Light (The Shadows Series) (5 page)

I look up at Theron, hoping he will have an answer, but his expression is once again vacant. “What if you stayed in the guest house? There’s an extra bedroom. He could stay with us, right?”

Theron looks at me confused for a second before he realizes what I’m saying. “That’s a good idea. Come on, man. Let’s get you inside and cleaned up.”

It takes both of us to get Evan standing on his feet. We walk into the guesthouse and my stomach sinks as the realization hits me that this isn’t over. There are now three broken people trying to hold together the pieces they have left. Thomas is responsible for two of them, and I have my own agenda with him after the stunt he pulled with Bridgette. This isn’t going to end well for him.

I
’ve often wondered why the doctor’s office can charge you if you are late to an appointment, but if they are running late, we still have to pay them. It seems only the patients are responsible for being on time. I turn the page in the magazine and I’m greeted with a gorgeous blonde. According to the ad, if I use their shampoo, I can look just like her. A snort escapes me, as I roll my eyes. If I had a makeup artist, photo shop, and airbrushing, I am sure I could look just like her. Her perfect figure, with her perfectly, glossy hair is definitely, false advertising.

There’s a gentleman sitting two seats down from me. We are the only two people in the waiting area. He’s coughing and keeps wiping his nose on the back of his hand. Why did he have to choose a seat so close to me? My face contorts into disgusted horror, as I watch him wipe his nose, cough, and then put back the magazine he was reading onto the table in front of us. I hold back the urge to gag, as I set down the magazine I was reading, and grab my hand sanitizer from my purse. Theron jokingly calls my purse luggage, but its size is definitely suiting when I have to defend myself against plague boy, two seats down.

I hear my name being called, so I collect my things. Plague boy gives me a little wave, as I walk past trying to avoid brushing up against him. The nurse must understand my sense of disgust because there is definitely a sense of sympathy in her expression. I am only in the room for a couple of minutes before the doctor comes in.

“Good morning, Evelyn. How are we today?”

“Fine, but it’s more of a good afternoon, now.”

 Glancing down at his watch, he checks the time. “Oh, I guess a good afternoon is in order. How long have you been waiting?”

 “About an hour or so.”

 “Yes, well that can happen. Some appointments take longer than others.”

 I’m not sure what appointments he’s referring to. I never saw anyone except me and plague boy the entire time I was in the waiting area. I’m curious if his appointments were due to him running late. I let out a sigh of frustration and I mentally kick myself. It’s not the doctor’s fault my patience is running thin. I tried to argue with Theron and Evan that they would need me today, since the wake is this afternoon at two, but they wouldn’t listen. Theron insisted that I keep my appointment, so I could get the all clear from the doctor. I don’t know why it’s such a big deal, it was only two broken fingers.

 The doctor removes the tape and splint from my fingers. I give them a little flex, and I am able to move them with ease. “You healed up rather nicely. I’m not going to give you any restrictions or anything like that, but please be careful. No more punching. Agreed?”

 “Agreed.” I take the papers he hands me, and head to the front desk to check out. As I hand the receptionist my debit card, I look out the office window and notice a pink note tucked under my windshield wiper blade. There’s no way that it’s a ticket, I am parked in a parking lot. I’m barely aware of the receptionist handing me back my card and wishing me a good day. I am too distracted to give her a reply, so I just simply give her a nod of my head.

 As I push open the glass doors, stepping into the parking lot, I take a deep breath to calm my nerves. My heart is thumping so hard in my chest that I’m sure if anyone was within ten feet of me they would be able to hear it. I carefully pull the note out from under the wiper blade of my car. My stomach sinks as I read the words.

Troubles in paradise? I notice you’re driving your own car. No more fancy rides for you? That must be awful. Just because you are there for him now, doesn’t mean it’s going to last. I am betting on it.

 What the hell? I quickly scan the parking lot to see if I can recognize anyone, but of course, I’m alone with a bunch of empty cars. Gripping my keys tightly in my hand, I slide into my seat and immediately hit the lock button. I check my mirrors just in case, but I’m not exactly sure what I’m looking for. “Get it together, Eve. It’s just a note. No one is out there waiting for you. This is real life, not some horror flick.” After my brief encouragement to myself, I wad the note up and toss it into the back seat. My drive home is clouded by thoughts of who could have left the note. My gut tells me it’s Thomas, but for some reason I can’t get the idea of Bridgette leaving me the note out of my head.

 Noticing the time as I park in front of the guesthouse, I decide it’s best to skip the shower. It’s already one thirty and the wake starts at two. How awful of a person would I be, if I couldn’t even show up to my boyfriend’s grandmother’s wake on time? Making a quick change of clothes, I glance at myself in the mirror. I run my fingers through my long brown locks. My hair is still wavy from when I curled it this morning, so just a little hairspray to keep it from frizzing should do the trick. I’m wearing my black slacks, a charcoal gray silk sleeveless dress shirt, and a black short sleeved cardigan. I slide my feet into a pair of black ballet flats and head out the door. Thankfully, when I pull into the parking lot at the funeral home, I notice that not a lot of guests have arrived yet. I take a deep breath in and brace myself for the worst, as I head inside to find Theron.

 I’m sitting with Kayla in the lounge at the funeral home. It’s a little after six and guests are starting to leave. The minister from Isa’s church gave a lovely speech, followed by a sweet farewell from Theron. I’m tired, and my feet hurt from standing and moving back and forth between Theron and Evan. Theron stayed in the front with me beside him, as everyone said their goodbyes. Evan stayed in the back of the room. He sat in a chair he pulled into the corner, with his face buried in his hands during most of the wake. When it was time for the service, Evan abruptly left the room, causing some people to whisper, but they were quickly hushed when the minister began to speak.

 I hear a shrill laugh, as the front doors are propped open to allow everyone to exit comfortably. My fists clench, my jaw locks, and my entire body tenses, as the voice I recognize walks into the entryway. She can’t see me from where I’m sitting, but I can see her through the small doorway off the lounge. I don’t know what she’s trying to pull, but I’m not going to stand for it. Kayla grabs my wrist, distracting me from the evil thoughts playing through my mind.

 “Eve, this isn’t the place.”

 “I know.” Squeezing the bridge of my nose, I take a deep breath trying to ease the tension. “I just can’t believe the nerve she has to show her face here.”

 “I know. If it was any other time or place, I would let you at her. However, this isn’t the right time or place. Just go find, Theron. He’s going to need you when he sees her.”

 She’s right. I make my way into the viewing room, excusing myself as I quickly rush by a couple of the guests, but I’m too late. She’s beat me into the room. I quickly take my place by Theron’s side. Sensing my discomfort, he wraps his arm around my waist and places a kiss on the top of my head before he gives her any recognition.

 “Theron.” Her voice is sweet like honey, but I know what kind of treacherous snake she is. Her venom is definitely not sweet it has more of a bitter, vile taste to it.

 “Bridgette, do not address me so formally. You act as though you know me, or if you have a right to be here. Which, in case you weren’t aware, you don’t.” His voice is smooth and sharp like the edge of a knife blade. Any pleasantries she wished to offer are shredded, as his words cut into her.

 “I have a right as your ex-fiancé. I was a part of this family, once.”

I bite my tongue, holding back my words of contempt for her. Theron pulls me into him, eliminating any space between us. I lay my hand on his chest, softly tracing the design in his tie. He glances down at me, giving me a soft smile. As his gaze moves back towards Bridgette, all the light in his eyes fades. His stare is cold, angry, and murderous. Theron opens his mouth to speak, but I beat him to it.

“That’s it though, isn’t it? You used to be a part of his family, but you no longer hold any position even closely related to be an acquaintance with Theron now. So, why are you here, Bridgette?”

 Her eyes narrow, as she sneers at me. “Why are you speaking to me? I’m not here for you.”

 I can feel Theron’s heart pounding in his chest. He doesn’t want her. It’s obvious, so why won’t she go? Theron moves his hand to my back, pulling me against his body, shielding me from her. I use this second to revel in his touch, knowing she’s not going to get what she wants.

“Bridgette, you need to leave. You are not wanted or needed here. In fact, you were never wanted or needed. I have despised you since the first lie fell from your lips. Don’t try to better yourself in my eyes by showing up with some lame excuse of sympathy. Please, see yourself out before I have you escorted out.” Theron’s voice is flat and full of disdain. Her gaping mouth opens and closes like a fish. We turn away from her, leaving her floundering in waves of our disgust. Theron looks down at me. I return his gaze, with a corner of my mouth sneaking into a spiteful smile. He shakes his head at me as we walk away. “No, Eve.”

 “No?” Looking up at him with confusion, I stop walking.

 “No, Eve. I know that felt good. I know you feel like you’ve won against her. That feeling is addicting. You are sweet and pure. I don’t want you tainted by her. Don’t darken your soul because you are reveling in her demise.” Theron gently lifts my chin with his fingers. Beautifully colored eyes look back at me. I hate that they are dull with only a few specks of light left. I don’t want to be the reason they go out.

 “I’m sorry. I was just so angry. I don’t want her anywhere near you. She’s vile. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s plotting against us as we speak.”

 “She probably is. It’s what she does best, but I can’t handle losing you. I wouldn’t make it through the pain this time.” Theron’s eyes darken as he looks at me.

 “Hey. Stop. I’ve already told you. I’m not going anywhere.”

 “You say that, but I’m afraid it won’t be under your control.”

 “Baby, just stop. Okay?”

 An older couple approaches us. Knowing they want to give their regards to Theron, I step away. I’m sitting outside on the bench getting some fresh air, when Kayla sits beside me. She lays her head on my shoulder. I know this move. She is going to turn into my mom.

 “Hey.”

 “Hey, yourself.”

 “So, how are you handling all of this? I swear your life has gone from ordinary to crazy over the last couple of months.”

 “I’m okay. I’m not worried about me.” 

 “When’s the last time you ate anything?”

 “I had a banana this morning. Oh, I had coffee and a muffin in the lounge.”

 Kayla sighs, rolling her eyes. It might not be the response she wanted, but it’s the one she got. “You need to take care of yourself first, or you won’t be able to take care of him.”

 “I know.” I stand to make my way inside when I notice another note on my car. “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me. Seriously?”

 “What?” Kayla follows me over to my car. I snatch the pink note from underneath the wiper blade. I cannot believe she had the balls to leave another note on my car at a funeral home. Who the hell does that? I’m fuming, as I read the note.

The game isn’t over yet. This won’t last between you. I’ve made it my goal to separate you. Just wait.

Shit. I don’t need any more stress. I already feel like a rubber band ready to snap. I start pacing back and forth, but Kayla stops me with her hand, grasping my shoulder. She spins me around to look at her. She must think that I’ve lost my mind. “What the hell are you mumbling about? What’s on that note, Eve?”

 “Bridgette. God, I hate her. She keeps leaving these little snarky notes on my car.” I hand Kayla the note. Her cheeks redden, as she reads it.