A Hunt For Forever (Exploring Haven #1)

Prologue

PROLOGUE

Isabella

“Right above my asshole , that’s where all the fucks I might give are.”

That is what I would’ve answered to my mother’s attempt to get me on that fucking Ferris wheel, saying it’s the eye of the town. But I don’t because she’s the only one who doesn’t deserve such treatment from me. She’s trying to push me out of my comfort zone, and quite frankly, I can’t get mad at her for that.

Instead, I say, “I don’t want to.”

“Come on, honey. You loved going on that thing when you were little.”

“Yeah, when I was seven. I’m eighteen now. I don’t like stuff like this anymore.” I sigh. “It’s no secret I didn’t want to come. You dragged me here, so this is all you’re going to get from me.” I tuck my right hand in my oversized jeans, hoping to get out of this place as soon as possible.

To think back then, I rejoiced at coming to the county fair of Road Haven is insane. Every year, the town organizes this stupid fair to lure people out of their homes and spend all their savings on games, food, and colorful views. I loved all of those things back when my brain was less developed and was blind to see how awful it was. I rejoiced in such events, painted smiles on my face, and didn’t let my mother breathe until she could say yes to me coming to the fair with my friends. But it isn’t the same anymore. I’ve grown out of it.

Not that it’s a childish thing to do, but it just doesn’t feel right being here when the only reason I loved coming in the first place has gone dry. Corpse-like. In a way, it was a method for me to differentiate my classmates from my real friends. Those who could hang out with me out of school, despite the stresses of being a youngster, had their names on a list in my journal. I don’t care what people say, seven-year-old kids also get stressed. Some of those children fail to recognize the significance, and that’s a positive thing. Sadly, I wasn’t fortunate enough to be like them.

In a house where the only adult figure I had with me was mentally drained from a lot of unknown stuff—I say unknown because, to this day, she’s never told me any details of her down times—I have a clear picture of what it looks like being over everything.

It only started when I was about nine, though. The feeling of wanting to shut everyone off and be alone. But I wasn’t a loner. I loved hanging out with my friends, loved going to town parties with my mom, and loved the attention I was getting. My ginger hair did all the work, really. Back then, ginger heads weren’t as common as they are now, so people saw me as a rare gem, and I ate it up like a three-course meal.

So, it was strange for me to be having those feelings at that age.

I never told them to my dear mom, though. The Felice Kirby. There was no need for her to have another load on her baggage when she hadn’t even claimed hers yet, so I did what I did best. Ignore my troubles and smile through it all.

I’ve managed to avoid coming to the fair for the past four years, but this year, I’ve been defeated. More like I’ve been blackmailed into it. My mother blackmailed me into ‘having fun’. Though she phrases it as such, it stuns me she could go to that extent.

Proud of her, though. I didn’t know she had it in her.

There’s one thing I’ve always agreed upon when it comes to her. She’s quiet. She never speaks out what’s on her mind no matter how deep it eats her out. It’s a flaw she denies having, but today, she seems to be walking out of it. And for that, I’m proud.

She promised me I could go on spring break out of town with Colin and James if I came to the fair with her this time. I couldn’t say no to such a tempting reward, especially since after this summer, the boys and I won’t be seeing each other so often. They have their plans after high school, and I have?—

“Fine, but at least try having some fun. Go play some games, eat some food, and walk around. Anything at all. I’ll be over there,” she begins, pointing at the gigantic neon sign, Haunted House . “If you need me at all, call, okay? I’ll keep my phone close to me.”

I nod, looking far into the vast dream of me in my bed, my headphones on, blasting and singing ‘ And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going ’. Honestly, I should’ve sung that to her earlier tonight, but my brain didn’t think fast enough. Now, I’m here.

The screams and laughs of both children and adults bury her voice. If I didn’t know where we were, I would think they were being assaulted or murdered by some serial killer. It’s excruciating.

“Isabella,” she calls for me, but my attention is infatuated with a group of friends who are hyping each other up and playing dart balloons at the stand. It’s stupid but hypnotizing at the same time.

“Isabella.” She raises her voice this time.

“Yes, yes. Okay, I’ll call.” I continue to stare at the group.

Three guys in casual attire stand behind a fourth guy with a tip dart in his hand. Despite being hidden among the others, I can still perceive his powerful and ready posture, as if he’s getting ready for battle. His friends, I assume, cheer him up with their loud voices. The one on his left side hits his shoulder, while the one right behind him plays with his hair like a dog.

Before I know it, my steps betray me, and I find myself a few steps away from them. I might as well be part of the group because of how close I am.

“Yeah, that’s what I’m talking about!” the guy on the right yells right after the mystery boy hits a green balloon in the middle.

Now, I’m intrigued. I try to keep the distance I have right now and stay put. I observed the game for a while, and honestly, I don’t know why. He consecutively strikes about three balloons, and with every hit, the boys yell a celebration chant.

As I watch them, my phone rings in the mini bag hanging over my right shoulder. Weirdly, I don’t want to look away from this view yet, but I do anyway. I land on Colin’s caller ID, and a smile immediately draws on my face.

“Where are you?” He doesn’t waste time brushing past a simple hello.

I look around me, trying to find something significantly easy for me to describe so he can find me. I turn on my sneakers, my head spinning like a screw. Naturally, I get back on the boys. They’re still there, but this time, someone else is playing. A black guy with natural twists and a fashion sense equivalent to mine. Chill but classy.

“I’m near the Ferris Wheel, right in front of the balloon dart stand,” I answer.

“Be right there.” He hung up the phone before I could say anything else.

The screen light shines in my face before I turn it off and put the phone back in my bag. I had texted Colin a few minutes before we arrived to come join me. I knew I wasn’t going to last long out here if Mom was to leave me and go do some activities by herself, which I don’t blame her once again.

I had also texted James, my other ride-or-die, but he closed the blinds on this one. Family issues, he said. But at least I get to have Colin with me tonight.

“My turn,” one guy says out loud, pulling me back into the spectacle.

Maybe I should get away from them, instead of wishing for them to lower their voices. It’s a fucking fair, for heaven’s sake. It’s normal to be loud, but for some unknown reason, I can’t bear it. I do like crowded spaces, loud music, and basic fun, but not at a fair. Not this one, at least.

As I’m about to turn on my feet, the mystery boy comes into view. I catch a glance, and my entire body warms up as if someone has set off a firework on top of my head. Who in the world is that?

It doesn’t take long for my feet to be glued down as soon as his smile takes over his entire face. Fuck—that smile. It’s wide and full of life, and I can’t even comprehend how someone could have such a smile. Not in this world. It draws me in, and I take a second look. His face is lit in a fluorescent glow, almost as if it’s his way for him to be noticed. If it is, he’s doing a great job at that, because he’s all I’m noticing right now. A little wind swirling by messes up his sandy blond hair, but it does me justice as it clears his face for me to see him completely.

“What in the—” I whisper to myself, my mouth open for flies to occupy.

He’s in slow-mo. He’s got to be in fucking slow-mo, because why in the world am I still standing here, staring at this boy?

With my mouth still open, basically drooling over him, a violent push sends me a few steps forward.

“There you are.” Colin’s voice snaps me out of my trance. He wraps his left arm around my shoulders, imprisoning me.

I struggle to find his eyes as I lock mine on the mystery boy. I can feel his presence from here, and all I want to do is go to him. Colin snaps his fingers in front of my face. “Is the lady still here?” My eyes quickly dart to his fingers.

“Who are you drooling over?” he asks.

I pull him closer next to me so he can face the magnifying view I have in front of me. Colin allows me to control his body as he stands by me.

“What am I looking at?”

“There,” I murmur.

My head shifts up, pointing at the mystery boy. Colin tries to see with my eyes as he analyzes the scenery. I can’t believe such a guy exists.

“Pretty boy at eleven o’clock,” I say.

“There are a lot of boys here, Isa. Be more specific.”

I link my arm with his as I pull him even closer. “Blondie. Looks like a fluffy dog you want to tickle. The tall one. Fell out of heaven,” I list.

“Ohhh, that pretty boy.” He chuckles. “So, what? Are you interested in him?”

Fuck, yeah. Road Haven doesn’t have pretty boys like him. Oh, no, it doesn’t. It’s like witnessing a rare event, and I don’t want to take it for granted. Sure, Colin and James are also pretty, and they love hearing that, but that’s because they’re my best friends. I’ll find them pretty, no matter what. Hell, I do now, even with their heads stuck up their asses. But mystery boy…

“Go for it then,” Colin says, bumping his shoulder into mine.

“I don’t know, he seems…” I strain.

“What?”

“Too clean, you know?” I tilt my head as I observe them. I think they’re about to wrap up their game session.

“What the hell are you talking about? Too clean. What does that even mean?”

“I just don’t think he can handle it.”

A guy with a smile like that isn’t a guy I would want his heart to break. And with me, I can’t rule out that option.

“Sure, he looks like a nice guy, but that has never stopped you before, so…”

I take a deep breath. I didn’t even realize I wasn’t breathing properly until I did. What is wrong with me? I’ve talked to guys plenty of times before. Like, my best friends are boys, so why is this particular guy making me run marathons?

“True. A challenge, I like that.” I fix my sleeveless tank top up my chest, ready to take up this challenge. If I were to get this pretty boy to hang out with me, I’d have to up my game.

“How do I look?” I turn to face Colin, showing him my outfit. It’s casual but can come off as strong for certain people.

He looks up and down at me. Just when I expect him to say something good, he shrugs and turns to leave. “Just don’t break his heart.” His voice fades the further he goes. I wish I could promise that.

I roll my eyes as I turn to face the boys. Right about then, they take the initiative to leave. Shit. I confidently lead my steps towards them, ready to get the game going. I take another deep breath before facing them.

“Excuse me? Hey,” I say, and the four of them turn at the same time. In normal circumstances, it wouldn’t intimidate me, but with the mystery boy and I meeting eyes, hell breaks loose. Or more like my heart breaks loose.

“Isabella? You’re also here,” one guy speaks up.

I had been so focused on the main dish that I hadn’t noticed who the others were. Billy, Dan, and Tyrone. I’ve known them practically since elementary school, so they’re old news. They’re also fine-looking boys, but for the cheerleaders, drama lovers, and basically every easily influenced girl in school. Billy’s the leather jacket alumni, and Dan’s the popular guy with a secret life in a nerd club. Both are actually one of those friends on the sacred and hidden list.

Tyrone was the one who spoke first. From the little I’ve observed of him, he appears to be the reserved type. Kind of like James, and it isn’t even because they’re both African-American but because they’re the kind of people that are always in their shells, and pop out once in a while to let the rest know they’re alive. Maybe that’s why I like him.

“Yeah, I came with my…” I hesitate. I can’t say it’s my mother. Not here, or in front of them. “Colin.”

“You came with your Colin?” Dan asks, his eyes squinted in confusion.

“Yeah, well, you know how I’m basically the leader of the group.” Someone shut me up.

I look past Dan and see my mystery boy looking elsewhere. He seems to be distracted by something behind me, so I turn my head to his point of view.

Oh, God.

He’s focused on the Ferris wheel. If I have to fake liking this shit for him, I’ll faint. I’ll do it, but I’ll faint while doing so.

“Are you staying for long?” A voice pulls me out, and I turn back. It’s Billy.

“It depends.” I keep my focus on the boy as I answer. If anything, I want to make my intentions as obvious as possible.

Road Haven is quite small and friendly. Proof is how far back I go with the three boys. Even the neighborhood cat is my friend, so who in the world is this boy? And why have I never seen him here before?

“On what?”

“On Blondie over here,” I let out. Immediately after, his eyes drop to mine. He took the bait. He’s the only blonde around us, so it’s easy to figure things out.

“Excuse me?” His first words sound heavenly to my ears. There’s no way I’m leaving this fair without knowing his name. No way.

“Yes, you.”

His friends turn to look at him. Their loud voices are back in action as they playfully hit him.

“Ooo, dude…” Tyrone, standing to his left, hits his chest as he laughs. At this point, all my focus is on him. His reaction. His gaze. Everything about him.

“I’m Isabella, and you are?” I ask, offering my hand.

“Travis. Travis McGreen.”

“Isabella Kirby. Are you new in town?” I offer my right hand to him, hoping he takes it. Somehow, the loud noises cease to bother me as I wait.

His hands smoothly land on mine, and it feels like it’s meant to stay there for as long as I hold on to it. It gets moist the longer we keep them together and I notice a tiny turbulence happening with his hand. Is he nervous? Oh, how I would love for him to be nervous.

“I won’t say new, nor will I say I’m a local.” A smile brightens on his face, and it feels good to see it up close. It’s crazy to want this, but I want to one day be the source of such a smile beaming from his lips.

“Is something wrong?” His lips move as he asks. I’ve been so focused on them that every movement is being registered in my brain.

“Nothing wrong. You’re just so pretty to look at.”

For a second, I panic, thinking I’ve gone too direct with this one. I don’t want to scare him off, running away from me.

“Oh my God, Isabella. Keep your drool in your mouth. It’s sad,” Billy points out, and I send a stabbing glare in his way.

No matter how much I want to be cool about this, I can’t. I’ve never been cool about peeking at a guy’s interest anyway, so why bother now?

“Wanna play with me?” I ask, gesturing with my head to the stand right next to us. I can’t afford to go easy on him right now, or else he might slip away.

He looks at his friends, almost begging for them to answer in his stead. I can’t believe he’s also an introvert. Total opposite of me, and it’s nothing but attractive.

“I have good aim. And with what I’ve observed so far, you need better opponents.” I side-eye Billy, and he catches the pin being thrown at him.

Travis hums, contemplating his response. Yes! Pleas say yes.

“Sorry, I—” he says, but it’s more of a kitty whisper.

“You know what? I have to go meet up with Skyla at the Carousel, so see ya,” Tyrone slips in. The others look at each other, confused.

“Yeah, me too.” Dan rushes to say before Tyrone leaves. “Not going to see Skyla. I’m going to… um… get something to eat.”

“Oh, I’ll come with you.” Travis holds onto Dan’s shoulder, stopping him from leaving.

“No, no. You stay here. I’ll be right back.” Dan shoots a look at Billy, signaling something as obvious as my advances. I see what they’re doing, and I love them for that.

“Yeah! I’ll go with him. I’m starving, too.” Billy grins.

The three boys follow each other’s steps as they walk away from us. Travis looks behind him, battling his will to go with them, but he loses his window to do so. If he leaves right now, it will seem offensive, making it more awkward for him. I love this.

He turns to me and plays with his hair, avoiding my eyes. But I keep mine on his light brown eyes being shone on by the neon colorful lights of the fair.

His actions just make me want him even more. It’s addictive.

“St—still wanna play?” he stutters.