Shine: Season One (Shine Season Book 1)

by William Bernhardt

  “For an hour? The prom’s over. You missed the crowning thing. I thought you’d stood me up.”

  “Sorry.”

  “And what did you do to your dress?”

  I tugged on the skirt. “Caught it on my shoes.” I hate lying, but sometimes I have to do an awful lot of it.

  “You’re serious?”

  I held up my four-inch spike-stilettos. “They make better weapons than footwear.” At least that wasn’t a lie.

  “Come on,” he mumbled. He grabbed his valet ticket and stomped to the door. I raced after him. What should I say? I didn’t think he’d be this upset. Honestly, I thought he wouldn’t have noticed my absence. He usually doesn’t.

  He remained silent as the limo pulled up. When Blake opened the door, I noticed his parents sitting in the front seat. Had he called them?

  “Hello, June,” Mrs. Hawthorne said. She didn’t flinch at my appearance, which didn’t surprise me. She was good at keeping her composure, too good sometimes. I wondered if she had emotions.

  “Hi,” I answered awkwardly. Why had Blake called his parents? I knew he was pampered, but this bordered on childish.

  “How was the prom?” Mr. Hawthorne asked. His salt and pepper mustache looked more salted than usual. With his furrowed brow and constant frown, he always seemed worried about something, though I’d never figured out what.

  “It was fine,” Blake snapped.

  “Wonderful,” his father answered.

  “Blake told me that you were elected prom queen. Congratulations,” Mrs. Hawthorne said as I climbed behind her.

  “Thanks.”

  The car smelled of her perfume, a sweet floral scent that tickled my nose. Mrs. Addie Hawthorne was one of the elite women of New York. She didn’t mind letting anyone know. She wore her coiffed, raven hair up in a stacked bun. She never wore anything but the latest designer skirt suits. I knew she wasn’t religious, but I think she devoutly believed jeans and sneakers were of the devil.

  Despite her airs, she’d always been polite. I suspected she’d had some hardships in her life, making her more understanding than most people.

  She also had a slight heart murmur, a whispering of her own heartbeat that pattered lightly in her chest. I’d debated telling her, but decided against it. It was most likely benign and would never cause a problem. And I couldn’t risk exposing my Shine ability for something so commonplace.

  The world was hostile to Shines. I could get locked up, torn away from my family, possibly never see them again. Best to keep Mrs. Hawthorne’s heart murmur a secret.

  Blake’s mom pulled the window closed between us and sealed it shut. Good. At least Blake’s parents couldn’t hear me chew out their son.

  “Blake, why did you call your parents?” Despite the sealed window, I spoke quietly.

  “I didn’t know what else to do. There’s a massive storm coming in tonight. I thought you might’ve been hurt or lost or something.”

  I raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

  “I was worried about you.”

  I listened to the patter of his heart. I’m not always spot on at detecting lies, but often I could. Blake’s heartbeat stayed steady. He was being honest.

  “You shouldn’t worry about me. I can take care of myself.”

  “I know. I’ve heard rumors about the Revens. I thought—”

  “Thought what?”

  “Thought they might have taken you.”

  “Why would they take me? I’m not a Shine.” As far as he knew.

  “I know. It’s stupid. I’m lame.”

  “You’re not lame.”

  Lights from the city passed us by. Car horns honked in a steady rhythm, like the beating heart of the huge metropolis.

  “Next time at least tell me where you’re going?” Blake asked.

  “I’m not five. I’m not going to tell you everywhere I go or what I’m doing all the time. You’ll have to get used to it.”

  “That’s not fair.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because you’ll make me have a heart attack.”

  “Trust me, your heart’s fine.”

  We turned on Park Avenue and headed for the Upper East Side. I wanted to be out of this car. I wanted to get away from Blake. It wasn’t like I was his girlfriend. Why did he think he needed to shelter me? He’d never acted so protective before. Why had he changed?

  “Things aren’t the same,” he said. “After Seattle, the Revens are hunting Shines like crazy. They’ll take anyone, even if they don’t have proof.”

  “That’s ridiculous.”

  “It’s true. They could take you, June.”

  “Me?” I forced my choke to sound like a laugh. “Why on earth would they want me?”

  “They don’t care anymore. They’ll make up an excuse and try to pass you off as a Shine. They’re desperate.”

  “I know that.” I exhaled, trying to release some of my pent-up tension. If only Blake knew that I hunted Revens in my spare time and turned them into sniveling babies who I then dumped at the closest lock-up. There were still a few cops who took Shine harassment seriously.

  I rested my hand on Blake’s knotted knuckles. “Don’t worry so much.”

  His eyes met mine.

  Smoky gray eyes, thick eyelashes, lips that bordered on being seductive. I saw why Naomi thought he was one of the school’s better-looking guys. But I couldn’t avoid the chin issue. I’m horrible, I know.

  “Look,” I said, mustering my courage. Apologizing is never as easy as it seems. “I’m sorry I left you. I shouldn’t have done it.”

  “Promise it won’t happen again?”

  “I can’t promise that.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because someday I’d have to break my promise. And I hate doing that.”

  The muscles in his jaw tightened. “Fair enough.”

  I listened to his heart to see if he was still angry, but it beat at a steady patter. At least I’d dodged that one.

  We rode in silence until we reached my condo. Blake, being the gentleman, walked me to my door.

  I hate where I live. It’s bad enough with the rich girl stereotype. The Parkview Towers only make it worse. My parents wanted the best for their children, which included living in these overpriced, luxury condos. I think the place looks ugly with its exposed steel beams and modern art. It’s never felt like home. But I get no say in the matter.

  The stone and glass building loomed over us as we walked through the entry to the elevators. Blake slung his jacket over his shoulder on the elevator ride up. I tapped my fingers on my dress, wondering when Naomi would text me. Surely the Revens would show up soon.

  We left the elevator. As we neared my door, dread tugged at me. Would Blake try to kiss me? I guess he expected to, since he’d walked me all the way up here.

  Why hadn’t I thought about this? Of course he’d try to kiss me. We’d gone to the prom together, fought, made up. Now he’d feel entitled to a kiss.

  I couldn’t let it happen.

  The city’s glow shone from the skylights as we stopped at my door. I fidgeted with my keys. I knew Nanny Gorda would let me in if I knocked, but I didn’t want to wake my little sister.

  Blake cleared his throat. “Did you have a good time?”

  “Yes, it was fun.” Most of it.

  “That’s good.” Nervousness made his voice crack.

  His fingers brushed mine. His heart rate increased as he peered into my eyes, then at my mouth.

  I couldn’t let this happen. I flashed him a brilliant grin, then gave him a tiny peck on his cheek. The smell of his aftershave filled my nostrils. His shaved skin felt ice-smooth under my lips. I pulled away quickly and stuck my keys in the door.

  The lock opened with a click. “See you around,” I said as I shoved the door open.

  “June, wait.” He grabbed my wrist.

  I stopped, but refused to make eye contact.

  “Don’t be like this,” he said.

 
“Like what?”

  “Cold. Snobby.”

  My heart rate spiked. Of all the things he could say. “Excuse me?”

  “You’re the girl that every guy wants. That’s the honest truth.”

  “Whatever.”

  “It’s true.”

  “That’s completely bogus.”

  “It’s true and I’ll tell you why. Because you’re sweet and pleasant and have never said a mean thing to anyone you’ve ever met. You’re the only girl no one can have. Including me.”

  “That’s not true.”

  “Everyone loves you and you don’t deserve it. The school elected you prom queen and you couldn’t even show up to say thank you.”

  “Stop.” I ground my teeth. He’d gone too far. How on earth could Blake Hawthorne pretend to know me that well? He didn’t know me at all. I would trade everything I owned if it meant people would stop looking at me like I was some kind of stuck-up freak. If the unpopular girls acted like me, they got labeled as shy. But I got labeled as a snob. It’s why I’d started Reven hunting in the first place. I could be someone else. I didn’t have to be me.

  I must have scared Blake because he took a step back. His livid eyes darted away from mine.

  I focused on breathing. My anger simmered. I couldn’t let him get under my skin. I didn’t want tonight to end this way. “I don’t want to fight,” I told him.

  “I don’t either.”

  “I like you most of the time,” I said.

  “You do?”

  “Sure,” I answered.

  “Then why won’t you let me kiss you?”

  “I never said you couldn’t.”

  “But you’re avoiding me.”

  “I’m sorry you see it that way.”

  “Then you’ll let me kiss you?”

  I felt manipulated. He could’ve asked nicely. Instead he had to be like this.

  “I’m tired,” I answered. “And I need a good shower and a change of clothes. Another time?”

  “There may not be another time.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “I’ve already warned you about the Revens.”

  “Blake, what’s gotten into you?”

  “I already told you.”

  “No, you haven’t. Why are you so on edge? Is this about the crowning thing? Because I’ve said I’m sorry for that.”

  He pursed his lips. He looked as if he wanted to tell me something, and then changed his mind. “It eats me up inside. You don’t know how it is.”

  My instinct was to tell him that he could kiss me, that I would be his girlfriend, and then everything would be razor. But sometimes saying no is harder than saying yes.

  “Blake, I can’t.”

  He looked at me, his eyes pleading, then nodded. He backed away from the door. “Be safe.”

  “You too.”

  I watched him go, feeling his heart break with every step he took. He disappeared inside the elevator and still I stood in the hallway, feeling empty and lost and stupid.

  I’d done the right thing. I just hated myself for doing it.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Nanny Gorda looked up from her telenovela just long enough to say hello. I noticed she’d dyed her hair again, a brighter shade of radioactive carrot. She stayed focused on her program as I snuck toward the hallway.

  Piles of laundry littered our usually tidy condo. Stacks of unwashed dishes sat in the sink. Mom and Dad would freak if they saw this. I’d have to tell them about it if they ever got a chance to call.

  As I neared my bedroom, I noticed a light glowing under my sister’s door.

  “Is Katelyn asleep?” I asked Nanny.

  “No, Hermosa.”

  “Why not?”

  “She’s reading. You know how she loves the stories.”

  “But she needs her rest.”

  Nanny waved her hand, brushing me off. “She rests already all day.”

  “But my parents wanted her in bed by nine.”

  “You stay out of my business, chica. I stay out of yours.”

  I rubbed my eyes, feeling a headache coming. Four more weeks and Mom and Dad would be back. I’d thought it would be so much fun without them, but Nanny Gorda had turned into a slovenly witch, to put it nicely.

  I stepped over a pile of laundry and walked to Katelyn’s room. I knocked twice before opening the door. Katelyn sat propped on her pillows. She held a book of fairy tales, a giant tome that weighed nearly as much as she did. She lowered it as I approached her bed.

  She still wore her purple polo shirt from yesterday. Ravioli sauce soiled the collar. Urrgh. Another reason for the phone call to my parents.

  “Your dress,” she gasped. “Did you rip it?”

  I pulled at the skirt as I perched on top of her paisley-printed bedspread. “I had to make some modifications. Reven hunting. It happens.”

  “Did you catch anyone?”

  “Not yet.”

  “But you will.”

  “Let’s hope so.”

  “How was the prom?” Katelyn asked.

  “It was okay.”

  “Just okay?”

  “Yes. Just okay.”

  Katelyn shut her book with a thud. She leveled her eyes at me. “June.” She spoke in her adult voice. “This was your last prom. You’ll never get another chance to dress like a princess or dance until midnight or wear a tiara. Where’s your tiara? Didn’t you win prom queen?”

  “Yes. I forgot to get my crown.”

  Katelyn’s eyes bugged. “Forgot? How could you forget something like that?”

  “I was Reven hunting.”

  Katelyn crossed her arms. “There’s more to life than hunting Revens.”

  Sometimes I wished she was wrong. But I didn’t have the heart to tell Katelyn how I felt deep inside. She looked up to the sister she imagined, the popular girl who had it all. I wouldn’t break the spell. “You’re right. But don’t worry. You’ll be prom queen soon enough. I’ll bet your tiara is way prettier than mine.”

  She smiled, though her eyes turned sad. “June, girls like me don’t get elected prom queen. Or anything.”

  “Why would you say that? Of course you will.”

  “No. But thanks for thinking so.” She stared out her window. A gentle breeze fluttered through her white-lace curtains. Twinkling city lights illuminated her bedroom. She glanced at her reflection in the window’s glass. The city’s glow reflected off her smooth, bald head.

  I didn’t know why a ten year old girl had to go through so much. More than a dozen surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation. And pain. Excruciating, gut-wrenching pain. Leukemia is a nasty disease. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, not even the lowest scumbag on the planet, and that was the honest truth.

  “Have you talked to Mom and Dad?” Katelyn asked.

  “Not today. They said the cell service is spotty in Seattle. I think most of the towers got knocked out in the explosion.”

  “I hope they’re okay.”

  “I’m sure they’re fine.”

  “You think so?”

  “Absolutely,” I answered. “They’re probably eating loads of junk food, going to the movies every night, sleeping till noon every day.”

  Katelyn giggled. “And not doing any clean-up work at all. Daddy’s a senator. He can get away with stuff like that.”

  I patted her hand. Yes, Daddy got away with lots of things.

  Katelyn hugged her book to her chest. I saw the loneliness in her eyes. She missed our parents more than she let on. I’d thought it would be nice with them gone. No more fights, no more screaming, no more middle-of-the-night divorce threats. It hadn’t always been that way. Katelyn’s condition had taken a toll on their marriage, and on their happiness.

  Mom had become distant, anxious. She cried all the time. Still, I couldn’t comfort my sister the way Mom did. I made a poor substitute.

  “What were you reading?” I asked Katelyn.

  “Rapunzel.”

  “Wow. You
haven’t read that in awhile.”

  “June, I read it every night.”

  “I know. I’m messing with you. So what part are you at?”

  “I just started.” She pried open the book. A picture of an immense stone tower decorated the yellowed pages. The smell of old paper greeted me, reminding me of better times when I’d sat with Dad and read this same story. As a child, I’d studied these pictures for hours, finding new details every time, like the cat on the windowsill, or the basket of bread at the foot of the tower.

  “Rapunzel was my favorite fairy tale, too,” I told her.

  “Really?”

  “Yeah. I’m not sure why.”

  Katelyn flipped the page. This image depicted the same tower, but with a long braid of golden hair hanging from the tower’s only window. Her eyes misted as she stared at the fantastical image.

  She didn’t have much left to believe in except for fairy tales. My sister ran her fingers over the vivid colors, then traced the line of braided, shimmering hair from the top of the tower to the bottom. She seemed to trace every strand.

  “I’m pretty sure I know why it’s mine,” she answered in a voice almost too soft to hear.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  My cell buzzed. I pulled it out of my pocket and read Naomi’s message:

  Central Park. Four Revens. They’ve got Sara.

  My stomach sank. They had Sara? I didn’t even know she was a Shine. But why her? Had they been following me and saw me talking to her? Why couldn’t I be more careful?

  Sara was no match for the Revens. I had to fix this. I squeezed Katelyn’s hand before standing.

  “You have to go?” she asked me.

  “Yeah.”

  “Is it the Revens?”

  I nodded.

  “Don’t let them take you.”

  “I won’t.”

  “Promise?” I’d never heard so much fear in her voice.

  “Katelyn, it’s just another Reven ambush. I’ll be fine.”

  She squeezed my hand tight. The fear stayed in her eyes. Her heart sped up, racing with a reckless cadence that echoed my own. After fighting Revens for years, I thought I was over the fear, yet there it was, like a palpable entity that crouched in the corner.

  I tried to understand why I felt this way. Was it Naomi’s warning about the Revens growing bolder? Perhaps it was the way Blake had acted. Whatever the reason for my fear, I couldn’t let it control me. Or my sister.