Serenity (Forever Book 1)

by India R. Adams

  Listen… a voice echoes.

  Jolene puts her hands on Josh’s chest. “Okay, please calm down. You’re scared for Sky, and you just learned Serenity is being bullied. But this is not the way to handle it.”

  Josh pulls her hands to his mouth and kisses them. “Someone is fuckin’ with my babies!”

  “I know, but yelling and cussing at one of them makes you no better. Get a grip.”

  I’ve been so lost in Dereck, I had no idea how eaten up Josh is over it all. His body shakes. “Serenity, I’m sorry. I feel like I’m losing my mind.” Josh keeps rolling his shoulder, as if trying to shrug something off. Red. His aura is red with electric bolts shooting through.

  I appreciate Josh trying to be a better man for me. “I love you, too.”

  His hostile eyes snap to mine and soften. He nods and takes a breath.

  Jolene’s cell phone rings. “Hello… Sky, what do you mean you can’t go?”

  Josh snatches the phone, missing the dirty look from Jolene. Trying to sound calm, he says, “Sky, baby, we’re pulling up in two seconds.”

  Dereck quickly backs out of my driveway.

  Josh’s calm efforts disappear the more they talk. “Well, you tell Bruno to bite my ass. Now, get your ass in this truck!” He hits the end button, throws the cell into the seat, and cups his face with his palms. “Joles?”

  “Yes, dear,” she answers with a hint of agitation.

  “I yelled, again.”

  “My ringing ears are well aware.”

  Sky stands in her driveway, waiting, and boy does she look pissed. Although she may be smart enough not to argue with Josh in his unstable state of mind, she isn’t going to be pleasant company, either. I’m shocked when my door opens. I move over as she climbs in.

  “Hi,” she grumbles.

  “Hi,” I respond, leaning away from the vapors circling her head.

  Unaware of my torture, Joshua Dukes is a roller coaster of emotions tonight. He pouts at Sky. “What, you don’t want to sit back here with me?”

  “Nope!”

  Josh and Jolene grin. They know Piss-and-Vinegar is about to make a grand entrance. Josh whines, “Why not?”

  “‘Cause you’re an asshole, freak.”

  “Well… I love you… Do you love me?”

  No response.

  “Tell me you love me,” Josh teases.

  The shadows begin to move in a disorganized fashion.

  “Skyylleeerr, teeeelllll me.”

  Sky’s head tilts, and she appears confused.

  Josh jokingly screams, “Tell me you love me!”

  Jolene jumps. “Josh! You’re gettin’ on my damn nerves with your outbursts!”

  The overgrown kid pouts again. “I only wanted to hear her say—”

  Skyler hurriedly crawls over the seat to him. “Dear Lord! I’m coming. I love you. I love you! Happy, now?”

  Josh has his arms around her in a rush. “Yes, matter of fact, I am.”

  The way Skyler melts to Josh so suddenly scares me. I recognize awareness in her eyes. Does she know what’s happening to her? Is she still here and I actually abandoned her? Her eyes close, and her face rests on his chest as if he’s bringing her the relief she’s been seeking—just as I’ve been doing with Dereck.

  The shadowy mist fades. My eyes water.

  Josh is staring at me. Not pouting, not playing—just waiting to see if I’m listening now.

  I swallow, nod, and mouth, “I’m sorry.”

  He, too, nods.

  Sky’s eyes open, and for the first time in a long time, she smiles at me. I’ve missed her so freaking much I reach over the seat and grasp her hand. She squeezes but won’t let Josh go.

  By the time we get to the Roll ‘Em Bowling Alley, Sky and I are again walking with linked arms. She leans her head to mine. “I’m sorry.”

  “Oh, my Sky. I’m the one who is sorry.” So sorry.

  “But I’m the one in the wrong.”

  No. What happened to you is out of your hands. “It doesn’t matter. We’re together again.”

  She rubs her cheek to me. “I heard they’ve been mean to you at school.”

  “Nothin’ I can’t handle.”

  Roll ‘Em is this big warehouse with neon signs to attract kids like flies to leftover banana pudding. Inside they play loud music that gets the heart pumping. A bar in the corner is for the elders, and snack stands, pool tables, and video games are for us delinquents. As we head to the counter to rent stinky shoes, Skyler’s arm tightens on mine. Roc is already there putting in his order for a size fourteen.

  “Hey, Lil’ Mama. Been a while,” he says.

  Sky nods and has a concerned look.

  At our personal alley, picking teams, Josh and I fight over Sky. Josh enthusiastically shouts, “She picked me!”

  Skyler is hanging over his shoulder, smacking him while laughing.

  I say, “Just because you literally out-muscled me doesn’t mean she picked you.”

  Now realizing what I’ve done to Sky—pushed her away—I see how Dereck has done the same to Rocco, and I need to rectify that. Feeling guilty, I gaze at Roc. “I guess it’s you and me, Teddy Bear.”

  Dereck barks, “Hey! What about me?”

  Rocco puts his arm around me while sticking out his tongue at Dereck.

  Dereck faces Jolene and shrugs. “I guess you win the prize.”

  She screams with joy and jumps into his arms. “About time!”

  Playfully, my jaw drops as Dereck holds someone I can never be jealous of. “Rocco! Do something. Make him jealous.”

  Roc grins, eyes Dereck, and dips my body backward.

  Smirking, Dereck slowly and cautiously puts down Jolene. She complains, “Well, that was short lived.”

  Dereck is focused. “Don’t you dare, Roc.”

  Rocco chuckles—mischievously. Then he gives me a strong peck, right on my lips.

  Josh stirs the pot. “Damn, he’s kissing your girl, Pretty Boy.”

  “What?” asks Sky, who’s still over his shoulder. “Joshy, I can’t see! Put me down.”

  When Roc stands me back on my feet, I act lightheaded and say words for one person only. “You have really strong lips, Rocco.”

  “What?” Dereck shrieks as Josh puts down Sky. “That’s what you have to say? No, ‘Hey, buddy, take your strong lips elsewhere’?”

  Nope, my enticing words were not for Dereck. Wait for it.

  “He does?” Sky asks.

  I act impressed. “Oh yeah, you gotta try that.”

  Josh shocks me when he pushes Sky forward. She stumbles into a waiting, smiling Rocco. I quickly trade places with her. Apparently, Josh knows what I’ve just done, and he’s happy about it. His kiss to the top of my head tells me so.

  Sky peers up at Rocco then nonchalantly shrugs. “Well, I guess… I could try. Make it good, Martelli.”

  Rocco doesn’t ask if she’s ready or how she wants this kiss. He takes the chance that has presented itself and holds her in his arms. He can thank me later. Rocco easily dips Skyler back. Their eyes intensely lock onto one another. Slowly, he moves in, and their lips touch. As if he’s caressing so much more than just her lips, Sky’s eyes close. These two slip from our world into one of their very own.

  I didn’t realize how stiff she’d been all night until I notice her body visibly relaxing in his embrace. I muffle a gasp as a film of some kind drips from her body then fades away to nothing. Something not even I could see was holding onto her. For some reason, it had to let go with Rocco so close. I stand there frozen, completely spooked and stunned.

  Their kiss ends, yet they stay in that position, looking into each other’s eyes. It’s magical in every sense of the word. Rocco
smiles and whispers, “Hi,” as if he’d finally found her again.

  He has. She smiles and whispers back like our old Skyler, “Hi, Teddy Bear.”

  Josh grabs his heart, and my eyes well along with Jolene’s. Roc stands her back up. She takes a step sideways to fix her shirt.

  The film suddenly appears again and races back to her in a frenzy. Shocked, I reach out to her, but her shiny eyes are already showing confusion as the darkness takes hold. I feel as if I’m watching a horror show while everyone else gets to watch Bambi.

  I’m mentally snapping. I can’t take being alone in this anymore. I turn away and throw my face into Josh’s side. “No.”

  Rocco, Josh, Jolene, and Dereck stare at me with questioning eyes.

  “I have a boyfriend,” says a dazed and confused Sky.

  All eyes are back to her.

  “You what?” Color rushes from Rocco’s face.

  I start crying into Josh’s chest. I can’t stop this crack in my sanity.

  Josh has his arms around me. “Serenity. What is it?”

  Jolene walks over to Sky, observing her empty stare. “Honey? Are you okay?”

  Just like Dad, Sky is gone again. “Yes, I’m just thirsty.” She numbly walks away. Jolene is dumbfounded but follows.

  Rocco quickly sits down and starts taking off his rented shoes while glaring at Dereck. “Didn’t think to mention she has a boyfriend?”

  “Roc—”

  “No.” He puts on his own shoes. “You in a relationship makes you a shitty-ass friend.” Then he walks to the shoe bar. Dereck follows.

  Josh grabs my shoulders. “You’ve got to tell me what you know.”

  I’m gasping, “Y-You’ll think I’m crazy.”

  “No, I won’t. Talk to me.” He bends over slightly to be at my level, then whispers, “You reacted before Sky did. Why?”

  Through uncontrollable tears, I whisper back, “S-Something is on her.”

  “What?” Josh’s eyes are spooked.

  “I’m so sorry. I should have… but I didn’t… Josh, she’s in trouble.”

  With Dereck following, Rocco approaches and says, “Josh, I know you’re worried about Sky, and I believe you’re right to be. I feel like she just changed in front of me, but I can’t see shit. My insides are… I don’t know. I gotta go.” Rocco walks away, rubbing his chest and giving the same chill shrug Josh did earlier in the truck. Dereck and Josh are doing the same.

  Josh, Dereck, and I watch Roc head to the front door when something stops him—Sky.

  She’s standing at the drink counter with her back to him. Rocco appears to be tortured by walking away, so he doesn’t. He slowly approaches behind her, then pauses. Her posture changes. She knows he’s there. The mist becomes frantic. Rocco closes his eyes and leans down to her. The mist parts, as if not wanting to touch Rocco’s skin. He ever so gently and lovingly kisses the top of her head, then walks out the front door.

  I can barely hear it, but something is wailing. Oh my God. The mist is screaming…

  Slowly, Skyler turns and stares at the front door. Jolene looks concerned as she signals it’s time to go. We return our shoes in a rush. I’m sniffling as we walk over to Sky. The vapors are circling her but not able to grab hold as before. Something is… different. I believe Rocco’s love for her is so pure that it leaves a film of its own—an impenetrable force.

  Sky is motionless as tears begin rolling down her cheeks. She watches the door as if she hopes Rocco will come back, but he doesn’t. Her voice is faint—distant. “He deserves better.”

  Jolene puts her arm around Sky’s shoulders. “What do you mean?”

  Skyler’s voice shakes. “He’s special.”

  Josh rushes over and looks into her face. He bends over at her level, as he did with me moments ago. His worry appears to be stepping up another notch. “Baby, what are you talking about?”

  “I’m so sorry, Josh.” Her eyes are haunted.

  Josh’s voice wobbles. “For what, Sky?”

  She hesitates. “I’m no good… anymore.” Somehow, saying those words unleashes emotions, and Skyler becomes hysterical. “I’m no good. I’m no good…” She keeps repeating it as if that’s what she’s being told, over and over.

  Josh scoops her up in a heartbeat. We follow him out the front door.

  Her arms squeeze tightly around his neck as she wails, “Josh, please help me! My good is gone!” Her words are slicing through me as if her pain is mine. My knees feel weak. If Dereck didn’t have a firm hold on my arm, I would be hitting the ground.

  “He deserves better!” my Skyler cries. “My good is gone!”

  We get to Dereck’s truck, all of us seeming panicky. Sky’s meltdown is more than we teenagers know how to handle.

  Jolene gets into the backseat and yells, “Give her to me.” Josh is almost hyperventilating as he hands Sky over. Mama Hen steps forward, cradling that baby girl of hers. Even as Sky continues to yell, Jolene whispers, “Shhh, look at me. Shhh, look at me, Sky. I’m here. You’re okay. You’re okay.” Jolene’s aura begins to glow an iridescent pink and green. I know it is affecting Sky because it’s affecting me. And we calm, the boys calm.

  Sky begins to quiet down, looking into Jolene’s eyes.

  “That’s right, look at me. I have you, baby. I won’t let go. Shhh, you’re okay now. I have you.”

  Skyler starts breathing again but won’t take her eyes from the one who is reaching her lonely place. Sky’s lungs struggle to breathe. “I’m okay?”

  Jolene is soothing us all. “Yes, yes you are. I have you now.”

  “You have me?”

  Jolene smiles, gently. “Of course I do. Always, Sky. Always.”

  Dereck and Josh visibly labor to swallow as Sky nods, nuzzling Jolene and whispering, “Okay, always.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Run for Cover

  No one pushes Sky for answers, and none are given while we take her home.

  Josh slams the truck door after he and Jolene get back into Dereck’s truck. “All Sky’s mom keeps saying is that Sky is tired.” His fist side-slams the interior of the door. “Sky doesn’t need a nap.”

  Jolene stares out her window. “Why did her mom blow off this breakdown? I kept trying to explain how terrifying it was.”

  Dereck is driving me home because I’m wiped out, like Sky. I can hardly hold my head up, and I need a bed before I have my own breakdown. Any minute now, Josh will grill me about what I’d said at the bowling alley, and I simply don’t have the strength for it.

  Dereck has been in my driveway only a second when he abruptly stops his truck.

  I glance up, and there it is—my dark gloom, calling my name. I don’t have it in me—I just can’t do this tonight. I shake my head, bracing my hands on the truck’s door and dashboard as if someone is pushing me forward, but I’m not willing to go. Tears burn my eyes. “No. I—I can’t.”

  The truck jerks into reverse and starts moving fast. I shut my eyes, gasping for air—the darkness is hitting me from all angles. My parents, my home, Sky. Hell, maybe even the mean ones at school are fueled by this unseen force.

  “Sere…”

  A voice is trying to reach my ears.

  “Sereni…”

  Dereck?

  “Serenity!”

  My eyes pop open at Dereck’s command.

  “Serenity, look at me.”

  I do.

  “Breathe.”

  Something inside me insists I do what he says, so I take a big breath, gasping for control of my body. After I take a few more inhales, he sounds relieved.

  “There you are.” One hand is clutching my chin, the other gripping his steering wheel. The truck is racing from my home.

  Josh and Jole
ne appear horrified that another baby girl is spiraling downward. Their expressions show doubt about their capabilities of handling me. They have yet to recover from witnessing Sky’s pain.

  Dereck has entered this family of four just in time. He pulls me to him. “She’s okay. I got her,” he says. “You two worry about Sky.”

  They nod from the backseat, probably relieved that he’d gotten a hold on my panic attack before it got its hold on me. Dereck isn’t through giving commands. “You’re staying with me tonight. Your father won’t even know you’re gone—he’s bailed on you again.”

  Dereck has learned this routine with my parents. I’m relieved he’s taking charge.

  We’re pulling into Dereck’s driveway, and there sits Rocco with Faith on his tailgate. Faith has become a mom to us all. He looks crushed from the inside out while Faith holds his hand. The four of us get out of the truck, clearly worn to the bone.

  Faith is full of compassion for us all. “Oh, my babies.” She kisses Rocco’s hand then jumps off the tailgate. Faith gestures to us to come near, pulling Roc from his seat. “Come on. Come to me.”

  The six of us form a huddled circle.

  She whispers, “Hold hands and close your eyes.”

  We are too tired to ask why, so we do what she tells us.

  “Now, listen to me. I know this is real scary stuff, but the most important thing to do is to believe Skyler is fine, and she’s always going to be fine. And continually send her love, like this. Picture her in the bed she is resting in tonight. Imagine your love as a bright misty fog of energy. Let it exit your body and release it into the air above you. Then visualize it floating all the way to her window, then through her window to cuddle her, like the best blanket in the world.”

  As I imagine what she instructs, something happens to us. I open my eyes because I have to see it. Everyone’s eyes are closed as I witness a light in the middle of our huddle—alive and vibrating as if we’re feeding it. The light moves and flows in a rotation, slowly manifesting itself into the glowing mass of energy. This beautiful light is pure and full of love. I wish my Crew could see its glory. The energy moves up, hovering over our heads for a moment, then floats away. I smile—I know where it’s going. I love you, Skyler.