Evershade

by Michelle Areaux

  "Thank you for coming with me," I said. "I never miss Maddox's games. Even when I'm mad at him." I watched Maddox as he practiced pitching with a fellow teammate.

  "I get it," Asher said, scooting closer to me on the bleachers. "I don't mind, though. Any time I get to spend time with you is a good day." He smiled down at me, revealing a set of perfectly white teeth.

  Ever since our date, Asher had been with me all the time. I was totally not complaining that for some reason he'd chosen me. Every girl at school, including myself, was shocked and couldn't understand his infatuation with me. Though I didn't get it, I wasn't about to fight it either.

  There was a sudden ache in my back, and I arched violently forward. Maddox glanced up at us in the stands, a look of concern and pain on his face.

  "Are you okay?" Asher asked, watching as I rubbed my lower back.

  "I think so," I replied. "Lately, I've been having these terrible muscle pains," I admitted. "Maybe I'm growing." I half-laughed to myself

  "Maybe," he muttered, glancing down at Maddox who was still watching us.

  Maddox tilted his head as he watched me jump in my seat again. This time, he made his way up the bleachers to get to me with ease and grace. "What's wrong, Elle?" Maddox asked, when he reached me.

  "Nothing," I lied, trying to hide the pain I knew was reflected on my face. I knew my features had twisted in spite of my trying to hide the searing fire tearing through my insides.

  "Don't lie to me," Maddox said, shaking his head. "I can see you're hurting."

  "She's fine," Asher said, jumping in as he watched me with a tense jaw. "Just some muscle pain."

  Maddox's reached over to rub my lower back.

  "Maybe you should go home and lie down after the game. Talk to your parents," Maddox suggested.

  "Sure," I replied. I wasn't sure what my parents could do to help, but I agreed anyway.

  The coach yelled at Maddox to get back onto the field. After making

  sure, I was okay one last time, he ran back to the team.

  I finished watching the game, and then Asher drove me straight home.

  Chapter 7

  "Hey, Elle, wait up," Maddox called, as he ran through the crowded hallway toward me.

  I'd pretty much avoided Maddox the rest of the weekend after having taken Asher to his game. I knew he was mad at me; I just didn't understand why. I could tell that Asher and Maddox didn't like one another and felt like I was in the dark about that, too. I hated how everyone was being so secretive around me lately. My parents had been weird since I'd gotten back from my great aunt's. They watched my every move like they were afraid I was going to blow up like a ticking time bomb at any moment. Maddox hated that I was spending more time with Asher-everyone needed to back off me.

  At least I had cross country to take my mind off of how messed up my life seemed lately. When I ran, I felt free from the world, able to just focus on the movements of my body and the sound of my feet hitting the pavement. It was the only calm moment I had in the raging storm that had become my life. Running had always been my outlet. It was something I needed now, more than ever.

  I slung my gym bag over my shoulder. I heard Maddox's baseball cleats as they clicked against the tile floor, echoing down the halls and turned to face him. "What do you want, Maddox? I have to get to practice," I snapped. I hadn't intended to be so cruel, but I was still upset with how immaturely he'd acted.

  "I know you're in a rush. I am, too. I just wanted to apologize,"

  Maddox said, moving nervously from one foot to the other. As I took him in, I noticed how his muscles seemed to have grown over the last few weeks. He seemed even taller, too. Sure, he'd always beat me in the height department, but now he was towering over me.

  "Thanks," I replied.

  "I know you're mad at me, but I really miss you. Can I come over tonight and watch a movie or something?" Maddox asked, his eyes pitiful, looking at me like a wounded animal.

  I couldn't stay mad at him anymore. "Sure," I said, "but you'd better bring popcorn."

  I spent my practice running sprints and suicide drills before taking off on a three-mile jog, running through the wooded area behind the school. As my feet pounded against the dirt, my senses seemed on high alert. Every squawk of the birds sitting in the looming trees seemed to pierce through my eardrums. I watched as a black crow sat perched on a tree limb as if he'd been there waiting for me all along. With my eyes focused up, I didn't see the log on the ground across the path. My feet collided with the debris, and I tumbled to the ground with a loud thud. Wild animals seemed to rush away from me as they scattered into the bushes to get away from my wails. After I'd brushed off the dirt and inspected my body for cuts or bruises, I got myself up and continued my run.

  After practice, I drove home and took a long, hot shower, trying to forget about my tumble in the woods. I was always so focused; I've never allowed myself to get distracted on my runs before. It was so unlike me to be that way. Maybe the drama between Maddox and Asher had gotten to me. I wasn't sure, but I couldn't let myself fall prey to any more interruptions in my life. The boys would just have to find a way to work it all out.

  An hour later, Maddox came barging through my front door as my parents were cleaning up after dinner. He threw a bag of DVDs and already popped popcorn onto the couch where I was sitting and icing my legs.

  "What happened to you?" Maddox asked, inspecting the now blue and black bruises on my legs.

  "I fell while running today. It's no big deal." I shrugged my shoulders and began searching through the DVDs.

  Maddox raised his eyebrows at me and then turned to my parents. "Was it a bad fall?" he asked them.

  I turned around, and my eyes narrowed. "Why are you asking them? They weren't even there. Besides, I told you I'm fine. I saw a crow, it made a commotion, and I fell."

  "Sure. You're right. No big deal," Maddox said, giving my dad a strange glance. I was about to say something when my mom strode past the boys and came into view.

  "Elle, your dad and I are going to the Presley’s' for game night. We'll be back later," she said.

  I'd almost forgotten about their monthly game night with Maddox's parents.

  "Alright. See you later," I said, as my mom pulled my dad out the door.

  Maddox and I settled on a horror flick about a crazed man who loved to chase after unsuspecting college tourists with a chainsaw. Maddox snuggled against me, and I put my legs on his lap while I chomped down on the popcorn and enjoyed the blood and gore of the film.

  "You should've told me you were hurt," Maddox said, as he watched the movie.

  "Why?" I said, sitting up straighter.

  Maddox began to massage my calves. Though I tried, he wouldn't let me scoot away from him. "Because I need to know these things," he said. "What else is a best friend good for?"

  "Really, it's not a big deal. I'm fine," I reiterated.

  As he massaged my legs, I felt my tight and sore muscles begin to relax. "Thanks," I said. "I guess my calves have been aching pretty badly lately."

  "Yeah, well, I remember how bad my legs hurt when..." Maddox paused, like he had to think carefully about what he'd said next. "When I ran too much at practice. You must be out of shape, getting lazy," he said, poking my stomach.

  I smacked his hand away and couldn't help but laugh. As much as Maddox drove me crazy, I knew he loved me like a sister and would do anything to protect me.

  Maddox backed off a little, suddenly becoming serious. "Elle, if I told you something, would you promise not to get upset?" he asked, his voice suddenly low and timid.

  I arched my brows and watched him carefully as I nodded my head. "Well, I just want to talk to you about” before he could finish talking, there was a knock at my screen door. I'd left the front door open since Maddox, and I have been known to fall asleep during our movie nights while my parents were gone. Sometimes they'd forget their keys, so I've just gotten into the habit of leaving the door unlocked. We lived in a small
, tight-knit community; nothing bad ever happened in it.

  Both Maddox and I turned to the door to see Asher's face illuminated by the porch light.

  My heart began to race at the sight of him, and a warm smile spread across my face. Maddox looked at me and gave me a strange look before he slumped back onto the couch and continued watching the movie.

  "Hey, Asher," I called, waving for him to come inside. "We're watching a movie."

  "Yeah, it's our weekly ritual," Maddox said, without looking away from the television.

  "Sorry to interrupt. I've been trying to call you since after school. I was worried," Asher admitted.

  Maddox huffed and rolled his eyes.

  I ignored his act of aggression and immaturity, smiled, and stood. "That's so sweet. I'm sorry. I turned off my phone during practice, and I guess I forgot to turn it back on," I admitted.

  'Tm just glad you're alright," Asher said, stepping inside the door.

  He took me in his arms and hugged me.

  Maddox made a faint gagging noise; I prayed Asher hadn't heard him. "Do you want to watch the movie with us?" I asked.

  "Sure," Asher said.

  I grabbed his hand and pulled him over to the couch. I sat him down at the opposite end from Maddox and sat myself in between them. Asher wrapped an arm around my waist and Maddox scooted further away on the couch. We finished the movie without any further conversation or interruption. The air in the room was so thick with turmoil and tension I almost couldn't breathe. I'd been so excited when Asher had come over. I was really starting to like him, and I felt like he liked me, too. I just wished I could get both of the boys in my life to get along.

  Chapter 8

  A week had passed since my awkward movie night with Maddox and Asher. Maddox had been busy with practice and preparing for the state championship. I'd been busy spending my time with Asher and training for our next cross-country meet.

  I was leaving our last meet and had promised my parents I'd meet them back home for dinner when my phone chimed in my gym bag. I rummaged through the mess until I found my phone. My smile grew at the sight of Asher's name on my screen.

  "Hi," I said breathlessly as I answered the phone. "Hey, you looked great out there," Asher said.

  I'd spotted him in the stands sitting near my parents, and my heart had skipped a beat. Melanie, who was also on the team with me, had made kissing noises like we were back in elementary school. I ignored her-I couldn't help the giddiness I felt whenever I saw him. I still didn't understand why he'd chose me out of all of the girls in our school, but I was glad he had.

  "Thanks," I replied, growing instantly nervous.

  "Can I see you this evening?" he asked, in his husky voice. "Sure, just give me an hour to get home and showered," I said.

  We agreed to meet at my house after an hour. I practically ran to my car after we'd hung up.

  When I arrived at home, Maddox was outside, working on his truck and I felt instantly guilty for not being there with him.

  "Hey, stranger," he called, as I got out of my car. "Hi," I said.

  "Want to help?" he asked, pointing to his truck.

  "I wish I could, honestly, but Asher's coming over," I said. "Sure," Maddox said, a hurt look painting his face.

  I turned away before my heart melted and I found myself rushing to his side. I could help him tomorrow. Tonight, though, I wanted to see Asher.

  "Wait," Maddox called, once I'd started to walk back toward my house. "I wanted to see what you were doing for that stupid dance," he said. He continued to work on his truck.

  "I really haven't decided yet," I admitted. "I was hoping Asher would ask. Why?"

  Maddox looked up at me, and his eyes turned cold for an instant. "No reason." He shrugged, trying to act nonchalant. "I just wanted to make sure you weren't staying home. I'm going with a few of the cheerleaders. They all asked me to take them, you know, so I guess I'll just have to go with them all," he said, with his typical, cocky grin.

  "Great. I hope you have fun," I said, waving goodbye to him.

  An hour later, I'd showered and dressed in a pair of skinny jeans and a light orange sweater. It was September, and the evenings had begun to grow cool as the fall weather swept through the air. I waited on my front porch for Asher to arrive, my legs shaking with silly nervousness. I loved and hated how anxious I felt whenever Asher was around. He had my head spinning and my heart fluttering with just the thought of him. When he finally arrived, I couldn't help but linger a little longer when he kissed me.

  "Want to go for a walk?" he asked, once he'd noticed Maddox watching us as he banged loudly inside his truck.

  "Sure," I said, looking up into his beautiful blue eyes.

  Asher smiled at me and led me to the edge of my yard where the deep, green forest began. He reached for my hand, laced his fingers around mine, and we began to walk, together, through the shadows. Everything about the moment was perfect, even if somewhere out there Maddox was angry with me. I still didn't understand his frustration. We'd been friends forever. He'd dated every girl in town. Now that it was finally my turn, he was trying to ruin it for me.

  "What are you thinking about?" Asher asked, having noticed my faraway gaze.

  "Maddox," I admitted sheepishly.

  Asher nodded his head but didn't say anything.

  I bit my lip, contemplating whether I should offer up anything else. "I don't want you to get the wrong idea-Maddox and I are best friends. We share everything with one another, but he's been acting really weird lately. Honestly, I think he's still mad at me for leaving over the summer. Even though he knows I had no control over my leaving, he still blames me for not being around. It was the first time we'd ever been apart, and now I have you," I said, glancing up at Asher.

  Asher sighed and tensed for a moment. "I wanted to ask you something," he stated. He fidgeted with the buttons on his shirt. "The Fall Harvest Dance is coming up soon, and I didn't know if you had a date or not. I mean, I don't really like dances or crowds, really, but I thought it might be cool if we went together," he said shyly.

  I loved how adorable he looked when he was nervous. It melted my heart to think I'd been the one to make him act that way.

  "I'd love to go with you!" I exclaimed, rushing to him and wrapping my arms around his neck. It was the first time we'd been that close and intimate, and it felt right. Asher held me tight as he hugged me back, and I heard him sigh with relief

  I released my hold on him and stepped back to examine him. "What's wrong?" I asked, once I'd noticed the sudden change in his appearance.

  "I know this will upset Maddox," he said. "I don't think he likes me."

  I smiled, trying to hide the truth behind my eyes. Asher was right: Maddox didn't like him, though I didn't know or understand the reason why.

  "Maddox will just have to get over it," I said firmly.

  His expression was dark and striking. I couldn't tell if he was upset or deep in thought over what I'd said. I managed to tear my gaze away from his face to continue my end of the conversation. "Now that you're in my life, I guess he might be jealous, but not for the reasons you might be thinking. Maddox is... complicated," I said, unsure of how to explain it further.

  Asher stopped walking and said, "Elle, you don't have to explain this to me. I understand Maddox is your friend. I'm not blind to the fact he likes you. To be honest, I'm jealous of him. I wish I'd known you as long as he has. I wish I knew your heart the way he does, but now that I have you as mine, I'll get my chance. I just need to be patient. I can understand Maddox's anger; I just don't want you to feel torn between us," he finished, and chanced a glance at me.

  I smiled, stood on my tiptoes, leaned in, and placed a soft kiss on his cheek. "You're really sweet. Thank you for understanding everything."

  "Of course," Asher replied. "I really like you," he said again. "I like you, too," I admitted again.

  "There's something I want to tell you," Asher said. His eyes glanced around the area nervo
usly. "But I don't want to say it here."

  I felt myself grow anxious at the way he was speaking. I didn't like the edge in his uneasy tone. "You can tell me anything," I added.

  Before Asher could respond, a loud rustling noise came from far off in the distance. The sound and movements were nearing us at a rapid speed. Twigs broke, and birds squawked before furiously flying high into the air. The intense and violent movements of their wings mesmerized me. Asher's hand grew tighter around mine.

  "What's that?" I asked, as the thundering sounds neared.

  "I think I might know," Asher said, with a serious and extremely incensed look on his face. "I've heard stories about wolves spotted around here. My dad and grandpa have told me legends about the wolves that run-in packs. They're dangerous," he said, his voice quivering.

  As if on cue, a wild and ferocious animal broke through the brush and leaped through the air, landing only inches from where Asher and I were standing. It was a wolf, gray and brown with golden yellow eyes and a muscular frame.

  Blood dripped from the predator's sharp fangs. I couldn’t help but stare in wild fascination as the animal sauntered toward us. Its grin seemed to grow with each deliberate step, as though the beast were mocking us. My heart began to race, and my breath faltered as I took in the beast gnashing its teeth in front of us. I could see its wild hairs as they moved in the wind as it stared at us, standing there, frozen with fear.

  I slowly turned my head to look at Asher, hoping he'd be able to offer me something to help calm my growing fear. Instead of seeing nervousness like I'd expected, I saw a fuming mad Asher staring daggers into the eyes of the wild animal across from us. I moved toward the animal and saw a similar heated and irritated glare staring back at Asher. It was through the two were in a standoff, both equally livid and irritated by the presence of the other.

  My eyes found their way to the beast's, and I couldn't help but linger its shape, size, and color. One small glimpse into its golden eyes and I had no choice but to observe its every move. I watched its massive and muscular chest rise with rough breaths. I should have been stricken with fear. I should have been crying and begging the animal not to tear open my throat and eat me for a snack, but I wasn't. Instead, I regarded the animal with fascination. There was something about the creature that had lured me into its presence.