The Prophecy (15 page)

“
I don't know, they just give off this vibe. Like there's something more to them, something buried in them that no one can see.” He laughed the subject off. “Stupid, I know.”

My face paled as I looked over to the table where Andrei and all the others were getting ready to leave. As I caught his gaze, he looked at me, a question burning in his eyes. This is why I could never tell anyone. The scorn that would be shown to me would more than likely surpass those shown between the schools rivalry.
“No, it's not stupid. I know what you mean.”

I didn't think I could take another look of horror from someone else. With one last look at Andrei, I turned back to Gabe. He was watching me silently. It was kind of creepy. I rose and pushed the chair back under the table.
“Well, I've got to get back to work. I'll see you later.” I hoped not.

“
Definitely.” Damn it.

C
hapter Seventeen

I waved goodbye to everyone as my shift finally came to an end. I paused as I stepped out into the late afternoon sun, closed my eyes and soaked in the warmth of the sun's rays.

I sighed as I stretched out my aching muscles. It was one hell of a day and it wasn't over yet. I got into my car and slumped forward, banging my head against the steering wheel.
“This is just fabulous. All I want to do is go home, take a shower, and pass the hell out.” 

I drove to the therapist office and stormed through the doors, heading straight to the back where James sat behind his desk. The sputtering of the receptionist was cut off as I slammed the door behind me.

James jumped, obviously startled. I sank into my chair and sent a pointed look his way. “Look, can we just hurry up and start without the normal lead in’s? I'm exhausted and all I want to do is go to bed.”

“
Okay. You seem more on edge today.”

“
No, I'm not on edge, I'm worn the fuck out.” I snapped, the darkness returning with a vengeance. I breathed deeply, trying to calm myself. I'm in control… I can deal with this. The breathing didn't seem to be helping much anymore, but I clung to it. I hoped that it would offer some type of relief from the building darkness.

“
Okay, you're worn out. Got it.”

I shook my head.
“Look, if I just finish talking about what Becca was doing, can I leave early.”

He thought it over for a moment then nodded his head.
“Sure, we could do that.”

I closed my eyes and threw myself back into the past, not prepared for all the emotions that came with it.
“So she started out destroying my reputation, going around saying that I wasn't the 'good' girl that I claimed to be. I quickly became known as anorexic. The only reasons I was in advanced classes was because I was fucking all the teachers, the females included.”

“
It didn't bother me at first because I didn't really care about any of her so-called friends. I didn't know them, and they didn't know me, so why should their beliefs bother me? But then, people who were my friends started getting messed with. By simply being my friend they were getting hurt in the crossfire.”

“
How so?”

“
It started out small, some of the rumors that were going around about me started to spread to them too. At first, they were adamant in protecting me, standing up for me when everyone else were turning away. But then, they slowly started to walk away too. One of the worst things that happened was one of my ex-boyfriend’s had his car set on fire just because he dated me—” I breathed deeply again. The rising anger was fighting against me, trying to lash out as all the pain came back with the emotions. I thought I had all the feelings locked away for good, that I was free of them. I was an idiot.

“
How old were you?”

“
I had just turned seventeen when they all abandoned me. I was left with no friends, no one to talk to, laugh with, or go out with. My parents started getting worried, sending me to different therapists trying to 'fix' what was wrong with me.”

“
What do you mean by fix?”

I looked over at him.
“They thought I did something to cause the break with everyone. Sure, at first they believed me and stood by my side. However, when everyone turned on me, they became swayed by the vote of the masses. I couldn't blame them, really. After all, when there's so many people telling you with conviction that the sky isn't blue, it’s orange, even though you
know
the skies blue, eventually you'll start thinking its orange too.”

“
You're telling me you honestly didn't blame them?” he sounded doubtful.

“
No, I didn't blame them, but that doesn't mean that I never hated or resented them for it.”

“
Good point.”

“
So, the therapists didn't know what to do with me. My rising anger didn't help anything or sway any more people my way. They started putting me on anti-depressants, thinking I was manic-depressive.”

“
I take it that didn't work?”

“
If by 'worked' you mean making me completely emotionally void, then yeah, it worked perfectly. I was like a walking zombie. The most messed up thing about it all is that I remember everything during those days. I remember everything people said and did, and I would just sit there, outwardly not caring. It was like I was locked inside myself, and no matter how much I fought, I couldn't break out.” I stared up at the ceiling, ignoring the tears streaming down my face. I curled into myself, folding so I could lay in the chair.

“
What happened, Star? What got you to this point?”

“
That's the whole thing, I don't know how any of it happened.”

“
What was the final break?”

I looked him squarely in the eyes, my voice completely void of the tornadic waves of emotions rolling through me.
“They tried to have me arrested for the attempted murder of Becca.”

><><><><

The days started to blur into each other as the rage within me grew. I became numb to all outside influences and fell into a seemingly endless routine. Work, therapy, sleep. The tourists finally left, causing The Nook to fall back into a more subdued pace.

I didn't think that all the days I spent numb were a good thing exactly. It wasn't normal and wasn't what I had become used to. It almost felt like the calm before the storm. Everything had been quiet, too quiet as the breathless anticipation of destruction mounted.

I leaned against the back counter, immersed in the latest paranormal romance release. Working at a book store definitely had its benefits.

“
Excuse me.” I looked over the top of the book and stared into the most perfect cornflower blue eyes I'd ever seen. Long, thick lashes framed them, making them seem to pop. I would have found them beautiful if it wasn't the complete look of disgust that was shining through them.

“
Can I help you?”

“
I doubt it.” My hackles rose. She crossed her arms over her well-formed chest and tossed her long blond hair over her shoulder.

Great, it's a pissed off Barbie. I frowned as I took in the obvious hostility the girl was projecting.
 
 ”Um, okay. Well if there isn't anything I can do for you—” I gestured vaguely, hoping the girl would just take the hint and leave. No such luck.

“
I'm waiting for my boyfriend.” She stated simply, returning her glare to me again.

“
Well that's nice.” I was confused. Was I supposed to throw confetti at her statement or something? I didn't know why she thought that I would care. I shrugged and turned back to my book.

“
Gabe.” I stiffened at his name and put the book down.

“
You must be Jenni.”

She rolled her eyes and cocked her hip.
“Obviously.” Wow. She had an ego problem that was for sure.

I pasted on a fake smile and reached across the counter.
“Well it's nice to meet you. I'm sure Gabe is happy that you're back.”

She looked at my offered hand like it was crawling with bugs.
“He doesn't know I'm here yet. I came here to surprise him. And to have you back off.”

“
Excuse me?” And here I thought Rose was a bitch.

“
You heard me, you little tramp. Gabe is mine. I've heard about you throwing yourself at him. It's pathetic and if you know what's good for you you'll back the fuck off.”

I felt my anger rise. It was the first real emotion I had all week, and not one that I was wanting.
“Look, I don't know what you've heard, but Gabe and I are friends. That's all. So you can take your snotty little 'holier than thou' attitude and shove it.” The electricity started to snap within me, growing from my center and flaring out.

She whipped her head back like I slapped her. Boy did I want to.
“Do you know who I am?”

“
Yeah, you're a fucking bitch.” Small movements on the counter captured my attention. The invisible waves were spreading out to everything around me, causing the closest objects along the counter to start trembling. I became frantic as I realized that I was about to lose control and have another incident. My panic spiked the pulse of the energy, making it come faster and faster. The darkness swelled and seemed to laugh in maniacal glee.

“
You little fucking—” I didn't wait around to hear what else she had to say. I turned quickly and fled from behind the counter. I caught Rose's attention in my mad dash for the back. She made to follow me but I shook my head. She stopped then looked toward the counter, scowling when she saw Jenni. Rose nodded and starting walking toward her.

I let out a sigh of relief as I made my escape. I walked out the back door into the alley and started pacing, trying to work out my anger and anxiety.

“You look like you're about ready to burst, little Star.”

I turned around and looked over to where Brandon was leaning negligently in the doorway, a smirk on his face. His dark brown hair hung rakishly across his brow.

“Having fun, are you?”

“
You know, one day you're going to play with your hair so much that all that it's just going to fall out.” He moved toward me and gently pried my hands from my hair. I didn't even know I was twisting it.

“
That's the least of my problems at the moment.”

He smoothed my hair back from my face and placed his fingers under my chin, making me look at him. He grinned when I gave in.
“There's those gorgeous eyes.” I smirked and lightly punched him on the arm. He rubbed it, looking wounded.

“
That hurt!”

“
You are such a dork.”

He shrugged and threw his arm over my shoulder, tucking me into his side.
“That's why you love me.”

“
True. I doubt anyone could not love you for your dorkish-ness.” I leaned into him and felt my anger and anxiety deflate. He held me tighter against him. “You know, one of these day's you're going to make someone very happy.”

“
I know. Just not here though. They don't really appreciate my type here.”

“
Well, I do. Besides, who else could I take shopping?”

He laughed and grabbed my hand, pulling me toward the door.
“I would hate to see what would happen if you took any other guy besides me shopping.” He shuddered dramatically and looked at me in absolute horror. “They'd probably put you in something pink and frilly.”

“
See? You're a must have in my life.”

We walked companionably to the counter where Rose leaning against it, frowning.

“Feeling better?” she asked.

“
Yeah, prince charming here came to my rescue.

“
I seriously doubt you'd need much rescuing. You're a tough one.” He moved over to Rose and draped his arm across her shoulder, lightly kissing the top of her head.

“
That's great and all, but you guys might want to lay off the PDA before queen bitch over there gets any ideas.” She gestured to where Jenni was glaring at us. Jenni sat alone at a table with her legs crossed elegantly. The white shorts she wore showed an ungodly amount of smooth leg.

“
No worries, I'll keep your guy’s secret.”

She nodded and patted Brandon's arm.
“Besides, this relationship may be fake but I do have a reputation to protect, you know.”

“
No worries, Rose. They'll always think you have me wrapped around your finger.” She swatted his hand away from her ass. I couldn't help but smile at their antics.

“
You mean to tell me you aren't wrapped around her finger?” I turned away from Rose and Brandon's playing and looked up into Gabe's eyes. The gold flecks sparkled with amusement. I felt like he was seeing deep into me, to parts I kept hidden from the world.