True Love:Follow Your Heart

by Melissa Heagerty

  Marlowe shook her head, kneeling in front of her. “Hey, none of this is your fault. I wanted to tell her anyway. If anything, you helped me come out. You have been a great support system to me these past few weeks.”

  Then why did she feel guilty about this? Maybe because she still thought it was her fault?

  “Hey, you still with me?” Marlowe saw Torrie was a million miles away.

  A thought crossed Torrie's mind—a fact Marlowe had revealed when they first reunited. “Yeah, but aren't your parents divorced?”

  Marlowe wondered how long it would take her. She let out an amused chuckle. “Yeah, mom thought moving me to LA would change my mind. Maybe being closer to my father would help fill in the 'male role model'.” She explained it like Bonnie told her daughter.

  “I am so sorry,” Torrie repeated herself once again. She didn't wish any of this to happen. The only person Marlowe was pissed at was her mother, for the way she had acted. “I'm going to miss you.” They shared another hug.

  Marlowe was the only friend Torrie had since middle school. “If my mother doesn't take my phone away, I'll give you a call when I get to sunny LA.”

  Torrie didn't want to cause trouble again, no matter how much she’d miss her. Maybe this time apart would do them some good. “Maybe you shouldn't. I already messed up your life. I don't want your mother to despise me any more than she already does.”

  Marlowe knew she was beating herself up again. “Hey, I told you to stop that. One way or another, it was bound to come out. I'm glad I know how my mother feels about this. It shows what kind of woman she truly is. Nothing will change about me. You have been a great friend, Torrie. I will miss you so much.” They released their final hold. Marlowe felt the cold daggers of her mother glowering at her. The hairs on the back of her neck were standing up. “I should get back. Don't beat yourself up over this, okay?” Marlowe hoped she wouldn’t.

  A gloomy Torrie watched her leave for the final time. All Torrie knew was that she didn't want to go home yet. She needed a drink and knew a club where high schoolers were let in. To dance the pain away. Drown her sorrows.

  《***》

  Later that night, a strapping, young man named Kasper Theodore Lockhart, who was the oldest brother of Kelli and Kandace. He was a charming, seductive, seventeen-year-old kid. The woman sitting in the driver's seat was in her mid-forties, she had raven shoulder-length hair, those same brown eyes darting to her son who entered the passenger side.

  “Thanks, ma.”

  She knew this day was going to come. Her own troubled, rebellious past was coming to bite her. Katrina even surprised herself by hugging her son instead of strangling him right now. “At least promise me you'll try to behave?”

  Kasper smirked, feeling his mother smacking him in the back of the head for his stupidity. This hadn’t been his first time in juvie, but it wouldn't be his last. “I'm not making any promises, but I'll try.” He admitted to himself.

  Katrina drove them both home. After a long discussion and a serious grounding, Kasper agreed to at least try to make this a better year than summer, which also meant he had to agree not to spend time with Avery Maddox anymore. That was going to be a tad of a problem for him. Avery lives in Foxworth Haven but goes to school at Cherish High. With a household of sisters, Kasper felt outnumbered and alone at times, but hanging out with the brotherhood help and they had a strong connection because of it. He knew it was going to be hard to end that chapter of his life. But, could he do it? Turn his life around? Kasper started to feel claustrophobic, and he needed an escape. Waiting until she went back to bed, he sneaked out of the house. He wanted to clear his mind; one drink wasn't going to hurt right?

  A sultry woman leaned towards the bar ordering herself the exact same drink Kasper did. “Hey, that's mine, princess,” he told her.

  Glancing her head slightly in his vision, to seeing Kasper leaning his arm against the bar. His focus directly went on her curves.

  She smirked, as her hand was on his bottle. “Guess drinks are on you then.” She winked in his direction before she walked away.

  《***》

  He let out a disbelief in a chuckle and ordered himself another, keeping a close eye on the gorgeous woman all night. You want to play huh? Grinning to himself. It wasn't like they were going to see one another again, right? A college drunk came up from behind the woman, who felt him cop-a-feel her ass before she slapped him away. After he didn't take a hint, she felt him move in from behind bumping into her. This time Torrie was seconds away from stomping on his foot when she heard a familiar voice. “Back off before you lose that finger,” Kasper yelled over the obnoxious music.

  He stumbled away, nearly colliding into the other partygoers as Torrie turned her attention back to Kasper's.

  “What? Didn't think I could handle myself?” She took a sip in front of him.

  “No, I believe you could. Let's just say, you still owe me for my drink.” Kasper’s voice simpered.

  The amused woman could see what he desired in those eyes. “Name your price.” He was her hero tonight. The least she could do was return the favor, as the booze started kicking into high gear. She became enchanted by his gaze as the adrenaline rush filled her entire body at this point.

  As the clock struck midnight, she imagined this would be the point with Cinderella rushing home before the curse broke. Again, Torrie was not Cinderella. Next thing they knew, they were making out in the girl's bathroom. “You know I didn't need a hero back there.” She repeated herself. Sitting on the sink. The mirror behind her kept poking her back.

  “Oh, yeah, you're more than capable of standing on your own two feet,” Kasper said sarcastically at her. Watching her losing her balance after standing back up.

  She placed her heels inside the sink once they came in.

  “You can barely stand, sweetheart.” Kasper teased as he liked her from the moment they met. He was not that guy who would take advantage of her.

  “See, I'm perfectly fine!” She hiccupped, reassuring him that she wasn't, well drunk.

  Seconds later, a scrutinized Kasper tilted his head, as a plastered Torrie got distracted. He needed to escort her home. Or get her to a safe location. He lifted her up over his shoulders.

  “Hey, how'd I get up here?” Her purse swung behind his back as she grabbed it on the way out.

  He stifled a laugh as he unlocked the bathroom door. Once they were outside, his headache could take a break from the blaring music. He asked for her phone and texted some random person to pick her up. Kasper waited outside until her ride arrived. He saw a car with someone checking on her condition.

  《***》

  “You need to stop butt dialing me again. Oof you reek.” Flynn smelled alcohol on her breath as he guided her towards the passenger side.

  Torrie began sleeping it off. “I love you too,” she mumbled after he buckled her inside and closed the door.

  Flynn smiled lightly. She's going to be the death of me. Hearing his car drive away shortly after that.

  A befuddled Torrie awoke from her slumber with a massive pounding hangover. Foolishly loathing herself at the moment for agreeing to gulp down shots with the bad boy she vaguely remembered from last night. She toppled onto the floor with a thud that was heard.

  “Torrie?” Flynn had the bathroom door half-opened since it was across the hall from his bedroom. Yes, he felt obligated to supervise her last night. Fantasizing other scenarios that were more entertaining than holding her hair back as she threw up, hence the shower this morning. Kneeling by her side out of concern. He saw an uncommunicative expression on her face, not recalling the unfamiliar room.

  The vision was still blurry in her case. Remaining nonchalant, Torrie started to recollect herself. Her eyes darted to the male figure. She blinked and almost gagged. “I do not need to see that when I wake up.”

  A troublesome Flynn shook his head. And, she was back to normal. He stood back up, sauntering b
ack into the bathroom.

  “What the hell are you doing in my room looking like a stripper?”

  He went back to his shaving; an exasperated sigh was heard. “Look around toots, this is my room,” he corrected her.

  Ewww, it was his room. Ugh! She started to look around. Seeing the mattress on the floor where she fell from. Clothes scattered basically everywhere. Her eyes narrowed on Caden's side of the room which was neat and tidy. The opposite side of Flynn's.

  She felt naked all of a sudden. Her eyes narrowed on her wrist as she started to move some of his stench clothes. Maybe it dropped on the floor? “Where's my bracelet?” Torrie searched the room. It was wickedly important to her. Eileen gave it to her on her birthday a few years ago. They've got a matching set, as if today couldn't start any worse.

  Flynn was drying his face with the towel around his neck, shrugging. “Maybe it's in the car?” He suggested. All he wanted was her out of his room. It was bad enough, her breath smelled.

  “You promise you won't blab about this to Eileen?”

  He shook his head. Understanding how important their bond was to one another. “Scouts honor. Do me a favor will ya? Take a shower?”

  Torrie was stumbling out of his room, ignoring him.

  “Finally...” He said listening to the sweet sound of silence.

  Chapter 4

  “Dad's not here,” A familiar voice alarmed Eileen. After reaching the downstairs kitchen, Christian showed her the note dad left.

  Sorry to up and leave again on such short notice. But you guys know how important my job is. As much as I want to be there, I can’t get away. Oh, Ryder, Christian, remember our deal. One more trick you pull, and you’re on your own. I can’t keep cleaning up your messes. You need to learn responsibility for your actions. I’ll check in on you guys once things settle down.

  -Love, Dad

  “Why do you try to defend him?” Christian pointed out, staring at Eileen. No matter what she tried to say or do, she couldn't control her family. They've always gotten into trouble, well, at least except for her and her cousin Caden, Flynn's brother.

  “Let me guess,” just as Eileen was going to protest something, Ryder came out of his bedroom looking tired, but he's here, right? “Dad's not here?” Christian nods sharing the note around. Ryder muttered to himself, skimming the note. “What a shocker,” Ryder said, making Christian snicker. “Not like he ever gave a damn about us anyway. He only shows up if we screw up.” Christian can vouch for that.

  “You guys know that Avery got out of juvie yesterday, right?” Eileen added, chiming back in, wanting to see their expressions on their faces, trying to see if they were going to do something. Both Ryder and Christian kept their inscrutable expressions the same since they knew Eileen was reading them like a book.

  “So? We haven't seen him since—” Ryder reminded her as it was the night of his arrest.

  “True, but what stopped you before? Not like you to listen to dad anyway.” Eileen knew that for a damn fact. “Promise me you'll try to be good? I don't want to have another crappy year.” Eileen added, trying to plead with them.

  “If I were you, I'd be more worried if anybody found out about your secret,” Christian pointed out something personal she liked to forget.

  Which made Eileen's eyes widen, a fretted concern grew on her face. Even though it's not a secret anymore, no thanks to Kelli Lockhart. Ryder grimaced at him, forcing himself to hit Christian on the shoulder.

  “We're just worried about you is all.” Christian added their concern for her well-being.

  She didn’t believe them like always and started to walk away. “You guys got a funny way of showing it sometimes.”

  They give each other a look of confusion before blocking her path.

  “What the hell does that mean?” Christian added.

  She glared at them. “Maybe you should try a different approach than ambushing everybody all the time? Ever think of that?” She storms off, leaving them alone.

  《***》

  The brothers sigh out of frustration, watching their sister walk out of the house.

  Ryder and Christian Rubey were eyeing the 'new guy' who was still confused about where to go after he continued to walk down the hallway. He stops to look at the same sports trophy case that Eileen saw a few days ago and quickly walks past it, shaking his head.

  Footsteps approached Ryder and Christian before a familiar foe crept up behind them. Once he cleared his throat, the brothers looked around and spotted their leader.

  “Welcome back, juvie,” Christian smirked, which made Avery chuckle.

  “Kas told me he would be back soon, so try not to have too much fun, huh?” Avery teased. He lost his train of thought when he saw someone out of the corner of his eye. “Who's the—” Avery started to say and pointed in Michael's direction.

  The brothers smirked at one another. “Fresh meat,” they said in unison.

  Avery had thought the same thing. “Should we go make him feel welcome?” Avery smirked.

  The boys nodded and let him go first. Avery bumped into Michael knocking his books on the ground as some heads turned in their direction. Ryder and Christian bounced his body into the lockers.

  “Welcome newbie,” Avery chuckled as he knew this was going to be fun. It was good to be back.

  Someone comes by and helps him pick his belongings up. Knowing they will never change either.

  “Thanks,” the agitated sophomore narrowed his brown eyes around the floor. He stuffed most of his papers back inside his books.

  "Anytime," Eileen said with a lopsided smile. The further she stays away from him the safer he'll be.

  “I'll see you around, I guess?” He said, hurrying to find the room he was looking for before the bell.

  Eileen watched him before heading in the opposite direction.

  《***》

  After he exited Mr. Gabriel’s class, Michael reunited with his new bullies once again in the hallway. The dirty blonde with the brown eyes stared at Ethan Ryley, and his blue eyes gazed back at him. Ethan noticed he was the same height and medium build, and he was as equally good-looking as the next guy. The only difference was Michael doesn't have what Ethan currently had, which was popularity. Or at least that's what Ethan thought to himself. He had assumed he knew him from somewhere before but couldn't figure out where.

  “You'll get used to it,” said Ethan as he helped Michael up. Ethan helped pick his things up and handed them back to him. Michael glanced at Ethan Ryley, one of the football players for sophomore year. “I'm Ethan.” He put his hand out as he introduced himself.

  Michael shook his hand. “Are they always this welcoming?” He said, referring to the welcome committee.

  Ethan couldn't help but laugh a little, “Yeah, it doesn't last long, trust me. Uh, I’ve got to go see the coach, but if you want to hang out one day, I can show you around?” He offered, which made Michael think that it would be nice to have a friend here.

  He accepted Ethan's offer before they parted ways. Ethan was on his way to talk to the coach, but he heard something drop nearby.

  《***》

  “Dammit,” Eileen knelt to pick up some of her belongings on the floor.

  Ethan rushed over to help her.

  “Thanks.” Eileen gave him a wary look and turned away from him.

  "Welcome, by the way, I ran into your new friend Michael today. No thanks to your brothers."

  Eileen's lets out a cheerless sigh, loathing them for causing trouble again. Her forehead puckered before she figured it out who he was talking about. "Oh, yeah? Mr. Gabriel teamed us up for a project. I hope it won't blow up in my face."

  Ethan knew the reason why she was acting circumspect of him. "You know you aren't responsible for whatever they do, right?" He wanted her to see that.

  "I know I'm not. But it's not like my family doesn't have a reputation in this school already. Just keep an eye on Michael for me?"<
br />
  He nodded as he fixed his shoulder strap. "Of course, I will. I know what it's like. Trust me he doesn't need to experience that. I'll do my best, but whatever happens …"

  She at least appreciated the help. "Thanks, Ethan …" They continue to have a conversation … until six eyes were lurking across the hall from them.

  《***》

  “So, how does Ryley know your sister?” Avery asked, but they were confused just as he was. They had no clue.