Sing for Me

by Penelope Reece

  Chloe nodded. “I know.” She didn’t know how much good she’d be considering she never got a good look at the guy.

  Heather squeezed Jett’s arm not ready to give up. “That’s another thing. Why do you and I have to go to the police? This is all Chloe.”

  “Heather’s right. You guys could just drop me off and go get ice cream or something.”

  Heather smiled. One brownie point earned.

  “That’s crazy. We’ll all go to the police.” Jett moved his hand to straighten his mirror causing Heather’s to drop heavily onto the arm rest. Heather never turned around, but Chloe knew she was fuming. So much for her brownie point. Chloe was back at square one. Screaming fit here we come.

  ****

  The police station was next to the courthouse on Woodlawn Avenue in downtown Marion. It was after nine and the small parking area in front of the building was nearly vacant. A few parked cruisers filled a few of the designated spots.

  Jett pulled in next to one of the cruisers and they went inside. A middle-aged woman with a short pixie cut sat at the reception desk. Her tiny black headset contrasted with her out of the box and totally unnatural red hair.

  When the woman turned her attention to them, Chloe took in the woman’s bright make-up and was instantly reminded of her mother. Sophie was another woman who tried to appear a whole lot younger than her actual age. Should these two women ever meet, they were sure to be great friends. Unless of course a man was involved, then it would be all out war.

  “How can I help you?” The receptionist said in a thick southern accent that didn’t quite belong in central Indiana.

  “We’re here to report a possible break in.” Jett said and blushed slightly as the receptionist slowly looked him up and down before smiling in approval. Heather shot the woman a look of disgust.

  The woman ignored her. “Please have a seat and I’ll let them know y’all are here.”

  “Thank you.”

  They all took a seat on the newly upholstered bench. Chloe making sure she let Heather sit next to Jett.

  “How long do you think this will take?” Heather asked Jett. “It’s still early. I was hoping we could catch the midnight showing of that new horror film.”

  Jett leaned back against the wall. “I’m not really in the mood for a movie tonight. Maybe we can do it next weekend.”

  Heather looked defeated. “Yeah okay.”

  If only that mysterious guy hadn’t shown up. Heather would have gotten to confess and would finally have her answer. If Chloe hadn’t been so concerned with her friends’ safety, she should have just let them be. It was wrong to think like that, however, the longer Heather went without learning Jett’s real feelings, the longer Chloe had to live in misery.

  What if Chloe were to ask him right now? Heather would be pissed. Nevertheless she’d finally get her answer whether it was good or bad. Chloe couldn’t be sure but her senses were telling her that maybe Jett wasn’t that into Heather. Maybe that’s why Heather could never get him alone.

  Heck, Chloe had to come along on this excursion just so Jett would. Wasn’t that saying something?

  A casually dressed man wearing an empty shoulder holster opened the door behind reception, introduced himself as Detective Mason, and motioned them back. They followed him down a hall and into a large office full of desks and cubicles, most of which were empty.

  The detective pointed to some empty chairs in front of his cluttered desk before he took a seat behind it. Again Chloe made sure Heather sat close to Jett.

  Detective Mason leaned back in his seat, notebook and pen at the ready. “Now, what seems to be the problem?”

  Jett glanced over at Chloe. This was all hers. She swallowed. “I saw someone sneaking around inside the old church behind the Delta Gamma house.”

  The detective sighed and sat forward. “Are you sure it wasn’t a ghost?” He said sarcastically and tossed his notebook down. “Those Delta Gamma girls are coming in all the time complaining about noises and ghostly apparitions. Isn’t it time you all found some new hobby instead of wasting our time?”

  “Sir this isn’t a joke. I really saw someone. He was hiding in the trees and when my Friends’ backs were turned, he hurried inside the church. It seemed as though he didn’t want to be seen.” Chloe paused to lick her dry lips. “Shouldn’t you check it out? Especially since you know how us college kids love hanging out there. What if this guy is dangerous and ends up hurting someone?”

  He cleared his throat and met her gaze. “You really think it was a real someone? Maybe a friend of yours was trying to be funny?”

  “I’m positive. And none of our other friends knew we were out there.”

  “Fine.” He stood up. “Let me notify another officer. It’s Saturday night, and we cannot afford to pull our patrol cars away from their posts.”

  Detective Mason walked over to another officer’s desk, a much younger officer whom Chloe guessed ranked low on the office totem pole. She could tell by the cut of his hair and the way his uniform was perfectly tucked into his nicely pressed pants that this guy probably got bullied a lot.

  The two officers spoke for a moment, the older one turned to leave, and the younger grabbed his keys. The younger officer was on the verge of rising when he called Mason and typed something into the computer.

  With a satisfied smile on his face, the young officer showed Detective Mason what was on the screen. Detective Mason looked at it a moment, grabbed a printed copy that shot out of the printer and brought it back to them.

  He put the paper on his desk and sat down. “Okay. So first off. That place is now private property. Someone purchased the church two weeks ago. Therefore, it no longer being public land makes this a priority. My boy over there is on the phone now with the owner. If he says so, we’ll head over there and check it out.”

  Oh so the office lackey was this guy’s son.

  “Whatever the owner’s answer, you all need to understand this and make sure you tell those Delta Gamma chicks. You guys need to stay out of that cemetery because now it’s considered trespassing and I can arrest you.” He smiled at them in triumph.

  ****

  “I can’t believe you Chloe.” Heather said throwing the picnic blanket in the laundry room. “You ruined my night all because you were sure that guy was some sort of murderer and it was only the new owner Daniel whatever.”

  Chloe picked the blanket up off the floor and tossed it in the laundry basket. “I’m sorry Heather. But either way, I still did you a favor.”

  Heather crossed her arms over her chest. “Oh yeah, how’s that?”

  “Because, if Daniel Erikson had caught you two, he could’ve had us all arrested for trespassing.”

  “Yeah but he didn’t. You heard that geeky cop. He wasn’t going to press charges. He even apologized for giving you such a fright.” Heather stalked into the living room and Chloe followed. “I can’t believe how awful tonight turned out. And it’s your fault.”

  “I’m sorry Heather. How many times do you want me to say it? Besides you don’t need some foolish plan to tell him how you feel. Just tell him. Call him up and tell him. Here tell him tonight.” Chloe handed her the phone.

  “No way!” Heather knocked her arm away. “I should tell him in person.”

  “Fine,” Chloe grumpily crossed her arms over her chest, “then do so.”

  “Fine.” Heather growled back and turned off the light. “Maybe tomorrow.”

  Chloe scoffed as Heather went inside her bedroom leaving Chloe alone in the dark living room. Shaking her head at Heather’s erratic behavior, Chloe checked the front door lock before she went to her room.

  Before she got into bed, Chloe said a quick prayer that Jett would somehow want to be Heather’s boyfriend. And if that didn’t work, she prayed for a new roommate. One that was preferably covered in fur and had four legs.

  Chapter Four

  It was Monday morning and their kitchen and dining combo smelled of hazel nut coffe
e. While the coffee slowly brewed, Chloe pulled out two mugs and plates sitting them on the bar that separated the kitchen from the dining room.

  Popping a few Toaster Strudels into the toaster Chloe hurried to her room located to the right of the living room and dining room, just passed the laundry room.

  Since the apartment was under Chloe’s name, she’d treated herself to the biggest bedroom. Heather had only been too happy to give it up on one stipulation. Whoever took the room would also be in charge of doing the laundry.

  Chloe had meekly accepted. Laundry wasn’t all that hard anyway. All she needed to do was throw it in, add soap, and wash everything on cold – unless something was particularly yucky like mildew ridden towels. Heather had a bad habit of leaving them wet and piled in the corner of her en suite bathroom.

  That had been another reason Heather opted for the smaller room. It came with its own attached bathroom. Chloe’s bathroom, on the other hand, was located next to the laundry room across the hall from her bedroom.

  Again, that wasn’t a big deal. A bathroom was just a bathroom. Just so long as it had a shower and a big enough tub, Chloe was satisfied.

  In her bedroom, Chloe got down on her knees and pulled her book bag out from underneath her bed. She threw the very empty sea green nylon bag on the bed and headed to her closet. She’d have to head to the bookstore before her first class at eleven to buy her books and supplies.

  Chloe opened her closet door and fished out a pair of skinny jeans and her old favorite grey knitted shrug that looked a bit ratty but was too comfortable to throw out. Once she’d squeezed herself inside the jeans and fastened them below her navel, she threw the shrug on over her black camisole and went across the hall into the bathroom to apply some make-up and fix her hair.

  She’d decided to wear a red headband to add a splash of color to her outfit. As she checked herself out in the mirror, Chloe gave a little smile. Her red band, black hair, and pale skin made her look a little too much like Snow White. Maybe she really ought to go with Heather to the tanning salon. She was much too pale.

  Shrugging off the foolish notion of Disney princesses, Chloe hurried back to the kitchen to add the icing to the strudels.

  After successfully icing them to resemble the picture on the box, Chloe put the two strudels on the table, one for her and the other for Heather, then poured herself a cup of orange juice.

  The coffee wasn’t ready yet, so she’d let Heather get her own cup. Sitting down at the table, Chloe took a deep breath filling her nose with caffeinated hazel nut heaven. It was a shame she couldn’t stand the bitter taste. But boy she sure did love the smell.

  As she took a bite of her strudel, Heather came out of her bedroom dressed in a short robe hung open to reveal an even shorter silk nightie underneath. Her hair was in disarray and her eyes droopy from sleep.

  “Please tell me it’s Sunday.”

  “No such luck. You’re coffee’s ready and waiting. I made you a Toaster Strudel.”

  Heather eyed the strudel warily before pouring herself a mug of coffee. After a few sips, she began to perk up. “So…” Heather began and sat down at the table. “Why are you up so early?”

  Chloe took another bite of her strudel, chewed, and swallowed. “I need to run over to the bookstore and buy my books.” She felt a little shy to mention the rest. “Do you mind if I tag along with you to your first class?”

  “Why? You interested in taking music comp?”

  “Not really.”

  Heather frowned then broke out into a devilish grin. “Or is it the new professor you’re interested in?”

  Chloe opened her mouth to deny it, but she could already feel the heat creeping into her cheeks.

  “I knew it. So is he hot, this Ryther guy?”

  “He’s good looking, yes.” Chloe touched her burning cheeks, wishing that her cold hands would cool them down. Why was she getting so embarrassed? It wasn’t like she was stalking him or trying to get his attention. All she wanted was to see him, if only for a second.

  She’d have to be careful though and be quick so that he wouldn’t catch her. Just one look then she’d have closure.

  For the past few years, she’d spent many hours playing out their reunion inside her head. In her daydreams, they’d meet by chance in a New York restaurant or at a show. He always noticed her first and came to say “Hello.”

  Maybe he’d then comment on her beauty. Or even ask her out for coffee. And that’s when she’d snub her nose at him and say, “You once left without saying goodbye. But I won’t do that. So here is mine. Goodbye Rhys.” She always looked him in the eye when she said it, so that her words would have more impact.

  Other times she’d simply ask him “Why?” Why had he left without saying anything? Why had his eyes grown so cold? What had she done to make him stop loving her? Sometimes he’d blame it on their age difference saying that eighteen was too young. That he wanted someone his own age, someone with a degree.

  And when she’d run through the list of possible reasons, the Rhys in her mind would call her ugly and run away. It was stupid to think that way. But when there was no other possibility, she always turned to more childish reasons.

  Chloe touched her scar. Things would have been different had he kept his promise. He hadn’t and in the end he’d abandoned her without saying a word. How could he do that? What had she done to deserve his silent abandonment?

  He’d stolen her heart, broke it, and never returned it.

  And yet a part of her still loved him enough to want to see him once more. She was nowhere near getting over the heartbreak, nor was she confidant enough to confront him. Instead she’d just settle for that one quick peak and get on with her life.

  “So how old is he? He isn’t some wrinkly old dude is he? I mean I know how some girls are into that short of thing.”

  Chloe snickered and shook her head. “He’s twenty-five I think.”

  “So he’s under thirty and attractive. You have me intrigued. I can’t wait for class.” Heather finished off her coffee. “Let me go get ready then we’ll go see professor cutie.”

  Chloe rolled her eyes at Heather’s back and cleaned the table. She threw Heather’s half eaten strudel in the garbage and put the dirty dishes in the sink.

  It was Heather’s week to do them, so Chloe would give her until Wednesday before she stepped in and did them. Last time Chloe had made the mistake of waiting until Friday and had to do a mountain of dishes. Why did she even bother assigning chores? She was always stuck doing them anyway. The only thing Heather ever contributed was her portion of the rent.

  Maybe Chloe should consider raising it a notch. A little extra pocket money would be much needed after she spent hundreds on her books.

  While she waited for Heather, Chloe grabbed her wallet and apartment key shoving them inside her book bag. She sat down in her wooden rocking chair and looked over her schedule. She had a folklore lecture at eleven followed by French conversation – an easy grade considering she’d grown up with a very French mother.

  She would have chosen another language, but nothing really drew her interest. At least this way, she’d get the foreign language credit she needed without trying too hard.

  Chloe would get a lunch break around noon before she’d have Literary Interpretation. Tuesdays and Thursdays were her short days starting with a French lecture at ten then an Introduction to Shakespeare at eleven. And Friday, another short day was her Folklore discussion and French conversation.

  Chloe heard a door open and quickly stuffed her schedule inside her book bag. Hurrying into the living room, she met Heather at the door, bathed and primped wearing a super short white skirt that rode so high that Chloe was sure Heather’s butt would fall out. Heather had paired the skirt with a tight fitted maroon sweater and matching suede high heeled boots. She looked more suited for a runway than class.

  Catching Chloe’s eye, Heather did a little twirl. “How do I look?”

  Chloe had the urge to t
ell her exactly what was on her mind, instead she bit her lip. “You look good. Though won’t you be cold?”

  “Maybe, but it’s my lucky skirt.”

  “Does this mean you’re going to tell Jett how you feel?”

  “I’m going to try.” She shook her hands. “Uh, I’m so nervous!”

  Chloe smile encouragingly. “Don’t be. There is no way Jett’s going to turn you down. How could he when you’re wearing that skirt.”

  Heather smiled. “I know right? It’s totally foolproof.” She grabbed her designer tote. “If you’re ready then let’s get going.”

  Chloe let Heather go on ahead to the bus stop at the end of their apartment complex while Chloe locked up. Their apartment was off campus and they hadn’t been able to get a campus parking permit.

  Heather hated riding the bus, while Chloe didn’t particularly mind. If nothing else, it helped save on gas. They’d raised the price another thirty-five cents last week. At this rate, it’d be cheaper to sell her old clunker and buy a bicycle. She could get one with a large basket in the front to hold her school bag and groceries.

  If the bus hadn’t been free for university students, Chloe would have to walk to school. A bicycle was too expensive anyway.

  When the bus arrived and they got on, it was already crowded. But they managed to find two empty seats near the back.

  “I forgot to ask but can you eat lunch by yourself today? I was hoping Jett and I could eat together.” Heather said while checking the time on her phone.

  “Sure, I was going to stop by and see my advisor during lunch anyway.” Chloe hadn’t really been planning on it. But now that’s she’d said it, today was looking like a good day to see about getting an appointment.

  “Well that’s good then. We’ll all have lunch together tomorrow. If you want I’ll make Jett bring Matthew along.”

  “You’re not trying to set me up with Jett’s weird roommate, are you? If so, then no thanks. That guy freaks me out. He’s always staring.”

  Heather laughed. “Yeah you’re right. Sorry. Then maybe someone else. You really need to find someone so that I don’t feel guilty spending all my time with Jett.”