Tearing Away (Fatally Flawed Book 1)

by Lassetter, Dusty

  Tearing Away

  (Fatally Flawed Series book 1)

  By: Dusty Lassetter

  Tearing Away

  a Fatally Flawed novel

  Copyright ©2016 by Dusty Lassetter

  All rights reserve. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means. Without prior permission from the author. The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the internet or via other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, establishments, organizations, and incidents are wither products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously to give a sense of authenticity.

  Prologue

  Candice

  The sounds of screaming wake me up once again. My dad must have come home angry at the world, deciding to take it out on my mom. He has always been a violent and cruel man but the fights are getting worse. I used to be able to drown out the noise by listening to my MP3 player. Now the walls shake from my mother’s body being tossed around and beaten for a mistake she probably never made. Everything seems to set him off, even when we try not to give him a reason for his flying fist and loose tongue. The neighbor may have looked at him wrong or someone back talked him at the local bar he frequents. It never matters the reason, the outcome is always my mom’s screams and his evil laughter.

  Making my way toward the living room, the noise gets louder and the shadows grow on the wall adjacent to the dark hall I am currently hiding in. The looming figure of Christopher Price is shaking my mother with his meaty paws and large frame. He has lost all control and let the monster take over completely. My body shakes as my feet inch forward trying to get a better view. My heart is pounding and my palms sweat. I can feel the fear running through my veins, making my senses come alive. The board under my foot creaks as I peer around the corner and my heart drops into my stomach. My mother never allows him to hit me, always taking the blows, but he is uncontrollable tonight. Call it intuition or a gut feeling, I just know everything is about to change in my world. I should run.

  Why am I not running?

  Chapter 1

  Candice

  Most teenagers are out of bed and ready for their first day of senior year before the suns bright rays reach the sky. Well I am not most teenagers and the sun’s light is just a reminder of the dark secret I keep hidden. I roll over and moan as I hear a soft tapping coming from the other side of the door.

  “Candice honey, are you up?” My Aunt Stacy whispers through the crack in the now open door.

  “Yeah” I rasp, my voice still filled with sleep.

  It has been three months since I moved in with my distant Aunt and Uncle. For nearly four years, it was just foster homes and state homes for me throughout the great state of Texas. When they finally found the only living relative of my mother Lacey Price, I was on a plane to Florida the next morning. I never knew my mom had a sister, but according to her, she left for Texas with my dad and never kept in touch with her family.

  “Breakfast is getting cold, I made your favorite. Chocolate muffins.” I can hear the hope in her voice that this might be the morning I finally eat breakfast with her and Uncle Troy.

  “I’ll be down in just a few, just need to get dressed.” Is my only reply.

  It takes me less than 15 minutes to get ready. I just throw on my skinny jeans and favorite batman hoodie I got for Christmas from my caseworker last year. I keep my long strawberry blonde hair down, to help shield my face. You do not grow up in a house with Christopher Price and not learn a few tricks to stay invisible. Next, I throw on my old black converse sneakers while sitting on the twin size bed with a deep purple comforter. My aunt let me decorate my room. I suppose she thought I would go over board because of the whole “Girls are meant to be spoiled” motto she has going on. To her complete shock, I only wanted one tiny black dresser that sits in the far corner of my room and this twin size bed that is the focal point of my 12x12 living space. She added the dark purple curtains with black floral pattern and cushions to the window seat across from my bed. I prefer to stay simple. Being meek and surviving is all I know.

  “I talked to Mr. Duncan last week, he has agreed to keep a watchful eye over Candice.” I can hear Aunt Stacy say, through the swinging doors of the kitchen.

  “She will be fine dear, let’s try not to overwhelm her on her first day at a new school.” Uncle Troy replies, kissing my aunt softly on the lips.

  Their PDA is a strange thing to witness because I never encountered loving embraces growing up. The only time Christopher got close to mom was to knock her around.

  Nudging the corner of the door, I take one last deep breath before stepping into the kitchen. My aunt is standing behind the island that splits the kitchen in half. Yellow cream-colored walls are accented with mocha brown crown moldings. There are several signs and pictures on the wall of coffee and different characters drinking it. I have come to notice people in Florida do love their coffee and my aunt is no exception.

  The walnut stained wooden floors and sandy marble counter tops really complete the look. Walking to the refrigerator, I notice my aunt staring at me out of the corner of my eye. She does not comment about me wearing a hoodie in the summer anymore, and I am thankful. She seems to realize my need to hide is something I can’t change.

  As far as the family resemblance goes, there really is none. She has long honey brown hair, dark brown eyes, and a soft round face. My eyes are blue and my cheekbones are more pronounced. She is a few inches taller than my 5’2 frame. My nose has a light dusting of freckles while her skin is flawless. I can understand why my Uncle Troy adores her. She has natural beauty that these plastic surgery zombies around here do not have. She is also very kind, and can even be protective at times. Personality wise she reminds me a lot of my mother.

  “So Candice your aunt and I have decided I will drive you to school today, on my way to the office.” Uncle Troy explains as he takes a sip of his coffee.

  My Uncle Troy is at least 5’11 and weighs one hundred and ninety pounds. He has kind blue eyes and black hair with the slightest bit of grey on the sides. He is a divorce lawyer for a firm here in Tampa. He seems to make good money and takes good care of my aunt.

  “Are you ready? “He asks as he puts a muffin in my hand and urges me out of the kitchen, Aunt Stacy trailing right behind us.

  “Candice you have a great first day, if you need me call me, I programmed my number on your new iPhone!”

  With a lump in my throat, all I can manage is a head nod to Aunt Stacy.

  Walking to the car, I take in the neighborhood that has become my permanent address, at least until my birthday in two months. I do see the irony that my birthday just so happens to be on Halloween, Christopher was the devil after all.

  I continue to make my way down the path, It’s your typical Florida suburban neighborhood. Palm trees lining the asphalt road. Houses sit twenty feet apart that all look alike. The same red brick pattern and the same height. All the beige mailboxes sitting at the end of the driveways, some of their red flags raised waiting on the postal worker to pass by.

  Getting into the back seat of Troy’s black BMW I take another deep breath to calm my nerves. Therapy really helped me with my anxieties, but today is going to test me. I’m going to a new school, and will not be able to completely control my environment. Staring out the window, looking at the palm trees blur by, I tell myself for the hundredth time, “Candice you can do this.”

  All around me kids run, walk, or skate by me. I barely remember Troy-saying bye as he drove off. My anxiety is so high my chest is tig
htening. Rushing water is the only noise I hear around me and my breathing is shallow. If I do not find a remote place to calm down, everyone is going to figure out what a true freak I am.

  I start to walk toward a clearing I see in the distance between two large buildings that I know to be the school and gym. Written in bold red lettering on the building to the left is Gatesville High School. I shield my face with my hair and put my hood up over my head. No one seems to care about the pathetic new girl so I easily make it to my destination. I survey the area to make sure no one followed me, and then lean my head against the gym wall. Taking several deep breaths while counting to ten in my head, I notice my heart rate start to come down. That is when I hear the rustle of clothing.

  My head whips up so fast my hood flies off, and I nearly lose my balance. I peer up at this huge figure standing over me. The top of my head barely reaches his shoulders. I notice dirty blonde hair, cut short on the sides but longer on the top allowing some to hang down in his face, a strong jawline and a nose that tilts to the left side just a fraction. The bit of hair hanging down his face highlights the most amazing hazel eyes I’ve ever seen. He is wearing a green shirt that stretches over his huge arms and frame, making the green specks in his eyes shine brighter. His hands are twice the size of mine, easily capable of breaking me. There is a scratch on his cheek, making him look all that more threatening. I know I should run, but I’m not.

  Why am I not running?

  Chapter 2

  Jasper

  Pounding on this bag at two in the morning is the only outlet I have. The bag takes my punches, absorbing blow after blow. My muscles ache and sweat is pouring down my face. Taking my anger out at the gym means not taking it out on her. Making my body sore and tired means not having the energy to deal with her. My arms are burning so my punches slow. Fatigue is taking over and I have no choice but to stop. I’ve been at this gym for a little over two hours now. I step away from the bag and unwrap the tape from around my hands while stepping off the mats. Roy is in his office as I walk by; I am heading to the locker room to take a shower, but I know he will not bother me. He knows my secrets; knows I need space.

  Standing under the spray with my head bent forward I feel some of the tension leave my muscles. The stress of last night no longer has me on edge. I should have gone home with Dalton and K.J last night, after we left the abandoned tracks where all the students from Gatesville High hang out. Dalton and K.J are the closest things to family I have. We have been friends since the 3rd grade when K.J. and I got in a fight on the playground over the perfect hiding spot, behind two big trees. Even as a little kid, I did not like to socialize or play with my peers. I am a loner and apparently K.J feels the same. The fight had just begun; we were rolling around on the ground, limbs flying everywhere. K.J and I were both big for our age. We were at least three inches taller than the rest of our classmates. Dalton who had been watching us, rushed over to pull us apart. Dalton was not as big as we were, but with no help from anyone, he managed to pry us apart. No teachers could see us from their bench seats they were sitting at, chatting about the latest school gossip. Right there on that playground Dalton looked down at us, covered in dirt and leaves, and said, “Knock Knock?”

  He looks between us expecting a response. We just stand up and start to dust off our clothes.

  “Who’s there?” He answers himself, changing his voice.

  “Cow-go.” He says, back to his normal voice.

  “Cow-go who” I say, taking pity on him, since he is just standing there looking at us with a goofy grin.

  “No, cow go MOO.” he yells out right before he burst into a fit of laughter, K.J tries to hide his smile, but soon we are all looking at each other laughing.

  We became quick friends that day. With Dalton, you never know what you are going to get, or what he might say next. Now, ten years later, because he took a chance on two weird socially awkward boys, we are inseparable.

  It was the last night of summer party that everyone who is anyone attends. K.J, Dalton, and I showed up after the party had been in full swing, but no one questions why we are late. It is none of their fucking business anyway. We all rode together in my new truck that I worked my ass off to get this summer. Being the son a single mother that is always high off meth with her newest druggie asshole boyfriend means you have to work for everything you get. My MMA coach and longtime father figure Roy McDonald gave me my first job at thirteen when he caught me trying to steal some bread for dinner at the store by his gym. I saved every penny I could and got my truck last month.

  The tracks are an abandoned train station on the outskirts of town about ten miles from our school. There is only the light from the fire pit that sits in the middle of the opening. Over the years, people have brought in different types of furniture. There is old pool furniture someone stole from The King’s Knights Hotel and some chairs someone made from old lumber they found lying around.

  Standing at 6’3 and weighing two hundred pounds, everyone tends to move out of my way. It may also have something to do with my reputation. Everyone knows not to touch me. The last person who touched me ended up with a wired jaw. I have my rules and expect people to follow them. My attitude makes the girls at our school want to try to be the one to tame the famous Jasper Johnathan. It will never happen; the darkness within me will not allow it.

  Dalton is to my left and just an inch shorter. He has on that ratty baseball hat turned backwards to cover up the curly black hair he hates. His green eyes are scanning the party looking for his next conquest. With his boy next-door looks and natural charm, he has no trouble picking up girls. They seem to flock to him in waves, hoping to be the one he takes home tonight.

  K.J is to my right. He is just as tall as I am, but built like a tank. His light blond hair, nearly white, is clipped close to his scalp, and his black eyes stay looking forward warning people not to approach. K.J has always been the quiet one, only speaking when it is important. He has never talked about his childhood and we have never asked. The same eyes that can see through anybody’s bullshit, holds a story no one may ever hear.

  K.J and I take a seat on one of the old green iron chairs from the hotel while Dalton is wasting no time finding his next conquest. He is slow dancing with some red head I have seen at school once or twice. The low base and beat making it the perfect song to highlight her talents.

  I see London Miller and her clan of cackling hyenas approaching us out of the corner of my eye. She is wearing a tight dress that is nearly see through with her usual Jimmy Choo hills. She is a spoiled bitch, with an “I am better then you “attitude. Her daddy is in politics and trying to run for Florida’s State Governor. Most people find her long black hair, big brown doe eyes, and big rack attractive. Not me. She is fake and I do not do fake. Her two best friends Christina Day and Karla Matthews trail right behind her, following like mindless zombies.

  Christina has fiery red hair with natural waves, her nose has a slight upturn to it, and she wears too much make up to try hiding the freckles covering her face. Her attitude is similar to London’s, but I would say just slightly worse since she is always looking for London’s approval.

  Karla Matthews is the tallest of the four with long legs and dark brown hair cut into a short bob. Her bright blue eyes are the most attractive of her features. She is always wearing glossy shit on her thin red lips and constantly looks constipated.

  Bethany Myers is following at the back of the group always two steps behind. She is the prettiest of the four in my opinion. She is only 5’4 and has curves that the other three should be jealous of. With brown eyes that seem genuine and dirty blonde hair that hangs past her shoulders. She is the black sheep amongst her friends.

  London finally makes it to the corner of the tracks where we are sitting. “Hey Jasper, when did you get here?”

  Looking up at her and wondering why she is standing so close I simply reply, “An hour ago.”

  Dalton appears at my side and sits between K.
J and me “Hey London, knock knock?”

  Too stupid to realize she is being set up London replies, “Who’s there”

  Dalton glances around the group and says, “Willice.”

  “Willice who?” She replies putting her hand on her bony hip.

  “Willice dick fit in your MOUTH!” He shouts over the music laughing his ass off.

  The whole group has quieted, waiting on her response, “Poor little Dalton trying to seek attention from me because Bethany finds you repulsive.”

  The look on Bethany’s face when she hears the remark makes me realize there might just be hope for her and Dalton one day.

  Trying to defuse the situation before it escalates, I stand up. “London, what the fuck do you want?” She must think I am a fool because she looks up at me batting her mascara-clumped eyelashes, and says, “I just wanted to see if you would like some company at home tonight?”

  She tries to grab onto my bicep, but the look I give her stops her hand midway. I will never sleep with her. The thought of her touching me, makes me want to scrub my body down with steel wool. Not wanting to be anywhere near her right now, I push my way through the Crowd with K.J and Dalton following behind me. We get a couple of byes in our direction as we walk to my truck, but I just look forward and say nothing. Everyone here knows I am an asshole; no one expects a farewell.

  Thirty minutes later, we are pulling into Dalton’s family home. They live in a secluded part of Tampa only the rich can afford. His family has always had money. Old money from his great- grandfather on his Dads side. His dad Trevor is a Doctor, and his mother Carolina takes care of the house and organizes charity events for Trevor’s hospital. They have accepted K.J and I into their family and we are forever grateful for them. On most nights, us boys all stay in the guesthouse that has become our home. It is three bedrooms with two baths and an outside entertaining area including a swimming pool.