by S J Crabb
I get on with my task and soon start to enjoy myself. I must have been sorting the shelves out for an hour before I come across a copy of Tess of the D’Urbervilles. Rocking back on to my heels I open the pages and start to read. I can’t help myself and know that I should be working but the story sucks me in. All at once though the book is plucked from my hands and somebody crouches beside me saying, “Can’t you hear me, where are the Thomas Hardy books?” Surprised I look to see who has disturbed me and find myself staring into the most beautiful face that I have ever seen in my life. Two of the blackest eyes are staring at me and swallowing hard I jump up in confusion. Pulling back I can see that they belong to a guy who must be about my age. As he stands up I notice that he is taller than me and has an extremely muscular body, very evident through the T Shirt that he wearing. He has jet black hair that is slightly unruly and he reeks of testosterone and a heady aftershave. He looks extremely irritated and is staring at me angrily. Shaking myself I look down and mumble, “I’m sorry, I’ll find them for you.” As I go to move he moves in front of me blocking my exit and looks at me intently. “Wait a minute. Do I know you from somewhere?” I am suddenly glad of the dingy light and say, “No, I don’t think so. I’ve just arrived here.” Looking into my eyes I can see that he is trying to place me. His expression is puzzled and breaking away I say, “Follow me.” Luckily he does just that and I soon hand him several volumes of Thomas Hardy’s work. Coughing nervously I say, “Are you sure you want them all? I mean you can only take three books out at a time.” Looking lazily at me he says, “Who said I wanted to take them out. I just want to look at them here.” Nervously I gesture to an empty table and then place some more books on to it. Looking back he picks up the book that I was reading and studies the cover. Smirking he looks at me with a look that almost takes the breath from my body and says, “Tess of The D’Urbervilles. How interesting.” I look down and say quietly, “Why is that interesting?” Leaning forward he says in a whisper, “It’s my favourite book that’s why.” Shocked I look up and once again he looks at me with a puzzled expression which is soon replaced by a wicked grin that makes my heart beat faster than it ever has before. “So my little Tess,” he says raising an eyebrow. “The question is do you prefer an Alec or an Angel?” Flustered I look down and say, “Neither.” Laughing he drops the book on to the floor and moves to sit down at the table. Flicking his gaze back to me he says, “It might be interesting to find out.” Backing away I hurriedly pick up the book and return to my work.
There is silence in the library as he reads and I work. Occasionally I glance up at him from across the room and can’t help but be drawn to him. He has stretched his legs out and raised them up on to the table. He is engrossed in the books and my heart flutters every time I catch sight of him. I have never before witnessed such a beautiful face on a man. The sight of him gives me palpitations and I can’t concentrate on the job in hand whilst he is here. Mr Watson ignores him completely, even though he is lounging on the table with his feet up. If anything he appears to make him nervous and he soon disappears outside for a break. I watch in fascination as he takes each book one by one and flicks through them. There is intense concentration on his face and he doesn’t so much as read the books, but absorbs them. Suddenly in shock I realise that is exactly what he is doing. It can’t be. I have only ever heard of someone doing this, I have never actually seen it happen though and I wonder if I am right.
Suddenly I notice the time and jump up. My shift is due to start in Violet’s soon and I mustn’t be late. Quickly I grab my things and then after saying goodbye to Mr Watson who luckily comes back at the same time I head for the door. However I have to pass his table and as I do a foot shoots out and he blocks my exit. Looking at me with a strange look on his face he says softly, “Where are you going?” The way he says it makes me think that I am doing something wrong. Nervously I suck in my lower lip and watch as his eyes flash. Clearing my throat I say, “Um, I’m meeting someone.” Just as I say it the library door bursts open and I am relieved to see Gabe standing there. Seeing what is happening he races over with a grim look on his face and grabbing my arm pulls me behind him. Staring angrily at the man sitting down he shouts, “Leave her alone,” in an extremely menacing voice. I am surprised as Gabe is not normally like this. The man just laughs wickedly saying, “It would appear that little Tess likes Angel. Now isn’t that interesting.” Feeling myself blush Gabe looks between us in confusion. Pulling him along with me I say, “Come on Gabe, I don’t want to be late.” Throwing the man an angry stare he follows me outside. Once I am seated in his car he says angrily, “What was that all about, what did he say?” I look at him warily. “He was just reading, or at least I think he was.” Gabe looks confused and I ask, “Gabe who is he?” I am surprised when Gabe hits the steering wheel in anger. “Your worst nightmare Grace, that’s who. I told you to stay away from him.” I had sort of guessed but for confirmation say, “Ash?” Letting out a deep breath Gabe nods. “Yes. As soon as I drove up I noticed his motor bike outside. That’s why I came in. He didn’t touch you did he?” Shaking my head I say, “Of course not. I wouldn’t let him.” “Good, that’s one thing I suppose. Look Grace, you’d better not tell Mom. She will only worry and you may get shipped out. With any luck it was a one off encounter and he may have just been there for the books anyway.” I look at him thoughtfully. “I think he was. But that’s not all Gabe, he didn’t read the books; I think he’s an absorber.” Gabe’s hands tighten on the steering wheel and I notice that his knuckles have turned white. “I know,” he says huskily. “He is the cleverest guy in school but appears to do no work. His memory is almost photographic and it almost seems as if just by touching someone he instantly knows everything about them. You mustn’t go near him Grace. It’s not safe in more ways than one.”
Now I know why Gabe is so worried. He mustn’t find out who I am and I will make sure that I keep well away from him in the future.
Chapter 7
As I set to work at the diner I can’t get the image of him out of my mind. His face fills my head and all sorts of images flash across my mind. I must get him out of my head. This is dangerous unknown territory and I have been well and truly mesmerised by him. I am glad that I am secreted away in the kitchen with my thoughts and by the time my shift ends I am exhausted. Gabe comes and picks me up and I am glad to reach the sanctuary that is my bedroom.
I spend the evening with my Aunt as Gabe has gone out, just glad to be here safe and sound away from dark compelling eyes and wicked grins.
The weekend passes and soon it is time for school again. Gabe gives me a lift in and as I walk towards the entrance I hear the distinct sound of a motor bike. My heart leaping I turn to look and am glad to see that it is Jacob. Pulling my hat down firmly on to my head and hiding behind my pretend glasses I set off inside. Luckily I don’t see him and listen to Cally and Piper talk excitedly about their weekend. I am finding it difficult to concentrate as I keep on expecting him to walk around the corner at any moment.
At break time we are getting stuff from our lockers when Cally nudges Piper and I see Skylar and Teagan by the lockers. All of a sudden the conversation stops and everyone turns to look as the hall is filled with guys in leather jackets. There is a hushed silence as everyone looks at them. All eyes though are on one person only. There in the middle of the group looking every bit as dangerous as I remember is Ash. He walks down the hallway looking bored and just flicks irritated looks around him. I watch in fascination as Skylar approaches him. Her walk is suggestive and standing in front of him she flicks back her hair and juts out her hip. Speaking in a sultry tone she says, “I wondered when you would be back.” I watch as he lifts his hand and runs it around her waist. His eyes glitter dangerously and he pulls her against him. Gripping her backside he runs his other hand down her front. Then raising his hand he winds her hair around his fist and kisses her a crushing, bruising kiss that almost sets the place alight with its intensity. His gan
g stand there grinning lasciviously and I notice that Cally’s eyes are as wide as saucers. I will myself to look away but can’t seem to manage it. After what seems like forever he pushes Skylar away. She stumbles back and I can see that her face is flushed and her lips bruised and trembling. Feeling a flush creep through my body I turn away. By the time I look back they have gone.
Fanning herself Piper says, “Oh my God, that was sooo hot. Only in my dreams can I imagine that.” I’m inclined to agree with her. I have never even been kissed although many have tried. I can only imagine what it is like. I wonder what it would be like to be kissed by him. I have never wondered before but then again I have never come across anyone like him before either.
The morning passes and I join my friends for lunch underneath the tree as usual. It is an extremely hot day and I fan myself with a text book and stretch out on the grass. Cally plops down beside me and rolling over we both lay there our elbows to the floor propping up our chins and watch events around us. I see Gabe with his ever present band of followers. He also has a commanding presence and I know that the girl who eventually wins his heart will be very lucky indeed. In the distance we can see the cool gang. Due to the heat of the day they are minus their trademark leather jackets which only makes them seem sexier, as now their tight fitting t shirts just accentuate their rippling muscles. I hear Cally sigh beside me as she watches them and I know the reason for it. I can see her watching Jacob as he lounges against a tree. He takes a swig from his can and then pushes his hair back from his eyes. In a whisper I say, “You like him don’t you?” Turning to me in alarm Cally says breathlessly, “Ssh Grace, they’ll hear you.” Laughing I say, “They haven’t got super hearing you know.” Grinning Cally raises her eyes. “They’ve got super human everything else though.” We laugh and watch with interest as Skylar and her friends join the group. Teagan goes over to Jacob and I feel Cally tense up beside me. She sits in front of him on the grass and then sets herself between his legs and kisses him, bringing his head down to meet hers. Cally sighs and I know that this is agonising for her to watch. I think about asking her to come to the rest room with me but then I watch as Skylar approaches Ash and takes hold of his arm. With interest I watch as he turns to face her and even from here I can see an expression of irritation on his face. However she either doesn’t notice or ignores it and runs her fingers down his arm and moves closer. He just pushes her away as he would an annoying insect and I can see an expression of hurt cross her face. Cally whispers incredulously. “Goodness, that’s interesting. Normally they’re all over each other. Obviously absence hasn’t made the heart grow fonder in this case.” Nodding in agreement I jump up. “Look I need to use the rest room before the bell. Do you want to come?” Cally nods and we grab hold of our bags and head off inside. It is some relief to reach the air conditioned interior and I don’t hurry myself. I need to cool off in more ways that one. Just before I finish I hear voices outside and recognise that it is Skylar and her friends. Deciding to stay put until they have gone I hope that Cally does the same. I hear Skylar say angrily. “Whatever he’s playing at I’m going to find out what it is. If he has found someone else I am going to break her.” One of her other friends says, “Quade hasn’t said anything to me. Apparently he has been with his father all summer. You know what that does to him Skylar, he always returns like this.” I hear Skylar say, “Yes, you’re probably right. I’ll just have to sit tight and weather the storm because if I’ve got it right there is about to be a major one if he’s pissed at his dad.” The bell rings and I hear them leave. Pushing open the door I see that Cally does the same. In a whisper I say, “What was that all about?” Cally grimaces. “Whenever Ash comes back from visiting his dad he’s always in a foul temper. He tends to take it out on everyone else and trouble normally follows.” As I wash my hands I say, “Don’t they get on then?” Shrugging Cally says, “I’m not sure, but I once overheard Jacob in the yard on his phone. He appeared to be calming Ash down and I heard him mention his father.” Her eyes shining she says, “That’s what Jacob does for him. He is like a brother to Ash, a calming presence unlike Jace who likes nothing more than a bit of violence and trouble. They are like chalk and cheese but both serve a purpose in their friend’s role.” As we walk to lessons I ask, “Who are the other members of his group?” Cally lifts her fingers and starts checking them off one by one. “Well there’s Lucian. He is the quiet one and Quade, he is the funny one. Then there is Killian, the clever one. So as you can see the perfect band of brothers.” Before I can probe further we reach English and I scurry into my seat and set about getting my things out of my bag.
Miss Peters stands up to begin the lesson but is interrupted by the door banging open and we all look to see Jacob enter the room closely followed by Ash. All eyes turn to look at them and I notice that Miss Peter’s looks resigned to their late entrance. “Hurry up guys we’re about to start.” They move to their seats at the back slowly, seemingly in no hurry at all. As they pass me I look down. I mustn’t make eye contact with him. Jacob moves on past but as he reaches my table there is a slight hesitation as Ash stops, then leaning down he picks up a pencil that has fallen on to the floor. Banging it down on the table in front of me I can feel his eyes on me. Without looking directly at him I mumble my thanks and then look down again. He moves away and once again I feel the heat flood through my body. Cally is looking at me in shock and I will myself not to blush. Luckily Miss Peter’s starts the lesson but I can feel his eyes burning into my back. I don’t even need to turn around I can just feel it and I know that I’m in trouble.
Trying to pull my thoughts back to the job in hand Miss Peter’s starts reading from the book Tess of the D’Urbervilles. Feeling uncomfortable once again I can feel his scrutiny.
Trying to focus I enjoy hearing Miss Peter’s read the story and I am soon engrossed in it. The hour flies past and as soon as the bell rings I shake myself out of my trance and bundle my books into my bag. Before I can get them all though my copy of the book is knocked off the table and looking up in surprise I see a pair of black menacing eyes level with mine as Ash crouches beside me as he picks up the book. Feeling uncomfortable I clasp my hands together in my lap feeling suddenly scared. Turning towards me he holds out the book saying in a whisper, “Always dropping your book little Tess, didn’t your mama teach you to respect the written word?” His eyes glitter dangerously and trying not to touch him I take the book from him and mumble my thanks. Once again he looks at me with a puzzled look and lowering my eyes I can feel myself blushing. Jacob comes up behind him and says, “Come on Ash. We’ve got Mr Clark next and you don’t want to give him an excuse to kick you out of the lesson again.” Standing up Ash throws me another look over his shoulder as they walk away.
Cally jumps up alarm on her face. “Oh no, we have a problem.” Following her I say, “What do you mean?” She looks at me agitatedly. “Look Ash never picks up anything for anybody. He would more likely kick it across the room and watch as you go to get it. Also the way that he looked at you showed that he was interested. If Skylar gets wind that he’s interested you’re in danger.” “Interested! You’re joking aren’t you? I don’t even know him and I’m certainly not interested in him.” Cally looks at me and raises her eyes. “Methinks the lady doth protest too much. If you’re not interested then why did you sit for most of that lesson looking hotter than I’ve ever seen you before? Also as soon as they came into the room you changed.” I look at her in alarm. “What do you mean changed?” Shrugging she says, “I don’t know. I mean despite all of our best efforts we still can’t make you look ordinary. But when he passed you you seemed to glow from within. There was an aura around you. It was like the sun was trying to get out.” Her words fill me with fear. Leaning back against the wall I can feel the tears springing into my eyes. Cally rushes over. “What is it Grace, do you feel unwell?” Swallowing hard I try to look normal saying, “It’s ok just a headache. I’ll be fine.” The trouble is I am anything but fi
ne inside. I know that he affects me and I can’t risk anyone seeing the real me. This locket is meant to suppress things and works most of the time, but what if it’s not powerful enough? I could be in danger. The last thing I want is to have to move again. I must try to avoid Ash and his friends at all costs.
Chapter 8
Luckily I manage to avoid Ash and his friends for the rest of the week. I finally begin to feel normal and just enjoy being ordinary. My shifts at Violet’s are going well and I enjoy spending time at the diner.
One evening as I finish the last of the dishes I hear Violet talking on the phone. “It’s ok Jake, meet me here in fifteen. It won’t take me long to lock up and then you can spend the evening making it up to me.” She giggles flirtatiously and I wonder who she is talking to. Hanging up the phone she catches me looking and grins. “Every girl loves a bad boy don’t they Grace? It’s one of life’s mysteries. However don’t ever let them know that they’ve got you otherwise they give up the chase, and that my dear sweet Grace is the greatest part of all. It’s all in the chase.” Miranda one of the other ladies in the kitchen laughs loudly. “How many years has he been chasing you now?” They all laugh and I think about what she has said. As we leave I see an impressive large black car waiting outside the diner. Slowly Violet walks towards it and then gets inside. The car races off and I wonder if the mysterious occupant was Mr Knight, Ash’s uncle. I feel strangely subdued and what with the events of the past week I feel in need of a boost.