my bed. i regained my sight after a few seconds. It was a nurse that was shock and looking at me, she probably never dealt with a suicidal patient before.
“I just wanted to go for a walk.” i lick my lips, “the view here wasn’t enough for me.” i gave a small laugh. i saw her smile and her face went back to calm.
“I can help you with that, sweetheart.” she gave my a warm smile, like my mothers. she got up and got a wheel chair from the hallway and helped my in it. she started to wheel me in the hallway and i saw him talking to two doctors, was i that bad?
“Can we go outside? i think i might need fresh air.” i put my bad hand on my head and squeezed my eyes.
“Sure, sweetheart. Would you like me to get you a water bottle on the way?”
i saw a vending machine and it was close, i might as well since my lips feel like they are dying.
“Yes please, thank you.” i sat looking at the white-pinkish walls, they had tiny dark green strips running down the wall half way. it was like that with every hall we went through. As the nurse wheeled me she asked me a few questions, like who was the guy in my room.
“Oh, that’sJake my best friend, i sorta fell on him.” she laughed
“No, not him the other man, he looks really concerned about you.” she giggled.
“He’s my dad’s friends son. Just looking after me while my dad is gone for a while.”
“Oh, i see. Well he’s really handsome.”
“I think he’s single.” we both laugh.
“Oh, no no, i’m engaged to a officer.” i could tell she was smiling.
“That must be cool.”
she giggled, “It is very cool. When i’m with him he talks about his work and tells me that he thinks of me everyday, so i shouldn’t worry about him. even though, every girl will worry about their soon to be husband almost being shot or killed on a day to day basis.” she sighed.
“Whoa.” was i all i can say. she laughed and put her hand on my shoulder.
“One day you’ll understand. When you love a person, you worry about them and would want to hug them everytime you see them.”
we were out side and i could be other patients either talking to one another or with their families, i saw some people smoking in a non smoking area, which bothered me.
“Oh, my name is Kathy.” she giggled softly
“I’m lacey” i smiled looking up at her.
“So ms. Lacey, do you have someone like that?”
“um..”
“It’s okay, you can tell me.”
“Uh..,” i licked my lips and remember the bottle i had on my lap. “I had a boyfriend, it was that guy that was in the same room as me. we dated for a year and one day i just woke up and i realized i wanted different thing from what he wanted and i felt like i grew up, you know?”
“I had those feelings too, not about my fiance but about past relationship. i grew up fast then the guys i’ve dated.”
“i just feel like i played him for so long.”
“You should feel like that. You grew up, that’s what we do. Turst me, when i met my fiance, he was so mature but he was like a little high school kid when he talked to me, it was really funny. And i fell in love with him like a little high school girl. i guess what im saying is. Be with the people that make you feel happy just by talking to them are by standing next to them.” she went around and bend down and smiled at me.
“It’s almost 2, you missed your lunch. wanna go brag something to eat?”
i was about to say yes, i love talk to nurse Kathy. she looks so young. but low and behold i hear david yelling and come running towards us.
“Excuse me sir, what is your relation to ms. Lacey?” i knew she was kidding but she was a god actor.
i wasn’t facing him but i turn my wheel chair around.
“My relation? um. I’m her distant cousin. Very distant like… very.” he coughed.
Kathy giggled. “Oh hun, you’re to up tight. I was about to talk Lacey in for her late lunch.”
“Oh, i was about to do the same, i can take over from here.” he takes my wheel chair and startes pushing me towards in doors. i looked back to see Kathy walking behind us, she had her worry look i gave her a smile to reassure her. She stops and smiles back but doesn’t lose her worried face, but a old patient stops her and askes her for assistance.
“What’s you deal, lover boy?” i asked him. we were inside and he take me in the elevator, i wished someone would walk in but no one did.
“Jealous?” he bend down to face me giving me a smirk.
“No.” i sticked my tongue at him and rolled my eyes. “We’re not going to the caf are we?” i noticed he pressed the third floor which was were my room was. i hate that rectangle shape prison.
“Bring me back to nurse Kathy! i like her much better than you.” i crossed my arms and the bottle fell off my lap. i went to pick it up but david stopped me and picks it up and tosses it on my lap.
“Thanks.” my arms hug the bottle like a teddy bear.
“I talk to the doctors and convinced them that everything was all a unfortunate accident. They agreed to discharge you tomorrow afternoon.”
“Oh good.” i smiled maybe i get to see nurse Kathy again.
“So, your welcome.” the elevator doors open and he wheels me to my room.
i tried to get up but i had no strength, so david carried me to my bed and tucked me in like i was a little girl. i didn’t feel tired, i felt hungry.
“Please don’t leave your bed again. i don’t want to go chasing you around this hospital. And if you do leave i’ll handcuff you to your bed.” he pulls out actual handcuffs. “I’ll locked them with my magic, do you understand me.”
Nurse Kathy was wrong, he wasnt concerned about me. he only wants this job so he can suck up to my dad.
“Yes, sir.” i said in my most sarcastic tone.
“Good. now i’m going home to bring you some new clothes and bring the car so we don’t have to pay for the taxi.”
he leaves the room and closes the door. I’m trapped like a little animal in the zoo, a few minutes later i hear a knock and see the door open.
“Hey Lacey!” she giggled
“Nurse Kathy!” i smiled. Kathy comes in and closes the door and shows me a tray of caf food. she brought me soup and cheese cake with some fruit punch, she places it on the table that swings over me.
“Bon apetite!” she smiled and press something on the bed that made my sit up so i could eat properly.
the soup was my favorite, tomato soup with vegetables and meat. i like Nurse Kathy. i said in my mind.
“Nurse kathy?” i said after i finished my soup.
“Yes , sweetheart?” she put the cheese cake in front of me.
“I’m sorry but you remember me so much of my mother before she past away.” i faintly smiled.
“aw, honey. im pleasured actually. I’ve always wanted to be a mother.” she smiled looking at the fruit punch, “You sorta resemble the daughter i want when she grows up.” she giggles, “You’re sorta my practice!” she laughs i laugh too.
“So where your ‘cousin’ ?” she knew we were lying.
“He really isn’t my distant cousin. but he is somehow related to me, in a way i guess.” i didn’t know what i was sayingbut Kathy let it go.
“So where he go?”
“Well , he went home to pick up clothes for me and to bring my car.”
“You two live together?”
“Well.. yea he is looking after me.”
“When you said that i thought he lived close by and just dropped by often to check up on you.” he gasped.
i laughed a little, “What can i say, my dad is over-protective. Since he’s off to war, in a sense.” i added.
“Oh honey, your dad is over there fighting? i never knew. well i guess now you know how it feels like!” she half laughed.
i finished my cheese cake and drank my fruit punch.
“here honey i’ll leave it out in the hall.” she takes my tray and pushes back the table i sat there room at the other building. Kathy came back and sat on the bed beside me
“So you want to finish our walk?” she asked, i remember the threat from david.
“Um.. can’t David doesn’t want me to be out and about.”
“See, he does care.”
i smiled at her, i don’t see the reason not to tell her about the threat but i didn’t
“Aw, i was looking forward to pushing you.” she wink and giggled. “Well, i’m on my break, i can spend time with you here.”
“Okay! sure” i smiled. We spent the whole time talking about what i never got a chance to talk to my mom about. We talked about love, our dad’s she told me about her mother, she sounded just as lovely as Kathy did. Kathy told me stories about her fiance. She said she was getting married a week from now. She said it has been crazy planning a wedding when her fiance is fight crime. i like talking to Kathy, she’s like my mom.
“You’re going to be a great mother, Kathy.” i smiled.
Kathy almost cried, “Thank you, Lacey dear.” she said and hugged my tightly.
“You are a great practice daughter.” she winked.
“Hey lace, i fed Luke, he seems worried about you.” David comes in and pauses seeing Kathy. she smield at him and waved.
“Well i got a date with an very sweet old lady. I’ll see you tomorrow Lacey.”
oops i forgot to tell her im leaving tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully she’ll come in early and bring me some food. i smiled at the idea.
“Why are you smiling?”
“Why are you still standing there, you fool.” i rolled my eyes
“I wasn’t starring at her, if you were wondering.”
“Sure.” i laughed, he sucks at lying.
“Well, here is ur clothes.. um”
“Wait did you bring me my ‘stuff’ ” i said, trying to hint if he brought some fresh pair of underwear and a bra
“yea i brought you clothes.” he didnt get it.
“Here pass me it.”
he brings over the bag and i open it looking through to see if he brought any of them. he only brought a fresh pair of underwear.
“Sorry, i had to look through your closet and drawer. i put back everything where i found them. but…”
“You went through my stuff?”
“Well nothing to see anyways right?”
the file of him is something to see, that embarrassing.
“Whatever. Thanks.” he took the bag and put it on the chair beside the window. He said he was going to get dinner, he asked if i wanted to come with him.
“No, Kathy brought me food earlier.”
“Fine.” he left and closed the door. Five minutes i hear a knock which woke me from my nap.
”David i’m fine, no go away.”
“Ah, sorry Ms.Cartier but we’re moving someone else in here.”
“Oh, sorry.” i watch the men bring in a man that looked younger than me.
“Go back to sleep Ms. Cartier, you need your rest.” this pale face man with red hair said and smiled. i let my eyes drop and fell back asleep.
“Hey…psst!”
huh?
“Hey babe!”
what?
“Psst sweetie”
i woke up to the sound of the younger man beside me. he was looking at me and it was already night time. i looked around the room and saw David sleeping and themoon light hitting hes face, highlighting how perfect he looks.
“Hey, hot stuff.” i looked at at the young man, he winked at me.
“What?” im not blind to the world anymore, i stare at a man with a young face, no facial hair but he look…handsome, smooth. he winks at me and gives me a winky face. what the hell? i think to myself.
“What?” i start blinking my eyes and i found myself being sleepy, but it wasn’t me, i tried to fight it.
“W-who are you?” i yawned
“Your dream guy, sweet cheeks.”
“I dont have one.”
“Fine, since you don’t like that term-” something made him stop and he was staring at something, he looked scared.
i scanned the room, i saw David still sleeping i looked at the clock it was almost 5 in the morning. i looked back to the young man and he was fake sleeping for some reason, so i let the tiredness take over me.
When i woke you, the young was hitting on Kathy, and i saw her trying her best not to make a disgusted face.
“Hey Kathy!” i said. I should save her. She looks at me and smiles
“Lacey, you’re finally awake. Now i know you’re leaving in the afternoon so i got the whole day planned” she smiled even more, i think part of it was seeing me and getting away from that guy.
“Nurse, Nurse i need some attention, please.” he calls Kathy and looks at me and winks.
“Ugh.” i made a disgusted face at him.
“You know what young man, call the other nurses im pretty sure they’ll give you just what you need. A mother to wish soup in your mouth.” Kathy left the room and came back with a wheel chair. I felt better than yesterday, i could get up my bed as long as i take my time, and i stood on my own for a few seconds more. i got up and sat in the wheel chair. the young man looked at us and winked again. I stick out my tongue and Kathy must have stick out hers too. Since the man rolled his eyes and cross his arms. i saw i huge blood line down his right arm. the bandage covered most of his right arm.
“What happened to him?” i asked looking at the tiled floors
“Car accident. No alcohol but i beg to differ by the way he is attacking.” Kathy hissed.
“so thats how he got that nasty cut on his arm?”
“We don’t actually know how he got that. He said he doesn’t remember.”
we were silent, if the car accident didn’t do it then someone must have done it.
“We’re going outside?” i asked Kathy. i completely forgot about David’s threat.
“yeah, i cleared it with your cousin” she said cheerfully.
“Really?” i was shocked.
“Yeah, he said that he had some problems back at home that he had to fix.”
“What kind of problems?”
“He didn’t say. I didn’t ask.” she paused. “You’re going to be okay when you go home right?”
“Yeah.” i hope.
Kathy wheeled me through the area from yesterday she told me funny stories that she had to do when she was just a intern. She even showed me her favorite flower garden.
“No it’s normally close due to renovation, but i have a key.”
the garden looked beautiful from the outside, it was barricade with Victorian black fences that went over the roof of the entrance to the walk area.
“I planted some of the flowers myself. I love gardening.”
“Me and my mother use to garden. I was nine and i would help take out the weeds and bring any garden tool she need.” i laughed at myself because those memories are still fresh in my mind.
“That’s like me and my mother. That’s how i learned, i even started one at my home. Tyler loves them, he actually suggested that i should design the flowers for our wedding.”
“I bet your wedding it going to be lovely and very beautiful.” i looked at her and smiled.
“Thank you, sweetie. How about you?”
“Um.. my dad started but since he’s been in and out, i’ve sort of been just watering them, cutting of the dead leaves and such.”
“You should make your own garden, its relaxing and when they grow, it’s like raising your own child.” she giggled.
i laughed with her and we continued with the “walk”, she brought me to her favorite places like the caf, the library and the watch room, where there were TV’s and couch for people waiting or visiting can wait or rest. She introduced me to her friends she pretend like i was her full grown daughter and sometimes sisters.
“Hi, I’m doctor James.”
“Doctor James?” i said.
“Well, my full name is Timothy James.” he chuckled.
“Oh….” Doctor James looked young and handsome, he had black hair that was styled in a slick black way. He had a tan complexion but he says he never tans. His voice was deep but in a smooth way.
“It was nice to meet you Lacey.” he smiled and winked at me.
“Yeah…” was all i can say. i starred at him while Kathy wheeled me back to my floor.
We got back into the elevator, “So he seems to like you.” Kathy said
“What? No.”
“If you say so. He was the one i interned for, we had a history but we decided it was childish and foolish to date while we worked in the same place, he was one of the men that was acceptional but wasn’t the one.”
“Oh.” i thought of how he winked at me. “So he’s a player?”
“Well, not really, we talk sometimes as friends but he tells me that he wishes he wasn’t so busy to find someone who was right for him. He told me that he was jealous of me and Tyler because we love each other so much.” she smiles at me.
It’s my floor and she pulls me out and wheels me into my room, where i see the young man starring at the tv and the channel i left it to. I also see him with my bags, waiting for me.
“Here you go, sir. Your cousin safe and sound.” she smiled.
“Thank you Kathy.” i got up and hugged her tightly. “My best wishes for you and Tyler.” i whispered to her.
“Thank you sweetie. no i took the liberty in giving you a present. its in your bag” she whispered.
He helps me walk to the bath to change. he brought me a tank and a sweater and sweat pants that wear comfy. i knocked on the door telling him to help me, he brought the wheel chair in and helped me sit down.
“Thanks.”
“Wait.” i hear the young man. “I’m sorry for how i treated you and your nurse friend.”
“Don’t just tell me, kid, tell my friend that too.” i said and he wheeled me out. i could tell he was smiling, i don’t know why. I see Dr. James he waves me bye and i wave back smiling like a dork. i hear him laugh.
“What?”
“And you thought i had a crush.”
“Shut up and bring me home.”
“Yes, princess.”
i saw Kathy checking papers and she received a call, then the elevator doors closed.
We return home, and i’m really tried. “need me to carry you?”
“No!” i yell.
“But your tired, i can help you.”
“I’m fine.” i grab my balance on the door but as i take my first step he catches me and lifts me up.
“If i had my strength right now, i would be kicking and screaming.”
“I’ll be sure to take note of it princess.”
He pushes the door open and Luke jumps on him and licks my arms when he gets the chance.
“Hey Buddy, i missed you so much!” i said to Luke.
he sets me on the couch in the living room where Luke jumps on me. and licks my face. i play with him for a while, then i smell a stench. i smelled Luke and it wasn’t him, i smelled myself but i smelled like Kathy’s perfume.
“Um.. why does it smell?”
“Oh right, i was going to tell you.” he drops my bag on the kitchen islandand walks into the living room and sits in the chair beside the couch. “There was a busted pipe in your bathroom and it floored your floor. i got some people to help to cloe the pipe but they said they would need to come back and fix it. in the mean while you need to let the carpet to dry.”
“what about the smell?”
“Well i opened all the windows and i bought air fresheners” he smiled.
“It smells.” i said with a straight face. “Wait! where am i going to sleep?”
“Well, since you dad turned his room into a study…you’ll have to sleep in the guest room.”
“But you sleep in the guest room.”
“You are right, roomie.” he laughs and Luke barks at him.
“No!!!” i yelled.
chapter 2: babysitter.
I must have fallen asleep after 3 hours and hunting nightmares of my mother and how those henchmen killed her, my dad, luke, Tye, jake, my friend and they saved me for last. Three different ways they killed me and tortured my friends. i must have been crying last night too, i looked at my mirror in my bathroom i take a showers hoping my eyes well swell down. I dry off and put my wet hair in a braid and dress in a white tank op with black strips on it with a plain jean shorts and grabbed a metallic knitted vest. i got down stairs expecting my dad and Tye leaving but instead i see Tye and my dad cooking and the table is set for the three of us, even Luke has a clean bowl to eat from.
“Wha-what’s going on?” i said as i crossed my arms with a puzzled face.
“I’m sorry last nights news shoelace.” my father comes and pulls me to the table and makes me sit in my usual spot on the breakfast table. im still in disbelief in what im seeing, usually i cook for these two guys and now their like waiters at a five star restaurant.
“Do you guys need help.” i said as i get help. I’ve never seen my dad cook, i’ve seen Tye execute a perfect pouched egg but my dad can’t even flip a simple egg on a pan.
“No kid, we are done.” Tye says and serves me eggs and sausages. My dad comes around and pours my hot chocolate.
“Wow. You guys do know my birthday is in July, right?” i say
they both laugh ” we know sweetheart but we feel bad just dropping the news on your last night.” i eye both of them suspiciously. my dad gestures to the cooked food before me. i poke at the eggs and it bleeds out its yellow yoke. i cut my eggs and sausages and take a bite. AWESOME! i said in my mind.
“Wow, best breakfast i ever had.” the only breakfast i only had, never really had much time to cook myself breakfast before i left for school.
“Thank you, thank you.” Tye bows and sits in the sit beside me. my dad takes the sit in front of me grinning. i look at both of them for a while until Luke barks.
“Hey buddy.” i get up but Tye pushes me back down. “Hey?”
“don’t worry i made something for him.” Tye gets up from the table and pickes up a bowl from the kitchen island and pours the brown meat in Lukes bowl and i watch Luke chow down on his grub.
“Lets eat.” my dad says as Tye gets back to his seat.
“Okay am i dreaming or did you guys get replaced with robots while i was asleep?” i says as i stuff the amazing brackfast in my face. All they do is laugh and keep eating. I swallowed my last bite and my phone goes of from my bag in the hook near the door.
“Oh i got to go to work now!” I race to the foré and put on my shoes and grab my hat and bag as i put my hand on the door, my dad stops me.
“lace you don’t have to go to work today.” my dad smiles, i drop my bag on the bench beside the hook and hang my hat back on its hook.
“What are you talking about?” i place my bag on the kitchen island and walk to my dad.
“I called your work and talked to your boss, he is giving you a day off just to today.” my dad says.
“Oh my god. dad why?” i said shockingly
“I get to hang out with my daughter thats why!”
i jump and hug my dad and thank him over and over again, luke barks in all the excitement.
“you and me buddy.” Tye winks and Luke. Luke runs and licks Tye’s face.
“so what are we going to do today dad?” i say “Should i change?” i looked down at my outfit.
“No, no honey. It a nice weather i figure we go to the beach.”
another surprise hits me like lighting. i haven’t really been to the beach since i was little and i went with josh and his family. They took me there to my 13th birthday and surprised me with my dad. it was the best birthday i ever had, but now i don’t really celebrate them.
“Oh my god, dad you’re the best. Can we go biking up the trail near the beach?”i asked my dad. i wanted to try out my never used bike that Tye bought me when i failed my first driving test, when he heard about that he sent it right away to make fun of me which made me study or do better in all of my driving tests.
“Anything you want to do honey! Just me and you kiddo!” my dad smiles.
“I’ll grab the water bottles and snacks.” i run over to the cabinets and search for water bottles.
“I got everything packed from towels to umbrella’s.” my dad stops me. I hug my dad and kiss him on the cheek. “You’re the best dad.” i say before we jump in my car with surprisingly two bikes, one was the one Tye gave me and another one was just like it but a bit bigger.
“wow dad, you really got everything.” i says as i grab my bags and car keys.
“You kids have fun now. My and lukey will have our own fun.” Tye says and he waves us off, and Luke barks from the door steps. i waved by to them and drive to the beach. As we got to the beach we set up water bottles and my dad handed my back-packs with snacks and first aid kits and water bottles. i swing the bag on my back and grab my bike, my dad was ready and lead the way up a trail. On the trail it wrapped around the highest mountain in town and the only mountain within miles in Shearstone. I saw the beach from the side of the mountain as me and my dad rested.
“did you by any chance, pack my SLR ?” that was my very first purchase with my own money.
“Check my bag.” i go behind my dad and unzip his bag to see the camera pack on the side of the bag, i grab it and took out the SLR and put it around my neck and put back the pack in my dad’s bag.
i walked to the railing on the trail and took a picture of the beach and took some of me and my dad just hanging out, father and daughter. After a few hours we reached the top of the mountain, there was tables you see at parks for hikers or bikers to rest once they reached the top. i took picture with the surrounded greenery. It felt nice being on top of the mountain, the light breeze of fresh air, birds chirping and flying to where every they please. I wish i was a bird so i could fly where ever i please, which means i’d fly home and back here and where ever else i wanted to go. But im stuck at a fork road i want to go back home but i have to stay here for my safety. What am i going to do about college? I’ve already applied to the city college, where i’ll learn how to be a teacher. But i haven’t received my letter of acceptance. And i haven’t told my dad exactly too, with the news he told me last night made me want to go home really badly, but how? after a fews years when the war is over and its safe to come home? No i want to fight, i want to learn, i want to do what my mother would want me to do. But what about city college? I have a set plan already, go to city college for three years then to teachers college for maybe another year or so, then get a teaching job, get married then start a family. This is to much for me. As i think the impossible, my dad calls me.
“Lacey,” my dad places his hand on my shoulder, “You alright shoelace?” i turned around to see my father worried. “Did you not like today?”
“NO!,” i said, “I love today, dad, i loved how we spent time together. It’s been years where i wait for these moments. Thank you dad.” i smiled and hugged my dad
“No problem kiddo, i love these moments.” We separate and sit on the table, my dad and i eat the snacks he had packed for us. A bag of my favorite ketchup chips, some cookies, an apple and a sandwich. I ate the sandwich, bag of chips and saved the cookies for last. I set the apple back in my bag just in case i get hungry going down the mountain. My dad talked about mom, funny stories that had happened to us, i eventually told him about my plans and city college. He didn’t say anything for a while, until he took a deep breath.
“I’m sorry that you feel like a kid, i know you’re not my little girl that wanted to fly like a bird anymore. But you’re strong, i know. I thought you everything i knew,” he winked, and i laughed. “So i talked to Tye about it last night. You can come home, Lacey.”
The words echo’d in my head. you can come home, Lacey. i was shocked by what my dad said. ” what?” was all i got get out.
“But,” My dad started, “It’s still dangerous so you not coming home anytime soon. I’m letting you get stronger here so you can come home. You know, i’m preparing you to protect your self because sometimes i won’t be there to protect you or neither is Tye. So please train with David, he is the best teacher i could find.”
Who’s david? i thought to myself.
“By the end of summer, i will be evaluating you, Lacey. If me, Tye and David agree that you are strong enough and you can control you powers. I will accept you into my college in Larkdon.”
“D-dad.” my mouth was open but no words can get out.
“Let’s talk about it at home.” My dad smiles. I hear hikers come up from the path, One man and a women, they seem to be married. My dad hurries and pack all of his stuff, and i do the same. Why are we in such a hurry? My dad’s face is fixed on the women. I swing my back on my bike and get on my bike.
“dad you ready?” i asked my dad before i start pedaling. My dad nods and takes lead and i follow like a little duckling.
We reach the bottom in a few amount of hours. My dad offeres to put the bikes on the bike holder on my car, i try to help him but we told me to put the bags in the back seats and start the car. in five minutes my dad finishes with the bikes and offers to drive. With the haste he’s in i slide into the passenger seat without question. Who was that lady? Why is my dad acting weird? As my dad backs up and leaves the parking lot i see the hikers again. That was fast. On my bike it would be fast but not on foot. They couldn’t have ran down they still be hours away from the bottom by foot. My dad speeds and goes the opposite way from where we came from.
“Dad this isnt the way.” I said. i check in the side mirror. No one was following us.
“I know hun, but i thought this way would be fun, you get to see the beach more.” He points to my side of the window. He was right i could see the beach in the clear. I take my SLR and take photos and try to forget what just happened.
We reach home by 8 p.m and Tye had cooked dinner already fed Luke that has fallen asleep on the couch in the living room. I go to the washroom to wash up for dinner. I overheard my dad and Tye talking about spies but that was all i could hear. When i went out they acted like nothing happened. I could feel the tension as we ate dinner in silence. After we finish dinner i cleaned the dishes as my dad and Tye go into my dad’s study to talk about plans for my college enrollment.
I wake up Luke, when i finished the dinner and walked up stairs to my room and Luke jumps on his side of my queen sized bed. “Good night.” i say to Luke, i go into my bathroom and brushed my teeth and washed my face i almost forget to replace my bandage on my left hand, so i wash it decide to let the wound breathe. I put on a red v-neck shirt with pajama shorts. I slip into my bed without waking Luke. I turn on my TV, my dad knocks on my door. “My i come in?”
“You may.” i patted the free space beside me on my bed. my dad comes and sits. “What’s up dad?”
“Lacey, I’m leaving tomorrow in the evening.” The news doesnt surprise me, he usually doesn’t stay more for one day. He can’t, you can’t get a magic portal to Larkdon everyday.
“Okay dad. But you usually leave for the portal in afternoon? Why so pushed back?”
“I need to stay for awhile check something out.” i wanted to say something about the women and the man, but he has too many things on his plate already, so i decide to leave it.
“Alright, anything else?”
“Ah, yes,” he stops and lowers the my TV down. “You meeting david tomorrow.”
“I’m sorry who?” i turned off the TV and sit up. “Dad, i’m not looking for a boyfriend.”
my dad laughs. “No.” he places the file on my lap and kisses my forehead and wishes me a good night then leaves.
i put threw the file on my desk beside my bed. and turned on the TV. throughout the night i was more interested in the file than some random people put on an island forced to pretend their best friends when they clearly hate each other. i turn off the Tv and slip out to bed and sit at my desk and start reading the file i turned on my lap and actually read through his file.
Name: David E. Hunter.
Power/specialty: all four elements, combat, and defense.
Likes: Food, movies, shopping, long walks on the beach.
there were more information about him but i was too sleepy. i decide to bring the file to my bed and lay down as i read his file. Every possible info he had Tye wrote it down in detail. He even has his form he filled out. His writing is nice , was the last thought i had before i crashed.
I woke up to the smell of bacon- i wish Tye didn’t have to go too, i need a cook.- i get up ans looked at my clock. it was 10 a.m , i washed my face. as i walked down stair i hear Luke behind me running down to the kitchen.
“Morning.” I yawned and rubbed my eyes.
“Morning.” a melodic deep voice came from the kitchen. i put down my left hand and waved awkwardly at the stranger. The man scanned me and i scanned him as he walks towards me. “Cute pajama’s.” he sticks out his hand. before i couldn’t say anything run upstairs and grab my robe. i come back downstairs and sit at the breakfast table.
the man sits in front of me while he sets a plate of bacon and eggs in front of me. i nod to say thanks. i start eating, i keep my head down until i remembered something.
“Where is my dad? and Tye?” i asked. with my mouth full of egg and bacon
He laughs. “they went out to buy food.” he stares into my eyes. i feel im blushing.
“Coffee?”
“No thank you.” i say and i finish my breakfast. i check the clock on the wall. 10:25 a.m. ”Oh i’m going to be late!” i almost trip from the leg of the table but i catch myself and run up the stairs into my bed i stare at my bathroom. “i have no time to take a shower.” i say to myself. i grab a black tank top and a black and white printed tank top to go with it i wear skinny jeans and stuff my foot into my grey converses.
“Luke i gotta go to work buddy, sorry i’ll feed you once i come home.” i yell as i run down the stairs. i run to the kitchen island and snatch my bag and search for my car keys on the hook near the door. i stop and heard a jungle of keys.
“I’ll drive.” he smiles. “C’mon” He opens the door and says “Lady’s first.” i starred at him weirdly. Normally i’d scream ‘who the hell are you.’ to the guy but im late i had no choice. we get in my car and he starts it up and backs out from my drive way.
“i’m david.” he says starring at the road.
“I’m Lac-“
“Lacey” he interrupts me. “I know. So i assume you know im your trainer, right?”
“Of-Of course.” i lied. I’m an idiot. i looked at him, his side of his face is really…nice.
“Um… so my dad and Tye just left you into my house. Without waking me up or notifying me. I mean i knew i had to meet you today just not this way.”i babbled.
he chuckles, ” Sorry but i had an early… portal.” he smiles at me. He had white teeth and a smile so familiar. He stops by the café and i rush out the car.
“Thanks for the lift. I trust you’re going to go back…to my house now?” i looked into my window.
“I’m parking the car.” He smiles and drives for to the employee parking. At least he knows where to park.
i rush inside the store and check the time in the back room. I made it five minutes early. i check in and put on my green apron, i get my note pad and tie up my hair. I sprayed my self with perfume in my bag. i tie up my hair in a ponytail.
“You’re here early.” Harry says as he walks in and leans in the door frame.
“Um… i i woke up early.” i laughed and shrugged. i slip by Harry and avoid his interrogation. i start in my station and take orders as usual.
“Why do you smell like a walking garden?” Amy asks me as i wait for table 5’s coffee’s and pie.
i looked at her like i didn’t know what she was talking about, “I don’t know. i put on perfume.” i shrugged and received my order. i walk of to table 5 and Amy joins for a walk.
“i saw hot guy driving YOUR car.” she giggles, i put put down the food on the table and went back to retrieve another order.
“Is that him?” Amy follows me. I stop and she bumps into me, i see David walk in and take off is sunglasses and smiles at me. i continue to walk as if i didn’t see him. the last thing i need is questions.
“Who?” i say to Amy.
“Him! the guy dress in a jean shirt? whit a hot face!” i pull Amy aside.
“Please Amy, i will answer all your questions during our break.” i smile at her and rush off to do my job and to think of a lie. i’ll say he is my cousin from British Columbia and he is planning to move here.
“Lacey, theres a customer on ur side.” Tim tells me as i waited at the kitchen window.
i snapped out, “what?” tim points to David. i cursed in my head.
Tim wishes me luck, “looks scary, good luck.”
“thanks.” i say as i walk towards his table. “What can i get you?”
“um… What do you suggest?” he gives me his smile.
“well we have a special today. Manager’s special” i hand him a menu and point him to the manager’s special page.
“Lime pie with freshly made ice tea” i say.
“Sound goods. I’ll have that please.” i write down his order. and walk back to the ktichen window to clip the order on the rack of orders.
“So is he nice?” Tim asked. Tim is a new employee here and he is Harry’s nephew. He is a year younger than me and the sweetest guy i had ever met. he is starting off in the kitchen so he wont mess up orders like he did in his first day. So harry stuck him in the kitchen with Mike our head cook. Nice guys.
i sighed and smile “He isn’t scary. Don’t worry, he’s order is today’s specials.” Tim smiles and nods. He seems to like the back but he doesn’t want to mess up orders. so i tend to help him out, plus his the youngest guy here, Amy is the same age as him but started way before him. She also helps Tim with her orders and if he messes up Amy creates a creative lie to the customers saying it either a special signature or it adds flavor. her words not mine.
“Here you go Lacey.” Tim says behind the window, i grab David’s order and walk to his table and set it in front of him.
he laughs, “deja-vu isn’t it?” I could tell im blushing. idiot. i just smile and walk towards are table and gather their order.
My break finally comes and i go into the back where Amy sit at the table and waits for me to sit.
“So who is he? is he your boyfriend? He’s cute.” She nods and laughs like a little school girl.
“That is my is my dad’s friends son, he just moved back from Alberta, doesn’t like the weather there, i guess, so he is staying here for the summer to test out the waters.” i shrugged. and looked through my bag to grab a snack. Oh i didn’t pack one.
“Oh, i see.” she was disappointed.
“Sorry, no juicy details. Just meet him this morning. Literally.” i said nodding towards her.
she gives me a look and drops it. “i’ll have to give Phillie the bad news.”
“Phillie? she saw him too?” i laughed
“Yeah, she says he looks familiar.” she laughed. how is that possible? he just came this morning from the portal from Larkdon… i thought to myself.
“lace, you okay?” Amy was worried, i must have made a a face that worried her.
“Uhm… i didn’t pack a lunch or snack so i’m going to buy something. You want anything?” I didn’t see her have a lunch.
“No i’m waiting for Tim we’re eating lunch together.” she smiles. i smiled at her “What?” she giggles.
“alright then.” i laughed and grabbed my bag and walked out from the side. i should go to the convenient store across the street. But how do i pass the café without being seen by him.
i remember i always left a sweater in my locker just in case. i ran back inside to see Amy still waiting, i said i felt cold and grabbed my sweater and darted before she could point out it was like 25 degree outside. i put on my sweater and put on the hoddie on. i quickly walked by the café and crossed the street into the convenient store. i put down my hood and grabbed a bag of plain chips and bottle of water. i quickly walked back so i had time to eat in the back room. i saw Amy and Time walk to the bakery beside us. i smile at Amy and she saw me and continued talking to Tim. They make a cute couple, i thought. i sat down in the back room and ate my so called lunch and got back to work.
Lunch time was over and the place usually is empty. During this time i switch over to Phillie bookstore/library.
“Hey Phillie, did you get in trouble for the other day?” i asked as i sat on the counter for check out.
“No, but my parents thank you for dropping me off though.” she smiled
i smiled back “no biggie.” i paused and saw Phillie’s phone beside me and remembered what Amy said. “So im guessing Amy texted you about the guy.”
“Yea! she did i saw you get out of your car but he was driving? so he’s you dads friend son? How old is he?”
“um…” i tried to remember what his profile said, “I think 19? i just met him this morning.”
“yea, amy said.”
i looked into the café at my section i didn’t see him at this table, i guess he left. i feel like a load has been lifted.
“You seem happy ?” Phillie said.
“Yup.” i popped the p and jumped off the counter and help Phillie tag new books.
“So, you like him?”
“What?” i said, “No, i just met him!”
“He seems to get on your nervous, for someone you just met.” she nudged me. “i swear you know him though.”
“What are you talking about?”
“while on ur escape to the convenient store he came over here and started talking to me.” she smiled lookng at me. I saw my reflection through her glasses.
“About?”
“You! he asked me question about you.”
“wow he doesnt have a file on me” i say to myself.
”What?”
“Sorry , nothing. what did he ask?”
“What is your favorite food, do you play sports and such.”
“Anything else?”
“Yea, i swear you guys planned this or something but i recognize him.” she says as she continues to label the books. i stopped. “He bumped into you that other day, Lace. Did you forget?” she gestures to my left hand which i belief that it is a scare.
she continues, “speak of the devil.” I see him walk in and sit in the couch in the reading section.
“I forgot to tell him,” think of a good lie. “What time dinner is. be right back.” STUPID!
i walked to him and sit beside him. “Why?”
“i’m sorry?”
“Your the guy!”
“Thank you i am a guy.” he laughs
“Ugh, no you bumped in that other day!”
“Oh that. Yea YOU did bumped into me.” he grabs my hand, “Hows your hand.” my heart felt like it skipped a beat.
i move my hand, “I can’t believe you didn’t say anything.”
“What am i suppose to say, ‘you hey girl that bumped into me that other day.’ “
“No you lied to me, you said you just came in to day.”
“Oh. Yea i did. I had to go back and come back.” he smiles.
“Nice lie.” i leave the couch and back to Phillie.
”don’t tell him any more things about me. he can ask me himself. not interrogate my friends.”
” He didnt tho lace!” i walked off.
it was closing time and everyone went home, i stayed to help Harry clean and lock up. I punch out and grab my stuff and put back my sweater in my locker.
“He seems nice.”
“Dads friend son.” i shrugged.
“I heard.” he laughs roughly, “seem protective, you going to be alright?”
“Yea. But if i don’t show up for work tomorrow, call the cops.” i winked and left into the car.
“I should be driving.” i said as i sat in the passenger seat. i looked at him as i slammed my door, i see his smile.
“For your safety, i think i should drive. I mean, hey, if you bumped into me while walking who knows what you’ll crash us into.”
“I’ve been driving for a whole year!” i shouted “I don’t what to seem like im a rich kid and your my chauffeur.”
“Too bad, my lady.” he laughs and starts to drive home.
“don’t call me that.” i pouted and looked out my window. Thank god it’s night time, no one can see me.
We reach home and i see my dad’s car, as soon as we park i jump walk into the house.
“Wait my lady!” i can hear the mocking in his voice.
“Shut up!” i rush and opened the door and locked him out. I ran to my room, ignoring my Dad and Tye.
“Hey kiddo!” i heard my dad before i slam my door.
i jump on my bed and i could hear Luke scratch my door, as i looked to my ceiling i think about letting Luke in, not like he knew about this. As i got up i heard i knock from my window.
“What the hell?” i yelled.
i could see him saying let me in. i shock my head and he shrugged and he opened the window by his own and jumps into my room.
“How’d you?” he started walking close to me and i back up. “Why are you in my room?” im throwing anything that was on my floor.
“You were the one that locked me out!” he sound annoyed.
“Well, you were being annoying!” i threw my clothes at him. “how did you know this was my bedroom?”
“Was the closest window i could climb.” he smiles.
i keep walking back, any further and im on my bed. “the third floor.” i gesture around my room and i fell on my bed. i hear him laugh and he goes on top of me, i can’t seem to move.
“You know, your cute when you mad.” he smiles and leans into my face and stops an inch from my face. i could smile his minty scent and see how perfect his skin is.
“get off.” as i move my lips to avoid touching his.
“What’s the magic phrase?”
“magic phrase! screw the phrase get off!” i try to move but no luck i can only move an inch. his hand aren’t even touching me, i know his using force to hold me down. i wish i knew how to deflect it.
“You can learn how to use deflect.” he smiles. “I’m surprised you know about it.” he nods approval.
“I won’t lock you out again.” i turn my head to the door. Please let my dad or Tye or even Luke burst in my door.
“Not the magic phrase.” he turns my head towards his face and he leans in more. i can’t breathe. no, no, i don’t want to kiss you! i can’t breathe. My chest. as my thoughts race i see blank.
when i open my eyes im facing my ceiling again. did i dream that?
“You didn’t dream, you fainted.” i heard my dad said.
i sat up “How long have i been out?”
“Not long, 10 minutes.”
“Hunter told us what happened.” Tye gestured to him.
“You ran into your room and tripped and fell on your bed and you must have hit your head on your laptop.” he said.
if my dad or Tye wasnt here i would be swearing right now. “No that didn’t happen, he potentially tried to rape me!” i pointed at him.
“i carried you and place you properly on your bed and i shook you a couple of time to wake you up.” i hear the mocking in his voice. i stick out my tongue at him and look at my dad in need.
“No! lace, you can’t call people rapist and especially him! he is the best guardian angels i’ve interviewed.”
i murmured “the only one you interviewed.”
“That’s it,i can’t obviously ground up but i am taking your keys and giving it to David and since you’re acting like this im giving you a deadline to get along with david. I’ll come back to check up on you.”
“what?” i got up and my head pounded. i caught myself, “Dad, you can’t do this!”
“When we or Tye come back thats your deadline. I love you, but i have to go now.” my dad was disappointed in me and couldn’t look at me until he got in the car and and Tye drove off.
“I’m sorry.” i said as my eyes follow my dad’s car until it disappears.
“I forgive you.” he said coming behind me. he puts his hand on my shoulder but i brush it off.
“Not you. I’m going to my room.”
“But you should eat first.”
“not hungry.” i said and i walked up to my room.
i search through my bag and found my phone. i text Jake im coming over and he that im coming through his window.
i climb down my window finding the my footing on any ledge i find. i make my way to Jakes house which was right beside me and i climb to his window where he sat on his bed waiting for me.
i jump into his arms andi felt like crying but i know i have to be strong so Jake won’t be worried about me. i told him everything. He is the only person that knows what’s happening, him and his family. i edited my bedroom part and told him that he scared my and i ran to get out of my room but my foot caught something and i fell and passed out.
“Got any food.” i smiled looking up at him.
“Sure.” he lets me go and i lay on his bed watching the show he was watching before i came in. he leaves and comes back with a warm plate of grilled chicken and rice with vegetables. I thank him and start to eat, i hear the bark of Luke, and i looked out Jakes window but i couldnt see anything.
“It’s okay. I bet Luke just saw a bird or something.” i feel Jakes hand on my shoulder he walkes me back on his bed and he takes my plate. i hear his parents asking what he is still doing up but as always he lies for me and says he got hungry. With Jakes figure he seems like a strong guy that eats no more than two full plate servings, Jake is strong.
“I’m sorry for bothering you.” I said
“Not at all.” he sits beside me on the bed and puts his arms around me. i start remembering when we dated back in the days, i used to sleep over without his parents knowing when i had a bad dream or i was scared or just wanted to see him . I love Jake but as i grew i felt different about him. i still love Jake but as a brother. i think.
“I remember when it would rain and there was thunder and lighting, i would see a drenched girl outside my window.” he laughs and i rest my head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat and feel the vibration as he speaks.
“I know you have been crying even thought you thought i wouldn’t see it threw the drench look on your face. I’d give you one of my shirts and shorts so you can dry off. we’d played my video games and we just snuggle and watch tv and do other couple stuff. i miss those days you know.” i start to tear up. “i loved you Lace, and i know you loved me. Now we love each other like best friends, and i never told you this when you broke up with me but, i’m okay with that and you shouldn’t be sorry, people know deep down inside them, who they were meant to be with for the rest of their lifes. You grew up Lace into a beautiful smart women, with great friends and your dad and Tye is still alive. You have powers other wish they had.”
i forgot that Jake had lost his power when he was little. Jake was adopted into his family and they understood the whole thing because Tye was the one that found him almost dead on the streets of Larkdon.
“Your dad won’t be mad at you forever. you did call him a rapist.” he laughed and my head went up and down on his chest. “You dad well calm down and you’ll get along with that guy. If not i can always come there and beat him up for you.” i looked up at Jake and he wink at me, i laughed and rested on his shoulder.
“Well, as much as i would enjoy that, he is apparently the smartest and strongest guardian angel he dad ever found.” i said as my eye were watery and fixed on the tv, which i can’t see anymore because of the tears.
Jake laughs, “Well i’ll protect you.” he kisses the top of my head.
“Jake…” i started but his hand lefted my chin and i close my eyes then he kissed me. i would pull back but he wouldn’t let me so i gave in. more tears went down my face because i didn’t feel the same way he did. I love him but not as a lover. Jakes hand moves from my back and down. i manage to break for air. “Jake, no.”
he lefts his hand and rest it back on my back. i open my eyes to see if anyone was in the room, no one but the tv was still on. Jake pulls me on top of him ,i break for air again, “Jake…” i’m going back into who i was when i was in love with him. But i snap back as i remember David trying to kiss me.
“I’m sorry Lacey.” Jake says as i rest my head on his forehead. i’m still crying.
“But i’m not sorry for what im doing.” Jake kisses me again and i try to stop him, but i can’t and my heart feels like bursting.
“Jake please.” i manage to say and he stops before he takes off my top.
“I’m not sorry.” i slide off of him and back into his bed.
i catch my breathe. “I know, but we did this any ready, we said good bye.” i say wiping the tears off with my arm.
“No you said good bye Lacey, i had no choice but to let you go and watch the girl i love walk through the hallways and in my class, drive away after school, and wait table at the café. I still love you Lacey.”
i looked at Jake and see he was about to cry. i took a deep breathe and i put both my hands on his face and i kiss him back and for for a short while.
“I love you Jake, but i love you as my best friend. i’m sorry.” my hands are still on his face and he cries into them. “i’m sorry.” i keep saying to him.
“what’s happened to your hand?”
“What?” oh crap.
“Did he do this to you?” Jake sounded angry. i dropped my heads and hide them.
“No, well yeah kind of.”
“Kind of?”
“I bumped into him at the cafe and i, we both fell i just fell harder on the pavement.” i tried to smile.
“Lacey, tell me.” his voice was angry and hard now. “Is he hurting you?”
“What? No, im telling you the truth Jake.” i search his face but he dead set looking somewhere else.
“I know you are, but like i said before i’ll protect you.”
i didn’t know what to do, i’ve seen Jake like this before when someone called me a loser but this was angrier so i hugged Jake and didn’t let go.
“Jake, i love you, as a friend. Please don’t do this. I will come running into your arms if he lays a hand on me, okay?”
He comes back to me and looks at my face. “I love you.”
“I know.” i slip my body under he sheets and fall asleep. and i fell his arms around me and he kisses my head and says sometimes, but i fell deep into to sleep.
The next morning i woke up in my bed and Luke licking my hand. i pet his head and i hear footstep coming to my door. i pretend to sleep.
“Yes, she’s here but she’s still sleeping, she must have cried herself to sleep after you left. But i’ll take care of her from now on, sir, you don’t have to worry.”
i hear him on the phone with my dad. i think of trying to open my eye just to see, so i did but he standing right there from me, so quickly shut them.
“Bye Sir.” he drops the phone on my bed. and i hear nothing for a while.
“I know your awake Lacey.” his voice was stern. i keep my eyes closed because i don’t dare to open them.
“Wake up.” he pokes my bottom.
“Hey!” i get up. “Don’t do that.”
“I don’t take orders from a princess.” he hisses at me. “But it seems like the princess escaped from her dungeon to her prince charming next door, who brought you back at 6 in the morning. where the evil prince, that’s me, was about to send a search party to find the princess sorry ass and the evil prince, me, had to stay awake just in case the princess came back. But as the evil prince waited he tried calling her cell phone but she didnt pick up!” he yelled in the end.
“OKAY!” i shouted, “I get it i ran off to my best friends house and i slept over there. I wasn’t that far away.” i crossed my arms as i sit on my bed.
“Get ready, you going to be late for work.” he said coldly and left my room. i looked at luke that we just hiding his face with my paws on laying on my bed.
“So, he’s mad.” i said to Luke. i get up and i take a shower, as i rinse and repeat i thought about last night. I know what i did was wrong, i shouldn’t have kiss Jake and i should have stopped him. I finish taking a shower and i brushed my teeth then dry my hair. i check the clock and it was 10 minutes before my shift started. i rush into my closet and choose a vintage dress with a t-shirt top with the bottom of dark blue with colour dots, i grab a lose fit boot and tied my semi wet hair. i grabbed my bag and went down stairs.
i see Luke lying down on his bed and biting his tennis ball. i walked down the last steps and i see him look at me.
“What?” i hissed at him.
“Let’s go. You’re late.” he walks to the door and jungles the car keys to mock me. i follow him and sit in the car. if silence could kill i’ll be murdered right now.
he drops me off and parks in the back and i walk in and straight into the back.
“Sorry Harry, i know im late.” i see Harry siting at the table looking at files.
“I was about to call the search party.”
i murmured ” you and everybody else.” Harry ignored what i said.
“I see your babysitter is back.” i look in the dinning area to see him siting in a new spot near the bookshop and near the kitchen drop off area.
“i’ll punch in.” i grab my card to see it’s been already punched in.
“Um, Harry i think theres a mistake on my card.”
“No mistake. No get to work, kid.” he shooed me away and i grabbed my apron and put it on and acted like last night didn’t happen.
Chapter 1: the news
It was the last day of high school. Officially. I walked the papers filled halls into the back parking lot of the school. I opened the doors and was immediately blinded by the sun.
“Hey lacey!” i heard one of my friends calling me. I rubbed my eyes, and saw my friends out of their cars, waving at me.
“So how was your bio exam?” Tyler asked.
“Easy, i guess.” i shrugged walking to my car.
“Easy? you took your precious time there shoelace!” jon said
i stop and turn to jon ”Well sorry i wanted to take my time. You can’t exactly rush this things.” i continued walking to my sedan.
“Well… since we’re all done why don’t we go to Open’s? ” suggested Tyler.
Open’s is where i work part time and me and my friend;s go to hang out spots. Its like a café and a library in one. Actually that exactly what it is.
“I’m up for it!” said Kim and Dani
“Then what are we waiting for” i said smiling, i unlocked my car and jon got in the front seat- i curse the day he wrecked his car- “let’s go!” he yelled as we watch our friend drive off into the main streets
“Um, Hey you’re not the driver here.” i drive off after my friends.
We arrive at Open’s and we take our usual booth.
“hey are you working Lace?” jon asked as the other get settled in the booth
“Um… soon. why?” i know why. Me and jon are best friends since i came to this world to escape mine, my father trusted his family to watch over me until i could live on my own and now i live right beside him. we havent been hanging out since the other were a recent add in- by jon- in our group in grade 11 ever since they’ve been hanging out and i’ve been working.
“Nothing, set beside me” jon flashed me his flirting smile. i pushed him aside and sat down. We ordered our usual food and drink, i offered to help serve, but my friends rejected that idea. Hey once you start working as a waitress you get us to helping.
We spent an hour laugh and talking about our exam where we’re going for university and college. Me and jon stay quiet during this conversation because we know what limited choices we have for college and we haven exactly told our friends. the main reason why i avoid groups like ours, but they grew on me.
“how about you guys?” adam points to me and jon
“Um… i don’t somewhere far from here right?” jon flashed his smooth smile and they laughed i just nodded and smiled along.
“Lacey! working time!” called my boss, Harry.
“Coming Harry.” I quickly get up almost flipping the table. “Sorry guys, gott’a work.” I gave them my apologetic smile.
I started work as my friend left our booth, we said good by and promised another day to hang out.
“You miss hanging out with your friends don’t you?” asked my co-work, Amy.
“Um… yea.” I shrugged and smiled at her.
Usually im not like this, i’m more alive and friendly but lately i’ve been getting this bad feeling… like what my mother use to get when something bad is going to happen.
After my shift in the café i go to the library/bookstore side and asked Phillie if she needs help.
“Hey Phillie,” I smiled, “Anything today?”
“No nothing as usual, got to put up signs thought for the annual book fair.” she smiled as she carried a box of posters and flyers to go around town.
“I better start now.” stunned by the size of the box. i carried the box and borrow Phillie’s bike to around around town- better not waste gas- i strap the box the back i grabed a few poster to post on the building.
“one down a lot more to go.” i stick the first poster on the special menu board outside. i got up and checked where else i could put the poster. not looking i bump into a man.
“Oh my!” i got jump up right away. “i am so sorry, i didn’t see you, i’m so sorry, are you okay? i’m so sorry sir.” i helped him get up. i found my self at the height of his chest. he must be 5’10 or 5’11- how tall am i? 5’3’ or 5’4?- i look to the floor to see the posters scattered. i go straight to picking them out, and the man starts picking them up.
“Oh no no you’re the customer, i’ll get it.” i feel even more awful because he’s kneeling on the floor with a suit that looks like it cost my whole house- and thats expensive- he handles me the posters and we both get up.
“I don’t mind its just a suit.” i smiled. - he has a nice smile- i stood there just an idiot.
“Um… right im sorry you can just go inside and tell that i bumped into you my fault” i laugh pathetically, “any drink on me.”
“Hey! no blood no foul.” he pats my head and walks in.
i stood still thinking what an idiot i am. “I didnt get your name.” he came back outside.
“La..Lacey. You can just say Lacey did they’ll know how did it.” i point at my name tag and uniform and laugh.
“well Lacey sorry I bumped into you. You might want a band aid.” he smiles again and walks inside taking the booth where me and my friends sit.
i walk back in the bookstore and run to the back to check what he was talking about. i hand had blood on it, i sighed knowing if jon saw this he’ll be on my case. it seemed that i got a like rock in it, i couldnt take it out without help.
“Phillie!” i called
“What happened outside? i saw you going down and that hot guy too!” she laughed
i laughed and put up my hand and Phillie gasped “oh my goodness, i’ll get the first aid.”
i wash my hand in cold water hoping to stop the flow of blood, Phillie comes back with the aid kit and pulls out the rock in my palm and it starts bleeding more. i sighed, why am i such a dork? Phillie wraps my hand up “There good and new.”
she smiles faintly. “Thanks Phillie, i owe you one.” I smile i start to walk back out the store.
“Whoa there princess zelda!” Phillie chases me
“what?” no literally what?
“You can’t ride a bike with a bad hand!”
“relax! i can ride with one hand.” I raise my good hand and grab the poster and walk to the bike. there was a tall frap with whip cream and chocolate syrup on my box of posters. i look around and i see the man gone from the booth.
hmm… he must have left it for me? why?
i take the drink and take out my music and plug in my earphone and rode on my bike with one hand to the next block. As i approach the stop light i see a audi drive close to me
“Hey Lady” i hear.
“Lacey!” i heard as i took of my left earphone. i see the guy stand pull beside me and roll down the passenger window.
“Oh hey!” i stop my bike at the red light. I gets out his car with a plain face expression. scary.
“Um…” i say. it was all i can say
“You took my drink.” i grabs the drink out of my band hand
“Ow!” i hope it doesnt start bleeding more.
he gets in his car and says crazy chick and drvies off.
“JERK!” i yell and ball my bad hand in a fist. ow.
As i finished with the whole town its almost 9, i ride back to the café too see Phillie and Harry standing outside.
“Uh-oh…” as i said to myself as i get off the bike to return it to Phillie.
“Uh-oh is right Lace! it’s nine im suppose to be home be home by this time.” Phillie said worriedly
“i’m really sorry Phillie if you want i cant give you a ride i just need to get my stuff in the back.”
“Please and thank you.” she said angrily
i rush through the café into the back where harry followed me.
“That guy you bumped into bought a $7 drink on ur paycheck.” harry said.
“$7 dollars? for a drink?”
“He added a lot of stuff to it.” Harry shrugged. “Listen, we’re kinda worried.” Harry looks at my bad hand.
“Its fine Harry, thanks for worrying but i can work tomorrow. full battery!” i smiled and waved my bad hand at him.
“fine, kid. but no more accidents.” he says shaking his head an walks out the back room and goes upstairs to his office.
i run to the employee parking at the back to see Phillie standing with her bike.
“Sorry, boss wanted to chat about today’s accident.” i waved my bad hand at her
He face lighten up, she must have forgotten about my hand.
“Oh right!,” she straighten her posture. She walks her bike to the tunk as i open it. i run to help her. i pull down the back seats and shove in the bike. ow. the petal hits my bad hand.
“You sure you can drive?” Phillie worried.
“yea, just a scratch.” i smiled to reassure her, i don’t know why i lied about the wound she was the one that patched it up.Stupid.
“shall we go” i say walking to the seat.
“Yup!” she jumps into the passenger seat. “So that guy was pretty hot.” he giggles.
i blush, ” Um you live in vidos park ave. right?” i try to stir the conversation away from my embarrassing moment of the day.
“Yeah, but back to mr.McHottie! what’s he say after you body slammed him to the ground?”
“Um he was it was fine and that he can order any drink on me,” i shrugged as i drive, ” and i did not body slam him i bumped into him ‘cuz i wasn’t watching where i was going.”
“oh so it’s was your fault.” she giggles.
“Hey if anything it was your posters fault. i had to hang them up.” we both laughed.
A short ride after i dropped Phillie at her house and watch her enter thought her garage door she waved my bye and i waved her bye as i drove off. i reach my neighborhood and park in my driveway to see jon’s bedroom light still on- normally he would sleep at this time, oh right it’s summer- i walked in the door and that feeling i felt earlier this morning was stronger. i stepped in my house quietly and with caution. i don’t sense that anyone is here but they can just be hiding that with their magic- but it’s only me that can do that and actually have magic- i look at my kitchen as i walk down the hall something has been messed with i heard a noise from my living room and i quickly grab my bag and open my steel baton- i received from my loving father that should be across worlds- as i extend my baton two men dressed in black come out from the roof used my force to push the bigger one to the floor and go for the medium guy i hit him in his arm and leg and he went down but he used force to push me away. the bigger man picks me up and throw me to the couch and i roll off and hit my back on the coffee table. i get up and use force again to push both of them and the hit the walls and fell down. they were still but they seemed to trained to be knocked out by my power so i use force to hold them down i walk to the bigger one and unmask him to find that he was someone i knew.
“TYE! What the hell?” i yelled and punch him in the chest knowing it wouldn’t really hurt him.
i release him and turn to the other man, i unmask him to see him smile the way he did when i was a child and impressed him.
“dad this is seriously messed up,” i release me father to and help him up.
“Well… on the contrary nothing broken.” says Tye.
“No,” i say calmly,” Just almost my back you jerk!” i yelled.
“Sorry.” he puts up his hands like he’s guilty and walks to the kitchen.
“You know a normal father and his side kick would walk through the door with gifts and a normal girl would run and jump and hug her father,” i saw as i walk my father the couch where i fell off and sit, “not fight almost to the death with her father and his sidekick.” i laughed
my father laughed also, he laugh sounded like a smooth melody. “i missed you sweetie.” He hugged me tightly i hugged him back. I pull back and asked, “Why are you here? you suppose to come on my birthday dad.”
“Don’t worry darling, it’s just…” he pauses to find the words.
“business.” I say disappointingly.
“I’m gunna check on luke.” Tye exits the kitchen into upstairs.”oh B.T.W we kinda tazzed him. sorry.” he exits again
i sighed and hit my head with my bad hand. “oh what happened?” asked my father asked concerned. ow.
“Um nothing i bumped into some guy as work outside while i put up posters.” i said with pauses in between
“Are you okay? do i need to-“
“no dad i’m fine. I’m perfectly fine.” i smiled at him. he smile back “Alright sweetie.” he kissed my forehead. He calls in Tye in the living room, i see Tye carrying my dog, luke, and puts him on the floor beside me. “He’s unconscious.” i eyed Tye.
“Only for a few minutes.” Tye said as he sat down across from my dad. i rolled my eyes at him.
“Okay. So back to business,” my dad continues, “There’s a problem back at home in Lukerdon.” my dad’s face has change from gentle to serious. “The solemens are still attacking luketherner and they are becoming stronger every day. And we received messages saying that they are stilling trying to find you.” as my father says those words my heart beats faster.
“Still?” i said sadly, “so i’m never coming home.” i fell my eyes water but i try to hold them back. Tye must sense what im feeling, he sits beside me “Look kid, we were lucky to jump into this world and save you. We’re not happy about the situation either, but just listen what you’re dad is saying.” i nod
“Im so sorry honey but this is why im here.” my dad sits closer and opens a file he must have gotten while i was talking to Tye. i looked to Luke and he’s still unconscious- thanks Tye- “Listen honey we need to make sure you’re safe 24/7-“
“so you staying here?” i interrupted him.
“No, sweetie i need to be back at home at the college to talk over the situation,” he pauses, “I’m very sorry honey.” he must have seen my disappointed face, usually i try to hide my expression, so my father doesn’t have a more tough time as it is.
“So who then?”
“here,” my father slides the file to me on the coffee table. i look at the profile of my potential babysitter. He is 19, took every single class the college offered, graduated top of his class and is in process of becoming apart of my dad’s staff in the college. He knows karate, jiu jitsu, kendo, Hapkido, Kung Fu, Muay Thai, Taekwondo and he dances. His profile was more fit for the army than being a babysitter-If he had all these specialties in so many things why is he stuck with this job? - He speak six different languages not including the three different languages in my world. He also likes moonlight strolls on the beach and watching movies in the park…
“Uhm… he seems like a army bachelor.” i said confusingly. Tye laughs so hard he almost falls off to his ass. He stomps his feet on the floor, which seemed to wake up Luke.
“Hey, sorry about that i thought it would be a nice joke.” He flashed a smile before he starts laughing. Luke jumps on my lap, i pet him and asked if he was okay, of course he barked. Tye gets up and grabs luke’s leash from the hanger near the front door. “c’mon buddy we’re going for a walk.” Luke runs to Tye and puts on his leash. “I’ll be a few minutes sir.” Tye says, my dad waves him off and i wave by to luke and stick out my tongue to Tye . Then it was just me and my dad, now usually my and my dad are like best friends and there is never an awkward silence between us. there use to be when my mother died by the henchmen of solemon, it took almost a year until i threaten to runaway from my father because i had to take care of him when i was ten. Now i’m everything that my father has, yea sure there’s Tye but he isnt family like me and my dad, and Tye gets that, but my father is also everything i have closet to a family, i mean don’t get me wrong jon and his family have been loving and understanding these past years, but family is family and i love my father. So why is it so silent?
“Dad-” i started but my dad interrupted me.
“Listen Lace,” he tries to find the words, “I don’t know how to tell you this but,” he pauses and tries again, “Lacey you know i love you so very much. But i haven’t told you everything about me and you’re mother.”
i looked into his eyes confused. “Dad i understand what happened, those stories mom use to tell me was i was little were really about you guys. Solemon is your evil brother and mother was the fairy that you fell in love with and you had me, and solemon heard the powers i had and were special. Right?”
“No theres more to it.” He looks into my eyes as if he has hid my favorite toy for months and now he can’t find it, “Before we had you or even knew about you, solemon stole your mother away from me one night before he ran off to learn about more fairy magic.” I shocked my head not understanding what my dad was talking about.
he continues, “Theres more to the story than you. You are right about me and your mother falling in love and having you and solemon is my evil brother but we never told you that solemon, you’re mother and I were royalty.” my face must have drops down to the earth’s core. “Your mother was the queen of the fairies but my brother and I were the princes of our land, talmork. talmork was the largest land in Larkdon and whom ever ruled it had great power not just in government position power but the magic we both posses. You see everyone wasn’t really human everyone was born with magic, different kids of magic and if they choose they can make their inner power strong with time or neglect it and lock their powers representing humans. those who had power wore different and treated differently as in fear.”
“Wait dad, i dont understand… you lied to me… you said i was special and that after my birth people became friend with the fairies and loved them and soon the population grew with hybrids.” i stopped my father.
“No honey i never lied to you, i just never told you the truth. but not only until i thought you were old enough to handle it.” i saw the vain pop from my fathers forehead so i resisted my urge to yell at him. “So continuing, my father Johnathan noteton, talked to your mother and tried to convince her to marry into our family so every one can see that everyone is equal powerful or not.since solemon was born first he got to meet her first, now i never heard about his date but i heard he got slapped. But when i went to go meet your mother by a river she did fall in and almost drowned if i hadn’t saved her, after that i felt bad and took on a stroll in our kingdom and told her about my dreams and how i agree with father, and she told me her dreams, to riase a beautiful daughter to teach her powers to and make her into a wise princess as her mother did. After we fell in love and my mother had to make a choice. She choose me and we got married three days after. after our honeymoon solemon came after your mother raged and jealous. He told her that he loved her more than anything and we would rule to world to prove his love, but ur mother said no and banished him from talmork. Thats is when solemon decided to grow stronger in magic and to overthrow my kingdom. He killed my father and every family we had. Some had escape, barley, but are in hinding and i don’t know how they are.” my father paused. i nodded to him to signal i understood what he was saying.
“Lacey, your mother gave birth to you two days before the attack on talmork, so we went into hiding and left my army to fight… unfortunately i underestimated my brother and killed everyone that stayed back or was left behind and now rules talmork. After a year i went back and created a stronger army with able men and women and over threw my brother and casted him in an unkown land that is now the land of evil. Soles. I grew powerful after that battle but with such great power my body could not handle it so… when you were two and i came home, you became very very ill that the doctors said you will not live past three months. So i gave you most of my powers so save your life. From there we were still in danger from solemon so we hid in the woods near the boarders of the sea and the Hallow isle of the dead. We hid until you turned nine.” my father stops and takes in a deep breathe and looks at me, i see the waters in his eyes, i hug my father tightly. I never knew that he gave me most of his power.
“I understand now.” i get up and start pacing back and forth, “Once word got out that ur werent powerful solemon grew stronger and searched for you… no.. me. So he can kill me and absorb my powers.”
“Yes. this is why it is very dangerous now. Solemon has an army and is training them in illegal magic.” my father stand and stops me from pacing and looks into my eyes.
“Dad im strong i’ve been practicing the basic for my powers and i’ve taken the fighting class you put me in. Dad im ready for a fight. Im strong enough.” i fell my eyes water up.
“No!” i father sits and covers his face with his hands, “I can’t lose you, Lace.”
“But can’t i know the basics” i cried out. “I want to fight for mom! she protected me.”
“The basics Lacey. That won’t kill a man who has been trained to control how you think and move. Or learned how to disappear and kill you.” my father yelled at me.
“Lacey we love you but we need you to be safe.” Tye comes in. Luke runs to my side and i bend and pet his head.
“So you hired a babysitter. to watch my every move?” i picked up the file and threw it on the floor.
“He isn’t a babysitter he is your guardian angel and instructor.” my father says.
instructor? so thats why he has that many specialties in his folder.
“What’s a guardian angel?” i said puzzled.
“We’ve changed recently we passed a bill that refers to fairies as angels. and those angels that choose to be a protector they are considered as a guardian angel.”
i raised my eyebrows and crossed my arms. “So you created a creative name for babysitter.”
my father sighs and gathers the file, “In a sense sure. So please meet him, you’ll be very impressed.”
“No.” i said just before i storm to my room.
prologue [TAKEN OUT] replace with lacey memories.
It was july 21 1994, a beautiful baby girl was brought into the world of Larksdon willow. I named her Lacey Marie Ann Cartier, with hair as brown as brownies fresh from the oven and eyes as dark as dark chocolate and olive skin, “She’s perfect Lilly.” said John. she is perfect. After three days the doctors released me and my baby from the hospital, my husband, Luke, picked us up and drove was to our humble abode.
“Honey” Jonn said as he stepped on to the driveway, “let me get the door for you.”
“relax John!” i said, “i’m fine, i can handle myself, take the baby.” i smiled.
Stepping in the house was weird for me, it seemed like something has changed. I took off me hospital slippers and got ready the baby room. “Honey!” i yelled.
i heard footstep running up stairs, “Yes dear, what is it? Are you okay?”
“Yes i’m fine, it’s the room!” i said as i turned around look at the detailed art work of a landscape of the wallow willow park. the furniture looked perfect together with the newly designed walls.
“You don’t love it?” John asked concernedly.
“No i love it honey.” i smiled, “It’s home sweet home.” I rocked Lacey as i put her into her new crib. As i adore my perfect baby, she smiled at me and laughed.
As nine years past, Lacey grew up to be a smart and beautiful girl.
“Mommy! i found more weeds.” Lacey said as he stomped on the weeds.
“No, sweetie,” i carried her off, “just because their weeds doesn’t mean we go stomping on them. Bugs can leave in them or maybe even the fairies.” i smiled.
Her eyes glowed as i said fairies. “Mom, can you tell me the story of the fairies, please?”
“Sure, here- pull out the weeds carefully while i tell you.” Lacey dropped on her knees and pulled the weeds out of my garden.
“Once their lives Fairies in the willows, garden and forest of Larkdon willow kingdom. The Fairies were only the size of my pink!” I stuck out my pinky and laughed. ” But no matter how small they were, they were the strongest warriors of the land! despite their strong powers they lived peacefully in a land called calme. As the fairies played, danced and sing their was a queen that lived for thousands of years. she was beautiful, strong and very smart, she can never be fooled or lied to. But with her status she was never happy. She never married and never bared a child, of course their were many proposals but she rejected every single one in her time. Then one day she escaped calme to fly and think, she flew into a town called wash rivers their was a man sitting on a rock near the river. He was very handsome but he looked sad. The queen saw him and flew down to him. Due to her size she had to transform into her human form. As she went down to the man, she slipped and fell into the river, the man saw the queen and jumped in the river and saved her. He laid the queen down on the rock he was sitting on. Just laying there the man saw how beautiful the queen looked, he yelled out ‘miss! miss!’ she was unresponsive. The man had no choice but to carry her into the village, he ran with speed and brought her to the cheapest doctor he can find. ‘Doctor this women she fell in the river! please save her!’ The doctor waved him to the bed and the Man laid her down gently. The doctors helpers took the man out so the doctor can work on her. It took all night until one of the helpers brought the man back inside, there he saw the queen awake and thanking the doctor for saving her life, the man stood at the door stunned by her beauty, the doctor save he only did half and that she should thank the man, she turn to the man and smile he walked to her bedside and went down on his knees and took her hand and kissed it the queen smile and said ‘No sir… i should be on my knees thanking you, i owe you my life kind sir.’ she lifted his chin and kissed him on the cheeks. The man offered for her to stay in his house for until she has fully recovered. the queen accepted. Over time the queen grown to like the man. “what is you’re name?” the man asked the queen as they strolled through town, ‘My name is lylia’ she said quietly ”my name is Hunter.” he smiled. Soon they became lovers and she revealed how she really was. Hunter still loved her for who she was and they had beautiful twin boys lukether and solemon. With time the queen died from her human form, that made her weak. it was just Hunter and his boys. As the boys grew older they became aware with their powers their father warned them about their powers that they should protect each other with and never use their power for evil. Lukether became interested in his power and studied with the fairies in in camle and married his fairy wife but his brother saw that he shouldn’t waste his time with studying but to train and to become stronger he went to other villages to train with other fairies with different powers. As solemon came back to his home he has changed, mad by power and started a war, he felt Larksdon should be ruled by him. As soon as he father heard of it he went to camle and asked Lukether to talk to his brother. Which upset solemon more, he created an army with his magic and attack his home. He killed his father and tried to kill his brother and camle but Lukther escaped with all the fairies in camle ad his family into the deep willows. Solemon, lazy, thought he killed them all and began to rule the world…”
“ladies dinner time!”
“Oh! dad, it was getting good!” Lacey yelled as she stomped into the house
i laughed followering her “don’t worry, honey i finish the story at bed time.” i smile at her she smiled back and ran to her seat on the dinning table.
As we finished dinner Lacey ran upstairs to get ready for bed, i washed the dishes while John dried. “Oh i should get the tools on the shed” as i washed off my hands.
“Are you sure, honey?” John said concernedly, “It’s getting pretty dark out there, i’ll come wit you.”
“No, you watch Lacey and continue the story until i get back,” i kissed him, “It only a few things.” i smiled i put on my shoes and grabbed a coat. The sky was a purple-blue colour and i could see the sun about to set i hurried the gardening tools in the shed. “Oh shoot, were’s the hand shovel…?” i looked around the garden and found it sticking out from the ground. “found you.”
i looked around to see four men in black with glowing hands. “JOHN!” the tallest man hit me with his power and i flew into a tree, i got up and lifted him up with my powers and threw it away from the house.
“Lilly Ann! get in the house!”
“No,” i yelled as i forced another away from the house, “luke will protect her!”
“Give us the girl!” the man with red hands said, “Or we’ll kill you and your husband.”
i looked to my husband , he just killed a man with his sword. i need to get them away from the house…. i thought to myself. I took a deep breathe and used my power to left the men up and thew them away into the woods.
“i’ll distract them, get Lacey out of the house.” I ran into the forest.
“NO Lilly Ann!” i heard John coming after me, i forced him back into the house and shut the door behind him.
Im finally in the woods to find three dead, they must had fallen to their deaths or snapped by the branches of the trees. i check their pulses and check their suit for clues. One that asked for my daughter had a note.
“Most of them must be dead…” as i talked to myself. i hurried back to the house i felt a sharp pain in my back. Blood. It’s getting hard to breathe…
“John!” i yelled as i fell in my garden on a bush of roses. the last man stood in front of me and raised another knife and he dropped his arms he stopped.
“i’m sorry.” he said. He sounded like a kid. fell on his knees and cried and kept on apologizing. “I tired to stop the knife… but i was to weak..”
i tried to smile at him but i couldnt i was frozen. I saw him get up and run into the woods.
“Mom!”
i’m sorry Lacey. i love you and you father so very very much.
