Hearts and Bruises (Hearts Series Book 1)

by A. M. Brooks

  His face lit up, that boyish grin pulling at his lips. “A dark movie theater with you sharing candy would be awesome as well,” he smirked suggestively, we laughed.

  “I’ll get the candy,” I told him before slipping into my class.

  “It’s a date, Sutton,” he yelled after me.

  After the last bell of the day finally rang, I made my way out to the bus stop with a smile on my face. Altogether this day had been the best in weeks. I had been worried for no reason, I told myself. I should just be thankful things were dying down and I had new friends. Plugging in my earbuds to my phone, I almost collided with a wall of chest. I stopped dead in my tracks in front of Ethan quickly looking around me to see who was paying attention.

  “Hey bestie,” he said, giving me a small smile. I frowned before moving around him anxious to reach the bus. I couldn’t handle another interaction with the Kings after weeks of feeling almost normal.

  “Nora, wait,” he said, trailing behind me. I spun around, angry at him for destroying my normal and also for making me believe we had been friends.

  “Fine,” I said, standing taller and trying to appear like I gave zero fucks. “I’ll bite, what do you want Ethan?”

  He stepped back a few steps holding his arms up in front of him. “Just wanted to talk, Nora. To apologize.” I looked around as the people kept walking by. No one was stopping or even seemed to be paying attention to us. “Look,” he continued. “I know I fucked up and you got hurt. There are people who try and take advantage of us by saying they are our friends or more. I really wasn’t around when your dad asked to talk to you. But I didn’t believe you would say that and I should have stood up for you.”

  “Yeah well, Hannah and Mikayla were also there, and no one said anything,” I reminded him, attempting to move toward the bus stop again.

  “I wouldn’t trust either one of them,” Ethan said, shaking his head. I sighed feeling frustrated with the whole situation again.

  “What do you want Ethan?” I asked again watching as the buses start to pull away from the curb. Guess I would be walking home.

  “I just wanted to say I’m sorry,” he replied. His hands tucked into the pockets of his dark designer jeans. “I really am, Nora.”

  “What changed?” I asked skeptically. Everything in his face read he was being sincere but fool me once...

  “I did,” he said, giving me a small grin again. “I realized I was being a dick and should have trusted my friend more. You were nothing but real with me from the first time I met you. I owed you the same and I’m sorry I didn’t. Old habits and stuff.”

  “Okay,” I said. “Thanks.” I turned to start walking home. Ethan’s apology was worth it but missing the bus also sucked.

  “Let me give you a ride,” he shouted from behind me. I stopped, weighing my options. I hadn’t forgiven him, but he did apologize. Little clips of my torment from the past month flashed in my mind like warning signs. “I promise it’s just a ride home.”

  I turned back, and we walked to where his truck was. The parking lot was empty, so I climbed in. “So, we’re having a Halloween party at the house this weekend. Want to come?” Ethan turned to me.

  “I can’t,” I said. “I kind of have a date.” My eyes averted toward the window watching the scenery go by.

  “Bring your date,” he said, shrugging his shoulders. “Lily will be there.”

  “Yeah, I know,” I said.

  “If you’re worried about Darr, he won’t be there. He’s not huge on Halloween,” Ethan assured me. A blush covered my cheeks. I didn’t want him to think I was scared to see Darrian even though my stomach rolled at the thought.

  “I’m just not much –”

  “Of a party person, I know,” Ethan finished my sentence smiling. “Think of this as more of an apology party. An apology party with lots of good booze, bad decisions, and delicious treats.”

  “It’s okay if I bring my date?” I asked hesitantly.

  “Absolutely,” Ethan replied. “The more, the merrier.”

  The rest of the drive to my house was easy. Falling back into old banter with Ethan was like reuniting with a long-lost brother. He was ridiculous and made me laugh harder than ever. I wasn’t ignoring the warning signs in the back of my brain, but the neon wasn’t flashing as brightly as it had. I wanted to believe him.

  The next morning, I got off the bus early and waited outside for Trent. I was hoping he wouldn’t mind a change in plans or at least that he wouldn’t mind we were going to a party after I told him I didn’t like them. I worked on my Spanish flashcards while I waited. Every now and then I noticed a smile or a nod from people walking past me. The first time I swore I imagined it and that it wasn’t for me.

  “Hi Nora,” a girl called as she ran up the stairs before heading into the school. I looked around confused by what was happening.

  “Hey,” Trent said suddenly as he folded his long body next to mine. Olivia stood near us her phone to her ear and she was talking excitedly.

  “Hey,” I said smiling. “Umm, I had a question to ask you.”

  “What’s up?” he asked, flashing me his blinding smile.

  “I was thinking,” I started and cleared my throat. “I changed my mind about the party. Do you mind if we do that instead?”

  “Seriously?” he asked. His face hopeful and his grin grew bigger. “Only if you really want to,” he assured me.

  “Yeah,” I said, nodding my head trying to believe my own words. “It will be fun.”

  The rest of the week flew by fast and everything was different. Well, almost everything. Ethan started speaking to me in class and in the hallways. I even got a head nod from Elijah in class. On Tuesday, Whitney was the first to come up to me and apologize for blowing me off. On Wednesday, Summer offered me a ride home after school and also apologized. No one’s excuses moved me to forgiveness. I understood everyone was against people taking advantage of the Kings. The name calling and locker defilement, however, was hard to overlook. I didn’t know what to think by Thursday when Summer, Whitney, and Lily all sat at the table with Trent, Olivia, and me. Olivia’s face was priceless as she looked between me and the girls. Trent was eating up the attention he was showered with by all the females. I kept my head down trying to ignore what was happening. Part of me was dying to be in the group again and part of me was screaming about the injustice. True, Summer and Whitney weren’t there so it was more understandable why they believed the others, but still.

  Through it all, the one person I wanted an apology from the most was acting like I didn’t exist...almost. I could feel his eyes on me at lunch even though I could never bring myself to look his way. Looking at him was a painful reminder of how stupid I had been over him. He didn’t try to talk to me, and I left it be. When our eyes met across the parking lot at the end of the day, I gave myself a pat on the back for being strong enough to turn away first and not look back as I got on the bus.

  Even with the week being the strangest, Halloween was right around the corner and that put everyone in a good mood. Friday was basically a show up for attendance day and in every class, it was movies or BINGO games. Lily hadn’t been lying when she said Araminta went all out for the holiday. If they did all this for Halloween, I was a little worried to see what they did for Christmas.

  By Saturday, I was in the spooky spirit as well. Dad was celebrating his new client with the firm, so I had all day to finish my costume and prepare myself for tonight. By eight o’clock I had finished my last curl and turned to look at myself in the mirror. The dark blue dress stopped above my knee. The neckline was a sweetheart and didn’t show too much cleavage. I opted for my Converse to give the costume a little edge, but the floor-length red cape and hood sealed the deal. When Trent texted me fifteen minutes later that he was here, I was beginning to feel excited. I hoped Ethan wasn’t lying when he said Darrian wouldn’t be there. I was looking forward to a night to relax and have fun.

  Trent was looking good in his Arro
w costume. The mask was doing something for him. We picked up Lily on the way after she called and told me Taylor left without her. Like me, Lily wanted to look nice without looking slutty. Her fairy costume was a pale pink dress from last year’s homecoming and vibrant colored wings. We laughed and sang the whole way to the party. My nerves had eased until we started to pull into the gated neighborhood where Ethan and Elijah’s home was. Cars lined the sides of the road so we parked as close as we could. The decorations in the front of the house looked like the city hardware store had thrown up. Ghosts, vampires, and bats were everywhere. Loud bass could be heard from the driveway.

  Trent took my hand as we walked inside. “Hey guys,” and “Looking good Nora,” showered us as we made our way through the house. It was weird to me, but Trent appeared to be enjoying it. “You do look good,” he said, winking at me. I blushed.

  “Hey Nora, Nichols,” Ethan said, handing us orange cups. “Welcome, welcome.”

  “Hi,” I said. “You look awesome.” Ethan was wearing a pair of red swim trunks and whistle. Simple, yet only he could pull it off with the triangle of sunscreen on his nose.

  “Thank you, bestie,” he said, giving me a side squeeze. “Now, drinks are in the back, the DJ is outside, and bathrooms are upstairs.” He gave me another squeeze then was back into the crowd.

  “Want to dance?” Trent asked, bending down to my ear so he didn’t have to yell. I nodded, and he led me through to the back.

  The pool was roped off with floating fake zombies in the water. Lily waved us over to where she and a few of the girls were dancing with their guys. I noticed Taylor and Mikayla were sitting on the opposite side with the guys from the rival school and Roman. A slutty nurse and slutty cop. I rolled my eyes and danced with my friends. I lost track of time, but by my second drink, I needed the bathroom.

  “Drink?” Trent asked, holding up his glass.

  I shook my head. “Bathroom.”

  We walked back into the house and started walking toward the stairs.

  “Nichols!” Elijah called walking toward us. “Need another man on the board for pong, you in?” he asked. Trent looked at me.

  “Go,” I said. “I’ll be quick, then I’m going back to dance some more with Lily.” Trent whooped then kissed my cheek before following Elijah to the game.

  “Sixth door on the left,” Elijah called back to me. I nodded. The winding staircase led to a long hallway that I was thankfully successful enough to navigate.

  After I finished, I gave my hair a fluff and noticed the red in my cheeks in the mirror. I looked happy. Smiling, I opened the door. The long hallway was now completely dark. The only light was coming from the staircase where the party was. If it was possible, the narrow hall looked longer than it had when I walked up here.

  “Get a grip Nora, this isn’t a scary movie.”

  I trailed my fingers against the wall so I wouldn’t bump into it walking as fast as I could when I couldn’t see where I was going. Keeping my eyes on the light, I wasn’t prepared when a strong arm wrapped around my middle and a hand clamped over my mouth. Before my mind could register that I should scream, I was pulled into one of the rooms. My back slammed against the door as it closed. Finally, my fight response kicked in and I flailed my legs trying to hit any body part I could. My fingernails dug into the hand covering my mouth.

  “Stop.” That one word sent chills across my body. My eyes squeezed closed trying to hold tears from falling. Ethan had lied, Darrian was here, and I feared what he had in store for me.

  “I’m going to ask you a question, nod your head yes or no, then I’ll take my hand away, okay?” he said. His voice was low, his minty breath was hot in my face as he spoke. I nodded.

  “Have you slept with Nichols?”

  I paused. Not do you hate me, not did you really tell your dad we were dating, not will you be with me, but have I slept with Trent. My body tensed as I shook my head no. His hand fell from my mouth and I wasted no time shoving at him trying to move his body from mine. I felt violent and pissed that this was the guy I had sworn was going to make me want this move to stick. With all my strength, I shoved against him trying to put as much distance between us as I could. I felt myself snap, months of torment seeping into my muscles, I punched and hit, not caring where the blow landed.

  “Stop, stop Nora.” Darrian’s voice breaking through the red haze clouding my mind. He shoved me back against the wall. “Baby, you’re hurting yourself.”

  “Let me go,” I said between shaky breaths. It was still dark in the room, but my eyes had adjusted to make out his frame. With my fear subsiding, I could hear the party below us but doubted anyone knew what was going on above them.

  “We’re not done yet,” I heard him say a second before his mouth was fused over mine, taking advantage of my surprise, his tongue battled with mine. Mint and a hint of copper flooded my mouth. Blood. I made him bleed.

  My body responded when I knew it shouldn’t. I wanted to hate him, but instead of pushing him away I felt my arms circle around his neck. He must have approved because his hands slid down and cupped under my dress scooping me up. My legs twined around his waist, my sensitive spot hitting against the hardness through his jeans. I moaned against his mouth while hating myself that I felt this good with him. He kept one hand at my side while the other wrapped around the front of my throat directing my head for deeper access to my mouth.

  He pulled away first leaving me to take in deep breaths. I untwined my legs and lowered myself to the floor. Darrian let his forehead rest against mine while the impact of what I had let happen swirled around me. I wasn’t officially dating Trent, but I had asked him to the party and he had called it a date. I was a horrible person.

  “I need to go,” my whispered words fell between us.

  Instead of answering, Darrian pressed his lips to mine softly this time, grazing over mine, instead of demanding and controlling. Lost in the change of sensation, I barely noticed his hand had hiked the skirt of my dress up until I felt his fingers press against the wet fabric of my boy shorts. He traced a circle around the spot of dampness before pulling the thin material to the side and sliding two fingers inside my heat.

  “Shit.” The words and moans fell out of my mouth as my head connected back against the wall. Darrian trailed a wet path from my lips, down my jaw, to the sensitive place on my neck he knew I loved. His long fingers pumped faster, my hips meeting each and every thrust. Right as I felt my body tighten for release, he slipped his hand out sliding my underwear back into place with a small snap.

  “Wha—” I started to protest, my body feeling abandoned and in pain.

  “We need to go,” he said against my lips. Darrian reached to his right and opened the door. I stepped out, my eyes adjusting to the small flicker of the wall mounts that were once again lit up. My gaze snapped to Darrian’s, his glittering with humor.

  “That was planned,” I accused him. He only shrugged. It was then I noticed his costume. Torn jeans with fake blood splatters, a flannel shirt with ripped off sleeves and slashes cut through it with a crop of grey and silver fake fur laying over his shoulders. In his hand, half a hat made of the same fur hung at his side. He was the wolf to my Red Riding Hood.

  “How did you—”

  “I notice everything about you, Nora,” he whispered, taking my hand in his. As we walked toward the stairs too many emotions were rioting inside me. Guilt and shame mixed with excitement and passion that Darrian usually created. I quickly ran my hands over my hair, pulling the hood back on before checking that my dress was in place. I had no idea what my face looked like, but my lips felt swollen. Darrian didn’t look much better now that I noticed the small cut on his lip from my nails. At least it could be considered part of the costume.

  Nobody seemed to pay attention to us as we made our way down the stairs. The music was loud and a few chants from the keg area kept people busy.

  “Oh finally,” Ethan said, coming to a stop in front of us. “Although I h
ave to say that was pretty quick,” he said, giving me a wink. Heat flooded into my cheeks.

  “E,” Darrian said in warning.

  “Sorry, sorry,” Ethan said, handing a cup to Darrian trying not to laugh.

  “Where’s Trent?” I asked, peering around. Darrian’s hand tightened on my hip, his fingers flexing as I tried to wiggle away.

  “Uh, last I checked he and Elijah won the pong game and he was talking to some bumblebee,” Ethan said, shrugging his shoulders and clearly enjoying the exchange between Darrian and myself.

  “We’re leaving.” His breath tickled over my ear as goosebumps spread across my arms.

  “I still need to say goodbye. I did come here with him.” My gaze hardened.

  “Fine,” he said through gritted teeth. I pulled out of his grasp and made my way to the sliding doors outside. I could hear Ethan laughing hysterically behind me. I’d deal with him later for lying to me.

  The air outside had turned cooler and felt amazing on my overheated skin. I found Lily right away sitting on a couch while Hannah appeared to be crying next to her.

  “Uh, hey,” I said, interrupting the moment.

  “Hey girl,” Lily said, clearly not upset that I showed up. “Where have you been?” she asked with a knowing smile.

  “I was detained,” I said, looking around the crowd by the dance floor. “Have you seen Trent?”

  “I did a while ago by the cabana,” she said, pointing to the darker looking tent across the pool. Memories from the last party where the drugs were being distributed ran across my mind. I hadn’t thought that Trent would be into something like that.

  “Thanks,” I said, turning to leave when I felt Hannah grab my hand.

  “Wait, please, Nora.” Her voice hiccupping from the alcohol. “I’m so sorry,” she said, shaking her head, gripping my hand tighter. “I know it wasn’t right, you’ve been nothing but nice to me. It’s just, just that Mikayla’s dad just hired my mom. She’s been looking for work for a while now and I didn’t want to stand up against her.” I looked from Hannah to Lily, the latter just shrugged her shoulders.