The summervale series, p.15
The Summervale Series, page 15
“Yeah, they’ve probably already got a solid plan,” added Dane.
“Okay, then that’s why we need a solid plan too,” I said.
“Well, prom and graduation for the seniors are soon. So surely, they won’t ship the seniors, Dane, Bobby and Ashton, off before then,” said Darcie.
“She’s got a point, Ash,” said Dane.
Ashton nodded. “Okay. Then that buys us time. We have to confront our parents and tell them not to send us away before senior graduation and prom. That we need time to say goodbye to our friends, surely they’ll allow us that.”
“I don’t know,” I added. “My stepfather was pretty adamant that you guys are the devil and bad influences on me. So I wouldn’t put it past him to order an exorcism on me or something.”
“That seems a bit far-fetched,” said Darcie.
Ashton chuckled. “Have you guys met the pastor? And have you met my father? I’m pretty sure they’re in cahoots. All the parents are working together to break us apart.”
“That’s true,” I replied, smiling at Ashton. He smiled back.
Bobby groaned. “Guys, get a room, please.”
“Yeah, I’m outta here,” added Dylan. And he signed off promptly.
“Me too,” said Dane.
“Same. Goodnight, guys,” said Darcie.
“Goodnight,” said Ashton.
When everyone else had left, and it was only Ashton and me alone in the chat room, a new fear crawled its way up out of me.
“Ash, I’ll miss you.”
“Don’t worry, babe. I won’t let them break us up. We’re gonna stage an intervention of our own.”
“Okay. I trust you. I… I love you.”
He smiled. “I love you too.”
eleven
THE CONFRONTATION
DANE
I was making my protein shake for football practice the following day when I overheard my mom on the phone.
“You know, I’m glad Dane’s off to college after summer. It’ll be good for him to get out of this town.”
There was a pause as the other person spoke. I wondered who she was talking to.
“Oh, really? Ashton’s going to work for his father over the summer? Hmm. Maybe you should hook Dane up. I mean, he already has a job at the club. But I need for him to be kept busy so he doesn’t spend so much time with Darcie and his friends.”
I stopped what I was doing, fury filling me. I had to set down the shake bottle so I wouldn’t throw it across the room in anger. I knew she was talking to Ashton’s mom then.
She walked in the kitchen from the patio then, seeing me. I busied myself with finishing off my shake, pretending to have not heard her discussing plans to get rid of me.
“Listen, I’ve got to go, Sue. I’ll see you at the meeting tonight. Okay, take care. Bye.”
She walked into the kitchen and tried to peck me on the cheek when she walked past to head to the fridge, but I dodged her. Finally, she froze and turned to face me.
“What’s wrong, sweetie?”
I couldn’t help it. I was furious. I spoke out.
“What’s wrong? I’ll tell you what’s wrong. You and the other parents are making plans to ship their kids off for the summer and afterward.”
She stood frozen in front of the fridge, holding her phone. She looked shocked, having now been found out.
“Oh. You know about that.”
“How could I not? Ashton and Stacey’s parents have already confronted them about their plans. And I just overheard you now. So what’s your plan?”
“Dane…”
“No. Spare me your lies, Mom,” I spat. “You said it yourself. I have a job at the club plus, and I’m leaving after summer for college. It’s like you can’t wait to get rid of me so you can continue fucking Darcie’s dad without remorse or consequence.”
Her face went bright red.
“Dane! Please. I’m only doing what’s best for you. Every time you and your friends get together, death follows. The parents and I… we’ve had enough. And so has the town. Something needs to happen.”
“Yeah, something needs to happen. But splitting us up won’t work. Not before graduation or prom, anyway. You have no idea what’s good for me.”
“We weren’t going to send you away before graduation, Dane. Who do you think I am?”
I had so many responses to that, all of them cruel. But all I said was, “I don’t know, Mom. Who are you? I feel like I don’t know you anymore.”
I picked up my shake and keys, shouldered my bag and slipped my phone in my pocket before heading out the door, slamming it loudly in my wake.
The others were waiting for me in our usual spots when I roared into the school parking lot. Darcie and Stacey were laughing about something. Ashton was fiddling with the strap of his guitar case slung over his shoulder. Dylan had headphones on and was sitting on the retaining wall of the garden in front of the cars. Bobby was also fiddling, looking uncomfortable, drumming his drumsticks against his leg.
“Hey,” I said, approaching the group.
Bobby nodded in my direction, staying silent. Darcie ran over to me and threw her arms around my neck. I inhaled the sweet scent of her and held her tight. I had no idea what I was going to do after summer. Or even during summer. Our parents were planning on keeping us all busy and apart.
“Hey, dude. We were just discussing the epic party we’re planning on throwing after prom next weekend,” said Ashton.
I raised an eyebrow in question.
“Do you really think our parents will allow us to throw a party? We’re already in hot water,” I said.
“They’ll let us,” said Bobby, speaking up. “We can go to my cabin on Capulet Island. Our parents will have to allow this one, just this once. Since we’re all about to be separated.”
“You have a cabin on Capulet Island?” asked Stacey, her jaw dropping open.
Darcie looked at each of them, confusion covering her face.
“What is Capulet Island?” she asked.
“What? I thought everyone at least had a holiday house or investment on Capulet Island,” said Bobby. “My parents invested early when I was a kid before the real estate got crazy. like it is now.”
“Capulet Island is the most expensive, most exclusive piece of real estate in the entire state. It’s secluded, about twenty minutes by boat,” I explained to Darcie.
“So, I’m guessing that’s more expensive than Summervale and Rich Bitch Mile?”
“Yes. Definitely. Most people have a second property, one here and one on Capulet Island. It’s quiet and private and perfect for escaping the town. But it also has a dark past.”
“Yeah, it’s haunted,” added Stacey. “Before Summervale was developed, like it is now, back when there were only a few houses and farmland, and before any houses were built on Capulet Island, in the seventies, a serial killer made it his killing ground. Rumour has it he buried all his murder victims on the island.”
Darcie’s eyes widened. “If that’s the case, then why does everyone want to have property there?”
Bobby shrugged and grinned. “Why wouldn’t you want to stay in a cabin in the haunted woods? It adds to the whole vibe. The teens of Summervale have been partying there since forever, even before the houses were built.”
“And that’s why we’re going to Bobby’s lake house after prom, to his haunted cabin in the haunted woods,” said Stacey.
Darcie smiled. “Okay, if you put it that way…”
“Speaking of… we need to go dress shopping, Darce. Tomorrow.”
She groaned. “Ugh. Fine.”
The bell rang then.
“I’ll see you later?” I said, pecking Darcie on the lips.
“Yes. You will.”
twelve
THE DRESS
DARCIE
The next day was a Saturday, so Stacey picked me up mid-morning, and we headed into town to go shopping for dresses for prom.
“I hate shopping, but I know you would never let me refuse.”
“You got that right. Girl, this is your first prom here in Summervale, and since we both have the hottest guys on our arms, we need to look like the hottest girls in the room.”
“Why? Are you worried Ashton’s eyes will wander?”
Her head snapped to me. “No! Of course not. I’m just saying I wanna look hot.”
I shrugged. I didn’t know what was up with that, but I brushed it off.
“So what colour dress were you thinking of getting?” I asked her as we drove around the centre of town looking for a park. This part of town, where all the high-end boutiques were, was always busy, especially on the weekend. You not only had residents here but out of towners on a day trip or vacation. That was the bad thing about living in a holiday town.
We finally found one on the main strip in front of the barbershop. As we got out of the car, grabbing our purses, a familiar man walked out of the barbershop.
“Hi there, girls.”
It was Stacey’s stepfather, Pastor Paul.
“Oh, hi, Dad.”
“Hi, Pastor,” I said.
“What are you doing today?” he asked, pocketing his wallet. I looked at his face. His already neat grey beard and hair was even neater. He must have had a trim, ready for church service on Sunday.
“Oh, we’re just shopping for prom dresses,” I said.
“Oh, um… Stacey, your mother and I were meant to talk to you about that…”
Stacey froze. “What? Are you gonna say I’m grounded from prom now?”
“No. You can go… Just not with your boyfriend, Ashton Striker.”
“What!”
“We disapprove of your relationship. However, a new boy has just joined the youth group, and we think you two will be well suited. We have invited him to prom next weekend.”
Stacey’s cheeks flushed with anger and embarrassment.
“No! I’m not going out with someone else I don’t know. I’m going with Ashton. You can’t do this to me.”
“It’s done. His name is Clay. You can meet him tomorrow at church.”
Stacey spun and grabbed my arm, tugging me away.
“I’m not going to church tomorrow. Fuck you. Come on, Darcie. Let’s go shopping.”
As we walked away down the street, I took a peek over my shoulder back at the pastor, and he was standing there looking stunned and furious. I bet he didn’t expect his perfect stepdaughter to swear at him. I held back a laugh.
A little while later, we were in one of the few high-end dress boutiques in town. Stacey was currently twirling in front of the full-length mirror in a bright fuchsia tulle number while I sat with the long black dress I had found. I wasn’t really into dresses or shopping. I was never a girly girl. I was happy with the first dress I had seen. It was lying over the plush seat next to me while I sipped on my iced latte and watched Stacey try on dress after dress.
“Nope. I hate this colour with my skin tone,” she said about the hot pink one.
“How about red?” I suggested, already bored.
“Hmm. I haven’t seen any red ones in a style I like.” She walked out next in a royal blue coloured one that was fitted close to her body. It showed off all her curves.
“Wow. I like that one.”
“Me too. It makes my ass look great, and my boobs too. and makes my eyes pop.” She turned to face me, and her grin fell away when she saw my first and only dress choice lying next to me.
“Oh, no, no, no.”
“What?”
“You are not done yet, missy.”
“Yes I am. This is the one. It’s perfect.”
She sauntered over to me and plucked up the dress holding it before her. It was an oversized boho style. It was loose and comfy. Perfect for me.
“It looks like a potato sack. You are not going to prom in this.”
I snatched it back. “Why not? I like this dress.”
“No. wait here. I saw the perfect one for you. it’s amazing, but more your colour than mine.”
“Stace…”
I could never win with her.
A moment later, she came striding back toward me with a stunning beige and grey layered tulle dress.
“Wow.”
“I know, right? Go put it on now.”
I pouted, stood up and took the dress and headed into the dressing room.
A few minutes later, I walked back out in the gown that felt and looked like Cinderella’s. It had a form-fitting, nude bodysuit underneath, but it wasn’t too revealing because of the tulle, and the main bodice was made of layers of beige tulle streaked with dark grey. It was strapless, and the skirt fell to the floor.
I walked over the mirror and gasped.
“You look amazing, Darce.”
“I feel amazing, but I look just like my mom.”
I could feel the tears threatening. My eyes welled, and my throat had a lump in it.
“Aww. She would be proud of you.” She hugged my waist. I leaned into her and admired our reflections. We both looked older. I definitely felt older, the pain and the skeletons of my past finally catching up to me.
“I wish she were here,” I whispered.
“She is.”
I sniffed. “I will find out what happened to you, Mom. I promise,” I said, whispering.
After purchasing the dresses and stepping back onto the street, Stacey pulled out her phone and texted someone.
“Mm. I’m starving. It’s almost twelve. Do you wanna grab some lunch before we look for shoes and jewellery?” I asked.
“Sure. There’s a good Thai restaurant across the road.”
“Perfect. Let’s go.”
We walked toward the pedestrian crossing, and I stepped out onto the road, not realizing Stacey was still standing in the same place, texting whoever she was texting. I turned back to call out to her when a car came speeding up the street. All I heard was the screech of the brakes before the car struck me, and I went flying into the air.
Stacey screamed and came running. As I lay in the middle of the road with stars forming around my head, I saw the face of a familiar girl with blonde hair behind the wheel of the car that had hit me. She stared at Stacey and me with a look that puzzled me. It was the look of revenge. She then reversed and took off past us, leaving me injured and bleeding in the middle of the road.
thirteen
THE GIRL
DARCIE
I woke up with beeping and voices around me.
“Hey, thank God. I was worried sick about you,” said Dane. I knew his voice immediately. I would know it anywhere. My soul knew it.
“Hi…” I tried to speak, but my throat was sore and dry. I must have been intubated.
“Don’t try to talk. You’ve just come out of a coma,” he explained, helping me sit up and take a sip of water.
“What day is it?” I whispered.
“Thursday.”
I froze.
“Oh no. The prom…”
“Is in two days. But don’t worry. I’m not going. I don’t think Stacey or Ashton are either.”
“Why?”
“Because we don’t want to go without you,” he said, smiling sincerely. He reached out and joined his fingers with mine.
I suddenly felt a wash of emotions. Tears welled in my eyes and the lump in my throat… it felt like the tube was back in there. I sniffled.
“Hey, are you okay?”
“Yeah. You don’t have to do that for me. You guys should go and have fun. It might be the last time we get to…”
He shook his head. “It won’t be the same. The Three Strikes were performing, but they just cancelled.”
“Oh, no. Why? You can’t leave the prom with mediocre music?” I said sarcastically.
Dane chuckled. “I’m so happy you still have your sense of humour.”
“I’m not dead. Yet. Even if that bitch tried to kill us.”
Dane froze. “Stacey said it was a hit and run. Are you sure it was on purpose?”
I noticed a knock at the door to the room then, my own private room. I wondered who paid for that. Sheriff Richards appeared.
I looked to Dane and then at the sheriff and nodded.
The sheriff must have heard his question.
“Hello, Darcie. It’s good to see you’re awake. If you don’t mind, and if you’re feeling up to it, I’d like to ask you a few questions about the incident.”
“Sir, I don’t think she is…” began Dane.
I shook my head and cleared my throat. More of my voice came back, but it was still hoarse.
“I’m okay. Dane, it’s okay. I want to.”
“It won’t take long,” said the sheriff.
“Okay. Then I’m just going to get some coffee and take a walk outside. I’ll see you later, okay?” He kissed me on the forehead and then left the room.
When we were alone, the sheriff smiled.
“He’s been here all night, you know. That’s what Bobby told me.”
My heart swelled. “Really?”
“Yes. That boy really loves you.”
“I know,” I replied. “I love him too.”
The sheriff took a seat from the side of the room and dragged it toward the bed, sitting next to me. He prepared his notepad and clicked open his pen.
“So, what can you remember about the incident?”
“I remember Stacey and I had been shopping for prom dresses. We were about to cross the road to go to a restaurant for lunch when a car came racing up the road toward me. I saw her face and the colour of the car before I blacked out.”
He wrote down a few things in his notebook.
“Hmm. And what colour was the car? And the make?”
“It was a white Audi. An SUV. And the girl had straight, long blonde hair. I recognized her. I’d seen her before, but I can’t remember where.”
The sheriff stood suddenly and pulled his phone from his pocket. He tapped a few things and then turned the screen toward me.
