Lena peeked carefully into Kara's room, sighing silently in relief when she saw the woman sprawled gracelessly across her king-sized bed. She was alone for once, lightly snoring with an empty wine bottle lying on the floor by her limp hand. The most expensive brand she could find here, no doubt.
At least I won't have to worry about her coming after me tomorrow.
She tiptoed downstairs and slipped out the back door, digging her phone from her pocket; she'd made sure it was fully charged when she'd gotten home. She turned on the flashlight when she reached the tree line, glancing back one last time to make sure Kara wasn't watching from her window, then took off down the trail.
Jason was already in the clearing when she got there, lounging on a mattress pulled into the bed of his old white pickup truck. A battery-powered lantern sat on top of the cab, bathing him in a soft, inviting light.
"You're here early," she shut off her phone and put it back in her pocket. He stretched, putting his arms behind his head.
"Wanted to be set up when you got here," he looked past her toward their street, the tops of the houses lost behind the trees. "She asleep?"
"Drunk and out cold," she climbed into the truck bed, looking up to see the stars winking at them in a dark, moonless sky. "What time is it supposed to happen, again?"
"They said eleven-thirty," he shifted against his pillow. "So shouldn't be too much longer."
She settled back on her own pillow, reaching into the little cooler between them. It was an unusually warm night for that time of year, the soft, natural quiet comforting in a way nothing else could be. A young buck came from the trees near a dirt path, bending over the pond to drink before darting off.
"I never lived in a small town before," she said after a while. "It's so different from the city."
He turned his head toward her.
"How are you liking it?"
She shrugged.
"It took some getting used to, but I think I like it better," her small grin wilted. "I'm just worried people will find out what happened…"
He looked at her quizzically.
"You mean with your family?"
She shook her head, then sat back up.
"Please don't make me talk about it…"
"Sorry."
She felt his eyes on her as she toyed with her water bottle, then the light leather band tied around her wrist. It was a beautiful piece, expertly carved with a detailed scene of a waterfall spilling into a river. She wore it almost every day, usually along with the emerald ring on her right hand. It amazed her she'd been able to keep them hidden from Kara for so long.
"Was that jewelry your mom's?" he asked curiously. She looked at her finger.
"I hid some of her stuff after she died," she explained. "Since I had a feeling Dad wouldn't want to keep it, and I knew Kara would sell it. I did the same with him and my siblings, too."
He sat up.
"Where is it now?"
"Most of it's with a friend. She promised to send it when I told her it was safe."
"You mean until you're away from Kara?" he questioned. "How long do you think that'll be?"
Her shoulders slumped, her chin hitting her chest.
"Who knows?"
She froze when he touched her cheek, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.
"I know we really just met," he said softly. "But I want you to know that I'm here for you, no matter what."
She smiled slightly.
"Thanks, Jason, that means a lot."
A trail of fire streaked across the sky overhead, reflecting in his eyes. She swallowed.
"I've never known anyone with such dark eyes…"
The quiet words slipped out before she could stop them. He didn't seem to hear, though, turning to the heavens as more meteors flew past. She watched in awe as they gradually increased until the stars were all but lost to the blazing brilliance. After an impossibly long time, the shower tapered off, leaving only the diamond-studded sky.
"I've never seen anything like that," she lowered her head, wincing at the crick in her neck. "You don't really see the stars in Grand Rapids."
He smiled wistfully, still gazing overhead.
"People in cities don't know what they're missing," he sighed contentedly, lying back down. She stretched out on her side, tucking her hand under her pillow.
"Some people like living in places that are lit up, though," she countered. "They feel safe that way."
"Yeah," he started deeply. "But no matter how bright a place is, there's always a dark alley to get dragged into."
As depressing as that was, she guessed she couldn't argue with it. She looked back to the sky, watching a few straggling meteors pass overhead.
"What's this place like?" she realized she'd never asked. He looked thoughtful, absently fingering the chain peeking out from his collar. He did that a lot, now that she noticed.
"People don't really lock their doors," he said after a while. "And the last break-in was some drunk guy who fell through his own window."
They laughed.
"Sounds like it's usually pretty safe," she struggled with her next question. The story had been plastered everywhere since she'd moved there, and likely before—a killer with a taste for older, typically wealthy businessmen. She shuddered, remembering the articles that had described a few of the ways those victims had died. "But are we really safe out here, with that psycho running around?"
He turned to her, his slim fingers warm and strong when he took her hand.
"He wouldn't get within fifty feet of you," the fierce protectiveness in the words startled her, he barely knew her!
"T-Thank you," she choked on the soft words. His grip relaxed, but he didn't pull away.
"I'm not the only one who feels that way," he reminded her. "We've all got your back, Lena."
She loved the way he said her name; she bit the inside of her cheek as she turned away, not wanting anyone else to see her cry.
I just wish it was easier for me to believe that.
<<<>>>
Lena pushed at her pillow, trying to get comfortable again. It had been so soft last night, now it almost felt like lying on a rock. A warm, breathing rock.
Wait, what is this?
She rubbed her eyes, squinting against the late morning sunlight that spilled into the clearing. Her cheeks burned when she realized she was curled up against Jason's side, her head nestled on his shoulder. His arm was draped loosely around her, the other tucked behind his head. He was asleep, his eyes squeezed shut, his jaw tight. Whatever he was dreaming about, it was intense. Careful not to wake him, she pulled away, lying as far from him as she could. His shirt had ridden up, a fresh scab slicing across his well-toned abs. She winced.
Wonder what he did to get that…
He shifted, groaned softly, then sat up, looking around while he fixed his shirt.
"Guess we overslept," he said absently, rubbing his stomach.
"Looks like it," she sat against the cab, watching as he fished something from the pocket of his faded jeans. "Wait, you're deaf?"
"Just in my left ear," his fingers closed tightly around the hearing aid. "Not sure if I was born with it, or if something happened when I was little."
She looked at him.
"What could've happened?"
He gazed back at her, then shook his head.
"I don't want to talk about it," he put it in, then vaulted over the side of the truck bed, landing silently in the grass. It was the first time she'd really noticed how long his hair was, the tangled locks falling past his shoulder blades. It suited him, she thought, adding a certain nobility to his chiseled profile. She swallowed, feeling her heart flutter.
"Jason, I—" she hated how breathy she sounded. What was wrong with her? "T-Thanks for last night, it was great."
He didn't answer, his body going tense as he glared at something past the tree line. She crawled to the open tailgate, watching over his shoulder.
"What is it?" she asked worriedly. "What's wrong?"
He blinked, then shook his head again. The scared confusion on his face disappeared almost before she could catch it.
"Nothing," he said quickly. "Just thought I saw something."
"Okay…" she sat down, letting her legs dangle over the edge. "I-I should get going soon, I have to be home before Kara wakes up."
She dropped to the ground, about to leave when he grabbed her arm.
"How about I walk you home?" he was still staring at that random point in the distance. His fingers stiffened, his nails digging in slightly. If whatever was out there made him that nervous, then it couldn't be good.
"Um, o-okay."
"Great," he let go of her arm, taking a firm grip on her hand. "Come on, let's get going."
Lena allowed herself to be pulled along, watching behind them. As the clearing vanished behind the first bend in the path, she was sure she saw something glint in the far trees. She gulped, turning back and doing her best to match his long, fast stride.
Was someone really watching us just now?
<<<>>>
Yeah, go on, run while you can.
He brought down the scope, scowling as he watched the teens flee. He wasn't sure why the boss made him do reconnaissance, since every target sent his way ended up dead. What the hell could they be using this information for?
You're lucky it was just the scope this time, you little coward.
He tucked it back in the long case lying next to him, running a hand fondly along the hard black plastic top after he closed it. The rifle was as much a part of him as his bones and blood; he itched to go after those two, to pull the trigger and just be done with it. But that would mean going against orders, which could just as easily send a bullet tearing through his own brain.
Why does the boss care so much about this kid?
For as long as he could remember, there'd been an obsession with that boy; was it something to do with his family, the people who'd raised him? Did the old man have some other plan in mind that he hadn't told the teams about? He scoffed.
Wouldn't be the first time.
He got to his feet, grabbing the case and slinging the strap over his shoulder. It was hard to keep quiet as he followed them. The carpet of leaves on the forest floor left crunchy and dry from days without rain. He still wondered why he'd been ordered to follow them in the first place; the girl wasn't a threat, and the boy seemed clueless what his family was really involved with. Was this supposed to make sure he never found out?
He stopped when he heard them again, ducking behind a thick oak trunk. They were sitting on the back steps of the girl's house, talking in lowered voices, something about hoping to surpass some goal, or a concert. The girl gave a small cheer, covering her mouth when she hiccuped. The boy laughed, going stiff when she quickly kissed his cheek.
Well, what do we have here?
"Thanks again for last night, Jason," she stood and hurried inside, quickly easing the door shut behind her. He got up and took a few steps into the yard, then turned to stare at the house. No different from any of the other two-story ones on the street. The girl appeared in an upstairs window, smiled and waved at him. He waved back until she disappeared again, his hand drifting to his cheek as he turned away. The blissful, yet frightened look on the kid's face told him everything he wanted to know.
This might just be more fun than I thought.
<<<>>>
Jason glanced at Lena's window again, then took off toward the forest, his heart jumping in his throat as his fingers kept straying to that spot on his cheek.
That didn't just happen, he thought frantically. I-It couldn't have!
He'd told himself he was making a mistake when he'd asked her to watch the meteor shower, but he hadn't let it stop him. He'd thought it would finally allow him to let the past go, to stop letting fear control him. Instead, it had just made things worse; the memories tearing at him like they had for weeks after the incident.
I don't want that to happen again!
Almost everyone had told him it wasn't his fault, but the reassurances had just made the pain worse. He hadn't paid enough attention to Emily, hadn't treated her as well as he should have. She hadn't deserved what had happened. He should have been the one who fell!
I don't think I'll ever forget it…
He ducked under a low branch, realizing he'd veered off the path. He'd walked the way so many times, most often with his head in the clouds, and he still couldn't make it without almost getting lost.
A tall figure flashed out of view across the clearing, and he felt his gut tighten. Someone had been watching them, just as he'd thought. The shadow vanished before he could take a second glance, leaving him with so many questions. Who had they been? Why didn't they want to be seen? Why had they been watching him and Lena in the first place?
Could it have something to do with—
He forced the thought down. That had been his grandfather's mistake, it had nothing to do with him. Sure, he'd overheard a few things when he was little, but nothing that would've resulted in that kind of order. He barely remembered any of it!
But maybe they weren't even watching us…
He hadn't run into many people around the clearing; it was part of why he liked it so much, but that didn't mean there was never anyone else out there. That was probably all it had been, he tried to tell himself, some random hiker who'd come across them; but even as he thought it, he knew it was wrong. Why would a hiker keep hidden like that, why hadn't they tried to say something?
I've got a bad feeling about this.
He hurried the last few yards to his truck, climbed in and locked the doors. He shivered, feeling a pair of eyes were glued to his every move. Swallowing hard, he fumbled the keychain from his pocket, his fingers shaking a bit as tried to find the right one. He jammed it in the ignition and turned; the engine sputtered weakly before going dead. He groaned, knocking his forehead against the steering wheel.
"You have got to be kidding me!"
<<<>>>
Lena pressed back against the kitchen door, then sunk to the checkered tile, her hands jammed against her lips. Her face was burning, her heart ready to leap from her chest. She hadn't just done that. She hadn't just kissed Jason Vetra.
I-It was just his cheek, she said to herself, still able to smell the faint traces of his cologne on her clothes. Why am I freaking out so much?
It was Andy, of course, it was always Andy. She'd tried so hard to forget what had happened, had done everything she could to force the terrible memories out of her head. But nothing had worked, not even nine weeks in a coma.
That wasn't my fault. She ground the heels of her palms into her eyes. All she'd done was follow through on a bad idea, she'd had no control over how things had gone! Why won't it leave me alone?
She pushed back the tears and got slowly to her feet. The house was silent, but she still moved as carefully as she could to her room, avoiding the spots that creaked on the stairs. Kara's snoring was faintly audible as she sneaked past the master bedroom, allowing a small sigh of relief when she got to her own.
She locked the door before heading across to the window, smiling and waving when she saw Jason in the yard. He waved back, then wandered toward the forest. Fresh wisps of spice floated up as she fell on her small bed; had he put on that cologne especially for last night?
Maybe, she stared at the ceiling, smiling at the pictures she'd stuck up there. They'd been packed away in the box she'd hidden in their tiny backyard shed, and she was amazed it hadn't burned down as well. They captured some of the last happy memories her family had shared—their trip to Niagara Falls for Michael's twelfth birthday, their mom with the triplets on their first day of preschool. But her favorite picture was one she'd snapped on Christmas, minutes after tearing the blue snowflake wrapping paper off her new digital camera.
Her parents were sitting on the couch, her father flashing that burning smile as he held a fake sprig of mistletoe over her mother's head. Her mother was laughing, her face as red as her Santa-sprinkled pajamas. They'd kissed, then disappeared in their bedroom for the rest of the morning. She wished she'd known it would be one of the last times they would all be together.
The photos blurred as she let her eyes fill with bitter tears. It was Kara's fault that everything had changed; life would still be almost perfect if her father hadn't met that selfish bitch. The only downside would have been not having Ty, Andy and Miranda by her side as they navigated the maze of high school.
She grabbed her phone from her pocket and turned it on; she'd sent Miranda a series of texts about the island every other Saturday, just as they had agreed after she'd been discharged from the hospital. Miranda had stopped responding after the first two months, saying she was getting her phone taken away until she got her grades up. After reading some of the things she'd sent, Lena couldn't blame her for wanting to break the promise, but had she really needed to lie about it?
She probably thought I couldn't handle the truth.
That would have been true a few weeks ago, but things had started looking up after she'd spilled the story to Jason, when she'd realized she didn't have to keep everything locked up inside. She'd send the texts one more time, she decided, and if Miranda still didn't answer, then that would be the end of it.
She recapped everything that had happened the last two weeks, ending it with watching the meteor shower the night before. A blush bloomed on her cheeks when she remembered how she had woken up, the quick peck she'd given Jason out of impulse before running inside like a coward. The last thing she sent was a picture she had taken of him, when he'd first pulled off his shirt to clean it after falling in the mud.
If anything will make Miranda text back, she thought. That will.
She rolled on her side and set her phone on the nightstand, realizing tears still pooled on her pillow, and that her eyes were stinging. She swiped halfheartedly at them, wishing for once that they wouldn't stop. It was such a relief to set them loose; the tension draining from her body with each drop. It was also the only time she could sleep without having to remember her dreams, a state she longed for most nights.
I still wish things could go back to the way they were, she thought, closing her eyes to ease the burn. But at the same time, I don't…
She groaned, rolling over and burying her face in her wet pillow.
"Ugh, could this get any more confusing?"