Trial By Nightmare (Academy of Broken Dreams Book 2)

by Rose Alexander

  “How do you like it so far?” Max asks, bringing my attention back to the here and now.

  “It’s wonderful, thanks for bringing me,” I reply, looking into his hazel eyes. “But we need to clear the air for a minute.”

  “What do you mean?” he asks, a puzzled look on his face.

  “Why did you ask me out?” I question him, needing to know what he’s after.

  “The truth?” he asks and I nod in reply. “Well at first I wanted to be around you because you were different. If anyone deserved the girl with all the houses, why not me? But then I got to know you and you are special.”

  “That sounds like a lame pick up line,” I say, raising my eyebrow.

  “May sound that way, but it’s the truth. I’ve never met anyone quite like you and you’re changing the way I see things,” he says, his hazel eyes meeting mine with a sincerity I didn’t think he was capable of.

  “As long as you’re here for the right reasons,” I smile.

  Our waitress comes to take our drink order and places the menu in front of us. Taking a quick look over the menu, I realize I’ve never had Greek food before.

  “Max? What should I get? I’ve never had Greek food,” I ask, feeling my cheeks begin to heat up.

  “That’s ok, we will just get the pita sampler, its a round pocket type bread that you can dip in spreads or used with meat dishes and you have to try the stuffed grape leaves,” he says, scanning the menu. “Then we will finish our meal off with Kourabiedes, a light almond shortbread served during the holidays.”

  I look at him with my mouth slightly open. “There’s no way we’re going to eat all of that,” I say quietly.

  “I can eat pretty good but if we don’t then we will take it with us,” he says, a wide grin spreading across his face.

  Our waitress comes back with our drinks and is ready to take our order. Max places our order and practically dismisses the waitress. I guess it's just in his nature to be a bit arrogant.

  “Are you excited for the concert tonight?” he asks.

  “Yes!” I exclaim. “Even though I’ve never heard of the band before I’m sure it will be awesome!”

  Our food arrives, we continue our small talk until Max decided to teach me how to say the names of the food in Greek.

  Then I try the different flavors on the sampler and have decided I definitely love the stuffed grape leaves, some of the other things were… meh. But the one thing I had to have an extra order of to take with me were the Kourabiedes or almond shortbread.

  We stop by the restrooms on the way out of the resturant to change into our concert outfits. I step out of the bathroom to see Max standing there grinning.

  “What is so funny?” I ask walking over to him.

  “People actually think the shirt you got me is funny,” he says, pointing to his chest.

  “Let’s go goofball, the others are waiting,” I reply, looping my arm through his and laughing.

  Then we teleport to meet the others at the Crowfall Amphitheater. We turn around, looking for the others when I hear Lydia squeal. I look over and the whole group is standing there laughing and wearing the t-shirts I got them for Christmas.

  “Whisper! Over here!” she says, waving her arms above her head.

  I tug on Max’s arm and walk over to the others.

  “Hey guys, everyone ready to go in?” I ask, smiling excitedly.

  Everyone nods in agreement and we head for the entrance. Once inside, we hand our tickets to the attendant, and he informs us where the concessions are and which door to go through. Lydia and Korbin vear off towards the concessions while the rest of us head to find our seats.

  Max leads us through heavy metal doors. The gentle sloping, stadium seats are positioned in a semicircular fashion and have started to fill up quickly.

  When we find our seats, I realize Aunt Nellie was able to keep us all together. She always thinks of everything. I smile and take my seat, and Ryland sits down beside me.

  “Are you enjoying your New Year’s Eve?” he asks, bumping his knee into mine.

  “Yes. It’s been fantastic,” I reply just as Lydia and Korbin walk by with their arms full of snacks and drinks.

  I jump up from my seat to help her hand out the items. “Lydia, you didn’t have to do this,” I say.

  “It was all Korbin’s idea,” she says, struggling not to drop the drinks.

  I look over her shoulder at Korbin and he just smiles at me. I shake my head and continue to hand out the snacks.

  With all the snacks handed out, we settle in to watch the opening acts. The spotlights come on and the musicians begin last minute testing. The opening act was pretty good. I saw a few of the guys nodding along with the beat. They called themselves the Spicy Nachos. The lead singer had nacho cheese colored hair. After a short intermission, the main act was set to hit the stage.

  I lean over and whisper excitedly to Sam, whose seat is to my left. “I hope they’re good.”

  “Yeah I’ve never heard them before, but I like punk bands. Maybe I’ll add this one to my favorites playlist,” he says. “You’re even more beautiful when you’re excited.”

  I’m so shocked by his random comment, I am speechless. I instantly feel my cheeks flaming. I’m still a bit confused about my feelings towards the guys, and then there is the overheard conversation that still hasn’t been discussed.

  “Thanks Sam; you sure know how to render a girl speechless,” I reply.

  Sitting back in my seat, I notice Ryland is missing from his seat, I look around for him and decide he must have gone to the bathroom.

  I try to relax, sitting back into my chair and gazing blankly at the stage, lost in my own head about the way these guys make me feel.

  A hand lands on my arm, causing me to jump.

  “Sheesh girl, why are you so jumpy?” Lydia says, taking Ryland’s seat on my right. “Anyway, how did it go with Max tonight?”

  “It was nice; he took me to the Athens. It was good, but I’d rather have a pizza or burger anyday,” I reply.

  The lights dim and the spotlight comes on, “I better get back to my seat; talk to you after,” she says, dancing her way back to where she was sitting.

  We can hear the drummer start to kick out a steady beat, and the curtains go up. The stage is all white but the members in the band are wearing all black. The lead singer has a tall, black mohawk on his head, but the funny part is they are all leaning to the right. Even the lead singer’s mohawk is leaning to the right.

  I bust out laughing and look over at Sam; he is holding his ribs laughing along with me. I see Lydia lean forward in her seat, looking at me with wide eyes, she points to the stage before cracking up laughing.

  It’s almost midnight and the band announces that it’s time to start the countdown.

  On the big screens set up beside the stage, the number ten pops up and every one begins to count down out loud ten... nine… eight… seven… six… five… four… three… two… one. “Happy New year!” Everyone yells in unison, echoing through the stadium.

  Ryland gets caught up in the moment, sweeping me into his arms and spinning us around. He sets me back on my feet but doesn’t let go.

  “Happy New Year, Whisper,” He says, before sliding his hand gently up the side of my neck, causing goosebumps to break out across my skin. His long slender fingers find their way through my hair as he stares into my eyes. My legs turn to jello and my breathing picks up. He leans in and presses his lips to mine. I lean into him enjoying the feeling of his soft warm lips. His hand grips my hair, pulling me closer and deepening the kiss. I gasp, shocked by the feelings swirling inside me. I take a step back and look at the ground.

  I look up at him through my lashes, smiling shyly. “Happy New Year, Ryland,” I reply.

  Black and white balloons and glitter fall from the ceiling as the band starts playing Auld Lang Syne to ring in the New Year.

  About midway through the song, black and white confetti and streamers shoot out f
rom the stage mixing with the balloons and glitter. Everyone is yelling Happy New Year, couples are kissing, and friends are high fiving each other.

  After the concert, Korbin and Lydia are the first to disappear into an inky black cloud of tendrils. Then Ryland, Sam, and Finn leave as well.

  Max takes my hand and teleports to the entry point retracing our steps from earlier. We appear on Aunt Nellie's front porch.

  “I had a wonderful time tonight. Thank you,” I say, nervously looking down.

  “I did too; maybe we can do it again soon,” Max replies, smiling sweetly as he takes a step towards me.

  He pulls me into a hug and then places his finger under my chin tilting my face upward. His eyes scan my face longingly before he slowly leans in, placing his full lips to mine for a soft warm kiss. He breaks the kiss and steps back.

  “I’ll see you in a couple of days at school. Sleep well,” he says, letting my hand go. He turns and walks back down the walkway before disappearing into a black cloud.

  I stand there with my mind reeling. I open the door and walk in closing it behind me. I turn around to find Sam standing in the living room.

  “So you’re just going to date all of us,” he says, through gritted teeth.

  “Would it be so wrong if I did?” I ask, taking a few steps into the living room.

  Sam’s face blanches. I guess he never thought I’d even consider dating them all at the same time.

  “Were you watching Max and I?” I ask, my eyes narrowing on him.

  “Well it’s kind of hard not to, when you're standing in front of the house, Whisper,” he replies.

  My mouth falls open and my temper flares. I ball my hands into fists and storm up the stairs. My mind is reeling, and I don’t want to say anything that might make things worse. I walk into my room, shut the door, and drop my bag. Then I walk over and flop on my bed. Am I going to be able to have them all or will I end up losing them all in the end?

  Chapter 9

  New Year’s Day is tense. I spend most of the day cleaning my room and packing my things, mainly to avoid Sam. Why can’t things just work out without any drama?

  Tap… tap… tap…

  “Whisper, can I come in?” Sam asks through the closed door.

  “If you think you can stand to be around me,” I call out.

  He opens the door and walks forward then perches on the side of the bed.

  “I’m sorry. I wasn’t fair to you last night,” he starts.

  “I’m not trying to hurt anyone’s feelings, Sam. I’m just trying to figure out my own,” I sigh as I sit next to him.

  “I’m not blind. I see the way you look at them. But after Christmas morning… I can’t be shoved back in the friend zone,” he stares at me intensely.

  “I’m not trying to shove you back in the friend zone. I have feelings for you. My problem is, I have feelings for each of them too. It’s all turning into a jumbled mess,” I admit.

  “What if it could all work? Nellie and the guys here seem to have it figured out,” Sam says tentatively.

  “You’d be willing to share me?” I ask, remembering the conversation I overheard.

  “I was already trying to figure that out before you threw Max in the mix. Is Finn a contender for you heart as well?” he asks.

  “Actually, I think so. There’s just something about him,” I answer honestly.

  Sam nods his head then squares his shoulders.

  “Then we need to get everyone together and put this all out there. It’s the only way it could work,” he says, his jaw set.

  “I’m scared,” I admit, trying not to let the tears stinging my eyes fall.

  “No matter what happens you have me. I already know Ryland is entertaining the idea. He saw the same thing I did. We can have your aunt and uncles talk to everyone about how it works for them, if you think that will help,” he suggests.

  “That might be a good idea and you’re right. It’s better to put all the cards on the table and see where they fall,” I agree as I pick up my phone.

  I send off a text to Ryland, Max, and Finn asking them to come over. When I get back responses that they are all coming, Sam and I go find Aunt Nellie and the rest of her guys.

  We explain what’s going on, and they agree to talk to everyone. My stomach is a mess by the time the guys start arriving. Will they accept me or will they reject the idea? Will I lose their friendship over this crazy idea?

  I gather everyone in the living room then pace back and forth as they watch me in silence.

  “Whisper, are you all right?” Finn asks.

  “I am, but I think we all need to talk and this isn’t easy,” I reply.

  “Take a deep breath and spit it out. We’re dying from anticipation over here,” Ryland says.

  “Ok, so… I’ve developed feelings for all four of you, and I really would like the opportunity to date you all. It works for my aunt and her husbands, so I was wondering if maybe it could work for us too,” I spit out, then wince.

  “I’m ok with it. As long as we set boundaries that we all respect,” Sam says quickly.

  “You want to date me?” Finn asks, his eyes opening wide.

  “I do,” I nod.

  “I don’t share. If you want this, you have to choose,” Max crosses his arms across his chest.

  “I want you to be happy, Whisper. If this is what will make you happy, I’m willing to try,” Ryland says.

  My mind is racing. Sam and Ryland are willing to work this out, Finn is dumbfounded, and Max just rejected me.

  “I guess you need to leave then Max. I can’t choose. Aunt Nellie, Ben, Rodrick, and Ezra said they could talk to us about how they make it work,” I say, avoiding Max’s gaze.

  “The rest of you are seriously considering this?” Max asks, looking around. “What will people think?”

  “Who cares? I only care about Whisper, and I want to see where this is going,” Ryland shrugs.

  “So, I’m not saying I’m in, but if I were, do we still get to go on dates, just you and me?” Max asks, a strange look on his face.

  “Yes. Not everything can be everyone all of the time. But you guys would have to learn how to make friends with each other,” I say.

  “I want to hear what they have to say,” he says, pointing at my aunt and uncles.

  “Basically, it all comes down to trust and cooperation. You have to trust everyone in the relationship then work out schedules and rules that work for your group. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it,” Ezra says.

  “I agree,” Aunt Nellie wraps her arms around Ezra’s waist and he kisses her forehead.

  We sit and talk for the next couple of hours while my aunt and uncles patiently answer all of the guys’ questions. Then they leave us alone. The tension is so thick, I feel like I could cut it with a knife.

  “So… What’s the verdict?” I ask in a small voice.

  “I already told you I’m willing to try,” Ryland says.

  “Same,” Sam chimes in.

  “I would be remiss to miss this opportunity,” Finn says.

  “In English now,” Sam elbows him.

  “I would love the chance to court you, Whisper,” Finn grins.

  Everyone turns to look at Max.

  “I still don’t know. It’s not normal,” he says. “But if I’m being honest, I care about you, and I don’t want to be left out.”

  “That wasn’t much of an answer,” I raise an eyebrow. “I thought you said you wanted to be with me.”

  “Fine, I’m in for now. But if it doesn’t work I’ll ask you to choose again,” he meets my eyes with his.

  “Fair enough,” I nod. “So I guess I have four boyfriends.”

  “It sounds so bad when you say it like that,” Max shakes his head, but a smile forms across his lips.

  “Why don’t we all grab dinner to celebrate?” Finn asks.

  “As long as it’s burgers or pizza. No more fancy dinners please,” I reply.

  “T
here’s a great little pizza place in Ashenmore. We should go there,” Finn suggests.

  “What’s that?” I ask.

  “It’s the Fury capital. We have to go to Easter Island to get in,” he explains. “It’s warm there right now so I would leave your coats here.”

  We let Aunt Nellie know where we are going then leave and teleport to the entry point. After we walk through, Finn holds my hand then smiles at me and teleports us to Easter Island, next to a giant, half-buried head statue.

  “It really is warm here,” I say as the others arrive.

  We walk through the entry point then link hands so Finn can direct us to the pizza parlor. We go inside the small, brick building and slide around a round corner booth. I have Finn on one side and Max on the other, while Ryland and Sam sit on the outsides.

  “What type of pizza do you guys like?” I ask.

  “Anything as long as there isn’t pineapple on it,” Ryland scrunches up his nose.

  “The more meat the better,” Max says.

  “Mushrooms are a must,” Finn chimes in.

  We order two large meat lover’s pizzas with mushrooms added on one of them. We joke around and talk until our pies come then stuff our faces. The tension melts away, and it feels like this might actually work.

  When we finish, Finn says goodbye and heads home while the rest of us make our way to the entry point. Max splits apart and goes home, while Ryland, Sam, and I head back to Graymire.

  When Sam and I get home, I head to my room and text Lydia.

  Me: You’ll never guess what happened.

  Pixie: Spill the tea girl!!!

  Me: I officially have four boyfriends. I’ll tell you the rest tomorrow at school.

  Pixie: I’m going to die if I have to wait. You can’t say that and nothing else.

  Me: Call me then.

  I grin when my phone rings immediately. I explain to her what happened after the concert and the conversation with Sam, then how everything went when the guys all showed up.

  “Oh my gosh, Whisper! You have a harem just like your aunt,” she squeals.

  “I know," I say with a grin. I took the next several minutes recounting to her what happened and how Aunt Nellie and her guys helped to answer the questions we had about how to make it work.