Obscured (The Obscured Series Book 1) (3 page)

“There
has to be some other explanation,” I offered.

“Like
what?” he asked.

My
mind raced as I tried to think of something. Neither of us said anything for a
long time. The longer the silence passed, the harder it became to admit that I
didn’t have any other ideas.

“I
don’t know,” I whispered. I was in shock, so I made up a lame excuse. “Maybe
the guy just ran away from home. Maybe he wasn’t happy with his parents or
something.”

“Do
you honestly believe that?”

“Yes,”
I lied. “It certainly is possible.”

“I
suppose it’s possible, but is it likely?”

“I
don’t know. It’s not like you can judge someone you have never met.”

“True,
but I just wish that you wouldn’t put yourself in jeopardy like that.”

“I
can take care of myself,” I said trying to sound tough. “What do you care
anyway?”     Deep down I was questioning my decision to be
friends with Pete. Getting into the wrong crowd right off the bat would not be
good.

What
if it wasn’t true though? That wouldn’t be fair to Pete. There are a lot of
explanations, right? There had to be. It would only be fair to give him a
chance without making snap assessments. But could I be objective knowing what I
knew? I figured there was only one way to find out.

“You
can take care of yourself against a six-foot-four defensive lineman?” he asked,
snapping me back to the present.

“Yes,”
I replied firmly,  avoiding eye contact.

“Somehow
I’m not convinced,” he laughed as he looked up and down at my slender body.

I
couldn’t hold in my giggle.

“So,
you see my point?” he offered.

“I
guess,” I said quietly.

I
finished the last bite of my food while I looked around the room. I was
completely unsure of what to say next, so I continued to avoid eye contact and
willed the bell to ring. 

“What
are you doing after school?”

“I'll
probably just go home.”

“You want to hang out or
something?” he asked.

What? Did I hear him right?

“You want to hang out with me?”

“Yeah
of course, why wouldn’t I?” He seemed confused.

“I
don't know; I thought you just wanted to boss me around about Pete and that was
it. I didn't realize you were interested in being friends.”

“I
want to be friends with you Abby. I mean, if that is okay with you. And to be
clear I’m not trying to boss you around, I’m merely giving you all the
information before you jump in.”

He
wanted to be my friend. I was surprised, but not as surprised as I was at my
excitement of the prospect of being friends with him. Despite his bossy nature,
I was growing to like him a lot. 

“Okay
sure, let's hang out. What did you have in mind?”

“I
don't know. Would you be opposed to me coming over to your house? Maybe I can
help you with your homework,” he offered simply.

“Actually,
that would be nice.”

I
didn't have any homework yet, but it would be nice to have some company. Mom
wouldn't be home until later so I would be alone otherwise. After living in
Arizona for a week, I'd had enough of being alone.

Lunch
was over soon after we finalized our plans for that afternoon. Eli walked me to
class, and we agreed to meet in front of the school at the end of the day so he
could drive us to my house.

I
couldn't believe he already had his license and a car. I wasn’t able to get my
license for a few more months and it was crazy to even think about owning a
car. I didn’t have any money saved, and until I had a job my mom wouldn't even
talk about getting one. Her theory was if I couldn’t afford to pay for the gas,
I shouldn't expect to have a car. I couldn’t fault her; it was a valid point,
but it didn’t make it any easier. If I wanted a job I had to find one I could
walk to, which didn't leave very many options. And on top of that, my grades
needed to be my top priority if I wanted to be able to apply to Ivy League
colleges. My first choice was Harvard, but Yale was following at a close
second. I was aspiring to be a lawyer. My parents weren’t thrilled about either
of my college choices, being that I would have to move so far away, but they
couldn't argue because they were proud that I was striving for something so
prestigious.

Eli’s
news during lunch had confused me. I had no clue what to believe. It was so
strange, it seemed as though Eli could be stretching a little. But I didn’t
know either of them, so it was hard to make any snap judgments about them.

In
reading class, I listened to Mrs. June go through the year’s course syllabus.
She outlined the books we were going to read, and one of them was a favorite of
mine,
To Kill a Mockingbird.
She announced that there would be a book
report on it when we were finished. I knew I could write an A+ report given
what I remember about it.

My
last class of the day was P.E. I was glad to have it last. Getting sweaty early
on ruins your hair and makeup for the rest of the day. It turned out that
Bailey was in my P.E. class, too. The teacher said that we would start swimming
the next day; I enjoyed swimming, but swimming at school didn’t sound very appealing.

After
class I caught up with Bailey.

“Hey
Bailey, wait up!” 

“Oh,
hey Abby,” she replied, sounding a little sad.

“I
was wondering if you wanted to have lunch with me tomorrow.”

I could
tell she was surprised, and I felt bad about that. I was excited at the
prospect of a girl friend to talk to, and I hoped she would understand that
now.

“Yeah,
I'm sorry about today. Eli and I just had some things to take care of.”

“That
sounds great Abby!” Her voice was back to its usual bubbly sound.

“Okay,
I will see you tomorrow!” I called over my shoulder as I walked to the spot
where I agreed to meet Eli.

Eli
was waiting for me where he said he would be. We walked out to the parking lot
together, weaving between cars as we went. He stopped abruptly next to a
beautiful cherry red convertible. This was one special car; it didn’t take a
genius to figure that out. 

“What
kind of car is this? It's beautiful!” I gushed as I circled the car, checking
it out from all angles.

“It's
a 1969
Camaro
. You like it?”

“I
love it!”

Not
only was the car beautiful on the outside, but the inside was all flawless
black leather seats with what looked to me like a brand new dashboard. The
gauges seemed updated from their original style; they glowed bright white and
the mileage readout was digital. It was restored so tastefully. I was more than
impressed.

Eli
pressed a button and the convertible top slid down out of view. Even though it
was hot out, I couldn't tell when the wind was blowing in my hair. I had never
been in a convertible before, and I loved the feeling. Unfortunately, when we
were stopped the Arizona sun beat down on us, making it feel like we were in a
sauna. Thankfully, those stops were few.

 “This
car is truly amazing, Eli. Where did you get it?” I asked.

“It
was my dad's. He and I completely restored it about two years ago, right before
he died.”

“I'm
sorry, I didn't know.” It took an awkward moment before I spoke again. “How did
he die? If you don't mind me asking?”

He
was silent for a long time before he finally spoke. I gave him the space and
time to answer when he felt comfortable. It would be the courtesy I’d expect
someone to give me if the tables were turned. 

“No,
I don't mind you asking at all. He died of lung cancer; he smoked. We knew he
was dying for a few years before he went. In a way, it gave me the time I
needed to come to grips with the fact that he was going to be gone soon. I
think that has helped me grieve faster since he died, but I still miss him a
lot.”

“When
did he die?”

“Six
months ago.”

I
felt a wave of sadness wash over me. He didn't look away from the road the
entire time that we talked, and his blank expression never changed. It must
have been difficult for him to talk about. Even though my dad was in another
state, I couldn't grasp the concept of never being able to see him again. Never
being able to talk to him again or ask for his advice. I commended his ability
to hold it together so well as he talked about it now.

“It
must be so hard to talk about. Let's talk about something else.” I quickly
tried to think of something else to discuss. “How long have you lived in
Arizona?”

“I've
lived in Arizona since I was about 3-years-old. I was born in Colorado.”

“So,
you’re used to the heat here. I can't imagine ever getting use to it!”

He
laughed. “I don't know that you ever get used to the heat, but you survive.”

“Great!”
I said. “Thanks for the hope!” I shoved his shoulder.

He
let out a deep throaty chuckle. I liked it.

I
found it easy to be around Eli, which made it so hard to imagine upsetting him
by being friends with Pete. I was very attracted to Pete though, and I thought
I might want more than friendship somewhere down the road.

After
thinking it through, I decided that I had to give Pete a chance. He seemed nice
enough; but I wasn’t going to bring that up to Eli now. He would find out soon
enough. I was enjoying our time together too much to ruin it.

                  
CHAPTER TWO

           
Pulling up in front of my own house was strange. It
didn’t quite feel like home yet. Before Arizona I had lived in the same house
since birth, so it was very possible that it may never feel like home. At least
not in the way my California home had felt to me.  

The
house itself was a newer model built three years ago. The yard was landscaped
with impeccable taste, with spiky green grass in the center lined with tan
gravel. There was a flower bed filled with rosebushes along the walkway to the
front door, and the huge roses stared back at me in a rainbow of colors; red,
peach and lavender. I truly loved our new house, especially the inside. It was
exactly what I would have chosen if it were up to me.

           
For just the two of us, the
four-bedroom home was larger than we needed, but it gave us a room for an
office and a guest room. The guest room was right next to mine. I secretly
imagined my dad coming to visit and staying in that room, although I wasn’t
positive that’s how it would happen. I didn't know how much my parents would
tolerate being under the same roof again, especially overnight, but I'd like to
think that's what would happen.

The
kitchen was tastefully designed with black granite counter tops and shiny
hardwood flooring throughout. The flooring was my favorite part of the inside,
as it gave the house a feeling of elegance. The dining room was attached to the
kitchen and brandished a very exquisite chandelier that would hang over our
table, once we bought one.

Our
meals the past week were eaten at the breakfast bar in the kitchen. I could
care less, but mom hated being anywhere but at a proper table.

The
living room had a built-in entertainment center with room for a big screen TV
that my mom said we would eventually get, but for now it held the 37-inch TV we
brought with us.

Eli
slowly followed me into the house, clearly checking it out as he went.

“Would
you like something to drink?” I asked as I set my backpack down on the kitchen
counter.

“Sure,
a soda would be great.” He sat down at the bar. “This house is pretty awesome.”

“Thanks,
I like it a lot. I don't have any homework. Do you?”

“Nope.”
He grinned.

“Yeah, you want to watch a movie
or something then?”

“Sure.”

Eli
picked an older comedy about two brothers who were interested in the same girl
and didn't know it. It was actually one of my favorites, but I didn't tell Eli
that.

When
the movie was half over I realized that it was time for me to start dinner. I
stood and stretched. I hadn't noticed how stiff I was getting.

“Is
something wrong?” Eli looked up at me, his face questioning and a little
worried.

“No,
I just have to start dinner. Tonight is my night to cook. I should be done in a
few minutes.”

“Actually,
I probably should be going. My mom will be home soon and she'll be worried if
I'm not there.”

He
stood up and I walked him to the door. He lingered outside on the porch,
looking as though he were debating something.

I
intentionally didn’t make eye contact. “Well, I guess I will see you tomorrow.
Thanks for the ride home. It was nice hanging out.”

“Sure
anytime. Um... Abby...” He hesitated. “Have you thought about what I told you
today?”

I
wasn't ready for that question. I couldn’t look him in the eye, because I couldn’t
be truthful with him. I didn't want to hurt Eli. I couldn’t answer until I knew
just how to tell him.

“No,
I haven't made a decision yet,” I lied.

“Alright,
I'll see you tomorrow.”

I
watched him walk down the driveway and drive away in his gorgeous car. I felt
horrible lying to him, but I couldn't face his reaction yet. I contemplated
what I would say tomorrow as I walked into the kitchen to make dinner.

I
planned to make one of my favorite dinners, baked chicken with creamy mashed
potatoes and gravy, and crisp green beans sautéed in olive oil with almonds. My
mouth was watering just thinking about it. I started making dinner and timed
everything to be done right when mom got home.

I
took my backpack to my bedroom, and sat by the window to watch another amazing
sunset. It was nothing like the night before. One of the things that set
Arizona apart from anywhere I had been before was that the sunset was never the
same; the colors that painted the sky were different each night. Tonight the
entire horizon was alight with yellowish orange right around the sun with the
brightest ball of light in the center. Even though it was completely different
than the one I watched yesterday, it was just as magnificent. I loved having a
front row seat in my bedroom.

I sat
long enough to think about what I would say to Eli about my decision. Since the
time I began making dinner, I had gone through what seemed like hundreds of
scenarios.

I
vaulted the stairs two at a time when I heard the timer for the potatoes. They
were perfectly soft on inspection and ready for mashing. I was just finishing
mashing the potatoes when my mom walked in the door.

“
Mmm
, Abby—dinner smells delicious!”

“Hi
Mom!” I called back. “Thanks! It will be ready in about 10 minutes.”

When
dinner was ready, we dished up our plates buffet-style and sat down to eat at
the bar. The chicken was better than it smelled, the mashed potatoes were the
perfect comfort food after a confusing day, and the green beans were flawlessly
crisp and full of flavor.

“So
honey, how was your first day at school?”

“It
was alright. I met a few new friends. One of them came over after school and we
watched a movie. Well, part of a movie.” I corrected myself. “I had to start
dinner in the middle, but he had to leave anyway.”

“He?”
She looked a little surprised.

“Yep,
he seems really nice. He is only a friend though, so don't get any ideas!”

She
laughed. “You know me all too well.”

“Yep,
Mom, always playing matchmaker,” I answered sarcastically as she giggled.

I
finished my dinner quickly and helped clear our breakfast bar table. Since I
cooked dinner it was Mom's job to do the dishes. I was glad to relinquish that
chore to her whenever I could! Dishes were one of my least favorite jobs. I
would rather do any other household chore over doing one sink full of dishes.

I
went into the living room to watch some TV. There wasn't anything interesting
on to watch, but I didn't care; I wasn't really watching it anyway. I kept
zoning out, thinking about the next day at school. More and more I hoped that
Pete hadn’t done anything serious. It still seemed so far-fetched to even think
about—murder? Actually, I felt ridiculous even thinking it. I wondered if Pete
and I would become more than friends at some point. My mom would
love
that! She was unusually in love with love, always looking for the happy ending.
Ironic, considering she was divorced. If I ever showed even a slight interest
in someone, she always got so excited. Not that there had been many. I didn't
want her to know about Pete until I was sure that he was safe. Hopefully, that
would happen sooner rather than later; not only for my sake, but for Eli's too.
I knew he would be worried about me and wondered if he would even talk to me
again after he knew my choice. He seemed like a great friend, and I didn’t want
to lose him over that.

I
trudged upstairs to shower before bed. I was tense to say the least, as the
knots in my shoulders felt as if they were starting to restrict my movements.
The shower helped to ease some of the tension.

Afterwards,
I figured I would write an email to Kelly, my best friend in California. In all
the chaos, I’d almost forgotten that I had promised to write her one after my
first day of school.

Kelly
was just like me in almost every way, including looks. It was why we were best
friends in the first place. Her brown hair and blue eyes matched mine
perfectly. We spent most of our time together at the beach or shopping, but it
was our sleepovers that I would miss the most. I promised her that I would
write her every chance I got and that we wouldn’t grow apart, but deep down we
both knew that we probably would anyway. It made leaving that much harder for
me.

I
pulled out my laptop and began typing.

Kelly,

  
         
We made it. Man is it hot! Everything is
going okay. I hope that your first day went well. How are all of our friends
doing? I miss you all and I can't wait till you can visit me. I had the
weirdest day. I don't want to go into too much detail because I am really not
sure about a lot of it. Some of it may be rumors. But on the upside I met a few
new friends. The funny thing is two of them are boys, very unlike me. Although,
after tomorrow it may only be one boy. I will have to tell you more about that
later. Well I should be getting to bed now. Hope all is going well with you.

Abby

I
climbed into my snuggly bed and thought of my dad. I should have called him to
check in. I knew he would be wondering about how my first day went, but I was
just too tired.

I
sunk into the sheets and got cozy in my down comforter. I fell asleep more
quickly than usual, and was relieved the next morning when I awoke and couldn’t
remember a single dream.

I
hopped out of bed with more perkiness than usual. I dressed as fast as I could,
giving myself ample time to call my dad before I went down to breakfast.

“Hello?”
He answered on the second ring. His voice was husky, slightly more husky than
usual, as if I had woken him.

“Hi
dad,” I said.

“Hey
Abbs
!” He nicknamed me
Abbs
when I was younger and had called me that ever since. He was the only person I
let call me that. “I'm so glad you called.”

“How’s
everything going?”

“Good,
I've been busy working. The store has been pretty busy.”

My
dad owned his own hunting supply store, and since hunting season was coming up in
a few weeks everyone was getting ready to go. I imagined him amid a sea of
targets, tents, and propane tanks. It was familiar and I liked it. I always
thought when I was old enough I would work in my dad’s store. As it turned out,
that wasn’t my destiny.

“That's
good.”

“How
was your first day of school?” he asked.

I
knew my dad genuinely cared about what was going on in my life. I could always
count on him.

“It
was alright, I guess. It’s almost time to leave for school. I probably should be
getting downstairs to breakfast though. I just wanted to call and say hi, but I
will call you again soon.”

“Okay,
I'm glad you did. I miss you,” he added.

“I
miss you, too.”

“I
love you,
Abbs
. Have a good day.”

“I
love you too, dad. Bye,”

I
hung up before I heard him say goodbye. I skipped down the stairs. My mood
lifted after talking to my dad.

There
was a note on the refrigerator in my mom’s neat handwriting.

Abby,

               
I had to go to work early this morning.
Breakfast is waiting in the microwave. Sorry, you will have to walk to school
today. Have a good day!

            
                            
     
Love,

                      
                            
Mom

It
was not unusual for my mom to have to leave suddenly in the morning. She worked
as an editor’s assistant at a publishing company. She would have to go in early
for a number of reasons—if someone called in sick, if the boss needed an
earlier coffee fix, or if she had a bigger workload due to book deals.

Pancakes
with strawberries on top and sausage were waiting in the microwave. It was
delicious and still warm. I didn't mind eating alone; it was actually nice
being able to enjoy breakfast without having to carry a conversation.

We
didn’t live far from my school, but since I’d never walked before I was unsure
how long it would take. I walked as quickly as I could, but I didn’t get far
before I heard a car horn honk behind me. I turned around and was surprised to
see Eli rolling down his passenger window.

“Want
a ride?” he asked.

I
was relieved that I wouldn't have to walk to school after all. I had already
been late once to my first class, and I certainly didn't want to make it a
reoccurring thing.

 “Hey,
why are you driving down my street anyways?” I questioned as I climbed into his
car.