"A-Avery?" I stammered as I looked into her eyes. She let out a gasp that sounded more like a squeak before slamming the door shut in my face.
Avery
I stared up at the ceiling as I laid here bored out of my mind. The worst part was I couldn't go to work today. Believe it or not, work was my favorite part of the day. Angela had run of to somewhere saying she had "Dead girl things to tend to". I glanced over at my small book shelf, and quickly scanned it. up... I've read every single book more then once and I was getting sick of them. I guess I'll sell them this weakened to get some new ones. I closed my eyes and sighed. I heard the somewhat comforting sound of a Motorcycle pulling to a stop. Jericho
. Every time I heard one now I think of him. I can't deny to my self that I am attracted to him. It's an attraction and nothing more though. Suddenly the doorbell rang. I groaned and got up from my bed and made my way down the hall. I opened the door and Immediately regretted not checking who it was. There he was Jericho, Levi... on my front porch. His face twisted when he saw me.
"A-Avery?" He stammered as he looked into my eyes. What's he looking at- oh shit the bruise! I let out a gasp that sounded more like a squeak before slamming the door shut in in face.
"Hey hold on!" He banged on the door. I slid down against the door and sat on the ground.
"Avery, where did you get that bruise?" He asked me.
"A book fell and hit me yesterday at work." I lied to him. There was a long silence after I said that. I could see in my mind on me front porch. His forehead rested against the door as he sighed.
" I get it. You don't want to see me." I saw him turning and about to walkaway. The sound of his shoes confirmed it.
"Wait..." I said. I heard him stop and he turned around and stared at the door as if he was trying to see me on the other side.
"It's not that I don't want want to see you. It's just that I don't want to see- That's not what I meant." I caught my self in mid sentence and took a deep breath.
"The bruise. I'm embarrassed and don't want you to see me like this. so could you just... stay where you are." I finally said. I felt sick having to somewhat lie to him. However what I just said was completely true. I saw him walk towards the and heard the floor boards creak. He sat down an the ground with his back against the door.
"Why are you here?" I asked him.
"Terrance said something weird to me today. He said that the closer I get to you, the more I hurt you. What was that suppose to mean?" he asked in a gruff voice. I shook my head and laughed under my breath. I thought back to Cathy's threat.
"He sure loves to mess with me." I said under my breath.
"Are you there?" he asked me.
"My family got pretty pissed when they found out that I was with you yesterday." I told him.
"So what are you saying?" He asked me. I could see that glint of hope in his eyes.
"By 'me' he means 'us'." Suddenly the vision of what happened between them came to mind. I saw Terrance facing off to Jericho. I could sense his fear towards Jericho as soon as he stood up. Then he tried to hide his fear by trying to punch him. I couldn't help but smile.
"My family doesn't like you so he knew that if he told you that, you wouldn't back off." I briefly explained to him. There was another heavy silence.
"Do you want me to leave you alone?" He asked me.
"I-I don't know anymore...." I said honestly. At first I knew that was for the best but then I got visions of Jericho with me. Once again he didn't appear in the visions but I could feel his presence in the visions. It made me feel safe.
"You do know." He told me.
"No! I don't. I have things I don't want anyone to know. If you found out I don't know what would happen." I told him a knot in my throat formed.
"Jericho, lets saw I did let you in to my life.Eventually I would turn 18 and I will be on a plain going far far away. What then? It will make it harder for me to leave." I told him. Suddenly the door swung open and I fell backwards onto my back. I looked up to see a frustrated Jericho, Levi. He yanked me to my feet and brought me into a tight hug.
"First of all, you have a right to your own secrets. If you went to tell me one day I'll listen. Second, why do you want to leave so bad?" He told me. I was mostly in shock as he tightened his grip on me.
"I won't have anywhere to go! I hate them. I no people say that's a strong word but I do hate them! I want to be far away from them as possible. I want to go to a university and just for get about my life here." I told him.
"I get it. And it's try that after high school we all go our separate ways. For now you don't have to make your decision until then." He said in a hushed voice. He was right. He was utterly right. However I couldn't help but to think that one day he'll get tired of this game and leave me... alone and hurt. Further more how can I not think about the future! I was a freaking psychic for God's sake! I can't go more then four minuets without having a vision or seeing a ghost!
"What do you say?" With those three words I was brought. I pushed away from him and glared at him,
"How do I know your not just playing me? That you weren't paid to befriend the 'wall flower' as a joke?" I sneered at him. He looked hurt.
"I would never do that." He came towards me and caressed me cheek. I subcutaneously leaned into his touch. It's okay. Trust him. Let your walls fall.
I heard a voice say. I looked around to see a shadow nested up in a tree. There sat Angela with a wide smile. I smiled back at her. I knew that Angela could see things I couldn't and knew things I didn't. I wrapped my arms around his neck and brought my self to him. I finally gave into him. He was right it was my choice to leave this god forsaken city as well as it is to stay.
"Fine." Was all I said to him. His arms fell limp for a moment as if he had been switched off and then suddenly he was switched back on. He held me tightly and lifted me up of the ground briefly.
"Thank you. Thank you" Was all he said to me.
Life Raft
I got of the bus and walked into the book store. When I walked in the bell rang and Charlotte smiled at me.
"Hey, Avery. I thought you called in sick today." She said.
"I changed my mind." I told her. Her smiled widened as she said,
"Did something good happen today?" She asked me. I smiled at her and said,
"You could say that." I said as I walked into the locker room. I opened my locker and took out my dark green shirt. I took my shirt off and slipped my dark green polo over my head. I then tied the khaki apron around my waist. I put my bag in my locker and shut it. I slammed my locker door shut, and was startled when I saw Angela leaning against the locker next to me.
"You know for a psychic you suck at seeing the future." She scoffed at me. I rolled my eyes and walked past her. I stopped at the door and turned to look at her.
"Angela..." I said.
"Yes?"
"Why are you letting me get close to Jericho? I thought you wanted me to stay away from him." I asked her.
"Avery, I know I said that, but I can see the things you can't ,and very soon you are going to need him." she said seriously. I mouthed thanks and walked out of the locker room. When I walked out Charlotte's head snapped up and looked up at me. I walked over to the other cash register.
Charlotte was 29 years old, and was half native american. She was very beautiful, despite her constant disagreeing. She had tanned skin, honey brown eyes, and dark hair. She was about 5'9 and very thin.
She smiled at me and leaned on the counter in front of me.
"So how have you been?" She asked me. Charlotte has been nothing but a saint to me.
"Good. You?" I asked as I pulled the hem of my shirt down. I didn't want her to see the bruise.
"I've been fine." she said.
"So you want to tell me why why you were having a good day." She said. I smirked at her and said,
"And why would I tell you?" I told her.
"Fine then, You can just get your paycheck a week late." She grinne
d evilly. My eyes widened.
"Okay I'll tell you!" I told her.
"you remember that guy Jericho I told you about along time ago."
"The super hot, short tempered, part-time asshole, and mega jock?" She asked me.
"Yeah that's the one." I laughed.
"Anyway. I guess he decided that he wants to be in my life now..." I stopped when I heard her snort in disbelief.
"Oh just wait... and then-" I began but I was cut off.
"There's more?" she laughed at me.
"And then he showed up at my door step. In the middle of the day, and we some how are now friends and
he's picking me up today." I finished explaining to her. She put her hand over her mouth trying to hide her smile, and then snorted again. I couldn't help but to laugh. Once we calmed down she inhaled deeply, trying to compose her self.
"Well as much as it is so fun to laugh about your new BFF
, you my friend have work to do." She said as she pointed to a stake of books. I sighed and walked over to them.
"What are these? Returns or new restocks?" I asked her. Charlotte rolled her eyes at me and said,
"They're returns. Some people don't know a decent literature even if it hit them in the head." She complained. I laughed and told her,
"They won't because they leave it to you to beat it into them." She sarcastically laughed and narrowed her eyes. I scoffed at her reaction and picked up the box of books. I walked around the story, and placed the book under it's a propriety title. I then swept the walkway, vacuumed the carpet, dusted the shelves, washed the counters, reorganized the books, and finally changed the flickering light in the woman's bathroom. When I finally finished, I swigged back a gulp of water and walked over to see Charlotte "test reading" one of the new arrivals. Don't assume that she is lazy ,and has me do all the work though. I just do most of the cleaning. She does what ever I don't do, and all the financial business, such as restocking, managing the bank account, paying rent, and keeping this place open and running. She looked up from the book and smiled as she handed me the slip of white paper I had been working so hard for. I smiled at her and gladly took it. I then went into the locker room to change. I slug my bag over my shoulder and walked out of the store as I said goodbye to Charlotte. When I looked forward I saw a black, sleek, and brand new Dodge Charger. Along with Jericho gleaming at me as he leaned against the car.
"hey!' He said cheerfully. Honestly I didn't know what to say. So I awkwardly smiled at him as he opened the side door for me. I got into the car and shut the door closed. I buckled my seat belt and leaned into into the beige colored seat. He got into the car and smiled at me.
"How was work?" He asked me with a wide smile. I chuckled under my breath.
"Why are you so happy?" I asked him.
"You." Was the only thing he said.
"What?" I asked slightly in disbelief.
"Avery, yesterday you walked away from me crying, and today I'm giving a ride home. I don't know... I guess it makes me happy." He briefly explained. I scoffed at him and said jokingly,
"You do realize that's something Edward Cullen would say, right?" He laughed at my remark.
"Ill have you know that I'm the polar opposite. I don't watch you sleep." He teased back. I brushed my hair behind my ear and laughed.
"Well if you did I would stake you." I said. I heard him scoff and then I faintly heard him say something ,but I was to absorbed in the current vision I was having. I saw Cathy fuming at Ben as I sat in the corner just waiting... for something. I wasn't sure what. Then I Saw Terrance's face flash in my mind. I then saw Cathy bragging by the hair and throwing me on the kitchen floor, she then threw a pot, and some food down at me and started yelling at me. Ah, I get it now. I had forgotten to make dinner before I left.
"Shit." I said underneath my breath. Jericho looked over at me from the diver's side.
"Something wrong?" He asked me.
"Yeah, I forgot to make diner."
"Okay then, I'll pull over. There's a Pizza place not far from your house." About ten minuets later he had parked in front of a pizza parlor and bar called, Joe's Pizza Pub
. As we walked in I instantly noticed the crowd of people. The place was filled with already wasted men gathered around a plasma TV with a Spanish soccer game playing, while Rascal Flatts blasting in the background. I walked up to the counter, and leaned over to see the cashier was glued to the TV. I sighed and banged my hand against the counter. The man jumped and glared at me.
" What!" He snapped at me.
"I would like some service..." I told him. He ground and walked up to the counter.
"What would it be for you?" He said not to friendly I might add.
"One medium sausage with extra sauce, one large pepperoni with extra pepperoni and extra chess, one large supreme, and one small vegetarian. " I said with a smile. He pressed the button and the receipt spite out. He tore it off and then hollered my order into the kitchen. I took a seat at one of the bar stoles. Jericho sat down next to me. I tried my best to avoid being bumped, but within fifteen minuets I already knew that the men in the bar where cheating on their wife, in the country illegally, was on drugs, and so much more... I was snapped out of my thoughts when I was lifted up out of my seat. When I wasn't getting any visions from their touch I knew exactly who it was.
"What the f-"
"You said your chiraptophobic right? I figured you were getting unconformable with all these people bumping you so..." He trailed off.
"So you think putting me on your lap will help?" I snapped at him as I crossed my arms.
"It's better then strange men brushing up on you." he said. I stayed silent and looked down at his hand that was wrapped around my waist. I shifted and tried to slid off his lap but he held me in in place as he tightened his grip.
"Oh no you don't." He laughed under his breath. I ground and then leaned in against his chest.
"Urg! Fine!" I said. I heard him laugh at me. Finally after an awkward three minuets of sitting in his lap, the pizzas came. The guy called out my order and I raised my hand. The man set the pizzas in front of me. He eyeballed me and Jericho.
"This your girl?" He asked Jericho.
"Nope." I said quickly. Jericho laughed and wrapped his arms around me.
"I wish." He said. The pizza boy laughed as he set the pizzas in front of me.
"Well you better snag her before someone else does." he teased. I felt Jericho tense and then relax. I sighed and hopped off his lap.
"Okay so how much do I owe you?" I said as I dug for my wallet.
"$56.50" My breath caught when I heard the number. That's my salary for three and a half days. I found a fifty and a ten and placed it on the counter. Jericho slide the money back towards me and replaced it with his own.
"Oh hell no!" I argued.
"To late." he said I looked to see the pizza man giving Jericho his change back and Jericho grabbing the food. and started walking towards the door.
"Hey!" I said as I grabbed the change and ran after him. He had placed the Pizzas in the back seat and got in on his side. I slid into the seat and buckled my seat belt.
"That was not okay." I said.
"What wasn't?" He asked me.
"You paying for the food." I snapped at him. He then started the car. When he looked at me he narrowed his eyes slightly and said,
"I was just being nice." He said with slight venom in his voice.
"You shouldn't have to pay for a meal for people you hate." I mumbled.
"Well I figured you barley have any money so why should you send most of it on something like this. That reminds me why did you get four pizzas?" I appreciated his gesture, it saved me enough money for three bus rides and five meals.
"They say that they don't like their food to touch other toppings, they refuse to get the same toppings, they're glutton, they won't eat vegetables, and I'm a vegetarian so I have to get a separate pizza anyway, and when I do they always say 'Well why don't I have my own?'
So to be blunt their spoiled rotten." I griped about my family. Out of the corner of my eye I could see him shake his head,
"They're ridiculous." He said. I scoffed in agreement and grinned,
"That they are." I said. The car came to a stop.
"You should smile more." He said, I looked over at him with a scornful look.
"What?" I said almost in disbelief.
"You don't smile much, you should smile more." He said once again.
"I don't have much to smile about." I said.
"You never now." He said. We were now half a block away from my home.
"Pull over." I said.
"What?" He asked me unsure of what I just said.
"I said pull over." I repeated myself. I exhaled as he pulled up to the side walk. I quickly unbuckled my seat-belt and opened the side door.
"Did I say something wrong?" He asked me. I shook my head at him.
"No, I just don't want them to see me pull up in your car." I told him. I could see relief was over him.
"Okay then, I'll see you then." he said. I smiled at him and then got out of the car. I opened up the back seat and grabbed the food. I then waved at him as he sped away. I walked down the sidewalk up to my house. I tensed when I saw Ben standing on the front porch with his arm crossed, and a displeasing visage.
"Where the hell were you?" He barked at me. I rolled my eyes as I walked past him.
"Get you all food." I replied.
"The why did I see Levi's car go by?" I tensed at the mention of his name. How am I going to get around this one?
Think Avery.
Think.
I then remembered Grant, Bronson bragging to all his friends about his new black
charger. I turned around to face him and said.
"That must have been Grant's. Didn't Terrance tell you he got a new car?" I tried not to act smug, but my lips curled at the end. Ben looked at me with a skeptical look.
"Terrance!" He hollered down the hall. Terrance flung him self out of his room and looked over at his dad.
"Yeah?" He asked. I walked away from their conversation and went into the kitchen. I set the pizzas on the counter and grabbed mine.
Haunted Page 5