Authors: Holly Hood
It was almost morning and I still hadn’t slept.
I was sitting outside on the patio chewing my nails obsessively. Aunt Wanda and I were no longer together. Even though I hated her, it still didn’t stop part of me from feeling like I was incomplete. I didn’t trust anyone like I did her—besides Mason.
My thoughts ran wild with what kind of trouble we were probably in. I wondered how many police departments were on the lookout for us. I wondered if there were sketches of us out there.
I feared my life was going to be cut short. That I wasn’t going to get a chance at a good one. I was scared of everything.
Someone touched my shoulder, I jumped. An older woman with drab blue eyes. She pulled the shawl she was wearing closer to her fragile frame.
She took a seat in the chair across from me. She smiled and pushed her hair behind her ear, several rings adorning her knobby fingers.
“It’s just amazing out here,” she said letting out a breath of air as she smiled into the pre-dawn sky.
I agreed, watching her as we soaked in the beautiful view together.
“Everything about this place is amazing,” I said. I loved the smell of the water nearby, and the way that even in July there was still a coolness that gave me goose bumps.
“I grew up ten minutes from here in a little town called Oran. My father was a fisherman--a good one.”
“I’m sure it was a good life living so close to the water.” I smiled at her. She seemed at ease talking to me.
“It was the best life one could ask for. What is your name?” she asked. “In all my rambling I forgot to ask.”
“Kendall,” I said.
“Mason always talked about you in all the years he and that tramp of a mother passed through,” she said. She tightened her grip on her shawl as the wind grew stronger. “Pardon my French, but I have always thought that woman was just awful.”
“No problem. She is and probably always will be,” I said with a nod.
“Mason is such a good boy, a really good boy. It’s a shame he has such a mother to deal with. He’s sad and lost. I’ve always told Johnny that.” She nodded her head in confirmation.
I knew she was right. Mason was lost in a lot of ways and I knew that made him sad. He just never let it show.
“Johnny?” I asked curious.
“Oh, he likes to be called Jay. He’s my grandson. I’m sure you’ve met. He takes care of me. He’s a sweet boy despite his actions at times,” she said, looking away from me.
“He seems to be,” I agreed.
“I think a mother’s role is very important in a young man’s life. And Johnny and Mason never had very good ones. Which is why they are on the wrong paths. It’s my wish to see them do well for themselves before I die,” she said.
“I think a mother could be good for a girl, too, if you don’t mind me saying so.” I stared at my feet.
“There’s nothing wrong with saying so, sweetie,” she said trying to read my somber expression.
“I never had one since I could remember. And I know I probably would have turned out a lot different if I did. Maybe life wouldn’t feel so bad. Do you think that’s possible?” I asked, letting out a sigh, on the verge of tears. For some reason talking to her made me feel vulnerable.
“Who was there for you, sweetie?”
“My Aunt Wanda and she’s not a good person,” I said catching sight of the sun as it started to come up.
“I’ve heard my share about her as well. The only words of advice I can give you are these: live your life to its fullest. And make sure you find some kind of happiness in it or it will all be for nothing.” She stood up. “I’ve been on this earth for sixty-two years and I’m happy where life has led me. I’m sick and I’m not going to be around much longer, but I’m happy and that’s what matters to me the most.”
I smiled at her. She walked away, squeezing my shoulder in passing. I thought about her words. She had seen a lot in sixty-two years, but probably nothing like what I’d seen.
“Gran, what are you doing outside? You’re going to catch a cold or something,” Jay said taking her by the arm. He shot me a glance taking her back inside.
I waited around hoping he would come back out and visit for a while.
The door shut quietly and he appeared in front of me. His smile returned as he got closer.
“I like your gran,” I told him.
“Yeah. Most people do. She’s really sick and we brought her home…to…well, you know,” he said unable to say the word.
“I’m sorry to hear that. Are you okay?” I asked, trying to read his smile.
“I’m scared to death of what it’s going to be like when she’s not around anymore quite honestly. I don’t share that with just anyone,” he said, crossing his arms.
“She said she’s had a happy life. And I think that’s amazing to be able to say that. I know if I died tomorrow I couldn’t say that.” I looked away.
“Yeah, me either. And I’m sure Mason couldn’t either. He barely said anything to me tonight. I really don’t know what his deal is,” he sighed.
“I told you I know him better than you,” I said with a grin.
“Oh I know what upset him. I just don’t understand why,” he said looking at me--our eyes locked and I couldn’t look away.
“Well, then, why don’t you tell me what you think upset him?” I asked.
“I told him I wanted to learn more about you. And how gorgeous I think you are. I just don’t get why that didn’t fly with him.” He blinked, waiting for me to say something.
My cheeks warmed and my heart crashed in my chest. A million and one butterflies raced through my stomach.
“You don’t want to learn more about me…believe me. But thanks for the compliment,” I said shyly.
He took my chin, closing the distance between us and planted a soft kiss on my cheek. His lips lingered for a quick moment. His breath warmed my cheek. I touched his face, caught up in the moment, staring deep into his eyes, trying to figure out what a guy like him wanted with me. We locked lips; his kiss was slow and soft. My heart skipped a beat or two I’m sure.
I pulled away. “I should get to bed.”
He stared down at me, his hand finding the back of my neck. He laid one more kiss on my cheek and let me go.
“Goodnight, Kendall,” he said, watching me stumble for the stairs.
I hurried up the giant staircase that wound all the way to the top in a glorious fashion. I was in a hurry to get to my room and get the beating in my chest to settle down.
I screamed as I came in the door. “Mason! Don’t do that to me.”
I shut the door quickly before anyone came asking me if I was okay. Mason stayed sprawled out on my bed, his arms behind his head. He stared at the ceiling as if I weren’t there at all. But at the same time I knew he wanted to look at me.
“All this time I thought you wouldn’t buckle,” he said, his voice low, almost angry.
I balled my fist knowing where he was going with his comment. “Don’t you dare say it!” I moved forward giving him a hard whack in the chest.
I was so angry with him.
He sat up in a flash. “He’s a bad guy. He’s the one I got in trouble with all the years you’ve known me. But one look was all it took for you to see past that. He’s scum like all the rest,” he said, looking me over in disgust.
I stood still, my hands balled in tight fist. There wasn’t a lot I could say to defend myself. He was right.
“I just want to go to bed, Mason,” I said instead. He stood up, letting me lay down. I turned away from him on my side and curled up into a ball on top of the beautiful blue comforter.
“You don’t want to face the facts. That’s your problem, Kendall. He’s scum and you know it. But you’re never going to admit it,” he said, pressing the issue.
I closed my eyes hoping he would just go away.
“Another fun fact for you…we are all over the news,” he said dryly.
“What?” I said, sitting up in bed. I clutched at my stomach as my breath escaped me. I felt like someone had socked me in the gut.
“Yep. But you were too busy outside making out with Jay to realize your life just got a billion times worse. I don’t know, maybe it doesn’t matter if you’re being an idiot,” he said sarcastically. “We’re screwed anyway.”
I yanked off my sandal and threw it at his head as hard as I could—missing, of course. He ducked just in time. He shook his head and slammed the door so hard it shook the pictures on the wall.
I didn’t lie back down. I pulled my knees to my chest and held on for dear life. Tears slid down my face, dripping on my jeans.
I sobbed softly taking careful breaths trying to control the panic overtaking my body.
I jumped from the bed and grabbed the phone that sat on the end table.
“Yes, I believe it’s Alberta…A-l-b-e-r-t-a…the Matheson hotel, could you look up a Laurel Edgerton,” I asked the lady after calling directory assistance.
I knew many of Aunt Wanda’s aliases and when she found each one suitable to use.
The phone was silent. I stared at the windows trying to digest that my worst nightmare was about to come true. And all I could think of was finding Aunt Wanda.
“Hello Miss?” The operator said. “Mrs. Laurel checked out just an hour ago. I’m very sorry. Is there anything else I can do for you?”
I couldn’t speak. I hung up the phone.
“I’m dead. I’m totally dead,” I said softly at first and then louder each time the words came out. I paced the room.
I was afraid.
There was no other way to put it.
Driven by nothing but sheer terror, I spent the next two days in bed, trying to forget everything. Finally, Mason pulled me from bed forcing me to get up and go eat with everyone.
“Just take your hands off me and let me walk myself down the stairs,” I grumbled. I thrashed around like a crazy person, but I didn’t care. I saw no reason to care about anything anymore.
“And none of this was ever my doing. What did I even get out of it? I was practically a prisoner my whole life, but none of that matters now,” I rambled as I made my way down the stairs.
Mason yanked me by the shirt and pushed against the wall. He covered my mouth with his hand. “Shut your mouth. Going nuts does not solve anything,” he eyed me, warning me to cool it.
“Why would anybody here care?” I asked, pulling away. “We are in a house of criminals. We don’t know a single decent person remember?” I scoffed, pushing Mason out of the way. He jumped back in front of me before I could take off.
“I don’t know about you, but I will make it out of this bullshit. One way or another. I refuse to go down for my mother,” he said, fire in his eyes like I’d never seen before.
“Well, I hate to shatter your dreams but that’s not how it works. Can you do me a favor and keep me away from the states with the firing squads?” I asked dryly.
Mason looked like he wanted to punch me in the face. He stormed down the steps. Who was he kidding--I could see it all now—the two of us on every news channel across the nation. They’d be showing the two kids dragged into a world of murder and mayhem, blood on their hands, and no remorse for their actions.
I rounded the corner coming to a stop in the kitchen. Jay’s face lit up with excitement when he saw me and he stopped what he’d been doing with the dishwasher. His reaction to my presence made me feel special. His expression reminded me of how a guy looks when he’s enamored by a girl. I just didn’t understand why he’d be enamored with me.
“Did you get any sleep?” he asked, leaning against the counter beside me. I felt really awkward as I tried to hide our conversation from Mason. I didn’t want to give him another reason to lash out at me. It didn’t matter if I was upset with him—he was the only person I had left.
“Maybe an hour,” I said. I looked through the kitchen to the dining room. Mason looked confused as he was trying to figure out all the utensils in front of him and why each place setting needed six.
Jay waited patiently, eager to continue our conversation even if everyone else was gathered for lunch. “Kissing you was amazing. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to do it again.”
I couldn’t fight the smile. “I liked it, too.”
He shielded himself with a large platter to keep hidden from the dining room and winked at me flirtatiously.
I felt giddy and excited all at once. My face was growing warm with embarrassment and I wanted to run from the room to hide the fact that I was blushing.
Jay jerked his head toward the dining room. “Let’s eat.”
Mason tugged the chair beside him away from the table as soon as I came into the room as if he
expected
me to sit next to him.
I sat down, but not before shooting an annoyed glance in his direction.
Jay’s gran entered the room assisted by a well-dressed older man. He flashed a big, beautiful smile our way as he came into the room.
He waited patiently for Gran to sit, patting her arm, a large ring sparkling on his ring finger. I wasn’t sure what kind of ring it was but it looked very expensive.
“Well, who do we have here?” he said as he settled into his seat. He was referring to Mason and me…probably me more than Mason.
I shot a look at Jay hoping he would introduce me so the atmosphere in the room felt less awkward. He just lifted his crystal wineglass and took a long sip, leaving me to fend for myself.
I sighed, trying to pull it together long enough to offer a reply. I didn’t get why I had to be the one making conversation when Mason had met the man before.
“I’m Kendall, a friend of Mason’s,” I replied. He reached across the table taking my hand. His eyes stayed focused on me for a few seconds before he gently kissed the top of my hand. He unbuttoned a couple buttons on his fancy jacket.
“It’s a pleasure, Kendall. What brings you here?” he asked.
I pursed my lips. I always hated trying to explain that to people.
“Mason and Kendall were just passing through, Gramps,” Jay said, answering for me. He winked at me and saluted me with his glass before taking another drink.
I relaxed and sat back in my chair.
“Kendall this is my lovely ex-husband, Benny,” Gran spoke up.
I wondered how they were able to be in the same room if they were exes. In my family an ex meant restraining orders and violent fights.
“Mason, is this the beautiful girlfriend you’re always bragging about?” Benny asked, a big smirk flooding his face.
I looked at Mason wondering what the hell he ran around saying about me when I wasn’t there.
“No. Kendall and I were forced to be together a lot, practically since birth. She’s definitely not the one I was talking about,” he said, pressing his thumb into the fork tines. I wished he’d pierce his flesh after making such a rude comment. I knew he was trying to irritate me.
“If you could only be so lucky, Mason,” Jay said, taking a jab at Mason. He leaned back in his chair a smug smile on his face.
“That’s funny because I have been many times,” Mason shot back.
A woman—the hired help bustled in the room taking my attention away from Mason and Jay. She placed a plate in front of Gran. Several others followed behind her, each one carrying a tray.
I stared at the plate before me. Asparagus and some type of meat I wasn’t familiar with sat elegantly on the plate garnished with green herbs and a yellow sauce. It wasn’t anything I’d ever eaten. I hoped it wasn’t squid.
I smiled at Gran, noticing she was watching me from her place at the table.
It didn’t seem to bother Jay’s grandparents that Mason and Jay were passive aggressively attacking each other at the table. With smiles on their faces they began eating.
“Mason, you’re not being polite,” I said under my breath at him.
“Fuck polite,” he muttered, sawing into his food. His elbow jerked back and forth. He was acting like such an idiot, and I was ready to lose it. I balled my napkin in frustration trying to keep from hauling off and punching Mason.
Jay sat up bringing his elbows down on the table. He watched Mason as he messed with his food, hardly eating anything just moving it around on his plate in agitation.
“Are you sure you want to play this game, Mason?” Jay asked. “I know all about you.”
“Yeah, I know,” Mason said, giving a shrug of his shoulders.
I shoved the asparagus in my mouth biting off the tip and chewed angrily. I was trying to ignore what was happening, but they were making it very hard.
“Kendall isn’t into guys like you. In fact, she despises guys like you.” Mason dropped his fork and pushed his plate away. “I’ve known her my entire life.”
Jay bit down on his lip. “She likes you, right?”
“She has daddy issues, mommy issues and Aunt Wanda issues. The girl’s a train wreck, she doesn’t know what she likes,” Mason said.
I gasped, blown away by what Mason had just said about me. My heart kicked into gear, beating like mad in my chest. I looked at Benny and Gran one last time hoping they would stop the two of them from battling it out. Minutes later it was clear they weren’t going to do anything and my anger had bubbled over. I couldn’t hold back any longer and I slapped Mason right across the face, startling him.
Mason threw a hand back angrily knocking me and the chair I was sitting in backward. I skidded to a stop on the wooden floor, shocked that I was now looking at the ceiling.
Jay was at my side helping me up. I pushed past him going after Mason. Mason picked up his water and tossed it in my direction.
I gasped at the cold water hitting me in the face. It crawled down the front of me saturating my t-shirt. He didn’t stop there. Next he picked up a fork and whipped it past my head. It skidded into the kitchen and spun wildly across the tile.
Jay stared at Mason in disbelief, probably shocked things had gone this far. I was sure he was only toying with Mason. But he didn’t know what Mason was going through and he’d pushed him too far.
“Now boys, let Gran out of here before we spin this into something we can’t go back on,” Benny said sternly, helping Gran out of the room.
“I’m sorry,” I told Gran as she passed by us. She touched my arm and shook her head at me letting me know she wasn’t upset. I didn’t know how she saw this as okay, but she wasn’t mad.
I turned my attention back to Mason once Benny and Gran left the room. “What the hell did I ever do to you, Mason?” I asked, pulling at my hair in frustration. I was angry and hurt. I pushed him into the wall demanding an answer. I shoved him and tried to get him to look at me. Trying to get him to say something.
“If you want him, go for it. Take him upstairs and show him what Kendall can do and how well Aunt Wanda taught you,” he said, pushing me away from him.
I smacked him in the face, my hand burned with pain.
“Don’t you ever talk to me like that again,” I warned him, grabbing him by the collar.
Mason eyes were dark, nothing I had ever seen before. He was distant and cold. “Fuck you. Get the fuck out of my face.” He grabbed me by the throat and shoved me into the table, bending me over it, his body weighing me down and keeping me from getting away.
I had never seen Mason so angry before.
I screamed and kicked my feet, afraid of what he might do to me. He held me down not letting me loose. Jay ripped Mason off of me.
“Whoa, easy now. I can’t let you do something stupid to her, Mason,” Jay said, nose to nose with him.
I sat up, rubbing my arm trying to figure out what was happening. Mason was losing it!
I decided I didn’t care what his problem was. I grabbed one of the useless forks from the table and before I knew what I was doing I stabbed Mason in the arm, all my rage coming out of me in waves. I used every ounce of energy to push it deep into Mason’s flesh. He screamed in pain, shock overtaking his face.
I let go of the fork and picked up a plate and threw it at him. And then I took off out of the room.