In the Stars

by Joan Duszynski

  Book One of

  In The Moments

  Series

  * * * *

  In the Stars

  Book 1, In the Moments Series

  Copyright © 2013 by Joan Duszynski

  Cover Design © Once Upon A Time Covers

  All rights reserved.

  Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  DISCLAIMER: This story contains adult themes, language, and sexual situations. Story is intended for adult readers.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  Chapter Forty

  Chapter Forty-One

  Chapter Forty-Two

  Chapter Forty-Three

  Chapter Forty-Four

  Chapter Forty-Five

  Epilogue

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  ALL THE LOUD sounds come so quick, and then there is pain. The next thing I remember is the smoke, and then more loud sounds, voices, and sirens. “Oh god something has hit us. Raleigh, Raleigh, are you ok?”

  I sit up quickly from my dream, wondering what brought it on again. I dreamt it repeatedly after our car accident first happened, but haven’t had it for some time now. Then I hear the loud intrusion in front of me, and realize this must be what has woken me. “What is that noise?” I try and pull myself together and figure out whether or not I am in my room alone, and what time it is. Thump… Thump… Thump. Ok, wait, someone is beating on my door. Looking over at my clock it reads 5 a.m.. I hear a voice on the other side of my door. “I know you are in there; I can hear you moving,” a girl yells. That is so not my roommate forgetting her key again. What the hell?

  “Hold on, I’m coming. Who is even up this early in the morning on a Saturday? Give me a second.” I crack my door open to a very pissed off looking blonde with her finger rising up to my face.

  “Are you Piper Frost?”

  I can feel my lips snarl up. “To whom am I supposed to be answering this question for?” Crazy girl tries to push her way into my room. She might be taller than me, but I’m no push over. I shove her back some with the door. “I don’t know what is going on or why you are here at this ungodly hour, but you have officially gone too far. Put your finger down and step back, and by the way I am not Piper.” Ms. Pissed off then slumps down to the floor, cradling her knees to her chest and saying nothing more.

  Well then, I guess it is my turn to speak again. “So, I am guessing you and Piper aren’t exactly close?”

  I hear a whimper escape her before she speaks. “My name is Tara, and I need to know, do you know an Andrew Williams?” She is still looking straight ahead and not up at me, but she does take the sides of her hair and pushes them behind her ears.

  “Well, Tara, I can honestly say I have no idea whom Andrew Williams is.” Tara looks up at me through now very tear filled emerald green eyes. I take this as my cue to open the door the rest of the way, being that the deranged pissed off look has faded from her face. As I’m opening the door, though, I can’t help but think, uggg why me.

  I try and keep the stern emotions I was feeling from my voice as I speak. “So, Tara, are you going to sit there against my door jamb for long, or, since you have now gotten me up, why not go ahead and explain to me why that is exactly?”

  A squeak type sounds leaves her before she starts rambling. “Oh shit, I can’t believe I let him bring me to this level. I feel so stupid and embarrassed, and just right out pissed off!” She then stands up and leans her back against the door jamb, while hanging her head down and still not looking right at me. Even with her head down, I can tell she is tall. Although I am not exactly one that meets the height of most, being only 5’2, but I would guess she has at least five inches or so on me.

  She continues with her explanation. “Andrew is, well I guess maybe was, my boyfriend. A friend of mine sent my phone a picture message last night; technically earlier this morning, really. It was of Andrew leaving a bar with his arm around a brunette’s waist, and his lips nibbling at her ear.”

  As she is telling me this, she has her hands flaying back and forth in front of her with her phone in one of them, as if I can see the picture coming through or something. She went from having her back against the wall, stark still, to an over active speaker. “Although I don’t think I was seeing straight, because I am so angry I did notice when you opened the door that you are also a brunette and felt ready to pounce. The friend that sent me the picture is in a class with the girl my boyfriend seems to be fond of, and told me her name is Piper Frost. Then, after nagging several people, I was able to find out her room number, hence my appearance here.” She points down to the spot she is standing in, and takes in a deep breath and blows it back out; hard.

  Before she could speak again, I felt it was best to hold up my hand and stop her there, while rubbing my other hand down my face. I don’t do mornings and I could tell this wasn’t going to be a normal one by any means. “Ok, Tara, this sounds like it could take some time, and, therefore, I’m going to need some coffee. The Starbucks opens at 5:30, so what the hell, step in and let me put some actual clothes on and make a quick bathroom visit ok?”

  Since she is now finally looking right at me, I raise my eyebrows in question, waiting for Tara’s response. Her eyes widen and she wipes her sleeve across her eyes and nose, removing some of the tears and snot, reminding me of a young child. Her voice is now very low and nervous sounding. “I don’t even know your name…”

  Good point, “Oh, Caroline; Caroline Reyes.” I hold out my hand for a shake. She reaches out with a trembling hand to shake mine in return. As we are shaking hands, I pull her in the door at the same time, using my other hand to shut the door.

  As I’m getting some jeans, a bra, and the basic bathroom necessities out, I notice Tara staring over at the other side of my room toward the other be
d. I could tell, even by seeing only the side of her face, that she was staring daggers at the immaculate half of the room. I’m not exactly messy, but I have been known to leave things out of place and lying around, where as my roommate is the beyond perfectionist type when it comes to her space. I can almost feel the anger and curiosity coming off of Tara. “Before you ask, the answer is yes, Piper is my roommate. She left before I got in last night, and obviously hasn’t come back yet.”

  Tara nods her head, and then asks, “Are you two close?”

  I tried to hold in my laugh, but a slight one still escaped me. “Ummm no, but that is a long story in itself. Let me brush my teeth and pull my hair back, and then we can go. Seems like we both might have a lot to say, and, like I mentioned before, I need coffee.”

  I GET DRESSED quickly and am out of the bathroom in no time. I grab my favorite hoodie from the end of my bed and look up at Tara. “Ok, ready, let’s go.” Tara walks ahead of me while I lock up, then she suddenly stops. She looks back over her shoulder at me; her eyes now look very sorrowful again. “I drove here, so I guess we can take my car. Whether it is a long walk or not, it is early and I did kind of force you awake. I’m sorry about that, by the way, and appreciate you willing to talk and listen with me.” Her lips have a slight pout, and I notice her tucking her hair behind her ear again and wonder to myself if this is a nervous habit of hers.

  I just shrug my shoulders at her. “Well, just so you know, I’m not here majoring in psychology, so don’t expect any miracles. Plus, once I’m awake, unfortunately, there is no going back to sleep.” Tara gives me a slight smile. It isn’t much, but it is a lot better than the only other looks I have seen from her this morning.

  We walk out to the lot, and the chill in the early morning air hits me. It is November, and, honestly, I can’t stand being cold. I find myself looking up into the still dark sky toward the moon and stars. I am always drawn to the night sky. I tear my eyes away from the moon, and follow Tara as she heads toward a dark grey Mini Cooper. “Cute Mini; I love the instrument panel on these cars. I have never actually ridden in one before, but I always find myself looking through the windows when I walk by one. Oh wow, I sound like a creeper now.”

  Tara gestures for the passenger door with her hand, while raising her eyebrows up. “Well, take a seat, and have yourself a real look. Now you get your first official ride in one too.”

  I open the passenger door and sit down, taking it all in. Tara sits in the driver’s seat and starts the car. When the dash lights come on, my blue eyes go wide. I feel like a little kid in a candy store, staring at it all. I really don’t know why something so simple can get me so excited, but it does. “It looks even better all lit up!”

  Tara looks over at me and my giddy expression, and with that Tara actually gives me a slight giggle. “Well, I guess it is the least I could provide after my intrusion. And, Caroline, the coffee is on me this morning. I insist.”

  “Well, I can’t argue with free Starbucks.”

  As we are parking the car, Tara’s phone chirps. Her eyes go wide, and her hand goes up to her mouth. “That’s a text, but I’m too nervous to see who it is from. Caroline, can you read the name on the screen for me?” I pick up Tara’s phone, and put it in my pocket. She gives me a confused look. “Coffee first, then once we get our seats I will read you the name.”

  She goes to reach for the phone with shaking hands, and then pulls back. Tara sighs, and then nods her head. “Ok, let’s get in there then, and I will try not to have a complete melt down while talking with you here.”

  We exit the car and walk inside. There is only one other customer sitting down with his cup on the table, typing away on a laptop. He looks to be a student, and in deep concentration. Two employees are working behind the counter; one boy and one girl. “Good morning. What can I get for you, ladies?” says the guy working behind the register. He has brown hair, with his bangs hanging in front of his very dark brown eyes. He looks vaguely familiar. I’m sure I have probably seen him around campus, but can’t pin point if I actually share any classes with him. I have to give him credit—I know we both look a mess, and Tara’s face is all red and blotchy with obvious signs of crying; yet, he doesn’t falter. He keeps his expression very happy and keeps great eye contact. We give him our orders, and wait for the Barista girl with blond and red chunks all throughout her hair to make our drinks.

  We go to the furthest table back in the corner. I notice Tara has grabbed several napkins, and places them in the pocket of her hoodie. Once we are both seated, I take my first blissful taste of coffee, and then pull Tara’s phone from my pocket. “Ok, so you still want me to read the name off to you?” Tara clutches her cup tightly in both hands, and nods yes, finally taking her first sip. I open the screen and read out the name for the new message. “It says Eric.”

  Tears start to well up in her eyes again. “I don’t know why I figured for certain it would be Andrew. I guess he is still preoccupied.” Then the hand starts swinging around in the air again. This girl is a very emotional talker. “Oh god, how did I get here; being this girl? The type of girl ready to show up and cut a bitch for screwing around with my man. When she doesn’t even probably know I exist. Doesn’t even know the guy she is probably under right now has a girlfriend.” After that last sentence she hiccups from all the tears and brings her hand up to her mouth. “He has a girlfriend who loves him, and has practically revolved her life around him for the last two and half years. I let my feelings for him bring me to nagging everyone we know around campus until I found out where this Piper girl stayed.”

  Now her hands start swinging around again, and I seriously just want to reach out and grab them to keep them still. She takes in another deep breath. “I felt total rage toward her. As if this whole situation was all her fault. Like she set out to ruin my life. Whereas, in truth, Andrew is the one whom knows he is in a relationship. He is the one that told me he loves me unconditionally, and once college started this year for us it wouldn’t change things.”

  Tara pulls out a napkin, wiping at her eyes and nose. I try to just sit and listen, knowing that, right now, she needs to just let her emotions ramble out from her. She holds her hand out toward me. “I need my phone, so I can read what Eric sent early. He is my oldest brother. I can’t even imagine the shit I am going to get from him when he catches whim of this, and the way I went about it.” I hand over her phone. She takes it from me with her hands still shaking. She wipes her face again, and starts to read her message.

  I notice that I am already half way through my Grande coffee. I guess I should have ordered a Venti. I am going to end up with caffeine jitters by the time this conversation is done. Tara lets out a grunting sound. “Someone has told him that I caught Andrew screwing around. He says they were worried, because I was calling and texting all around, trying to figure out where this Piper girl lives.”

  She then lets out a loud tiff sound and smacks one of her hands down on the table, causing it to shake. “Remember, Tara, no inside melt downs… that was the goal when we walked in”

  She gives me a look that says, did you really think that was possible? “I know. Sorry, I am trying my best. I have to send him a message, or he will probably drive all the way here to show up at your place and see what the hell I might be getting myself into. I seem to have a tendency to act before I think, and get myself in slight messes at times. He is a Police Detective; so even if whoever told him didn’t give him Piper’s room number, he will figure it out.”

  Wow, could this girl make my day any more dramatic? Should I just get up and walk away now? I glance from the table to the door, debating just that. Being the sucker I am most days, I know I will stick around, though. I may not know Tara, but she obviously doesn’t need to be alone, and I have a feeling she really wants to try and talk her way through some of this. Me being a neutral party and not knowing her or Andrew sometimes makes it a lot easier to talk about.

  As Tara is typing away on her phone, I fe
el the need to express a little sarcasm; yet, in reality, it really is something to think about. “So, now I am going to have the police showing up at my door this morning, too? Wow, I am going to be the talk of the school for the next couple days with all the action I have going on outside my place. To think, I thought my only plans for today were to drive and meet up with my best friend, Raleigh.” I roll my eyes and let out a slight huff. Her phone chirps again, and Tara runs her hand down her face as she is reading the new text. “Oh shit, Caroline, I am so sorry; he is already on his way. To say my brothers are slightly over protective is an understatement. He will probably be here within forty minutes, or so. I can take you back, and have him meet me somewhere?”

  I ponder this for a moment. “Well I’m not supposed to be at Raleigh’s Physical Therapy appointment until later this afternoon, and I did agree to listen. I figure I am going to need at least one more cup of coffee to make it through this day, so if you want I will stay. I would rather Eric meet you here, though, then at my room. That might prevent some extra drama. I will leave once he gets here.”

  Tara looks at me with a very shocked expression. “Are you serious? After my crazy appearance, and the fact that you don’t know me.” She is taking her finger and pointing at herself as she says this, with a look of disbelief across her face. “Which, of course, means you don’t owe me anything, Caroline; yet you are willing to be here for me. I feel like this whole situation is going to be life changing in many different ways. Other than a broken heart, and trying to figure out who I am without Andrew, I feel I might of just acquired a friend. Thank you so much.” Again, I just shrug as Tara types out another message to her brother.

  My stomach chooses this moment to let out a loud growl. I take my hand and try to cover it up, like covering your stomach with your hand ever really works against it growling. “Ok, I am going to go order you another coffee… do you need something to eat too?”

  I perk up at that question. “A blueberry muffin would be great.” Tara gives me another slight smile and nod, and walks back over to the register.