Freaksville (15 page)

There’s silence for a moment.

“
What
?” Jake yells.

“Blackmailed how?” Kyle asks.

“Why didn’t he tell us?” Nicks growls.

“
Silence
,” Devin’s voice shakes the walls and everyone quiets down.
Why do I find that attractive?
He places his hands on the table, leaning forward slightly. “How do you know this?”

“I knew there was something off with his mom and dad. So, I went to see them. They’re already out of town by now.” I let that sink in before going on. “Their house is bugged. He was forced into doing—” I stop myself. “Before I tell you, just remember he was being forced into it. And that he’s still—was still—our best friend.” That just freaks them out more. “I didn’t see everything because I couldn’t watch any more. But what I saw…he drugged a girl—Racheal—and took her to the guy who was blackmailing him. Then the guy forced him to…do his dirty work.”

There’s another silence for a moment until—as usual—Nicks talks first. “Who would be so important to him that he’d do something like that?”

“His parents are more than capable of taking care of themselves,” Jake adds. “It’s you, isn’t it?” he asks suddenly, making me look up from the table. Sure enough, he’s staring at me.

Soon all of their eyes are on me.

“Yep,” is my watery reply. “I was the damsel in distress. I’m the one he cared so much about, and in return? I dumped him.”

“It wasn’t your fault.” Devin tries to take my hand but I snatch it away.

“It doesn’t matter if it was or wasn’t. We just need to find answers now.” I growl, not meeting his eyes. “What do you know?” I ask Toby, who jerks.

<<<->>>

“How do we know he’s telling the truth?” Nicks asks, staring down Toby.

“He is,” both Devin and I say at the same time.

“How do you know?” Nicks asks, glancing back and forth between us with a smirk.

“Because we do,” Devin replies without looking up from his notebook. We decided to make a list of possible suspects. For about two hours, we’ve all been sitting around the table, brainstorming.

We still don’t have anything down.

“I can’t do this anymore!” Toby bursts out, jumping to his feet, knocking his chair over in the process. “All I know is that just a few weeks ago, I was a normal kid. Starting high school, maybe about to get my first kiss. I was planning my future. And now I’m a vampire, something I didn’t even know
existed
. And you’re all asking me all of these questions that I don’t know the answers to, and I’m living here instead of at home. I’ve had to lie to everyone, saying my death was just some prank. My parents are having problems talking to me, and my friends are still calling me an ass. And I have to try and control this hunger, but I’m
always
hungry.”

Devin offers his glass of red liquid to him, but he just shakes his head. Sighing, I get to my feet and Toby takes a step back but I hold my hands up, meaning I mean him no harm. “Things will get better,” I comfort in a soft voice, “This is coming from a witch who now sees the future.”

“Right,” he replies sarcastically.

He rolls his eyes but seems to have calmed down some. Then, taking a step closer to him, I lightly press my lips against his. He freezes but then he awkwardly kisses me back. “One thing to mark off that list,” I cheer after pulling away from him. “Guys, I think we could all use a break.” I lead Toby into the living room.

“Can we make out?” he asks eagerly.

I slap him upside his head. “Don’t push it, squirt.”

Sitting down on the couch, I find him standing there awkwardly. So, I pat the spot beside me as an invitation. “You’re really just now starting high school?” I ask once he plops his butt beside me.

“I was held back,” he mumbles.

“Well, I think that’s a good thing,” I chirp with a broad smile. He gapes at me in confusion and maybe a little like I’m nuts. “Girls your age love older men. It makes you more interesting, I guess you could say. Makes you superior to them. Just don’t act like it or you’ll get a milk carton thrown in your face.”

“Yeah, right,” he grumbles.

“See, I could be a major smart ass here but I’m behaving, just for the record.” I smirk down at him where he’s now slouched down on the couch. “You’re good looking. You could really catch someone’s attention…as long as you stop going around attacking people.”

He rolls his eyes at that last part. “I said I was sorry….”

“It was a joke,” I snort, nudging his shoulder with mine.

He’s quiet for a moment as he thinks over what I said, I guess. Or he’s just staring blankly at the TV screen while nothing’s running through his head. “Do you really think I’m good looking?” he mumbles after a moment.

I take in his light-brown Mohawk with blue tips, dark-blue eyes, and olive-toned skin. Mixing them all together with the sweet personality underneath? “No, I was lying.” He slumps further down, taking me seriously. “I think I need to teach you the art of sarcasm, sweet cheeks.”

“Huh?” He blinks a few times then realization comes across his handsome features. “Oh.”

“So, what’s your reason for staying here?” When he frowns, I go on. “With your parents? How’re they not flipping shit that you aren’t home?”

“Oh.” The confusion is replaced with what appears to be sadness. “My parents are always busy with work. They’re hardly ever home and, if they are, it’s not for long. I was out with friends when I was grabbed. My parents didn’t realize I was missing until they came home a few days later.” He shrugs. “It didn’t take much compulsion from Devin to convince them to let me stay with him.”

“Oh.” I swallow. His parents sound like assholes.

“They are.” He slouches further into the cushions. “Yes, you said that aloud.”

“Well, they’re bastards for not constantly indulging in your awesomeness.” I bump my shoulder with his.

“Is that a sexual innuendo?”

I wrap my arm around him and yank him closer, “Yeah, I think we’re gonna get along.”

~ Fly, Birdies, Fly ~

Oct. 5
^th

Do you know what the exact definition of disaffect is? Disaffect—to alienate the affection, sympathy, or support of.

I think that’s how I should feel because of Antonio’s betrayal. But…I don’t. He was forced into it. Blackmailed.

Because of me.

But then, at the same time, he killed some of my sisters. I am clearly conflicted about this, which is why I’ve been trying to keep myself distracted, trying. It hasn’t been working.

We’ve still been sitting at Devin’s kitchen table, trying to figure everything out, for the past few days.

I’m not ready to go back to school. That much is obvious when I keep getting notifications on Facebook with people telling me how sorry they are and I want to jab them all with pitchforks.

So, I’ve been cooped up in this place for way too long, and I think I’m starting to lose it. Wait, have I ever actually had it? These are the thoughts that can cause someone to lose what she had left of her mind.

No witty remark here—I must be truly losing it or sick.

Nessa.

“How long has she been staring into space this time?” Devin mumbles to Toby, not knowing that I’m out of that daydream where I become the Incredible Hulk and start tearing down all of the buildings in town.

“Twenty, maybe thirty minutes?” he whispers back.

Without turning away from the window in the living room, I grab the pillow behind me in the chair and chuck it at them. Wishing to hit them both, but, of course, I don’t.

“Missed,” Devin replies cheerfully.

“Speak for yourself,” Toby grumbles rubbing his face.

I can’t help but smirk. “Yeah, I’m okay, Devin,” I grumble.

“I didn’t ask….”

“Aloud,” I finish with another smirk pulling at my lips. “Might want to learn how to control that broadcasting. You’re always too loud.” Like Grandma Delliana used to say.

“Are you okay though?” Toby asks quietly.

“Yes, I’m fine. You can go ahead and go to school,” I murmur, answering his next question.

“That’s kinda creepy,” he states before leaving the room.

“That’s what I have to live with,” Devin calls.

This time, the pillow goes right to his face.

<<<->>>

“Get up.” Devin nudges me awake. Apparently, I’ve been dozing on the couch again. I start to snuggle back in with my blanket and pillow, but he yanks them both away from me with a sharp tug.

“Where are we going?” I quickly sit up, trying to mentally will his brain to explode but then pull back. It could actually happen and I might miss him. Like a little kid who’s woken from their nap.

“Barns & Noble,” he replies in a very bored tone.

“Seriously?” I instantly perk up. That’s like my second home.

“No,” is his serious reply before leaving the living room.

What the hell is he getting me into? And doesn’t he know not to tease a nerd? That might be the true cause of the futuristic apocalypse.

“So, you’re still not going to tell me?” I ask grumpily as we make our way through the woods on foot. “Is this another undercover thing?” Because if it is, then I probably should’ve worn something a little different than my pj’s. For some reason, he wanted me out of the house before I could change into something decent. I asked why, got back a grunted response.
Men
. Now we’re just going through the woods in the middle of nowhere while the sun’s setting above us.

He doesn’t answer, just keeps on going.

“Is this where your secret sex chamber is?” I ask. “You are one kinky son of a—”

“Why is everything about sex with you?” he grinds out in annoyance.

“That time it was only used because I knew it’d get you talking….” I beam up at him. “Plus, I love your deep, raspy voice.” I growl and then smack him on his butt.

He glares down at me, and I giggle like a school girl.

His lip twitches but then he faces straight ahead once again. He
wanted
to smile at my normal insane behavior.
What in the hell is he up to?
“Have I mentioned that I hate surprises?” I mutter, carefully stepping over a fallen tree.

“A few times,” he grumbles.

“Why’re you so grumpy?”

“Why’re you asking so many questions?” he retorts. Then a loud sigh escapes him. “Sorry, just…. It’s just bullshit. Sorry.”

Stepping closer, I take his arm and wrap it around my shoulders. “All’s forgiven.” I chirp with a devious grin back up at him. “Plus you’re really cute when you’re grumpy.”

“Don’t you realize what you’re doing to me?” He groans up at the multicolored sky.

“Did you get a woody again?” I question, looking from him to the sky.

Sighing loudly again he stops where he’s at and gazes at me. “I’ve lived long enough to know that when—” He stops, yanking a hand through his hair. “Life is too short to live in a world of bullshit.”

“Doesn’t sound appealing,” I agree.

“I think I’ve made it bloody obvious where I stand.” His jaw muscle twitches.
Where’d that “bloody” come from, love?
Without hesitation he tucks an annoying strand of hair behind my ear. Then he lets his fingers trail down my arm to my wrist.
Oh
.

Oh. Nicks was right. Wait, I think I already knew this.

Ha. Of course I knew that. I’m not a complete dumbass, most times. It was pretty obvious. For Goddess’ sake, he’s letting me stay in his apartment for four weeks. I don’t even want to deal with me for four weeks because I’m a nut-job witch. Adding in the fact that he hasn’t complained about the mess I made of the spare room. I
saw
his eye twitch. When we first met, he had no problem telling me I was being a slob.

I was just hoping he wouldn’t bring it up. Because who in the hell would want to date
me
? Honestly. Once they really get to know what all goes on inside my severely messed-up head, they would run.

“Um….” I mumble, feeling my face heat up. “I like pie. Don’t you like pie? Pie’s a great invention. I wonder who made it first? I like pie about as much as I like books. Do you like to read? I don’t think I’ve ever asked you that. Where are we going? Shouldn’t we be going wherever this surprise thing is already? Let’s go.” I ramble and start marching on down the dimly lit path. Then suddenly slam on the brakes when I see what’s in front of me.

“We’re here,” he mutters from behind me.

I slowly turn on my heel to face him and then glance back and go on like that for a little while. He just stands there with his hands stuffed into his pockets. “Are you completely whacko?”
Did he bring me out to the cliff to kill me? After telling me he has more than friendly feelings for me? What kind of sick shit is that? Why would he do this?

“I’m not some psycho who brought you here to chop you into pieces.” He takes a few steps closer, probably able to hear my knees knocking together. “You’ve been depressed lately and too focused on other things. Like finding the killer, Ant…. It’s not healthy, and you need a break.”

“Most people would just take the friend out to a movie or something.” I start to take a step back, but he wraps his arm back around me. I turn and cling to him like a little kid. “You’re not expecting me to—”

“Fly?” he finishes for me, and I nod. “Yes, I am. I don’t think you’d get wings if you wouldn’t be able to use them.”

“People get legs and eyes and stuff, and sometimes they can’t use them. So, your logic is clearly hogwash.” I growl, hugging him tighter. No way in hell I’m moving or letting go.

“Now, Nessa,” he murmurs, detaching me from him.
Stupid, strong douche
, “I think we both know I’ll jump with you still clinging to me. I don’t think you’d want to hurt another living thing, would you?”

“
Bastard
,” I whisper.