Deceit (The Stellar Series Book 1)

by Rebecca Clark

  When we arrive at school, all the cool people are hanging out in the parking lot next to their expensive rides that mommy and daddy bought them. At least I’m not walking by them alone. Even though I’m in flats, I know I appear taller. I confidently stride by them showing a less self-conscious version of myself.

  “Hey, Michael,” Mandy calls out as we walk past her group.

  “Hi, Mandy,” Michael replies.

  Today just might be a good day, I think as we enter the school. Michael grins and leans in to whisper in my ear, “I’m going to run to my locker before class, so I’ll catch up with you later, Alexa.”

  His breath tickles my ear and a flash of heat consumes me. All I can do is stand there in the hallway for a few moments, certain that I might pass out if I move too soon. He was mere inches from my face, in public. “Um…oh, okay…sounds good. Have fun in class,” I manage.

  He gives me a quick, charming smile and he’s gone.

  The idea of going to class isn’t so bad. Now I’ve something to occupy my time. I shuffle to Spanish class and plop down in my seat with a grin on my face.

  After that exhilaration wears off, though, classes are the usual—boring. How can anything beat my morning walk to school with Michael? The great thing is, I spend less time obsessing about my weird dreams when I can focus on trying to catch a glimpse of Michael in between classes. I never noticed before whom he hung out with.

  Unfortunately, the only times I see him today are at lunch, when he’s only there for a minute, and when he walks me to English class. The highlight is biology class; even though he sits behind me and I can’t see him, I can sense his presence.

  As soon as the final bell rings, elation fills me and I’m hopeful that I’ll see Michael on the way home and we can walk together. I go to my locker and pretend to get something, even though I barely ever stop there after school. But I know I have a good view of Michael’s locker from mine.

  Just as I’m about to give up, a hand grazes my back. I know from the warm, tingling touch it’s Michael. I turn to face him, trying to hide my relief that he found me.

  “How was your day?” He smiles while taking the Spanish book from my hands. “I’ll carry this.”

  “Thanks.” I hope my shock isn’t too obvious. No one has ever carried my books before. I thought that kind of thing only happened in movies. “My day was good. Spanish was a little more boring than normal, but I survived. How was your day?”

  “The usual, nothing worth mentioning. But it seems to be getting better now.” He let out a loud sigh. “I can’t believe you’re in advanced placement Spanish with Señor Paulino. I have him for regular Spanish Two, and I’m drowning in all the work.”

  I can tell by Michael’s voice that he’s again being hard on himself. “Well, I can always help you. I’ve been taking Spanish since sixth grade.”

  He reaches out and brushes a strand of hair from my face. My stomach instantly flips. He smiles and responds, “Thanks, Alexa. I know I can always count on you.”

  We leave the school and walk home slowly, enjoying the late fall day. We talk about everything that happened at school. I can easily get used to this. He’s not only smart but nice, and so adorable. Things are turning around for me.

  Alexa Jenkinson may have a great junior year after all.

  I have to call Sheri and tell her about this, I think with a secret thrill.

  Chapter Three

  “Alexa, how long have you been here?”

  How does he know my name? Well, it’s my fantasy state, so he can know my name if I want him to, right? I think I know him, too—or I’ve at least seen him before. I’d remember those soothing blue eyes. Then it hits me: this is another dream with that gorgeous boy in that strange green flower field. I really need to relax and stop watching TV before bed.

  Before I know what I’m doing, I answer him. “I’ve been here only a little while.”

  He stops right in front of me, just an arm’s length away. The smell of fresh cut grass tickles my nose. Why does he smell so good? “Alexa, it’s nearing time to stay.” His voice is so comforting and warm, I almost want to believe him.

  “Stay where? Who are you, and why do you keep invading my sleep?” I can’t help but stare at him. He’s beautiful. His milky white skin is unblemished. His slim-fitting blue, button-down shirt match his crystal-blue eyes perfectly, but it’s his dark denim, hip-hugging jeans that render me speechless.

  He grabs my hand. A frisson of pleasure zips through my body, an icy-hot sensation. It’s such a strange yet enjoyable phenomenon. I squeeze his hand back, and we stare at each other for what seems like hours, but in reality, it’s only seconds before I notice his hand pulling away.

  “My name is Jax. I’ll see you again soon.” The sides of his mouth lift into a smirk as he continues to speak. I can see his lips move, but I can no longer hear anything.

  “What? I can’t hear you,” I shout, but he doesn’t respond. I so badly want to talk to him. I long to ask him why I keep dreaming about him and this magical place.

  Too late. I watch as his once solid, muscular body becomes transparent. What’s he saying? I peer behind me and see the trees lining the field evaporate one by one. I’m being pulled from my reverie. The smell of lilacs is changing into the smell of coffee.

  “Alexa, are you up?” My mom’s voice drifts into my subconscious and drags me out of my fantasy world. I open my eyes to see my Lady Gaga poster staring back at me.

  “I’m up, Mom!” I jump out of bed and grab a towel. That dream turned out to be even crazier than last time. Jax is such a weird name. And his eyes—incredibly striking, unlike any color I’ve ever seen before.

  “Stop, Alexa, it’s just a dream,” I remind myself out loud. “Get ready to face the day.”

  Today is Friday, and Michael will be walking me to school again. Since our study session on Monday, he’s walked me to and from school every day this week. He chaperones me to class and eats lunch with me. This week has me thinking that just maybe school is enjoyable. I smile while obnoxiously belting out my shower tunes.

  I only wish that Sheri would return one of my ten phone calls this week. I’m not sure why she’s avoiding me. She cancelled on me, and then I never heard from her again. I know she celebrated her birthday last weekend. Could she still be busy? I try not to dwell on it and chalk it up to her having a serious boyfriend. Now that I’m spending more time with Michael, I can certainly see how that might happen to a girl.

  When I finally enter the kitchen, my mom hits me with the same question as usual: “What do you want for breakfast, Alexa?”

  “I’ll make toast, Mom. Don’t worry.” I feel bad that my mom is always trying to feed me. I don’t want to be rude, but I’ll be seventeen, and I don’t think other kids my age still have their mothers making them meals.

  “What kind of breakfast is that? It’s not very nutritious. You do know that it’s the most important meal of the day?” She sighs and continues to drink her coffee while skimming the newspaper.

  “How can I forget, Mom, when you’re always reminding me?” I shoot back with a sardonic smile.

  Ignoring my comment, she puts down the newspaper and scrutinizes me with a level, concerned stare. “I’m working the night shift tonight, but I’ll be home in time for your big birthday breakfast tomorrow morning. We have so much to do tomorrow. But if you want, I can try to find coverage so I’m home with you tonight.”

  “No, that’s fine, Mom. I’m just going to come home and do homework and maybe watch a movie.” I butter my toast and sit down at the counter next to her. “Do you mind if I’m not here tomorrow night for my birthday? I’m thinking of going to the homecoming dance.”

  “You mean at the school?” Mom gawks in surprise, probably because I’m talking about going to a school event that isn’t mandatory.

  “I was just thinking about it, Mom. I haven’t really decided yet.” I’m sure she can tell by my defensive reaction that I indeed have made up my mi
nd to attend, but I don’t want to talk about it.

  “Does this have anything to do with that cute boy you were studying with the other day?” she asks slyly. “You know, the one you’ve been walking to school with every day this week?”

  I lower my gaze to the granite countertop to hide my embarrassment and blushing face. Something about him makes my stomach do somersaults, but I don’t want her to know that—she’s my mom! “Mom, he asked me, but I’m only thinking of saying yes. I’m not sure yet.” I pause and peek up at her to gauge her reaction. “Sheri was going to come visit for the weekend, but she texted me earlier in the week and cancelled because she has a family obligation. I haven’t been able to reach her since.”

  The smirk spreads across her face and I know she’s happy, not only because I’ll be venturing out of the house on a weekend, but also because it’ll be with someone besides her or Sheri.

  I have to admit, at first I was disappointed about Sheri not making the time to come visit me, but not anymore. Instantly my heart beat speeds up thinking about going to the dance with Michael. Hopefully, Sheri can come visit for a weekend soon and I can fill her in on my date. Maybe we will both have boyfriends at the same time. The thought makes me squirm with excitement.

  “Okay, no problem,” Mom says. “It’s your birthday, so do whatever you want to do. The only thing I insist on is a big birthday breakfast with me. Then we can go last-minute dress shopping for the big dance.”

  I can see my mother trying to hide her smugness behind the paper. She loves shopping, especially with me—and for me. I’m not a fan, but I do need a dress to wear. “That sounds great, Mom. Thank you.” I give her a kiss on the cheek and head toward the door. I can sense Michael will be here any minute.

  “Alexa, don’t worry about Sheri. I’m sure she’s busy with school,” Mom suddenly says. “I heard from her mom this week and Sheri got a job, so currently she’s juggling a lot.” Her gregarious grin reassures me. Maybe Sheri is simply just busy and not ignoring me.

  Just as I open the front door, I see him strolling up the walkway. The combination of Beiber hair and his warm, friendly demeanor sends a wave of excitement through me. My boring life is really turning around. The only thing I have to get under control is my crazy dreams.

  Michael’s eyes meet mine and he walks right over to me and grabs my math book. How chivalrous, I think with a contented grin.

  “Thanks, Michael.” I push the image of Jax from my mind as I shut the front door.

  After American Government class, I quickly run to my locker to put my books away and pick up the ones I need for after lunch. As soon as I open my locker, I know someone has been in it. My books have been moved and my notebooks are no longer lined up by my schedule.

  Without looking behind me, I can sense someone watching me. I try not to let on that I know someone is there as I put my locker in order and take out the books I need.

  I pull out my English folder and a loose paper falls to the floor. I’m the most organized high school student—loose papers are a rarity with me. I bend down and pick up the folded, lined paper and open it.

  The handwriting isn’t mine. My name and the date at the top are in my handwriting, and I remember writing those, then drifting off in class, reliving my dreams. There’s something else written there, but it’s barely legible. I flip the paper over to see if there are any other marks. Nothing. I turn it back over and sideways until I can barely make out the chicken scratching: He’s not who you think he is.

  I blink several times to make sure what I’m seeing is actually there. That paper could be for anyone, I tell myself. It probably got mixed up in a handout and I put it in my folder by accident. Nervously, I push the paper deep into my bag and shut my locker. I spin around, half expecting to catch someone behind me, but no one is there. Could I be losing my mind? I walk briskly to lunch because, at the very least, I’m spooked.

  Where did that paper come from? Who was in my locker?

  As I near the cafeteria, I can smell milk and reheated pizza. The grotesque yet familiar aromas calm my nerves. I pass by the hot-lunch line and find a table. I decide to forget about the note for now and try to enjoy lunch.

  I jump in line for the salad bar. I’m so happy they added this new menu item this year. The salad bar is all anyone talked about toward the end of last year. The fresh food is popular. Even though the line is always long, it beats the alternative choices. I’m lucky I’m running late today; the line is short now.

  Lunchtime is always my favorite time for people watching. I love to observe as Mandy’s friends flock to her, yet I can’t help but wonder why she’s so popular. It definitely can’t be her grades. Last year, she barely got out of the tenth grade. But everyone seems to love her. I bet that gorgeous boy from my dream would love her, too.

  Why can’t I stop thinking about him? Michael has been so great. Why would I waste my time thinking about a dream? No need to fixate on an illusion, I remind myself. I actually have a real date to mentally prepare myself for.

  “Hi, Alexa.” Michael startles me as he pulls up his lunch tray next to mine.

  Relieved, I welcome his good-looking distraction. “Hey, ready for the big test this afternoon?” I ask.

  “Not really. But I’m more confident since we studied the other day. Thanks for that.” Michael smiles warmly.

  “No problem. I’ll study with you anytime.”

  His big, brown eyes catch mine and my face instantly flushes. “Alexa, you seem distant. Is everything okay?”

  “Oh, I’m fine. Just thinking about the test,” I lie. I don’t want to share with him that I’ve been dreaming about an unusual, imaginary place where a hot, blue-eyed boy watches me. Or that someone left a cryptic note in my locker. I think for sure I would sound a bit crazy.

  We both start eating our lunch, talking about the latest high school gossip. Apparently, Mandy is having boyfriend problems and is going to the dance solo. Strangely, I find comfort knowing that her life isn’t as perfect as it appears. Sometimes I wish I could be her, or at least friends with her. She always seems so put together, and her life is definitely more exciting than mine. She’s popular, has great hair, and is captain of the cheerleading squad—all while in tenth grade, which amazes me. Mandy appears so natural, like she was born to be the girl with everything—or so I thought before the news of her boyfriend issues.

  The lunch bell rings and, like clockwork, the tables empty and the line forms heading out of the cafeteria. As we filter into line, Michael puts his hand in mine and we walk silently to my class. He doesn’t take his hand from mine until we reach my classroom door. Then, with an ear-to-ear smile, he continues on to his class. I linger in the hall a few moments, watching him walk to class.

  Just as I spin around, a dark figure dashes behind the school announcement wall. I know someone had just been there because the fluorescent-green fliers pinned to it are dancing in the air. I wait a few seconds before walking toward the wall.

  With each step closer, my heart bangs harder and harder against my chest. My head turns side to side, scanning for any nearby students or faculty. But it’s oddly quiet. The bell has already rung and everyone is in class.

  My heart races faster and faster, but I keep moving forward. One more step and I’ll be able to peek around the corner.

  “Ms. Jenkinson, what do you think you’re doing out of class?” The sound of my name makes me jump. I whirl around to see Mr. Riley approaching me.

  “Um…um…I thought I dropped something on the way back from lunch. I’m just retracing my steps to find it.” I glance up at him, trying to hide my embarrassment, but my hot cheeks are probably giving me away.

  “Ms. Jenkinson, it’s imperative that you’re in class at the bell. Now hurry along. Whatever you may have dropped will be at Lost and Found at the end of the day.” While staring me down, his eyes seem to instantly darken. One on one with Mr. Riley is completely unnerving. “Run along to class—and you’d better not be late to you
r exam this afternoon, or there will be consequences.” His voice is commanding and emotionless. Before I can respond, he’s off.

  I take a few deep breaths and walk back to my class. I try to focus on the fact that I only have two classes left before my big weekend—English class and Mr. Riley’s biology test.

  My birthday weekend is only hours away. I still can’t believe I’m going to my first school semi-formal dance with Michael tomorrow. Thinking of him twirling me around the dance floor slows my heart rate.

  I hope I’m not getting my hopes up for nothing. Who knows, maybe I can be the average high school girl who gets involved in extracurricular activities and has a social life. Perhaps I can even acquire a boyfriend, specifically the one who is cherished by the popular clique.

  I smile. The thought of Michael becoming my boyfriend thrills me, and it makes waiting for the weekend even more difficult. It also helps me to forget about the strange locker break-in and my awkward encounter with Mr. Riley.

  I open the door to my English classroom and find an empty seat in the back so I can secretly review for my biology test next period. I wouldn’t want to do poorly and get Mr. Riley upset. He’s a little frightening, and I don’t want to disappoint him.

  Chapter Four

  “Pumalia is the name of this place, in case you’re wondering.” Jax says it matter-of-factly, as if I know where I am.

  “Pumalia? I just want to wake up. Why do I keep coming here?”

  He scrunches his eyebrows, creating creases in his perfect forehead. He clearly thinks I’m peculiar. But I’m used to that. “You’re supposed to be here. You were born here. You came here last night, and the night before. Don’t you remember?”