“What was your family like?” I ask.
“Well obviously I was the seventh boy. I grew up in Hawaii. My dad is a doctor there and my mom stayed home to look after us. Not much more to tell,” he says, his eyes growing dark and closing himself off.
“It’s hard not getting to go back,” I reply, placing my hand on his arm.
“I just want to know their all ok, you know?” he asks.
I sit up and look at him. “ I can totally relate,” I say, pulling the small snack basket closer to me so I could take a peek inside. “I think this is the first time I’ve gotten to just think since I arrived at the academy.”
I pull out the small cheese platter and set it on the blanket, then pulled out grapes, cookies, chips, and waters. After it’s all arranged, I look up to find him watching me. Blood rushes to my cheeks as I grab a piece of cheese.
“So, what kind of hobbies do you have?” he asks, reaching for a water.
“Other than the usual conspiracies, books, and art, I really enjoy a good anime,” I reply, popping my last piece of cheese in my mouth.
Ryland’s mouth falls open and his eyes grow wide. “You like anime? This is unbelievable, could you be any more perfect!” he exclaims, before an embarrassed expression crosses his face. “I mean… um… yeah I like anime too.”
I bust out laughing, falling back onto the blanket. “I’m sorry... I don’t mean too… Ahem,” I clear my throat. “There is nothing wrong with liking anime. What is your current favorite?” I ask, wiping the tears from my eyes.
He looks up at the sky before answering. “I’m almost finished with all the seasons of Seven Deadly Sins,” he replies. “What about you?”
“I haven’t had the chance to watch any since I got here. Maybe you could come over and we could watch some sometime,” I reply, as my text message notification goes off.
I reach in my purse grab my phone and swipe the screen. It’s a text from Aunt Nellie.
AuntieN: Just checking in.
Me: Getting ready to head home. See you in a bit.
I look up and Ryland is packing up the basket. “Here let me help you,” I say, standing up, grabbing the blanket and folding it up.
I take his hand and we are standing at the main entry point once again to Graymire. We walk through then teleport to the front porch of Aunt Nellie’s home. Ryland takes the blanket from me.
“Thanks for the wonderful time tonight Ryland. I look forward to next time. You have my number, text me,” I say getting ready to go in the front door.
Ryland steps closer and pushes my hair behind my ear. Taking the time to gently stroke my cheek with the back of his hand before he leans in like he is going to kiss me. I turn my head at the last second offering him my cheek. “I don't kiss on the first date, guess you'll have to ask me out again," I wink. He gives me a soft sweet peck before stepping back.
“I had a great time tonight. I’ll text you, maybe we can hang out and watch some anime,” he says, turning his charm up to one hundred as he turns and makes his way down the front steps.
I wave before stepping through the front door, closing, and locking it behind me. As I turn around, I see Aunt Nellie coming out of her office. She looks up and blows me a goodnight kiss before wandering off down the hall. Rushing upstairs, I kick my shoes off as I enter my room. I grab my phone and text Lydia.
Me: You won’t believe how my night went! Come over Christmas afternoon. I have a present for you. Text me when you get this.
Then I send out a group text to the guys, letting them know to come over as well. I toss my phone on my bed, grab some pjs, and head to shower before eventually climbing into bed.
Chapter 7
“Wake up sleepy head. It’s Christmas morning,” Sam shakes me gently.
“It’s morning already?” I ask, trying to see through blurry eyes.
“It is. Get up, I made a game for you,” he grins.
“I’m up. What kind of game?” I ask, looking at him through narrowed eyes.
“A good kind, I promise. Here’s your first clue,” he grins as he hands me an orange post it note.
It has a short message written on it.
Where you go to wake up.
If he’s talking about me, then there’s only one place I head straight to, and that’s the kitchen. I crawl out of bed as Sam leaves the room and stretch before darting down the stairs straight to the kitchen.
When I get there, I open the cabinet with the coffee cups and find one wrapped in a bow with an orange post it note attached. The cup says Wake up juice in large letters across it. I giggle as I set it on the counter. It’s perfect. Then I turn my attention to the next clue.
Can you smell that buttery goodness?
Oh this one is a little tougher. I look in the fridge, but no post it notes. Where else in the house would there be butter? Then it hits me. The theater has a popcorn machine and who doesn’t love butter on their popcorn?
I sprint through the house, throw open the door to the theater, and turn on the light. Inside the clean popcorn machine is a box of Reece’s Pieces with a post it note attached. I do a little happy dance for figuring it out before removing the post it note and laying the candy back down.
Is your heart beating too fast. You might need to visit him.
Ok, so this one has to be about Roderick, but I don’t know where his office is. I’ve only seen Ezra’s. I run up to the hallway where his office is and start opening doors until I find a desk with an anatomically correct human heart sitting on it. I rush into the office and find a teddy bear holding a heart with another clue attached. I take the clue off and set the teddy bear back down.
Presents everywhere, but which one is yours?
This is an easy one! The Christmas tree is in the living room. I take off and pass Ezra in the hallways, nearly running him over.
“Sorry,” I call out over my shoulder, not taking the time to stop.
“Youth,” he chuckles from behind me.
I round the corner into the living room then stop dead in my tracks and gasp. There are nearly double the presents under the tree as there were last night. Aunt Nellie has been busy. The tree is nearly hidden by all of these beautifully wrapped gifts.
I step closer and walk around the pile until an orange piece of paper stands out. It’s attached to a dark leather bound journal. I flip it open and see a note written by Sam.
I hate that you didn’t get to bring your birthday present with you, so I wanted to give you something to replace it. - Love Sammy Boy
I flip through the pages and there are black horses, with fiery red eyes at the top of each page. I hug it to my chest while a pang of homesickness washes over me.
How are my parents and sisters doing? Do they even miss me? If I were still at home, we would be eating chocolate chip pancakes and waiting impatiently to open up presents together. It’s so hard to let go of my old life.
I take a deep breath and set the journal down and read the post it note.
You’ll find me where fantasy meets reality.
I have to think for a minute. There was already a clue in the theater so it can’t be there. That only leaves the game room. I smile as I put the pieces together and rush down the hallway and swing the door open wide to find Sam standing in the middle of the room with a huge smile on his face.
“Did you enjoy my scavenger hunt?” he asks, his shaggy brown hair falling into his eyes.
“It was fun,” I smile up at him.
Something feels different at this moment, like everything is changing. The way he is looking at me is more than friendly, and I think I like it. But what about Ryland? Then there’s Max and Finn. My poor brain can’t handle all these emotions being thrown at it.
“I have one last present for you,” he says softly, pulling a small box from behind his back.
“You’ve already given me so many things. You didn’t have to do that,” I gasp as I take the box from him.
I quickly tear the bright silver pap
er away to find a black box underneath. I lift the hinged lid and cover my mouth with one hand when I see what’s inside.
The pendant we saw at the beginning of break is resting inside the box. The horse head is a solid black made of onyx with a ruby for it’s eye. The profile makes for a striking piece, hanging from the black gold chain.
“Would you like me to help you put it on?” he asks.
“Yes please,” I answer breathlessly.
I hand him the necklace then turn my back and lift up my hair. He reaches around me then delicately does the clasp and carefully sets it on my neck, not touching me once.
I turn around to thank him and his hand reaches around and grabs the back of my head, pulling me forward as his lips meet mine. My stomach clenches as the kiss deepens. I open my lips wanting more. This feels so right. Sam and I against the world.
When the kiss breaks he leans his forehead against mine. “I’ve been wanting to do that for years,” he admits.
“Why didn’t you?” I ask.
“I couldn’t ever figure out how you felt, and I was scared of losing what we had,” he answers.
“That’s the same reason I never said anything,” I admit.
“Time for breakfast you two,” Aunt Nellie calls from the doorway, making us jump apart as if we were doing something wrong.
We gather around the table and eat while chatting when Sam brings me a cup of coffee in my new coffee mug.
“Thank you,” I grin at him.
“Don’t forget to collect the rest of your gifts after you finish eating,” he reminds me.
As soon as we finish up, I dash around and collect all the thoughtful little gifts he gave me and store them in my room. Taking one last look at them I pull the door shut and meet up with the family in the living room. Rodrick put on a Santa suit and is passing out presents.
The mountain shrinks and we dig in and open up the presents everyone exchanged. My uncles claim to love their ties, but they could just be trying to save my feelings. Aunt Nellie laughs when she reads her mug. It says chaos coordinator fueled by caffeine.
We clean up after ourselves and watch A Christmas Story until my friends all arrive.
“Merry Christmas!” Lydia bounces in the door with Korbin in tow.
“Merry Christmas to you too,” I chuckle.
As soon as everyone arrives, we spread out in the living room, and Roderick starts passing out presents again. I can’t wait for everyone to open the shirts Ezra made for me.
“Open mine first,” I blurt out.
Max goes first and opens the smaller box and pulls out a mirror then gives me a strange look.
“You seem to love yourself a lot, I thought it was perfect,” I wink and giggle. “Open the other one. This one was just to mess with you.”
He opens up the larger box and pulls out the t-shirt and holds it up for everyone to see. It’s a purple and silver tie die with the words I’m not an asshole. I just play one in real life. in black letters.
He cracks a smile. “Thank you, Whisper. I love it,” he says.
“You next, Korbin,” Lydia encourages him.
He rips on the wrapping paper and laughs as he holds up his shirt. It’s a blue and gold tie die with the words You read my shirt. That’s enough social engagement today. in white block letters.
“Thank you, Whisper. It’s very accurate,” Korbin grins.
Lydia squeezes his hand. “My turn!” she exclaims as she starts ripping open the paper.
Her shirt is bright pink with black lettering that reads Life is short and so am I.
“This is hilarious,” she grabs her sides as she howls with laughter.
“But our lives aren’t short?” Finn asks, looking at her, his brows drawn together in confusion.
“That’s the joke sweetie,” Aunt Nellie says.
“I still don’t get it,” he shrugs.
“Go ahead and open your gift,” I reply.
Finn carefully opens the paper, not damaging it at all then folds it up beside him.
He holds up his shirt which is a swirl of black and red with white lettering that says Common sense is so rare… It’s a super power.
“Thank you, Whisper. This t-shirt is oddly fitting,” he says.
“Sam, you’re up,” I grin at him.
Sam tears open his package and holds up the black shirt with white block letters that reads If you are lucky enough to find a weirdo never let them go.
“I’ll second that statement,” he grins at me.
We proceed to open the rest of the presents and when we finish Finn asks to talk to me in private. We go to the theater and sit in the reclining seats.
“What’s up?” I ask him.
“I’ve never had a Christmas present before. Thank you. I don’t know what the correct social protocol is for this situation,” he says, picking at his thumb nervously.
“Just saying thank you is all that you need to do. How have you never had a Christmas present before?” I ask.
“My parents are scientists above all else and dedicate their lives to the pursuit of knowledge and logic. We don’t celebrate things such as birthdays and holidays. I was homeschooled before attending the academy, which opened my eyes to just how different I am. I try to observe people so I can learn to fit in, but it doesn’t seem to work for me,” he admits.
“Oh, Finn. That’s awful. Holidays are about family and friends coming together. It’s not just presents. It’s strengthening bonds and appreciating each other,” I say. “If people can’t accept you how you are, then screw them. You might not understand some things, but I think you’re awesome.”
“Really?” he asks, his eyebrows raising.
“Really,” I confirm, reaching out and resting my hand on his arm.
“I do have to admit, I started spending time with you to study you. I wanted to understand you. But you are so full of life that I found myself wanting to be around you because it felt good. You make me feel alive, Whisper,” he explains.
“You know how to make a girl swoon,” I tease, fanning myself.
“Is that a good thing?” he asks, unsure of himself.
“A very good thing. Now let’s get back to the others,” I smile.
We join the others back in the living room then Aunt Nellie comes in.
“I have one last surprise for all of you,” she grins.
“What is it?” I ask.
She pulls a hand from behind her back holding out slips of paper.
“I got you all front row seats to the Italics concert for New Year’s Eve,” she grins.
“Wow! Those have been sold out for weeks!” Max says, his face alight with joy.
“The Italics?” Lydia, Sam, and I ask in unison.
“They’re only the best punk Nightmare band ever,” Ryland explains.
“Looks like we will have fun then,” I say.
“Whisper, go out to dinner with me before the concert?” Max asks with a lopsided grin.
I glance around the room, wondering if I should accept his invitation or not. Things have gotten so muddled in my brain. Then I remember Aunt Nellie telling me to keep my mind and heart open. What could it hurt to give them each a chance?
“I’d really like that,” I smile at him.
Chapter 8
I look at the clock on my wall as I step into the tea length, emerald dress that Lydia helped me pick out, along with a pair of black sequined heels.
I slip my heels on then glance in the mirror and tell myself You got this. I take a deep breath and grab my bag that includes a change of clothes for the concert after dinner. Pulling the door shut behind me, I carefully make my way downstairs.
I’m so focused on not falling that I don’t notice Sam watching me from the bottom.
“You look amazing. I must say I wish it was me taking you out tonight,” he say, holding his hand out to help me off the last step.
“You should have asked me first then,” I reply smirking coyly.
The knock
on the door causes me to smile. I walk to the front door, grab my jacket, toss it over my left arm, I straighten my dress, and open the door.
Max is standing on the front porch dressed in a black jacket, white dress shirt, silver and purple tie, black slacks and black dress shoes with his gym bag thrown over one shoulder. Grinning like he just won the lottery.
“Wow you look beautiful. See ya later Sam,” he says, holding his arm out for me to take.
“Thank you,” I reply, looking up at him through my lashes.
I loop my arm through his and we teleport to the entry point in Graymire and walk through, then we teleport again arriving in Stonehenge just outside the capital city Crowfall.
“Where are we going?” I ask letting him lead me through the entry point.
“Crowfall is a beautiful city with tall skyscrapers, fancy restaurants, and some of the best food in all the Nightmare towns,” he says. “I would like to take you to one of my favorite places.”
With that he teleports us, and we appear standing on a red carpet, in front of a triangular shaped, shimmering glass skyscraper. The front door has a doorman that warmly welcomes us, as we step in.
Once inside, we make our way to the golden door elevators. Max pushes the button and the doors open. We step inside then he pushes the button for the fortieth floor.
“We are going to the top?” I ask excitedly.
“Yup, all the way to the top,” he says, pulling me tighter to his side.
The elevator doors ding and we step out, looking around it seems like we have stepped into Athens, Greece. The restaurant is simply named ‘Athens’. The inside is decorated in cool blue and white hues, the tables are draped with the finest white table cloths. Each place setting on the table is meticulously spaced apart, and the glassware is spotless.
The hostess shows us to our table out on the balcony. As I take my seat, I notice the the city sky line is stunning all lit up against the midnight sky.
Trial By Nightmare (Academy of Broken Dreams Book 2) Page 5