Rise From Darkness (8 page)

Gaby tried to feign a cheerful attitude, smiling and greeting people as they lined up. What a fraud she was, couldn’t they see she didn’t belong?

“Okay ladies, I know it’s a little hot but we have a lot of work to do.”

Hot? Talk about an understatement. Who did Sammy think she was kidding? At ninety-five degrees and a hundred and twenty percent humidity, unbearable was a better description. An hour later, pride and surprise filled Gaby. She’d picked up the routines as if she’d been doing them all her life. With each yell and clap, with each word shouted, a little bit of darkness released from deep within. The gray mood that haunted her daily almost disintegrated as she cheered. Maybe Florida wouldn’t be so bad. The smell of the ocean, fresh cut grass and a new friend, and she had to admit cheerleading seemed fun.

“Okay ladies, let’s do some simple pyramid work. Avery, Jolie, Katie, and London on the ground. Jen, Stacie, and Tory second. I’ll take third with
Zoey
and how ‘bout Gaby on top. Laura you spot.”

Pyramid? What was she thinking? She wanted to hang out and do something new so badly she hadn’t thought it through. There was no way she could be up that high, not with her fear of heights.

Gaby rubbed her sweaty palms on her shorts and tried to look around for a way out of it. The girls started kneeling down on the ground. Her chest constricted. Her hands wouldn’t dry no matter how hard she rubbed them against her rough jean shorts.

“Sammy, I’m stronger than I look, why don’t I take the bottom? I don’t mind, really.” She held her breath hoping for the right answer.

“Don’t be silly Gaby. These girls need to toughen up.”

Her legs shook as if she were standing on a washing machine. Her mouth felt like she had been making out with sand paper. She managed to lift one leg and step on the back of one of the girls as she reached up for the hand of another. Flips, tucks, and the bottom of the pyramid worked just fine. There was no way she could handle standing on top of three other girls. Someone pushed her body upward.

It was too much.

Her head swayed so fast she swore she was stuck on a tilt-a-whirl at an amusement park. It only lasted a second until the pyramid started to crumble. The grass, goal post, and people spun around her.

She fell.

It took a moment to comprehend she wasn’t on the ground. Blinking her eyes against the bright sun she saw a face staring down at her. Flat top, chiseled jawline, and strong shoulders. It was the guy from the beach.

“You can put me down now. I’m fine.” Gaby muttered to the guy still holding her in his arms.

Her feet touched the ground and she swayed clutching his shoulder pads.

“You can lean on me as long as you like.” He flashed a broad white smile at her.

“Let her go.”

Gaby frowned at the stress in Sammy’s voice.

“I’m just trying to help. Is this the thanks I get for saving your new cheerleader?”

“I didn’t need saving, but thanks.” Gaby pushed free of his arms and stood on wobbly legs.

Although, the other girls swooned around him, it was obvious Sammy didn’t like this guy. So Gaby stepped back and really looked at him. Seconds later, she joined Sammy in disliking him. He had an air about him that reeked of arrogance with a hint of cruelty. Yeah, he was built and good-looking, but almost too muscular and stone cold.

“You’re the new girl who moved into that house the old couple died in, aren’t you?” Another football player stood beside him with a similar flattop and strong build.

“Yes. And you’re the obnoxious guy wearing the letter jacket in a hundred degrees that I met at the beach, aren’t you?”

“Yep, that’s me, football extraordinaire.” He posed like an old statue Gaby had seen in an art book. One arm stretched out and the other flexing his bicep. “How do you feel about living in an old haunted house secluded from everything? They say no one could hear the old couple’s screams before their mysterious death.”

“That’s enough
Gremory
.” Sammy moved closer with hands on her hips.

“Aren’t you worried someone will try to hurt you in the middle of the night? If they did, no one would hear you scream.”
Gremory
took a defiant step toward her.
Forras
grinned encouragement.

“No, not really, I’m not a screamer.”

Both guys laughed as if she’d said something funny.

“I’m more of a shooter. Someone enters my house I won’t be cowering in a corner. As the saying goes, I’ll shoot first and ask questions later.” Annoyance bubbled to the surface.

Forras
raised his eyebrows. “Spunky, I like that. Are you any good?”

“I can put a bullet in the center of that zero on the back of your helmet from the other side of the field.”

“Well, I guess you need to come hunting with us next time.”

“She will not.” Sammy chimed in.

Gaby didn’t miss Sammy’s worried tone. “I don’t hunt for the sport of it.”

“You must practice somehow if you’re that good, of course if you’re telling the truth.”

“You’re right. I practice on rude football players who think too highly of themselves.”

“Come on Gaby it’s time to go.” Sammy tugged on her arm before she noticed Alexander charging at them with eyes narrowed and fists clinched tight.

“Yeah, I think you’re right.” She grabbed her bag and headed toward Alexander.

Forras
and
Gremory
stood behind them on the field, laughing and heckling.

“Sure is a spunky little girlfriend you’ve got there Alex.”

Sammy grabbed Alexander’s arm and pushed him toward the candy apple red nineteen sixty-seven Mustang waiting beside the field.

Gaby smiled. It was one of her dad’s favorite cars.

Alexander opened the passenger door and Sammy jumped in the back seat before Gaby could say anything. Alex pulled the seat back straight and waved her in then closed the door.

Sammy clutched her shoulder. “Gaby, you were great.”

Alex slid into the driver’s seat “What did she do?”

“She threatened to shoot
Forras
if he ever—”

“I didn’t threaten him, exactly.” Gaby toyed with a string on her shorts.

The tires spun up gravel as they headed for the short mile home on Highway Nine.

“Well, still, you told him.” Sammy slapped the back of the seat.

As he pulled to a stop in front of her home and with the engine still idling, Sammy mumbled something and pushed the passenger side seat forward, slamming Gaby’s head into the dashboard.

Once upright, Gaby tried to exit with her but Sammy slammed the door. What was with these two? Hot and cold, both of them. Heck, they were at her home and she was in the front seat, so why was Sammy so anxious to get out first?

She fisted the door handle to leave. Part of her wanted to stay in the car and confront Alexander, but then she’d have to admit she thought there was something between them. There was, though. Wasn’t there? She needed her mother. Someone to talk to. Maybe she
was
crazy after all and should have stayed on her meds.

“Are you really that good with a gun?” Alexander asked.

She let go of the handle. Her heart sped up at the realization they were so close, in a car, alone. “Yeah. My dad taught me at an early age. There are several in the house.” Idle conversation meant she could spend a few more moments with him instead of entering her empty house.

“Are you scared being out here all alone?”

“No, I’m fine. It does get lonely sometimes though. I wish my dad would stay home more.” Sadness ebbed its way in.

“Sammy and I are always around. All you have to do is call us.” He eased out of the Mustang, came around the car and opened her door.

He took her hand and pulled her up, inches from his face. The moment she stood, he captured her lips in his. Her muscles tensed and her legs went weak beneath. She swayed and fell against the car. His hand moved to the small of her back and pulled her against him. Husky cologne mixed with fresh cut grass filled the air. She melted into him. His mouth toyed with hers in a gentle sweeping motion sending tingles down her arms and legs.

The kiss deepened and a fresh cinnamon flavor coated her tongue. Close…intimate…connected. Things she’d never felt.

She kissed him back and the sensation of drinking a dozen Red Bulls jolted through her body.

He pulled away, leaving her breathless.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” Alexander’s body stiffened and he put distance between them shattering her world once more.

Chapter Six

“Where did you get him?” Sammy squealed when Alexander approach the front porch with a dog.

“I found him at a shelter.”

Sammy ran down the steps to pet him. “Mom! We’ve got a dog!”

“Don’t get too excited were not keeping him.” Alexander wrapped the leash around his hand.

Grace exited the house onto the porch whipping her hands on a dishtowel, tucked in her apron. “Well, isn’t he sweet.” She placed her hand on the banister as she knelt next to the dog. Alexander reached out and took her elbow, easing her to the ground.

The last year she’d struggled with the human aging process. His heart ached watching her body deteriorate. She did so much for Sammy and him. They’d be lost without her.

“Why not?” Sammy nuzzled the dog. “He’s adorable. Oh, I get it. The dog’s for Gaby.”

Alexander didn’t like the way Sammy annunciated Gaby’s name.

“Yes.” Alexander walked past her, grabbed his car keys from the table just inside the front door and left the house.

He helped Grace up and kissed her cheek.

“Be home by dinner. I’m making your favorite son, lasagna.”

“Grace, you shouldn’t—”

“It’s no trouble. I wanted to.” Grace shooed him away. “I’m not in my dotage you know.” She smiled and walked back inside.

Alexander faced Sammy. “Come on I’m going to take him over to Gaby’s. You need to go work your magic and convince her to keep him.”

****

Gaby opened the door to find Alexander, Sammy and a dog with a bow around his neck.

“What’s this?” Her voice tense.

“A present. I hope your dad doesn’t mind. He needed a home and I thought he’d be good company at night for you.”

We’re they serious? This mangy rust colored mutt was a gift? Sammy and Alexander looked so excited though. How could she say no? “What’s his name?” Gaby asked, bending down to pet him.

“
Patronus
,” Alexander squatted next to them.

“How obvious,” Sammy muttered.

“What?” Gaby looked up at her, noticing Alexander’s glare.

“Nothing,” Sammy said with a smile.

Alexander scratched the dog’s ears. “It means protector in Latin.”

“What kind of dog is he?” Gaby tried to sound excited but all she could think about were the fleas and ticks he probably had crawling all over him.

Patronus
flopped on his back for her to rub his belly. Okay, maybe he wouldn’t be so bad.

“The guy at the adoption place said he was a Beagle-terrier mix. He also has some whippet in him so he’ll run fast.”

Yep, a mutt, just like her. Gaby ran her hand down his belly and noticed how skinny he was. Hadn’t he ever been fed? He reminded her of the dog from the Haunted Mansion ride at Disney World.

“I’ll have to ask my dad, and get some dog supplies.”

“The supplies are covered.” Alexander got up and retrieved a brown paper bag from his car.

“I’ve
gotta
get home. Stacy is due in a few.” Sammy took off through the woods, eyes front but waving bye over her head.

Alexander followed Gaby inside. As they stored everything in the kitchen, he said, “Why don’t we take him with us to work on the boat, then I’ll drop you at practice later?”

“Hope he doesn’t chew anything up.”

“
Patronus
is two, so I doubt you’ll have a problem. I’ll keep him with me while you’re at practice. Figured I’d pick you and Sammy up after.”

“Wonderful.” If only her mother were here, Gaby could ask her about Alexander. Why sometimes he seemed so close and others so distant? Coming over with a picnic basket, but leaving without a reason. Taking her hand when they walked but dropping it quickly as if she had the plague, planting unexpected kisses. Bringing a dog as a gift. Were all guys this confusing?

A short time later they hunkered around the boat.

“I think the temperature is cool in here today, maybe a chilly ninety-two or ninety-three?” Alexander smiled and grabbed a hammer from the toolbox. He crouched under the motor which was propped up on two wooden planks.

Patronus
nestled into a corner panting as they worked.

“How long do you think it will take to fix the engine?” Gaby hoped it would take weeks or better yet, months. Maybe they would have to order parts and wait for them to come in. The longer the better.

“I don’t know yet. Depends on how much we find wrong. Hand me the needle nose pliers.” Alexander held out his hand waiting for them. His bicep flexed as light reflected off his bronze skin.

Grinning with the thought of being so close to him, Gaby grabbed the pliers and handed them to him. As he took them, he squeezed her hand. He did this each time she gave him something and each time her body responded to his touch with a warm sensation deep in her core.

They broke for lunch and snacked on fresh fruit and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

“Here you go.” Gaby turned to hand one to Alexander.

He propped up next to her and tossed a grape in her mouth.

She stifled a nervous giggle.

Even with her hair pulled back in a ponytail, sweat poured down from her temples. Alexander set next to her looking cool and comfortable.

“How come you never seem to sweat?”

Alexander reached up with a napkin and patted her forehead dry. “I’m used to it I guess. You said you lived up north the last few years right?”

Gaby nodded her head in confirmation. “You’ll probably be used to it by the end of summer.”

“You mean just in time for it to get cold?”

“It never gets cold here. It might get down to the fifties during the middle of winter, but sometimes we can even swim on Christmas Day here. Although on a few occasions we’ve had below freezing temps.”

Alexander got up and brushed the dirt off his shorts. “Thanks for your help. How do you know your tools so well?” He popped another grape in his mouth.

She couldn’t help but stare at his mouth. His lips were full but strong. She longed to feel them against her own again, but didn’t have the courage to make a move.

“My dad. I used to help him work on cars. Your sixty-seven Mustang is one of his favorites.”

He reached under the engine to collect his tools. A loud crack echoed in the boathouse when the wood snapped and the motor crashed down on his hand.

“Alex!” Gaby’s body went cold despite the heat. She jumped up and tried to pull the motor off him, but it wouldn’t budge. She grabbed a plank and tried to use it as leverage.

Before she could manage, Alexander pulled his arm free.

“Oh my God, we have to get you to a hospital. Can you walk?” Gaby tugged at his elbow trying to lift him from the floor.

“No. It’s okay, I’m fine.” Alexander hid his hand in his shirt and turned away from her.

“Let me see.” Visions of all the broken bones and stitches she’d experienced with her father over the years came flooding through her mind.

“You don’t need to, really.”

Gaby pulled at his arm out of his shirt. “I’m use to dealing with injuries. I can handle it.”

Alexander’s arm pulled free to reveal no damage.

“I don’t understand. Your hand should be crushed or at least broken, bruised or cut.” Gaby rotated, bent, and pulled on his hand, but there was nothing wrong.

“It didn’t fall that far. My hand didn’t get hurt. The engine hit the ground and startled me but I wasn’t trapped.” His voice came smooth and calm.

“I saw it fall. Your hand was smashed.” Her mind reeled.

“No, I’m fine.” He smiled, took her hand in his and kissed her palm. “See, it works perfect.”

“You don’t sweat, you don’t get hurt? What are you, Superman? Are you able to leap tall buildings in a single bound?” She asked with a half-giggle.

“Something like that. Come on, we need to get you to cheerleading practice on time or Sammy will ground us both.”

She sighed sadly now that the day was ending. She enjoyed their walk hand in hand through the woods with
Patronus
running around them. Then he froze, barking and snarling at a tree up ahead. They both stopped in their tracks and looked at each other.

A cold shiver shot through Gaby’s body.

“What is it boy?” Alexander called out.

“
Patronus
come here.” Gaby patted her legs and whistled for him to come. “What if it’s a snake or something? I don’t want him to get hurt.” She looked at Alexander with pleading eyes.

“No need to concern yourselves. It’s just me. I guess your new friend here doesn’t like me.”
Forras
walked out from behind a tree. But didn’t approach them.

Gaby ran up and held
Patronus
back by his collar. Alexander followed.

“He has good taste.” Alexander quipped.

“I was coming by to see if Gaby needed a ride to cheerleading practice. I figured since she’s cheering for our team and all.”

“What do you mean by that?” Gaby bit her tongue wishing she hadn’t asked.

“I started thinking about your little fainting spell yesterday. You didn’t faint from the heat did you? Or was it that you don’t like being at the top of the pyramid?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I just got dizzy, most likely from the heat and not hydrating enough.” She refused to admit she was scared of heights, not to
Forras
. Not only could she tell he would tease her mercilessly, she just didn’t like him.

“You’re scared of heights. Did you hear that, Alexander? Your girlfriend’s scared of heights. I assume you’re scared of flying too.”

Her skin crawled at the way he articulated each word. “I’m not scared of anything. If you don’t mind I need to get to practice and I’m not going to be able to hold
Patronus
back much longer.”

“See you later.”
Forras
chuckled as he turned to walk away. “Scared of flying, that’s an interesting twist, isn’t it, Alex?”

Gaby was tempted to release
Patronus
, but she didn’t want him harmed. “Why does he care so much if I mind heights or not?”

“Do you?” Alexander’s asked with a cold stare, as if that was a deal breaker on their relationship or something.

****

“Grace, I’m heading to pick up Sammy. Would you mind watching
Patronus
for a while? Alexander pulled
Patronus
’ collar off and rubbed his ears.

Grace made her way out of the swinging doors from the kitchen. “Certainly. Can I ask you a question though?” She wiped her hands on an old dishtowel and pulled a chair out from the dining room. She gestured for him to sit down next to her.

“Sure.” Alexander shifted his weight and stared down at
Patronus
.

“Where did you get him? The dog I mean?” Grace leaned down and patted him on the head. “And don’t tell me the pound. This dog is special and we both know it.”