“Oh God, this is just not my day!” I exclaimed.
“Cmon, don't be like this.”
As he said that he put his hands around my waist and pulled me into him so his whole body was against mine, making me squished between him and a wall. He leant his face in towards mine and locked a hand in the back of my hair so I couldn't pull away. I pushed against his chest and tried to look away, my body bowing as much as it was capable of. I knew he was going to try this but I was hopeless against it, he would overpower me in an instant. Today I was too weak to fight him, and in the end I thought why bother.
“Alex, don't,” I whispered weakly, closing my eyes.
My heart was hammering, but just as I said that, his body disappeared from mine and I could no longer feel his pressure against me.
I opened my eyes and Fredric was in front of me protectively, tensed, facing towards Alex.
I had totally forgotten about him, I didn't expect this of him, but I couldn't help but feel appreciative.
Fredric had me pinned against the wall now, he was in front of me in his protective stance, but where were Brett and Logan? They would have stopped him by now I thought.
“Don't you touch her!” Fredric snarled fiercely, making shivers run down my back, but also making me finally wonder why he was doing this.
I looked around over his arm to see Logan and Brett on the ground, twitching like they had been electrocuted or tasered.
“What is she Bale, your girlfriend?” Alex snapped.
I heard something building from deep inside of Fredrics chest and Alex looked petrified from whatever look Fredric gave him.
My heart was still pounding but I wouldn't look away, I was sort of in shock still.
“What's that over there?” Alex said abruptly, pointing in the opposite direction.
I looked for Fredrics reaction but his eyes didn't look away from Alex. And suddenly Alex was bolting for the doors. Fredric stared after him and when he was gone he seemed to relax a little.
He let out a sigh, turned towards me. “Are you okay?” he asked me, his voice as soft as his brown eyes.
I lifted my gaze from the floor to him and I was feeling extremely grateful that he was here, even though I barely knew him, it felt like... like he cared. I crossed my arms insecurely and nodded, looking into his cut featured face. “Im fine, how about you, did they hurt you?”
He smiled. “No, I'm fine.” I took note of how Fredric was just a little taller than me, but I knew Hunter was taller than him.
“Thank you... again,” I said, smiling appreciatively at him.
The second bell rung and he smiled slightly. “I 'll see you around... stay out of trouble, Layla,” he said, his smile still remaining while he walked off towards his P.E group.
“Bye Fredric.”
I walked out of Gym and headed towards the school car park. When I got there I saw James leaning against a shiny Yellow late model Mercedes SUV, probably a 2000 model. He noticed I was looking at him and he grinned and winked at me.
I didn't want to be rude so I smiled a little and waved back, but kept walking. As I was walking up the familiar small road on my journey home, a car started to slow next to me. I looked to see who it was but the windows were darkly tinted so I couldnt see inside.
It was a really nice car though; it was a 1969 Ford Mustang Boss with a sleek black paint job. It was definitely a 429 Boss not 302. They were one of the most unique Mustangs made. It was unique because it was rare and so much effort went into trying to modify the basic Mustang engine to make the 429 Boss. It was an American car but one of my absolute favourites. I loved the hood scoop. It was simply a classic muscle car.
Nice, I thought to myself.
The car stopped and so did I, my heart stopped and I held my breath, the window closest to me rolled down slowly, keeping me in suspense for a whole three seconds. Then I saw Fredrics head appear out the window and my heart started beating again out of relief.
“Hey Lays, want a lift home?” Fredric asked as I looked at him smile.
“Um, I'm not sure. You know I'm not supposed to get in cars with strangers.” I smiled a teasing smile.
The engine unexpectedly revved loudly and I jumped. They must have had a lot of horse-power under the hood because that reeve sounded beasty. Either Hunter was impatient or he was trying to be funny though.
“Come on Lays, it would be faster than walking and you look cold.”
He was still smiling and I could clearly see his amused expression. “And anyways, were not strangers,” he said, his eyes beaming, not falling for my strangers act. “I'm Fredric Bale and you're Layla Atkins. And this is my brother Hunter Bale,” he re-introduced us and I laughed a little.
He knew that I did trust them for some crazy reason and I didn't really need convincing.
“Okay, alright. I'll get in the car.” I rolled my eyes and let out a sigh. “Nice to meet you both by the way,” I added with a smirk.
I could still have a sense of humour occasionally.
Fredric got out with a lopsided grin, still wearing his school uniform. I walked over to the black passenger door and pulled the seat forward so I could climb past it to get to the back. Fredric got back in and shut the door, buckling up. Then the car shot off as soon as Hunter heard the click of my seat belt.
Their car was quite comfortable, it had black leather seats and the heater was on, making me feel relaxed and comfortable. It was like I could breathe easier. The Mustang sounded pretty good too, you would expect it to sound old and rusty but it purred quietly like a brand new car... okay well not a purring sound per say, it was more like a vicious dog continuously growling, and you could feel as Hunter steered it around corners that it handled great.
“Nice car,” I complimented them.
Fredric swivelled around to flash me that grin and Hunter was grinning at me from the rear view mirror.
“Seriously, is it a 429 Boss?” I asked with curiosity.
It was Hunter who answered my question.
“More or less, why do you ask?” He was still grinning at me in the rear view mirror.
“No reason, I was just thinking it runs pretty well for the year model.”
Most 1969 Boss Ford Mustangs year models are rare to find in good conditions in Australia, unless you are a millionaire and import it from America and then pay to get the steering converted.
“Well, we did a lot of work on it.” Hunter exaggerated the words a lot.
I pondered his words and it was plausible, which meant it would have had to been worked on a lot like he said, and maybe only half the parts would be original.
“Let me ask you something,” Hunter said, looking at me in the rear view mirror with a hint of curiosity and teasing in his eyes.
“What's that?” I asked, narrowing my eyes at him.
He had a wry smile on his face. “How do you know about cars?”
We were pulled up out front of my house now, the drive just flew by.
“My dad was a big grease monkey,” I said while trying to hold back a laugh.
“Huh, okay. I believe you, but that is impressive how you got the car model on the dot, unless you saw the year model badge on the side of the car?” he questioned.
He had turned around and was looking at me now.
“No, I guessed it, I didn't even see the year model on the side. Its a 1969 I can guarantee,” I answered with a smile.
“You're good. I guess well see you later?” he said, making it sound like a question.
“Yeah, sure,” I said, my tone dropping ever so slightly.
Fredric got out and slid his seat forward so I could get out too. I climbed out and gave Hunter a small smile as I did. As I walked away I heard Fredric call my name.
“Layla?”
“Yeah?” I turned around and went over to him, a little too excited. “What's wrong?” I asked.
“Calm down, here.” He handed me a piece of paper.
“What's this?” I asked, a bit
weary.
“Our contact number, if you ever need us, just call.” He flashed me his smile again.
“Thanks guys,” I said, looking at the piece of paper. “Hey, how did you know where I lived?” I asked, realising that they just drove here without me giving them any directions.
Fredric smiled embarrassedly and Hunter started cracking up laughing.
“What?” I asked, kinda puzzled.
“Go on, tell her Fredric,” Hunter said through his fits of laughter.
I looked at Fredric and he avoided my eyes.
“Uh... do you remember the day you got knocked out cold in gym last year?”
“Sort of, why?” I asked, knowing where this was leading to.
“The school couldn't contact your dad and your brother was playing footy at another school so he'd turned his phone off. We were in the office, as well as you and that girl with short hair.”
“Rosetta.”
“Yeah, that's the one. And because we are model students and very trustworthy, the principal asked Hunter to drive you home with Rosetta, and I tagged along because I sort of had a crush on you. And from then on we've remembered where you lived,” he admitted, his cheeks flushing a bright red.
I smiled and Hunter was turning purple from laughing so hard. “Well, do you still have a crush on me?” I asked, trying to keep myself from laughing.
“No, I swear it,” he answered, raising his hands.
I nodded. “I'm no good for you anyway, you could do better.”
He grinned. “Don't doubt yourself, believe it or not, you do turn a few heads when you walk into a room,” Fredric said flatteringly while Hunter was listening patiently and calmly now.
“Thanks Fredric,” I said, touching my hand to the side of his face gently for a few seconds. “Well, I'll see ya round.”
Fredric nodded and hopped into the car, slamming the door shut behind him. I smiled at them both as I tapped the door twice, signalling that they could drive away, and I backed away slowly.
They smiled back. “Bye Lays,” they both said in perfect harmony.
I started to walk up the driveway with my bag on my back. I turned and waved while I walked backwards up the driveway slowly, then they sped off down the street.
As I turned around and was walking towards the front door I remembered I had a muffin bar. It was probably frozen by now though, I thought to myself, laughing.
I was about to take the first bite when, out of the corner of my eye I thought I saw Sam Archer. He was walking into the house next door with his bag slung over one shoulder.
I gasped NO as my eyes widened. I couldn't believe it. I dropped my muffin bar and fumbled with the keys, trying to get the door open, then quickly opening it and shutting it behind me as soon as I was in. I felt my heart, it was flying so I tried to slow it down by closing my eyes and concentrating on my breath coming and going.
Maybe I was just seeing things, after all I wasn't completely sure it was him, I did only see whoever it was from a distance. But how the hell would I have even noticed that!
I had my back against the door and somebody knocked from the other side. I jumped, quickly composed myself, took a deep breath and then opened the door.
“Oh hello,” James said, a smile spreading across his face.
There was pure shock in his tone, but his ice blue eyes said different.
“Do you live here?” he asked casually.
The tingling feeling was coming back and as I looked at James in his winter jacket... jeez he looked strong, and I didnt like saying that even in my head, but he looked cute too, in an enchanting way. His looks alone were enough to fluster any girl, considering the size of his biceps and broad chest at sixteen.
“Yeah, why?” I already knew why, I just wanted to have it confirmed.
“Well, well, well. It looks like we are going to be neighbours,” he said in a teasing tone, whilst grinning at me.
As he spoke I could see his breath in the air, winter was going to hit hard when it came after autumn.
“Wow… um, what are the chances?” I said, trying to make my tone mocking while rolling my eyes.
“Oh, I found this on your porch,” he said, handing me my muffin bar which I dropped on my way in.
“Thanks,” I said, smiling sheepishly but taking the bar from him.
His grin got even bigger and he was about to say something until…
“James!” we heard someone call from a good distance away.
He rolled his eyes.
“I have to go. Ill see you around neighbour.” He smiled at me and winked.
I smiled back friendly. “Yeah, bye.”
He stalked off down the driveway and I shut the door, resting my forehead against it as I took a deep breath. It felt like I was holding my breath the whole time I was talking to him.
Seriously, what were the chances? I wish I was mistaken seeing Sam walk through those doors, I dont even know how I saw that. My front door is at least 30 meters away from their fence then its around another 50 to 100 metres to their porch! It's even more shocking that I picked him to be Sam Archer. God, the new kids in school happen to be my new and only neighbours. Come on, the suburb wasnt that small, did they have to live next to me?
I was having an anxiety attack over the boy I met at lunch, the same boy who made me have a meltdown at school after I shook his hand. This could not be happening. Id have to pull myself together, be strong like Adam said because I was already losing control in my head.
“Kill me,” I mumbled to myself, losing all hope in a matter of seconds. “This sucks.”
I took a few deep breaths to calm myself and decided to put dinner on, it was a good enough distraction.
When I was putting dinner together I decided I would give dad the silent treatment, well thats if he even came home tonight. I was pretty positive hed be home tonight though; it was Friday. Although he would probably just sleep straight after dinner, then leave early in the morning as usual.
Sure enough dad finally came home from the office, he owns a truck delivery service and is rarely ever home because it requires him to go away on business trips a lot.
Once I recall he said he was glad he had two kids, so they wouldn't get lonely, but we still felt lonely when he wasnt there anymore. He didnt neglect us or anything, wed always have money, food, shelter and clothing, but we never had parents anymore. When mum died he hardly ever came home anymore, and when he was home he only slept, ate and watched TV. He turned into an emotionless zombie, and I hated it, Adam hated it.
I heard dads sedan pull up out front of the house and I was just serving dinner, my face composed hard and stubborn.
I wasn't usually an unreasonable person but tonight I would have to be, Id have to be angry with dad and try to make him realise his only son was gone and he was close to losing me too.
“Lays?” he yelled, the front door closing behind him.
I sighed and placed his plate on the dinner table.
“Dinners on the table dad,” I called back.
We both sat down on opposite sides of the small table in the kitchen that use to seat Adam and mum as well. It was really quiet throughout our house and I wasnt really comfortable with the silence, but I wasn't the one who broke it.
“So what's been going on with you lays? Do you know what happened to the front window?” he asked.
I looked up at his martyr expression.
I was shocked. “Are you talking to me?” I asked in a mocking tone.
“Layla,” he sighed unhappily. “Tell me.”
“Why don't you take a guess,” I grumbled, looking down at my food.
I didn't have the guts to look up and see his expression after that remark.
“Well, I have a pretty good idea that its about ya brother,” he said.
This I had to see. I looked up and his face was casual, like he didnt think anything was wrong with this whole sick and twisted idea of Adam being gone and probably never coming back.
&
nbsp; I glared back in disgust, but he didn't seem to notice.
“Now Layla, I know youre probably thinking I kicked him out, but that's not the case. He chose to leave and I respect his decision.”
I looked at my dad, he didn't even look like my dad anymore, he was a stranger to me and I was close to giving up.
I remembered what Adam had said; “Stay strong, for me and dad, don't take it out on him. Youll know why I'm doing this eventually but I hope you know of the right reasons. Youre a smart and strong girl, and you always have been, you'll be fine without me.”
I remembered it so clearly, it hurt. My words choked in my throat and I could feel my insides churning.
“Dad, how could you?” I whispered angrily, my vision starting to get cloudy.
I stood up all of a sudden and started heading for the door, wiping my eyes with the back of my hand.
“Lays, what are you doing?” I heard dad ask from where he sat.
I opened the door and slammed it loudly behind me, ignoring his question and walking out into the cold nights air. I walked down the driveway and out onto the street in a matter of minutes.
Where was I going to go? I didnt have anywhere to go and it was freezing. I really didnt think my plan through, but then again I didnt have a plan to start with.
I sighed as I wiped away my tears.
I didn't care anymore, I didnt care what happened to me, there was nothing with a purpose in my life left. I was done with reasoning, done with trying to be happy and fake my way through even one day. I couldn't do it all over again.
Without thinking about it I started running, I wasnt a great runner but I sure could run fast.
I bolted down the street, the cold wind whipping in my face. It was that cold it could have been snowing. But I didn't care. The friction my body was making warmed me enough so I could run.
I felt my warm salty tears run down my cheeks and after a while my face started to get cold while my eyes stung.
I ran and ran until I finally knew where I was. I was puffed and gasping for air, but I was at the French Forest Bushland Cemetery; where mum was buried. I had run to the next town over, which really wasnt that far from where I lived in Forestville.
The Hidden Revelations: First Light Page 4