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Unmistakable

“Catarina Delani Eline! You only have twenty minutes, Chiquitita! Rapido!
Rapido,” My mother called from the bottom of our grand, twirling staircase. I always
loved it when she used her Spanish accent. I laughed to myself and walked to the mirror.
My summer-tanned skin was perfect. My chocolate brown hair hung to the small of my
back in flawless curls. My designer jean shorts and blouse hugged my body, showing
every curve. I smiled and watch my deep blue eyes twinkle. It’s official. I’m perfect.

I grabbed my binder that has “Carter” (my nickname) printed on the front and
shoved it into my new Nordstrom backpack.

My first year as a junior. My stomach twisted in fright. I shook my head for how
silly I was being when my custom pink blackberry vibrated. I clicked the green button and
pulled it to my ear.

“We’re here Carter!” One of my best friends, Jonnie shouted from the other end
of the phone. I pressed the end button and put the phone in my back pocket. I threw out
a small scream and slung my backpack over my shoulder. I ran down the staircase, across
my huge house, and out the front door to Jonnie’s Hummer.

I slid into the back with my other two best friends Tori Borren and Colleen
Dekarrie. Tori was pulling back the sides of her pin-straight dirty blonde hair and had a
barrette between her teeth.

“Hey, CarCar.” She managed to say through her clenched teeth.

“Hey!”

Colleen laughed, shaking out her mahogany waves. Her emerald eyes were
glistening with excitement.

“Shut up you guys. How do I look?” Jonnie asked at a red light. Even though she
was a snob, she could be a great friend sometimes. Her light blonde curls were pulled into
a side ponytail that almost reached her elbow and her green eyes were surrounded by the
perfect amount of mascara and eyeliner. She looked—
“Gorgeous!” We all blurted out. Jonnie flashed her brilliant perfect, white smile
and turned back around in the front seat. She checked her hair in the side view mirror and
the car continued moving.

I stroked the black leather of the seat, deep in thought.

I’m popular, I’ve got nothing to worry about. This year will be perfect. The junior year is
always a great one in movies, right?

I took a deep breath and nodded to my self. All of a sudden, Colleen grabbed my
hand, pulling me out of the car. I faced the huge San Diego High School, fright filling
my body.

“Uh, Carter?” Colleen asked, still holding my wrist. I turned my head to look into
her confused eyes. “You’re shaking like an old lady.” She finished. I laughed and pulled
my wrist from her hand.

“Get into formation.” I said. We four walk to our positions, forming a diamond.
Of course, I am the front tip. We walked through the open doors, smiling at every boy
with their mouths gaped open.

We walked to our lockers, which are all in a row. (Thanks to Jonnie’s rich
parents.) Tim Lank, Danny Shinglen, and a mysterious hunk were all taking books out of
their lockers. Tim and Danny are our best guy friends from last year. I smiled at the new
guy and flipped my hair.

He smiled back, with out interest. His smile took me off guard. It was crooked
and…and…sexy. And familiar?

“Hey Tim, Danny.” The guy’s smiled at me and continued gathering their books.
Tori, Colleen, and Jonnie were all already on their way to class.

“See ya later, CarCar.” They all said in unison, walking to their first class. I
groaned at the fact that they left me alone with the new boy. Tim and Danny walked away,
talking about football.

“Hi. I’m Carter Eline. It’s nice to meet you!” I held out my perfectly manicured
hand. He looked up into my eyes and we froze there. His pitch black eyes had a depth to
them. One that seemed like happiness, another that seemed like sadness. His eyes made
me want to wind my slim, tan arms around his wide, muscular body and hold him
forever.

“Actually, I’m Jake. Jake Reynolds. We were best friends ‘til the fifth grade, then I
moved and…” Before I could think, I flung myself into his arms. He was…hot.
Temperature wise of course, but also physically. It was definitely above normal though.
Hmm…maybe he had a fever.

I gave him a full-teethed smile, pulled away from him, but kept his hand in mine.
And he didn’t try to pull away.

“Are you feeling ok? You’re hot. I mean not like that. Oh! Don’t get me wrong,
you’re very handsome it’s just—sorry.” He laughed and touched his dirty blonde hair that
had a bit of a spike at the front. It drew my attention back to his eyes. Which I was sure
were green the last time I saw him.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks for asking. Well, see you around Carter.” I rocked on my
heels and waved as he walked away. I slung my backpack, now full of books, over my
shoulder and walked—well stumbled--to math class.

My first two periods passed in a drag and the whole time all I could think about
were Nick’s confusing, beautiful eyes.

I quickly gathered my books when the bell rang, to go to lunch. Josh, a skinny,
pale boy with freckles and glasses tapped my shoulder with his bony fingers.

“Um…hi Catarina!” He pushed his glasses up his nose and continued, “You look
very bewitching today by the way. I was wondering I’m free not this Saturday or the next
Saturday, but the next one, so I was wondering if you wanted to catch that movie…um…
How to Eat Fried Worms?”

“Hey Josh. I’m sorry, I can’t. My cousins are visiting that week. I gotta go. Bye!” I
rushed off out the door when Jake caught me by the arm. His warm touch was like static
electricity flowing through my veins.

“Would you like to walk to lunch with me?” I nodded, speechless. He smiled and
dropped his hand from my forearm. He led me to the cafeteria, never keeping our
shoulders more then an inch apart.

Tim, Danny, Colleen, Tori, Jonnie, Jake and I went through the lunch line and sat
at a table together.

“CarCar. We hanging out today?” Jonnie asked, picking at her salad. “Yeah. Hey
do you guys wanna come over and swim?” They all nodded. Jake was sitting next to me
with his hand facing up to ceiling. I was so tempted to place my hand in his; instead I
took a bite of my pizza.

I felt a warm hand slip into the front pocket of my shorts and I tried not to
squirm. I could feel the heat from his skin through the denim.
He pulled his hand from my pocket and continued to talk casually to Tim. I felt
my cheeks heat up and Colleen was staring at me with confusion. I gave her a weak smile,
threw my lunch away, and practically ran to the bathroom. The second the big, wooden
door closed, I dug into my pocket, pulling out a note.

Carter,

We need to talk. ~Jake

I smiled and stuffed the paper back into my pocket. I took slow steps to my
locker, only watching my feet. Silly me ran into Jake.

“You wanted to talk?” I asked. He smiled impishly and nodded. I felt a small
hand grab the crease of my elbow and I was pulled away before Jake could say anything.

“Why are you flirting with the new guy? I kinda want him.” Tori said,
complaining. I laughed and reminded her, “You have a boyfriend. He’s right over there.” I
pointed to Tim and continued, “You see him? The one with brown hair, brown eyes, and
a terribly heart breaking smile? Yeah that’s him.” She laughed and slapped my shoulder.
“I know! I know! I was kidding! Tim is my beau.” I laughed, half in jealousy, half in
happiness for Colleen. I may be beautiful, but I’ve never been able to find a good
boyfriend who wants me for me. All the guys I’ve dated only liked me for my looks.

“Okay well I gotta go to Trig, but I’ll be at your house after school. See ya
CarCar.” I waved to Colleen and walked to biology.

A small yawn escaped my lips as I sat down at an empty table. I pulled my hair
to one side and watched Mr. Lemmener pass of sheets of what we’d be learning this year.
I played with one of my curls, not paying attention to someone sitting down next to me.

“Carter.” He breathed out. I turned to look into Jake’s black eyes. I smiled and
bit my lip.

“I remember that every time we hung out, half of that time I watched you do
you’re hair. You know that you were the one who taught me how to braid. And I’ll sadly
add you also taught me how to French braid. I’m probably the only guy who can do that
in this school.” I laughed and shrugged.

“Well now you have something to brag about.” He ran his fingers through his
hair and smiled. Something inside me turned, watching him smile.

“Attention class!” Mr. Lemmener shouted. I turned my head to him, but kept my
eyes on Jake. Mr. Lemmener droned on for the next hour and I almost sang in happiness
when the bell rang.
I gathered my things and walked to my locker, with Jake at my side. “So are you
coming to my house after school? My pool is indoor, so no need to worry about
burning!” As soon as the last sentence left my mouth, I wanted to slap myself. God, I’m
such a loser.

Jake chuckled and said, “Yeah, I’d love to.” I opened my locker and set my
books on the blue, metal shelf. I pulled my bag out and shut my locker.

“Can I give you a ride?” I asked. Jake smiled and said, “Yeah, sure.” I walked
out the front doors and stopped dead in my tracks. “Dammit. Sorry, give me a second.”
He nodded and went to sit on a bench.

I grabbed my phone from my pocket and saw a new message.

I already dropped of you’re car. I love you sweetie. And yes, you’re friends can come
over.

I smiled at my mom’s message and pulled my spare keys from my backpack. I


motioned for Jake to follow me. He stood up, with his hands in the pockets of his cargo
shorts.

I used the remote on my keys to unlock my blue Mustang Convertible. I slid in


the driver’s seat, onto the hot, black leather.

“Ow.” I said quietly, lifting my legs off the burning leather. Jake laughed and sat
in the passenger seat. I stuck my tongue out at him and turned the radio to a pop station.
I put the car in reverse, pulled out of the lot, and listened to Jake’s directions to his house.

My phone vibrated in the cup holder and I pulled it to my ear.

“Hello?”

“Carter Eline! Where are you? We’ve been waiting. Oh and Tim wants to know
if you know where Jake is ‘cause…. No way! You’re driving with him? You are! Oh I saw
the way you guys were looking at each other! Was it like love at first sight or something?”
Jonnie shouted. Jake had turned down the music, so he heard everything Jonnie had said.
He laughed and smiled.

I put down the top of the car at a red light and continued talking to Jonnie.

“Yes we’re driving together. Sorry I didn’t call, I kinda forgot. And Jake’s an old
friend. That’s why this is so sudden and all.” I heard Jonnie scoff in the background.

“Whatever you say CarCar. We’ll be at your house at three thirty. Love ya, bye!”
“Kay, bye!”

I hung up and put the phone back in the cup holder. “Sorry about that.” Jake
ran his tongue along his upper lip and shrugged. “No problem. Oh it’s this house with
the red truck.” I pulled up to a cute average house and looked into Jake’s eyes.

“Oh come here.” He said opening his arms. I climbed across the gearshift and
the cup holders into his arms. I laid my head against his chest and sighed.

“I’ve missed you so much, Jakee.” His laugh sounded strange and somewhat
shaky with my ear to his chest. “I’ve missed you too Carter.” I looked at him and nodded,
waiting for him to correct himself. “Fine. I’ve missed you too Caree.” I giggled. “Thank
you.” He looked at me and whispered, “Anything for my best friend.” I wrapped my
arms around his neck and hugged him.

He pulled the handle and the door swung open. He stood up, still holding me
in his hot, muscular arms.

“Oh you finally got a girl did ya, Jakester?” A cute boy, probably two or three
years older then me, walked out of the house next Jake’s.

“Ricky, this is my best friend Carter.” Jake said. Jake set me down, but I kept my
elbow locked with his. He looked down at me and smiled. I bit my lip and looked away.

“Hmm. Good choice. She’s gorgeous.” Ricky said, holding out his hand. I
placed mine in his and he brought it to his lips. My eyes widened and Jake just laughed. I
slapped his shoulder and wiped my kissed hand on his shirt.

“Go grab a suit and I’ll drive you back to my house.” I said, pushing Jake to the
front door. He jogged in through the front door. I looked up to see unusual gray clouds. I
shrugged and felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked to Ricky and he was pulling me
toward his house.

“Why don’t you come to my house? Jake surely wouldn’t mind.” I pulled away
from Ricky and jumped over the door of my convertible. “No thanks. Oh Jake! Thank god
you’re here!” My heart relaxed when Jake appeared in the doorway. He smiled with what
looked like pleasure.

He ran and jumped over the door of the car, landing in the passenger seat. I
stomped on the gas pedal and sped until we hit the highway.

“Did Ricky invite you in?” I choked out a laugh and asked, “How did you
know?” Jake set his hand on mine, the one that was rested on the gear shift, and said, “He
does it to all the beautiful girls that come by.” My face heated up and looked into Jake’s
newly black eyes. They were filled with an emotion that I couldn’t recognize. All the
beautiful girls that come by? I guess Jake is a busy man. My heart dropped a little. “Thank
you.” I whispered, turning to look back at the road.

I pulled through my driveway that circled around a huge garden island. Jake’s
mouth popped open.

“Ohmygod. Your house is...gigantic!” I laughed and got out, tossing Jeremy, our
valet man, my keys. Jake jumped over the door again. “Can you show me around?” I
laughed, nodded, and took his hot hand.

We started out in my living room, which was techno themed and it sunk into
the floor. I took him through the kitchen, the game room, the library, and the dining
room. As we climbed the staircase Jake’s hand tightened around mine. I managed to keep
myself from looking to his eyes. We went to my parent’s bedroom, the bathroom, my little
sister, Ryann’s, room, and finally my room.

“Jeez, your room is bigger then you’re parents.” I laughed and shrugged
dropping his hand. I grabbed the remote to my plasma TV and threw it to Jake.

“Knock yourself out. I’m gonna go change.” Jake nodded. I grabbed my zebra
striped bikini and scurried to my big, white bathroom. I shed my clothes and slipped on
the bikini. I tied the neck string and looked at myself in the mirror.

My chestnut hair hung to the small of my back and the curls came undone
when I brushed it through. My four pack glowed with my tan. I smiled and pulled on a
see through, short, white cotton dress. I tied my hair in a bun and pinned my side bangs
up, to form a poof.

Jake had taken his shirt off and was sitting on my pink couch. His eyes widened
when he saw me and pleasure filled my heart. His body was spectacular. He had a full
eight pack and was perfectly toned and tan.

“You ready?” I asked, grabbing his hand. He nodded and followed me down the
stairs. We walked through the kitchen to the back glass doors that led to the indoor pool. I
pushed the doors open and admired the pool.

The whole room was an addition to the house when we decided that we wanted a
pool that could be used during any weather. All the walls were glass so we could see
outside and lounge chairs were set up around a snow cone machine and a huge stereo.

“What do your parents do for a living?” Jake asked in surprise. I laughed and said,
“My dad’s a doctor and my mom doesn’t work.” “Wow,” He whispered tracing his hand
along the stereo. I giggled and shouted, “Come on!” My words echoed through the large
room.

I pulled the cotton dress over my head and threw it on a chair. I drew the elastic
hair band from my hair and shook it out, keeping my back to Jake. I ran and dove
perfectly into the pool.

I came up from under the water and slicked my hair back, listening to Jake clap.

“Don’t act surprised! I have my fair share of talents.” I said, giggling. Jake laughed
and did a flip into the pool.

“Don’t even.” I told Jake when he came up. He chuckled and pulled himself out of
the pool, walking to the diving board. He climbed up, did a gymnast’s pose that made me
laugh, and he did a twirling dive.

“Don’t act surprised! I have my fair share of talents.” He said, mimicking me when
he came up.

“Hurry up!” I heard Jonnie call from the kitchen. Tim, Danny, Jonnie, Colleen,
and Tori walked through the door and threw their towels on a bench. Jonnie pulled her
iPod touch from her purse and plugged it into the stereo, blasting pop music.

“That’s more like it!” She yelled. Her hot pink, sparkly bikini complimented her
curves and her stick thin body. She did a quick three sixty and canon balled into the water.
Colleen, in a green leaf printed bikini, followed in after her, holding Tori’s hand, who was
in a yellow bikini.

Tim got on the diving board and slowly slid his shirt up his torso; exposing his
glorious six pack and muscles. Tori whistled and laughed. Tim held his arms up and
flexed his muscles, and then did a front flip.

Danny unbuttoned his beach shirt and flexed his muscles. He did a cartwheel back
flip into the pool. I saw Jonnie bite her lip and I immediately grabbed her arm, pulling
her out of the pool and into the locker room.

“You do not like Danny! Oh you do! Oh my god!” I yelled. Jonnie lightly slapped
my cheek and whispered, “Shut up! He’ll here you.” I ran my fingers through my wet hair
and asked, “Well, when are you going to ask him out?” Jonnie looked around the room,
as if looking for an answer. “Some time this week. I promise! Come on, let’s go!”

She pulled me back to the pool and we jumped in. After about four hours, Tim
and Danny announced that they had to leave.
Tori jumped out of the pool and strutted into Tim’s arms.

“I’ll call you tonight, Tor.” Tim said. She smiled and pecked his lips. She mouthed
“I love you.” And pushed him out the door. Danny dried his short blonde hair and waved
to Jonnie. She smiled and waved back.

“Mine and Colleen’s parents are having dinner tonight, but we’ll catch you later,
Carter. Bye!” Tori and Colleen walked out.

“Hey, you mind if I sleepover?” Jonnie asked, sitting on the side of the pool. “Um,
let me get my mom and I’ll be right back.” I said, climbing up the ladder to get out of
the pool. I wrapped a towel around my waist and pulled the door to the kitchen open.

“Mom! Mom?” I called through the house.

“I’m in my room!” She shouted. I made my way up the stairs and into my parents
fall themed room.

“Can Jonnie and Jake sleepover? I mean if he wants to. I didn’t exactly ask.”

“Jake? Why does that name sound familiar?” My mom asked, while putting in
earrings.

“Jake Reynolds. My best friend for most of elementary school.”

“Oh he’s back? That’s wonderful! They can both stay for the night, but you know
the drill.”

“Yes, mom. Always leave the door open, no smoking or drinking. I know!” Mom
smoothed out her silk red dress and kissed my cheek, leaving a red lipstick mark.

“Good. I’m going out with the girls tonight. I love you! Bye!” She said, already
half way down the stairs. “Bye Mom! I love you!” I said following her. “Oh and Ryann’s at
Kayla’s house! Your father’s working the night shift! Be responsible!” She shouted from the
front door, flipping her thick brown hair and leaving.

I walked through the kitchen and stopped. I pulled bananas, honey, sugar, milk,
and ice out and set it on the counter. Jonnie saw me through the glass doors and
motioned for Jake to follow her into the kitchen.

He wrapped a towel around his waist and followed Jonnie. She pulled open the
door and they joined me in the kitchen.
“You guys can sleep over. That is if you want to Jake.” I said, putting the split
banana into the blender. Jonnie sat down on one of the stools that matched the marble
island in the center of the kitchen. She clicked her silver painted nails on the marble and
leaned into the Jake who sat on the stool next to her. She whispered in his ear and I
watched his eyes widen.

“What?” I asked. “Nothing.” They both said, sharply. I cocked my head, but let it
go. I put the rest of the ingredients into the blender and started it.

“So do you want to stay?” I asked Jake. He smiled and said, “I’d love to. Let me
call my mom. I’ll be right back.” Jake walked out with his phone to his ear.

“What’d you tell him?” I asked as soon as Jake was out of sight. Jonnie smiled and
held up her hands in surrender. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I nodded and
gave her a fake smiled before saying, “I still have your striped Coach purse. I still have
bleach, too.” Her mouth popped open in shock. “You wouldn’t.” “On the contrary.” I said
matter-of-factly.

“Fine.” She said gruffly. I turned the blender off and as I was pouring a glass of
my banana smoothie I said, “Spill it.” Jonnie laughed. “He likes you. You like him. It’s
simple, really.” I was shocked. “But I never--” “You’re right. You never said you liked him.
And you don’t. You love him.” “I--”

Jake walked in and sat on the same stool. “If you’ll excuse us for a minute.” I said,
grabbing Jonnie’s hair and pulling her out into the living room.

“Ouch!” She yelped, yanking her hair from my grasp. “Who told you that? Jake
and I…we’re not…it’s not like that.” I claimed, sitting on the couch. “You’re an idiot.” She
clarified, looking out the huge front window. “Excuse me?” Jonnie rolled her eyes and
slapped me across the face. “Just seeing the way you look at him, the way he looks at you,
anyone could say you two are in love. And it’s true. But you, being a dumb ass, are too
afraid to admit. You’re too afraid to have your heart broken again. So you’re going to
blow your chances with the one guy who actually cares about you.”

“No guy cares.” I whispered, looking away. My eyes filled with tears. “Yes, men
are filthy pigs, but every now and then the good one comes along. The guy in that kitchen
is a good one. Don’t give him up just because of the past. He loved you even before you
became unbelievably gorgeous.” I laughed through my tears and sarcastically whispered,
“Thanks.”

“I love you Hon and I’m not going to let you pass up a chance at happiness.” I
blew my nose and asked, “What if it isn’t happiness? What if this is a chance at more
sadness?” “We all have to take risks in life. And if you’re right, then I’ll kick Jake’s amazing
ass to Hell.” My laugh came out shaky and I hugged Jonnie. “You’re the best JoJo.” She
smiled at her old nickname and shrugged. “I know. Now pretty yourself up and join us
when you’re ready.” I nodded and watched her get up.

I scurried to the bathroom and applied makeup, wiping any signs of tears away. I
pulled my, now dry, hair into a high ponytail and shook out all my joints.

Don’t lie to yourself Carter. You love him and you know it. Don’t fight it. You’ve loved
him since the first grade. Cole Shaymin was one of the dirty pig men. You need to forget about
him and focus on Jake, the good one. I told myself. I rubbed my eyes and took a deep
breathe before opening the door.

I checked my cell and gasped. I’d been in the bathroom for almost a hour and a
half.

The delicious smell of pasta filled the room and I saw that the kitchen was
dimmed. I took another deep breathe and walked toward the scent.

A vase that held a single red rose was placed in the center of the island. On each
side of the vase there was a vanilla cinnamon scented candle. I smiled and watched Jake’s
shirtless back stir the pasta.

“I hope you like Pasta A La Jakey.” I laughed and said, “Sounds delicious.” He
turned around to me and smiled, making my heart flip. He placed a plate on each side of
the island and went to wipe his hands on a towel.

“Let’s go put on some clothes. The dinner needs some time to cool down
anyway.” He grabbed a duffel bag from the dining room and went to the same bathroom
I came from.

I rushed to my room to find Jonnie watching Real World. There was a gorgeous
white strapless dress on my bed. It had black random circles on the bottom. The part
below the waist grew a little wider and the hem had black circles.

“Jonnie! Wait. Is this the dress? No way!” I yelled. She smiled and said, “It’s the
exact one she wore in the movie. In fact it is the one she wore in the movie. Am I
amazing or what?” “You’re far beyond amazing!” I shouted.

She smiled and pushed me into the bathroom. I stepped into the dress and came
out. Jonnie zipped up the back and sighed.

“A perfect fit. It must be nice to know you’re the exact same size as Miley Cyrus.”
She said. I laughed and shrugged. “I guess.” I pulled on a pair of black ballet flats.
“You are honestly the best. Thank you so much.” Hugged her and she said,
“Anytime.”

Jonnie quickly straightened my chlorine filled hair and pulled back my bangs.

“Beautiful.” She said when she finished applying my lip gloss. “Now go down
there and have fun.” She pushed me out into the hall way and locked the door.

I groaned and descended the staircase. Jake was waiting at the bottom with his
hand offered to me. I placed mine in his and was immediately shocked by how hot his
skin was, hotter then before. He smiled and sat me down on a stool. I bit my lip and my
eyes widened as I took in his appearance.

He was wearing black dress pants and a casual sky blue button-up. He smiled
again and sat down.

“Well…this is…new.” I finally said, adding giggle at the end. “Yes. New. But,
natural. Ya know?” He explained, before taking a bite of the pasta.

I nodded and took a bite. “Was Jonnie right?” “Well, everything she said was
true.” I ran her words through my head and asked, “Even about the part of how you…” I
trailed off. “Yes, even the part about how I love you. I do.” I looked at the pasta and a hot
finger appeared under my chin, pulling my face up.

“You know that I would never hurt you, right?” He asked. “I think so. My brain
knows it, but my heart…I’m just not sure. I’m not afraid of you hurting me. I’m more
afraid of hurting myself.” He nodded and placed his hand on my cheek. I burst out
laughing. I quickly caught myself and slapped my hand over my mouth.

“What?” He asked, dropping his hand. “I’m sorry. It’s just this is so intense. I feel
like I’m in a soap opera. Let’s just…cool off.” He chuckled and nodded in agreement.

We finished dinner and I put both our plates in the sink.

“Can I show you something? Jonnie is the only one who knows about this.” I
grabbed his hand and led him back out to the pool. I took him to the locker room and in
the very back, there was a shower. I pulled him in and there were elevator doors. I pushed
the button.

“Um…Carter I…” I laughed. “Just wait a second Jake.” The elevator doors opened
and we stepped in. The elevator went up and opened.
I smiled. The tower to the house was mine. I had my vanity and a hammock set
up. There was a computer and a stereo. But best of all the room was circular and all the
walls were glass.

“I come up here a lot when I’m going through things that I just don’t want to
deal with. I like to look at the stars and think.”

“Wow.” He let go of my hand and went to sit on the hammock. I began to follow
him, but something stopped me.

There was a sort of silver shimmer radiating from his body. It was quite strange. I
closed my eyes and shook my head. When I opened them, nothing had changed. I sat
next to him and looked into his pitch black eyes.

“This is where I came after you left. And after Kirk died. All the memories I had
of both of you were at the old house. When I moved here, all I had were my thoughts.
Nothing was familiar, but this room reminded me of the tree house you, Kirk, and I
always played in. I miss him, Jake.” He nodded and wiped a tear that escaped my eyes.

I looked down then my eyes wandered to his lips. He slowly bent his head and
our lips met. A powerful shock flowed through me and I fell to the ground, unconscious.

“Should we try to wake her up again?” Jonnie asked putting her hand to my
forehead. “No. Let her be.” Jake said firmly. “Her forehead is just getting warmer by the
minute. I’ll go get her a water bottle for when she wakes up.” Jonnie said. I could hear the
soft footsteps of her bare feet travel across the wood. The door let out a small creak as she
opened and stepped out into the hallway, pulling it shut behind her. I winced mentally at
the loud slam.

Jake placed his hand on my cheek and lightly pecked my forehead.

“I am so so sorry Carter. I didn’t know. I knew it was going to happen, but I


didn’t know who or how. I am sorry that I’m the monster who made you into this thing.”
What was he talking about? He grabbed my hand and kissed it.

“But, I promise that I’ll be here with you every step of the way. I remember it
being…painful. The transformation will be complete by the next full moon, which is in
five days. You have less time then I did. My last five days were terrible. They consisted of
a raging a fever, a terrible stomach ache and my eyes. Oh my eyes, they burned like…like
Hell. As well for my skin.”

I could feel a symbol of some sort being burnt into my hand. Jake lifted my limp
hand and breathed out, “Oh my god.”
The second his fingertips touched the burning skin my eyes jolted open. The light
from my fluffy, pink ceiling lamp was so bright. I slapped my hands over my eyes so
quickly, I wasn’t even ready for the actual slap.

“Jake? My eyes…” I felt myself being lifted from the bed and being cradled against
a warm chest. I tried to open my eyes once again, but the light was just too bright.

“Good lord, Jake. Please turn of the lights!”

“Right.” We walked to the light switch, then the windows until the room was fairly
dark.

“Thank you.” I slowly opened my eyes and blinked several times.

“Wow. It’s so strange not to see your beautiful blue eyes.”

What? What does he mean? “Excuse me?” I assumed he saw my expression and
set me down.

“See for yourself, but…” The moment I saw the endless black holes that covered
the used to be blue in my eyes, I screamed and passed out.

“Carter? Carter? Carter!” Jonnie’s voice screamed.

“Shut up!” I shouted. Jonnie jumped back in surprise and then strode toward me
slowly. I quickly began to recall the past couple hours and remember the horrible onyx
color of my eyes.

“Jonnie, I need sunglasses now please.”

“Carter no worries it’s like four a.m.”

“Now.” I said sternly. I heard her soft, fast foot steps plot to my dresser then
quickly come back and place the sunglasses on my face.

“Thank you.” I blinked a couple times and opened my eyes wide to take my new
sharper brighter vision. Even with the sunglasses, everything was five times brighter then
usual.

“Jesus Carter! You gave us both a heart attack! What happened?” I sat and patted
the space in front of me on my round bed. Jonnie skipped over and jumped on my bed.
“Tell me!”

“He kissed me and I guess I fainted.” Her chin was practically to the floor.
“You’re kidding! That’s so embarrassing. Loser! Ooh what was it like?” Her words
came out in the rush and I noticed her tousled blonde hair was all over the place.

“Wait. How come you’re still here? I’m really sorry this wasn’t how the night was
planned to go, but how come you didn’t go home to get some rest?” Jonnie smiled and
pulled me into a hug.

“Cause you’re my best friend and I was too scared to drive home.” She laughed
and said, “I’ve always got your back sis. I’ve been here every step of the way and I
promise I’ll be here for every step you take in the future.”

I squeezed her and a tear fell onto her shoulder. I unwound my arms from her
and grabbed the photo of Kirk, my brother…

“I miss him so much Jonnie…” Tears slowly fell down my cheeks and Jonnie
wiped them away.

“So do I.” The dark night slowly crept back to my mind.

“Nobody’s perfect! I gotta work it! Again and again till I get it right!” I sang so
loudly. Jonnie laughed and jumped on my bed in her sweats with a brush in her hand and
continued yelling out the lyrics. I fell to the ground, rolling around laughing. Jonnie
tightened her ponytail that was on the tip of her head and dashed out onto my balcony
screeching the lyrics into the dark night.

I giggled and joined her, finishing the song. We stumbled back into the room,
practically drunk from all of our laughing. We fell onto my bed and gasped for air, still
laughing.

We took my laptop out and used the voice changer to make funny videos for
YouTube for hours. We then had our Laguna Beach marathon until 4 a.m.

Just as we were getting in bed to get our beauty sleep my cell phone rang. I smiled
at the caller ID and picked up to hear something I’d never thought possible.

“Hello?” I answered quietly, not knowing if Ryann was asleep or not.

“Ms. Eline? I don’t know how to say this.”

“I’m sorry?”

“You’re brother, Kirk, has passed.”


I choked and considered that the call may have been a prank, but I could hear my
mother’s quiet sob in the background.

“No. No please no!” Tears were now streaming down my face.

“Carter…” My mothers soft voice whispered from the other end of the phone.

“No! Mom!” I was now crying hysterically.

“Have your father bring you here.” She said, barely audible.

I dropped my phone onto the hard wood, ignoring the fact that it fell apart as
soon it came in contact with the floor.

“Carter? What’s wrong?” Jonnie asked rubbing her eyes.

“Kirk. He’s gone. We have to go. Now.” I pulled Kirk’s old sweatshirt over my
head, still crying. I dashed to my parent’s room and found my dad tying on his shoes.

“Daddy…” He looked up and I saw tears on the rims of his eyes. He opened his
arms and I threw myself into them, staining his shirt with my tears.

“I know baby girl. Let’s go.” He sniffed and we walked out the door hand in
hand. Jonnie was sitting on the top stair, head in her hands. Her muffled sobs brought on
more tears.

“Genevieve will watch Ryann. Let’s go.” We rushed out the door and sped to
hospital. My mother was waiting by the from, her eyes red and puffy from crying.

No matter how fast we walked, no matter how much I hoped to see my brother
smiling and alive, I wasn’t granted with such luck. We walked into the room where his
body was covered with a blue sheet. A nurse came in and gave us a sympathetic look.

“I am so sorry for your loss.” She whispered.

“May I see him?” I asked quietly through my tears.

“Oh sweetheart. I’m not too sure that’s a good idea.” The nurse walked in front of
me.

“Go ahead Carter.” My father said with a anger and sadness.

The nurse stepped aside and nodded. I slowly approached my brother’s lifeless
body and pulled the sheet from his head, stopping just at his shoulders.
I gasped at the sight of his perfect face. His sculpted cheek bones and smooth face
looked so peaceful. I ran my fingers along his perfectly smooth, tan face. There was a gash
about an inch white along his left temple. I could even see a smile playing around his lips.
Then something entered my mind.

“What happed to him? How did he…?” My mother wrapped her arm around my
shoulders and said, “A drunk driver hit him. Hard. The airbag suffocated him and he
wasn’t wearing seatbelt.”

“Oh my god.” I whispered, running my finger along his gash, covered in dry
blood. A tear from me fell right below his eye and trailed down his face as if he was
crying, but I knew. I knew he was well. He was happy. He was somewhere better now.

I kissed the tip of his nose and pulled the sheet back over his head. I dashed out
of the room, down stairs and into the car.

Days later his funeral took place, when I cried again. That night. Jake, my best
friend said the last three words that he would say to me until six years later.

“I love you.”

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