by A. G. Hobson
“Wow.”
He kisses me one more time and leaves. I follow him down the stairs and my family is sitting watching television. Breeze smiles as we pass.
He bids me farewell and I shut the door. I lean against it and close my eyes. I glance at my parents and continue back up the stairs.
I don’t waste any time getting to bed. I put on my pajamas and lie across the bed. Before I close my eyes, I think about Hayden. I could really see myself with him. And that scares me.
Chapter 18
When I wake up for school, I’m still thinking about my evening. How could this happen to me? He wants me but in what ways? I practice my usual wash and morning scrub and grab my keys after dressing in a black corduroy overall skirt and cream off the shoulder sweater. As I gallop down the stairs, my block heeled black leather knee-high boots clack against the wood.
My mom is in the kitchen, her favorite spot, drinking coffee. She smiles as I pass.
“We really enjoyed dinner with Hayden last night. I like him. I want to spend time with you before you leave. Maybe we can do dinner and a movie?”
“Me too. That would be awesome. Love you lots!” I shout as I head out to school.
When I get to my first class, Lydia gives me the cold shoulder. She barely looks my way which is the norm for us lately. How dare she pretend that I did something to her? She broke up this friendship yet, she walks around like she has a stick up her ass about it. I have to admit, I do feel lonely at times. I thank God for my sisters and I am so glad that Breeze is here visiting. It’s nice to have someone besides Stacia to talk to. I’m always hesitant to talk about Hayden because I know how she feels about him. And after this weekend, I’m sure I will have a new enemy.
I watch Lydia as she participates in class, giggling with her new friends, people we would have never talked to. It’s like she is doing it to intentionally get under my skin. I have never felt intimidated or left out, but for some reason today is a day. I struggle through the test that the teacher springs on us. I have no one to compare it to so I just open my book and check once it’s turned in. The bell rings and I jump up quickly stuffing my things into my backpack. I hurry to my next class and Lydia walks straight toward the back to sit with Iyoki.
At least Stacia is in this class with me. I go to sit next to her and she snubs me. I stare at the back of her shiny sleek pinned up hair. She acts as if I’m not even there. And, it continues the entire class. So, class drags on and I struggle to stay awake. I want to ask Stacia why she isn’t talking to me but as soon as the bell rings Cade storms into the rush of students leaving out. He appraoches Lydia and she pushes past him. They don’t even speak. I look down and began stuffing my book into my backpack.
“You fucking bitch!” He grabs my arm. My eyes widen in terror. “You told Lydia! Now I’m not getting my fucking scholarship. Her mom pulled my application and denied it. Her mom runs the committee that approves them you stupid cunt!”
“How would I even know tha…” He yanks me from my seat and shoves me to the floor.
“Cade! Get your fucking hands off her!” Mr. Vernon yells. He kicks my backpack then spits in my direction.
“You’re going to pay. Bitch!” He says as Vernon grabs him and escorts him out. Tears surface and I quickly wipe them away. Who knew that Cade would end up being that much of an asshole?
I wonder from class to class with no sight of Hayden. I’m dying to see him. I don’t have anyone and I haven’t seen Tinsley. Before I head to lunch and I search for him. I check the lounge and then the class he teaches in. No sign of him. I haven’t laid eyes on him all day. I walk to the lunchroom and I finally spot him coming in the back door. His face is stoned and he is dusting off his clothes.
“Hayden.” I wave. He smiles when he sees me.
“I was just coming to find you. Had to take care of something real fast.”
I smell a faint hint of smoke when he leans in and hugs me.
“You smoke?” He looks at me and smirks.
“No.” He places his hand on my back and leads me into the lunchroom.
We get in line and get lunch: pizza and fries, his favorite. When we sit everyone is watching.
“You’re the talk of the day among the teachers.” He says biting his pizza and popping a fry in his mouth.
“Why?”
“Cade fucking Houston put his hands on you?”
“Oh. Yeah. But I’m fine. He is suspended I think.”
“Yes he is, but he was still wandering around the school doing whatever the fuck he pleases.” He says with a dark glare in his eyes. “Why didn’t you tell me that he did that? I told you to call me Montana.”
“I didn’t see you, besides, it’s not a big deal- Hayden.” I place my hand on his arm. He is fuming.
“If we’re going to do this, you have to let me handle things like that.”
“It’s fine.”
We continue to eat and he is silent. When I try to make small talk he just chews.
Stacia spots us eating together and approaches.
“This is becoming regular.” She frowns. “You guys are always around each other. Are you sure it’s just senior planning?”
“Oh… are you speaking to me now?” I say sarcastically.
“What do you mean?”
“I sat next you in class and you didn’t even look at me. You acted as if I was invisible.”
“Come on Montana. I’ve been feeling a little bitchy. It’s nothing personal. I just need to be to myself at times. We’re cool though, right?”
I shrug. She smiles at me and then looks at Hayden. The way she watches him makes me angry.
“We should get going.” Hayden grabs his tray and stands.
“Where to? Can I tag?”
“No. We have a lot of things to get done.” Hayden rudely cuts her off.
“I’ll see you around.” I say picking up my tray and following him to the trash. We leave the lunchroom and he takes my hand. Stacia drops her tray onto the table and glares at us as we leave the room.
“Come on. I want to kiss you. I’ve been thinking about you all morning and last night.” He smirks pulling me. I stumble along behind him. We run down the hall to the utility stairwell that leads to the basement. He yanks me and I check behind us to make sure no one spots us.
We get into the basement and he shoves me against the wall.
“Hi.” He gets close and breathes into my face.
“Did you dream about me last night?” The corner of his lip curls into a half smile.
“I actually didn’t. And your butterflies gave me a break as well. Have you spelled me?”
“I wish. This would have moved a lot faster.” He jokes.
Hayden takes his index finger and slides it across my lower lip. “Are you mine yet? Do you want to be with me?”
“Yes. I am… I mean, I do. Am I your girlfriend now?
I say sounding so stupidly out of date.
“You’re my girlfriend now. My own cute little quirky girlfriend.” He removes his finger and kisses me.
It’s so sensual, so wet. He licks my lower lip and slips his tongue into my mouth. I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him back. He slides his hands down the sides of my torso around to my behind. He lifts my skirt and massages my cheeks. I caress his neck as we tongue wrestle. He lifts away leaving me panting.
“Who have you kissed before? You’re good at it.” He whispers to me blowing his sweet breath into my face.
“I can count on one hand and not use all my fingers.” I say with my eyes closed still immersed in our lip lock. He brings his mouth back to mine and we continue. He grinds his body against mine driving me insane. Every movement he makes is skilled. This demon/human is straight from the pits of hell and I am so into him.
Chapter 19
We make out for a few minutes before the bell rings. We tear ourselves away from one another so that I can go to class and he can return to help Ms. German. He takes my hand with one of his
and pulls my skirt down with the other. He looks me over. When he notices that my ponytail is frayed, he smooths it back into place. I smile at him and we walk back up the stairs. The halls are filled with loud students hurrying to class. He releases my hand as we emerge and integrate with the crowd of students. He winks at me as we separate and I proceed to my next class. The tardy bell barely rings when we hear sirens blaring outside of the school. The fire alarm roars and the drill bell follows. Mrs. Jefferies’ voice booms over the loudspeaker.
“There is a fire that is burning just behind the school. We need all student to follow proper procedures in evacuating. Listen carefully to your teachers. Do not, I repeat, do not try to grab any of your belongings. This fire is very close and we need to get everyone out as soon as possible. Please remain calm.”
Our teacher motions for us to stand. We pile into a single file line and proceed to the nearest exits away from the fire. When we get outside, I notice that the fire is in the student parking lot. The blaze is huge and burning black. Dark smoke fills the sky behind the building. I spot Hayden and I smile. He cuts his gorgeous peepers at me. He winks and tucks his arms into one another as we watch the blaze. Stacia sees him. She looks back to me in horror and reaffirm her crossed arms by lifting them and slamming them back to her ridiculously flat stomach. She is pissed.
“Guys its Cade’s truck that’s on fire! It’s burning and they can’t put it out!” Lydia screams.
I’m immediately alarmed. I look to Hayden and his darkness is back in full effect. My eyes widen as the smoke fills the air. Hayden smelled of smoke and he was coming from the student parking lot. Did he set Cade’s car on fire??
After about thirty minutes, I see Cade’s mom and dad come running through the crowd. She is screaming and crying. The police are now on the scene and school officials are huddled in a circle. Hayden walks over to me and bumps my shoulder.
“Are you okay?” He asks casually.
“I’m fine. What happened? What’s going on?”
“Cade Houston was in his car. They think that he was smoking and fell asleep. Who knows?” He waves his hand.
I hear Belinda yelling and when I turn to look at her, she collapses onto the ground. Her friends surround her. I slide my hands into my hair and panic.
“What did you do Hayden?”
“Montana, don’t ask questions you don’t want the answers to. With that being said, would you really like to know what happened?” He looks down at me and his eyes are calm, almost comforting.
“I guess I don’t.” He nips my chin with his thumb and forefinger. He smiles sympathetically backing away from me. He spins as he gets close to a group of students standing behind him and walks toward the teachers to join them.
After the fire is completely out, Mrs. Jefferies wrangles us and we are shuffled into the auditorium. A lot of time passes before we are joined by faculty. My eyes search the room for Hayden and I don’t see him. I hear a man clear his throat and it is Mr. Goldberg, the assistant principal. He is literally never around.
“Good afternoon Westland students.” He pauses and takes an exaggerated breath. “It is with deep regret that I inform you all that Cade Houston died in his car this afternoon.” Students gasp in horror and chatter immediately follows. “We have searched the cameras and it looks like he was smoking and fell asleep in his car. He was being expelled and was waiting for his parents to come. I know this rough since he was part of our senior class, national championship team and one of our most popular students. We have called in grief counselors that will be here shortly if anyone would like to stay after school to talk. Again, I am so sorry Westland, this loss is horrific.” He flattens his tie against his chest and walks off the stage. I cover my mouth in horror. Hayden, no, Cam did this. It’s his twisted way of protecting me. I search the crowd again for him and I spot him standing next to Mrs. German with his arm around her shoulder consoling her. She leans in with her pathetic attempt to cop a feel as she rubs his chest. I roll my eyes. She is relentless, most of the females at this school are.
Ms. Sharron, the school counselor, gets up to speak. After she talks about grief and sadness, she lets everyone know that we can come to see her if we’re uncomfortable with the grief counselors. Ms. Sharron is young. She began as the school counselor after Mr. Barrett retired last year. She is fresh out of college and all of 25 or 26 years old. She is single and somehow it never dawned on me that Hayden could have easily dated her. Ms. Sharron is beautiful. I think she is Latina or biracial. She has long black wavy hair that grazes the lower part of her back just above her behind, gorgeous high cheekbones, full lips, thick arched eyebrows, slanted brown eyes with thick long lashes, and a very small waste with curvy hips we all die for. I won’t even mention the fact that she is wearing a killer red fitted sleeveless dress that usually has some blazer she puts over it, and black red bottom stilettos. All the students are hugging, crying and chatting. Ms. Sharron concludes her speech and leaves the stage. As she walks away, I watch her. She joins Ms. German and Hayden at the bottom of the stage. She hugs Mrs. German and then Hayden. My head gets hot. Jealousy rises and suddenly in hate her.
I watch her talk to Hayden with her hands. She rubs his shoulder and nod her head. Her hair sways and swings as she moves. She steps closer and trips over her foot, Hayden catches her by wrapping his arm around her waist. I cringe at the display my heart rips a little. He could easily have any woman in here, what is he doing with me? I turn my head to keep from tearing up.
I begin to bite at my nails waiting for this day to be over. Everyone is up talking and some students are still crying and being consoled. After the grief counselors arrive, they break off into groups. Some of them take individuals and some form groups. I sit by myself. I try my best not to see if Ms. Sharron is still occupying Hayden’s time. I sit with my elbows propped on my knees and my chin resting on my fists. I keep my eyes on the vice principal.
Time seems to past slowly. I can’t believe that Cade is gone. No matter what he did he didn’t deserve to die. I finally get the nerve to look back at Hayden and he is a beacon that draws women to him. They all crowd around him like he can help them. And maybe he can. Since I’m not giving him any, the ladies of Westland high would be happy to oblige. Stacia approaches and sits beside me.
“Are you sleeping with Mr. Alexander?”
“Huh?” I tear my glare away from Hayden and his crowd of groupies that has formed.
“I see the two of you watching each other, sneaking off together. Let me find out that you are dating him, I’m running straight to my mom. You know I wanted him. And since you’ve been planning senior activities with him, I can’t get any of his attention at all. He won’t even message me back on Facebook.” She slams her back against the chair.
“We’re friends, Stacia.”
“Bull shit. Friends don’t look at one another the way you’re watching him and Ms. Sharron.”
“She is gorgeous. Why wouldn’t he want her? I mean we are little girls compared to her.” I sigh.
“Yet, He is barely paying any attention to her because he keeps looking over here at you.” Stacia stands. “Let your ‘friend’ know that I’m on to the two of you. And if I get proof, I’m telling. Call me what you want. I hate to lose.” She walks away and glances at Hayden again.
I continue to watch them talk and soon the auditorium clears out. Principal Jeffries gets on stage and announces that the counselors would be available all week. She also instructed us to stay away from the parking lot until they’ve cleared Cade’s body. Most students left their cars in the lot. I remain with maybe five other students, one of them being Belinda. She rubs her belly and sobs. My attention is suddenly all hers. I feel for her. Cade’s mom approaches her along with another lady. The woman is crying and stretches out her arms to embrace her. She resembles the woman so it has to be her mom. Before I can really get a good look at them, I hear my name called. The shaky sobbing voice is Breeze’s. I turn to see tears streaming down
her face. Her eyes are puffy and red.
“Cade is dead? Mom told me to come up here because the school called and Mrs. Northington told me. What happened?”
“A fire of some kind. His truck is completely incinerated. I’m so sorry Breezy.”
“I know he was an ass, but I loved him for years. I can’t believe he’s gone.” I stand and walk over to embrace her. We hug for a while. Her body shudders, the tears will not stop.
Hayden spots us and cuts his talk with the female faculty off. He hurries over and places his hand on Breeze’s back.
“Are you going to be okay Breeze?”
“I don’t know. I never loved anyone like I loved him. I just can’t believe it.”
“I’m so sorry.” He rubs her back. “Come on I’ll take you guys home. You seem too upset to be driving.” He places his hand over her keys. I pull her into my arms for one last hug and we follow Hayden to the front of the school to her car.
Chapter 20
A few weeks have passed. Saying Cade’s memorial service was sad is a major understatement. Belinda went into labor early and had a little girl that they named Cadence. Breeze and I took her baby some gifts and gave Belinda a card with money in it. Hayden provided the cash. I don’t know if demons have a conscious and he doesn’t seem to feel bad about murdering him but he insisted on helping the baby out.
Lydia is a zombie walking around school. Cade’s friends dedicate every game to him and wears his number on their upper sleeves. The atmosphere at school is somber to say the least. I never realized how the people here loved him so much.