Deep Blue Secret (9 page)

Great. I’d forgotten our plans to hang out after school.

“I…sort of…” My eyes squinted, shielding me from whatever wrath might come my way.

She answered for me, tone dry. “You forgot.”

“I’m so sorry, Heather.”

Her lips pursed. “You’re still coming,” she commanded. “Go home and pick up your swimsuit right after school then come straight to my house.”     

Before I could reply Heather turned her back and stormed away. She didn’t wait for me to walk with her to class.

My gaze followed after her, confused.

I tried to think back over the last week but I couldn’t figure why she was suddenly acting so cold to me.

She’d mentioned not spending enough time with her lately, but I was coming over to her house today, so that wouldn’t make sense. Maybe she took forgetting my bathing suit as a sign that spending time with her wasn’t important to me, but she seemed annoyed before I even told her I forgot it. And if there was another reason she was mad, why did she still want me to come to her house today?

I gave up and walked to class. When I entered the room I glanced in Heather’s direction. She sat talking to another student at her desk and didn’t look up from her conversation when I walked by.

The rest of my classes passed like a typical day. I was glad to have at least one element of normalcy, finally. At lunch Heather was still distant, but she put on a façade for the sake of everyone else around us. I could sense she was irritated with me though.

Justin walked by our table twice in fifteen minutes, staring hopefully in our direction. It felt like it was me he was ogling but maybe I was being conceited. If he really was interested in Heather now, I certainly didn’t have any qualms about it. I hoped I could make that clear to her so she would forgive me for whatever I did to upset her.

After school I left promptly from class and didn’t stop to chit chat with friends. I wanted to be quick about retrieving my bathing suit to avoid fueling Heather’s anger. I needed to find out what was bothering her. I had to fix it.

I sped up my street and came a few houses away from mine, nerves tensing my arms. I focused my eyes forward, away from the house across from mine. I wasn’t sure I would feel a need to wander in that direction again, but I made a conscious effort not to look just in case.

Hopping out to the driveway, I scurried up the front yard without a pause. I ran to my room and rummaged through my bathing suits in a hurry, suddenly recalling Heather’s original request that I wear a cute bikini.

I pulled out the bubble-gum pink bikini with lime green ties Heather picked out for me this summer. It was skimpier than the bathing suits I normally wore but she insisted I would look super cute and talked me into the purchase. I never wore it once.

Maybe she would consider it a nice gesture if I wore it tonight. I threw it in my bag along with a towel and a change of clothes, then unclasped the watch I’d been wearing from my wrist and tossed it in my jewelry box. I didn’t need anything to cover my birthmark since I was going to be at Heather’s all night.

Today had been on the warm side but it usually felt a little chilly in the evening, especially after getting wet. I flipped through my closet to search for a sweater. What I really wanted was the faded black one that carried the sweet scent of the mysterious boy, but I stuck to my plan of avoiding any thoughts of him. I pulled a baby blue hoodie off its hanger and rolled it up on top of my towel.

I thought about grabbing a snack but decided it was better not to waste any more time and headed out the front door. I hurried across the stone path away from the door and couldn’t help but notice the shiny black car still parked across the street. I hummed aloud to keep my mind distracted but a slamming noise from the direction of the car broke my concentration.

My left foot missed a beat, tripping forward. I caught my balance with my right leg and stood without moving. A man wearing a shirt and tie exited the passenger door, his dark hair mixed with strands of grey.  He paced back and forth along the sidewalk.

I couldn’t resist the temptation.

“Excuse me,” I called.

I shuffled down the driveway, curiosity mounting. He eyed me warily as I approached and I felt suddenly uneasy. I stopped in the street, gaping at the man.

“Can I help you with something?” he said, tone agitated.

“Uh, I’m just wondering if this is your house.”

He sounded completely uninterested. “No, I’m just visiting an old friend.” He waved me away, turning his back but suddenly gestured back around. “Since you’re here, do you have the time?”

 “Sure.” I lifted my wrist to my chest reflexively, but my arm was bare.

His eyes widened and a look of sudden interest crossed his face. I remembered the tear-shaped mark on my wrist and shot my arm down to the side.

“That’s just a birthmark,” I said. I inched back a step, feeling awkward. “Sorry, I forgot my watch.”

“Wait,” he said. He clutched my wrist forcefully with one hand.

I gasped, muscles stiff. His gaze pierced mine and I couldn’t help but stare at his eyes. They were black and frightening. Something about him didn’t seem right. I felt the notion to run, but froze in place.

He loosed his grip and straightened his stance. “I’m terribly sorry. Please forgive my brash behavior. I haven’t been around people for quite some time. I hope I didn’t scare you.” His voice became increasingly polite.

I continued to stare at him bewildered and unmoving.

“Really, I must apologize. I just noticed that unique mark on your arm and I was hoping to get a closer look. A birthmark you say?”

 “Yes, I was born with it.” I rubbed the red streak on my arm left by the man’s sturdy grip.

He extended a hand in my direction. “Please, just a quick look? I promise to be gentle this time.” His wide smile was somehow disturbing. I lifted my arm nervously and flinched as he ran his finger over the smooth surface of my birthmark.

“Well, that is something special isn’t it,” he admired. The tear-shape glinted midnight blue in the sunlight. “Do your parents also have this mark?” he asked.

I pulled my arm away. “No. Well, my mom doesn’t. I’ve never met my father.” He raised one eyebrow and glared at me, his face calculating my response. I felt my breaths quickening with each passing second. His eyes were like a spider web of black veins.

“Isn’t that a shame?” he finally said, his tone over-the-top sickening sweet. “But please, don’t let me keep you. I’m sure you have better things to do than chat with an old man like me.”

Relief poured through my limbs. I forced a bleak smile and fled toward my house.

I leapt in my car and reversed to the street. The man stared at me with a mischievous grin. I put my foot to the gas pedal and rolled by him like I was moving in slow motion. I peered back at him confused and frozen. I followed his frame in the rearview mirror until he and the black car were finally out of view.

I drove to Heather’s house in eerie silence. I clutched the steering wheel, arm hairs standing on edge. Every few minutes I glanced in the mirror for fear I would see the black car behind me.

The man’s disturbing expression still plagued my thoughts as I turned the corner onto Heather’s street.

I clutched my bag as I exited my car in front of her house, examining every corner of the neighborhood with guarded movements. I took swift steps up the walkway towards the security of the front door.

Just as I lifted my leg to the front step a roaring sound cut through my ears from a few feet away. I jumped backward and let out a scream, nerves on edge. The blaring noise went silent.

A familiar face popped out from the side of the house, easing my anxiety.

“Jose, hi,” I said.

It was Heather’s gardener. We’d spoken a few times in the past, when he’d been working out in the yard as I arrived at Heather’s house. Sometimes I would practice a little Spanish with him before going inside.

He carried a large gardening machine strapped over his shoulder. “Sorry, did I scare you?” he asked.

“Maybe a little,” I said. “I didn’t realize you were over there.”

I walked towards him on the grass. “How are you?”

“Really good,” he said. His eyes lit up. “Me and my wife, we will expect another baby soon.”

“Wow, congratulations.”

Before he could answer we both turned at the squeak of the front door.

Heather stood, arms folded in the doorway. “Are you here to hang out with me or the gardener?”

“Sorry, I better go,” I said to Jose. “Nice to see you.”

He waved and went back to tending the yard.

Heather crossed the polished wood floor in the entry way. “I have a little surprise for you in the family room,” she whispered. I couldn’t tell if her tone was affectionate or sarcastic. She didn’t sound as mad as earlier today, but she still wasn’t herself.

“Can we talk for a minute?” I asked.

She didn’t reply, but when we entered the next room, I realized what she meant by surprise.

Apparently Heather invited other guests without bothering to tell me. I gave her an accusing look.

“Nick…hi,” I said, hiding my surprise.

Nick stood from the couch and grinned. “Hey, Sadie. Heather said you wouldn’t mind if I came to hang out with you guys.”

It didn’t bother me to have him here, but why didn’t she tell me about it? I guessed she was just trying to play matchmaker with me as usual, probably hoping it would create an opportunity for the two of us to hook-up before our date.

“Sure, of course.” I set my bag down and crossed the room, sitting with him on the couch. I might as well make the best of the situation. I’d wanted to feel like a normal teenager today and talking to a cute boy seemed to fall under that category.

“Can I get you a soda or something, Nick?” Heather said, leaning her chest down over the back of the sofa, blocking his face from mine. I had to lean back to brush her hair out of my eyes.

“Sure, I’ll take a soda,” he replied.

“I could use a drink,” I said, but Heather scampered off to the kitchen without looking at me. Did she not hear me or had she ignored me on purpose?

“So Nick, are you playing any sports this year?”

“I’m on the water polo team. We’re in the quarterfinals next week.” He seemed a lot more comfortable than he did at school the other day.

“Cool, maybe I’ll come and watch you guys play.”

A genuine smile gleamed on his face. “For sure, you should definitely come.”

We both glanced at Heather as she traipsed back in the room with a glass of soda in each hand. She handed one to Nick, sitting down so close she was practically in his lap and took a sip from the remaining glass.

She looked at Nick and ignored me. “So what are we talking about?”

“Do you think I could get a drink, Heather?” I asked.

“Oh, did you want one, Sadie?” she said. “Sorry, I didn’t realize. You know where the glasses are, right?”

“Yeah, sure.”

I got up and walked around the corner to the kitchen. Everything she said sounded harmless enough, but something was off about her tone. I poured myself a drink and headed back to the room. It was empty.

Heather’s house was large enough that they had a room dedicated to games and entertainment. I headed in that direction. It was the mostly likely place they would’ve gone.

When I entered the room I found the two of them leaning closely over the pool table, Heather’s back nestled against him as he gave her pointers on how to aim the cue stick. I thought this was curious considering Heather was one of the better pool players I knew. I was the one who could probably use some pointers.

“What do you guys want to do?” I asked, pretending not to notice their close proximity.

Nick stood abruptly when he heard my voice and turned. “We’re just playing some pool, wanna join?”

“Sadie doesn’t like pool,” Heather answered.

“Only because I’m not very good at it,” I added.

Nick walked to my chair and offered me his hand. “That’s okay. I can help you if you want.” He pulled me up and handed me the cue stick. I thought I noticed a small frown on Heather’s face but when I caught her gaze she sent a somewhat encouraging look.

“Why don’t you take a practice shot?” Nick suggested.

I leaned over the table to aim. I moved my arm back and forward to hit the ball but the chime of the doorbell caused me to flinch. The ball rolled completely off path, not hitting anything before it landed in the corner pocket.

“Oh woops,” I said.

“I wonder who could be at the door,” Heather said, not sounding the least bit surprised. She skipped out of the room.

“Are there other people coming over?” I wondered aloud.

Nick looked at me blankly. “I was just about to ask you the same question.” We both shrugged.

“Your shot,” I said, handing Nick the cue stick again. “Hopefully you can hit a little better than I can.”

“It would be hard to do any worse,” he teased. He poked my side with his finger.

The tickle made me jump. “You better watch out,” I said. “Two can play at that game.”

I grinned flirtatiously as he leaned over the table to aim. Just as he pulled back his arm, I nudged his elbow enough to send the tip of the cue stick into the tabletop, knocking it out of his hand. Nick suddenly turned and encompassed me with his arms, trapping me in his grasp. I twisted in laughter as he tickled my sides, hugging me from behind.

Footsteps thumped from around the corner and I stopped moving abruptly. Justin Crane entered the room. He flung his neck to the side and whipped a lock of sun-bleached hair from his face. Heather trailed closely behind. Nick dropped his arms still wrapped around me and moved to my side.

“Hey hey, everybody, Crane’s in da’ house. Let’s get this party started.” Justin pounded a fist energetically in the palm of his hand. Nick and I glanced at each other, both working to hold back a chuckle. It was hard to believe Heather actually had interest in this guy, but everyone had their own tastes I supposed.

Justin popped up between me and Nick, throwing one arm around each of our shoulders. “What’s up kids?” he said. I stumbled forward as the force of him hit.

 “Hi, Justin,” I said. His arm slid down my shoulder, squeezing my side.

“Crane, how’s it going?” Nick said with a cool nod, humoring him but pulling away from his hold. “Come on, you gotta be more gentle with the ladies buddy.” He motioned, referring to my arm and torso squished together by Justin’s grasp around my side.

“Nah, Sadie’s a tough girl, she can handle it,” Justin said, squeezing me even tighter. “Right, Sade?” My head bobbed back and forth as he jiggled me around.

“Uh, I guess,” I said, prying myself from Justin’s arm. “Heather looks a little lonely over there. Maybe you should keep her company.”

“I can definitely help you there,” Justin said. “We can’t have any hot chicks in the room feeling all alone.” He shot across the room, threw his arm around Heather’s neck and planted a juicy kiss on her cheek. I thought she would like it, but her smile looked more like a grimace.

“So, what we playing today, a little eight-ball?” Justin flung his flip-flops off his feet and pulled a cue stick from the holder. “I should warn you all now, I rock at playing pool. You better pull on those game faces fools; I’m here to kick some trash.”

Justin wrapped his arm around my neck and pointed at Heather and Nick. “How ‘bout my partner here and I beat down the two of you?”

I whispered to Justin, “Don’t you want to be Heather’s partner?” He was supposed to be here with her wasn’t he?

“What? Nah sweets, you’re my girl,” Justin said, breathing an uncomfortable amount of hot air in my ear. As I went to wipe away the moisture in disgust, he turned to Heather and announced loudly, “But there’s plenty Crane to go around, you’ll get your chance. I got to be fair, right?” Justin winked at Heather as all three of us rolled our eyes at him in unison.

I gave Nick a
please help me
look, hoping he would catch on. Heather appeared strangely satisfied by the whole situation. I wasn’t decided on my intentions with Nick, but he was definitely a better game partner than Justin. Of course, I would have to endure Justin’s presence either way. I had a feeling this was going to be a long night.

“Actually, Crane,” Nick said, “Sadie already agreed to be my partner this round, but maybe I’ll let you have a turn later.” I felt a tinge of relief at his chivalry. I glanced at Heather, expecting her to be happy to be paired with Justin but an indignant frown crossed her face. What was going on with her? I wished we could take a minute to talk.

“Ooh ouch, man,” Justin replied. “But I have a better idea. We shoot for it.” He raised his eyebrows menacingly in Nick’s direction.

“Shoot for it?” I asked.

“Yeah,” Justin explained, “Nick and I will have a little shootout and whoever wins gets to be your partner.” I grimaced at the ridiculous idea. Heather’s jaw dropped with a disbelieving scoff.

“Oh, you’re so on,” Nick said, reciprocating the challenge.

Were they really going to do this? I had to admit it was flattering, but it seemed a little unnecessary. Did Justin still feel he had to make some sort of claim over me, even though he was supposed to be here with Heather? That didn’t seem fair to her. She was already upset with me for who knows what, this could only make it worse.

I looked at Heather from across the room and mouthed
sorry
, but she shook her head away from my glance.

Justin strode past me to take his first shot at the table. I felt a sudden sting from behind as he took a swat at my backside. I gasped and swung around to glare at him but he grinned back at me with increased gratification. Did he really think I would like that sort of thing?

Heather seemed a little too happy when Justin won the stupid shootout competition, making him my partner for the rest of the afternoon. She also was directing a great deal of her attention—well, all of it actually—in Nick’s direction, barely acknowledging my existence. She hardly made eye contact with me the entire game.

I didn’t know who this girl was, but I missed my best friend.

The entire afternoon was awkward. Nick and Justin both fought for my attention while Heather did everything she could to attract Nick in her direction. Meanwhile, I worked overtime to restrain from strangling Justin and his wandering hands.

Heather ordered some pizza and started a movie on her big screen TV. Home was starting to sound really good at this point. Could I last with present company through an entire movie? I supposed they’d still want to take a soak in the hot tub later as well. I frowned at the thought of wearing my tiny pink bikini with two ogling boys sitting next to me.

I sat in the corner of the couch mulling over possible excuses to leave while Heather flaunted her extensive movie collection to Nick. Justin crawled next to me on the sofa throwing an arm around my shoulder and draping one of his legs over one of mine. I sighed and pulled away but he didn’t get the hint, as usual.

As soon as I felt the touch of his hand rubbing my arm I jumped up to excuse myself to the restroom in escape. Upon my return I sat at the other end of the couch. Nick sprung at the opportunity and quickly took the spot next to me before Justin had a chance to scoot closer.

The flattery had worn thin. The two boys’ growing competition appeared to be more about winning, rather than actually caring about my feelings or getting to know me. At least Nick didn’t feel the need to grope me while I sat next to him. He just smirked at Justin with a gloating face, silently scoring a point in his own favor.

It was clear to me now that I had no romantic interest in either of the two. If Heather wanted one of them, she had my blessing. She could take her pick. She could have both if she wanted—I didn’t care.

Instead of easing my mind as I hoped, the annoying distractions brought my hidden fantasies back to the surface. All I could think about was another chance to stare deeply into the eyes of the boy whose name I didn’t even know. The sweet and alluringly mysterious guy that seemed like perfection compared to the immature, egotistical idiots surrounding me.

I envisioned him in my thoughts to avoid facing the situation. It was surprisingly soothing to think about him. I’d spent most of the day making a concerted effort to keep him off my mind, but the benefits proved to outweigh the cons.

I pictured him cuddling next to me on the couch, watching the movie together like a real couple would. If only I could make the daydream a reality.

I wondered if he was the movie-watching type. Would he enjoy a quiet evening at home or was he more of a thrill-seeker, chasing after action? Maybe a little of both? Was he a romantic? If we were together, would he bring me flowers and sing me love songs?

I wondered if I’d ever have the chance to find out.

The credits rolled over the screen and my daydream came to an end. Heather switched on the lamp with a blank look on her face. She got up from the recliner where she’d ended up alone for the majority of the movie and gathered empty pizza boxes to take to the kitchen. It was a good thing she ordered more than one. Justin and Nick almost ate a whole pizza each.

“So who’s up for a little dip in the hot tub?” Justin said, rubbing his hands together in anticipation. I didn’t want to imagine the inappropriate thoughts that were probably playing through his head.

Heather came back in the room. “I already heated up the water, so it’s ready to go. If you guys still want to hang out.” It sounded like what she really meant to say was,
I don’t have anything better to do so I guess I won’t kick you all out yet.

“I’m game,” Nick said.

“Actually, I think I might call it a night,” I said, hoping they wouldn’t put up a fight. Heather’s face lit up for the first time in hours.

“Ah, come on, don’t say that,” Justin said. “It’s not even late.”

“I know, sorry. I’m just really tired. You guys should stay and have fun though.” I took a few steps towards the front of the house.

“It’s totally not a big deal,” Heather said, suddenly sweet and pleasant. Obviously she had no problem with sending me out the door.

“It’s cool,” Nick said. “If you’re tired you should go home and get some rest. Why don’t I walk you to your car? We can talk about our
date
tomorrow.” Nick turned and smirked at Justin, whose eyes immediately narrowed.

I doubted either of them noticed me grimacing at Nick’s reminder. Suddenly Disneyland didn’t seem very appealing.

Nick led me out the front door with Justin trailing our heels. Heather stayed in the house with a bored look on her face. She didn’t even say goodbye.

My shoulders shivered in the night breeze. “It’s cold tonight,” I said.

Justin started pulling his sweater over his shaggy hair, but Nick beat him to it. He held out the hoodie already in his hand and offered it to me.

I shook my head wearily. “No, I’m fine. I have my own right here.” I pulled the blue sweatshirt from my bag I’d packed earlier. The boys stood by with eager eyes, watching me like an audience as I pulled it over my head.