Forks, Book Two

one

September had dwindled away, bringing October in with a bloodthirsty zeal. The excitement surrounding Halloween here in Forks was comparable to Christmastime in Sunshine, with talks of haunted houses, macabre walks through the moss-ridden forests, and yes, even pumpkin carving contests. The kids at school even took it a bit farther and walked through the halls outfitted with fake Vampire teeth. I didn’t really see a difference in how they normally looked with the exception of the fake teeth. It rained often and when it wasn’t, the sky was a dismal gray with low hanging clouds and brought with it a bone chilling frigidness to the air that only autumn weather could bring.

Did you see this? Glinda lifted a blue flyer out of her bag. She had been back at school for few days now. She looked better but not great. She was still really pale and had a tendency to space at inopportune times. Like when the teacher called on her to answer a question and then I would ultimately be called on to answer in her place. I was beginning to wonder if she pulled that crap on purpose.

I took the paper from her pale outstretched hand. Psycho Social? I read. It sounds a bit ominous to me. I handed it back to her.

It’s for Halloween, silly. She took the flyer back and shoved it into her notebook. It’s supposed to sound ominous.

Yeah, okay. I wasn’t too sure about going to anything with the word psycho in it. I had already encountered two: Jason and Kirk—two too many if you asked me.

We should totally go. She bounced in her chair, reminding me of a small child.

Who’s going? I couldn’t mask the expectancy from my voice, and by the look on Glinda’s face, she hadn’t missed it either.

Who do you want to be there? She gave me an inquisitive look, then her eyes drifted down to my notebook and her brows creased.

I don’t know. I looked down and quickly covered my doodle on the side of my paper. It was the letter ‘V’ with vines and flowers twirled around it. Funny, I didn’t remember drawing that.

Still haven’t made up your mind, I see. She smirked at me.

What is that supposed to mean?

She shook her head and gave me another one of her staple eye rolls. You can pretend all you want but I know you have the hots for two boys with the letter ‘V’ in their names.

I do not, I adamantly denied, but my face burned.

Ah-Ha! she hollered, which drew a few stares from the other kids in class. I knew it.

What are you talking about? I played dumb.

"Amber loooves V…."

You’re crazy, I cut her off and stuffed my books in my bag, as my face burned brighter.

You’re crazy. She giggled. "In looove..."

I am not. Glinda was getting on my nerves.

Luckily the bell rang and saved me from another moment of her torment.

The rest of the day was pretty uneventful. I hadn’t seen Vincent for a while and Viktor was missing from the Turtle’s…i.e., Ms. Campbell’s class, once again. And even though I wasn’t sure how to feel about that, I felt a strange pang of something akin to remorse that Jason wasn’t here to bug me any longer.

It was weird.

I hadn’t known Jason Fletcher for that long before he went off the deep-end into batshit Crazyville, with a capital C. He had tried to do me in at the Timber Museum, also shot Ken, who was a police officer here in Forks and my mom’s latest and greatest squeeze. But regardless of that, I still kind-of missed him. Kirk on the other hand, Jason’s even crazier friend, who had quite a few screws missing, I could care less about. He was gone and all I could say to that was good riddance.

Of course, Vincent and Viktor’s overly sparkly sister Viola and her sidekick Cressida were still around to cause havoc in my life. They were both in class today but thankfully, for once, neither of them seemed to take notice I was here. They were too busy whispering and shoving notes back and forth during the movie.

Monday’s were quickly turning into my favorite day at school. I figured all the teachers must have hangovers because they either turned on movies or had us reading quietly as they sipped hot coffee or tea out of their glorified teacher mugs.

When the bell rang, I gathered up my books and put them in my messenger bag. My skin prickled and I looked up. Viola was starring right at me—so much for my momentary reprieve.

Cressida walked up, nudged her in the arm and only then did she turn away. Quickly, I lifted my bag over my shoulder and headed out the door before Viola shot me another one of her death dagger stares.

Rain came down so hard it bounced off the pavement, causing puddles to from in mass, and I somehow stepped in almost all of them. When I finally made it to my car my feet were drenched and so were the bottoms of my pants. Unlocking the door, I jumped inside and shut the door. Pulling off my drenched slicker, I pushed it over on the floor.

A group of kids passed in front of my window, twirling around with their hands up in the air—once again dancing in the rain.

What is with these people? I didn’t get it. On the east coast if it rained, everyone ran for cover, afraid of melting or something equally devastating. Here though, the kids seemed to embrace it, revel in it even, which was too weird to even contemplate the why’s behind it all.

Reaching forward, I turned the key and ole Peggy Sue, my mom’s piece of crap car, sputtered to life. Feathering the gas, I got the idle to drop back down to normal and pulled slowly out of the lot. The wipers squeaked loudly on the windshield slapping buckets of rain off the glass.

It was almost dark by the time I got home. It wasn’t late though, it only seemed that way because of the torrential rain.

Throwing the car in park, I killed the engine. Leaning over, I grabbed my coat off the floor. Get the Funk Out, by Extreme blasted from my phone as I sat back up. It was my new ringtone. Reaching in my bag, I pulled out my phone and stared at the name that flashed up on the screen. I contemplated answering it but after the third chorus, I chickened out. Instead, I hit silent, shoved my phone back into my bag, and climbed from the car. I slammed the door shut. The heavy rain beat down against me, spurring me to move but the fine hairs on the back of my neck stood up. I had the weirdest feeling someone was watching me.

Instinctively, I looked across the yard to the tree line. In the dense foliage, I could swear I saw someone watching me. Lighting cracked and I jumped. My bag slipped from my shoulder. Reflexively, I made a grab for it before it landed in the puddle at my feet. I was too late. Pulling up my wet bag, I looked quickly back toward the tree line, but whoever I thought I’d seen was now gone.

two

Pulling off my slicker, I hung it on the hook by the door along with my wet book bag. Water dripped down on the striped rug as I kicked off my wet sneakers.

Amber, is that you? Mom called from the kitchen.

I tensed. Who else would it be? I hated when Mom asked me obvious questions like that. Yep, it’s me. Big surprise, I mumbled under my breath as I slipped across the floor to the kitchen, leaving a trail of water in my wake.

I stopped in the doorway. Mom was all dolled up. Now I knew why she asked if it was me, she probably thought I was Ken.

Why are you so wet?

Seriously? It’s raining out, Mom, like buckets, in case you hadn’t noticed.

What’s with the attitude? She frowned at me.

Sorry. I exhaled, feeling bad for being so short with her. It wasn’t her fault I was so wet. I’m just tired and I want to get out of these. I plucked at my sopping clothes.

Didn’t you have fun at school today? She washed out a wine glass and set it on the towel she had laid out on the counter beside the sink. I noticed there was an empty wine bottle in the trash. No wonder she was so chipper. She probably had a buzz.

Mom, I sighed. School isn’t fun.

Well, of course it isn’t. She waved her hand dismissively in the air. You are there to learn, not socialize.

Yeah, so I’ve been told, I mumbled under my breath thinking of how the teacher called me out earlier for talking with Glinda.

What was that?

Nothing. I walked past her and grabbed a can of ginger ale out of the fridge. I shut the door and popped the tab.

Well hurry up and get changed, she said. Ken is coming to get us soon.

The can was halfway to my mouth… Wait…what? I lowered my soda and set it on the counter.

Don’t you remember? She crossed her arms and started tapping the toe of her patent leather pump on the linoleum.

Remember what?

We’re going out to dinner?

No. I shook my head. You didn’t tell me. That was the last thing I felt like doing tonight.

Come on Amber, we talked about this… She gave me her staple hairy eyeball.

Can’t I stay home? I coughed and sniffed, playing like I was coming down with something.

No. You can’t, she said, and opened the cabinet door and pulled something out. Take two of these and you’ll feel better in no time. She tossed the box to me.

I caught it and made a face at the box of cold medicine. My shoulders slumped in defeat. Okay. I turned to leave.

Amber, wear something decent, she called after me.

Where are we going again? I had no idea, probably because she forgot to tell me in the first place.

Ken’s taking us into Port Angeles.

I pulled up short. Why?

We’re meeting his family for dinner.

Why are we meeting his family?

Amber. She rolled her eyes.

What?

I think he wants to see, you know… Her brows lifted to her hairline.

No. I didn’t know but right now, I didn’t care either. Who are we meeting, exactly?

His sister, her husband, and their kids, I think. She chewed on her lip, looking freaked by the prospect.

What about his parent’s?

Amber! Mom screeched.

I flinched. What?

His parents are no longer with us. She gave me a reprimanding stare.

OH! Sorry. Funny, I didn’t remember hearing that. What happened to them?

Amber we already discussed this. She rolled her eyes in exasperation.

Did we? I didn’t think so. Fine, all right. I started toward the stairs. Where are we eating?

Where else, she said coming to stand in the doorway. She ran her hands nervously down the sides of her conservative black dress slacks and red sweater twinset. She was even wearing her pearls. Bella Italia.

I should have guessed, I mumbled dejectedly and stepped up on the stair.

What was that? She crossed her arms and lifted her brow.

Yummy! I faked my exuberance as I climbed the stairs to my room to get changed.

The ride to Port Angeles was interesting to say the least. Ken drove his squad car and Mom rode shotgun while I was shoved in the back seat behind the bulletproof glass partition.

I felt like a criminal.

I couldn’t even hear what they were saying. Ken kept glancing in the rearview mirror, smiling, and even gave me an encouraging thumbs up. I slumped further down in the seat and stared out the window at my own reflection since it was too dark to see anything else.

When the lights to Port Angeles came into view, surprisingly my stomach grumbled. At least I would get to eat something. Ken backed up into a handicapped space right in front. I groaned and slumped further down in the seat, hoping, no, praying, that no one would see me get out of the back of the car. Unfortunately, I wasn’t that lucky.

Ken opened the door for Mom and then opened my door. As I stepped out, just about everyone in the restaurant was looking out the big glass window right at me.

Great.

I shoved my hands in my pockets and stepped behind Mom who was waving excitedly to someone inside the restaurant.

How was that, kiddo? Ken reached forward and ruffled my hair.

I batted his hand away. It was interesting.

He frowned and pulled his hand back. You didn’t like riding in the back? He tugged on his jacket. I thought you’d get a kick out of it. His brows creased more.

I felt another pang of guilt. Between him and Mom, I was getting used to feeling bad for something. Nah, it was fine. I smoothed my hand down over my hair.

Don’t get to do that too much do you? Ken beamed.

Nope. I forced a smile. You got me there.

Just you wait, he said happily, and zipped up his leather bomber jacket. If you play your cards right, on the ride home I’ll even switch on the lights and siren for you, too.

Oh, God, NO! NO! Great. I gulped and my stomach dropped down to my feet. Maybe I would get lucky and get food poisoning. That way I could lay down in the backseat while I puked, or even better, maybe I would get carried off in an ambulance. At least no one could see me except for the EMT’s. I was shooting for food poisoning.

Bella Italia was surprisingly crowded for a Monday night and it made me wonder if it was always like this cuz the food was so good or if there was something going on. By the look of the happy patrons it was the former and unfortunately, food poisoning didn’t look like a viable option at this rate. We were ushered into a room in the back and sat at a big round table with a little reserved t-pee in the center. I took off my jacket and handed it off to Mom before she freaked.

How do I look? She fluffed her hair.

You look great, Mom.

I do, don’t I.

I tensed. There it was again—I wasn’t sure if she was asking me a question or making a statement. ‘Yes, you do, I said just to be on the safe side.

Two booster seats were shoved up to the table. Great, just what I needed, little kids. Humphrey, my Dad’s kid had sucked all the happy kid stuff from me since he was such a brat. Maybe I would get lucky and the kids would be too little to talk. I could totally deal with bubble-blowing-gurgling babies.

This is nice, isn’t it? Mom, said, as she lifted a cloth napkin and set it in her lap.

Yeah, it’s great.

Doesn’t it smell delicious? She inhaled deeply and wiggled in her seat like an excited kid.

Yeah, I said honestly because it really did.

Ken ambled up to the table with drinks from the bar, handed off a glass of wine for Mom, and then placed a drink in front of me with three little cherries bobbing in the top. I got you a Shirley Temple, with extra cherries. He beamed.

Gee, thanks. Begrudgingly I smiled a little, albeit a forced one. I wasn’t ten.

Ken pulled out a chair and sat beside Mom. He reached forward, grabbed a breadstick from the silver cup in the center of the table, and began munching on it.

How much longer, I complained. I was suddenly starving.

Ow. Mom kicked me from under the table. I rubbed my leg. I’ll just eat one of these, I said and grabbed a breadstick. It wasn’t warm or anything. It was hard like the ones you get from the store in a box, but it was better than nothing. I nibbled on it while Mom and Ken conversed about who knew what. I wasn’t really paying attention.

The heat from all the bodies in the room and the dim light was making me sleepy. I took a sip of my Shirley Temple and was surprised to find it actually tasted pretty good. I stabbed the cherries with the little swizzle stick, trying to drown them. The place had a nice ambiance at night. White linen cloths covered the tables and a small candle with a vase of red carnations dotted each top, along with silver cups that held breadsticks.

Ken brushed the breadcrumbs off his sweater. To us, he said and lifted his glass.

To us, Mom said, making googly eyes at him and tapped her glass against his, which made a clinking sound. It was really sweet but it was uncomfortable to watch. I wasn’t sure why I even needed to be here.

Ken took a long pull from his drink and Mom gulped down half her glass of wine. I hoped his family got here soon since I was pretty sure she had been drinking before we even left the house. And who knew what Ken was drinking. I could tell by the color his drink had a bit more kick to it. I suddenly wished I could have what he was having.

Mom leaned forward and played kissy face with Ken. I inwardly groaned and shoved another breadstick in my mouth. With little interest, I watched some people seated behind a lattice partition with fake leafy vines intertwined. A girl with big pillowy lips leaned forward and said something to whomever she was with. Absently, I pushed out my lips, wishing mine looked that good. A hand reached out across the table and grabbed hold of hers. By the size, I knew it was a guy’s hand….with long fingers, like a piano player or musician…my stomach dropped like I had a lead weight inside and my heart sped up.

Tracy, Steven, Ken said loudly, welcoming his family to the table as he shoved his chair back and stood up.

I couldn’t turn my head away like I knew I should. Without looking obvious, I leaned forward, trying to see…to get a better view. The girl reminded me of Sandy, she was Clarke’s sister who also worked at Thriftway. Per Kirk, she was seeing Viktor or Vincent before she supposedly disappeared. I looked again but all I could see was the overly abundant foliage on the lattice that blocked my view of the other table.

It couldn’t be her though….could it?

Look alive, Amber, Mom hissed in my ear and squeezed my arm a little too hard.

Rubbing my sore arm, I reluctantly turned around. My heart was pounding a mile a minute. I remembered what Kirk said about Sandy—that she was seeing one of the Roth’s. Could that hand belong to Viktor? It certainly looked like his hand. Just thinking about it made me feel sick—even though I didn’t have any right to feel that way. I tried to look again. Mom jerked my arm so hard I had to stand up.

Suddenly all I could see was a tan raincoat. I looked up into the smiling gray eyes of the man I had seen in Thriftway—the pervert. "Sh—t!"

Amber, Mom warned.

Sorry, I mumbled and dropped my gaze to the table.

Mommy, whined a little girl with dark curls as she bounced in place. I recognized her as well. It was the little candy grabber, Suzie, with Ken’s apparent sister, her mother, who was the woman from Thriftway, too. She put two blonde twin boys in the booster seats as Ken lifted Suzie up and sat her in the other chair. He limped around the table and said something to his sister, who was giving me a strange look as he pointed towards me. I knew Ken was talking to me but for the life of me I couldn’t understand what he was saying. I forced a smile and nodded my head. Nice to meet you, I muttered stupidly and sat back down.

Luckily a waiter showed up and saved me from having to say anything else. The waiter took the drink orders and everyone settled around the table. I couldn’t stop thinking about the hand I’d seen. I’ve got to use the bathroom, I whispered to Mom and tried to stand.

Not now, she mumbled out of the side of her mouth as she forced a smile in the direction of Ken’s sister.

But…

Amber, I’m warning you…

Fine, I exhaled and sat back in my chair. Little Suzie was eyeing me from across the table. I gave her a small smile. She smiled back, revealing two really pointy teeth. A shiver of unease slid over me and I jerked my gaze away from her. I turned around and Steven was giving me a curious look. My skin prickled. I was finding it hard to take a breath. Every time I tried to see through the partition, Steven moved and blocked my view. It was as if he was doing it on purpose. Another shiver of unease slid over me. I didn’t know why, but he gave me the creeps. Not having any alternative, I leaned forward and grabbed another breadstick.

Mommy…me want a breadstick, Suzie screeched and pounded her chubby fists on the table.

I felt like throwing mine at her, just so she would shut up.

The Dad, Steven, started talking Football with Ken, thank God! And luckily, Tracy, Ken’s sister, was trying to engage Mom in some discussion about books. Easing back, I tried to slip from my chair but as soon as I moved big mouth Suzie beat on the table and caught me.

Where you going? she asked in a small voice. She couldn’t have been over five years old but her eyes looked much older, like she had seen things, things I couldn’t even imagine. As soon as I thought that, I felt stupid. She was just a kid, after all.

Nowhere, I muttered and sat forward.

You a funny girl. She threw her head back and giggled. The sound reminded me of a crazy kids laugh from a horror movie and not surprisingly it had a similar effect—it scared the crap out of me.

Two hours later, everyone was putting on their coats and getting ready to leave while Ken paid the bill. Finally, I was free to take a look behind the partition. Acting nonchalant, I walked over and looked on the other side, but the table was now empty.

three

Thankfully, Ken must have forgotten about the lights and siren thing and I got to sit in the back of the car in blessed silence for the ride home. Once inside the house, I made a beeline for the stairs.

Amber, Mom called.

I stopped in mid-step, halfway up the stairs. Yeah, I called over my shoulder.

Haven’t you forgotten something?

Dangit! What now? I turned around and gave her a questioning look.

She pursed her lips and tilted her head toward Ken. He had his head down, looking at his phone. Oh right. Thanks, Ken. Dinner was great.

Ken looked up at me and smiled. I’m glad you liked it. He put his phone away in his pocket. What did you think of Suzie? His eyes lit up. She’s a real cutie isn’t she?

Oh, yeah, she is, I agreed. A real pain in the butt is what I wanted to say, but didn’t.

What did you think of dinner?

Um, it was really good. What did he want? An award or something? It was just dinner.

I’m glad you liked it. He stood there not saying anything.

I exaggerated a yawn and stretched my arms. I really need to get some shut eye. School and all, I said lamely.

Oh right. Well goodnight. Sleep tight.

Yep, thanks. Goodnight. I ran up the stairs before either of them could stop me.

Shutting my door quickly, I locked it and leaned against the wood. What the heck was that about?

I shook my head and walked across my room. I was going to take a shower but decided against it. I didn’t want to chance running into Ken in the bathroom, again. A chill hung in my room and I shivered. Once again, my window was open. I frowned and crossed over to it. Reaching up, I grabbed the window and froze.

Someone was standing on my balcony.

I wasn’t sure what to do. Scream for Ken or run from my room…surprisingly I did neither. Instead, stupidity reared its ugly head and I pushed my window open wider. Cold air slapped me in the face. The shadowed form stepped into the light and my breath caught.

Why didn’t you answer my call?

Vincent? I couldn’t believe he was on my balcony.

That’s my name. He smiled but it didn’t reach his eyes.

How—what are you doing here? I finally found my voice and was surprised at how calm I sounded.

I climbed your tree.

With what…your good looks? That sounded so lame, I couldn’t believe I even said it.

I knew it. He laughed a little.

What?

You do think I’m good-looking. He turned more fully towards me.

I frowned at the spindly looking tree by my balcony. The limbs were at least ten feet off the ground.

Amber, I used a ladder, he said as if he was reading my thoughts.

Where did you get a ladder? I gave him a look filled with a hefty amount of disbelief.

I brought my own.

Yeah right, I scoffed. What did you do, carry it on your back?

Yeah, he laughed again. Something like that.

I noticed he avoided answering my question. You can’t be here, I said, trying to keep my voice low.

Why not? His brows creased.

Um, it’s late and … I didn’t have an answer—at least not a good one.

I needed to talk to you and you haven’t answered my calls. He seemed mad.

I couldn’t. I was at dinner, I lied.

Before you left for dinner… He gave me a look like he knew I was lying.

Were you in my woods? I blurted stupidly.

Nah. He gave me a strange look. I just got here a few minutes ago.

Fine, I conceded even though I wasn’t too sure I believed him. What’s so important?

I just needed to talk to you. He shrugged.

What about? I wasn’t sure why I asked. I really didn’t want to know. Shivering, I wrapped my arms around my stomach.

You want me to come inside, so we can talk? He took a step closer.

No. I shook my head and took a reflexive step back. Mom might hear you, I said quickly. I think she’s got bat hearing, I said to cover.

She’s not the only one.

I did a double take. What did you say?

I said she’s not the only one.

What’s that supposed to mean? I demanded, feeling a surge of irritation.

Whoa, Tiger. He held up his hands. I was only kidding.

I felt like a jerk. Just give me a sec and I’ll come out. I walked over to my closet and grabbed my dad’s heavy sweater I stole from the Goodwill box and pulled it over my head. My Kermit the frog hat was on the hook from a trip to Disney World last year. Not caring, I pulled it on and walked out of my closet.

Vincent had his back turned when I reached the window. Taking a breath, I climbed out onto my balcony. The little beach chair I had sat in when Viktor went M.I.A. was still there with the umbrella attached.

He turned and smiled. Nice hat.

Not really, but it’s warm.

No. Really. I like it. The green suits you.

Yeah, funny. I pulled my sleeves over my hands. It was even colder out now. A bone-chilling dampness hung in the air from all the rain. Aren’t you cold, I asked, shivering again.

Nah. See. Before I could stop him, he grabbed my hands in his warm ones. It felt good—the warmth. He stared down at me. We were really close to each other but it wasn’t like before. I began to feel strangely unsettled. I tugged my hands away and pulled my sweater back over my fingers.

What did you need to talk to me about? I hadn’t seen him since the day in my field after the incident with Jason. Well, that wasn’t true. I also saw him on a regular basis in my dreams. No matter how my dream started, somehow Vincent made his way into them, which started to freak me out. My dreams, that is, not him….well, maybe him too, I amended. Taking a breath, I held it….waiting….

Amber, I… His expression seemed pained like he was going to tell me something…bad.

I expelled my breath and backed up a step. Maybe we should talk later, I heard myself saying. I lifted my hand to my ear. I think I hear Ken. That, of course, was a giant lie. I didn’t hear anything but my own heart raging out of control.

Amber, Amber, Amber… He shook his head back and forth. What am I going to do with you?

Ah… let me just…check… I didn’t finish. I jumped over the ledge of my window and ran across my room. In record time, I had my door unlocked and opened. I poked my head out. What? I faked called, keeping my voice low. Be right there.

I turned back around half expecting him to be standing in my room but he wasn’t. I ran back across to the window and poked my head out. Vincent, I got to … I didn’t finish my sentence because I didn’t need to. He was already gone.

four

It took me a long time to get to sleep; frankly, when my alarm went off, I was surprised that I had fallen asleep at all. After Vincent’s speedy exit last night, I locked my window and shut my curtains. When I climbed in bed, I stared at my phone for a really long time, waiting for the inevitable ring but it never came—Vincent never called.

After I got ready for school, I made my way downstairs. The lights were out which was a good indicator mom was still asleep. Unlocking the door, I opened it up and looked outside.

Ken was already gone.

Shutting the door, I made my way to the kitchen and started a pot of coffee. While it brewed, I grabbed some bread and made a quick PB&J for my lunch, then tossed it into a baggy. Opening the drawer, I pulled out the wax paper, and wrapped up my sandwich and slid it into a plain brown paper bag. Mom had some pretzels she liked to nibble on when she read, so I tossed a few of them in a plastic bag and added them to my lunch.

A breakfast bar was in the drawer. I pulled it out and opened the wrapper. Mechanically, I took a bite and chewed it without even really tasting it. My mind was on other things. Like what Vincent wanted to talk to me about. I knew I would have to hear it sooner rather than later. The problem with that was I didn’t know if I wanted to hear what he had to say, especially if it had anything to do with Viktor. What did that say about me?

Would I rather know the truth or be like Mom and ignore the entire thing, hoping it would somehow go away. That I might somehow forget I saw him counting Red Hots the night Jason was shot. That he wasn’t a Vampire. Of course, I really had no proof and everything in me balked at the absurdity of it all. I wasn’t one of those people. I didn’t believe in Vampires, Elves, Witches, Ghosts, or even Werewolves. And even though there were plenty of people that would attest they did indeed exist, Jason, Kirk, and Lucky included,