by Rose Garcia
***
The house was empty when I got home. I grabbed a bottle of water, went upstairs, and sat on my bed. My thoughts filled with my encounter with Jan, and a hard shiver passed through me. The way she had stared at me freaked me out. Wanting to take my mind off her, I focused on my room. The soft blues calmed me, and suddenly I felt like I was back home at Elk Rapids Beach where you could walk out for what seemed like forever and the crystal clear and calm water would never go past your shoulders. If I could go back, I would.
My thoughts were interrupted by the downstairs kitchen door. "Dominique, can you come down here?" It was Mom.
When I entered the kitchen, I was shocked to see a guy standing with Mom and Dad. He was well over six feet tall, lean, with messy blonde hair. He had angular features and looked like he had stepped right out of an Abercrombie ad. He tilted his head and narrowed his eyes, as if he recognized me. But I knew there was no way.
"Dominique, this is Farrell Walker," Dad said. "His parents work with us, and he’s going to stay with us while they’re out of town."
"He’s also a senior, and he’ll be new at the school too, so you won’t be alone," Mom added, looking a little nervous.
Farrell came up to me and extended his hand, just like Trent. Except where Trent was flirty and friendly, Farrell was serious and formal. "I’m Farrell Walker. It’s very nice to meet you, Dominique."
When I placed my hand in his, a tingle struck my fingers. My body tensed. I thought for sure I’d see the red desert again, but I didn’t. Instead, a warm and peaceful feeling spread throughout my body. "It’s, uh, very nice to meet you, too."
He released my hand and stepped away from me.
"Farrell," Mom said, "let me show you upstairs to your room while Mr. Wells gets your things."
Farrell followed her and left me alone in the kitchen. My knees weakened while lightheadedness soared through me. I forced myself to sit.
I had no idea how it was possible, but my life had just gotten more complicated.