Chapter 1
A Pair of pale grey eyes flash in my mind.
They're wreathed in smoke and shadow. Chilling and ominous but also darkly intriguing.
This isn't the first time this vision has invaded my thoughts.
It's like they're waiting or assessing. I feel exposed and I try to pull away but something about those eyes is pulling me back in.
They're familiar somehow but I've never seen anyone with eyes that startling grey, almost silver shade.
I'm snapped back to reality when my phone vibrates in my pocket. Glancing at the teacher Doreen who is at the front of the class scribbling on the white board, I deem it safe to slip my phone out and hold it under the table. It's a message from my best friend Cassey who's sitting opposite me.
'Nick is staring at you. Want me to flick a pencil at him?'
I frown at her and she raises her perfectly plucked eye brows at me, daring me to look to prove she isn't winding me up.
Nick and I dated for a few months last year but I cut things off.
He was controlling and narcissistic. Our first date was great and he seemed fine at first but then the red flags started popping up.
He'd pick apart what I chose to wear and make digs about what I ate.
Then when I told him I wasn't in the mood for sex he tried manipulation.
Making me feel guilty then just being flat out rude.
No one should have to live on egg shells like that.
I deserve better and the second he started making me second guess myself I knew he'd drown me if I didn't leave him.
I spoke to Cassey about it. I told her everything and he hated that. She never liked him and for good reason. She helped me maintain my sense of self instead of falling into the trap of thinking I'm the one in the wrong. I'm so lucky to have her.
I quickly type back.
'Let him look. I couldn't care less.'
She gives me a proud smile with a hint of 'sure I can't throw the pencil anyway?' look. I smile and focus back on the lesson.
Half an hour later the class is emptying out and Cassey and I walk out the class room door and into the packed hallway. When I round the door I smash straight into a hard chest.
“What the f-” I gasp as I step back.
Nick is smirking as he leans his hand against the wall.
“Careful Babe. You should watch where you’re going.” He says as he looks me up and down, dragging his tongue along his bottom lip.
He's lanky and on the taller side at about 5 foot 8.
Brown eyes and brunette hair with a boy next door face.
The smell of cannabis coats him constantly now.
Though it never used to. Smoking and drinking are his idea of the perfect past time nowadays.
Every time we'd hang out it was at his with an action movie.
He'd pry me with a smoke and drink then put the moves on me.
I'd take the drink and we'd fool around but it was always about his pleasure and never mine.
I honestly don't think he'll ever find a clit even with a torch and a magnifying glass.
He looks a little more gaunt then he used too though as if he's just binging more than looking after himself.
He wears his classic joggers with a hoodie and honestly if he took a little more pride in his appearance he would look quite handsome.
He has that confidant, attentive play that wins girls hearts but after a little while his true colours come out.
He's good at playing the game I'll give him that.
I just hope most girls wise up to it before he gets his hooks in them.
I scoff and go to move around him but he holds his hand out stopping me. I glare up at him.
“What?”
He flashes a toothy smile and tilts his head to the side.
“I was gonna ask you to the dance tonight. Maybe celebrate your birthday a couple days early? It's on valentines day so I can never forget. As it's Friday you could crash at my place?” He bites his lip and goes to hold my waist.
I turn away as I curl my top lip up in disgust.
“Nope. I'm going with Cassey.” I step back and take her hand. “Find another unfortunate girl to be your date.”
His nose flares as he stares daggers at Cassey. I knew he hated her but right now he looks about ready to throw a punch.
“I didn't know you two were together.” His voice is taught with anger and I've never seen him so intimidating.
What the actual fuck?
“We're not sicko!” Cassey fires back. “Leave her alone. She's not interested in wasting her time with a creep like you.”
Cassey is ever the fire cracker. I admire how she'll never back down.
She'll tell it like it is and doesn't care about the consequences.
She dresses the part too. With tight jeans and a red vest top that accentuates her generous cleavage.
Coupled with heeled boots and a leather handbag.
She wears her bleach blonde hair down in a curly bob.
Her make-up is always front cover picture perfect with her classic rose coloured lips.
I'm almost her opposite. Hazel eyes, dark blonde hair and little to no make up most days. I wear comfortable leggings with those handy built in pockets with a baggy off the shoulder jumper and cami combo.
We both take a small step back as Creepatron pushes off from the wall and takes a measured step forward. His eyes narrow on Cassey.
“What are you gonna do blondie?” He threatens. “Krista was quite happy with me before you got jealous.”
Cassey barks a humourless laugh. Nicks fists clench and his knuckles whiten. I step between them.
“Let me make this abundantly clear to you Nick. I was not happy with you and I never will be. Fuck off!”
The corridor begins to empty and a few other students start to watch our little standoff. A couple taking out their phones to record what happens next.
We stride past him and head down the corridor. He shouts from behind us.
“I'll see you tonight babe.”
His dark laugh echoes down the hall.
Cassey looks behind us and sees Nick walking the opposite direction down the hall way. “OK he's gone. That was far too weird. Did you see how he looked at me when you said you were going with me? I thought he was gonna spit in my face.”
“Yeah that was actually a little scary. You didn't seem fazed though.” I'm glad she was there so I could share in her confidence.
Cassey flicks her curls behind her shoulder. “What did he actually plan to do though? Try and win you back?” She snorts disbelievingly.
“Never going to happen. If he tries anything like that again I'll report it. I just can't believe how angry he got. I know he's a dick but he's never been aggressive like that.”
He said he would see me tonight though and now I start second guessing whether to just stay home. Or maybe I'll just stay in the crowd. I'm not really feeling a repeat of just now. I must have a worried expression and Cassey picks right up on it.
“Listen, so many people saw how weird he was just now.
He's all bluster but we know he's a coward.
Don't let it ruin tonight.” Her smile is catching but her eyes are supportive.
“It's your birthday weekend! You're 18 Monday and we have lots of drinking to do till then.
Don't let Nick get in the way of you enjoying yourself because that is exactly what he wants.”
She always knows what to say to chill me out. I smile at her and hook my arm through hers. “You're wise beyond your years. What will I ever do without you?”
She holds her finger to her lip and looks up. “oh, I don't know... you'd probably become a nun.”
I nod my head and snort a laugh.
We break into fits of giggles as we walk into our photography class.
Before long it's the end of the day and we head out to Cassey's car. A little red VW Golf. Cassey throws her handbag on the back seat and gets in the drivers' side whilst I sit in the passenger seat. She checks her reflection in the rear-view mirror, reverses and drives out the car park.
I really need to get my own car. I'd passed my test a couple of months back, but there's no way I can afford one.
My mum and I just share her one when she isn't using it to get to work.
She works all the time, so that doesn't really leave me with much of a chance.
That's fine by me though because I'm a menace behind the wheel.
Roundabouts and changing gear I'm good with.
It's just parking that I'm hopeless at. I can drive around town all day trying to park, but there aren't many spaces big enough for two cars that I can somehow slide into.
Luckily for me Cassey lives a couple houses down so I just hitch a ride with her to get to college.
It's not like the college is far either.
Although Birchwood is a big town, Birchwood college is only 5 minutes away in the car from where we live.
She pulls onto the driveway next to her house and we get out. She looks over the top of the car at me as she gets her bag out the back.
“So, you grabbing dinner and getting ready so we can get to this dance then?” She locks the door and walks round the back of the car.
“Yeah I could probably be knocking on your door in about an hour and a half. That OK?”
“Yeah you can get some pre-drinking done whilst I'm still sorting my hair.” She turns and walks to her front door. “See you in a bit and dress sexy. No Jeans!” She waggles her finger behind her as I turn away.
“Yes Mam!” I salute as I walk the couple of houses down to my place.
The car isn't on the drive so my mum must still be at work.
Who knew being a Gardener for rich big wigs would be so time consuming.
She's in high demand with everyone wanting her to do their gardens.
Apparently, no-one is anywhere near as good as my mum when it comes to trimming roses.
She does their indoor plants too so she's busy all year round.
She loves it and it means we can live comfortably enough to not have to worry about bills.
Cassey set a website up for her gardening business about a month ago and that's been helping as well.
My mum, Gwen, is really passionate about plants, animals, the world really.
She is also a devout believer of the Greek Gods.
She speaks of them as if they are still alive and not just myths and legends from history.
That all young women are protected by Athena and Poseidon rides across the sea on a golden chariot with Dolphins leaping through the waves.
My Mum says we should care and love the earth that was made entirely by the great goddess Gaia with her immeasurable power.
To always find the beauty in it and appreciate what she created.
I feel the same which is why I dabble in photography.
Capturing moments that look beautiful. With my mum it's different though.
It's like she has some deep connection to it.
It's strange because I don't understand why we live where we do if she loves nature so much.
You'd think we would live in the country, but instead we live in a busy town where the closest woodland is a half hour drive away.
It's just shops, industrial estates and roads.
Some people are lucky enough to have big gardens if your rich enough, but that's about it.
My mum gets a far-away look in her eyes sometimes usually when she's in the garden.
I think it's those moments when she's thinking about my dad and the life they had.
Maybe they lived in the country. I've asked her about my dad a few times and she always says I'm not ready to know yet.
What does that even mean? I'm 18 in just a couple of days so maybe she'll tell me then.
I'll be an adult so surely I'll be ready to know.
I've sometimes wondered if it's her that's not ready to talk about it.
It's probably really painful for her. I don't know.
Whatever it is I'm sure she'll tell me eventually. ..
I put the plate from my quick beans on toast dinner in the dishwasher and go upstairs to get ready.
After my shower, I put on my black push-up bra and matching thong then stare at my wardrobe.
Jeans and t-shirt are out of the question, so that leaves me with dresses I guess.
I decide on a navy-blue figure hugging number that reaches to just above my knees making my bum look amazing.
I couple it with black stilettos. As for my hair and make-up, a bit of eyeliner, mascara and light pink lip gloss and my hair straightened.
Simple, but that's all I'm really capable of, so it'll have to do.
I grab my little bag that has a long shoulder strap and my jacket then head downstairs. My mums finally home and I find her tidying the kitchen. She looks at me with one hand on her hip assessing my choice of outfit. She smiles at me and gives me a hug.
“You've grown far too quick. 18 soon!” She cups my face and I give her an exaggerated grin.
“Don't plan anything for your birthday Monday.
I've got something special planned for the day time and maybe evening depending on how the day goes.” She steps back with a loving smile and I think I see tears in her eyes but she turns and starts unloading the dishwasher before I get a good look.
“I have college Monday or am I taking the day of?” I think I sound a little too excited at the prospect of a long birthday weekend.
“It's your 18th and I'm doing something special for you just you and me. You're gonna love it. Much better than sitting in class all day.” She winks at me.
Mum never lets me have days off. Whatever it is she's got planned, it's bound to be epic. I can't stop smiling.
“Right! I'm off to Cassey's. She's probably still getting ready and then we're going to the dance. I'll see you when I get home.” I head to the door as I put on my coat.
I hear my mum shout from the kitchen. “Be careful on your way home I think there's a storm coming but we should only get the edge of it. Let me know when you're on your way back. Love You!”
“Will do love you too!” I shout over my shoulder as I close the door behind me.
It's pretty quiet outside. Usually there's birds singing but they must feel the storm coming so they've bedded down for the night.
I feel a couple of raindrops fall and start to head over to Cassey's.
I only take a few steps when something doesn't feel right.
The hairs on the back of my neck stand up and I feel a chill that has nothing to do with the wind.
I look around and see someone standing across the street.
I swear he's staring right at me. It's dark and I can't see his face because he has his hood up.
At first I worry that it's Nick but this guy is way too tall and his frame is much more built.
He's standing with his feet shoulder width apart.
He's dressed in black with his hands in his pockets.
A strong gust of wind blows and I wrap my coat around myself and hurry to Cassey's just as the rain starts to fall a bit harder.
I duck under her porch and ring the doorbell.
Looking back behind me the dark figure is gone.
Weird. I can't help still feeling on edge.
It's like the air feels charged with energy.
Looks like my mum wasn't wrong about the storm.
Then again, she's never wrong when it comes to the weather.
I ring the bell again.
A shiver runs up my back and, somehow, I know that the wind is coming before it blows again just as strong as before. My hair whips around my face and I try to get it under control. So much for straightening it.
I ring the bell for the third time and knock for good measure. I bob up and down on my heels wishing I'd worn tights.
Finally, the door opens and I hurry in. I look at Cassey through my ruined hair.
“You took your time!”
I shrug my coat off and hang it over the stair banister.
“I was using the hair-dryer and didn't hear the door. I take it it's getting a little windy?” She smirks.
“Yeah no shit. I'll just have to use your straighteners.” I give her a smug smile and we go upstairs.
Cassey points to a shot glass and winks then carries on doing her make-up. She's using some crazy foundation technique, but at the moment it looks like she's wearing different tones of skin coloured face-paint.
I down the shot of Disaronno and enjoy the slight burn it gives coupled with smooth almond. Then I plug in the straighteners and they start warming up ready to tackle my mess of hair. I assess the damage in the mirror and once the green light comes on I start to pull the tongs through my hair.
I try to concentrate on what I'm doing but my mind keeps wondering to the guy across the street.
The strange feeling I got when I felt him staring at me, how he was there one second then gone the next.
First Nick gets all creepy and now the weird guy on the street.
Maybe I'm being paranoid. Nick is just creepy anyway, that's nothing new and the guy across the street was probably just lost. Yeah, if I tell myself that enough times maybe I'll start to believe it.
“Krista you OK?” Cassey's voice is full of concern.
I didn't realise I'd stopped and was holding the straighteners pointlessly in the air.
“Yeah I'm good.” I say in what I hope is a convincing cheery voice and I carry on doing my hair.
Apparently not convincing enough because Cassey stops what she's doing and sits with me on the floor in front of the mirror.
“What's wrong? You jump into my house the second I open the door and you start staring off into space with a freaked out look on your face. Don't even get me started on your attempt at sounding happy just now.”
She looks at me with worry etched into her eyes and puts a hand on my knee.
The jig is up she's not gonna let this go.
At the risk of sounding like a paranoid nut-job I tell her about the weird guy across the street staring at me then his sudden disappearing act.
Even as I'm explaining it to her I realise how stupid I was being. He was just a random guy and I’m making something out of nothing.
“After hearing myself I know I'm exaggerating the whole thing. It's officially not even an issue.”
I square my shoulders and continue with my hair.
Cassey hasn't said anything in response so I look at her and notice she's doing the staring-into-space-looking-freaked thing now. I click the straighteners together in front of her face a couple of times to snap her out of it.
“Cooey!”
She pulls her hair behind her ear and looks at me with her brows furrowed.
“Was he wearing a black jacket, dark jeans and boots?”
“Yeah you saw him too?”
Thank the Gods I'm not hallucinating!
“I did but not today. He was in the car park when we left college yesterday. He was looking at us and you were on your phone so you wouldn't have been paying attention. I just put it down to him checking us out.”
“Well that solves it. He just lives in the area and probably goes to our college and by the sounds of it has a very boring wardrobe.” I try to sound nonchalant, but with the way his presence made me feel, something in the back of my mind tells me it's not a coincidence.
“Meh probably, but if I see him again, I wanna know what his deal is with just staring at people. He had his hood up as well so I couldn't see his face.” Cassey shakes her head and gets up to go finish her make-up.
I tell myself that it's just a random coincidence and nothing to worry about. I come to the conclusion that I won't worry unless this guy actually does something worth worrying about. After all the guy could be perfectly innocent. No need to jump to conclusions. Not yet anyway.
Half an hour later she's finally finished and dressed in a bright red dress with a plunging neck line.
It hugs her curves very tight and finishes half way down her thigh.
I don't know where she gets her confidence from to pull off something like that so well.
Then again with her silver heals she looks stunning. She has no reason not to be confident.
Cassey checks herself one last time in the mirror then grabs her silver clutch off the bed. “Right my sexy bitch, you ready?”
“I've been ready the last 20 minutes. Come on let’s go!”
I start to walk out her bedroom when she slaps me on the arse making me squeal and jump.
“What was that for?” I say laughing.
“Your butt just looks so peachy I couldn't help myself. I want your bum. Wanna swap?” She sticks her tongue out to the side.
I shake my head at her and take my coat off the banister. “No, I like my bum. It's my only asset.” I wiggle it in her direction.
“Don't be daft you're sex on legs.” She bumps her hip on me and opens the front door.
We lift our coats over our heads to protect our hair and run as best we can in heals to her VW. We both fall in and slam the doors.
Cassey flings her coat on the back seat and straightens her fringe.
“It's blowing more than a crack whore that needs a fix out there!”
I laugh at her use of words trying not to ruin my mascara as my eyes water.
Cassey starts the engine and we make our way through town with Pink blaring through the speakers.