by A. G. Hobson
“Hi” he says
“Hi.” I offer a shy wave.
“I missed you... A lot.”
I wrap my arms around his neck and hug him until I am squeezing the life from him. He squeezes back.
“I will heat this up. If I do not return your parents have killed me.” He grabs the plate he brought and goes to heat up my dinner.
When he returns I am sitting on the edge of my bed. I grab it like a hungry bear and dig right in. I devour the perfectly cooked steak and hammer down the vegetables. His mother is such a glorious cook.
“Whoa slow down.” He jokes. After I polish off the meal, I set the plate on the floor beside my bed.
“That was delicious. I feel like I haven’t eaten in days.” I stand and hurry off to the bathroom to wash the food off of me. When I return Scott has gotten comfortable. I feel a ping in my stomach. Every sensation possible surges through me as I stare at him stretched across my bed.
“What?” he asks.
“Nothing. I am just glad you are here right now.” I jump onto the bed and nestle safely into his arms. He plants soft kisses on my now dried hair. I close my eyes and enjoy every single moment. I rub his chest thinking how I could be so lucky to have him as a boyfriend, when just about every girl at Fremont wants him. But… he is mine.
“So are you going to tell me what happened with Eva or what?” he says breaking the silence.
“I almost forgot. I really get lost in you Scott. It is like life stands still when we are together. I am happier than I have ever been in my life.” I feel his face move and I know he is smiling.
“I feel the same way, but can you please tell me what is going on Sienna.”
“Okay…” I pause. What should I say? I don’t know how to start. Will he even believe me? I just need to trust him. So here goes. I swallow hard. He nudges me and I lift myself up. He looks at me with concern.
“Should I be concerned Sienna?”
“No. I am kind of concerned with how you will take it all.”
He expresses his annoyance by standing and walking over to my desk.
“Okay, so…” I really don’t know how to start. I am afraid to just come out and say it, but I have no other choice.
“I had a dream about Eva dying. She was going out with her new boyfriend…” I stop again as a pain attacks my stomach. The thought of Kelton is really getting to me. “I knew if she actually stayed out she would have never returned.”
Confusion takes over his anxiousness. I take in a gulp of air and continue. “I told her not to go. She ended up spending most of the evening here.”
He rubs his hands through his hair. “Is that all. Bad dreams are common. Everyone has them Sienna. You stopped her date because you had a nightmare? I know she was upset with you.”
“No, you don’t understand. I knew he was taking her to Chicago. There was no way I could have known.”
“You’re not making sense. What are you trying to say actually?”
“I have visions of the present and future if I interfere things change. Sometimes I can see them as they happen.”
Confusion turns to horror. He falls back into my computer chair. “What? No wonder your mom is worried about you. You are talking crazy.”
“No Scotty, I’m telling the truth. Eva didn’t believe me at first either. I saw her in a shallow grave nine months from now. If she would have went with him last night she would have died.” I pray that he will wrap his head around my words. But all I see is his wheels turning. He is looking for a way to rationalize what I am saying.
“Sienna you are nuts. There is no way you can see the future.”
“I knew I would get an invitation to Payton and Avery’s Party. I knew Devin was going to ask me. I knew you were going with Amber. I saw it all before it happened that is why I didn’t go!” I desperately explain.
He laughs, next will come pity. When all of his emotions have played out he will run for the hills.
“Okay listen. Kelton went to Chicago anyway. I saw him get killed in my dream. I felt the life drain from his body. I can describe the murderer in detail.”
“Sienna! Listen to what you are saying. You sound insane!”
“I know. That is why I haven’t told anyone but Eva and Trixie.”
“Your aunt believes you?”
“Yes. It is a curse that was placed on my bloodline. Trixie has it also. And yes Eva believes me. I told her everything that I saw and it partially played out!” I say breathless. I am running him away. He is going to leave and never come back. He shakes his head. I know he is trying to tell himself I don’t need a strait jacket.
“Scott please believe me. I didn’t want to tell you, but I really need someone to go with me to Chicago and finds Kelton’s body and his killer.”
“What! No!” he stands. “This is crazy.” He heads for my door. I panic.
“Call Eva. She will tell you.” I snatch the phone and quickly dial. I pray hard that she answers. The phone rings so many times. He stands in the entrance of my door tapping his foot.
“Hello?”
“Eva! Oh god! I am so glad you answered. Please explain to Scotty what is going on with me?”
“You told Scott? Are you crazy?”
“Please Eva. I am begging you.”
“Okay put him on.” I hand him the phone. He sighs and rolls his eyes. He says hello and nothing else. He stands there holding the phone. His expression never changes. I should not have told him. I may have lost him forever. He hands the phone back to me and I thank Eva.
“I don’t want to talk about it ever again Sienna. You got it?”
“Yes.” I say as I hang the phone up.
“So Scott?”
“Obviously you and Eva have nothing better to do. So I am going home. Keep the plate.” He says as he rushes out of my room and down the stairs.
“You think I would lie about something like this?”
“I don’t have time for games Sienna. I told you I am going to college. I want a grown up relationship. If I wanted to play games I would date Amber.” He flings the door open and stomps toward his car. I stand in the doorway as he speeds away. I try not to cry but an overwhelming feeling of finality consumes me. I ruined the only good thing in my life trying to be honest. Tears stream down my cheeks. My mom attempts to pretend that she didn’t hear the exchange. But when I burst into a full on crying fest she intervenes.
“What happened honey? Was any of that because of what I did?”
“No.” I close the door and slowly pass her drenching my t-shirt with my river of tears.
“I tried to be honest and it got me nowhere but dumped.”
“Honest about what?”
“Please mom I can’t” she grabs me and I release all my pain onto her sleeve.
“Oh baby… whatever it is I assure you he will get over it.” I shake my head.
No one wants a lunatic for a girlfriend. I am going to be lonely for the rest of my life just like Trixie. I push away from my mom’s embrace and drag myself to bed. I hug the pillow he was just resting on and inhale the sweet smell of his cologne. I let it flow into my nostrils while I deposit all of my tears onto a shrine I never plan to wash again.
CHAPTER 16
I get dressed for school the next day. I was going to stay home but what’s the use. I was a loser before. I am just back to the status I belong in. The fact that Scott hasn’t called confirms my assumption. I am a nutty bird that he wants nothing to do with. I brush my hair and double up my scrunchies and pull my ponytail through. I slide my favorite hooded sweat over my head and stuff myself into my faded blue jeans. I stomp my foot into my worn tennis shoes. I take a quick look at my reflection. “Now that is the Sienna we all know and love.”
I grab my back pack and bolt for the door. I try to creep past my family who is cheerfully scarfing down breakfast. “Baby girl?” my mom calls.
“Yes mother.” I sarcastically return.
“We have some good news honey.”
My dad adds.
I roll my eyes, because nothing that they say would be good news to me. “What is that?” I say turning to meet their glare as I hold on to the front door.
“You know that we have been reconciling right?” he says.
“I think the giveaway was that you haven’t left.” I flash a false smile then frown.
“Anyway…we are getting remarried this summer. Natalie and dad will be divorced shortly and I want to right my wrongs with you guys and Shana. Natalie has agreed that we can have joint custody. So you will have your baby sister around.” He grins.
“Oh joy!” I mockingly throw my best set of Jazz hands in the air and display my teeth. I wave and run for my trusty thunderbird. My parents stand in the door and wave as their wonderful cheer filled morning is ruined by my sour mood. I want to feel bad, but I just do not have it in me this morning.
I pull into the parking lot and I immediately spot Scott’s White Range Rover. How ironic that butterflies dance around in my belly. I want to throw them up all over my upholstery. I swallow hard and ignore the shiny finish on his perfect ride. His dad is going to let him take it to school with him. It was already his the day they brought it home. No one drives it but Scotty anyway. I park and take the deepest breath ever. I approach the school and I see Eva exiting her mom’s Porsche. She catches my eye and runs to meet me.
“Hey! What happened to the fashion goddess? You have went from fab back to drab.”
“Yea, Scott believes that I’m nuts so… I think it’s over.”
“Oh no. After all of the drama you guys went through to be together, it is just over because you are a psychic?”
“He thinks we are playing some kind of game. He wants a mature relationship.”
“Mature? No one is as mature as you are.”
“Thanks… but I should have kept my secret like Trixie asked.”
We walk into the school and I avoid the hall of lames. I scribble on my notebooks in all of my morning classes. In math I resort to sleeping. I bury my head in my sweat and just sleep. I feel a tap on my head and when I look up Mr. Oliver is scowling.
“You are supposed to sleep at home in your bed Ms. Young!”
“Okay I apologize.” I close my notebook so that he does not see my doodling.
The bell finally rings and I head to the lunch room. My heart takes a dive into the pit of my stomach when I spot Scott sitting on the table of sluts. Amber shoots me a harpy grin and I want to punch her. She stands and pretends to fix his hair. She slides her witch like nails through his gorgeous hair. The curls bounce back into place as she takes a long exaggerated glide. I hate her! The fact that she is touching him makes me want to gag. I stand there at the end of the lunch line staring like a bumbling idiot.
“Sienna! Come on!” Eva calls. I snap out of the death stare and walk over to where she is sitting. “You have to stop staring, pretend like you don’t care.”
“I can’t Eva…I love him so much. That is the only reason I wanted him to know. He is everything to me.”
Tears surface and I don’t care who sees. I have lost the only thing that matters to me right now. I actually looked forward to school while we were together. Now I will just come because I have to. I look over at their table again. Amber is relentless. She knows we are done and she is rubbing it in.
“Stop it! Everyone is looking at you.” She grabs my arm and whisper to me.
“I don’t care!” I stand and throw my food into the garbage.
With tears streaming down my face, I dramatically exit the lunchroom. I take one glance and Scott doesn’t even flinch. I go into the girl’s restroom and step onto the toilet. I grab my knees and prop myself up so that I will not fall in. I rock back and forth letting it all out. I hear the bell ring and I know I need to go to class. I know the creature I have that hour will give us a test. I grab my bag from the hook, check the mirror for stains from my tears, wash my face and slowly head to class.
I listen to the babble she spits and then I hear quiz. I mark the obvious answers and before the bell tolls, I am in the hall on my way to gym. I enter the locker room and dress. As I slip on my gym attire I remember how he loves the way I look in them. Before I know it, I am sniffling again. I dribble the ball alone in the corner. Devin attempts to approach, but thinks twice when I all but growl at him. Finally the end of the day comes and I hop into my car. Eva waves me down for a ride. I drive toward her condo totally speechless. I rest my head on my arm as I drive. My mind is far away. I never want to come back.
“I cannot believe he let that trash taunt you that way.”
I look over at her and my eyes cut back to the road. I shrug and continue to drive her home. When we reach her place she grabs her dazzling bag and turns to me.
“Do you think it is safe for me to go out with Kelton now? We made it through the weekend. I am going to call him. I want to see him this evening.”
“I…I”
“I can wait. Just let me know when it is safe. I for one am grateful for your psychic visions. You saved my life. I will never be able to repay you.” She hugs me tight and hops out. I feel bad. I really should have told her he is dead. I couldn’t say it though. I don’t know how to deliver news of that magnitude. I watch as she enters her condo and I take off. I turn on the radio and blast the tunes as I head home to sulk.
When I turn into my driveway I see Trixie. I am not really in the mood to hear I told you so. I shut off the engine and run up past her. I see her face long enough to see bewilderment.
“Sienna?” I hurry up the stairs to avoid her but she is hot on my trail. “What is going on with you? Jacquie called me and asked me to come speak to you. She said you left for school in tears.”
“I told him okay. He thinks I am a nut job. Are you happy? You were right.”
“Oh honey. I am so sorry.” She approaches me with her arms spread out. I give in and let all of my emotions out. “That’s is why I am alone Sienna. I warned you.”
“I know Trixie!” I scream.
Right now I hate my grandmother for causing this treachery. I hate my aunt for revealing it all to me. I hate myself for loving Scott so much. I am a ball of confused feelings and inner loathing. I burst through the doors of my quaint craftsman style home. I run up the stairs so fast secretly hoping I trip a knock myself unconscious. Life has taken a hard left and I am glued to the window. I look behind me and Trixie is following close behind. I hear my mom shouting concerned questions at me from the den, she and dad decorated so they can watch television alone. Before I slam my bedroom door I hear my mom questioning my aunt, whom she has cornered at the top of the stairs.
“What in the hell is happening Trixie?” she scolds.
“I don’t know Jaqueline. I am trying my best to find out.” She snatches her arm away and push through my door. She gently closes it behind her.
“You have to get a hold of yourself girly. Your mom is beginning to worry. And I’m afraid she is going to go all ninja on me.” She jokes.
I give her an evil eye roll combined with a sharp eye cut before diving into my bed. I grab my pillow and yell inaudible curse words into it. My heart is broken and the shards are stinging inside of my chest.
“What would you like to do now? You have lost Scott and saved Eva. What next?”
I wipe the smeared tears from my face and sit up to face her. “I want to find Kelton and the man who did this to him. I owe that to him. I saved Eva and didn’t even think twice about him. His parents are most likely riddled with worry.”
“No. I will not allow you to put your life in danger. It’s not an option.”
“Ugggggh! What’s the use then?” I slam my head back into my bed. She folds her arms and watches while I throw a childish fit. Suddenly the phone rings and we both jump. I hop up and grab it.
“Hello” I sputter
“Kelton is missing! His mother called dad this morning. He hasn’t show up for work. They found his car near a night club in…Chicago!”
I don’t speak right away. My heart is beating so fast, what do I say to her? I know my silence tips her off.
“What do you know?” she says slowly.
“I...he…he…just come over so we can talk.”
“Oh god Sienna, it is going to be on the news. He hasn’t been seen by anyone in two days. The police wants to ask me some questions.”
“I will see you shortly.” I hang up the phone. I look to my aunt who is confused.
“It is all about to unfold.” I say.
When Eva gets to my house I tell her the whole morbid story. I explain my dream and how I could feel and see everything. She bursts into tears. I try to calm her before my mom hears her and comes bursting through my room like a steaming locomotive.
“What are you going to do? You have to tell someone.” She sniffs.
“No, she can’t Eva. Who will believe her? It was hard for you guys to swallow and you are her closest friends.” Trixie adds.
“I can’t sit back and let that monster get away with what he did. At least let’s go and check out where he buried him. We may be able to find some clues to lead the police back to him.”
“No! It is too dangerous!” she snarls.
I plop onto my bed and listen while Eva pours a river of tears into her hands. I watch as the two of them wait for the news to come on. Eva’s eyes are closing and I am tapping my foot rhythmically on the bed post. Finally the news comes on and they plaster a picture of Kelton all over the screen. My heart does a thumping dance as I stare into his piercing eyes. Oh how I would have loved to save him. I just was so focused on Eva. The life of this handsome young man was cut short. His parents are grieving and there is nothing I can do but… I jump to my feet. I grab Eva as Trixie stares into the TV. I yank her into the bathroom and press my fingers to my lips.
“Listen,” I whisper. “I am going down to Chicago tomorrow during first period. Do you think you can remember where the club was or what the name could be?”
“No, can’t you remember? You actually seen the place Sienna.”
“Right!” I say as I close my eyes and think back to my vivid vision. I run through that evening he and Eva were hand in hand standing out front. I see the bouncer again. I recognize the scenery from Kelton running past. I slowly scan the area in my dream. I see the names of the streets and the upscale club called A` Deux. I make a mental note of all of the information and we plan our escape.