To Fall (The To Fall Trilogy Book 1)

by Donna AnnMarie Smith

His shoulders shook he was laughing so hard. “Maybe on ketchup bottles they say it.”

  Both of them were falling over each other now. Shaking my head, I left them to their slasher thriller.

  25

  Xander

  My siblings would be home soon, so I made dinner. I heard the garage open and the girls’ laughter. They stopped when they saw me.

  “How did it go tonight?” I asked.

  Caleb stepped around the girls and went straight to the lasagna on the counter. “It took longer than we thought. I’m impressed at the amount of alcohol the human body can consume.”

  I leaned against the counter, out of the way of the hungry horde. “What happened with Cresil?”

  Calista beat Caleb to the pan, shoving him back. “I think Cresil’s sniffing around, Alexander. I’m not sure he knows who Abby is yet.”

  Caleb’s brows pulled together. “Yeah, but if he finds out—”

  “Don’t say it, Caleb, I know,” I grumbled.

  Calista and Hannah giggled again.

  My chin jutted toward my sisters. “What is wrong with you two?”

  “How did things go with Abby tonight?” Calista danced over to the utensils.

  “Good.” I avoided everyone’s gaze. Peeking up, they were staring at me and I rolled my eyes. “Ask already.”

  Hannah’s eyes widened. “Did you kiss her?”

  “No. And I wouldn’t tell you anyway.” If they knew how close I came. Sweet angel light, when Abby’s eyes shut, it took every ounce of self-control to stop.

  Caleb blinked and shook his head. “Why not?”

  “It’s private!” I snapped.

  Calista scoffed. “You guys were all over each other. You just drove her home?”

  “I have a date next week,” I muttered.

  Hannah jumped so hard I thought she would break the tile. “I told you!”

  “Okay, what?” I demanded.

  Hannah batted her eyelashes. “She likes you.”

  I groaned. They would be insufferable now.

  Hannah cleared her throat. “Alexander, since you have asked her out, we agreed. We need to tell you something about Abby. It’s quite serious.”

  They had my full attention.

  Caleb stepped around the island and put his hand on my shoulder, his expression grim. “Brother, we tell you this out of love. Abby…she is a terrible dancer.”

  “I know. You know the worst part? It’s better than her cooking.”

  They winced and we laughed our tension away.

  Sunday morning proved the weatherman accurate with a bright sun and triple digits. Abby had said she was cleaning the house and studying today, so I was somewhat comfortable leaving the immediate area. Calista and Hannah drove downtown to volunteer at the women’s shelter while Caleb and I hunted east at the Salt River.

  The hot weekend temperatures brought out a young party crowd, and with them, they brought booze. Over the last three weeks, two people drowned in the river. We wanted to make sure there wasn’t a demon involved.

  Caleb and I pulled up to the parking lot, already half-full of college kids and a few families. I wanted to be anywhere but here today; the majority of the crowd was loud and crude. Caleb groaned when the lewd hand gestures started.

  We rented inner tubes and loaded onto a bus that spat diesel fumes in its wake. Caleb and I joined a group of kids who brought a shocking amount of beer with them. More than likely, if there were a demon lurking, they would be its target today.

  A blonde in a neon green bikini cuddled up to Caleb. “Hi, there. My name’s Amy.”

  Caleb tensed and held his hand out. “Caleb. Nice to meet you. Are all of you from ASU?”

  The bus erupted in screams from bouncing girls and hollering from the guys.

  “You know it! You guys Sun Devils, too?” the guy sitting across from us asked.

  “No, we graduated from U of A last year,” I explained, avoiding conversation over professors and people we may know.

  The group broke out into protest, “Wildcats suck!” and “Why would you go there?”

  Caleb recovered nicely. “Hey, you go where the scholarships are. Parents can’t pay for everything.”

  Groans and agreements erupted around us and Caleb breathed a sigh of relief.

  With a jolt of the bus, Caleb bumped into me. I was going to remind him I wasn’t into angels when I looked over to Amy tracing his chest.

  “Does your friend have a name or should I call him, Hottie Number Two?” she asked.

  Caleb nodded with too much enthusiasm. “Number Two is fine.”

  Ignoring my brother, I waved to Amy. “Alexander.”

  The brakes squealed as the bus stopped to let us out. Kids stripped off the remainder of their clothes. Bikinis and board shorts surrounded us, and coolers were attached to inner tubes.

  “You boys wanna join us today?” Amy asked.

  “That would be great, thanks.” Caleb flashed his smile and I was pretty sure she was naming their kids.

  We plopped into our tubes and began floating down the river with the gentle current. Can after can was passed around from the coolers, glinting under the sun.

  One of the men called to us, “You guys want a beer?”

  “No, thank you,” I answered. “We, uh, are still recovering from last night.”

  Another guy in the group held up a beer. “Us, too!” Hoots and hollers sounded again.

  “What do you do now after graduation?” Amy asked.

  Caleb explained, “We’re house flippers. We buy foreclosures, renovate them, and sell them for a nice profit.”

  Amy smiled and her tube was closer to Caleb’s. “You work for yourselves?”

  My thoughts drifted to Abby while Caleb made idle chat about our fake life. I wondered what she was doing now. If she was thinking about me. I wished she were here, we would have fun, and I would love to see her in that pink bikini up close.

  The group stopped halfway along the river to rearrange their coolers. A few of the kids braved a jump off a ledge from the cliffs surrounding the river; not the best idea since the murky water didn’t show how shallow it was. One of the girls in the group drank too much beer and became dehydrated. I healed her nausea and Caleb helped her nurse a bottle of water.

  A scream came from the river. “Bobby didn’t come back up! I don’t see him!”

  Caleb and I shot into the cool water that was cloudy, but we could still see. We found Bobby at the same time, at the bottom of the river, a ribbon of blood drifted in the current from a gash on his head. Once assured his heart was beating, Caleb healed his wound while I brought him up. When we hit the surface, I breathed for him until he could cough out the water and we swam him over to the bank.

  “Oh, thank God!” A brunette flung herself at Bobby.

  Bobby coughed, hanging onto the girl. “Thanks, guys. I’m gonna have to lay off the beer and cliff diving.”

  Caleb laughed. “Yeah, that would be best.”

  “It’s strange.” Bobby scrubbed his head. “I could have sworn someone pushed me.”

  Caleb and I looked around to our group. “Where’s Amy?” I asked.

  People muttered around us. No one had seen her.

  Caleb stood. “Okay, everyone stay. Alexander and I will look for her.”

  Caleb and I swam across the river and scaled the cliff with ease. Reaching the top, we sensed it. Amy stood feet from the ledge, drawing in the dirt with her toe. We trained on the demon tainting her soul, focusing on its name and crimes.

  A broad grin spread across her face with a slow peek up to us. Unable to sense our souls, the demon knew what we were. “Took you rats long enough. I’ve been here for a month now.”

  Shifting closer into position, I said, “She’s not your type, Lakrath.”

  Lakrath shrugged. “When life gives you hot young co-eds, you make lemonade of her soul.” He looked to Caleb. “She has a thing for you, blondie.”

  “It’s Hottie Number One, to you.
” Caleb flanked the opposite side of him. Unfurling our wings, our angel light shone bright.

  Lakrath squinted, trying to block the burning he felt from our light. “That’s okay, I was getting ready to go back anyway,” he hissed.

  “Tell yourself whatever makes you feel better, filth,” I snarled.

  Lakrath waved over Amy’s body. “Hmm, what if I take this little peach with me?”

  Her body sailed above us over the cliff’s edge. Caleb and I flew after him. A scream erupted from Amy as she fell—the bastard disjoined from her soul. At this height, she would die. Caleb and I retracted our wings and fell down after her. Caleb reached Amy first, encased her in his arms, and took the hit at the bottom of the river with me beside him.

  While we brought her back up, I wiped her memory.

  She gasped and sputtered, clinging to Caleb. “What happened?”

  Caleb put his hand on her neck. “You slipped while you were looking over the edge, remember? We went up there with you.”

  Amy rubbed her temple. “Right, yeah. Thanks, you saved my life.”

  “You’re most welcome. Do me a favor and stop drinking.”

  She managed a tired smile. “You got it, Caleb.”

  I shot over to the bank, leaving him with the group. “I gotta take care of business, Brother.”

  Running down the muddy shore, I searched for Lakrath’s newest victim. I passed families, another cluster of college kids, and finally, I sensed it. Diving into the water, I stayed under for a long while, swimming closer to the demon’s presence. My wing lines itched as I neared the group of men in their inner tubes.

  I found the man Lakrath possessed and waited for the perfect moment. When both of his hands submerged in the water, I grabbed them and yanked him under, latching onto his neck. Unfurling my wings, Lakrath shrieked as my light brightened.

  “Demon Lakrath, with the Light of God, I cast you back to Hell!”

  Once the demon left this dimension, I brought the man back to the surface and wiped his memory. Disoriented and drunk, he scrambled back onto his tube.

  “Loser!” his friend called out. “You didn’t tell us you needed water wings, man!”

  Sinking back down into the water, I swam to the bank and waited for Caleb. He came running up. “Tell me you caught him.”

  “The demon cometh and casteth away, thanks to yours truly.” I grinned at him.

  Caleb smacked me on the back. “Let’s go, Brother. I’m starving.”

  The girls had dinner for us when we arrived home and Hannah glanced up from the stove. “How did it go out there?”

  I snatched up a biscuit. “The demon is back in warmer climates. He almost killed two people today.”

  “Why are you grinning?” Calista asked Caleb.

  Caleb’s smile grew bigger and he aimed it at me. “I had quite the ego boost today.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Oh, please.”

  “Don’t be a sore, Hottie! Number Two!” Caleb laughed.

  Figuring it out, Hannah said, “Do you feel better now after the Abby-snubbing?”

  Caleb’s face fell. “You told them?” he asked me.

  “You bet your wings I did.”

  The girls laughed.

  I went to bed with Abby on my mind, remembering how she felt in my arms, the sound of her laugh, those dark brown eyes. It shocked me last night how little she thought of herself—that I couldn’t like her because of her limitations. If she only knew, I was already in love with her. I didn’t know exactly when I could tell her, what human customs were.

  I knew next week would be her birthday and I wanted to make it special. Hannah and Calista told me she never had a boyfriend and had never been kissed. As much as it pained me to let her go, I couldn’t have her first kiss be in a car, on the side of the road, with our bodies separated. She deserved romance and courtship. I would give that to her.

  My last thought before I closed my eyes was the look on her face in the mirror. Abby was glowing, smiling, nodding yes.

  Yes to a date. Yes to me.

  26

  Abby

  Knuckles rapped on the front door and I opened it to a man that was too gorgeous to be real. Xander wore white cargo shorts and a blue T-shirt, snug around his bulky biceps and chest. The shirt brought out the green flecks in his eyes and the bronze in his skin. His dark brown hair was tousled and his chin freshly shaved with a bright smile for me. “Good morning, beautiful.”

  I flushed at his compliment.

  Even though I had spent hours with him on Saturday, I was nervous to see him this morning. I must have tried on ten outfits, deciding on a sleeveless floral dress.

  “I like your hair up.” His knuckles brushed over my jaw. “I can see more of you.”

  How did he make my heart pound like that? “Thank you. You’re not so bad yourself, handsome.”

  He smiled and went to grab for my bag.

  “Oh no.” I held the bag away from him. “Are you one of those? I can carry my own bag.”

  He feigned hurt, standing straight. “Okay. Can I walk you to the car or would you like to go alone?”

  I flashed a smile. “No, you can come.”

  He held out his hand for me and the butterflies fluttered. His thumb drew patterns over my knuckles as we headed down the drive at a pace that turtles could beat. He helped me into the seat and I noticed there was a towel folded on the leather. He explained, “I wanted to do whatever was necessary to encourage your short dresses.”

  I nodded. “My legs and butt thank you.”

  A wry grin slid over his lips. “They are most welcome,” he rumbled before closing the door.

  Sliding behind the wheel, he pushed a button and the air conditioner roared to life. Reaching over, his fingers laced with mine and they stayed locked. Xander drove right at the speed limit and I hoped he did that to stretch out our insanely short drive to school. He never answered my dancing question the other night, but this moment was too good to ruin with talk; instead, we snuck glances at each other with shy smiles.

  After parking, Xander helped me down from the cab and took my hand again. This would be the first time for us, a public statement for everyone at school. Xander and I were…well, I don’t know what yet. More than friends, I guess, and way more than acquaintances.

  Arriving later than usual, Xander opened the chemistry door for me. Already seated, Danielle squinted when she saw us step in together. When her eyes focused on our hands, she was in a full scowl. Xander squeezed my hand before letting go, stretching his fingers, grabbing the tips of mine as he did.

  Like a pro, Beth waited for Xander to pass before giving me a thumbs-up.

  I mouthed, I know!

  Stealing a glance over my shoulder, Danielle gave Xander the silent treatment, which was fine by me. Xander met my gaze and smiled.

  At lunch, Beth, Mel, Tyler, and Jake were at our table. I texted Mel yesterday to make sure she was okay after the party. She said she had a “wicked bad headache and the lights were way too bright, but she would live.” I reminded her in Arizona, we didn’t use phrases like “wicked bad.” She called me a few un-ladylike names. After telling her about my night with Xander, she was happy for me and agreed no one said “fancy” anymore, but she was getting back at me for the “wicked bad” comment. Beth was there when I texted Mel. I sent her a text inquiring about Greg. She said he was nice, but she thought he was into someone else, and then reminded me that she was off men indefinitely.

  I wiggled my fingers to Mel and Beth and pointed to the Wrights’ table. Grinning, they waved me on. By the way Jake pounced toward the Rattlers’ table, he was over me. I recognized a couple of the cheerleaders he was flirting with from biology class.

  Walking up to the table, I blurted out, “Hi.” And that was the best I could come up with around the Wrights. Xander pulled my hand to sit next to him and four bright smiles rewarded me.

  “Abby, are you excited for Saturday night?” Hannah asked, practically jumping in her seat.


  Obviously, Xander told them about our date.

  Calista pulled out three sandwiches from her bag. Were those all for her? “Yeah, five more days, lovebirds!”

  They acted like I was the first girl Xander dated, which couldn’t be true. I peered over to Xander and saw his wide grin, trying to focus on his first sandwich.

  “Yes, I’m excited for Saturday.” I needed to change the subject. “How do you guys like the school? Where did you move from anyway? I never asked.”

  Each of them shifted in their seats and looked to Xander. I thought any of them could have answered. Xander’s voice was tight. “We moved from Washington. We move around a lot. We’re pretty used to new schools.”

  The tension was palpable, no smiles, averted gazes. My stomach twisted; somehow, overstepping an arbitrary line. Their personal life was a closed door and I wanted nothing more than to shove it open, but I felt in doing so, I would push Xander away. I let it go for now, hoping he would answer my questions Saturday.

  Staying on a neutral topic, I asked, “I saw you all at the party. Did you stay long?”

  Caleb already polished off two of his five sandwiches. “We drove a few people home who were too drunk and made sure others didn’t do something they would regret.”

  “That must have taken all night then,” I observed and they laughed.

  Ironically, they asked me a lot of questions and it was four against Abby. We talked about my sisters, my parents, and Margaret seemed to intrigue them the most.

  Lunch was over and Xander grabbed my hand before I picked up my backpack. “Hey, I’ll meet you at your locker and I’ll take you to cooking class?”

  I reigned in the goofy grin I wanted to give him. “Yeah.” The tension in his shoulders relaxed at my response.

  The rest of the day went fast. As promised, Xander waited for me at my locker. I emptied my bag and we walked with interlaced fingers.

  Today, we were sautéing fish. I groaned. Fish, oil, the stove, and me? Not a good combo. Xander’s kitchen was next to mine, stealing glances over at me. My oil and butter burned, which I guess was hard to do, so I dumped it and started over. Most of the class was already cooking their fish. My poor, abused cod suffered more as it flopped to the floor. Picking it up, I rinsed it and was poised to put it in the pan.