*****
Collin decided he would follow us over to Marie’s in his car since him and Sami had a curfew of ten o’clock. Sami rode with me. When we pulled up in front of Marie’s the first thing I saw was a very tall man around the bon fire. He looked like he was starting the fire with a lighter and gas can he had in his hand. He looked to be in his twenties or so, and looked to be a weightlifter. His shoulders were broad and his muscles bulged from under his t-shirt. I saw Tiffany walk out to where he was working to get the fire going. Walking up to him she stood on her tip toes and kissed him on the lips. Then I realized it must be her boyfriend. I didn’t really know Tiffany all that well. The last time I had seen her I was ten or so, before my parents ended me visiting Astoria. We really didn’t play together much, she was two years older than me and she had her friends she played with on the Reservation so she really never wanted to play with me while I was here visiting. She was very pretty now. She had medium length hair. She was thin and looked to be about 5’4 in height. Levi was around 6’1. They had a lot of the same facial features. Both always seemed to be happy and smiling. Sami and I got out of my car and Collin out of his, we walked over to where the seats were situated near the bon fire. As we picked a seat Levi came walking towards us. “Hey Levi, this is Sami and Collin.” I said as I pointed to the both of them.
“Hey guys.” Levi said with a big smile. I could see Sami’s eyes light up. She smiled back at him and waved hello to him. He sat down beside us and he and Collin seemed to connect right away talking like guys do. I took out my phone to see what time it was, it was only six fifty five. Evan had five minutes to get here. I sat there a bit longer talking with everyone. I saw Gran and the other ladies bringing out the food setting it out on the tables that were set up in long rows. I went to lend them a hand. By time I got finished bringing food out and more chairs I noticed it was starting to get dark I checked my phone again for the time, it was now seven forty five. I looked around to see if I could see him anywhere. Collin noticed me looking and asked where my date was.
“Where’s Evan at?” he asked
“What, wait, you invited Evan?” Sami asked surprisingly.
“Yes, but I haven’t heard from him at all today.” I told her, as I gave a quick look again to see if I saw him.
“Evan? Blake?” Levi asked me.
“Yeah. Evan Blake.” I said. As I said the name Blake, Tiffany’s boyfriend turned to look at me. “The Blake’s aren’t allowed here.” He said in a very rude voice before he turned his attention back to the fire. I looked at Levi questionably. He just looked back at Tiffany’s boyfriend with a strange look before he got up to talk with him and Tiffany. After Levi left, Sami scooted over to me “What was that about?” she asked. “I’m not sure.” I replied as I looked towards were Levi stood. I watched the three of them intently, their stares in my direction and the hushed conversation told me something serious had went down between the people on this Reservation and The Blake’s, and not to forget Grans reaction to them also.
By then everyone from the Reservation started showing up. I knew some of the faces but I didn’t know any of their names. Levi introduced me to his friend Bobby and Cody Blackwater. “Emma, this is Bobby and Cody Blackwater. Bobby, Cody this is Emma, Ruth’s granddaughter.” Levi told him.
“Hi Emma.” Bobby said as he shook my hand. Cody just waved.
“Hi.” I said back. Levi also introduced Sami and Collin to Bobby and Cody.
I learned later that they were brothers with Tiffany’s boyfriend, whom name was Gary. Both had short hair. Cody was tall and skinny. He was the youngest of the two boys, he looked to be around fifteen. Bobby was tall but had a thick build to him, he was around sixteen. Since they were Native Chinook also they dark skin tone as we all did. Both playfully wrestled around with each other. Levi didn’t join in. He sat next to me talking, pointing out who was who. At one point during the night two boys around the age of twelve came running over to Levi “Is that your girlfriend Levi?” one asked in a taunting voice. I couldn’t tell which was which since they looked just alike. “Get out of here you two.” Levi yelled as he stood to rush them off. I laughed as I asked who they were.
“That’s Cayden and Christopher Miller. They are twins as you can tell. They live down the road. Tiffany use to babysit them. And they are so annoying.” Levi said as he rolled his eyes. He tried to forget the embarrassing comment the twins had said by changing the subject. I played along because it made me just as uncomfortable as him.
Even though it didn’t look like Evan was coming I still found myself searching for him anyways, and my search kept coming up empty. The last time I looked at my phone it was almost ten o’clock. I should just admit to myself that I got stood up. It probably was for the best with Gary’s reaction towards the Blake’s. I didn’t want a fight here on the night we was suppose to be honoring Levi’s parents, which reminded me, I needed to remember to ask Gran about Levi’s parents and how they died.
The bon fire lasted well into the night. By midnight most of the adults had gone home. Collin had already gone home also. He had a curfew of ten o’clock. Sami’s was also at ten, but she was having so much fun she called and got permission to stay at my house for the night. We were having too much fun to call it a night at ten o’clock.
As Cody and Bobby sat with Sami, Levi and me, we talked and laughed as the night drew to an end. They were really fun to hang out with. Both had a really good sense of humor and they were really funny. I had to admit, even though I was bummed out about Evan being a no show, I still enjoyed myself. When it was one o’clock I told Sami we had better get home. Gran would be worried even though she knew where we were. We told everyone goodbye and got in my car and left for home. Once we were home we both got settled for bed. Luckily my bed was big enough for two. And I was even more lucky that Sami didn’t bring up Evan and how he stood me up. I tried to think of other things than Evan and how he stood me up. When that didn’t work I grabbed my I-pod and put in my ear buds and pushed play and it wasn’t long before I was sound asleep.
Chapter 7
Monday morning I didn’t bother waking up early. I decided the night before that I would start getting to school a little later than usual so I could avoid running into Evan, since he stood me up for our date. And even though I did want some answers from him on a few things. Like, why did he run out of the classroom that first day? How did he stop that sign from crushing me? What was the deal with the visions I saw every time he touched me? Why he stood me up at the bon fire Saturday after he insisted on being my date. But most of all, I wanted to know about that kiss the other day at Cannon Beach and why he ran off afterwards without a word, that was the thing that bothered me the most. All I knew was today I didn’t want to face him. I was still mad at him for humiliating me by standing me up. And right now, I needed some space from Evan Blake and his mix signals.
I pulled up in front of the school. The parking lot was full of cars and buses. Most of the students were already inside, which meant the bell was about to ring for first period. I thought to myself how this worked out perfectly. I got here just in time and I’m not even late, and I avoided running into Evan. I found a spot just a few spaces over from where Evan’s car was parked. It was the only available one. “Shoot.” I said out loud to myself. Oh well, I will just have to get to my car before he does this afternoon. I looked around before I got out. Making sure I didn’t see him anywhere. Once my search came up empty, I opened the door and got out. I picked up my book bag out of the backseat and looked around one more time to make sure I was in the clear and then started towards the school.
“You finally made it.” The voice said in a relieved tone. I turned to see Evan standing there.
“Where did you come from? I asked.
“Oh, I was just hanging around, waiting for you to get here.” He said with a sheepish grin.
“Why? Do you want to kiss me and run away again or stand me up again?” I said.
I
could tell he felt ashamed. His eyes fell towards the ground and his smile faded. “I’m sorry about that. It was a very rude thing for me to do.” He said as he reached out to take my hand.
“Yes… it was!” I snapped as I jerked away before his hand made contact with mine.
“Look Emma, I wish I could explain, but I can’t. Being friends with you isn’t an option.”
“So do you always kiss girls you don’t like?”
“Who said I didn’t like you?” he asked.
“You did.” I growled.
“You don’t know anything Emma.” He said as he looked around like he was afraid someone would see him talking to me. Then suddenly he broke his glare at me and walked away. “Fine, walk away… again!” I screamed. He froze in place. As if I hit a nerve. Although he never turned back around to face me, I could see his shoulders drop as he let out a big sigh, then started walking towards the school.
“Evan!” I shouted out to him as I tried to catch up to his pace. As I reached him, he stopped. “Just leave me alone. I’m tired of your games. First you hate me, then you kiss me, and I get stood up by you and now you can’t even be my friend. I don’t need this, or you!” I said harshly as I passed him, bumping into his shoulder as I passed and then I proceeded towards the school. I never looked back and he never moved from where he was frozen solid after my hurtful words. I could tell because I never heard footsteps behind me.
The rest of the day Evan made sure to avoid me. If he saw me in the hallway between classes he would turn and walk the opposite way. During lunch he let me get my lunch tray before he even got in line to get his. Even though he was already in the lunchroom before I was. I made sure to sit with my back towards his table, so I wouldn’t be tempted to look his way. When I felt the urge to look in his direction I stopped myself. I didn’t want to think or look at Evan Blake ever again if I could help it.
The rest of the week Evan continued to ignore me whenever he saw me. I couldn’t say I was happy about that, but it was better than seeing his Dr, Jekyll and Mr. Hyde act.
*****
Finally Friday was here I stuck to my usual routine to getting to school later to avoid Evan. As always I checked my surroundings before exiting my car. I sat my book bag on the back of my car to dig out my cell phone. I had forgotten to tell Gran this morning that I was going over to Sami’s house after school to study and I needed to call her to let her know. Digging through my bag I realized that’s not the only thing I had forgotten. I left my cell at home. It’s probably still plugged up to the charger on my nightstand. Great I thought. I will just have to call this afternoon from Sami’s house.
My day was still the same. Evan avoided me as he had all week. I barely looked in his direction, and he in mine. I was still angry with him for standing me up for the bon fire. But mostly for how he was acting towards me.
Finally it was three twenty. Sami rode with me to her house so we could study. I used her phone to remind Gran I would be home late today, and that I forgot my phone at home so she wouldn’t worry when she tried to reach me and I didn’t pick up. “Gran, I was calling to remind you that I am studying at Sami’s today.” I said.
“Okay sweetheart, try not to be out too late. I don’t want you driving after dark.” she said in a firm tone. “Okay, Gran. I left my phone at home too, so if you call and I don’t answer that’s why.” I hung up the phone and Sami and I sat at the kitchen table and got started on our study session. We snacked on chips and soda while we studied and left the chit chat to a minimum. I was hoping she wouldn’t bring up Evan since he was our usual topic. When she never did and it was time for me to leave I let out a sigh of relief. I got to my car and started it, turning on the headlights since it was already starting to get dark. Gran is going to freak out. I should’ve been home by now I thought. I hope I can remember how to get out of Sami’s neighborhood. After a few wrong turns I finally made my way to the main street. Now I knew where I was. I turned on the radio to try to keep my thoughts to drifting off to Evan. It didn’t work. The music seemed to make me think of him more. As I remembered his words from the other morning (Being friends with you isn’t an option). It just made me even madder. It doesn’t make sense. Does he or doesn’t he like me? Just then I heard a weird sound as my steering wheel pulled sharply to left. I could hear a thumping sound coming from the front tire. Great, I thought. I probably got a flat tire. I pulled off safely to the side of the road. Looking back before I opened the door just in case a car was coming I didn’t want it to hit me.
When I got to the front passengers side of the car I saw that I did have a flat tire. Great, I don’t know how to change a tire. I wonder if I even have a spare. Going to the trunk I opened to learn that I didn’t have one. NICE! I reach for my back pocket to get my cell out to call Gran and then I remembered I didn’t have it. “GRRRRRR!” I screamed out loud. All I can do now is walk. Grans house was probably four miles from here. I shut the trunk and got my book bag out of the back seat and locked up the car. I started walking. I was fine walking down the busy street, and it wasn’t until I had to turn down the road that led to Grans that it bothered me. I had maybe three miles to walk down a dark road. There wasn’t any lamp post on this road so it was very dark. I kept up a fast pace and looked down when a car would occasionally pass by me. No one offered to stop. Occasionally, I would stop when I thought I heard something rustling in the woods off the roadway. The longer I walked the more I felt someone was watching me. I started being more aware of my surroundings. I swore at times I could hear footsteps matching my stride, but when I would stop to look around they would stop also. But I never saw anyone around. “You are letting your mind play tricks on you Emma, that’s all.” I said out loud as I laughed at myself shaking my head.
After walking about a mile on the dark road I could see a car coming head on towards me. It started to slow as it got closer. I slowed as well. I hoped it was Gran looking for me. When the car slowly drove past me and I saw it wasn’t Gran I pick my pace back up. That’s when I heard the car stop and reverse back towards me. When the car pulled beside me I could see it was an older man, maybe in his thirty’s or so. He had an unshaved beard and looked to be overweight. He rolled down the window but I kept walking trying to keep my head down as much as possible.
“Hey babe, do you want a ride.” He said which caused a chill to go down my spine.
“No thanks.” I said as I dropped my eyes to the ground and picked up my pace even faster.
“Oh c’mon, I don’t bite.” He said as he kept pace with me in his car. I never answered. Suddenly he pressed on his brakes and put the car in park. By now, my heart started racing, I could feel the pulse in my ears start to pound. My legs felt like jelly. The man caught up to me and started to grab all over me. As his hands tried to wonder, my hands protested by pushing them off me. “C’mon honey, we could have fun.” He said. I just kept wishing another car would drive past and hopefully it wouldn’t be too late. “Get off me.” I yelled as I pushed his hands away again. That’s when he became angry. “I tried to do this the nice way.” he said as he grabbed me by both of my arms and pushed me to the hard wet soggy ground. My mind instantly went to the flyer of the teenage girl whom body was found the other day. I don’t know why she came to mind but I didn’t want to end up like her was all I thought. The only thing I could think to do was to fight back and scream as loud as I could, and that’s when I saw something fly past me. I couldn’t make out what it was at first it moved so fast. That’s when I heard his voice. “Are you okay Emma?” the voice asked as I heard a loud thud. That’s when I saw him. It was Evan on top of the man hitting him. The man screamed out in pain and covered his face from the assault. I couldn’t do anything but stare. I was frozen in fear. When Evan felt the man had had enough he stopped hitting him and stood up. Kicking him on last time in the ribs then Evan picked the man up with one hand by the throat, the man’s feet was inches off the ground as he screamed “I better never see you anywhere near he
r again, do you understand me?” to the man. The man dangled in the air as Evan held him there longer than necessary.
“I don’t even know her man.” The man cried out.
“Keep it that way.” Evan barked. “Now get out of here before I finish the job.” He added.
The man scurried to his feet and started to run towards his car. Looking back the whole time making sure Evan wasn’t following. The next thing I heard was a car door shut and tires spinning out in the rain soaked ground.
“Emma, are you okay?” I couldn’t speak. I was still frozen in place. “Did he hurt you?” He said as he shook me gently.
“No.” I said softly as I looked up at Evan in confusion.
“C’mon, let me help you up.” He said as he took my arm and pulled me to my feet. I looked around to find Evans car. When I never saw it I finally spoke. “Where’s your car?” I asked as Evan just looked at me never answering my question.
“Do you think you can walk?” he asked.
“Ump, yeah.” I said still search for his car all the while. “Where is your car Evan?”
“At home.” He said quietly.
“How did you know where I was?” I asked shaking my head in confusion. He looked at me with shameful eyes. When he never answered I asked again, this time in a shaper tone. “Evan, how did you know where I was? And where is your car?” it seemed like an eternity before he answered.
“My car is at home. And I knew where you were because I… followed you.” My mouth flew open in shock. He followed me? So that means he followed me from school to Sami’s house. And he would have had to of watched me the whole while I was there and then when I left. I finally spoke. “So, you followed me from school this afternoon?”
Astoria: Secrets, Lies and Vampires Page 6