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  I smack him on the arm even though I laugh at his comment. Thankfully, the music is loud enough that Kat doesn’t hear his little nickname for her. I know she wouldn’t take too kindly to it. Of course, Jared wouldn’t like what Kat calls him behind his back either.

  “I didn’t think you were going to make it tonight?” I say, glad that he did.

  “What, and miss all this?” He leans back spreading his arms wide.

  “Smart ass.”

  Jared’s only reply is to wink at me with a playful grin.

  I take a sip of the drink he brought me savoring the refreshing taste of Dr. Pepper, my favorite brand of soda. “So, was Brad there when you got home after school?”

  “Yep.”

  “Was he an ass?”

  “Yep.”

  “Sorry.”

  He shrugs like it’s no big deal even though I know that it is. “He’s only home for the weekend this time then he’ll be back on the road.”

  I hate the idea of Jared having to go home when Brad’s there. Thankfully, Brad is a truck driver so he’s gone most of the time because when he’s home he drinks. And when he drinks he gets mean. And when he gets mean he gets really mean and takes it out on Jared and his mom. Jared denies it, but I know Brad hits him. I’ve seen the marks. But every time I ask him about it he blows me off and changes the subject. So I’ve learned to stop asking, but that doesn’t mean I have to stop trying to help him in some way or another.

  “You can crash at my house if you want?” I offer.

  Taking ahold of my left hand he flips it over tracing the scar there with his finger. Goosebumps spring to life trailing their way up my arm. “I remember when you got this trying to help me hide from Brad when we were ten.” His eyes meet mine for a second before returning to my hand. “You’d cut it on a piece of broken glass in the garage and had to get seven stitches.” Bringing my hand to his lips he kisses the scar. His lips are soft and warm and for a split second I wonder what it would feel like if it weren’t my hand he was kissing. I mentally smack myself as heat rises to my cheeks. What is wrong with me? Jared is my best friend. I shouldn’t be having thoughts of kissing him. He lowers my hand back down to the table, but doesn’t let go. “I appreciate the offer, but Brad should be passed out by the time I get home.”

  I will the redness in my face to go away. I don’t know why Jared kissing my hand got to me like that. It never has before. I clear my throat. “In case he’s not, you know where to find me.”

  Kat flops herself down in the chair beside me making her presence known. Her eyes narrow in a hateful glare when they land on Jared. “I see they’re letting in just anyone now.”

  “They let you in didn’t they?” Jared spits back. He gives my hand one final squeeze before letting go.

  Two seconds later, their bickering begins. It’s impossible for them to be in the same room with one another without fighting about something. It’s hard to believe that they ever dated. Okay, so it was back in our sophomore year and it only lasted a week, but since the ‘break-up’ Jared is like the only guy who doesn’t fawn all over her. This is something that irritates her even though she swears she no longer has any feelings for him. Sometimes I wonder if she’s not lying about that.

  Deciding to ignore them, I focus on the band instead. Three guys, who look around my age, maybe a few years older, make up the group. Fully engrossed they perform with a mad energy that’s infectious and I soon find myself tapping my feet along to the beat of the drum getting completely swept away in it.

  I’m quietly singing along to what I’ve learned of the chorus so far when I hear Jared’s chair slide back. His eyes are narrowed into tiny slits shooting daggers in Kat’s direction.

  “Are you leaving?” I ask, as he gets to his feet.

  “I am if she’s staying.” He stares her down. She stares right back with a look of triumph on her face. A few choice words leave his mouth, Kat smiles like they’re a complement. Giving her the finger he storms off.

  I give Kat a disapproving look. “What was that all about?”

  She shrugs her shoulders with a small smile.

  “Why do you always have to be so mean to him?”

  I don’t wait for her to answer. All I want to do is find Jared and make sure he’s okay. Kat can be pretty vicious when she wants to be. I catch a glimpse of his blue ball cap near the front exit. I push my way through the crowd of swaying bodies making it to the middle of the floor when someone grabs ahold of my arm and twists me back around.

  CHAPTER TWO

  “What’s the hurry there sweetheart?” Some dude with spiky green hair has ahold of my arm, his grip tightening until his fingers dig into my skin. He pulls me in closer pressing himself up against me as he pushes me backwards toward the stage. “How ‘bout a dance?” His speech is slurred and his breath reeks of alcohol and cigarettes. I gag nearly throwing up a little in my mouth.

  “Get off me!” I pry myself away giving him a hard shove. He stumbles back a few steps, but quickly recovers holding his hands up in front of him feigning defeat.

  “Don’t be like that sweetheart.” Looking me up and down he licks his lips. The effect is disgusting making me feel like I need an immediate shower. He reaches out for me again and somehow manages to hook a finger under the hem of my shirt. Seconds later, he has a fist full and is jerking me closer.

  My heart speeds up in both anger and fear, each one fighting for dominance.

  Anger wins.

  Who does this guy think he is? I jerk my body backwards, but he just won’t let go. Left with no other choice I knee him as hard as I can in a place no guy ever wants to be hit. He falls to the floor, a string of obscenities tumbling out of his mouth between groans of pain.

  Glad to be away from that creep, I continue to push and shove my way through the crowd. It’s like trying to swim against the current. For every step forward, I’m pushed back two. I look around hoping to spot Jared’s blue ball cap in the sea of people, but he’s gone.

  Great. Now what?

  I’m still upset with Kat so going back to the table is out of the question. She’s probably found some new guy to flirt with by now anyway. Deciding to just call it a night and go home I pull out my cell sending a quick text to Kat to let her know. Then I send a second to Jared asking where he is.

  Neither one responds.

  Tucking my phone back into my pocket I make my way back through the crowd when the creep who grabbed me earlier spots me. He looks pissed. He shouts something I can’t hear and before I know it he’s making a beeline straight for me. His hands ball into fists at his sides, all traces of drunkenness gone from his face.

  I’m in trouble.

  Panic seizes me by the throat.

  What do I do? What do I do?

  Run you idiot! My inner voice shouts.

  I turn in a circle looking for a way out when finally I spot the emergency exit sign. Creepy Guy gains on me kicking my fear into overdrive. With no time to spare, I push my way forcibly through the crowd apologizing every few seconds until I make it to the door. Peeking over my shoulder, I see Creepy Guy standing in the middle of the floor, his head moving side-to-side in search of me. With a half sigh of relief, I dart out the door before he gets the chance to find me.

  Fresh cool air hits me in the face. I suck in a huge lungful until my chest can’t hold anymore and I have to let it go. Breathe in. Breathe out. I inhale and exhale until my heart rate slows and I can assess my surroundings.

  I’m standing on a less than sturdy fire escape that sways beneath my feet with the slightest of movements. Below me, a dark narrow alley stretches in both directions with the only light coming from a streetlamp at the far end that’s only bright enough to illuminate a few feet. Not even the sky has any light to offer. No moon. No stars.

  Darkness surrounds me and I start to wonder if I should go back inside, take my chances with Creepy Guy. But the idea of his hands on me again is pretty revolting, so maybe not.

  I jus
t need to make it to the streetlamp. I tell myself. Then I’ll be at the front of the building and everything will be fine.

  Tiny flakes of rust separate from the railing under my hand swirling like snowflakes to the ground below. With my other hand I reach into my pocket to pull out my Swiss Army knife. A girl can never be too careful.

  Slowly I descend and step right into a giant puddle at the bottom sending water rushing around my ankle. Leave it to me.

  The alley is still too dark to see much, so I walk slowly toward the light holding my trusty Swiss Army knife out in front of me. My wet shoe squeaks with every step and it’s not long before I realize - I’m not alone.

  Two guys take shape in the ring of light from the street lamp; the situation doesn’t look friendly. Slithering tendrils of fear start to seep into my chest wrapping around to squeeze my lungs until it’s hard to breathe. Spotting a dumpster I slip behind it silently praying that they didn’t see me.

  My mind races with all the possible horrible scenarios that could happen and I come to the conclusion that this just isn’t my night. First, there was the incident with Fake Lashes in line, and then Creepy Guy came along inside, and now this. Whatever this is?

  I know some self-defense, but not enough that I want to test it out—in a dark alley—with two strange guys.

  Maybe I can just wait them out.

  Yes. That’s what I’ll do. I’ll just wait them out.

  My cell vibrates in my pocket momentarily causing my heart to stop beating. I quickly pull it out, but my hands are slippery so into a water puddle it goes. Frantically, I reach in for it my fingers running over broken pavement and small rocks until finally landing on a smooth hard surface. I pull it out only to watch the screen flicker and go black.

  Great. Could this night get any worse? I think to myself.

  Gathering all the courage I can muster, I peek around the edge of the dumpster. A tall blonde guy dressed in dark jeans and a leather jacket circles around a smaller guy with dark hair like he’s waiting for the right moment to pounce. Dark Hair Guy must be thinking the same thing considering how terrified he looks.

  Blondie says something he finds amusing judging by the grin on his face. Dark Hair Guy doesn’t seem to agree. If anything he looks more frightened. Blondie finds this hilarious and throws his head back in laughter. Dark Hair Guy takes this as his opportunity to make a run for it. He doesn’t get very far.

  Blondie grabs ahold of the back of Dark Hair Guy’s gray t-shirt before he gets more than a few steps away. Blondie then slams him up against the wall causing the front of his head to hit the bricks with a sickening thud loud enough for me to hear in my hiding place. Dark Hair Guy’s knees buckle, but Blondie’s hold keeps him upright. Blondie spins him around pressing him against the wall so they are face to face. Dark Hair Guy’s head slumps to the side his body going slack, but Blondie won’t have any of that. He slaps him across the face until Dark Hair Guy’s eyes flutter open.

  This is getting bad fast and with my phone dead I can’t call for help. But I can’t just stand by and watch this either. I have to do something.

  I should do something.

  Gripping my phone in one hand and my Swiss Army knife in the other I step out from behind the dumpster. It’s probably the stupidest or the bravest thing I’ve ever done.

  “Hey!” I shout.

  Neither of them looks at me.

  “I called the cops,” I lie.

  Blondie smiles, moves a little closer to Dark Hair Guy, whispers something into his ear. Dark Hair Guy’s face contorts in pain before Blondie lets go allowing him to drop to the ground.

  Blondie turns to face me.

  I freeze in place my eyes drifting down. The streetlight casts an eerie glow to the dark blade clutched in his hand, almost as if the light were being sucked into it. Thick drops of what I can only assume is blood drip and splatter onto the ground. I tear my gaze away forcing myself to look at his face. My breath catches lodging in my throat as my phone slips from my hand to shatter at my feet.

  With his head slightly tilted to the right a slow grin tugs at the corners of his mouth. It’s a grin that’s anything but friendly and I want nothing more than to run, but I can’t. My legs have turned into lead weights betraying me and I can’t seem to look away from his face. There’s something terribly wrong with his eyes.

  My mind struggles to rationalize what I’m seeing and I tell myself that it’s just a trick of the light, or that maybe I’m hallucinating due to the crushing amount of fear I’m feeling, because when I look at them, all I see is darkness. Deep dark black voids that threaten to swallow me whole.

  Before I can process, he’s somehow closer. I step backwards. He steps forward. We move like this until my back hits the wall and there’s no distance left between us.

  Blondie moves even closer as he places his hands against the bricks on either side of me trapping me between his arms. With a sinister grin still etched across his face he lowers his head down to my neck breathing in deeply. “Your fear is intoxicating.” His warm breath crawls across my skin sending fresh shivers of fear down my back.

  I close my eyes making peace with my death that’s sure to come. Tears leak from the corners of my eyes as I feel the coolness of the blade mixed with the slickness of Dark Hair Guy’s blood trail down my face.

  “Too bad I can’t stay and play,” he whispers in my ear. “Until we meet again.”

  My eyes are glued shut and honestly, I don’t want to open them anyway. I’m afraid that if I look into those black voids again I’ll never get out. But minutes pass and I can’t really keep them shut forever so I take a chance and open them just a crack.

  I’m alone.

  Blondie’s gone.

  The Swiss Army knife I forgot I was even holding slips from my hand. I fall with it letting my sobs overtake me before I remember the guy with the dark hair. Wiping the tears away with the back of my hand I see him still crumpled on the pavement where Blondie left him. His back is against the wall, head drooped forward, chin against his chest, legs and feet spread out haphazardly.

  He looks dead.

  I struggle to pull myself together. Standing back up a wave of nausea hits me like a punch to the gut and I heave. Keeping my hand on the wall for support, I slowly walk to where Dark Hair Guy lies. Four words repeat over and over in my head, as I get closer.

  Please don’t be dead. Please don’t be dead. Please don’t be dead.

  His body is still, eyes closed. I kneel down beside him and thank the stars in heaven that his chest is slowly raising and falling. He’s alive. He looks around my age, maybe a little younger, but he doesn’t look familiar. Lake Haven is not that big of a town and Lake Haven High isn’t that big of a school. He must be from somewhere else.

  My eyes drift down from his face to a dark stain on the left side of his gray t-shirt. It grows larger with every breath he takes. He’s bleeding, and bleeding badly because it’s starting to pool on the ground beside him.

  “Hey, if you can hear me I’m going to try to stop the bleeding okay.” I pull my pink t-shirt off leaving my tank top on underneath. Wading it up into a ball I cover his wound applying pressure. Blood soaks through staining my hands red.

  Dark Hair Guy lets out a gargled sound of pain as his eyes slowly open. “Help.” It comes out as a whisper followed by a series of coughs, leaving blood dripping out of his mouth.

  “Try not to talk. I’m going to call for help okay.” I reach into my pocket, my hand finding nothing. Then I remember it’s broken. “Do you have a phone?”

  He shakes his head slowly side to side. “No…he…” His body shudders as he coughs up more blood.

  A million questions run through my head with the main ones being: Should I go and find help? Should I yell and hope that someone hears me? Will he die if I let go? Will he die if I stay?

  Having made up my mind to find help, I place his hand over his wound. “I need you to keep pressure on this to slow the bleeding while I go
for help, okay?”

  I turn to go when his hand shoots up surprisingly fast locking around my wrist. “No…” His body jerks in a fit of bloody coughs. “No…time.” He lifts his head, his dark brown eyes pleading and terrified. “You have…you have to find…” More coughing. His head falls forward, his breathing becoming more and more ragged. “I’m sorry,” he whispers.

  Before I can ask him what he could possibly be sorry for my wrist begins to burn under his hand. My mind swears it’s on fire though my eyes can’t see any flames. I scream as a jolt of electricity courses through me. Everything goes white… and then a flood of images flash before my eyes.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Black soulless eyes stare down at me. These eyes terrify me and even though I want to run, I can’t tear my gaze away. Something in the depths of the darkness there holds me captive. It wants something from me. Something I don’t want to give. Something I’m willing to die for to protect.

  My heart speeds up at the touch of a sharp blade being pressed against my stomach. A thin layer of gray fabric is the only thing separating it from my skin. Somewhere in the back of my mind a voice yells for me to run. My feet don’t listen. They remain firmly planted to the ground.

  I’m not going anywhere.

  His black eyes pull me in deeper trying to get into my thoughts, but I have to be strong. I can’t let him get in. A sharp pain stabs through my head blurring my vision. He’s getting closer. I fight harder. But he’s stronger and I’m not sure how much longer I can hold out.

  The blade enters into my abdomen slowly, the pain of it weakening my resistance. His mind rips through my thoughts like paper extracting anything he can grab onto.

  I can’t let him find it.

  I think of everything else but what he wants, pushing the hidden thought further and further to the back of my mind. The corners of his mouth curve into a grin as he pushes the blade in further. He knows what I’m doing and he’s going to make me suffer for it. Once the blade is buried to the hilt he pulls it out just as slowly as he entered it. Blood pours, saturating my clothes.