Shadowed (The Shadow and Moon Series)

by Michelle Areaux

  I took my other hand and gently held his. I wanted him to know he didn’t need to be nervous around me, even if I were nervous.

  “I would like that, too,” I admitted.

  “Really?” he asked, looking deep into my eyes.

  “Yes!”

  Suddenly, I was being lifted off my front porch as Cohen picked me up and spun me around. I laughed as he held on to me tightly. The excitement radiating between us could have sparked a wildfire.

  His hands wrapped around my waist, he slowly placed my feet back on the ground, but his hold on me didn’t budge. He held me against his firm body and stared deep into my eyes. He moved his head closer and before I knew what was happening, his lips were lightly brushing against mine.

  Fireworks ignited inside of me, and I felt like my heart was going to burst right through my chest. I had waited my entire life to find someone like Cohen.

  As we parted and caught our breath, he took a step back and away from me.

  “I have to go home now. I am going to tell my family about us,” he stated firmly.

  “Wait, what?” I asked, startled.

  Suddenly, I was nervous again.

  What if they told him no, that he couldn’t be with me? Would they move again? Would he stop talking to me?

  “Won’t that change everything?” I asked.

  “No, maybe. It doesn’t matter, I won’t let it change anything for me. It’s time I get to live this life the way I want to. I’ve done it their way far too long. I want my chance at being happy,” he declared.

  “Ok,” I nodded.

  I had to trust that everything would be ok. I knew this was going to be difficult for Cohen, so I just needed to be supportive.

  “I will see you tomorrow,” he said, waving as he turned to leave.

  I watched him go all the way into his house before I turned and closed my front door.

  I ran back up to my room and immediately called Amy. Of course, she picked up on the first ring.

  “Hey, I have something to tell you…”

  ****

  It had been three days since Cohen had shown up at my door with the rose. When I had told Amy, she had swooned and carried on like she was living out her own dream through me. It was weird, but sweet, too.

  Those three days had flown by and nothing had really changed. I hadn’t asked him about how the conversation with his family had gone, and he hadn’t brought it up either. I wasn’t sure if that was a good or a bad thing. I kept myself busy, though. I went to school, ate lunch with Amy and Cohen, and then came home. I busied myself with homework, going for runs, and just spending the evenings walking along the beach with Cohen. Everything seemed like a whirlwind to me. So much had changed in such a short amount of time, it almost doesn't seem real.

  Well, almost.

  It was the following week and I was sitting in algebra, daydreaming out of the window when the teacher received a phone call. She nodded and then walked over to my desk. Leaning down, she began to whisper with a worried look on her old, wrinkly face.

  “Henley, you are needed in the front office,” she said.

  “Ok,” I said, collecting my things.

  I wondered if I had done anything to warrant getting into trouble, but nothing came to mind. Then, I remembered that Cohen and I had snuck out earlier in the week. Had someone seen us and told?

  As I walked down the hall to the office, I felt my stomach growing uneasy. Stepping inside the small office, I spotted my mom immediately.

  And, she was crying.

  My heart sank and I quickly rushed over to her. “What’s wrong?” I asked.

  Sniffling, she tried to muster a smile. “Henley, your dad was injured at work today. One of the large trees he was cutting fell and landed on him,” she said, her voice breaking.

  I felt the tears form in my eyes and I pulled her in for a hug. “Is he ok?” I asked, fearing the worst.

  “He was air-lifted to a hospital in Seattle. I am going up there now. He needs surgery. His back might be broken and he has several bruised and cracked ribs. He’s alive, but in dire pain.”

  “He will get through this,” I comforted her, even if I didn’t know it for sure.

  “I called Amy’s parents. They said you can stay with them. I don’t want you missing school,” she finished.

  “Ok, I will go over there tonight,” I said. I knew I was old enough to stay home alone, but I also knew right now wasn’t the time to argue with her.

  “I love you, Henley. I will be home as soon as I can,” she said, hugging me tighter.

  “I love you, too. Go take care of dad. Don’t worry about me,” I added.

  She let me go and told the front office that I needed to go home. I knew I couldn’t sit through the rest of the day, so I followed her home and helped her pack a bag.

  I wanted to be strong and brave for her, but I was terrified inside. I knew my dad’s job was dangerous, but he had never been injured before. For my mom, I kept a smile on my face and waited to break down until she left.

  ****

  Amy had texted me all throughout the day.

  Her mom had told her about what had happened to my dad, so she was trying to comfort me. I appreciated her support, but I was still really upset.

  Amy: Do you need anything?

  Me: Yeah, just needing to be alone.

  Amy: I understand. I told Cohen what happened. He asked why you left school.

  Me: Thanks.

  Amy: I will come over after school.

  Me: You are the best.

  Amy: I know!

  I took a much-needed nap and woke up as the sun was setting in the evening sky. Splashes of reds and oranges spilled in through the living room windows where I was currently laying on the couch. Rubbing my eyes, I sat up and felt my stomach growl with hunger. I rummaged through the kitchen and found old pizza and ate it cold. I just wasn’t in a mood to do much else.

  I went back into the living room and sat on the couch, mindlessly staring at the television as some housewive’s show blared. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Amy’s car pulling up in my driveway.

  She rushed into my house and pulled me in for a tight hug as soon as she saw me. I had not cried in a while but seeing Amy made the tears fall once again.

  “Everything will be ok,” she soothed.

  “I hope so. My mom was really upset,” I said through my tears.

  “He’s at the hospital. They will take care of him,” she reminded me.

  I nodded, unsure of what else to say.

  “Have you eaten?” she asked me.

  “Yeah. But I wasn’t very hungry. I think I am just going to stay home tonight. I just really want to stay here. Tell your parents I will come over tomorrow,” I said.

  “Are you sure?” Amy questioned.

  “Yeah. I just need to be here,” I added.

  “Want me to stay?” she asked.

  “No, if I need anything, I promise I will call.”

  I was scared about my dad and still hadn’t heard back from Cohen about how his conversation with his family went. My mind was a wreck.

  Amy hung out a little bit longer and then left, promising to call and check on me later tonight. I thanked her for coming and then just sat on my front porch in the cold.

  It may seem odd, but the cold air was almost refreshing. Cohen came home just as my phone showed that it was eight at night.

  It was strange for him to be home so late, but right now, nothing really made sense.

  As soon as he got out of his car, he ran across the street and over to me. My heart flooded with emotions seeing the concern on his face. Cohen could spin it any way he wanted, but he wasn’t a zombie. His body may not work like mine, but he had empathy, kindness, and a protective soul. That was more human than most people I had known in this town.

  “Henley!” he yelled, seeing me outside and alone.

  I stood up and allowed him
to take me in his arms.

  “I’m ok,” I said, breathing in his scent. He smelled like pine trees and fresh air. It was alluring.

  “Amy told me what happened. I wanted to skip, but my sister and brother threatened to tell if I did,” he said through gritted teeth. His face tensed and I could tell he was upset with them.

  “I take it your conversation with them didn’t go well?” I asked.

  Cohen flinched at my question and paused before answering. “They were very angry that I had shared so much information with you. They feel like I am putting myself and you in danger. However, I explained to them it was my choice. The first choice I’ve ever truly made. They didn’t like it, but they understood. I know the repercussions,” he added.

  “I don’t want to cause problems for you,” I stated.

  Shaking his head, Cohen released me from the hug, but grabbed my hands. “Don’t worry about any of that. Right now, you need to focus on your dad. Have you heard any updates?”

  Sighing, I responded. “No, not yet. I am trying not to call my mom and bombard her with questions. It is driving me crazy! She will give me information when she gets it.”

  “I am here for you. Whatever you need, I’m here,” Cohen said.

  His words sank deep inside my heart and spoke to my soul. He was genuine in what he said, and I knew I could rely on him for anything.

  I did, however, feel better knowing that his families concerns weren’t going to change things for us. Because right now, I needed Cohen.

  “Will you stay here with me until I fall asleep?” I asked.

  “Of course.”

  We walked back inside my house and I grabbed a blanket from the back of my couch. Cohen sat down next to me and I snuggled against his side. Neither of us spoke as the television played in the background. It was comforting and I realized in that moment, that there was no other place in the world I would ever want to be.

  Chapter 16

  The next morning, I woke up alone.

  I had asked Cohen to stay with me until I fell asleep, and the last thing I remember was being in his arms.

  My phone was buzzing on the coffee table and I sat up, seeing my mom’s name appear across the screen.

  For an instant, I had been in heaven and had forgotten about the tragedy that had fallen on my family.

  My dad.

  My mom.

  I quickly reached out and grabbed my phone.

  “Hello?” I asked, my voice scratchy from my sleep-like- state.

  “Henley, how are you?” my mom asked. She sounded tired and that stung a little. I couldn’t even imagine what she has been going through. I doubted she slept at all last night.

  “I’m ok. Your father was in surgery until the early hours in the morning. He is sedated at the moment, but the doctors believe he will have a full recovery,” she said.

  I felt my shoulders relax and a sense of relief flood through me. I was glad to hear that my dad would be alright.

  “That’s great, mom.”

  I heard her sigh and move around a bit. She was probably in the hallway or outside of the hospital. “Yes, but I hate to say we will have to stick around Seattle a little bit longer. Your father will require several other minor surgeries and the doctors will want to monitor his progress. They believe we should be here at least another week. Maybe two.”

  “Wow, that long?” I asked.

  “Yes, but if you need me to come home, I will,” she said, trying to sound upbeat.

  She wasn’t fooling me. And, I wasn’t going to be selfish and ask her to come home. I was sixteen-years-old and could handle a week or two by myself.

  “No, mom. Dad needs you. I can stay at Amy’s longer if I feel lonely. I will stay busy with school. Plus, I have been hanging out with Cohen,” I added.

  “Oh yes, the younger of the good-looking brothers,” she teased.

  I was glad to hear her in better spirits, even if it was at my expense.

  “I guess,” I said, rolling my eyes, even though she couldn’t see me.

  “The emergency credit card and some money is above the refrigerator in the kitchen. Use it to get groceries or go out to eat. I promise, I will come home if you need me,” she reiterated.

  “I will be fine, please don’t worry about me,” I say, trying to reassure her. “ When dad wakes up, please tell him I love him and to get well soon,” I said . As the words came out, I could feel tears stinging my eyes.

  She seems to perk up after hearing that I am doing ok. As an only child, my mom has always been one of those ‘helicopter’ moms. Always knowing what I am doing and where I am going. It must be killing her to know that I am home alone without her.

  We talked for a few more minutes before a doctor came and got her. I promised to call back that evening. I noticed the rose that Cohen had brought me, laying on the coffee table. My heart fluttered a little as I picked it up and ran my fingers along the silky petals. I needed to remember to put it in some water to make it last longer. That was the one bad part about having beautiful flowers given to you. Their time was short lived. I guess...sort of like humans on this earth. While Cohen could live longer than me, my time was short in comparison to his. How long? I had no idea, but that thought sent a sharp pain through my heart. I know I am young and this--whatever it is between me and Cohen-- was fresh. Who knew what the future held, but the idea of not even having the chance at a long-term life with him brought sadness to my heart. Just then, my phone vibrated again and as I was about to ignore it for now, thinking it might be Amy again, I spotted a number I didn’t recognize.

  Number: Hey, it’s Cohen. I bought a cell phone this morning and Amy gave me your number.

  And, just like that, I was smiling again.

  Me: That’s great.

  I quickly programmed the number into my phone as Cohen.

  Cohen: Yes, I had to use one of my dad’s aliases for the contract. Long story…

  Me: I’m sure.

  I guess it made sense that his dad would have multiple names. I mean, if you are trying to hide from crazy government officials trying to hunt you down, you would have to be clever.

  Cohen: I will come over after school if that is ok.

  Me: That sounds perfect.

  I put my phone back down and realized I was now giddy.

  Feeling a little better, I got up and made myself some cinnamon oatmeal and a large cup of coffee. With a full stomach and enough caffeine to last me days, I went up to my room and took a long, warm shower. Dressing in a pair of black yoga pants and an oversized sweatshirt on. I needed to wash away the previous day. Things were going to get better; I could just feel it.

  ****

  Sometime after lunch, I got a text from Amy.

  Amy: Why aren’t you at school?

  Me: My mom called the principal and told them what happened. I was given two days of excused absences. I really needed today to just feel better.

  Amy: Ok. I will come over this evening and bring a pizza.

  Me: Thanks! Have you seen Cohen?

  Amy: You mean, your zombie boyfriend?

  I almost laughed out loud at her text. It was crazy to see it like that, but I guess she was sort of right.

  Me: Yes, that is who I mean.

  Amy: Yes, and he is a mess.

  Me: Why?

  I was worried that maybe something had happened with his family. But Amy quickly relieved that worry.

  Amy: Because you aren’t here. He looks so depressed.

  Me: That makes me feel bad. He texted me earlier. He will come over after school.

  Amy: Hot date! His hot brother was talking to him earlier. Looked pretty serious, too.

  Me: What about?

  Amy: No clue. I will snoop around.

  Me: Get back to class.

  I laughed as I put my phone down. I spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning my room and vacuuming the living room. Once I was finished, I heard a fami
liar roar of a sports car that caused my heart to jump.

  Cohen pulled in his driveway and his sister and brother were right behind him. I could tell they were all three having a conversation, but obviously I couldn’t tell what about.

  My heartbeat erratically in my chest and a silly grin spread on my face. Cohen gave me those incredible butterflies you only heard about in movies and fairytales. I almost wanted to pinch myself to see if I were dreaming or not.

  Suddenly, Cohen turned and spotted me watching him through the window.

  Again.

  A goofy smile appeared and he jogged over to my house.

  I met him at the front door and he came in, placing a soft kiss to my cheek.

  “You want to take a walk with me?” he asked.

  “Sure, let me grab my coat,” I stated. I reached back inside my house and grabbed one of my heavy coats hanging on the coat rack. I quickly closed the front door and met Cohen back on the front porch. We began walking down the street, but instead of heading toward the main drag, we began to walk toward the water. The sun was starting to settle in the sky, using the approaching darkness as a canvas for the splashes of reds, oranges, and yellows that were being spread across the sky. It was breathtaking.

  “I missed seeing you at school today,” he said, taking my hand in his.

  “Yeah, but now that you have a phone, you can text me,” I added, smiling.

  “How is your dad doing?” Cohen asked.

  My heart hurt a little thinking of my dad still in a hospital bed in Seattle. However, my mom had called earlier and told me he was doing much better. He was even walking with some help.

  “He’s doing better. He still has a long road to recovery, but he is making progress,” I sighed.

  “You worry about him, don't you?” he asked.