by Claire Fogel
“I’ll have to let you know. Sean and Amy might need a ride. I’ll call you tonight.”
He said goodbye and walked into his house, while Patrick ran around to the side of the house. I knew Kevin’s dad was probably in the woods behind the house. They’d be well protected tonight.
I headed for Sean’s house and my father said, “You drive very well, dear. But I am glad we got you a car that will give you some extra protection.” He patted the dashboard and said, “It seems very sturdy.”
From the back seat, Sean was chuckling. “Mr. Blackthorne, this car could probably out run most other cars on the road; it’s really fast.”
It only took about five minutes to reach Sean’s house. We saw police cars on every street.
When I pulled up in front, Ryan and Gabe climbed out first and moved to the front and back of the house. Sean got out and opened my door to help me out. My father got out, closing the door carefully and ran his hand over the car’s roof, nodding in approval.
Sean opened the front door and ushered us in. His father was sitting on the couch with a science fiction novel in his hand. He stood to shake my father’s hand with a smile.
“Thanks for coming by, Mr. Blackthorne.”
He led my father to the table in the dining room, and they sat down. My father said, “Please call me Brian. Since our children are friends, I’m happy to meet you. I understand Gabriel explained the present situation to you already.”
Sean took my hand and we went into the kitchen. “Let’s let them speak privately. We’ve already heard it all, more than once. Would you like some tea? I told my mom about the tea I had at your house, so she picked up some Chamomile tea at the store. It’s not as relaxing as Kathleen’s tea, but it’s not bad.”
“Thanks, tea sounds good. I’ve had so much coffee today, I may not be able to sleep tonight.”
He smiled. “Yeah, I know what you mean.” He boiled some water, poured it over the tea in two cups and handed one to me. He pulled out a kitchen chair for me and we sat down at the small table in the corner of the kitchen. It wasn’t big and sunny like Mom’s kitchen, but it had a kind of comfortable intimacy that I liked.
“Going back to school tomorrow seems kind of anti-climactic after the last few days,” he said. “And I know our bodyguards are great, and there will be plainclothes cops in school, but I’m relieved we’ll be in the same classes.” He chuckled. “We can protect each other,” he said with one raised eyebrow. “You’ll be wearing your knives, won’t you?”
“Absolutely. I probably shouldn’t mention it, but I had a waist holster made for me in Elvenwood. I can carry two more knives, one at each hip. And, of course, I have two more in my boots.”
I couldn’t miss the shocked expression on Sean’s face. “Cara, don’t you think that’s overkill?”
“Nope. I refuse to feel defenseless, especially in school.”
He nodded, obviously remembering that I’d been kidnapped right outside school last spring. Finally he smiled. “Well, now I’m doubly glad we’re in the same classes. You can protect me!”
A little while later, Mr. McKay and my father walked into the kitchen, looking as though they’d reached some kind of agreement.
My dad said, “I think we should get home, Cara. Your mother will be getting home any minute. Conor is with her today, but she’ll worry if we’re not there.”
Mr. McKay said, “Say hello to my cousin Conor for me, Brian. And please let him know he can call on me for help too.”
Sean and I stood up, and when I said goodbye, Sean surprised me by kissing my cheek. “See you tomorrow in class,” he said with a grin. His father and mine glanced at each other, both trying not to smile. The threats from Gaynes probably weren’t the only things they’d been talking about.
I woke up earlier than usual Tuesday morning. The alarm hadn’t gone off, but some part of my brain must have known it was back to school day and the beginning of my senior year at Thornewood High. I pushed the anxiety into the back of my mind.
While I was in the shower, I realized I felt completely different than I had every other year on the first day of school. And not because of the Donald Gaynes/bodyguard situation either. I’d always dreaded the first day of school, wishing I had a cloak of invisibility so no one would notice me, or stare at me, or heaven forbid actually talk to me. I’d always felt so out of place, but I’d come a long way in just a few months.
I actually looked forward to getting back in school, seeing the new friends I’d made a few months ago, as well as getting ready for either college or art school. That decision still had to be made. I refused to allow the black cloud that was Donald Gaynes ruin my mood or my senior year.
After blowing my long hair dry and pulling it up into its usual ponytail, I dressed in a new pair of jeans and a green t-shirt that matched my eyes. Boots were next, fitted with two of my knives. Until the weather got colder, and I could wear heavier clothing, my waist holster, which held two more knives, would have to remain at home. Sean thought that wearing a waist holster was overkill, but after yesterday’s near-disaster, I wasn’t so sure.
Mom was waiting for me in the kitchen, ready with the traditional plate of pancakes that were customary every year on the first day of school. Pancakes were Mom’s way of comforting me on back to school day because I’d always dreaded it. But this year, pancakes were just a yummy way to start the day.
Before I even sat down, there was a knock on the front door. I looked at my mother with a smile. “You called Kevin, didn’t you?” She laughed. “I thought you might need some help eating all these pancakes. Your father already ate a few before he left for his camp.”
I had to smile when I opened the door. Kevin had a big smile on his face. “Morning, short stuff. Do I smell pancakes?” He followed me into the kitchen, stopping only to hug Mom before sitting down and helping himself to a stack. “Definitely the way to start the day,” he muttered as he poured syrup on his pancakes. I had to agree as I dug into the stack on my plate. “Thanks, Mom. This is perfect.”
She sat down and had a few pancakes with us, then poured each of us a cup of coffee. We polished off breakfast quickly and were ready to go.
“Great breakfast, Mrs. C. Thanks for calling me; we only had a few corn flakes left at my house.”
Mom rolled her eyes. Kevin’s mom didn’t make it to the grocery store very often. I heard her mutter, “I’m going to draw her a map.”
After Mom’s usual hugs and wishes for a good day in school, we left, meeting up with Patrick and Ryan on the front porch. Over the phone last night, we’d organized our carpooling plans. Kevin and I would take weekly turns driving to school. Sean’s father would take Amy and Sean and their bodyguards to school every morning. Since Mr. McKay was out making business calls during the day, he would only be able to pick up Sean from football, or basketball, or baseball practice late in the afternoon; Sean played every sport offered at Thornewood High. Kevin and I would take Amy and her bodyguard home from school every day. My father and Sean’s both thought we were safer in groups. It didn’t look as though I’d ever be alone again.
The four of us climbed into my big car and left for our first day of school. Everyone was in a good mood, Patrick and Ryan clearly looking forward to seeing the parade of teenage girls Thornewood High provided. My cousin Jason had confided that our bodyguards had talked of nothing else last spring when they accompanied us to school every day. I was glad there was some compensation for having to play bodyguard, giving up their normal lives, for what might be months.
When we got to school, finding a parking space for my big car was a challenge. Kevin said, “We may have to get here earlier than usual to get a spot close to school.” He was right, but today we had to walk a block to school. I was glad there were four of us.
We found Amy, Sean, Gabriel and Neal standing in front of school waiting for us. “No problems for any of you this morning?” Kevin asked.
“Nope, everything has been calm,” A
my said. “Let’s hope it stays that way.”
The first bell rang and we all trooped into the school’s main entrance. After agreeing to meet for lunch, everyone went their separate ways, except for Sean and me, of course.
Our day started off with Environmental Science, a class being offered for the first time this year. It sounded interesting, but I knew that would depend largely on the teacher.
My father’s influence with the school board was evident again. Sean and I had been assigned to seats next to each other, with Gabe and Ryan right behind us.
An hour later, I knew this would be an interesting class. It was being taught by a new teacher, a young man who obviously loved the subject. Our bodyguards had been smiling and nodding throughout the class. I was confused until I realized this was a subject they had probably been born understanding. Elves, after all, were connected to the earth, the weather, and all growing things. They might be as expert on environmental science as our teacher.
When we walked to our next class, History, we noticed the undercover cops in the halls as well as uniformed police at the entrances. Sean whispered, “I’m feeling extremely well protected this morning.”
Ryan said softly, “It is nice to know we have so much back-up.”
Sean and I glanced at each other, both of us smiling. I was sure the police considered our bodyguards as back-up, rather than the other way around.
As we changed classes, we saw friends in the halls, everyone waving and smiling. I wondered what they made of the police presence in school today. Then I wondered if they even noticed.
I enjoyed History class too. We’d be studying World War II and the Holocaust this term, and I knew it would be interesting. I’d been fascinated by that war ever since I’d read The Diary of Anne Frank in ninth grade.
Once again, Sean and I were seated next to each other, with our bodyguards behind us.
I was actually in a good mood that lasted right through our Economics class where we were about to learn all about Credit and Investments.
When Sean and I, and our bodyguards, reached the lunchroom, Amy had already laid claim to the largest table. She and Neal were trading jokes as Kevin and Patrick came through the lunchroom door. I couldn’t help noticing how many heads turned at the two of them. Kevin had definitely come into his own with his longer curly hair that was finally in style, jeans that fit him like a glove, and a newly acquired air of confidence. He was as tall as Patrick, whose curly red hair and blue eyes made him what Amy called a chick magnet. He smiled back at every girl who smiled at him, while Kevin seemed oblivious to the female attention he received.
Our bodyguards, Ryan and Gabriel, were attracting plenty of attention too. I’d almost forgotten about Gabe’s natural charisma. He was doing exactly what Patrick was doing, smiling at every girl in the room. I could almost hear the feminine sighs as he sat down at our table. Ryan, who was already committed to Lora back in Elvenwood, just rolled his eyes at Gabe’s behavior.
We talked about our new classes over lunch. Amy was threatening to drop out of school; she had Advanced Science this year, a fate worse than death as far as she was concerned. Kevin calmed her down by promising to tutor her. The few classes Kevin was required to take this year left him time to take some fun classes of his choosing. Of course, being Kevin, his idea of a fun class was Government, covering criminal law, civil law, and human rights. And since he still had a free period, he had signed up for Art and Art History, which meant we’d share that class. He said, “I didn’t know I’d have to choose another class until this morning. The Guidance department emailed me, so I decided to get into your class, just for fun.” I wondered if Kevin actually had some artistic talent. It wouldn’t surprise me.
After lunch we left for our fourth period classes, Sean and I headed for English Literature, Ryan and Gabe right behind us.
I’d always loved English, and it was the same teacher I’d had last year, so I knew I’d enjoy the class.
In each of our classes, I was surprised at how seriously Sean was taking each subject, asking good questions and taking notes. When I mentioned this during one of our walks between classes, he said, “I have to get an athletic scholarship to a good college, so my grades are really important this year.” I was impressed.
We parted ways after English, as Sean had Trig and I had Art.
Before he left, Sean said, “Cara, I have football practice after school so I won’t see you until tomorrow. Can I call you tonight?”
I couldn’t help teasing him. “You mean, we haven’t spent enough time together today?”
“Yeah, but we can’t really talk freely between classes, or in class.”
“Okay. I’ll talk to you tonight. Good luck in Trig.” He grimaced.
Kevin and Gabe arrived at Art class right after Ryan and I did. Before we walked into class, I noticed two plainclothes policemen walk by. They both nodded to us. I smiled at them and we went into class. Miss Burrows gave me a friendly wave and directed everyone to an easel.
“This year some of you are going to use watercolors, some will try oils, and a few of you may want to use pen and ink. But today, use whatever tools you find at your easels to draw a picture that represents your summer. You don’t have to finish it today; you can take the rest of this week, so make it good!”
Elvenwood had dominated my summer. Drawing a dragon probably wouldn’t be believed, but finally I knew what I wanted to draw. The tools at my easel were pen and ink, which I was comfortable with. I got started and emptied my mind of everything but my sketch of beautiful grey horses running through the forest.
When I reached a good stopping point, I looked over at Kevin and decided to take a peek at his drawing. I walked up behind him and stopped short. He had sketched an outline of a girl aiming a bow and arrow at a target. It was just an outline with no details filled in, but it reminded me of a type of folk art I’d seen. I couldn’t wait to see where he’d go with his drawing.
“This looks really interesting, Kev. Anyone I know?” I teased. He whirled around, clearly surprised to find me looking over his shoulder.
He smiled. “Well, you might be the inspiration for my drawing, but it won’t look like you, I promise.”
The bell rang so we put our artwork away. Miss Burrows motioned to me from the front of the room. It had to be about watercolors.
“I’ll have watercolors for you to work with next week. I’m looking forward to seeing one of your beautiful landscapes done in watercolor. I just have one suggestion. Get yourself some watercolor supplies to use at home. It’s a technique that takes some real skill, and I’d like you to get used to mixing and applying the colors. Just don’t get discouraged if your colors run down the page at first; everyone has that problem when they start.”
I thanked her and promised to get some supplies to use at home. Ryan was waiting for me at the door. Kevin and Patrick had already left. Kevin and I both had P.E. for our last class and Ryan and I headed for the girl’s gym. He’d have to wait outside the gym, of course, but he’d have an excellent view of the other senior class girls as compensation.
P.E. was a surprise. Miss Lincoln decided that physical fitness was the perfect starting point for senior girls. We spent forty-five minutes doing push-ups, sit-ups, squats, and sprints around the gym. There was a lot of moaning and groaning from my classmates, but I had no problem. My summer had left me in good shape.
After quick showers, we threw our clothes on and left the gym, most of the girls complaining about the push-ups and sit-ups. I just smiled. Sandy joined me in the hallway, laughing. “You put most of the girls to shame. Didn’t you used to have a t-shirt that said, Small but Mighty?”
I had to laugh. “Yeah, but I outgrew it. I may have to get another one and just wear it for P.E.”
Smiling, she pulled me aside. “I don’t mean to be nosy, but I saw you and Sean together everywhere today. Are you two finally back together?”
I knew someone would ask that question sooner or later. “S
ean and I are just friends for now. We’ll see how it goes. He’s still a great guy, but I don’t think I want a steady boyfriend again.”
She nodded, a thoughtful look on her face. “Once burned, twice shy?”
“Yeah, I guess it’s something like that.” I shrugged.
“Well, I’m glad you and Sean are friends again.” She chuckled. “You really taught him a lesson. Sean and I have been friends all our lives, but I always thought things came a bit too easily for him. I think you’re good for him.”
She gave me a smile and a quick hug. “See you tomorrow, Cara.”
I continued down the hall with Ryan, who had stepped aside when Sandy stopped me. It was really thoughtful of him to give me some privacy to speak to a friend, and I told him so. “I don’t want to crowd you too much, lass. But I hate letting you out of my sight; waiting for you outside the gym made me a bit nervous.”
When we got outside, Kevin, Patrick, Amy and Neal were waiting for us. Everyone was comparing notes about our first day as seniors. But there was a sudden tension in my neck that made me frown. No one noticed. I was getting a bad feeling in my gut.
There were some laughs and a few complaints, mainly from Amy, as we stood there. We were standing in a kind of semi-circle, Ryan, me, Kevin, Patrick, Neal, and Amy on the end. We all turned when we heard a loud engine and saw a black van speeding around the corner, practically on two wheels. When it was almost even with us, a hand holding a gun appeared in the open window and it was aimed at Amy.
My knife was in my hand before I could think about it. I threw it at the van, where it pierced the hand holding the gun. The gun hit the street and the van sped up even faster and disappeared around the next corner. No one said a word. Kevin was the first one to regain his senses, pulling out his phone and calling Chief O’Donnell.
When I turned to look at my friends, I saw knives in Ryan’s and Patrick’s hands, disappearing quickly as the uniformed cop who’d been at the front entrance ran toward us.