Wicked Innocence (NaNo 2010) Chapter 2

2

I sat alone on a log, alone, gripping the beer cup. I watched as Mariah danced, apparently having the time of her life. I was bored, and ready to go home. I put the still full cup on the ground next to my feet, careful to not kick it over. I kind of want to dance, I kind of want to go up and kiss Chase. I wanted to go home and sleep.

I didn’t exactly know what I wanted.

“Hey.” It was a low male whisper under the music, mean only for me. I looked around. It had come from a shadowy area, so I looked around slowly getting off the log.

“Yes?” I asked in as low of a voice, “are you talking to me?”

“Yes.” The voice said again, “come here.” So I did. It probably wasn’t my brightest moment.

I heard the flick of the flint of a light, and a bright orange flame popped up against a pale face. The boy smiled slowly, meanly, and I felt my heart race. He pressed his lips to mine, dropping the lighter.

I tried to scream, I really did. But his arms found away around my waist.

“Scream, and I’ll make this hard for you.” He whispered in my ear. I stayed silent, my brain going into overdrive. I had to get out, and I had to get out fast.

Then the fire started.

I could hear the flames crackle through the dry grass. He froze for a second, and let me go. I took the opportunity to run.

I couldn’t see Mariah, and as the fire was on my heels, I couldn’t wait. I began to exit the woods the way we came, sprinting up the narrow path.

“Leah!” it was Chase, calling my name. He motioned be over to an old a silver Toyota. I ran over to him, grateful to see a semi stranger.

“Have you seen Mariah?” I asked, pushing my hair from my eyes.

“She left with Austin.” I looked around, her car wasn’t there.

“Great.” I muttered, “my purse was in there.” Chase looked at me.

“Come on,” he said, “I’ll drive you home.” I didn’t even protest, just slid into the car.

The atmosphere in his car was tight and tense. I stared out the window as he drove, occasionally telling him to turn.

“Wow.” Was all Chase said. We were surrounded by mansions, all with a different type of glory.

“Yeah.” I said. “Big houses.”

“You’re pretty non-chalant.” Chase said, look at me for a second.

“Well, I just kinda wanna go to bed. Mine that castle-esque house at the end.” I said, turning to look at him. He pulled out a sharpie and wrote his number on the back of my hand. Brave. Bold. I smiled at the silver writing and back up at him.

“Thanks, you know, for the ride.” I said, zipping up my jacket. Chase smiled as well, his lovely smile.

“Anytime. Call me when, and I’ll be your personal taxi service.” He said. I laughed.

“That’s sweet,” I said, “but not needed. See you around.” Then I got out of his car, and shut the door, watching as he reversed. Then I dashed up the stairs, having to knock gently on the door.

“Where were you?” My mother voice is tight with anger. She’s trying not to explaode, as if the press was in the house as she talked.

“I went out with Mariah.” I said. Partial lie. My mother crossed her bony arms over her flat stomach.

“Leah Anne Dover, where were you?” Her voice became cool and calm, like it did before she yelled at me.

“A kegger in the woods behind Hamilton High?” I asked meekly. As if this was a test.

“Leah Anne Dover!” My mother yelled. I could see the blue vein pop out of her forehead. Attractive, “you were drinking beer? With boys? In the woods? Young lady, only sluts go into the woods with boys at night.”

“Of course, mother.” I said quietly.

“To your room, Leah! It’s after 2 AM.” I began to go up the narrow, twisted staircase. I opened the door to my room, and almost ripped off the sweat and dress, both which reeked of smoke.

I got into my bed, and tried to fall asleep. I couldn’t. There was the sound of rocks hitting my window. I grabbed a shirt from my bedroom floor, pulled it on and opened my window. Without warning my clutch came flying at my face. I grabbed it, whispering down a ‘thank you.’ Then I returned to my bed, pulling out my phone.

I programmed in Chase number, texting him a simple ‘Leah’ so he knew it was me. I covered my head, clutching my phone to my chest. So many things had happened. I remembered the feeling of the boys slimy lips on mine and shuddered. That had been disgusting.

Then I remembered Chase, how our eye colour was the exact same green and I smiled to myself.

My phone buzzed in my hand, and I looked at the text message.

Actually, ur gorgeous. It was Chase. I giggled quietly to myself, but didn’t reply. I really needed some sleep.

The blankets were pulled from over my head, and I woke up.

“morning.” I muttered to whoever it was.

“Grounded, Leah Anne. Grounded for a week.” It was my mother, who had finally thought of a suitable punishment. That was my mother’s idea of punishment. Being grounded meant I couldn’t leave the house, and that was about it. I could have friends over, talk on my phone whatever; I just couldn’t leave the house.

“A week?” I asked, “how fitting, mother.” I kept the sarcasm out of my voice. My mother left my room, slamming the door behind me. I removed my phone from where I had it pressed against my chest.

I reread Chase’s text again, blushing. Then I sat up, putting my phone on the pillow next to me.

I got dressed quickly, and opened my door, to see Mariah there, her hair pulled into a ponytail, wearing all black. She was wearing Gucci sunglasses. She was hungover.

“Turn on the news.” Was all she said. We both ran down the stairs as fast as we could.