The Prophecy (7 page)

 
I stepped back hastily, almost tripping over my own feet. Luckily his hands were still on my arms, otherwise I would have toppled over. I tried to run a hand through my hair, but his grip halted the motion. I looked into his eyes, then off over his shoulder, and not wanting to look at him directly for fear of being entranced again. “Sorry, I wasn't paying attention to where I was going.”

“
Well, that much was obvious. Are you daft or something? I tried talking to you five times before you answered.”

I could have told him the truth. That I was too busy stopping myself from rubbing up against him like cat. But, I really didn't feel like having the word 'freak' branded onto my forehead. It didn't help that I was shocked at my own reaction. I quickly turned angry and sarcastic, hoping to cover up the blush that spread across my face.

“What is it with you people? I swear if I receive one more warm greeting, I may burst from all the happiness you guys keep throwing around.” I tried to cross my arms, pulling off a look of full blown indignation, but is hands were still resting on them.

“
Dude, I don't know who you are or what type of personal bubbles Virginians have. Where I come from you keep your hands to yourself, unless you're invited to touch someone.” I watched as the left side of his mouth raise a little.
Oh that boy better not be smirking at me
. I was getting ready to lay into him, but was surprised when he backed off with his hands held up in surrender.

“
Point taken. I apologize for keeping you from falling on your face—”

“
I was not falling—”

“
And from saving you from further embarrassment—”

“
Listen here, you little—”

“
So, you can apologize to me, thank me, and move on like a decent person.”

“
Are you flipping
serious
? What in the hell do I have to apologize for?”

“
For staying plastered to me and invading my
personal bubble
.” He quirked of his eyebrow. At me. He quirked his eyebrow
at me
. I was beyond anger at that point.

I moved around him without saying a word, while silently chanting to myself.
I will not kick his ass. I will not kick his ass
. He grabbed a hold of my arm, forcing me to stop.
Wrong move, fucker
.

Grabbing hold of his hand, I started to twist it, and place him in a submissive hold. Stunned, I stared up at him over my shoulder when he easily reversed the move. He locked my body against his with both of my arms crossed over my chest. My body lit up with excitement. My mind, on the other hand, was shocked into silence.

“Feisty, aren't we?” His breath bathed against my ear, causing a delicious shiver to race down my spine.

“
Let go of me.” I felt my body run hot with pools of desire racing through me. I didn't understand why I was having that strong of a reaction to him.

“
Not until you apologize and thank me.”

I rolled my eyes with a sigh. I just wanted this confrontation over with. I didn't think my body could handle any more changes.
“Fine. I'm sorry, and thank you.”

He abruptly let me go and started walking down the street.
“See, that wasn't so hard.”

Flipping him off, I turned and stomped back to the car.

“Oh, little tigress?” He called after me. I paused and sent a glare over my shoulder. His smile grew. “I look forward to the invitation.” Winking, he turned on his heel, and sauntered off.

I snapped back around and continued on to my car. Even the sight of it wasn't enough to break me out of my bad mood. I threw myself behind the wheel.
“I can't believe this shit!” I slammed my hands against the steering wheel, shook my head and began the long drive home.

C
hapter Six

My anger was brimming the entire way home. I sat in the driveway trying to suppress the darkness, the rage. I'd been putting my parents through enough crap lately, and didn't want to add to it. Feeling the hopelessness of the situation, I headed inside, slamming the door in my wake. Maybe my parents would take heed of the international sigh for 'pissed off and leave me alone'. And maybe cats could actually be herded.

“
Hey Sunshine, should I ask how the job hunting went?”

I stopped short and glared at my father. Maybe the glare would do it.
“I got a job.”

“
Ah, so that's what's gotten you into such a good mood. I usually wasn't
that
happy until a couple of weeks into the job, but it looks like you're absolutely thrilled.”

“
Your witticism is always entertaining, Dad.” I turned with military precision before anything else came out. I was pushing it and I knew it. Slamming my bedroom door behind me, I quickly headed downstairs, fearing Dad would follow to 'talk'. I didn't want to 'talk'. That just led me to having diarrhea of the mouth and a bad attitude. Maybe I was going crazy.

I took my anger out on my belongings, tearing through the boxes, and methodically sorting the stuff out while blaring my iPod. Walking with a handful of CD's, I jumped when Dad jumped out in front of me. My hands flew, scattering the CD's everywhere.

“What the
fuck
!”

He tried to hide his grin as he looked at me with faux concern.
“You okay pumpkin?”

I ripped out my ear buds.
“Oh just perfect. Nothing like having the crap scared out of you to get your blood pumping. Healthy doses of adrenaline does a body good.”

“
Well, come upstairs, your mother wants to talk to you.”

“
I really don't feel like talking.”

“
Thank you, Captain Obvious. I got that memo when you practically brought down the house with the reverberating slam of your door. But, regardless, your mother wants to talk to you.”

“
What are you? Her messenger dog or something?”

He scratched his chin.
“Well, I guess you could say that. It comes with being married I suppose. And if you don't come upstairs, I'll be in the doghouse. Pun intended.”

“
Well I'll get you a nice doggy bone to make up for it, but I don't want to talk right now, so—” I flicked my wrist toward the door, mentally wiling him to go away.

 
He looked around my room instead of marching off, like I was trying to mind control him to do., “You know, I suppose Eleanor could just come down here to talk to you. I know she has some ideas of how to decorate this place.”

“
You wouldn't dare.” I frowned, trying to stare him down.

“
Oh well, you know that she's probably going to want to do something for you now that you've gotten a job. It would be easy to place the idea of her decorating your area as a surprise.”

“
Then I'll—”

“
And you can't quit, otherwise the car goes back.”

I looked around my haven. I imagined all the horrible things my mother could do. There would be pastel colors everywhere, frilly lacy concoctions, and boy band posters. The mental picture was enough to make me gag.
“Alright Dr. Nefarious, you win this time.”

I almost smiled at the sound of his horrible imitation of an evil laugh.

******

Light filtered through the floor to ceiling windows, causing dust motes to dance like fairies in the soft rays. Mom was busy unwrapping the multitude of pictures, and trying to find the best place for them. There were family photos in silver frames among the fireplace mantle. The precise placement, thanks to my mother's OCD, left everything feeling slightly cold. Even though it should have given off a warm and inviting feel in the beautiful room.

“There you are, Star. Sit on the couch, and I'll join you when I'm finished.”

I did as I was told, sitting stiffly while waiting for her to finish. I tilted my head back and watched the flickering light. All the unpacking had taken the edge off my anger, but the darkness was still there. It was always there.

She wiped the dust off her hands and joined me on the couch. I knew what she was expecting, but I just didn't want to deal with anything. I had way too much to process already. “So, I hear you got a job!” she chirped, almost blinding me with her radiant smile.

I kept my focus on the exposed beams of the cathedral ceiling, thoroughly ignoring her.
Please, just let me go back to my room
.

“
Oh, come on honey, it's not that bad.” I gave her a mental eye roll as she patted my knee and scooted closer. She was way too happy about all of this. “So, where are you going to work at?”

“
The Nook.”

She tried to get into my line of sight, and I could feel her almost willing me to speak.
“The Nook? What is that?”

“
Bookstore.”

“
Oh, well that’s wonderful! I know how much you love to read!”

“
Whatever.”

“
Star, that’s enough. Talk to me.”

“
I thought I only had to talk to my therapist? That was the deal, right?” My temper flared at that reminder.

“
Starlette Marie Elizabeth McKinley.”

I winced at the use of my full name and lowered my head. I looked at my mother from beneath my mass of hair. I let out a resigned sigh at the look on her face.
“Fine. It's going to suck, okay? The daughter of the store absolutely freaking hates me, and I have no idea why. Well, telling her to take care of her rash in front of those guys probably didn't help anything—”

“
You did what? Why would you talk to Mary Beth's—”

“
It wasn't my fault! She was a major bi—”

“
Language!”

“
Brat to me the entire time, and I just had enough. It wasn't that bad, more embarrassing than anything for her. Then, when I left, I
literally
ran into the most conceited jerk ever. So no, I'm not happy about anything, this is going to suck, and I
do not
want to talk about it.” I crossed my arms and glared at her. My eyes narrowed as I caught onto her using the store owner’s name. “Wait a minute, how do you know Mary Beth?”

My mother's doe-eyed expression may have worked on the opposite gender, but it didn't even touch my suspicion.

“What do you mean? Who's Mary Beth?”

“
Oh come one Mom! You just said the store owner’s name! I'm not an idiot!”

She grimaced as I stared her down. Score one for me.
“Well, I may have—” she cleared her throat, obviously uncomfortable. “I may have run into her before, and asked about whether or not she
may
be looking for a new employee.”

I stared at her. I couldn't help it. I knew getting the job seemed to easy, but I thought it was just because Mary Beth was insane. Sweet, but insane. All along it was my mother playing job hunting.
“Are you serious?”

“
I knew you wouldn't like any of the other places around here and, honestly, I didn't want you working at them. You'll fit in wonderfully there, Star. I just know it. And Rosemary is in your grade. I figured it would be easier for you to transition if you already had a friend.”

She looked exceedingly hopeful, expecting me to be grateful. Yes, I knew that The Nook
would be the only feasible job for me here, but I wanted to get it by myself. Not to have my life planned out before me.

“
So— tell me more about the conceited jerk.” My head snapped up at her sudden change in topic.

I felt myself blushing. I refused to meet my mother's eyes and began picking at my nails.
“There's nothing to tell. He's a jerk, and I hope I never see him again.”

“
What did he look like?”

“
Ugh, Mom! This isn't 'let’s play matchmaker for Star'!”

“
Oh come on. We haven't talked in forever without one of us yelling. Please just talk to me.”

“
The reason we never talk anymore is because you refuse to believe me! You're wanting me to admit to something that I didn't do, and I don't know how it happened!” I stood up quickly, intent on fleeing the room.

“
Your first session of therapy starts tomorrow.”

I stopped short, feeling like ice had been poured down my spine.
“So soon?”

“
You agreed to this. You don't have another option.”

“
Story of my life.” I raced to my room before my mother could see the tears glistening in my eyes.