“I told you my tattoos are the scars I choose. Wait that didn’t come out right… you’re not a scar. What I meant to say is that I wanted something that would always remind me of you.” I ignored her question. I was still carrying a torch for her and I think the tattoo made it blatantly obvious.
“Got any big plans?” I wish I was able to take you to a nice dinner.
“Actually I’m going to my family’s lake house.” I knew from Luke that she’d been spending a lot of time there lately.
“By yourself?” Please say yes so I can invite myself. Wow I sound like such a loser even in my own head.
“Um, actually no.”
“Oh, you bringing the girls? That will be fun.”
“No they’re not coming either. Actually I kind of have a boyfriend now.” I felt like someone stabbed me right in the heart. A boyfriend?
“Oh. How long has this been going on? Anyone I know?” Please not be anything serious. I’m so in love with you.
“A little over a month and maybe. He’s from Delaney.” Great. Fucking fantastic.
“You’re kidding?” I was trying to hide my anger though I don’t think it was working.
“No.” Why, why not me Fiona? But I couldn’t ask her that.
“Well what’s his name?” I was trying to keep my temper in check.
“Garrett York.” FUCK! Not good, not good at all.
“You’re fucking kidding me right? After our you know, I tried for over a month straight to get you to give me the freaking time of day and just like that you end up with him.” Damn Fiona, he’s bad news. But if I said anything it was going to cause her because she would just think it was me being a jealous asshole (which I was) and she’d hate me anyway. I had to find a way to break them up before anything happened.
“What’s your problem, you gave up on me remember?” Riley was watching our little tiff with daggers in her eyes and Fiona started crying. Shit, this was not going as planned. Best just stick with the truth, well the truth with omission.
“Hey, look I’m sorry.” I ran my fingers over my cheek catching the falling tears. My heart sped up with the touch of her soft skin.
“God Fiona I fucking love you! I love you so fucking much it hurts. There will never be anyone else! I never gave up! I fucking fell in love with you the day you almost hit me, you looked so sad that day but you were the most beautiful girl I’d ever seen, you take my breath away. I vowed to make you smile. Christ I’d marry you right now if you’d let me. The only reason I let you go was because it was killing me to see you all the time all broken and know you wouldn’t let me help you. I thought maybe if you saw me with Riley you’d get jealous and realize what I’ve known all along. I won’t give up on us Fiona, I’ll stand up for you forever, you’re my true love, my whole heart. Please don’t throw that away.” I took a deep breath before continuing. “Riley was distraction. I’ve died everyday waiting for you to come back to me but you didn’t. It’s not like that with her, I told you that. We’ve kissed and even when we did that I felt like I was dying inside. The whole time I wished it was you. I love YOU!”
I didn’t realize how loud I had gotten until I saw Fiona’s face and I knew by her look that Riley had heard everything. I was slightly proud that Fiona looked smug. I should have felt guilty but the only thing I felt was relief that I was finally able to get that off my chest.
“But yet you’re still together.” She spat. I wanted to tell her that Riley and I are only together because I was sick of being alone all the time and felt like a stalker pining after her all the time. That I had to leave my phone in the kitchen so I could keep myself from calling you every five minutes that I play our one perfect night over and over in my head at least five times a day. The way you seemed so carefree; happy, the way that I want to make you always but I held back knowing that I already said enough.
“And what if we weren’t? What then?” I asked dead serious.
“I don’t know.” I could tell she was torn.
“Answer me. If I ended it right now would we be together?” Because it will only ever be her. I loved her and she as all I ever wanted.
“I can’t answer that right now.” Dammit! I crashed my lips to hers begging her to remember why she should give me a chance, she was kissing me back. Come on Fiona, let go.
“Please don’t walk away.” I said knowing exactly what her next move would be.
She pulled away from the kiss and ran away. Shit!
Fiona
As soon as I started running I ran to my car hoping that no one, mostly Cooper would follow me. I decided it was best for me to skip the rest of the day; I needed to do some serious thinking. I texted Garrett letting him know that I was out early and changed our plans I told him to meet me at four instead of eight.
I popped in my new P!nk CD The Truth About Love and headed towards the lake house. I was torn and confused, part of me wanted to break up with Garrett and tell him it was fun but then it wasn’t really fair to him. He didn’t do anything and I’d been so wrapped up in thinking about Cooper I never really even let him in either. I knew I loved Cooper there was something special between us, is was palpable. Then there’s the tattoo, why’d he do that? We’re not even together and he goes and gets something that reminds him of me, permanently. I ran through the pros and cons in my head of each of them, which left me higgledy-piggledy. One lyric really resonated with me.
“It’s in the stars, it’s been written in the scars of our hearts, that we’re not broken just bent and we can learn to love again.” Could I allow myself to love, really truly love again? If you asked me three months ago I would have said absolutely not, never again, even after our one night together I would have said probably not but more out of fear than the overall idea of it. I wanted to be loved but I just felt so broken, scared and maybe even undeserving. Now I truly thought I might be able to; maybe I was just really bent but could put the pieces back together.
I needed to pick one it wasn’t fair to them or me to keep going on like this.
I knew I should give Cooper a chance since he was there first and I never really did give him the opportunity and he tried so hard. His tattoo proved he never gave up on me and I was so wrapped up in the fact that I was damaged goods that I didn’t let him in. I replayed our last night together over and over and how perfect it was. He was right when he said things between us were effortless, it’s like we were made for each other. Then there was Garrett who was fun and charming, he made me feel happy but there wasn’t that spark that I felt with Cooper. It almost felt like I was pretending with him, like it was over before it ever began. He was attractive but for some reason he didn’t make me get all hot like Cooper could just by winking at me. There had to be a reason that I didn’t want to take the next step with him and it all boiled down to Cooper…
I arrived at the lake house a little after two-thirty. I pulled into the driveway and noticed Garrett’s Tahoe was already in the driveway.
“Surprise.” He said opening my door, he seemed nervous.
It was a surprise, I really was hoping for a little more time to think before he got here. “Happy birthday puddin’ pop.” I hated when he called me that.
“Hey you’re early.” I said trying to conceal my unwelcome surprise.
“Figured I’d surprise you since it’s your birthday. Shall we.” We walked to the front door and I unlocked it but something was definitely off with Garrett and I couldn’t put my finger on it. Maybe he knew what I was planning. My anxiety was clawing at surface.
“What did you have planned for tonight? I was hoping to make you dinner.”
“Um, that’s fine. I’d like a bath first if that’s okay.” That would give me time to think.
“Okay. I’ll go draw one for you.” He headed upstairs. I followed shortly after. He went into the master bath and I heard the water start. I unpacked a couple things that I had brought with me this weekend and grabbed a change of clothes before heading into the bathroom.
“I thought we could toast for your birthday.” He said handing me a flute. I accepted it and he placed his on the vanity before stripping out of his clothes and climbing in with me. I didn’t even register what he was doing it happened so fast. No, no, no! I didn’t want this.
“Garrett what are you doing?” I said nervously. He started running his hand up my leg towards my thigh.
“I figured out what you were planning.” He grinned.
“What are you talking about?”
“I figured out that you must want birthday sex. Am I right?” He had a stupid grin on his face. What the hell!
“No, that’s not what I was planning. Not even close.” I stammered.
“Come on Fiona you’ve been being a tease for over a month now, surely you have some needs that I can take care of then you can return the favor. Plus I’m your boyfriend that’s what we’re supposed to do.” He winked. Was that the reason he was dating me all along?
“Garrett I’m just not ready for that yet. My plan was to go to the pier, go dancing then get dinner and ice cream, maybe even catch a movie but I was not planning sex.” I started crying.
“Fiona I’m sorry I misread you. I’ll get out.” He hastily got out and dried off not looking sorry at all. I watched as he put his clothes back on looking agitated. Not to seem harsh but even if I was considering I would have changed my mind after getting a look at his less than impressive package.
“When you’re ready I want to make you dinner tonight.” He closed the door behind him.
I sat in the bath a little longer trying to first calm myself then formulate a plan on how to break up with him. If I’d had any doubts about my choice before he certainly changed my mind after the bathroom episode. I got dressed and headed to the kitchen. I sat at the breakfast bar and watched him start cutting up steak and veggies.
“Sorry stir-fry is about the extent of my culinary skills. I figured maybe we could make fajitas or something.” He smiled at me but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. He had two grocery bags on the counter; he even brought some of his own supplies, knives and dishtowels in particular. It seemed odd since this was a fully stocked gourmet kitchen maybe he was just more comfortable with his own tools.
“Garrett is everything okay? You seem distracted if it’s about what happened in the bathroom I’m sorry I gave you the wrong impression.”
“I’m fine. Just happy it’s your birthday.” I noticed he didn’t apologize for what happened if anything he was probably stewing.
“Can we still go to the pier later? It’s supposed to be nice out, not too cold.” I said as I watched him finish chopping. He wiped his hand on one of the towels next to him but didn’t reply.
“If you want.” He held a towel to his face. “Puddin’ pop does this dishtowel smell funny? I don’t want to use it if there’s something wrong with it, it could make us sick.” He held the rag up to my face before forcefully covering my nose and my mouth with it. I tried to fight him off.
Everything went black.
I tried opening my eyes, it was dark; something was covering my eyes. I had no idea where I was. The last thing I remembered was… Garrett. Why? I racked my brain for any insight as to why he’d do something like this; I couldn’t get my head around it. I felt panic and claustrophobia setting in.
“I think she’s up.” I heard a male voice say.
“Keep her quiet.”
I fell into blackness again.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Drag Me To Hell
Cooper
“We need to talk!” Riley hissed. I already knew what was going to happen. I wanted to run after Fiona but I knew her well enough that would just make her push me further away so I decided I’d try and talk to her later, plus I owed Riley enough to let her vent. She stormed through the door off the cafeteria that led to a square outside filled with tables.
“Sorry.” I said. I wasn’t really sorry.
“You’re a real asshole!” She slapped my face. I guess I deserved that. “I thought you liked me.” She was really pissed.
“I do. You’re a real nice girl Riley but you knew how I felt about Fiona.” I ran my hands through my hair trying to think of what else I wanted to say. “That’s why I never let things get carried away with us. I thought I could get past her but I can’t. You’ll make someone real happy one day Riley, I’m just not your guy.” She’d practically hand delivered her virginity on a silver platter a handful of times.
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“It means you shouldn’t just throw yourself at any guy, we could have had sex then what? Save yourself for someone that you love that loves you back. Again I’m sorry about what you saw but it’s all true.” I turned and walked away needing to get myself in check. I really royally fucked up today. I’m was almost positive that everyone in Prescott now knew about it too. What a great first impression I’m making. When the final bell rang I decided I was going to just hop on my bike and take a nice long ride to try and clear my head. Maybe I could come up with a plan to get Fiona to talk to me maybe I should give Luke a heads up, maybe he could talk some sense into her.
I started towards the outskirts of town when I hit a flat open stretch of road. I gunned the throttle and let the bike do what she did best, fly, well not literally but I watched as the speedometer climb steadily to a buck twenty before I let go and went back to a steadier speed. It was a beautiful fall day the leaves were all shades of red and orange.
I couldn’t believe she was dating and Garrett. It felt like a knife had been stabbed in my heart. I was seriously hoping that Fiona would to break it off with him tonight, she looked so torn earlier but I think part of her already knows that the two of us are inevitable.
I stayed on the road until I just about ran out of gas. I looked up and saw the sign. I actually ended up about only a few miles outside of Lake Winona. Wasn’t this where Fiona’s lake house was? Maybe something or someone was pointing me in this direction. My mom maybe.
I pulled into the gas station and went inside to pay.
“I’ll have $10 super on pump 3 please.” I handed the clerk my money. “By any chance do you happen to know where the Prescott estate is on the lake?”
“Sure everyone knows where it is.” He looked at me like I was stupid. “You take the main road out there until you hit the blinking light, then make a right and follow it all the way to the end there’s a gate there, that’s the one. Can’t miss it.”
“Thanks.” I gassed up and headed to the lake house.
Maybe if I Garrett saw me he’d back off. The gate was open and Fiona’s car was in the driveway, maybe I beat Garrett here. The thought made me happy, I’d have a chance to talk her alone, maybe get her to see my reasoning. I cut the engine and walked up the cobblestone path to the front door and knocked. The lights were on but no answer so I walked around the side of the house and peeked in. There was definitely no one home. Maybe they went out for dinner. I could see after looking inside why Fiona loved it so much, a little piece of tranquility.
I decided to camp out until they got back. I sat on the swing on the front porch and waited. And waited. I finally decided to text her and see where they were and when they’d be back. I looked at my watch; still no answer and I sent it over an hour ago. I’d been sitting here for over two hours. Panic was starting to set in; maybe they’d been in an accident or something. I decided to call Luke and see if he’d heard from her, maybe they’d had a change of plans.
“Hello.” Luke answered.
“Luke, its Cooper.”
“Hey man, what’s up?”
>
“Nothing. Have you heard from Fiona?”
“No. She’s at the lake house.”
“No, she’s not. I drove out here by total coincidence and I’ve been waiting for over two hours and nothing. I’ve tried calling and texting her but she’s not answering normally she texts me right back even if she’s pissed. Besides her car’s here and the lights are on but no one’s here.”
“Alright let me try and call her. I’ll call you right back.”
“Thanks.” I hung up and sat down on the front steps. I started running my hands through my hair like I normally did when I was stressed out about something my mom used to tell me it was going to make me bald.
Shit, where are you Fiona? The minutes were ticking my like hours before Luke finally called back.
“Cooper.” Luke said, just the way he said my name made my blood pressure rise.
“Did you find her?”
“No but you need to get back here. Now.” His voice thick with worry.
“What the fuck happened?” I practically shouted.
“She’s been taken.”
“Taken? What do you mean she’s been taken?” I felt like I had sucker punched, all the air left my lungs. My worse fear has now become reality.
“As soon as we hung up the police showed up here. We don’t know much. They’re demanding money. Lots of money. Seems like whoever it is has been in contact with my dad, he called the police and they’re looking into it but this type of thing doesn’t happen in Prescott. Cooper this is my sister we’re talking about here I’m not just going to sit here, you in?”
“Definitely. I’m going to look around here, is there a spare key?”
“They’re used to be one under the turtle rock in the backyard. I don’t know if it’s still there.”
“I’ll let you know what I find.”
“Be careful there could still be someone there.”
“I have a couple tricks up my sleeve if that happens. Actually I hope it’s the case if they can help find Fiona. I’ll get back to you.” I practically ran to the back of the house and frantically searched for a turtle rock. I finally found it and turned it over, luckily the key was there. I ran back to the front and unlocked the door, everything seemed to be in order until I walked into the kitchen it looked like a bit of a struggle occurred. I walked to the counter, there were chopped vegetables on a cutting board, I spotted a dishrag by the breakfast bar that looked like it had a little bit of blood on it. I grabbed the dish-gloves from the sink before I picked it up to get a closer look, definitely some dried blood which meant it must have been there for more than a couple hours and it smelled sweet. It must have been doused in chloroform, I knew the smell because my dad is a dentist and they used it there on very occasions. My heart started pounding out of my chest, I picked up the phone and called Luke back.
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