Chapter 1
The blare of the alarm sent my eyes flying open. I quickly smashed my hand down abruptly silencing the noise. I sat up in my bed and took in my new room. A California king bed in the middle of the wall with my night stand on the left side along with a matching dresser. I blinked a couple of times letting my eyes adjust to the darkness. It was my first day in a new town. A new house. A fresh start. I needed this. I got up and did my morning routine. When I got downstairs Spencer was sitting at the kitchen table fully dressed.
" Hello roomie. Are you ready for our first day at Rosewood high school?" she said sarcastically before sipping her coffee. I grunted at her before heading to the fridge. I pulled out my water bottle sticking it in my book bag.
" My car or yours?" Spencer asked as I followed her into the front foyer.
I take one last look in the body length mirror. My long auburn hair ran past my shoulders over onto the collar of my black peacoat. My long legs in skinny jeans down into black Doc Martens. Spencer wore something similar except a black dress under a green peacoat with Doc Martens. I pulled my hair down around the collar pleased with my appearance. I followed her outside to the driveway locking the door behind me. As we pulled out of the driveway I take a quick glance at our new home. A two story 3 bedroom home with a complete deck. Fenced in front and back yard. As we drive down the street I notice the construction company van pulling in to work on some adjustments to the house. I pull my sunglasses down and enjoy the breeze as we make our way to school.
" What class do you have first?" Spencer asks as I tilt my head on the seatbelt.
" English. Fitz" I say not missing a beat.
" Same"
A 10 minute drive down the road and we pull into the school parking lot. The school looks like every other high school. Nothing special sticks out. I throw my backpack over my shoulder as I make my way to the side doors. I have already mapped out my classes during the orientation we had last week and know exactly where to go. As we walk the halls I notice a few people staring. I am sure it is because were new. A town like this, these people have probably lived here their whole life and were outsiders. Spencer follows closely behind me with a smug look on her face. I don't take my sunglasses off until I reach the classroom. I sit in a seat by the window and Spencer sits in the seat in front of me. I pull out my English book and syllabus. I just have to get through senior year and I am done with high school. Finally. People begin to file in before the bell rings. Looks like any other high school students. Preps, jocks, nerds, grunge, and other cliche high school cliques. As the teacher begins to talk I zone out.
I start to think about the construction that will be done in the next few weeks on the house. All the changes. The house needs some work but we bought it for a really great price. Well our parents bought it for us who had decided to stay back in Virginia. We decided on new doors. The doors already in place had very old doorknobs that don't even lock. The front door will be replaced with a more modern door with a normal lock and deadbolt. The back door replaced with a sliding glass door. The outside and inside all repainted. The kitchen has been filled with new kitchen appliances. New washer and dryer. New furniture. The deck needs a good pressure wash. Basically the house was getting a makeover.
" Mccullers" I heard someone say snapping me out of my planning.
" Here" I answered quickly. The teacher gives me a polite smile and continues down the roster. He didn't look any older than anyone in this room. He has to be a new teacher. The rest of the day was the same routine. Rules, regulations, names, and introductions. The weather was perfect. It was warm but just enough wind to make it a beautiful day. After school we decide not to head straight home since we knew we would just get in the way of the workers. We found a nice shady spot on a picnic table under a tree right outside the soccer field.
"He knew that when he kissed this girl, and forever wed his unutterable visions to her perishable breath, his mind would never romp again like the mind of God. So he waited, listening for a moment longer to the tuning-fork that had been struck upon a star. Then he kissed her. At his lips' touch she blossomed for him like a flower and the incarnation was complete." I read softly into the air.
" Wow that was beautiful" I hear someone say from behind me. The girl scrambled up off the ground from behind the tree. She was a very tiny girl with black hair and wide piercing eyes.
" That is one of my favorites. I didn't mean to snoop. I just over heard you reading it. It was lovely" she said shyly. I already knew she was there. I could smell her and hear her.
" That's alright. I'm going to keep reading if you want to listen" I said looking away from her huge eyes. She sat down on the bench of the picnic table as I continued to read. I continued reading into the afternoon until I had finished the book. I slammed it shut seeming to knock the strange girl out of her trance.
" Wow. I can't believe you finished that whole book in 2 hours" she said looking at her phone.
" It was nice having an audience" I said. Spencer seemed relaxed sitting on the table with her back leaning on the tree. She was looking hazily at the small girl.
" I guess I am going to head out. I'm Aria by the way" she said reaching out her hand. I grabbed it softly giving it a light shake.
" I'm Paige. This is my sister Spencer" I said politely. Spencer nodded.
" I guess I'll see you in class tomorrow" she said.
" Are you in one of my classes?" I asked not remembering her at all.
" Yea English. First thing in the morning" she said.
" OMG! Aria. Where have you been?" I heard someone state loudly. I looked past Aria to see a tall blonde girl coming across the grass.
" I'm so sorry. I completely lost track of time after school. I was hanging out with my new friends. This is Paige and Spencer. This is Hannah" she stated once the blonde was close. The blonde seemed skeptical of us. Her face was a bit contorted and her nostrils flared. She was angry. It was Spencer who stepped in to diffuse the situation.
" I am so sorry we kept your friend. We are new here and she was great company" Spencer spoke for the first time that afternoon shooting her beautiful Hastings smile. Hannah seemed to relax at the bit of information.
" I love your Doc Martens" she said pointing down at Spencer's feet. Spencer mumbled thank you.
" Well we have to go now if we want to make it to Philly and back before my curfew" she begged. It was then that I heard the grass crunching in the distant. Whoever it was, was approaching fast. I looked towards the fence of bushes that blocked my vision to the parking lot in the direction the running was coming from. My shoulders automatically stiffened and my fist balled. Just then a tall tan goddess popped between the bushes. My demeanor immediately changed.
" Aria! We have been looking for you all afternoon. Ever heard of a cell phone" she said breathing slightly heavy. The girl was much taller than Aria. Her skin was bronzed, her dark eyes matching her raven colored hair. Her longs legs accentuated her amazing figure. She joined the two girls standing in a line. There is something about her. I couldn't take my eyes off her. My senses heightened at the sound of her voice.
" Sorry. I fell asleep last night and didn't charge it so it died. These are my new friends. This is.." she said bashfully.
" Paige. Paige Mccullers" I said interrupting her speech and stepping forward to offer my hand.
" Emily" she said reaching her hand out. I softly pulled it my lips kissing one her knuckles and releasing her hand. The 3 girls looked at me in awe. I can not believe I just did that. What the hell?
" And that is Spencer" Aria finished. I looked up to see the tan girl looking straight into my eyes. The blonde giggled. I could feel my face heating up.
" Well I guess I will see you tomorrow in class. Have a goodnight Aria" I said before pulling her hand in for a kiss. There I did it to both of them so now it won't seem so awkward. The tiny girl flashed red and waved us goodbye before retreating across the grass with her friends. The bronze goddess glanced back at me before disappearing in the bushes.
" Girls never hit on me" I heard the blonde say. I giggled.
" Smooth. Way smooth. What the hell was that?" Spencer said grabbing her bag.
" I really don't know. They are going to think I am so weird"
The next three weeks go without incident. Sometimes Aria's friends would join us at the picnic table. We would talk a bit after school then go our separate ways . I heard many rumors about these 3 girls over the past few weeks. Rumors that drama followed wherever they went. Nobody really messed with them. The holy trinity if you will. Basically the popular girls but from what I saw Aria is a just a big romantic nerd. She loves reading, classic movies, and arcades. Yes she dressed pretty high fashion but she never gave me a negative vibe. Neither did Hannah or Emily. I spent a lot of time trying to get to know Emily. My interest didn't wane after our first meeting. I tried not to make it too obvious that I was into her by including the whole group but sometimes I just couldn't help it. Aria must have noticed my dilemma.
" Hey I was wondering what your doing tonight?" Aria asked me Friday afternoon.
" Nothing really" I answered honestly.
" There is a party tonight at Noel Khans cabin on the north side of town. Maybe you want to come with me and my friends? It would be a good chance for you to meet some people"
" I'm not really looking to meet people. I just want to graduate"
" Well you two should think about it. They usually turn out really insane" she said getting up from the table.
" Text me if you change your mind" she said slyly.
" Oh and Paige" she said turning back to me.
" Yeah?"
" Are you gay? I mean do you likes girls?"
" What gave me away?" I answered sarcastically.
" Oh I don't know. Maybe it was the kiss on the hand" Spencer jabbered behind me. I heard Aria giggle.
" My friend Emily thinks your cute. I told her I wouldn't tell you but you should come to the party. If you know what I mean" she said winking at me before walking away.
" Party tonight?" Spencer said coyly.
" Party on"
" Don't say that in front of that girl. You can be so corny sometimes"
Later that night I texted Aria for directions as I got dressed. I changed into some skinny jeans and loose white tank with a black sports bra underneath. I settled for some converses since I had worn my boots all week.
" Ready to go" Spencer asked dipping her head into my room.
" Yea" I shoved my wallet into my back pocket and snatched my bike keys off my bed. I lifted the garage to find my pretty silver 2013 ninja. She had yet to be ridden since we moved over a month ago. I figured it was a nice enough night to take her for a spin. Plus I kind of wanted to show her off.
" Wanna go show these small town folk how to really party" Spencer rejoiced in a country accent. I laughed as I slung my leg over the seat. I pulled my helmet down over my head trying my best not to mess up my hair too bad. Spencer repeated my movements wrapping her arms around my waist. I turned on the engine giving her a little gas shooting out of the driveway. I relished in the cool night breeze as we made our way to Khan's cabin. I could hear the music from a mile away. Cars lined up both sides of the street as we slowed down. I noticed some people stares as I pulled up on the grass cutting the engine. Spencer hopped off the back straightening out her dress. I yanked off my helmet shaking my hair out.
" You came!" I heard the tiny girl yell coming out of the front door. Her little crew followed behind. I notice Emily first. She is wearing a cute sundress with ankle boots. Her beautiful dark hair flowing over her shoulders.
" Hello ladies" I responded lightly. I looked around taking in my surroundings. I could smell booze, cigarettes, and a lot of teenage hormones.
" I'm glad you came" she yelped before tripping into me.
" Are you drunk?" I asked.
" Just a little bit. Come on lets go inside" she said pulling my arm. Spencer and I followed the other girls into the house. The music was blasting. The place was packed. Their were people dancing and talking. People playing drinking games.
" Aria come to the bathroom with me" Hannah said already tugging Aria away. That left Emily and Spencer.
" I'm going to go get us some drinks" Spencer yelled over the music before swiftly leaving me alone with Emily.
" How are you tonight?" I asked.
" Good. You?" she said.
" It's a little loud in here. Do you mind going back outside?" She nodded. I held open the door as she walked past me. We found some lawn chairs.
" So what brings your family to a small town like Rosewood?" she asked.
" Just needed a new scene"
" You moved into that house on Grace st. right?"
" Yea. It's a little of a fixer upper but it's a nice house"
" Do your parents work around here?"
" Uh. No. It's just me and Spencer" I answered nervously. I watched as the moonlight danced across her face.
" So your parents let you live with your girlfriend all by yourself. That must be nice"
" Whoa! What? Spencer is my sister"
" Oh. I'm sorry I just assumed because you two are always together. Plus you look nothing alike."
" She is my stepsister"
" Ahhh gotcha. I still can't believe your parents let you live alone"
" They will come live here eventually. Just have to finish business back home" I lied.
" Where is home?"
" Virginia" I said quickly. I couldn't believe I was just spilling my guts to a complete stranger. Usually I kept our business more private.
" I'm going to go get a drink" I said standing up. She followed me back in the house where I found a bottle of vodka being passed around. Once someone set it down I poured myself some. I downed it quickly feeling the familiar burn down my throat. Emily watched me as I poured myself more. She followed suit but mixed it with punch.
" There you are" Aria said coming from the large crowd.
" Were going to go sit outside by the bonfire" Hannah said over the music. We squeezed our way back outside finding seats near the blazing fire. Spencer spotted us a few yards away and joined us.
" So how do you guys like Rosewood so far?" Hannah asked.
" It seems alright. Quiet so far"
" Yea it is pretty boring around here" Hannah agreed.
" I can not wait to graduate and get out of here" Emily added. We continued talking about school, teachers, interests, and fashion. My mind kind of zoned out at the talk of fashion. Instead my eyes focused on Emily. The flames danced across her face as she laughed and smiled with her friends.
" Dude stop staring" Spencer said nudging me in the arm. I tried to focus on the conversation in front of me but I lost that battle. Over the next few hours we had more drinks and more laughs. The girls were nothing like the rumors I had heard. They were all very sweet and entertaining. By midnight the party was still in full swing. People were highly intoxicated and the party was turning into a chaotic mess. People falling all over the place, making out, cursing, and just being rowdy. We stayed in our small circle only separating to go to the bathroom or search for more alcohol. Aria left around 1 in the morning when her friend Holden drove her home. Hannah and Spencer went off to find more drinks leaving Emily and I by the warm fire.
" Are you having a good time?" she slurred.
" I've had a great time" I smiled back at her. Her dark eyes were hazy due to her intoxication but she was still the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.
" So Aria told me you are a great reader. I mean, that you like to read books and poetry. Anything you know off the top of your head?" she implored.
She walks in beauty, like the night One shade the more, one ray the less, And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow'd to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
Had half impaired the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o'er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
" That is beautiful. What is that?" she asked softly.
" She walks in beauty by Lord Byron. It is my favorite poem" Over the flame she stared into my eyes for a few seconds. I found myself not able to pull away from her hold.
" Do you want to go on a date with me?" I heard myself blurt. It's like I had no control over it but it was to late to turn back now.
" Yes. I would love to" she answered. I smiled anxiously.
" Great. How's next Friday night?" I asked
" I don't want to wait that long" she insisted. I was shocked at her bluntness but was happy because I didn't really want to wait either.
" Tomorrow?"
" Yes"
" I will pick you up tomorrow at 7?"
" Sure" she said confidently. As we finished our conversation the two girls joined us once again. Spencer was holding Hannah around the waist. Her head was slumped forward.
" I think this one has had enough to drink" Spencer joked. Hannah's head flew up. She turned slightly draping her arms around Spencer's neck who in turn held at her the waist.
" Your so pretty" she slurred. Spencer giggled.
" So are you Hannah"
" I should probably get her home" Emily said standing.
" Whoa. Hey your not driving" I professed standing with her.
" I'm fine. Really" she said pulling her cars keys from her pocket. I quickly snatched them away.
" Paige. Give me my keys" she demanded.
" No. You have had way too much to much to drink. Your not driving" I fumed putting the keys out of her reach.
" I am perfectly fine!" she stomped. I approached her closely looking straight into her eyes. She sauntered back at my closeness. I grabbed her before she could fall pulling her against me.
" Emily. Please trust me to use your car to take Hannah home then you. I am completely fine to drive. I would feel much safer if you didn't drive" I said changing my tone to a softer one. She looked at me then to Spencer then back at me.
"Ok" she agreed. I ushered her forward to show me the way. I looked back to Spencer who was carrying Hannah with very little trouble. Once in the car I followed the directions to Hannah's house. We pulled up to a large white house with all the lights out.
" I'm just going to sleep here tonight" Emily said from the passenger seat. I removed myself from the passenger seat making my way to the sidewalk. I dropped the keys into her waiting hands. Spencer walked Hannah to the front door giving us some privacy.
" I'm sorry I raised my voice at you. I just don't like drunk driving" I explained.
" It's fine. You were right. I was being silly"
" I understand if you don't want to go out with me tomorrow?"
" What? No. Of course I still want to go out with you"
" Ok. Good. At 7. Can I have your number?" She hastily handed me her cell phone. I entered my number handing her it back. Spencer met us back on the sidewalk.
" I had a really good time. I will see ya on Monday" Spencer said stiffly before heading down the sidewalk.
" Are you really going to walk?" Emily stammered.
" It's not that far. I'll just get my bike tomorrow or something. Text me. Goodnight" I waved before jogging to meet with Spencer. I waited until Emily was inside before walking too far away.
" Gosh Mccullers. You have got it bad" Spencer joked.
" Whatever. She is just a girl"
" Look. It's cool to have a little fun but that's not what we moved here for. We have to stay focused" she said in a more serious tone. I wanted to tell my sister and best friend about my date tomorrow but I didn't want a lecture so I keep it to myself. We make it home in no time. I lay awake thinking about my new friends and this fresh start. I drift off to the beautiful picture in my head of Emily dancing around the fire.