text: J.M.Hurley The Dreamer Part 4 The Final Chapters To all of my incredible fans who've made me the author I am today, my family who support me through everything, and the incredible authors I read from that give me the inspiration to write. 
   
   
     
   
   Chapter 33 
   
     
   
  After I finished re-telling my complicated evening to Sierra she let out a tired sigh.  “I can’t believe you go together with Kyle and didn’t tell me!” she said in mock shock, putting a hand to her chest and giving me a fake-out raged look. 
   
   I smiled, “Is that really the most shocking part of that whole story?”  
   
  “Well…no I guess not,” she said and reached forward to give my arm a quick pinch.  
   
  “Ouch! What was that for?” I asked rubbing my now red arm.  
   
  “Sorry, just making sure you knew how much this is like a dream!” she said and let out a giggle. “How many girls can say they have two hot boyfriends?” I let out an involuntary flinch at the dream comment and shot her a look on the boyfriend part. 
   
  “Didn’t you listen to anything I said? I only have one boyfriend, and his name is Kyle,” I insisted, motioning to the bouquet for an extra effect. 
   
   She smiled at me and gave my knee a squeeze before answering, “Oh you know I listened, but you did tell him you loved him, and you said the kiss was-”  
   
  “I know!” I snapped at her, I didn’t want to hear about what I thought the kiss was like, replaying it in my head was making me feel guilty enough on its own.  
   
  “Okay, okay, I’m sorry. It’s just, you never really explained why you and Zane broke up, you were so happy before and I just want you to be happy again,” she said and for her benefit I made my lips stop grimacing and pull themselves into a smile. “I’m sorry about your parents,” she said, giving me pitying look.  
   
  “Don’t be. They’re not splitting up, it’s just a misunderstanding, I’ll call my mom in the morning and get everything straightened out,” I said sounding defiant.  
   
  “Are you sure?” she asked sounding unconvinced and concerned.  
   
  “Yes, I’m positive.” I replied pretending to pick at a hangnail. 
   
   “So…Are you excited to meet Kyle’s parents?” she asked, returning to a safe topic.  
   
  I lifted my eyes to meet hers, “I’m terrified.” She let out a giggle then asked, “Why? They can’t be that bad!” she insisted and this time, I joined in with her laughter.  
   
  “I’m not worried about how they’ll be bad, I’m worried they won’t like me!”I said and she gave my arm a light slap.  
   
  “Oh come on Summer, we both know they’ll love you. Who doesn’t?” she said then got up off of my bed and began rummaging through my closet. “So what are you wearing?” she asked pulling out a knit sweater dress my grandmother got me last year and showcased it with her hand.  
   
  I shook my head and let out a giggle before I answered, “I have no idea, but I figured I’d find that out tomorrow.”  
   
  “Oh okay,” she said quietly putting the dress back and sitting back down next to me again. “Hey, you know I’m here to talk if you need it, right?” she asked turning towards me and giving me sad look. 
   
  “Yeah, of I course I do! Why?” I asked and looking into her innocent, trusting eyes I felt my stomach flip with guilt.  Why don’t you just tell her about the dreams? 
    I asked myself silently but I kept my lips sealed shut.  
   
  “It’s just…Sometimes, when we talk, it seems like there’s something that’s always bugging you. I’m not trying to push or anything, but sometimes it makes you feel better just to have someone else know,” she said then looking up at me with her big, innocent blue eyes, I saw she was crying. 
   
   “Oh Sierra! Of course I know I can tell you anything! I’ve shared everything with, no worries!” I pulled her close and giant bear hug in what looked like an act of support, but really, I was just hiding the guilty look on my face.  
   
  “Just as long as you know I’m here for you…” she said, sniffling and wiping her nose with a Kleenex.  
   
  “Yes, of course I know that and if anything else happens, you’re the first person I’ll go to,” I assured her as I stuffed more tissues into her small, shaking hands.  
   
  “Oh thanks Summer! You’re the best! I’m sorry it’s just, with your parents splitting up, it reminds me of m-my p-parents…M-my d-dad.” She finished letting out a sob and I gave her another supportive hug.  
   
  “What happened to your dad?” I asked tentatively once she calmed down some, not wanting to send her into hysterics again.  
   
  “He was killed, in a shooting,” she began, sounding relatively calm to be talking about her father’s death. “It was just a mere 2 months before school started. I remember that day perfectly, every minute of it. I was playing with little brother, Jackson, when the police car pulled up. I remember watching from our backyard, seeing my mother come out and talk to them, then seeing her double over, crying.  
   
  I remember how she just kept crying and how Jackson kept pulling on the bottom of my dress and asking what was wrong. We lived in a bad neighborhood, my mother still does. Shortly after my father was shot in the drive-by, Jackson was sent to live with my grandmother, and I was sent here. Jackson’s only 6 years old…He’s so young, but so, so strong. None of my family thinks he understands what happened, but he does. He just hides it better than I do,” she said and then everything clicked into place in my mind. 
   
  “So that’s why you were so upset about not being able to contact your mom!” I said, remembering the time when we’d stayed up late as she confided in me that she hadn’t talked to her mother, and desperately wanted to.  
   
  “Yes,” Sierra replied, nodding her head solemnly, “I always like to check in with her, to make sure she’s still there…still alive.” I let out a sigh and mimicked her by slapping her lightly on her forearm.  
   
  “Why do we always talk about me? It sounds like you have a lot to talk about too!” I said and she looked up at me with a dry humored look.  
   
  “I’ve done too much talking, enough to last me a lifetime.” 
   
  “Oh?” I asked questioningly, Sierra didn’t strike me as the talker type.  
   
  “After his funeral, my mother forced me to see a grief counselor. I got my fair share of pity from her, and yet I still consider it one of the worst experiences of my life,” she replied brushing her fingers through her brown hair.  
   
  “Worst? Why, was she mean?” I asked and Sierra quickly shook her head.  
   
  “Oh, no she was lovely. But every time I went to see her, it was like I relived that day. It was torturous for me to go through week after week. You don’t know how glad I was when I finally got shipped off to here,” Sierra replied and I gave her small hand a squeeze. “Well, don’t let me get you all depressed before bed, or you might have nightmares,” she said giving me a wink as if I found that funny and not terrifying. 
   
  “Nightmares?” I asked in a weak voice and she looked at me like I’d said something crazy.  
   
  “Yeah, about shootings…I always have them…” she said and I put aside my suspicions and fears and gave her a smile.  
   
  “Just count sheep, it helps bring better dreams, or at least it does for me,” I replied then added silently in my head, or it used to help ward off bad dreams, not anymore though. Sierra gave me a smile and jumped down off of my bed.  
   
  “I’ve never heard of that one, I guess I’ll have to try it,” she called over her shoulder as changed out of her jeans and t-shirt and threw on her cotton cloud pajamas. Climbing into bed and pulling the covers up to her chin, she gave me a meek smile and laid her head back onto the pillow. 
   
  I sighed and laid back too, hoping that counting sheep may work again someday until I heard Sierras soft voice whisper, “And Summer?” I blinked, my eyes adjusting to the dark room rather quickly then asked, “Huh?”  
   
  “Thanks for talking to me tonight,” she replied and I felt like an absolute coward.  Why couldn’t I just tell her the truth? She’s told me everything, and all I’ve done is lie. 
    I pushed the annoying voices farther back into my mind and whispered back, “Any time.” Before I closed my eyes and began counting sheep, hoping with all my heart that it would work. 
   
   
   Chapter 34 
     
   
   I felt myself falling through space. Everything around me was pitch black and I could see nothing. As I fell my heart began to race, and my pulse quicken. What will happen when I hit the bottom? I asked myself as I continued to fall. I wasn’t sure what would happen, but I didn’t want to find out. I pictured my mother at her best.  
   
  Her blonde hair flowing to her thin waist, his facial features fixed in laughter and my father’s arm around her shoulder. It was a picture she kept on her bedside table whenever and wherever she traveled, taken from her teenage years. My mother’s flawless face was turned towards my fathers, their noses touching in a sign of affection. I could picture it perfectly. 
   
  Just seconds later, I landed gently on the floor of an old town house. My mother sleeping form lay in the bed next to me. “Thank god that worked,” I muttered as I paced around the room. “How could she does this to my father and I? How could she?!” I asked the skies, my voice rising. My mother’s sleeping body rolled over, then back again.  
   
  “Oh, that’s right, she can hear me,” I whispered to myself as I walked over to the dresser next to her bed. “Maybe I can find a few clues in here,” I said quietly. My eyes scanned the stray pieces of paper for any words like, ‘divorce’ or ‘fighting’ or even ‘angry’ but found nothing. Sighing, I opened the drawer slowly, trying to make the least amount of noise possible. 
   
  Once opened, the drawer proved to be very useful. Tons of important looking papers covered the bottom of it. I reached in and scooped them up. Carefully, I held up the first paper, which resembled a diary entry and read it: 
     
   
  Received Update today, She has had another one. I’ve reported this, and they assure me she is far off from danger, but I’m not so sure. The boy has promised to protect her, though I doubt he knows who he was promising too. Vincent called again today. Oh how I hate lying to him, but I must not get him involved in this. How long will he put up with my vagueness? Much longer, I can only hope… 
   
   I put the paper down and stared at my mother in shock. What was she lying to dad about? I thought silently as I held up the next sheet, it too looked like a diary entry. 
   
   
  Vincent has finally caught on, not to my work of course, but to my lies. Though it broke my heart in two, I suggested a divorce. He deserves better than this. Better than me. I wish it didn’t have to be this way, but I think this is the easiest route for everyone. I hope he will understand with time, and I hope Summer will also. My dear Summer, oh how I miss her! I just wish I could spend one night with her laying in my arms, like she did when she was a child. At least that way I would stop worrying about her. I’m always worrying…All I do is worry…  
   The ink trailed off and again and I felt a tear slide down my cheek. I miss you too mom! I said all feelings of the divorce forgotten. “Why did you lie to Daddy?” I asked her sleeping form. “Why?” I whispered again to myself. If you still love him, why lie? I didn’t understand my mother’s choices and hope the last paper would explain more. I held it up; it was different from the other, in a to-do list form. 
   
   
   
  1.)    Mail divorce papers to Vincent 
  2.)    Call Summer, apologize 
  3.)    Call for update 
   
   
   I looked at the page for a few seconds longer. Apologize? For the divorce, or something else? I thought silently as I quietly stuffed the papers back into the drawer. Shutting it softly, I admired how relaxed my mother looked while she slept. It was an expression of hers that I’d never seen. Her lips were curved up in a slight smile and her hands reached out for a form that wasn’t there.  
   
  “Vincent?’ she said it so soft that I almost thought I’d imagined it until she whispered it again, “Vincent? Where are you? Why have you left me?” A lone tear rolled down her cheek and landed onto her pillow. “Oh Mom, just call it off,” I whispered then an idea struck me. I opened the drawer and found the to-do list again. Picking up a pencil, I made my edits then laid back down. It now read: 
     
   
  1.)    Make up with Vincent 
  2.)    Call Summer, Catch up 
  3.)    Call for an update 
   
   I let out a sigh as I stared at my handy work and gave a smile. I wonder what mom will think about when she finds this. My mom rolled over and again then, ever so slowly, she began to wake up. Seeing her beginning to sit up and rub her eyes, I let out a soft “Eek!” and quickly pictured my old houses garden again.  
   
  After a few seconds of waiting I disappeared then reappeared in my small, pathetic garden. I smiled, breathing in the scent of the flowers and went to lie down at my usual spot. As I walked out to the old wooden bench I saw a note was lying on top of it. Sighing out of exhaustion, I reached down and picked it up. 
     
   
  A poem for Summer, 
  You cannot run forever, 
  Think you can hide from me? 
  How un-clever! 
  Think I can’t see? 
  You’re dumb as ever. 
  It’s been awhile since I said hi, 
  So tell me Summer, are you ready to die?  
   
   I dropped the note with a gasp. Who wrote that? I thought to myself as I looked around the garden. Was it ‘the man’? I asked, hoping that thinking of him wouldn’t summon his presence. I sighed; I’ll just think about it in the morning, I thought glumly as I lay down on the rotting wooden bench. Soon after my head hit the rotting wood, the garden faded from around me and my dream world slipped away, leaving me falling once more, into a world of darkness. 
   
   
   
   Chapter 35 
   
   
  I woke up soaked in sweat, my light blonde hair wet, and clinging to my damp forehead. I kept taking trying to take deep breaths, which instead came out in short gasps, to fill my lungs and slow my racing heart. Black spots kept filling my vision whenever I tried to open my eyes and the seemed to be spinning around me.  I’m having a panic attack, 
    stating this fact to myself actually seemed to calm me down.  
   
  At last, I could breathe evenly again. I used my blankets to wipe most of the sweat from my face, then got down off my bunk and walked over to my mirror.  All of this trouble over a silly note? 
    I tried to play it off as nothing, but in reality just thinking about that poem made the hairs on my back stand on end. 
   
  I tore myself away from my pale, shaken reflection and walked over to my desk to check my clock.  Well, at least I woke up on time, 
    I thought to myself,  that gives me a whole hour to get ready! 
    Instantly in a brighter mood, I snatched up my clothes and towel then saw Sierra’s sleeping form still lying in her bed. I tiptoed over to the side of her bed and gave her shoulder a light shake.  
   
  “Huh?” she asked drowsily, sitting up slowly and running a hand through her short, choppy brown hair.  
   
  “Time for school,” I replied then ran off to our bathroom to shower.  
   
  I took longer than usual for my shower, letting the steam and heat relax my overly tense muscles. As the warm water droplets ran down my back and into the drain, I let the memories of last night’s dream go with it.  I ran my hands through my sopping, wet hair and ran a washcloth over my face. A loud bang of the bathroom door pulled me out of my soapy relaxation. I rinsed off, and then stuck my head out around the shower curtain.  
   
  “Yes?” I asked smothering my voice with fake annoyance.  
   
  “Hurry up!” Sierra shouted in a mock angry voice, and I heard her let out a loud giggle. “You’re wasting all the hot water!” she called and I rolled my eyes.  
   
  “Oh relax; I’m getting out as we speak!” I yelled back as I shut off the running water and stepped out onto the cool, tile floor. 
   
  I plucked my towel up, off of the bathroom counter, and wrapped it around my body. Then, after wringing out my hair, I snatched up that hair dryer and a spare brush, and opened up the door. “Bathroom’s all yours,” I replied and Sierra gave me a smile. 
   
   “Thanks S.” I gave her a nod before she shut the door, then walked over and began blowing my hair dry in our tiny, one person mirror. 
   
  30 minutes later, my light blonde hair was perfectly smooth and flowing nicely over my small shoulders. I was dressed in mini skirt and a tank top and wore converse as my shoes. Sierra picked up her back pack off of her bed and gave me a casual wave over her shoulder as she headed for the door. “We’d better head out, or we might be late.” I gave her a nod and after picking up my own backpack, followed her out, into the hall. 
   
  After that, my school seemed to fly by, and before I knew it, I was standing in the lunch line waiting for my food. The cafeteria lady dumped something unrecognizable onto my plate and urged me forward. Sighing, I picked up my tray and threw it into the nearest trash bin, grabbing a bag of chips instead. With my chips and vitamin water in hand, I walked over and plopped down next to Kyle. Today, he was joined by Sierra and Brady, a guy who Sierra met in her tech class and has had a huge crush on since she first saw him. 
   
  “Oh, hey honey,” Kyle said getting up  and pulling my chair out for me.  
   
  “Aw, you didn’t have to do that,” I said and blushed as I took my seat.  
   
  “So are you excited for tonight?” Kyle asked reaching under the table and giving my thigh a squeeze.  
   
  I jumped and let out a nervous giggle, “Yeah, of course.” Eager to get off the topic, I turned towards Sierra and gave her an encouraging smile. “So how was tech?” She looked up from her food and gave me a shrug. 
   
   “Same as usual.” I bit my lip and turned towards Brady.  
   
  “So, I heard you’re on yearbook committee this year. Is it fun?” He looked up at me through his mess of black hair, a sarcastic smiling playing on his lips.  
   
  “I quit two years ago,” he replied and I let out a frustrated sigh.  
   
  “Looks like I have some catching up to do,” I joked, trying to cover up my sigh.  
   
  It must not have worked because Kyle turned and faced me, “Everything okay babe?” I smiled and gave him quick nod. 
   
  He stared at me for a while longer then averted his eyes back to his food. Across the cafeteria, I saw Stephanie enter, and I slowly go up to go talk to her.  
   
  “Honey, where are you going?” Kyle asked giving me a confused look. Sierra and Brady too looked up me questioningly.  
   
  I gave them all a weak smile and said, “Oh, just have some un-finished business to attend to.” I speed walked over to Stephanie in order to catch up to her. When she saw me, she whispered something in Lance’s ear then rose to greet me. 
   
  “What the hell do you want?”  Wait, did I just hear that wrong? 
    I thought to myself questioningly.  Was she not the girl who was crying last night about having no on?  
   Stephanie gave me an irritated glare.  
   
  “I came over to ask if you wanted to come sit with us,” I replied giving her a smile. She shot daggers at me with her eyes.  
   
  “I’d rather get shot in the head multiple times then get caught dead sitting with you losers,” she replied and I could tell her icy exterior was up harder than ever today. 
   
  “Is that why you’re acting so strange? Because you have multiple head injuries?” I asked looking up at her with innocent eyes.  
   
  “Strange?” she asked her jaw clenched tightly.  
   
  “Well, I guess it’s normal behavior for someone who has no one,” I continued and I watched her jaw drop.  
   
  “I’d love to challenge you a battle at wits, but it doesn’t feel right attacking someone who’s unarmed,” she replied her bright  blues eyes giving me a cold, hard stare.  
   
  “Why are you always so sarcastic?” I asked giving her a look of question.  
   
  “It’s my body’s natural defense against stupidity,” she replied and I let out a giggle.  
   
  “Okay, I definitely didn’t see that one coming.” She remained stone face, and unmoving. “Oh, come on! I’m sure Lance would come, and you could help me pick out my outfit for my date!” I said putting a false pep in my voice and giving her an eager smile. This time, she smiled back. Putting one manicured hand on her skinny hip she leaned in closer to me. 
   
   “Pardon me, but you're obviously mistaking me for someone who gives a damn.” She said and I let out an angry sigh.  
   
  “What about having no one? Is this how you plan on getting friends? Because if so, it’s not working so great!” I yelled causing several people sitting nearby to turn and stare at us.  
   
  “Sometimes you’re such a moron, I kind of admire you,” she replied causing several people to giggle around us.  
   
  “Gee thanks Stephanie, I know I can always count on you to wrap up my day in sunshine,” I replied then, raising my vice a bit, I added, “At least you have someone to talk to today. After all, I’d hate to be that person with no family, friends, or really people in general, that like you,” I said and Stephanie’s scowl turned into disbelief.  
   
  She looked around herself at all of the people watching then, giving me a quick glare or disbelief, she fled. I heard heels clacking on the hard floor as she bolted out of the cafeteria. Lance gave me a questioning look then darted out after her. 
   
  “I think you really hurt her feelings.”  
   
  I turned around and let out a gasp, “You scared me!” I said staring up into Zane’s bright blue eyes.  
   
  “Sorry,” he said giving me smile that made my heart quicken.  
   
  “I’d love to chat,” I said looking around to see if Kyle was looking, he was, “but I should probably go finish my lunch.”  
   
  Zane nodded slowly, giving me an unconvinced look before motioning with his hands, “Don’t let me stop you from eating lunch with your boyfriend.”  
   
  My smile dropped and I gave him a look of despair. “Oh come on Zane, don’t be like that,” I insisted but he was already off, walking out the same door that Stephanie had just minutes before. 
   
  “Oh don’t feel bad darling,” Kyle said from behind me, making me jump out of surprise.  
   
  “I didn’t know you were there. Did you hear all of that?” I asked turning around to face him.  
   
  “Of course not, I find no reason to eavesdrop on you,” he said then offered his hand to me.  
   
  “Shall we go enjoy lunch together?” he asked and I gave him a nod and grabbed his soft hand. 
   
   
   Chapter 36 
   
   
  After lunch, my school day passed so quick it was a blur. As I sat in History, my last class of the day, I went over my choices in my head for what outfit I should wear for tonight.  My green slip dress would compliment his eyes just perfectly and I could combine that with my…  
   
   
  “Summer? Hello, Summer? Ms Charad!” My head snapped up to meet the angry eyes of my teacher. Mrs. Krenchin, my elderly history teacher, stood in front of my desk, a scowl present on her old, winkled face. “I hate to interrupt your thought, but I have a history lesson to teach!” she snapped and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.  
   
   All you were doing was sitting at your desk and reading Lifetime magazines, 
    I retaliated in my mind but out loud I only replied, “Yes ma’am.” She shook her head at me once more, and then returned to sit at her desk. 
   
  After that, class passed without any more interference. The bell let out a shrill ring and all of the students collected their belongings and headed out for the door. “I haven’t dismissed you!” Mrs. Krenchin called after them, but no one stopped or reentered the room. I hurried out behind the rest of them and heard her call after me. “Don’t let me catch you day dreaming again Ms Charad! It’ll be an automatic detention next time!” I sighed;  Detention’s the last thing I need to worry about right now.  
   
   
  Once I reached my room’s door I flung it open and hurried in to join Sierra, who was sitting patiently, waiting on her bed. “Ready to get pampered?” she asked and I nodded my head eagerly. 
   
   Once we had everything ready, she began to curl my light blonde hair into small ringlets while I powered my make-up on. “So…” I said dragging out the O to add emphasis, “what’s going on with you and Brady?” She smiled at me in the mirror and picked up a make-up brush from the counter.  
   
  Brushing it lightly under my eyes before she answered, “Nothing serious, we’re just friends.”  
  I looked up at her questioningly.  
   
  “Is everything alright? You seem down?” I asked as I lengthened my lashes dramatically with my mascara.  
   
  “Yes everything’s…No actually, it’s not,” she said then pulled my soft ringlets up into an elegant up-do style at the nape of my neck. After she was finished, I turned around to face her.  
   
  “What’s wrong? Is it about your mom?” I asked instantly concerned.  
   
  “No, no, it’s nothing to do with me. It’s really none of my business but… I’m just worried Kyle isn’t who he says he is,” she replied and my worried expression disappeared, masked by a look of shock.  
   
  “What?! Why would you think that?” I demanded getting up from my chair and pacing around the room. 
   
  “I don’t know…it’s just a vibe I get when I’m around him. He just seems so…fake,” she said then looked down at her feet to avoid my eyes.  
   
  “Well, that’s a shame because he really seems to like you. Maybe you shouldn’t judge people off of vibes and actually get to know them,” I replied as I began to shift through the hangers in my closet.  
   
  “Here, wear this,” she said pulling out a gorgeous white dress and handing it to me.  
   
  I gasped, “It’s gorgeous! Where did you get it?”  I asked clinging to the fabric longingly.  
   
  “I bought it awhile ago for the Autumn Ball, but I’m not going anymore so I figure it should at least get some use.” I gave her an open mouthed look of shock and place the dress back into her hands.  
   
  “There’s absolutely no way I can take this from you. It’s just too gorgeous Sierra, and way too expensive!”  
   
  She shook her head and handed it back to me, “No, I want you to have it. It’ll look gorgeous on you, and it can be my peace offering. I’m sorry about judging Kyle, it was rude of me,” she replied and I gave a hug.  
   
  “Oh Sierra, What would I do without you?” I exclaimed then let out a squeal of joy and raced off to get changed. 
   
  Once in the dress, I ran out of the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror. The dress fit my body perfectly, the white fabric flowing beautifully from my waist past my feet. The top consisted of brown and cream bead work, making the dress look modern and edgy.  A brown belt pulled in at the waist, accentuating my thin, lean figure, and golden tassels hung down past the belt, giving the dress a royal look. My hair was held back with a beaded, golden headband that matched the tassels perfectly and my feet wore golden heels that were raised a good 5 inches off the ground. 
   
  I let out a sigh of pure excitement and twirled around in the mirror, causing the dress to flow around me in a perfect circle. “Oh! Gosh, Summer!” Sierra exclaimed and I turned to face her.  
   
  “What’s wrong? Does it look bad?” I asked and I bit my lip in disappointment.  
   
  “You look absolutely gorgeous! Even more pretty than I imagined. Kyle’s going to love it,” she said letting out a giggle as I pulled her into a hug. “I feel like I’m standing next to a goddess in the flesh,” she replied and I shook my head as giggles escaped out of my mouth.  
   
  “Okay I don’t look that good!”  
   
  She stopped laughing and gave me a look that said, ‘I mean business. “I’m serious Summer, you look beautiful.” I blushed bright red and gave her grateful another hug.  
   
  “Well, I wouldn’t look anything like this if it wasn’t for you.”  
   
  She gave me a smile and said, “Oh you know you would’ve.”  
   
  A knock on the door interrupted our disagreement. I shot her a nervous look, my stomach already beginning to churn with nervousness. “Go,” she whispered giving me a reassuring pat on the back. I walked over slowly and opened the door. A man dressed in a black suit stood in front of me, a Bluetooth attached to his ear, and a serious look set into his lips.  
   
  “Mr. Landon is here to pick you up,” the man said in a bored tone.  
   
  “Look like my ride’s here,” I called back to Sierra as I shot a smile at the man in the suit. “I’m ready.”  
   
  "Not without your earrings you’re not!” Sierra called after me, hurriedly running up to me and poking the earrings into place. “Now you’re ready,” she replied then, after giving me a look from head to toe, gave me a hard hug. “Have fun Summer, you deserve a good time.”  
   
  I gave a smile, and patted her arm, “I will.” 
   
  “Ready to go now?” the man asked and I gave him a nod. He motioned for me to walk in front, so I picked up my pace and tried to contain my excitement.  
   
  “So, who are you?” I asked hoping I didn’t sound rude.  
   
  “I am Robert Kawlzeski, the Landon’s family chauffer.” I gave him an understanding nod and went over the facts silently in my head.  So they’re rich enough to have their own chauffer? 
    I hadn’t realized Kyle’s family was wealthy.  
   
  As we walked down the hard, stone steps, several people turned to look at us. I even let out a giggle as I saw many of the males mouth’s drop in shock. I caught Zane’s eyes and gave him a giddy wink. He gave me smile back, but it wasn’t one that reached his eyes, or showed off his pearly whites; just a smile that seemed more of a reassurance than anything. 
   
  I kept my head straight forwards after that, looking only at Robert once in awhile, making sure he was still there. Once we made it outside, he motioned for me to follow him down and outside the gates, using a key from his pocket to unlock the schools gates. We rounded the corner and I let out a gasp of shock.  A limo?! 
    I thought gleefully as I stared at the long car. It was polished to shine beautifully when the light hit it, and was colored in traditional black. I turned to Robert and saw him pull a flower out of his inside jacket pocket.  
   
  “For you, from young Mr. Landon,” he replied and handed me the flower.  Zantedeschia, 
    I thought with a sigh as carefully placed the flower into my hair. 
  Robert opened the door wide enough for me to get in and I gave him a smile.  
   
  “Thank you,” I said meekly as I climbed into the limo. The corners of his lips turned up in amusement, as he gave me a nod and shut the door behind me. Once inside, I turned and saw Kyle sitting next to me, looking lovely as ever in his tuxedo. His normally messy hair was slicked back tonight, showcasing his best feature, his bright green eyes.  
   
  “Oh Summer, wow!” he exclaimed letting his mouth fall open in amazement.  
   
  “Yes?” I asked giving him a wink and turning more so that I could look directly at him.  
   
  “I don’t think there are words to describe how beautifully gorgeous you look tonight.” He replied and I gave him a peck on the lips.  
   
  “You’re such a charmer!” I said giving him a big smile and lightly reaching up to touch my fingertips to the flower in my hair.  
   
  “No, I’m a realist,” he insisted giving me cheeks a kiss and holding my hand in his.  
   
  “Have I told you I love?” I asked and he smiled.  
   
  “Why, not today, you haven’t,” he replied and I felt my smile widen.  
   
  “Well, Kyle,” I began giving him a mock serious look, “I love you. I love you with all my heart, all my soul, and my entire being.” He put a fake look of shock on his face then took his hands and placed them on both sides of my face.  
   
  “I love you, also Summer. Though I’m sure it’s no surprise, I love you with my entire being, I love you for all the love the world has to offer, and if it came down to it, I’d love you even after death.” He leaned over and gave my lips a quick kiss and I smiled under his kiss.  I wish life could just stay like this, so happy and perfect, 
    I thought silently, but deep inside, I knew that the happiness wouldn’t last, it never does. 
   
   
   Chapter 37 
   
   
  After driving for about 10 minutes, the limo came to a halt. Through the dark tinted windows, I spotted a small country side shack.  Well that’s nice and homey, 
    I thought to myself as I admired how strongly it resembled my old house. Robert opened the door for Kyle and he stepped out quickly. Walking around the side of the limo, Kyle pulled open the door for me and offered his hand. I took it graciously and he helped me out of the limo.  
   
  “We’re here,” he announced giving me a cute smile. I smiled back and started heading over to the shack when Kyle caught my wrist. “Summer, wrong way, that’s our shed,” he said and I blushed out of embarrassment.  His shed’s my house, 
    I thought as my cheeks turned even pinker. 
   
  Kyle gave my hand a squeeze and pulled me past the shed, in the direction of his house. When we came around the corner of shrubs Kyle came to a stop. We stood in front of a house so big that I’d only seen pictures of houses like it. It had large stone pillars that framed the staircase leading up to a large wooden door. It had only a couple of windows, all of them on the first floor. The bricks sparkled in the sun and the fountain in the front of the house gleamed as the light reflected off of it.  
   
  “It’s lovely,” I whispered as Kyle pulled me forward towards the steps.  
   
  “I’m glad you like it,” he replied, digging in his pocket for the key. Once he found it, he pulled it out and gave me a smile. “I’m so glad you agreed to come meet them. They’re so excited,” he said and I gave his upper arm a squeeze. 
   
  “They aren’t the only ones excited.” Kyle gave my lips a quick kiss then he unlocked the door and held it open. I quickly entered and marveled at the beauty of his home. 
   
  The walls were covered in paintings and statues stood in all the corners. The furniture looked antique and expensive. On the far left, near the wall, a large, polished-looking spiral staircase stood. Kyle placed his hands on my shoulders and I felt him lean in and move his mouth close to my earlobe. “My Parents are upstairs. I’ll go find them, you stay down here and make yourself at home,” he replied and cast me a smile before he disappeared up the stairs. 
   
  I walked around the main floor, my heels making loud clacks every time I took a step. In the corner of what looked to be a living room sat picture frames on an expensive looking side table. I approached it slowly, careful not to let my heels scuff the polished wooden floor. Once I reached it I picked up the first frame and examined it. The photo showed a younger version of Kyle fidgeting with a tiny bowtie that sat on his neck. His two front teeth were missing in his white smile and his beautiful green eyes were looking wide, and curious at the camera. I let a giggle escape my lips.  A handsome boy turned into an even handsomer man. 
    I looked over at the other photos. They held other memories of Kyle, some of him fishing, some of him just smiling, and others with him and his friends. But none of them gave me any hints as to what to expect for his family. 
   
  I looked over the rest of the counter. It held ancient looking books, a few potted plants, and a small chest. A questioning look crossed over my face and I took a step closer to the counter, examining the chest. “It can’t be,” I whispered to myself as I reached forward and picked it up. It was small, and light, the outside of it was decorated in ancient looking carvings. Its designs on the side were unique, ones that I’d only seen once before in my life…In my dreams. I was instantly pulled into a flash back, sent spiraling back in time, the setting around me set in the 1800’s.  Alonzo stood next to me and begged me to understand. “I only wanted to show you something!’ he’d insisted, giving me a hesitant smile and motioning to the corner of the empty room. There, in the corner, was a small tiny chest. He motioned me forward insisting that I must see what was inside, but I yelled at him and ran away, leaving him alone and heartbroken…Leaving the chest behind too. 
     
   
  I gasped as I was pulled back, out of my flash back, and into reality. I stared open mouthed at the tiny chest that I was absolutely sure was the same one from my dream.  Something’s very wrong here, 
    I stated silently as I continued to gawk at the tiny box in my hand. I took a deep breath,  should I open it? 
    I looked around the corner and saw that no one was coming.  Yes,  
   I decided,  Alonzo would want me to. 
    I held my breath as I slowly opened the small box. Once it was open I took a look inside of it, finding only one item, and it was wrapped in a silk covering case. 
   
  I took a deep inhale of oxygen and pulled the silk covering off. There, lying in my hand was the most beautiful necklace I’d ever seen. It was an emerald jade color, sparkling gorgeously as the sunlight bounced off of it. Diamonds surrounded the large center stone and the golden chain was sparkling brilliantly as if someone had recently polished it. I marveled at its beauty, wondering what a masterpiece like it would look on my own neck. 
   
  I peaked around the corner, making sure Kyle wasn’t coming, and slipped the necklace up over my up-do and onto my neck. I walked over and looked at myself through the reflection of a nearby window. The necklace fit my neck perfectly, falling just right on my pale, light skin. The jade stone brought out the green in my ever changing eyes and the diamonds matched my earrings perfectly.  It’s so gorgeous! 
    I exclaimed silently as I reached up to fix the falling flower in my hair. My hand zipped up to my head, so fast it was a blur. I froze, staring at my reflection, open-mouthed and puzzled. I straitened the flower then brought my hand back to my side, again, my hand moving inhumanly fast. I stared into the window, my large blue green eyes widened as I tried to come up with a rational explanation. Walking back over to the counter, my feet too went faster than possible. 
   
   It’s the necklace! 
    I exclaimed as my eyes landed on the empty chest. I looked down at my neck, the large pendant shinning innocently up at me. I sighed and began to pull the necklace over my head when I heard footsteps coming down the stairs.  
   
  “Summer?” Kyle’s voice called from close by. Hurriedly, I slammed the tiny chest back shut as quietly as I could manage in my hurry and pulled the necklace up and over my head, dropping it into my hand bag.  I’ll put it back later, there’s no time now. 
    I thought to myself then mentally kicked myself,  well I suppose if I had my inhuman speed, there’d be enough time. 
    “Summer, Where are you?” Kyle’s voice asked again, this time sounding closer than the last time.  
   
  “Oh I’m in here Kyle!” I called walking forward, trying to put as much distance between myself and the chest as possible.  
   
  “Oh there you are!” Kyle exclaimed as he entered the doorway with a smile on his face. “Well, Summer, I’d like you to meet my parents.” 
   
   
   Chapter 38 
     
   
  I gave Kyle an encouraging smile as his mother stepped through the doorway behind him. “Summer, this is my mother, Milenka.” I gave his mother a smile as I registered the resemblance of Kyle and his mother. 
   
   Milenka was a short woman, about 5’1”, with a bright smile and perfect nose. Her chocolate hair was a shade lighter than Kyle’s but her exciting green eyes matched his perfectly. She was dressed in a dress that hung down and stopped at her ankles, and wore an apron around her slim waist.  
   
  “It’s nice to finally meet you Summer, Kyle’s told us tons about you” she said, speaking with the same soft accent that Kyle has.  I still don’t know where he’s from, 
    I added silently as I again, tried to guess where their accent originated from. 
   
  Milenka held out a small and I shook and replied, “It’s nice to meet you too, and only good I hope.”  
   
  Kyle gave me a smile, “Of course, sweetheart.” I flushed bright red and looked down at my feet. Milenka let out a loud laugh that sounded like wind chimes blowing through the air.  
   
  “Oh dear, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We’re a traditional Russian family, we like all those pet names,” she said with a wink. I laughed with her and silently thanked her,  Russia, so that’s where they’re from!  
   “Now where did Viktor go off too?” Sylvia said in her thick Russian accent as she looked around the room. “Viktor?” she called and then gave Kyle a pat on the shoulder. “You go and find him,” she said and he gave her a nod and went off to find his father. “Those boys I tell you, always going off someplace,” she said and I let out a giggle. 
   
   “My mother says the same thing,” I said and laughter escaped Milenka’s cherry colored lips.  
   
  “Well I suppose great minds do think alike,” she said as she brushed her chocolate hair out of her face. “You look lovely dear,” she said and I gave her a grateful smile.  
   
  “Thanks, you look pretty too,” I said and she waved her hand at me.  
   
  “You’re too kind my dear.” 
   
  “Ah there you are!” I heard Kyle exclaim from down the hall. “Come on father, Summer’s here to meet you.”  
   
  Milenka shook her head with a smile, “Viktor dear, we’re in here.” Kyle reentered the room and shot me a smile.  
   
  “Sorry for the wait, my father was just on the phone,” he explained and I shot him a smile back.  
   
  “Oh, it’s fine. I had fun talking with your mother,” I said and she smiled at me and gave my arm a squeeze.  
   
  ”Call me Lenka, dear,” she insisted and I gave her a nod. “Ah, there you are,” Lenka called over her shoulder as footsteps approached us.  
   
  “Sorry that took so long, Ramón had a business update for me.”  
   
  “It’s fine, dad,” Kyle replied and he gave me a smile. “Summer, this is my father, Viktor.” 
   
  Viktor stepped through the doorway and I gasped out loud. There, standing before me, was the very man who haunted my dreams, the same child who I’d laughed with in the field, the same man who was to blame for the permanent scar that lie across my chest. “No! No, this can’t be happening! This isn’t happening!” I exclaimed, stepping backwards quickly.  
   
  “Oh, Summer, let us not be rash,” Viktor said shaking is finger at me like a scolding parent.  
   
  “No!” I screamed at him then I turned and looked at Kyle. “Did you know?!” I screamed at him then catching his guilty expression I let out a laugh thought I didn’t find the situation funny at all. “Of course you did! You were the bait!” I screamed and I let out another laugh, on the verge of hysterics. 
   
  “Now, darling,” Viktor said stepping closer to me. “I won’t have to hurt you if you cooperate.” I shook my head in disgust and spit in his face.  
   
  “I would never cooperate with you,” I hissed.  
   
  “How dare you!” He screamed reaching his hands towards me. I pushed his hands away and kicked him in the knees, sending him falling to the ground.  
   
  Milenka looked at her fallen husband then raised her eyes back to me, her eyes smoldering with hate. She jumped towards me but I dodged sideways before she could reach me. Her tiny body hit the wall with force, and she lay crumpled in a heap on the floor. “Mom!” Kyle cried and rushed to her side. 
   
  As he was distracted, I took off running to the nearest exit. I reached my destination quickly and flung the door open. Once it was open I raced through the open doorway and out into what looked like a garden. My mind raced back to when Kyle and I were talking about flowers.  “Where did you get them?” I asked knowing almost all store refuse to sell them. “The lilacs are from my mother’s garden.”  
   
   
  I looked around myself and thought silently, that’s where I’m at, his mother’s garden. I kept up an even jog as I looked for a way to exit the garden.  
   
  It was gorgeous, with flowers of all colors covering the floor. Tall trees started to go around the flowers as I ran farther out into the garden. As I ran I tripped and fell over roots growing out of the ground. The pretty flowers seemed to wrap around my feet and kept making me slip and fall. Stray tree branches cut my face and arms and the hot sun made beads of sweat start to form on my forehead. After I was a fine distance away I stopped running to take a break. My feet were cut and bleeding from running in my heels, I hadn’t had time to take them off in my haste, both of my ankles were swollen and one sprained from all of the tripping and falling. At some point, my hair fell out of its up-do style and was flowing down my back and shoulders. My golden headband had also slipped down and was now sitting firmly in the middle of my forehead. 
   
  There were cuts present all over my arms and my lungs and throat ached for water. I wanted more than anything to sit down and rest, but I knew I had to stay on my guard and remained standing. I poked my head around a nearby tree and searched for any signs of followers, there were none. I sighed heavily out of relief and slowly began to turn around. As I turned around as figure jump out of the wooded area behind me and clamped a hand down over my mouth. I screamed and bit down and their grip lessened a bit, but by then, they already had me pinned down to the forest floor. 
   
  “Don’t struggle Summer, I don’t want to hurt you,” Kyle whispered and I bit down even harder into his hand. “Damn it!” He swore as he released his hold on my head. I thrashed about wildly, trying to throw him off balance so I could escape, but my efforts were for nothing, he sat as sturdy as a rock as dug in his pants pocket for something. 
   
   “So you never really loved me, did you?” I spat at him, trying to stall myself some time.  
   
  “Of course I loved you Summer. But you have to learn, you can’t sacrifice everything for love!” he yelled back and pulled his hand out of his pocket, a syringe in hand. 
   
  “Is that p-p-poison?” I asked timidly as he sized the needle up in front of himself.  
   
  “No, it’s Kentamine,” he replied I looked up at him nervously.  
   
  “What’s that?” I asked as he leaned closer to me.  
   
  “A knockout drug,” he replied then stuck the sharp needle into my thing. I yelled out in pain as I tried to push myself away from him. I tried to shove him backwards off of me but I found it impossible to even lift my arms.  
   
  “P-please Kyle, d-don’t do this,” I cried through my tears as he pulled the syringe out of my leg and put it back into his pocket.  
   
  “I’ve already done it Summer, it’s all over now,” he said to me, stroking my hair as if this thought should comfort me. 
   
  “Don’t touch me,” I slurred drowsily as the anesthetics started to kick into overdrive.  
   
  “But you love me?” Kyle said his lips curling into a smile that I had once considered cute, now it just looked cruel and evil. I let the tears slide down my face as he leaned towards me.  
   
  “D-don’t-” Kyle cut me off by kissing my lips gently. Our kiss tasted salty, from the tears running down my face and I lay motionless underneath him, unable to move my limbs as I faded in and out of consciousness.  
   
  “That could be our last kiss,” he whispered to me as my eye lids started to flutter. “I love you Summer,” he whispered into my ear, “I’ll miss you.” “I’ll miss your golden, beautiful hair, and your eyes that always change color. I’ll miss your childish laugh and your soft lips…” He went on talking, but I was already fading, as my eye lids slipped shut, I drew a quaky breath then my world went black and everything slipped away. 
   
   
   Chapter 39 
   
   
  When I awoke I was lying face down on a hard surface.  My vision was fuzzy and my limbs felt strangely numb. I sat up slowly, trying to remember what had happened and where I was. As I sat up, I felt something cold brush against my wrist. I lowered my eyes, my vision finally returning to normal, and saw that it was my handbag. All at once, the memories of my horrid night came rushing back to me. I shuddered as I reached down and snatched my bag up. I unclipped the top of it and pulled the jade necklace out, admiring its beauty once again before slipping it on over my head. 
   
  As soon as the cold necklace touched my skin I became instantly more focused and I took a better look at my surroundings. From what I could tell, I was in some kind of basement. It was smaller than most basements, and its only source of light was from a small window at the very top of the wall.  I need to get out of here, 
    I thought desperately as I continued to stare at the window longingly. It was far too high for me to reach;  even if I could reach it I don’t have the upper body strength to pull myself up and out.  
   I added bitterly as pushed my headband farther back on my forehead. 
   
  A soft rattling above me made my thoughts freeze in place and I looked up. The rattling started up again and I looked about franticly, searching for where the noise was coming from.  It’s them, 
    I thought with disgust,  it’s Viktor; he’s coming to kill me. 
    The small window at the top of the wall began to shake and I looked up at it, confused.  Well, apparently he likes dramatic entrances.  
   I turned around and glanced at the heavily locked wooden door behind me.  Why didn’t he just use the door? 
    I thought curiously. 
   
  The window finally gave way and popped off, causing me to dive to my right to avoid being hit by it. “Ouch,” I gasped as I looked down at my bloody, cut feet. I unhooked the clasp on my heels and took them off to relieve my aching feet.  If I’m going to die, I’m going to make it as comfortable as possible. 
    Then the realization hit me,  I’m going to die. He is going to kill me. I’ll never say goodbye to my mom, or my dad. No goodbyes to Sierra or Stephanie. No goodbye to Zane. 
    I let of a sob and shook my head back and forth.  Why couldn’t I have chosen you? You’re the one I actually love!  
   “You’re the one I love…” I whispered as I wiped the tears away from my face, I didn’t want Viktor to see that he’d made me cry, it’d cause him too much pleasure. 
   
  Suddenly, feet began to descend from the window, then a whole body. Dropping to the ground, they picked their head up and glanced over at me, his familiar bright eyes sparkling with sorrow. “Oh Zane,” I whispered but I stayed where I was, not daring to ruin this wonderful hallucination.  
   
  “Summer, come over here,” he whispered gently as he walked towards me, “we’re here now. Everything’s okay now.”  
   
  I gave him a huge smile and as he bent down next to me I whispered, “If I have to die, I’m glad that you’re here, I love you.”  
   
  He gave me a confused look then, picking me up into his arms, he just smiled and said, “It isn’t your time to die Summer… I love you too.” 
   
   “Stop talking and hurry the hell up!” A voice whispered down to us in a demanding tone. I looked up at Zane, “Is that…Stephanie?” I asked and he gave me nod.  
   
  “Alright Steph, I’m going to hand her up to you now,” he whispered as two perfectly manicured hands reached in from the small window.  
   
  “She won’t be able to hold my weight,” I whispered and Zane let out a chuckle.  
   
  “She’ll manage,” he whispered and I looked questioningly up at him. He didn’t explain just gave my forehead a soft kiss then wrapped his arms around my waist. 
   
  “I’m going to hoist you up, then Steph will grab your arms and pull you up and out. Okay?” I smiled and gave him a nod as he prepared himself. “Ready?” he whispered in my ear and I smile up at him.  
   
  “Yes,” I replied, my voice soft and meek.  
   
  “Steph, you ready?” he whispered up to her and I heard her let out an impatient sigh.  
   
  “I’ve been ready for the past 2 hours, and if you call me ‘Steph’ one more time, I’m coming through this window and-”  
   
  “Okay let’s go,” Zane said cutting her off mid threat. 
   
  He tightened his grip around my waist and after bending down he reached up with all his might, then he threw me. My few seconds of being airborne were enough to make my stomach turn upside and start to panic, but soon after he let go, Stephanie grabbed on. Her long nails dug into my upper arms as she hoisted me up and out of the basement as if I weighed nothing more than one of her shopping bags, setting me down gently into a patch of flowers. 
   
  “Um, thanks,” I whispered and she shot me a sarcastic smile.  
   
  “Please! I deserve more than, ‘Uh, thanks’,” she finished imitating my voice in a low, manly tone. I rolled my eyes at her then remembered just who else had been down in that basement with me.  
   
  “How will Zane get out?” I asked and no sooner did the words leave my mouth did I see two hands grip the windowsill and Zane pulled himself up and through the small window, his muscular build just barely fitting through. 
   
  “Get up!” Stephanie whisper-yelled at both of us. “We have to get out of here or we will all die!” Zane and I exchanged glances then everyone sprang into action.  
   
  Zane ran over and helped me up, “Do you need to be carried?” he asked and I shook my head. 
   
   “No I can walk,” I insisted and Stephanie turned around and addressed Zane.  
   
  “Carry her,” then turning towards me she added, “Sorry, but it’s not walking that I’m worried about and I’m not risking my life just so you can show some independence.”  
   
  Zane scooped me up into his strong arms, and then took off running after Stephanie. After about 5 minutes of running the trees began to clear and we found ourselves in a field.  
   
  “Over here,” Stephanie called from our left. We looked over and saw she was hunched down and pointing to something hidden behind vines and shrubs. “There’s a break in the fence! All we have to do is crawl through!” She said with excitement and Zane quickly ran over and crouched down next to her. 
   
  “Can you crawl?” he asked me as he gently set me down onto the soft grass to give his arms a rest.  
   
  “Yeah, I can manage,” I said and Stephanie turned around to face us.  
   
  “I’ll go first, don’t crawl until I reach my hand under again, we have to be sure you won’t get caught,” she said then pointed her polished finger at Zane. “You, take up the end, we have to have her surrounded,” she said and he gave her an understanding nod. Stephanie took a deep breath then got down on all fours and pushed herself through the brush and under the tiny opening at the bottom of the fence. 
   
  Zane and I waited patiently, holding our breath, as every second ticked by that her hand didn’t pop back through. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity but was probably only a few minutes, her small hand shot under the fence and gave us a thumb up. “Coast’s clear,” she whispered and a smile lit up my relieved face. 
   
  I inhaled deeply then pressed my stomach to the soft ground and pulled myself through the rough brush. The branches and shrubbery caught my hair and branches cut my face but I continued to crawl until I reached to gap in the white wooden fence. I pushed myself lower to the ground and pulled myself under it, my slim build making it out easily. I sighed out of relief as my feat cleared the fence and I was sitting next to Stephanie. 
   
  There was a rustling behind the fences and then Zane’s head appeared through the fence. “What are you waiting for?” Stephanie asked and he looked up her with confused eyes.  
   
  “You don’t honestly think I’m fitting through that tiny space, do you?” he asked and she let out a giggle.  
   
  “Well stop working out then! That solves our problem,” she said sarcasticly as she broke off pieces of the fence to widen the space for him. Once it was big enough, he sighed and pulled himself through cleanly. 
   
  “Let’s go!” Stephanie said grabbing Zane’s arm and giving me an agitated look. We began to run and soon after I was tripping and falling, tears running down my face from the pain of running on my swollen feet.  Keep going! 
    I told myself as I got up and spit dirt out of my mouth, running to catch up with them only to fall again. Zane slowed down and bent over by my side.  
   
  “Are you okay?” he asked in a concerned voice. I gave him a weak nod and tried to smile but he shook his head and used his finger to wipe away some of the tears streaming down my face. 
   
  “Hurry up!” Stephanie called behind herself as she sped forward, racing to get to the car.  
   
  “Kay!” Zane called after her as he picked me up, yet again, into his warm, muscular arms.  
   
  “Thanks,” I whispered into his ear and he gave me a tiny smile as he took off running towards the vehicle. Stephanie reached it first and yanked the driver’s seat door open, hoping in and pulling it forward. She sped over to where we were stopped and Zane opened the door and set me down in the back. Then, he opened the shotgun door and as soon as he shut it behind himself, we were off. 
   
   
   Chapter 40 
   
   
  Stephanie floored it, breaking the speed limit twice over. The streets weren’t busy, lucky for us, so we didn’t have any trouble with traffic. “Where are we going?” I asked finally as Stephanie took another corner on two wheels.  
   
  “Back to school, you can pack some stuff and then we’re off.”  
   
  “Off? Off to where?” I asked looking back and forth between her and Zane.  
   
  “We’ll explain later, for now, all you need to know is that you’re not safe here anymore,” Zane replied and I turned away from him with a sigh.   I’m so tired of everyone keeping secrets! 
    I thought to myself as I absentmindedly played with the pendant hanging from my neck. 
   
  We pulled into the school parking lot and we jumped out. “Where’d you get the car from?” I asked Stephanie as she put her key into the door and locked it.  
   
  “I said I’ll explain later Summer,” she said as she dropped the key back into her purse she gave me an impatient eye roll. Footsteps nearby caused us all to whip our heads around. Lance jogged over to us with a huge smile on his face. 
   
   “I’m glad you’re safe, I‘ve got the passports all ready. They’re in my bag,” he said as he pulled Stephanie into a loving embrace. 
   
  She blushed at my raised eyebrows as Lance planted a kiss on her lips. She kissed him back lightly then put on her hard exterior again. “Alright let’s get moving guys! Summer, I’ll come up with you to help you pack. Lance, you and Zane need to scout out the area and make sure no one dangerous is lurking. Understood?” she asked and we all nodded in agreement. “Can you walk?” she asked me as the boys took off to patrol the school grounds.  
   
  “Yeah, my feet are feeling a little better.” That was a lie, they weren’t feeling better, they were numb from pain, but that was beside the point. I could walk, even though it was painful, and that was what I was going to do. 
   
  We jogged slowly up the steps and when we reached my room my feet seemed to cry out with relief. I whipped my room key out and flung open the door. I heard Stephanie gasp behind me as we surveyed my room. The cabinets lay on the floor, their drawers scattered around the room, clothing items and bed sheets cluttered our surrondings, and Sierra lay unmoving on the floor. 
   
   “Oh my god!” I exclaimed as I bent down next to her and prayed she was still breathing.“Is she still alive?” I asked Stephanie as she bent down next to me. She held her polished finger steady under Sierra’s nose and nodded her head.  
   
  “She’s still breathing,” she confirmed then, just to be sure, she picked up her wrist. “She has a pulse too; she’s most likely just knocked out.” I let out a sigh of relief and pulled Sierra’s limp body onto my lap.  
   
  Stephanie grabbed my bag off of my bunk and began to shove clothes into it furiously.  
   
  “Wait what are you doing? We can’t leave anymore!” I yelled at her but she continued to shove clothes into it, pausing only for a few seconds to give me a bored look.  
   
  “And why is that?” she asked as she went to our bathroom and began shoving toiletries in.  
   
  “We can’t leave her like this!  I  
   can’t leave her like this!” Stephanie paused and let out a laugh, as if I’d just said something humorous.   
   
  “Of course we can’t!” she yelled back at me, as is there was something blatantly obvious that I was missing.  
   
  “Then…Wait, we’re taking her with us, aren’t we?” I asked and Stephanie stopped her packing to come over and crouch down next to me.  
   
  “We have to-”  
   
  “What if she doesn’t want to come?” I asked, cradling my roommates head in my arms. 
   
   “Don’t cut me off, you know I hate it,” she said as she got up and brushed herself off. “She can either come with us and live, or stay here and die. Which do you think she’d prefer?” she asked sarcastically and I gave her a look of shock. 
   
  “You’d kill her?” Stephanie turned to me with an amused expression on her face.  
   
  “Wow, I don’t know what they drugged you with, but whatever it was, it must kill brain cells because you’re acting even more stupid than usual.” 
   
  The corners of my lips turned down, “That’s not funny.”  
   
  She sighed, “Whatever and no it’s not me we have to worry about. Since she’s close to you, the Tanghar would kill her. In fact, I bet they thought she was dead tonight, and were just too stupid to check her pulse.” 
   
  A knock on the door interrupted our conversation. Stephanie’s blonde hair whipped around her face as she turned her head quickly towards the sound. “Hello?” she called tentatively and I felt myself squeeze Sierras cold hand out of nervousness.  
   
  “You guys ready to go? The coast’s clear,” Lance’s voice called through the wood as Stephanie let out a sigh of relief and opened the door. “Whoa what happened in here?” Lance asked as his eyes scanned my mess of a room. 
   
  “Nothing, take these down from me,” Stephanie said pushing two large bags into Lance’s arms, “thanks,” she added, giving him a kiss on the cheek. Lance smiled back and hurried out of the room with our luggage as I widened my eyes at her.  
   
  “So Lance knows too?” I asked and she blushed pink in her cheeks. 
   
  “He’s not really supposed to know, but I knew how much he could help me," she caught herself, "I mean us, out with the tech stuff,” she said and I gave her an encouraging smile.  
   
  “It’s fine, it’ll be good to have more than one normal person with us,” I said, looking down at Sierra’s pale face.  
   
  “We should probably head down,” Stephanie said as she stared at me with an odd expression.  
   
  “Oh okay, yea-What?” I asked as I caught sight of her questioning look.  
   
  “That necklace,” She began.  
   
  “Oh isn’t it pretty? Do you like it?” I asked as I shifted uncomfortably under her hard scrutiny.  
   
  “Where did you get it?” she asked as she reached out her small hand to touch the emerald stone.  
   
  “Why, have you seen it before?” I asked and her ocean blue eyes flicked up to mine.  
   
  “It’s called, The eye of the McKons,” she said and realization hit me hard. 
   
  “McKons… Wasn’t she the princess that Zane wanted to guard?” I asked and Stephanie let out a chuckle.  
   
  “I’m not sure but if I had to take a guess I’d say yes, almost every young boy wants to grow up to be the princess’s guardian. None of them actually do, though,” she said and I looked up at her with question.  
   
  “Why is it called, ‘The eye’? Isn’t that kind of a creepy name?” I asked and she shook her head, making her blond hair spin around her face. 
   
  “Not if you’ve seen the McKons it isn’t. They have the most unique, beautiful emerald eyes. That stone on your neck is said to be the only thing that can replicate their beauty.”  
   
  “Oh,” I replied and Stephanie gave me a thoughtful nod.  
   
  “Alright, that’s enough history for one day. Let’s go,” she said as she hoisted Sierra up into her small arms. 
   
  “Okay, how do you do that?” I asked and she let out a sarcastic snort.  
   
  “You don’t actually think they’d give me the title of ‘guardian’ without training, do you?”  
   
  I let out a giggle, “I guess I just couldn’t believe you would sit through a conditioning session, yet alone hardcore training.”  
   
  Stephanie shot me a look from over Sierra’s limp body, “Just because I look weak doesn’t mean I can’t kick your butt on the spot, watch it Charard.” I let giggles escape my lips as we crept down the halls and finally reached the door. 
   
  “Can you get that?” she asked and I gave her nod and walked over to the door, placing my hand on the hard wood, but not pushing.  
   
  “Stephanie?” I asked and she raised her eyebrows question at me.   
   
  “Yes, Summer?”  
   
  I smiled, “You were wrong. You have Lance and Kyle…And you have me.”  
   
  For a second she let a smile slip uninvited onto her lips but then she turned it into a fake scowl, “Would you just open the door?” I gave her a smile and pushed the door open wide. Then after walking the doorway, she turned to me and smiled, “Thanks.” And for the first time in my life, I saw Stephanie truly happy, as a smile lit up her face and her ocean eyes sparkled.  
   
  She handed Sierra over to Zane and she ran over and threw her arms around Lance’s neck, planting a passionate kiss on his lips. Zane raised his eyebrows in question at me and I just shook my head, “She’s just happy,” I replied and I knew that I was telling the truth. 
   
   
   Chapter 41 
   
   
  After a few minutes of embracing, Stephanie broke away from Lance and said, “We need to get going, the jet’s waiting for us.” Everyone nodded in agreement as we piled into the car.  
   
  “So where  did 
    you get this?” I asked as I motioned around us at the car’s interior.  
   
  “It was a gift,” Stephanie replied as she began to back out into the road.  
   
  “Who bought you a car?” I asked and she let out a chuckle.  
   
  “I didn’t say they bought me a car, I said it was a gift. It’s Kyle’s gift, from his father. What a shame he’ll never get to use it,” she replied and my jaw dropped.  
   
  “You  stole 
    Kyle’s car?” 
   
   “You act like that’s such a big deal,” she said, flipping her blonde hair behind her, “he tried to  kill  
   you. Grand Auto Theft is a lot less time then murder… I think, anyways it doesn’t matter because we aren’t getting caught, Lance made sure of it.” 
   
  I shot an exasperated glance at Lance but he just shrugged his shoulders and said, “What can I say, she’s very convincing and I was the only one who knew how to hot wire someone’s car.”  
   
  “Told you he’s our tech guy,” Stephanie said proudly as she sped down the road.  
   
  “W-what’s going on?” Sierra’s tired voice sounded from the back of the vehicle. “W-wait, where am I? What’s going on?!” she asked her voice becoming more panicked with every second.  
   
  “Tell her,” Stephanie said and I took a deep calming breath. “Sierra, there’s something I need to tell you…” 
   
  After I finished telling my story to Sierra she sat unmoving and speechless. “So, those men who came in-”  
   
  “Were from the Tanghar,” Stephanie finished for her. Sierra nodded her head, and then turned to look at me.  
   
  “I wish you would’ve told me earlier, but I can’t say I’m surprised.”  
   
  “What?” I asked,  how can she not be surprised by this, I’m even surprised by this! 
     
   
  Sierra gave me a smile, “I knew there was something different about you since that very first time you had one of your dreams, you seemed more…Focused after that, like you had more important things than the normal high school student.”  
   
  She let a sigh escape her lips, “So where are we headed now?”  
   
  “I’m not sure,” I said as I cast a glare in Stephanie’s direction, “We’re not allowed to know yet.”  
   
  “Oh shut-up back there!” Stephanie called as she turned a corner swiftly, “we’re headed to the airport.”  
   
  “Oh,” Sierra mumbled as she played with the bracelet on her wrist. “Wait, what about school?” she asked and Zane turned around to face us.  
   
  “It’s already taken care of; Ms. Kelly was informed that we’ve all transferred.”  
   
  I took a calming breath and looked at his bright blue eyes, “what about our parents?” I asked and his smile disappeared.  
   
  “ That 
    I haven’t taken care of. We’ll need some sort of excuse-”  
   
  “You mean lie?” Sierra asked and Zane nodded.  
   
  “Yes, I guess I do mean lie, but it’s the only way to protect them.” 
   
  “We’re here!” Stephanie called out as she pulled the vehicle to a halt.  
   
  We filed out of the van and headed off to the airports boarding area when Lance called after us, “You’re going the wrong way! The private jet boarding is this way!”  
   
  We turned to the opposite direction and began to file Lance over to a big Jet sitting alone on the runway.  The steps to board were down and a woman was standing next to them.  
   
  “Wait…Mom?” I called as I ran over and threw my arms around her. Her light blonde hair was pulled back into a high pony on the top of her head and her sea green eyes were bright and sparkling.  
   
  “I’m so glad you’re okay darling!” she cried and I pulled away for a second. 
   
  “Wait, call for an update…," I muttererd, as I remembered the diary entry from my dream, realization hit me. "Zane, were you giving my mother updates about me?”I asked and his face turned from confusion to shock. 
   
   “I was giving updates to my supervisor, from my training facility; I had no idea that it was your mother.”  
   
  I gasped and looked up into my mom’s sparkling eyes, “Mom, you knew?”  
   
  She nodded her head solemnly, “Yes, and I’m sorry that I didn’t say anything dear, but a part of me hoped that the dreams would go away, that you could stay safe.” 
   
  “Oh mom, I missed you!” I cried as I pulled her into an embrace again.  
   
  “Oh, I missed you too honey. You look lovely,” she said and I looked down at myself and saw I was still wearing my white evening gown, but it was caked in mud, grass and blood.  
   
  “Thanks,” I said then turning to Sierra I whispered, “sorry for ruining your dress.” 
   
  “It looked lovely while it lasted,” Sierra said and I pulled her into my hug with my mother. Just then, then sky broke above us and it began to pour rain. “Just like in the movies,” Sierra shouted over the heavy rain and I smiled.  
   
  “Only the corny ones!” Stephanie called back, but even she wore a smile on her perfectly glossed lips. 
   
  “I love you guys!” I called to all of them as I spun around and pulled them all into a group hug.  
   
  “You guys are wrinkling my sundress!” Stephanie protested but she didn’t pull away and Zane let out a laugh.  
   
  “It’s pouring rain out and you just crawled through a garden, wrinkles are the least of your worries.” We all burst into happy laughter and joined our arms together as we walked towards the jet. 
   
  “Here are the passports,” Lance said as he reached into his bag and hand one to each of us.  
   
  I read the top of it that  said,  ONE WAY: VENICE then called out, “We’re going to Italy?!”  
   
  Stephanie gave me a quick, excited nod and then added, “Aren’t you happy I had you wait now?” I let out a laugh and pulled them back into an embrace.  
   
  “You know what?” I asked them and they looked up at me with questioning eyes. “If there’s anyone who I have to run for my life with, I’m glad it’s you guys.” Everyone laughed with me and gave my shoulders an extra squeeze of agreement. 
   
   Life can be hard. I should know that better than anyone. Another quality of life is that it’s weird. It’s weird because you think you know what’s going to happen then there’s a twist and next thing you know you’re all turned around and life isn’t so good anymore. But the biggest quality about life is that everything happens for a reason. There must be a reason why one minute I am fine and the next minute I’m running for my life. There must be a reason why I met the people I did and why I’m boarding a one way flight to Italy. There must be a reason… and there probably is, but right now, I’m not wasting my time figuring it out. 
   
   
  I gave my friends one last squeeze then picked up my luggage from the gravel and hurried after them.  
   
  “Are you the Charard family?” A perky flight attendant asked and I looked around at my friends.  
   
  “Yes, I’m Summer Charard and this is my family.” The flight attendant smiled and stepped back to allow us to board.  
   
  “Welcome to your one way flight to Venice, Italy. If there’s anything I can get you during the flight, simply call. My name is Doreen and I’ll be your flight attendant today. Please feel free to sit wherever you want and fasten your seatbelts for takeoff. Enjoy your flight,” Doreen finished by flashing us a smile as a man took our luggage and moved into a back compartment of the plane. 
   
  I let out a sigh as I plopped down into one of the comfy seats and fastened the seat belt around my slim waist. Zane took the seat next to me and my mom raised her eyebrows questioningly.  “Looks like we have a lot to catch up on,” she said and I felt my cheeks blush bright red as Zane laughed with her. 
   
  Stephanie took her seat gracefully and patted the seat next to, motioning for Lance to join her. His smile widened and he rushed over to join her, causing her to smile back happily. I looked over and saw Sierra and my mom already deep in conversation as the both wrapped the seat belts around their own waist’s.  
   
  I sighed as I leaned over and put my head on Zane’s shoulder. “I missed you,” I said as I looked up into his bright blue eyes. “I missed you too,” he replied and bending down, he gave me a kiss. A kiss so sweet that it wiped away the events of the past weeks, it made me go back to the time when we’d fist kissed and I felt my lips smile under his.  
   
  “Please prepare for takeoff,” Doreen’s voice called as Zane’s pulled away and smiled at me. Surrounded by my family and friends I felt the plane begin to lift in the air, leaving my old life behind, a life that I knew I was going to miss. But I was starting a new life, and somewhere deep inside me, I knew I was going to like this one a lot better.  
   
   Book 2, The Runaway, Coming Soon! Please Heart/Comment/Message with what you think of it! :) 
   
   
   Text: No part of this book is to be redistributed or re-used in any manor. All rights reserved. Publication Date: August 22nd 2011 https://www.bookrix.com/-sppellerd