by Sara Schoen
“Don’t worry about it. Kelsey insisted, and that’s just how it is. When you move into this town you become family and family helps each other out when needed. We’re here for you, just remember that.”
I came here to be alone, not gain twenty new family members. What I needed was to be left alone so I could finally move on with my life. “Thank you, Lottie.” I was about to say good-bye when she interrupted.
“It’s nothing to fret over, honey. I have one more thing to do for you, and this one I know you’ll like!
“Oh...What-what’s that?” I stuttered, pacing between rooms. I hated talking on the phone. I hated talking in general. Now she’s giving me more stuff I don’t deserve…
“Don’t worry about it, we can talk about it when you come into town today! Take your bike, get out of the house, look around the trails, and meet me in town whenever you can. I won’t take no for answer. I’ll see you soon. Bye!” She hung up before I could protest, leaving me gawking.
“Well, I guess I’m getting out of the house today.” I glanced toward the pile of stuff I had collected. Was there a place to donate this stuff? I couldn’t imagine so in such a little town. I sighed; suddenly annoyed I had answered the phone. I hate being manipulated. I shook my head to get rid of that thought. These people aren’t like him. It’s just some weird thing they do. Not everyone is out to control me and ruin my life.
I tossed my phone, keys, water bottle, and camera into my spare small, brown floral backpack before entering the garage. Thankfully, it was connected to the house. The last house I had been in hadn’t been, and he had managed to find me and trap me there. I touched the scars on my arm—the result of our last encounter when he took a blade to my skin—out of habit before recollecting myself. At least this time, I had two ways out and a whole cabin to hide in. I shuddered at the memory of him towering over me, ready to make good on all his threats, before forcing the image from my mind as best as I could.
Flicking on the lights in the garage, I noticed the purple bike immediately. Unlike the rest of the house, this was the only room that was empty. I shut the connecting door to the house and grabbed the bike. It was set to a little over my height, had ten speeds, and fat tires, which I was sure was great for the trails around here. I opened the side garage door and made my way out toward the road. I glanced over my shoulder, seeing the lake and the town. I could take the faster route, but Lottie’s right. I should look around. This is home now.
Hopping on the bike reminded me of summers with my grandparents. The town wasn’t much different than Avalon, minus the shift from beach to mountains. Even as I rode toward the camping ground I could feel at home in Escape as if I was back in Avalon. The small towns made it easy and welcoming to get out on a nice day. The similarities allowed me to explore and experience Escape differently, especially compared to the photos and lines I had read in the pamphlets. It made me feel at home in a way.
I saw a few hikers setting up for their stay for the night, some of which even waved at me as I pedaled past. Though I waved back, I did catch myself lingering on anyone who reminded me of him...fearful of what they’d do. A scream pulled me away from those thoughts. Though for a moment, I wasn’t sure if I should head toward the scream or away from it. I glanced around before seeing two girls running through the wellness camp. One of the pamphlets had said their camp didn’t start until Mid-June, but it said the director, Kelsey, ran programs during the year as well. These girls must be here for the May events to prepare for the start of camp. Honestly, I was a little winded just peddling a bike around town. I couldn’t even imagine spending an entire summer working out.
As I traveled through the camping ground and the wellness camp, I could see what Lottie meant by a slow start to summer. There was room for well over one hundred and fifty hikers, and that didn’t include the trailers I’m sure drove through occasionally, at the camp site. The wellness camp had about ten cabins with what seemed like only one being used and a lot of open space.
I made a point to travel through the wellness camp slowly so I could possibly find Kelsey and see if she wanted her bike back, but I only saw a few girls who looked to be about fifteen. They were lacing up their hiking boots while others were preparing for a swim. A few waved at me as I passed, others seemed shy and looked away from me. I tried not to be offended. To them I was an outsider, someone they should stay away from. Just like he had taught me to do. I waved back regardless and continued my ride over Faith Bridge. I could see the town crowning over the hill to my right, but the well-defined hiking trail to my left beckoned me.
Lottie can wait a little longer, I decided with a smile. Turning my front tire toward the dirt path, I took off with the girl’s excited laughter and shrieks from entering the cold-water echoing around me. Their voices faded behind me as trees thickened around me, wrapping me in a cool, shadowy blanket, shielding me from the sun, and silencing everything around me until I was left with only my thoughts.
A few months ago, leaving me to my thoughts would have been dangerous. Maybe even suicidal. In the past few years, I had gone through more turmoil than I thought possible, and it seemed like the pain was never-ending. No matter what I did, I couldn’t escape bad news.
I thought I had found the one, the person I was meant to be with, the one who’s supposed to be by my side for the rest of my life, but then it all fell apart. “It’s over, Mia.” I had been trying to fix a broken relationship; cheating, fighting, and abusive, manipulative behavior. I should have known it couldn’t be fixed, but I didn’t want to give up on him. I thought we loved each other, but it turns out that had been one sided too. “Mia, stop. You’re embarrassing me and you’re embarrassing yourself. It’s over, Mia. I don’t love you, I don’t think I ever did. You’re someone I settled for, you’re nothing. It’s your fault this happened, not mine. Now it’s time to move on. I have, and you should too.”
Trees moved past me in a flash as I peddled faster, taking my memories with them. But once those were gone, I was left with a harsh reality. The same ex who had told me I wasn’t worth anything and would never amount to anything is chasing me to ruin the life I had created without him. I shook my head as the path took a turn. Stop thinking about it. It’s over now. The small flickers of sunlight through the leaves and the light at the end of the tunnel of trees echoed my thoughts; a new life, one without him.
I broke free of the trees and came out on a stunning overlook. The path settled against the edge of one of the mountains, giving me a great view of Peak View, a small town the bus had stopped in for a short time, and the surrounding landscape. It reminded me a lot of Escape, but with more shopping, a high school, a military base, and more homes. It’s going to be packed in the upcoming months. Not that I could blame anyone for wanting to visit. I had been here only a few days and I already loved the little town. Even as I looked over the lush green landscape, I didn’t feel as far from my family as I had when it came to Wes. For the first time, in a long time, I genuinely felt at home. I didn’t feel the need to look over my shoulder. This is the place for me. This is where I can finally heal and move on. This is exactly what I’ve been looking for.
Taking a deep breath of the fresh mountain air, I realized I couldn’t wait to move on. I’d dive in head first, even if it meant accepting another gift I didn’t deserve from Lottie. If this is what they do, then I should accept it. It’s time to move on. Whether he wants me to or not. Turning my bike around to head back to town, I took one last glance at the overlook. The sun hanging over Peak View, the mountains keeping us concealed, and everything in me was screaming for me to take a leap of faith. And that’s just what I’ll do. I pushed away from Mountain Side Height lookout and headed toward town, thanks to the helpful signs on Morning Glory’s trail. I left feeling the best I had in years...I’d return when my life turned to shit again. As it inevitably would.
Chapter 3
Justin leaned against the hood of the ambulance chowing down on the sandwich he had just bou
ght at Ellie’s Diner. I’ll give it to him; he can really put away food. He had eaten a full cheesesteak, fries, milkshake, and then taken coffee and a sandwich to-go. Not that it mattered, the guy hiked on his off days. He’d stay in shape, and if he didn’t I’d drag him out with Deacon and me on our runs and workouts. Then Justin could see what military training could do, even to a couple of retired men. At the thought, my foot and leg started to throb. Six breaks and a car accident had put me out of commission, ending my life-long dream of being in the Army. It just wasn’t meant to be.
“It didn’t take you long to start digging into that sandwich.” I walked past him to join him on the hood, pushing those thoughts from my mind. It’s best not to dwell on them. My family does that enough for me...
“Hey, I’m hungry. Don’t judge me.” He glanced at me through his black hair before he took another bite out of his sandwich. He gave me a lopsided grin as some of the ham hung out of his mouth. “I didn’t judge you when you scarfed down that plate of steak and eggs in record time this morning.”
“Too late for that. I’ve known you too damn long not to judge you.” I hit him in the arm, causing him to topple slightly. “I’ve seen you drop your pants in town during the Fourth of July parade as a dare. I was with you when you got trapped in that abandoned mansion in the woods and nearly pissed yourself when you thought you saw a ghost. Let’s not forget when you made out with the wrong girl.”
“That was a shit show...Girls shouldn’t be inseparable. A date is for two people, not three!” He took a sip of his coffee and seemed to be reminiscing for a moment. When he pulled the cup away from his lips, he continued. “I’m glad they both moved away for college. I don’t think I could have handled having them here after that.”
“I’d kind of like to watch you squirm again. It was the best entertainment, especially when you tried to salvage the relationship. The best part was when you asked for a threesome because I got to watch them smack the shit out of you.” I gave him a wicked grin when he flipped me off. I laughed in response, leaving him alone for now so he could finish his sandwich in peace.
I cast a glance around the town to see the usual people out and about. Officer Harrison Davis’ was doing his usual rounds to each store on foot to check in on them before taking the police car to the houses and neighboring housing areas. I waved at him when we made eye contact, but he didn’t come over to talk. Thankfully, because he could talk for hours without stopping. Though so could most people in town. It’s not like there’s much else to do.
Lottie stood outside the daycare getting ready for the day. Kids on break from school were running around the playground, screaming and laughing. Then a sudden blaring horn met my ears and pulled both Justin’s and my attention to the culprit; Joe Austin passing by in the park ranger’s Jeep flipping us off. I waved as he passed, but Justin flipped him off in return, before we settled back into our spots to relax in the comfortable silence.
Nothing changed in this town. The same people did the same things and then the children followed in their parent’s footsteps to continue the process. I guess that’s why I’m such a disappointment. I couldn’t go Army and I didn’t want to go into politics.
“Hey, who’s that?” Justin asked, thankfully breaking me away from my thoughts. I followed where his index finger was pointing to see the new resident I had been hearing so much about; Mia Daniels. “Joe wasn’t fucking with us when he said she was hot as hell. She’s got a nice body; maybe she’s here to help Kelsey with the wellness camp for the upcoming season. She looks like she works out.” He chuckled to himself. “Maybe I’ll be making more trips out to the wellness camp to get to know her.”
I couldn’t help but follow her as she rode her bike from the town hall straight toward us. I took in all the features of her, her umber hair being blown back by the subtle breeze from riding her bike, her downturned expression, the shadow in her eyes, but also her body. Joe was right.
Justin nudged me as she got closer. “Damn bro, take a picture, it’ll last longer. You’re going to freak her out.”
“No, I’m not even looking at her anymore...” Well, I was but he didn’t need to know that. I’d never hear the end of it. “I might go talk to her. You know, introduce myself and welcome her to town.” Justin laughed, uninhibited and loud enough to alert the whole town. I elbowed him in the gut as Mia rode past, giving us a curious once over before heading toward Ellie’s dinner. “What the hell are you doing?”
Justin kept laughing, despite being winded from my blow. “I see what you’re doing. I’ve known you for years. We grew up together man, you can’t hide that shit from me. You’re not smooth.”
“What are you talking about? All I said was I was going to introduce myself to her, not try to nail her on the hood of the car.”
“Yeah, and that’s code for ‘I’m going to ask her out’, but you have no chance with her. You know you aren’t going to talk to her. You have a better chance of her taking a sudden interest in you and then trying to fuck you on the hood of the car.” Justin grinned wickedly and lifted an eyebrow as if to say he’d proven a point. He hadn’t proven anything. I could talk to her if I damn well wanted to.
“What makes you say that?”
“I know you won’t talk to her. You haven’t dated seriously in what, five years? Maybe even high school if you consider that one year relationship a fluke since you never had to be with her due to long distance.” Justin leaned back on the hood, sandwich finished and now his usual food-induced nap coming on. “You don’t date because they only come to you for money and you know the second they hear your name they think dollar signs. Oh, or my favorite, some of these chicks you’ve dated literally have the personality of a rock. Let’s not forget Lindsey from high school.”
I groaned at the thought of her. She had been the worst date I’d ever been on, maybe even worse than Justin’s girlfriend mix up. I had taken her to homecoming or some other horrendous school dance and she literally did nothing. She wouldn’t dance, she didn’t want to talk to my friends, and when she talked to me it was bland and the conversation lacked any real topic. When her friends showed up, I left her with them and never tried to take her anywhere ever again. I had ended up dancing with another girl that night, which was the one from the one-year relationship I had been in while I was in the army.
Though, all of them had seen dollar signs when they were with me. The ones here knew who I was and wanted the money and family name. The ones in college felt they were entitled to everything. The ones in the military preferred to sleep around and that just wasn’t my style. It just never worked out and I had come to terms with the fact I may not find anyone, or I’d have to settle.
“Let’s face it, you can’t get a date around here without the chick knowing who your family is. Your dad is the mayor, your great-great-great grandfather or some shit like that founded the town, and you’re rich. If the girl somehow doesn’t know all that, I’m sure she’s seen the announcement about how your sister is marrying some senator from the state. You’re fucked, and not in the way you want to be.” He glanced behind him toward Mia, who was talking with Lottie, Ellie, and David Stirling. I wonder what they have to talk about. Maybe she’s joining David’s research team. I could see her being a science person. Though I couldn’t image her wanting to work as a herpetologist like David. I wonder what she’s interested in. “Hell, David is old enough to be her father and he has a better chance than you.”
“Shut up,” I practically growled. “While you’re at it you can go fuck yourself too. I’ll prove to you I can get a girl without my family’s name. She’s not even from here. She just moved here from the other side of the country. There’s no way she knows anything about the Greystones.” I slid off the hood of the ambulance and made my way over to her and the others.
David said something along the lines of, “See you at Lakefront tomorrow,” before saying good-bye. So, I guess my assumption was spot on. She’s going to be working at Lakefront Wil
dlife Research Center. If she likes the environment, then she came to the right place. We have the most laws and programs set up to protect the environment in the entire state. As few trees, as possible were taken down during construction and then replanted after. The town was practically encased in trees and mountains.
Lottie and Ellie left together, heading toward the diner for the lunch rush. As I got closer, Mia mounted her bike to take off, but stopped when she saw me approaching. I saw her visibly tense, her eyes had the ‘deer in headlights’ look, and she moved back slightly. Well, that’s not the reaction I usually get. What’s wrong with her?
“Hello, I’m Gage. I heard you were new in town and I wanted to introduce myself.” I held out my hand so she could shake it, but instead she scrutinized my motion, seeming to look for a double meaning in my words or gesture.
“It’s nice to meet you,” she said dryly before reaching out to shake my hand. Her hand was small in mine and cold to the touch, despite it being a balmy eighty degrees out. I didn’t mention it because she retracted her hand as soon as possible, returning to her stiff posture. “You’re Gage Greystone, aren’t you?
It was my turn to step back. So much for her not knowing me and my name not affecting her choice. “Yeah, I am. How did you know?”
She gave me a coy smile as she pointed to the town plaque in front of the park. It gave a short history of the town, including the founders. “I’m Mia, but I guess you already know that with it being such a small town and all. Lottie likes to introduce me to people when I’m not around. So they already know about me, yet I know nothing about them. I’m glad I could do it to someone else for once.”
We stood in silence for a few moments, I was unsure of what to say and she looked like she was trying to find a way to escape. I could see the silence affecting her. She started to twitch and shift on her feet, uncomfortable and clearly eager to leave. When I didn’t give her the option, she eventually forced out a sentence.