Awaken (Awaken Series Book 1) Read online

"No, I’ve been avoiding his calls. I told my dad that if he came to the house to tell him I wasn’t feeling well and he’d have to come by some other time."

  Almost hopeful, Becka asked, "Does this mean you’re single?"

  Single - that word hit hard on my brittle heart. The idea of not being with Josh was like cutting a piece of it out and handing it back to him. I tucked that decision away for a later time when I could think more clearly. Now that Beck was asking, I had no idea what “single” meant or if I could go there. We’d been together for over a year. I wasn’t ready for this.

  "I don't know. I don't know what I’m gonna do. I need time to think. You know how I am with him - as soon as we’re alone, I look into his eyes and forget everything." I gazed out over the rolling mountains.

  I pictured him the night we officially became a couple. I told him to look for me in the stands before the football game. It was a cold, damp night and the bleachers were packed with parents, students and staff members. Josh was on the field, warming up. The players all wore their green and yellow jerseys, but I spotted him right away, number twenty-one. Everyone knew who Josh was. Even people from the other schools knew Josh Cummings, the quarterback from Rogue River High. The knots were tangled up in the pit of my stomach, and I was so nervous I almost turned around and went home. Josh was popular, he could have any girl he wanted and he wanted me. So what was my problem? At five minutes until kickoff, I saw him scanning the crowd. When he spotted me, he sprung up the steps to where I was sitting. Everyone around me watched him, wondering what he was going to do.

  He asked, “So do you have an answer?”

  I looked into his deep, dark beautiful brown eyes and said, “Yes!”

  "Bre, are you day dreaming again?” Becka’s words brought me back. “You’ve been doing that a lot lately."

  "I'm sorry, I was just thinking about Josh and the day we started dating.”

  "Stop thinking about the old days. What’s he like now? Let’s see…he’s a jerk and an ass.”

  "Beck.” I eyed her with a little disdain in my voice.

  A half smile pulled at her lips. “Oh you’re right,” she chuckled, “I mean he’s a controlling ass.”

  I shook my head even though she was right. “Yeah," I sighed pausing for a minute. "Speaking of dreaming, before we have the girls with us there’s something I need your thoughts on."

  "Okay, what is it?" she asked, almost too eager. She liked having an “in” on my thoughts. She didn't have any other siblings, so whenever I was having problems or needed advice, she loved playing the role of big sister.

  "Well, I don't know how to put it or even where to begin. I guess I’ll just come out and say it.” I stumbled over my words as I pictured the mysterious boy in my mind. “I’ve been having the same dream for awhile now. I have no idea what it means or who this person is but..." I had to put my thought together for a second. "This guy keeps popping up in my dreams."

  "A guy?” She smiled, raising one eyebrow with interest. “Now that's my specialty."

  "I don’t know him, but we have such a connection that it hurts to look at him. Even now, talking about him is hard for me because I know it’s probably just a stupid dream and he isn't real. It’s getting to the point where I can't wait to go to bed at night so I can dream about him." I glanced over at Becka cautiously. Her eyebrows were pulled together as she contemplated it.

  Opening up her mouth, she said, "So this guy, is he cute?"

  "Beck!"

  "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. You know me. So exactly what is this dream about?"

  "Nothing really, I always see him in the same place. He’s always sitting on a big rock by a river. When I get close to him, he turns around and stands up. He always reaches out for me, but I can never seem to touch him. Then I wake up."

  "How long have you been having this dream?" she asked as she slowed down. We were on a private road, almost to Stephanie's house.

  "Since Josh and I started fighting a lot."

  Becka pulled over and turned to me. "So you’re telling me you’ve been having these dreams for months?"

  "Yep, I dream about Collin just about every night.”

  The thought of the Anderson’s passed through my head and I felt the urge to tell her about that as well, but decided against it. One crazy thing at a time, Bre.

  "Collin? Wait, he has a name?" she blurted out.

  "Yes,” I sighed. “There’s someone else, but I can't see who it is. I think this person is behind me, but I’m always focused on Collin. Then the voice says, ‘Breanna, I want you to meet Collin.’ And right before I reach out to shake his hand, I wake up every stinkin’ time! It always stops right there. It’s been driving me nuts! Dreams mean something, right? So what does this mean?”

  Becka looked out the windshield, “I don’t know. Maybe you’re supposed to move on from Josh. Maybe when you’re awake you’re doing what your heart wants, but when you’re sleeping, your brain is telling you there’s someone better.

  Maybe she was right. Maybe I needed to start listening to my head and not my heart. As for this mysterious guy, I couldn’t shake the feeling that he was real and that I’d find him someday.

  Starting forward again, Becka nudged her car toward a little brown house at the end of the street. Stephanie and Katie were waiting out front for us. Stephanie was wearing her usual permanent smile. I had never known a nicer, more sincere person in my life. She was always that bright light that would shine through the darkest of times. Even if she was going through something personal, she never showed it. She looked adorable in her cute blue jeans and a plain white shirt. Her blonde hair was curled, a change from her typical bone straight look. Katie’s expression, on the other hand, shifted from cheerful to hatred when she caught sight of me. Her sudden and apparent change of mood was only enhanced by her dark wardrobe choice of black jeans and dark brown shirt. Her brown hair was half up, showing off those sizzling brown eyes.

  As Becka pulled into the driveway, I could almost feel the sharp points of the daggers she was throwing my way. Then a momentary sadness swept over me as I recalled our lost friendship and the many times I attempted to repair it.

  “Katie, can we talk?” I remember stopping her in the hall of the school.

  She turned to face me eyes glaring. “What do you want?”

  “We need to talk about this situation.”

  She looked around and very loudly announced, “You want to talk? Okay, let’s talk about how you’re a backstabbing bitch!”

  I shook my head at the vicious words and stares I received that day. I thought about the letters I put in her locker begging for her forgiveness, only to find them displayed in the girls locker-room. And the carvings plaster in the bathroom stalls: Breanna Davis is a wench.

  Before we stepped out of the car, I heard Katie spit, “What the hell is she doing here?” Stephanie shrugged her shoulders and waved at us.

  “See, what did I tell you,” I grumbled.

  “Don’t worry about her. She’ll just have to get over it,” Becka insisted, getting out to greet them.

  Katie’s piercing eyes were glued to me as we stepped up to them. “Well, well, well! Look who it is, Little Miss Perfect.” Katie shifted her weight to one side and folded her arms across her chest.

  “Katie, let’s be nice. We all want this day to be a good one,” Becka urged.

  Katie huffed, “I guess one day isn’t going to kill me,” as she moved her head and body back and forth looking like a bobble head doll on a car dashboard. She paused and looked at Becka again. “But if she looks at me the wrong way or says anything sarcastic to me, it’s over!”

  I clenched my teeth together hard. My eyes narrowed into two thin slits ready to sear Katie’s hair right off her head.

  “Great, then it’s settled. We’re going to be one big happy group of friends for a day.” Becka started for the car.

  How could this day go well? There was no way Katie and I could spend the day together without ripping
each other’s heads off.

  Sliding into the front seat, I still felt the heat of Katie’s glare on the back of my head. “Breanna, so tell me, how are you and Josh doing?” Her tone was sharp and cutting, which meant she probably knew exactly how Josh and I were doing.

  “Katie, don’t go there!” Becka snapped back.

  But Katie ignored her and pushed further. “I bet you two are so in love. Am I right?”

  I bit my bottom lip to hide the anguish I was feeling deep inside me. Despite my efforts, it wallowed up my throat and formed a knot. I slowly turned, rearranging my face so I appeared calm, “Katie…” I paused, “We’re doing just fine. Thanks for asking.”

  I faced forward again and heard her say sarcastically, “Aw isn’t that nice, the two lovebirds doing just fine.” She emphasized the word “fine.” Her spitefulness had me wondering if she had a different motive for bringing Josh up.

  Becka slammed on the breaks and flipped around. “Shut up, Katie! We’re having fun today and getting along. If you don’t think you can handle it, then you can get out of the car right now!”

  “All right, I was just trying to make small talk. I’m sorry, Bre, if I hit a nerve.” Her words were thick with malice.

  “It’s fine.” I replied trying really hard to be polite.

  Becka turned around, hit the gas and jerked the car into motion. “Okay then, let’s get to the mall.”

  Smoothing the edge of the tense air, Stephanie’s warm voice spoke up, “Breanna, I heard your mother is back in town?”

  “Yeah, she came home Wednesday night about eight o’clock. I haven’t really seen her much. She’s constantly on the phone or out with her girlfriends every night.”

  “I’m so sorry, Bre. That must hurt you.”

  “No, it’s fine. I’ve dealt with this practically my entire life, so I guess I’ve just gotten used to it.” I felt the porcupine scrap down my throat. I was anything but fine. It was draining, acting like I didn’t care, because I did.

  “What does your dad say about it? Do they at least spend some time together or is it still like old times where she ignores him all day?” Stephanie asked with the utmost sincerity. She had a wonderful heart and was always there for others to lend an ear or give an encouraging word.

  “It’s like old times. My dad has tried and tried to talk to her, but I think over the years he’s pretty much given up hope…given up on just about everything.” My voice trailed as I took in the hazy sky above. This morning had started out bright with a soothing crisp to the damp air. Now an army of gray clouds had marched in overhead spreading gloom across the landscape. It began to rain. Soon the road was covered in a thin blanket of water.

  “That’s great, another thing to add to my already wonderful day,” I whispered under my breath so no one could hear me.

  Contrary to what I had anticipated, the rest of the day was surprisingly enjoyable. Despite the permanent scowl on Katie’s face, I actually had fun. It was nice to be out of the house for a day. We all got manicures and pedicures, which didn’t sound appealing at first. I had never gotten one before, and the idea of a total stranger rubbing my feet was too personal, almost revolting. I’d always had a thing about feet. No one was allowed to touch them. To me, they were undoubtedly the grossest part of the human body. But after fifteen minutes of persuasion from Becka, I agreed. I somehow got through the entire process without squirming or hyperventilating. When it was over, I was mildly shocked by how enjoyable it was.

  “See, what did I tell you? Not as bad as you thought now was it?” Becka said, pleased with herself. She loved pushing me to try new things.

  I sighed, muttering, “Yes Beck, you were right.”

  “I know. I always am.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Where to now?”

  “How about some smoothies? I need time to plan out where to start shopping…It’s a form of art. I can’t sing, play the piano or paint, but when it comes to shopping, I am an expert,” she spouted proudly.

  We made our way down the line of shops as we headed for the food court. I suddenly became aware of how many people where in the mall today. Within our one short hour of pampering, the mall went from nearly empty to looking like Disneyland’s busiest day.

  “Did I miss a couple of months and jump right into Christmas season? Where did all these people come from?” I complained. I glanced at Stephanie and almost ran into an older woman carrying two huge bags and pushing a large amplifier, the kind you see at concerts. Trailing behind her were two men holding microphones and spools of wires. Anyone crossing their path had to move or be mowed down.

  “I don’t know. I think I heard a couple of weeks ago that the governor of Oregon is supposed to come to Medford to speak on a couple of issues. Maybe that’s happening today,” Stephanie told me. She was always “up” on the political issues.

  Spotting a tall man in a navy blue suit with a camera in his hands, I made my way over to him, weaving in and out of the deluge of bodies.

  “Excuse me sir, but is there something going on in the mall today?”

  His upper lip raised in aggravation as he spit out, “The governor’s here today.”

  I ignored his mood and thanked him for the information.

  “What did he say?” Becka asked when I walked back to the girls.

  “Steph, you were right. The governor is coming here today.”

  “But why is he coming to the mall? Don’t they usually have these kinds of events outside?” Stephanie asked.

  Katie responded, “Maybe it’s because of the rain.”

  “Maybe,” I added.

  Becka whined, “Okay, so we figured out the big hoo-ha. Yay for the governor. Now can we pleeeeease go and get my smoothie?”

  Katie snickered, “Aw, is Beckie throwing a little hissy-fit because things are taking longer than what she wants them to?” Circling her clenched fist over her eye.

  “Don’t mess with me, Kate. We only have so many shopping hours in a day,” Becka snapped at her.

  Stephanie stepped between Beck and Katie and slid her arms around their shoulders. “Beck, let’s go and get you that smoothie now,” she said in a motherly voice.

  Becka stuck her lips out in a pout, sniffed a “thank you,” and we were off.

  Walking into the food court, something caught my eye and I abruptly stopped.

  Stephanie was the first to notice. “Bre, are you all right? What’s wrong? What are you staring at?”

  It was that girl again. Eve. The girl I saw at the park.

  Rebecca and Katie were ahead of us and turned to see what all the commotion was about. They stared with confusion, and waited for me to explain. Katie even looked concerned for me for the first time in a year. But almost instantaneously, it vanished, and she pressed her lips tightly together as she obviously realized who she was concerned about.

  I snapped back to the stranger. Her expression was difficult to read. Fury, spitefulness and interest all mixed into one. Her long, black hair shimmered from the iridescent lights above. Her skin was a perfect ivory color with a hint of pink to it. Her dark eyes glistened as she focused on my face, not noticing the people around her intruding on her space. She seemed oblivious to everything…but me.

  “Bre? Bre?” Rebecca walked up to me and shook my shoulders, but I didn’t look at her.

  Eyes fixed on Eve, I tried to keep my voice as even as I could, failing miserably. “It’s her,” I whispered. “Why does she keep showing up in my life? This cannot be a coincidence. What does she want from me? Why won’t she just leave me alone?”

  “Who are you talking about? Who keeps showing up in your life?”

  I glanced quickly into Becka’s perplexed face, then pointed my finger at Eve, like I was introducing the Ghost of Christmas Future.

  All three girls turn to look. When Rebecca saw who I was referring to, she flipped back around. “Do you mean Eve?”

  The sheer sound of her name sent shock waves through my body and I began to shudder.<
br />
  “How do you know who she is?” I barely got the words out.

  “I met her at the park right after you left. She seems really nice. She told me she just moved here from…well, everywhere I guess. She really never told me where she came from, just that she moves around a lot.”

  Completely taken off guard, I shook my head. “What else did she say?”

  “We just talked casually, small talk like, how long have you lived here, I like your outfit, that kind of thing. Of course, she commented on my appearance because I looked fantastic that day. Oh, who am I kidding? I look fantastic every day!”

  Why was she hovering around my friends? First my dad and now my best friend. Who was this creepy girl following me? I turned back around and stared at Eve.

  “Becka, I know you said she’s nice, but there’s something strange about her. Something is off, I can feel it,” I stated uneasily.

  Just then warmth swept across my body like I was standing under an air duct with heat on me. My stiff muscles relaxed and all the uneasiness vanished. My eyes shut and I waited for the light to fade. When I opened them, there it was again, invisible to everyone but me. I wasn’t looking at the girls, but I sensed they were trying to get my attention.

  Then it began. Flinching a little, I watched intensely as the show moved fast-forward. I tried not to blink so I wouldn’t miss anything this time. The sequence of events fired quickly, one after another, like a machine gun in the dark.

  Kim was standing alone in the bedroom. Paul came into the room and kissed her on the cheek. He began reading the newspaper ― eyes widened with terror. Kim looked at him and grabbed the paper, reading it herself. She began to cry. All of a sudden, Paul was reading the arrival-departure board at the airport. Paul and Kim walked up a flight of steps…The images were flying by so quickly that it was difficult to capture everything. I was desperate to get to the part I had previously missed. It was hard to comprehend the significance of each scene and I felt like I was supposed to be remembering things. Where were they going and how were they getting there? Their turns, their stops. Was it left or right? Did they pass a bookstore or was it a souvenir shop? The panic I felt the first time I watched the scene was rising up in me again.