Swing
Nothing. Id hit nothing.
I stilled, my arms quaking. The moons rays were hindered by the thick canopy of leaves that stretched above me, darkening the entire area, so I couldnt see if there were prints on the ground or not. My heart began to thunder, then lightning followed, little electrical impulses razing the center of my chest.
Behind me, a twig snapped.
I whipped around, swungand once again hit nothing. I gulped, swallowing the knot trying to lodge in my throat.
Id never understood the stupid girl in every horror movie ever made, the one who heard a scary noise and went to investigate all by her lonesomeonly to be knifed or tortured. Id thought, if only she would have called the police, waited for help, something, anything, such a horrible fate would have been avoided.
Now, I so understood. Who could I tell about this? Everyone would think I was certifiable, like my dad. I could be locked away, medicatedforgotten.
I sucked it up, just like the stupid horror movie girls, and ventured deeper into the woods. Deeper still
Another twig snapped behind me. Again I jerked around, my bat already swinging. Again nothing stood in my waybut this time, I saw something.
Reeling, I managed to gasp, Emma?
She hovered a few feet from me, her dark hair anchored in pigtails, a pink tutu fluffing around her waist. Her cheek, the one that had been injured in the accident, was unmarred. No scab, no scar. Just healthy, sun-kissed skin.
A frown pulled at her rosebud mouth. You need to go inside, she said, fear coating her voice. She tossed a glance over her shoulder. Now, Alice.
The realness of her amazed me. I even caught the little-girl scent of her, so sweet it somehow overshadowed the odor of rot. Tripping over my own feet, I closed the distance between us, reached out.
Alice, she said, impatient with me.
My hand ghosted through her.
I wanted to scream in frustration. She was only a hallucination. Does that really matter? She was here and she was with me, and Id missed her so much. So, yeah, if my mind wanted to toss out images of her, I wouldnt fight it. She. Was. Here. How are you, sis?
You have to go inside, Alice. Its almost too late.
Too late for what? I would have given anything to pull her into my arms, to hug her tight and never let go.
Amber eyes met mine, and they glimmered with tears. Please!
Whatever she wanted, I would give herexcept parting from her. Will you come with me?
Alice! Please, you have to Her image shimmered, fading in time with her voicefading Please.
No! I shouted. Catching a glimpse of my beloved sister only to lose her a split second laterwas there anything crueler? Dont go. I need you. Real or not. But shed already disappeared, the sweetness in the air vanishing, too. Frantic, I spun in a circle, looking for any sign of her.
Crushing disappointment was followed by life-saving hope. Maybe she wasnt gone for good. Maybe she had wanted me to go to my room for a reason. Like, maybe we could talk there.
I shot into motion, shutting the gate and rushing back inside the house. Up the stairs I pounded, uncaring whether or not my grandparents heard me. An eternity seemed to pass before I reached my bedroom and burst inside.
Emma?
Silence. I searched every corner, every nook and cranny, butshe wasnt there.
I waited, five minutes, ten, but she never appeared.
She wasnt going to, was she?
Hope died, the disappointment returning. Emma, I said, my chin trembling. My ceiling fan whirled overhead, creating a slight rustle, but there was no other discernible sound.
Id left my curtains open, I realized distantly, and stalked over to close them.
The moment my fingers touched the fabric, I froze.
Bridezillaand what could only be her groomstood just behind the fence, a ray of moonlight spotlighting both of them. They were staring at me, their lips peeled back from their teeththeir very sharp teeth.
Her dress was ripped, dirty, her eyes sunken. Her skin was pitted, with patches of something black oozing from her pores. There wasnt a veil on her head, but there was hardly any hair, either, just long stringy strands with leaves tangled throughout.
The man beside her wore an equally ripped and dirty tux. He possessed the same sunken eyes, pitted skin and thinning hair. That odd black ooze covered both his chin and drippeddripped
Bridezilla swiped out an arm, as if she was reaching for me.
I scrambled backward, tripped, landed on my butt. The impact rattled my brain and maybe even knocked some sense loose. Monsters would have attacked me while theyd had the chance, so this had to be a joke. The two were probably human and wearing costumes. Had probably applied grotesque makeup. Butwho would play a joke like this? Who would go to such extremes, for such a long period of time? Who would know this was the perfect way to torment me?
No one, thats who.
Guess my theory needed work. Drawing on every bit of my courage, I forced myself to stand and approach the window. Another peek outside revealedthe pair was gone. Gone.
I nearly shrieked with frustration.
What the heck was happening? What had I seen? And how had I spoken to my baby sister?
I sank to my knees and buried my head in my hands. I was worse than my dad. There was no denying it now. No hoping otherwise.
Oh, Daddy. I should have been nicer to him. I should have spent more time with him. Should have been more understanding of his psychosis, more sympathetic. I should have comforted him rather than complained about him.
Shoulda word of anguish rather than consolation.
5The Deadly Rabbit Returns
The next morning, my eyes burned with fatigue as I wandered the halls of Asher High. (Go Tigers.) There were more posters on the walls, and they were now joined by streamers. Id spent the entire night propped up by the window, desperate for another glimpse of Emma, frightened by the thought of those imaginary monsters.
Seriously, how pathetic was I?
I couldnt function without sleep much longer, and I knew it. My mind had turned to mushobviouslyand my body felt heavy, weighted down, my steps dragging. The latter was proved when I stumbled into someone. A girl I didnt recognize. I muttered an apology, and she scurried off without comment.
Think about Em, the freaks and your idiocy later. Just get through the day. Good advice. Fingers crossed, I would listen and obey. Actually, there was a way to guarantee my obedience. Kat. She was the perfect distraction. Except, as I lugged through the crowd, I found myself searching for Cole Holland instead.
My palms sweated as I neared the hallway where Id seen him yesterday. Distantly I heard the opening and closing of lockers, chatter and laughter, the pound and click of shoes. Closerwas he there again today? I squared my shoulders as I rounded the corner, trying to prepare myself for impact, just in case.
Good thing. He was there.
Play it cool, Bell. He leaned against a locker, his hands stuffed into his jean pockets. He wore another hat, this one blue. Shadows cascaded over his face, hiding those magnificent violet eyes, but I could see a fresh bruise on his chin and a lesion on his lower lip.
Hed gotten into a fight.
He wore a black T-shirt that stretched indecently over hard-won muscle. A chain wrapped around his waist, and I would have sworn there were flecks of dried blood on the end. His boots were freshly polished yet severely scuffed.
His friends surrounded him, though there werent as many this time. Every single one of them sported a bruise somewhereface, neck, arms, knucklessome worse than others. Both of Frostys wrists were bandaged, hiding his tattoos.
Okay, seriously. They had to be part of some kind of fight club.
Hey, Ali. Oops. Frosty had caught me staring at him. Rather than chastising me, he gave me a sunshine-happy grin. Lookin good today.
Thanks, I replied, trying not to shift nervously. Okay, so Id dug out my best jeans and a flowing gray-and-white lace top that made me look chestier than I actually was. So what. It didnt mean anything.
Why dont you make our dreams come true and come talk to us? he added, all smooth charm and cotton candy sweetness.
I returned my attention to Cole, wondering if he would encourage me to come closer, too. He was now peering at me as well, but he wasnt grinning. He was scowling.
The moment our gazes met, the rest of the world washed away
we were in the middle of the now-empty hallway. His strong arms banded around me, dragging me closer to his body. Heat enveloped me, followed by the scent of sun-dried laundry and sandalwood. No strawberry lollipop this time, but that hardly mattered. He still made my mouth water.
Violet eyes drank me in, as if I were the most beautiful thing in the entire world. Hold on to me.
Immediately I complied, tracing my fingers up his chest, around his neck and into his hair. No hat. No injuries. Like this?
Yeah, thats the way. And then he pressed our lips together, his tongue sweeping inside my mouth and taking control.
Our heads tilted to opposite sides, allowing deeper contact. A shadow of stubble on his jaw scratched at my skin, but even that was exciting and wonderful and utterly tantalizing.
My second kiss, I thought dazedly, and it was even better than the first. He tasted like mint and cinnamon, and I decided the combination was my new favorite flavor. A necessary start to each and every day. And his handsoh, the things he did with his hands.
He knew exactly what he was doing. Obviously he had experience, a lot of experience, playing a girl like a piano.
Playingthe word reverberated through my mind. Was this a game to him? Or something more? Like a relationship? Would he talk to me when the kiss ended? Or would he want nothing to do with me? Would his friends think I was easy? Look how quickly Id fallen into his arms. Would I be known as the Asher Slut, giving tongue to whoever wanted it?
Great. Just my luck. My thoughts could now intrude on my whacked-out hallucinations and I
Yo, Ali!
I blinked, the dream-kiss vanishing and the rest of the world swooping back into focus. I saw a thinning crowd, heard the slamming of lockers mixed with the pounding of footsteps. Smelled a collage of different perfumes, some sugary, some spicy.
A frowning Kat stood in front of me. There you are, she said. Back from your mental vacation. Do you know youre, like, hovering in the middle of what Ive deemed social Siberia, blocking traffic?
Sorry, I replied.
A sigh left her. I know people say apologizing is a sign of weakness, but I think its a sign of strengthwhen people do it to me. Just do me a favor and capture my next words like the beautiful butterflies they are and never let them go. If you dont wipe Cole Holland from your mind, youll end up on the SS Miserable with me.
I couldnt help myself. I glanced over her shoulder. Cole was
Striding toward me, determination in his every step. A fierce scowl marred his features. His hands were fisted, and I could see the scabs on his knuckles. He must have done a lot of punching last night. I felt sorry for whomever hed fought.
Youre just standing here! Do you want him to reach you? He would demand to know why I kept eye-stalking him.
I thought Id put on my big-girl panties today, but no. Like a coward, I threw out, Thanks for the advice. Its great, and Ill be sure to run with it. Literally. Ill see you at lunch, okay? Before Kat could rapid-fire questions at me, I spun and headed in the opposite direction, taking the looong way to the ladies room in front of my first class. Thankfully, Cole never caught up with me. Or maybe he hadnt even tried, which was more likely. With muscles like his, I bet he could outrun a cheetah.
At the sink, I splashed cold water on my face, dried myself with a paper towel before a single droplet could wet my shirt and studied my reflection. My cheeks were rosy, my bottom lip red and swollen. I must have chewed it during the vision thing.
Better than Cole chewing it, right?
No time to work up a believable answer. Mackenzie Love sailed into the bathroom, clearly on a mission. Today her dark curls were twisted on top of her head, several tendrils falling around her face. Her makeup was perfect, except for a blue-and-yellow smudge on her left cheek. A smudge that looked suspiciously like a bruise. She wore a long-sleeved button-up top and soft, flowing pants. Stylish, comfortable, yet completely inappropriate for the heat outside.
Every inch a predator, she narrowed her eyes and closed the distance between us. This must be the corner and threaten routine Kat had warned me about.
I dont know who you think you are or what you think youre doing, she snapped, but I will bury you if you hurt one of my friends.
Yep. It was. I think my name is Ali Bell, and I think Im standing here, minding my own business. You should try it. Because Mackenzie was a few inches shorter than me, she had to look up to meet my gaze. For once, my height made me deliriously happy.
She scowled and flashed perfectly straight white teeth. You better watch yourself. You do not want to see me angry.
Or, what? Youll grow a few inches, develop muscles and turn green? Sorry, but I wasnt someone who was easily intimidated. Except by someone with black hair and violet eyes, of course.
Mackenzie sputtered as she tried to think up a reply. I was willing to bet I was the first person to ever stand up to her. Although, I couldnt imagine Kat cowering or backing down no matter who her opponent was.
I dont want to be late to class, I said, deciding to end things here and now, so maybe find me later and tell me whatever insult you think up.
I breezed past hershe was still sputteringand saw Cole at the end of the hall. Wonder of wonders, he had followed me.
He spotted me and bounded into motion. I just couldnt catch a break, could I? The bell rang as I hurried toward him. Yes, toward him. Good news was, I wouldnt have to deal with him. Before he could catch me, I reached my class and soared inside, shutting the door behind me.
Of course, I was late again. Mr. Butthole made me stand in front of the class and apologize. That wouldnt have been so bad, but through the window in the center of the door, I could see Cole glaring at me. Either glaring was his expression du jour or I was in big trouble.
Only when I slid into my seat did I lose sight of him. What a relief! Id successfully avoided two confrontations with him. Now to avoid him for the rest of my life. No way could I ever explain what had twice happened in that hallway. Not without bursting into actual flames of embarrassment. No way I could explain why it had happened, or even how.
I didnt see him on my way to second or third block, and somehow, someway, I managed to keep my vow to Ms. Meyers. Score! When the bell rang to signal it was time for lunch, I kind of expected Frosty and Bronx to be waiting for me. They werent. Double score! I kind of expected Cole to fly out of nowhere and try to flag me down, yet he didnt. Win! Id already been forgotten, I guess.
After stuffing my book and notes into my locker, I trudged to the cafeteria. Kat would demand an explanation for my behavior this morning, and leading with I was imagining getting freaky with your exs friend wasnt going to fly. Shed ask more questions, and I still had no answers. Well, other than I am seriously screwed up.
Just before I reached the open double doors, Mackenzie stepped into my path. I barely stopped myself from slamming into her.
Youre not going anywhere, she said. Not this time.
Do we really need to have another discussion? I asked on a sigh. Id only been smart-aleckingyeah, Id just turned that word into a verbwhen Id told her to find me later.
Yes. We need to have another discussion, she mimicked in a shrill voice. I saw Cole chasing you outside the bathroom. You ran from him. Why? She didnt even try to hide her fury. Are you playing hard to get? Because its a little late for that. The way I hear it, you cant keep your eyes off him.
Heat burned up my throat and scalded my cheeks. Cole had said something to his friends or they had said something on their own. Either way, people had noticed. Why do you care? I snapped, going for bravado. The way I hear it, youre not dating him anymore.
A bomb detonated in her eyes, flames crackling. You have no idea whats going on between me and Cole.
Youre right. And it doesnt concern me, I said, no matter that a little part of me might want to know the truth.
Dark lashes fused, hiding those fiery jade-green irises. Earlier I told you Id hurt you if you hurt him. Thats still true. But now Im telling you to stay away from him or Ill wipe the floor with your face before I do the hurting.
Okay, that did it. Shed pushed me right over the edge of my patience. If you want me to cry and promise to do whatever you want, try a more original threat. A saner, more rational person would have mentioned the fact that Cole and I had never actually spoken a word to each otherand clearly had no plans to do so.
But I wasnt exactly sane or rational lately.
All about the intimidation, she rose to her tiptoes, putting us nose-to-nose. I am capable of things you cant even imagine.
Right back at you.
Thats brave talk. Lets see you back it up.
Lets see you back off, Love Button, before you burst a vessel, a familiar voice said from behind her.
I caught the hint of a scowl before Mackenzie twisted. Alley Kat. Racing to the rescue of another stray?
Grinning, Kat strolled to my side. Yes I am. To your rescue, just so were clear. My Ali has skills. The first time I met her, there were people all around her moaning and groaning in pain. True story. Also, I dont want her suspended after only two days just because she did the entire school a favor and fed you your own teeth. Besides, Coles the one you should be chatting with. He practically ate her up with his eyes. In fact, Im surprised Ali doesnt have bite marks.
Mackenzie balled her hands into fists. I stepped in front of Kat, just in case. No one hit my friend and lived to tell the tale. That was my new motto, and one I would forever embrace.
Youre in trouble now, Kat sang.
Slowly Mackenzie unfurled her fingers. Youre not worth it, she snapped at the brunette.
Is that so? Well, go ahead, ask Frosty, I said. Shes worth anything.
Laughing, Kat pinky waved at Mackenzie, hooked her arm through mine and spun us both around, and together we sailed to an empty table in back. Even better, Mackenzie was once again left sputtering.
As youve probably figured out, there are only two people in this place who have the lady balls to stand up to herand Im one of them, but I had no idea youd be the other, Kat said, voice dripping with glee. I am so glad we met at an undisclosed location over the summer.
Me, too. I noticed all of the cafeterias occupants were watching us, silent, even gaping. I rubbed my palms on my thighs, the friction keeping me grounded. Had they overheard our conversation with Mackenzie?
My movements quickened when I spotted Cole. He occupied the same table as yesterday, surrounded by the same friends. We locked gazes for several seconds. I held my breath, expecting a vision. Butone never came.
I dont know what he had expectedor if hed expected anything at all; his expression stayed bland, until Mackenzie reached his table and shimmied in next to him. She cupped his jaw, her fingers caressing his cheeks. Frowning, he tugged out of her hold, and the two engaged in a low, angry conversation. At least, I think it was angry. Hed exchanged his frown for a menacing glower. He was massaging the back of his neck, as though to stop himself from strangling the girl.
And shes off for another mental vacation, Kat muttered.
Pull yourself together, Bell. Sorry, I replied.
From across the table, Wren said, After that, you cant deny youre interested in Cole.
Well, great. Id been so distracted, Id missed her appearance. The sharpness had left her, at least; todays expression soft and happy. Butwas that a fringed shirt she was wearing?
Reeve and Poppy were beside her, the entire group now surrounding me. They, too, looked to be wearing fringe. Had I somehow started a (horrible) trend?
No, I said. Im not interested in him. I was quickly becoming obsessed with him.
Oh. Wrens shoulders drooped as if she were a flower that had been left in a vase without water.
I thought you said I needed to stay away from him.
I changed my mind, she said brightly, toying with several locks of her hair. You guys would make an awesome couple. Just awesome. Now she sounded too bright.
I wasnt sure how to take that when I knew she considered him the worst kind of trouble.
Ali, Ali, Ali, Kat said and tsked under her tongue. Dont look so forlorn. Youre making the right decision. Cole once ate a pound of rusty nails and claimed it tasted like unicorn tears mixed with fairy dust. True story. I was there.
Reeve nodded encouragingly. I wasnt there, but I can believe it. I once saw him body slam a teacher for daring to ask him the meaning of X minus Y.
He put the guy in the hospital for three months, Poppy said, tapping a fingernail against her chin. Or was that a student he body slammed for daring to give an answer different than his?
Probably both. Hes body slammed enough people to start a new country. And there could be a neighboring city for the people hes punched in the throat. Reeves delicate fingers fluttered up to her own throat, as if she were experiencing sympathy pains. Then she added, The last time he did that was the most awesome thing Ive ever seen, and grinned. Oh, oh. Clap, clap. Its still on YouTube, I think. Give me your number and Ill text you a link.
Maybe Ali will luck out and Cole wont actually body slam her, Wren said.
All the other girls burst out laughing, causing Wrens cheeks to redden.
Shes the first person hell body slam, Kat said with a snicker. Hes probably imagined it a thousand times already.
My own cheeks heating to a lovely shade of red, I made a mental note: Do a search on Cole Holland the moment you get home. Not that I believed even half the things these girls had told me. Still, my curiosity was piqued.
Even though I wasnt sure how much longer Id have my phone, I hit the girls with my digits and took theirs. Thing was, my grandparents probably wouldnt continue to pay the bill. They were very fond of saying: Why do you need a cell phone when we have a perfectly decent landline at home? I knew theyd forked over the money during the summer months because my cell had been the last thing my parents had given me, and I would have freaked out without it.
I had pictures of Emma stored in it, as well as her text messages. Even as young as shed been, shed had her own cell, too, because Dad had wanted us connected at all times, just in case. And no, I hadnt looked at a single photo or read a single text; I just didnt have the heart. Not yet. One day, though, I would. I hoped.
Here. Eat this. Kat handed me half of her PB&J. If I know my Ali, and Im pretty sure that I do, youre going to ignore my excellent advice and make a play for Cole. And if youre going after someone like him, you need to keep your strength up.
Im not going after him. I wasnt that crazy, was I? But thank you for the sandwich. Id forgotten my lunch and scarfed down the sandwich as if it were manna from heaven. Soare you guys dating anyone?
I am, Wren replied. She sipped her bottled water. He graduated from here last year, and now goes to UA. I usually see him on weekends. Hes premed, you know, and I plan to be a nurse. Once he graduates, well get married and our lives will be perfect.
Poppy shrugged. I keep my options open the first month of school, looking around, shopping really, until I find someone I want. Sadly, there are no leading contenders this year.
Reeve tossed her side-ponytail over her shoulder. No one for me.
Dont lie to Ali. Kat wagged a finger at her. When she and Cole get married in a beautiful prison ceremony, because we all know thats where Cole will be, shell be able to help your cause. Bright hazels swung to me, pinning me in place. Shes been crushing on Bronx for two years.
Her announcement hit me with the force of, say, a baseball bat. I never would have guessed that one. But hes so
Serial killer-esque? Kat asked with an arched brow.
Well, yeah. But like I really had room to judge. Bronx might give off a serial killer vibe, but I was obsessed with the guy he considered his leader.
Ive tried to warn her, Wren said.
Many times, Poppy added with a nod.
Reeve was the third girl to blush. She lifted her chin and said, Bronx has made it more than clear that hes not interested in me, so what I feel doesnt matter.
As Wren capped her water bottle, she said, And how many times have I told you that youre better off?
You really are, Poppy reiterated.
Besides, Reeve continued, Ive decided to say yes to John Clary and go on a date.
John Clary! Kat, Poppy and Wren said in unison.
Then:
Hes so perfect for you!
Such a doll!
He can tutor you in math, help you get a good grade!
I had nothing to offer. I had no idea who John Clary was.
As each of the girls launched a million questions at her, the bell rang to signal it was time to head to class. Poor Reeve. She looked as comfortable as if she were standing naked in front of her history class, giving a report on the Salem witch trials and using her own body as a visual aid for the torture.
I said my goodbyes and stood. When I turned, I bumped into someone. I muttered an apology, my hands flattening on a hard chest as I sought to regain my balance.
Whatever Id meant to say next died a quick death the moment I realized my hands were on Cole Holland.
My hands were actually on Cole Holland.
I looked upupupand there he was. I inhaled sharply, caught the scent of sandalwood and almost moaned. He smelled just like he had during the Oh, sweat heaven. Was this a hallucination, too? Here, now? I dug my fingers into his chest. He was solid, warm. Which meantthis was real. This was happening.
A gasp left me, and I tried to jump backward only to bang into the table bench. I couldnt dart forward. He was too big, caging me.
My stomach started performing stupid backflips, decided that wasnt enough, and next gave a full-on circus trapeze act.
Well, well, Kat said with a little too much glee. The other girls frowned at Cole before scurrying off. You here to walk Ali and me to class or what, big boy?
A muscle ticked in Coles jaw, a sure sign of sizzling anger, blatant aggression, andI could have been imagining herethat he hoped to one day be the heavyweight boxing champion of the world.
Well? Kat prompted.
Ali. His gaze never veered from my face.
One word, and yet his voicethrilled me. Deep and rich and ragged, as if my name had been pushed through a meat grinder. Why was that so smexy? And how was the voice I heard now the same one Id heard in my visions?
Me? I managed to squeak out. Why?
Stupid question. I knew why.
He ignored me, thank God, saying to Kat, Let go of Frostys leash. Youre choking the life out of him.
Her eyes narrowed to tiny slits, a sure sign of her aggression. He deserves to choke. He didnt keep Little Frost in his pants this summer. The words snapped like a whip.
He did, Cole snapped back with unwavering confidence.
Not.
Did.
Not!
Did, he said, calm now despite her growing fervor.
My head would have zinged back and forth as if I were watching a tennis match, but Cole hadnt taken his eyes off me and I didnt have the strength to pull away.
Not, not, not! she shouted with a stomp of her foot.
Finally he looked at her, releasing me from the force field of that otherworldly gaze. What are we, five?
Six. Kat anchored her hands on her hips. So tell me this. Do you know Frosty remained faithful to me because you were with him every minute of every day?