“Are you just going to stand there, or are you coming?” Brooke asked.
I smiled sheepishly as I jogged to catch up to them. “I’m coming,” I said, following them into the building.
After locating our lockers in the crowded hallway, Ethan and I separated from Brooke to find our homeroom. Because homerooms were assigned alphabetically, Brooke always ended up in a different room from us. We claimed two empty seats in the back while other students continued filing through the doorway. Ethan sat on my right, and the seat to my left remained empty.
I glanced over at him and sighed. “So what’s going on with Brooke? Is she going to become a party animal this year?”
Ethan shrugged. “Probably no more than last year. You know how she likes to hang out with her friends on the drill team. I wouldn’t worry about it.”
“I guess you’re right.”
“But you are coming to the bonfire on Friday, right?”
I took a deep breath. “I don’t think I have a choice. She’ll never forgive me if I don’t.”
“She only wants you to come because she wants you to have fun, you know.”
I turned away from him and gazed out the window at a church steeple rising up from between the trees in the distance. “As long as Marlena isn’t there,” I muttered.
As I watched the branches sway in the gentle breeze, I saw the reflection of a dark figure in the glass. My chills returned, even more intense now. I gasped, spinning around to see the motorcycle guy heading for the empty seat beside me. My heart pounded out of control and I looked over at Ethan, hoping to engage him in an engrossing conversation that no one would dare interrupt. But I couldn’t think of anything to say.
“This seat taken?” asked a deep voice to my left.
I glanced at the stranger for a split second. It was enough time to notice his blue eyes and handsome tanned features. “No. You can have it.” I looked away quickly, but not before our eyes met for a moment. I swore he could hear my heart pounding.
“Thanks.”
I nodded before looking straight ahead at the balding, middle-aged teacher who sat at the front desk, rifling through his papers. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw my new neighbor slip out of his leather jacket, revealing sun-kissed muscular arms below the sleeves of his tight black T-shirt. A tattoo of two daggers crossing to form an X with a diamond floating between the handles marked his upper arm just above his elbow. I tried to focus on the teacher, but all I could think about was the stranger beside me.
Ethan reached over, gently tapping my arm. I slid my eyes his way to see him mouth the words, “You okay?”
I smiled weakly and nodded, appreciating his concern. Then we both turned our attention to the teacher as he read names off the list for homeroom attendance. Before he got to us, he called a name I didn’t recognize. “Alexander Payne?”
“Here,” the guy sitting next to me replied in a bored voice. “And it’s Xander.”
The teacher peered curiously at Xander from behind his glasses. “Welcome, Xander. I hope you enjoy your senior year here.”
“I’ll try,” he muttered, seeming relieved when the teacher moved on to the next name on the list.
I sat completely still as the seconds ticked by slowly. I couldn’t wait to escape homeroom and the stranger beside me. I wasn’t sure why, either. He made me nervous and it scared me. I had never felt anything like it before.
When the bell finally rang after the roll call and announcements from the principal over the intercom, I jumped up from my seat. Turning to Ethan, I explained quickly, “I’m going to find my first class. I’ll see you later, okay?”
Before he could answer, I grabbed my book bag and ran out of the room and away from Xander Payne as fast as I could without knocking into the other students.
***
I got through the rest of the day without coming face to face with Xander until after my last class. We shared one class, History, and by the time he showed up, the only empty seat was far across the room from where I sat. I also managed to avoid Marlena who shot me dirty looks every chance she got during lunch and between classes. The one thing that made me smile all day was the memory of Noah, which vividly jumped into my thoughts every time I glimpsed the white flower in my book bag. It was already starting to wilt, but no matter how limp the petals became, it still brightened my mood.
After the final bell rang, dismissing the last class, I trudged through the crowded hall to my locker. As I focused on the numbers to find mine, someone slammed into me from behind. I stumbled forward and the books I carried in my arms went flying onto the floor. A dull pain throbbed in my back from the impact as I knelt down to retrieve my things. I frowned when a pair of tall black boots walked by. High-pitched laughter broke out in the hallway as Marlena and her friends passed me. I should have known the day wouldn’t end without her finding a way to get to me. I watched as they disappeared down the hallway, several football players wearing green and gold varsity jackets following them. Relieved once they were gone, I focused on gathering my books that were now scattered all over the floor. The other students ignored me while skirting around the mess, but I didn’t care. I just wanted to get my things and escape as fast as I could.
As I knelt on the cold, hard floor and reached for a book, a tanned arm extended toward it at the same time. I looked up to see Xander’s blue eyes studying me. “Here. Let me help you,” he offered.
I shivered nervously. Instead of ignoring him or trying to run away this time, I had no choice but to accept his help. “Thank you.” I picked up the book as he turned to reach for another one.
After collecting all of my books, we stood up together. Xander held out the last one, waiting patiently while I organized the rest of them in my arms. My notebooks took up most of the room in my book bag, so I often had to carry my textbooks. Once I had stacked the books in my arms, I took the last one from him. “Thank you,” I repeated, glancing shyly at him and noticing how light his blue eyes were.
“You’re welcome,” he said, smiling.
My breath caught as butterflies raced through me.
“I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Xander Payne. We’re in homeroom and History together.”
I nodded. “I know.”
“You’re Laken Sumner, right? I heard about how you saved that little boy. That’s pretty awesome.”
I groaned inwardly. It was the first time today someone had mentioned Ryder. “Yes, that’s me,” I acknowledged, finally finding my voice.
“Well, it’s nice to meet you. I don’t really know anyone here yet.”
“Then you might not want to be seen with me. It could be social suicide.”
He grinned. “I’m sure that’s not true.”
I smiled weakly as I suddenly noticed that he seemed older than the other seniors. A five o’clock shadow of dark hair speckled his chin, but it was his tattoo that captured my interest. I studied the intricate details of the daggers and the diamond, the lines of ink sharp and clear. I didn’t know any other students who had tattoos. There was something hauntingly mature about him. “Okay, maybe not entirely. But those books didn’t just fall out of my arms.”
“I noticed. I wouldn’t worry about those girls. You’re better than them.” He said it like he knew me, and yet we had just met.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ethan at the end of the hallway waving for me to hurry up. I nervously glanced at my watch, noting that it was time to pick up my mother. “Excuse me, I have to go.” I brushed past Xander, eager to get away from him.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Laken,” he said loud enough for me to hear even as I rushed away from him.
A few seconds later when I stopped to look behind me, he had turned. All I saw was his back as he headed down the hall in the opposite direction, his black hair matching his black T-shirt and jeans.
Chapter 7
Ethan was right. By the end of the week, our teachers had dumped so much homework on us that I almost forgot about th
e body that had been found. I had Calculus problems to solve, an English essay to write, History chapters to read, and Physics formulas to decipher. Between my classes and homework, there was little time left for anything else.
I didn’t see Xander much at school the rest of the week. A few times in homeroom or History class, our eyes met, but I looked away immediately as if his gaze burned me. I don’t know why I felt compelled to stay away. Perhaps it was the unknown. He was a complete stranger and, after a stranger had taken Ryder, I wasn’t comfortable with the idea of more strangers in town. He kept to himself, often appearing bored. He seemed out of place here. Other students speculated on his story, but I didn’t pay much attention to the rumors.
After the final bell rang Friday afternoon, Brooke and Ethan caught up with me at my locker. As I sorted through my books, Brooke chatted excitedly. “So if you two can come over to my place around eight, we’ll drive up to Matthews Pond together. I’m not sure how late we’ll be at the party so, Ethan, you’re spending the night on the couch. I already talked to my parents and they’re cool with it.” I wasn’t surprised. Brooke’s parents had been hippies in the seventies and they were usually cool with anything as long as it was legal.
“I suppose I’m driving to the party, too,” I said.
Brooke smiled hopefully. “Yeah. My sister needs the car tonight. You’re okay with that, aren’t you?”
“Sure, why not? If I’m going to lie to my parents, I might as well go all out.”
“Laken, stop acting like such a martyr. You’re not going to lie. You’re just going to leave out a few details, that’s all.”
I raised my eyebrows at her and Ethan as I shut my locker. “I said I’ll do it.”
The three of us started to head down the hallway, weaving in between the other students. We had only taken a few steps when I saw Marlena saunter up beside Xander as he shuffled through his books at his locker. Her long blonde hair swayed against her white sweater, both a sharp contrast to Xander’s black shirt. I tried to look away, but Brooke also noticed her and stopped beside me. She grabbed my arm, a curious look in her eyes.
Ethan towered behind us. “What are we looking at?” he asked, unaware of the scene unfolding across the hall.
Brooke shushed him by pressing a finger to his lips and tossed a swift nod toward Marlena and Xander.
Marlena leaned against the lockers, smiling coyly at Xander. “Hi, Xander. I hope you had a good first week here.”
He gave her a quick bored glance with a raised eyebrow, before looking back at his locker.
“Anyway,” she continued, oblivious to his lack of interest. “I’m having a party at my house tonight and I’d love for you to come.”
Xander grabbed his motorcycle helmet in one hand and slammed his locker shut with his other. “Save your energy. I’m not interested.”
Marlena’s jaw dropped, her eyes flashing nervously around her to see who was watching. Students milled about between them and the three of us, so she didn’t notice that she had an audience across the hall. “But it’ll be fun. Really, I promise.”
“Let me get something straight, Marlena,” he said, glaring at her. “I’m not interested in you or your friends, so don’t waste your energy on me. I see how you treat people around here. You’re so caught up in yourself that you’ll walk all over anyone who gets in the way of whatever you want. And that isn’t something I value. So let me repeat myself. I’m not interested.”
I wasn’t sure who’s jaw dropped lower, mine or Marlena’s. Speechless, Marlena watched him walk away. Hurt and disappointment glazed over her eyes for a moment.
Brooke squeezed my arm. “OMG. I knew there was something I liked about him,” she whispered.
I couldn’t help smiling at her. Then I returned my gaze to Xander as he hoisted a black backpack over his shoulders. Carrying his helmet in one hand, he headed into the crowd. As he walked by us, I caught his blue eyes watching me. For just a moment, his expression softened into a faint smile. Then, without a word, he continued down the hallway, disappearing out the door with the other students.
Ethan finally brought Brooke and me back to reality. “Okay, if we’re done staring here, Laken, you and I need to get going to pick up your mom. Brooke, we’ll see you around eight.”
With that, he grabbed my hand and pulled me away from Brooke, ushering me down the hall. Marlena still stood beside Xander’s locker, a scowl on her face as she glanced at me. Looking away immediately, I felt her angry eyes watching me until Ethan and I escaped around the next corner.
***
When I returned home, I dropped my book bag on the kitchen table and walked out onto the patio. As soon as I called for Dakota, he charged out of the woods and up the steps, nearly knocking me over when he jumped up to greet me. After he settled down, I knelt beside him and scratched the smoky black fur between his ears. He responded by licking my neck, and I grimaced, gently pushing him away. Then I smiled at him, studying his honey colored eyes.
“I know,” I said. “I miss you, too. I’ll talk to Dad about letting you back in the house this weekend. I know you love your freedom, but I’m getting a little lonely.” Recognizing the look of understanding in his eyes, I continued. “Well, I have a party to get ready for.”
He tilted his head to the side as if he hadn’t heard me correctly.
“Yes, a party,” I repeated. “It won’t hurt me to get out a little again this year.” I wasn’t sure if I said it to convince Dakota or to convince myself.
With one last scratch between his ears, I stood and headed back into the house. At the door, I turned to catch one more glimpse of Dakota, but he had already disappeared into the woods without a single sound.
I retreated into the house, grabbed my book bag from the kitchen table, and hurried upstairs to my room to get ready for the party. After a hot shower, my wet hair dripped against my purple terrycloth robe as I sifted through my closet. Deciding what to wear for a party I wasn’t sure I wanted to attend was harder than I had expected.
My concentration on my wardrobe was broken when my phone buzzed from where I had left it on my desk. Grateful for the interruption, I rushed over to it. When I read the caller ID, a bright smile crossed over my lips. I picked it up and swiped the screen. “Hi, Noah.”
I sat down on my bed, far more interested in talking to Noah than picking out clothes for a party that I knew he wouldn’t be at.
“Happy Friday afternoon,” he said. I imagined a warm smile on his handsome face. “How was your first week at school?”
“As good as can be expected. After all, it is school, and with that comes homework.”
“Yeah. I don’t miss that.”
“You sure? I’d be happy to give you some of mine.”
“Not a chance.”
“I guess I’ll have to suffer through it alone. How was your week? Is there any new information on the guy who took Ryder? I haven’t seen my dad much these last few days, or I’m sure he would have told me.”
“Nope. Nothing new. I wish there was, though.”
“Me, too. I still wish we knew his motive. Might help give all of us a little closure.”
“You know, there’s a chance we’ll never know what his motive was.”
I had considered that. “If that happens, I’m sure we’ll all move on in time.”
“Of course. Now, about moving on. Are you working this weekend?”
“Yes. I’m scheduled for the lunch shift all three days since Monday is a holiday. It should be pretty busy.”
“Great. I’ll stop by.”
That brought a smile to my face and I felt like exploding off the bed into cartwheels. But I calmly responded, “I’ll look forward to it.” After all, he was probably only being nice to me because I was the sheriff’s daughter. Whether or not anything romantic would happen with him remained to be seen.
As I thought about this, I glanced at my dresser where the wilted carnation flopped on its side. He loves me, he loves me not, I
thought to myself. There’s still hope. Don’t give up yet. You’ll be eighteen in one more week and then you’ll be free to date anyone you want.
“So will I,” he said softly. “Okay, well, it’s Friday night and I’m sure you have plans, so I’ll let you go now.”
I was thankful that he didn’t ask what my plans were. The last thing I needed was to tell the town deputy about the bonfire tonight. I didn’t want to be the one to get the party busted. I simply wanted to make an appearance, thereby making Brooke happy. The party was now just an event I had to get through until I would see Noah again. “I guess I’ll see you soon?”
“Yes, soon. Good night, Laken.”
“Good night.”
A huge smile lingered on my face as I hung up the phone. I fell back onto my bed and stared up at the ceiling. The sudden urge to stay home tonight and dream about him shot through me, but I knew Brooke would never forgive me. With a deep sigh, I reluctantly lifted myself off my bed and returned to my closet.
An hour later, my overnight bag filled with pajamas, a hairbrush, toothbrush, and other necessary toiletries bumped against my jean-clad legs as my boots thudded on the hardwood steps. In spite of my better judgment, I was ready for the party in my black sweater and black jacket. I had even curled my hair and applied some make-up, figuring if I had to go out, I might as well look decent.
Ethan was waiting for me in the kitchen with my mother when I came down the stairs. My father was still at the station expecting a busy Friday night now that school had started.
“Where are you kids off to tonight?” she asked as Ethan smiled at me.
I groaned to myself. I had dreaded this moment all week, knowing that I couldn’t be completely honest. Fortunately, Ethan jumped right in. “We’re headed over to Brooke’s, and from there, we’re not sure,” he said. “We might head out for pizza or a movie, but we haven’t decided yet.”
“Sounds like fun. Have a good time. Laken, when will you be home?”
Shadows at Sunset: Sunset Trilogy ~ Book 1 Page 10