Sleep Tight, page 38
“I think I need some air.” I was uncomfortably sweaty, and I needed an excuse to get away from this guy and get his hands off me. To get away from Arlo’s ghost. “Ava.” I turned my head to her. “Let's get some air, yeah?”
Ava nodded her head in a daze. Damn we were both really drunk, weren’t we?
“We got you ladies.” Blondie nodded to his friend. “Let's get them outside.”
They escorted us out through a door I didn’t remember. “Um I don’t think I remember coming in this way.”
I looked up at Blondie, his face was serious, and he didn’t answer me. What did I say wrong?
The cold air hit me hard. But it was a welcome relief and sobered me up just a little. I blinked multiple times trying to get my bearings. It looked like they led us through the back door of the club.
There was an idle car up ahead at the end of the street. It was dark and lonely out here. Something was off, wrong. My instincts were kicking in full time now. And I just knew if we got into that car something awful would happen.
I stopped, throwing Blondie off balance a little. He looked at me and smiled tightly. “What’s wrong?”
I grabbed Ava’s hand, pulling her to me and out of the grasp of blondie two. “We gotta go look for our friends. We don’t want them to worry about us.”
He came up to me and wrapped me in a tight hug while his friend pulled Ava away again.
“Hey, ease up you giant.” Ava pouted and tried moving away. He only held on tighter, he leaned into her ear and whispered something.
Ava gave a dry laugh and tried squirming away. “Drop dead. You could never have me.”
Blondie number two grew serious.
I started laughing. I couldn’t help it. His face was so funny. “You really hurt his feelings Ava, look at his funny lil face.”
Ava started laughing too. I pointed at him and made sad pouty faces.
“I’m sick of these girls. Let's get them in the car already.” Blondie two roughly dragged Ava to the car while blondie one followed right behind them, me still in his arms.
“Hold on.” Ava started protesting.
“We don’t wanna go with you guys.” I pushed at blondie’s face.
He grunted but ignored me. They both did. Blondie two opened the back door and started shoving Ava inside. I was moved to the other side of the car and was being pushed in too.
I brought up my hands to stop myself from getting in the car. “I said no.” This was really annoying now. Why wouldn’t they leave us alone?
He grabbed my hair and pulled it. I winced and a whimper escaped me. This was bad. Very bad. We should have stayed inside the club. We should have never gotten drunk.
“You think you have a choice? Get. In. The. Car.”
“There they are!” Clarissa’s voice echoed through my mind.
“Is that Clarissa?” Ava asked but her voice was muffled. She was already in the car.
The next voice I heard had me sagging with relief.
“Hands off.”
Caleb was walking right for me. But he was focused on blondie. Elijah was right next to him, his eyes steady on Ava and blondie two who was still holding her inside the car.
“You’re a dead man.” Elijah’s voice was cold. No one messed with Ava and got away with it. My cousin would always make sure of that.
Blondie knocked me on the head throwing me off balance and he took advantage, throwing me in the car.
“Go, go, go!” He screamed at the driver. But when he looked, he hadn’t realized that Priya had already dragged his driver to the ground. Priya and Sky were currently sitting on top of their getaway man.
I covered my mouth to stifle my giggling. The alcohol in me was trying so hard to come out despite the serious situation I knew we were in.
Caleb reached into the car and dragged blondie out by the hair. A quick punch to his face and he was out cold. He then reached into the car and pulled me out, holding me in his arms until I found my balance again.
Elijah had done the same, knocking blondie two to a pulp before he pulled Ava out of the car. She squirmed in his arms. “Hey who are you?”
Elijah reached up and struggled to get the hair out of her face. “It’s me.”
That’s all Ava needed to hear, she sagged against his chest. He didn’t even have to say his name.
“What in the world were you thinking? Are you that dense?” Caleb was angry. I turned around prepared to defend myself.
But he wasn’t directing his words to me. He was looking at Clarissa. His body so tense to the point it was almost shaking.
“I had no idea it would lead to this.” Clarissa began.
“You didn’t but that’s not the point! They were almost kidnapped. Olivia and Ava could be gone right now, and it would have been on you. Why don’t you think for once about the consequences?”
“It was supposed to be an innocent night out. Ava needed an outlet. Olivia needed it too. I was watching them. I had it handled.”
“Innocent? Handled?” Elijah spoke up. “How is any of this innocent or handled? Ava and Olivia are drunk, possibly drugged and they almost got taken! None of this is handled Clarissa.”
“Wait guys.” I tried speaking up.
“We didn’t need you guys to come save us! I could have saved them along with Priya and Sky. Like I said we had it handled.”
“Stop saying you had it handled! Nothing about this is handled. When are you going to grow up?” Caleb yelled.
“I never thought you would stoop this low. Do you really hate Ava that much? Getting rid of her isn’t going to get me back.” Elijah said.
“Guys.” My stomach was swaying.
“Are you kidding me? Get over yourself! I don’t give a damn about what you and Ava have anymore.” Clarissa turned to Caleb. “And you have no right to tell me that! I’m not the one who abandoned my family for three years.”
“I won’t explain myself again to you or my reason for why I did that.”
Elijah lifted Ava into his arms. “Clarissa, just help Priya and Sky with the driver.”
She ignored his request. “You always were a coward. For once just admit it.”
Caleb moved towards her.
And I threw up. Right there on the dark street.
I stared into the dark cement trying my hardest to avoid looking at my vomit. I felt like more was still waiting to come out. Cool hands pulled my hair back and out of my face.
I looked up into Caleb’s warm brown eyes. He rubbed my back with one hand but said nothing.
“Oh god you’re never going to let me forget this are you?”
He smirked. “Oh, you bet. I can’t wait.”
I didn’t get a chance to answer. The alcohol in my stomach was too busy emptying itself onto the street once again.
Along with the last of my dignity and pride.
When I was done Caleb reached under my legs and lifted me up into his arms like some hero rescuing a damsel.
“I’m no damsel.” I said out loud.
“Never said you were. But you’re right, you’re not one. A damsel wouldn’t reek like vomit.”
“Heyyyy.”
“Just relax rubia. We’ll get you home and cleaned up soon.”
“Mmmm okay.” I let go and leaned my head against his chest. It was so warm and strong. A girl could get used to this. I would blame the alcohol for this decision later.
“You can put her next to Ava.” Elijah told him. When did they get a car here so fast? Or was it fast? I had no concept of time right now.
Once Caleb seated me next to Ava and our heads touched, I promptly knocked out.
Two days later and I was fully back to my old self. Amka always had the best teas and swore they could cure anything. I believed her.
I headed outside to do some training with Ava. She was already waiting for me with Priya and Sky, all of them solemnly standing around when Caleb stopped me.
“Are you feeling better rubia?”
“Yes, no thanks to you.”
“Still getting over that hangover?”
I sighed. “I’ve been over it. You just give me a headache.”
He tsked. “I don’t give headaches. I cure them.”
I chuckled and then cursed myself. “Serious question. When are you going to get over yourself?”
“I don’t want to talk about me. Oh, see? Already over myself.” He grinned and my stomach flipped.
I pressed a hand to my stomach, willing it to stop. He’s not that charming.
“I just wanted to check on you. Make sure you were feeling better.”
I eyed him suspiciously. “That’s it?”
He shrugged. “Yeah, what were you expecting?”
“Maybe a lecture on the dangers of drinking? To question me on why I decided to get drunk and then judge me for my decisions.”
His face shifted and he was suddenly very serious. “I would never judge you. I have no right or place to judge you or anyone else. I also have no right to question you.”
“Wow.” I shifted uncomfortably on my feet. “I wasn’t expecting that. Thank you.”
Caleb gave me a curious look. “I do wonder why you went with my sister of all people. I know you guys aren’t friends. I know she knows of clubs to go to but were you that desperate to get out?”
I coughed into my hand. “I wouldn’t call it desperate.” I remembered Clarissa’s words from that night. “We needed a release, and she was willing to help us. That’s all.”
“And did you get what you wanted? Did you get that release?”
I thought about it for a moment.
If I was being honest, no. I was still scared. I was still feeling guilty. Those feelings only went away for a moment. And the aftermath wasn’t even worth it.
“I think me, and Ava won’t be doing that again. At least I hope she doesn’t do it again.” I frowned.
“You’re worried about her.” Caleb stated.
“I am.” Why was I admitting this to Caleb of all people? “Ever since her mom’s death she’s been different. But who could blame her? Anyone in her position would be different. I just don’t know if the old Ava will ever come back.”
“She probably won’t come back. And all you can do is be there for her when the new Ava comes along.”
I tilted my head. “Huh. Maybe you’re smarter than you look.”
He smiled at that. “Don’t underestimate me rubia. I’ll let you get going. It looks like you have somewhere to be.” He eyed my outfit, yoga pants and a crop top, and a shiver ran through me.
“See you, rubia.”
I let out a deep breath the moment he was gone. I needed to stay away from him. He was dangerous. I didn’t need any more danger in my life.
I only made it three steps when I heard Blake’s voice.
“We need to talk.”
I shut my eyes. “Can it wait?” I wasn’t in the mood to argue with him.
“What are you doing Olivia?” He went straight into it, ignoring my mood.
“Well, I was on my way to train with the girls.” I pointed them out and then myself.
“That’s not what I’m talking about, and you know it.”
I usually had more patience for Blake but right now that was gone, and I just wanted to punch something. “Whatever I’m out of here.”
I moved toward the girls, but Blake blocked my path. Priya scrunched her eyebrows and moved to walk to us, but I shook my head. Me and Blake needed to handle this alone.
“You’re acting like a brat right now.”
“And? Suddenly you care?” Internally I winced. I was acting like a brat, but I couldn’t help it.
Blake looked hurt. “Is that what you think? That I don’t care about you anymore?”
I rubbed my face. “No. I know that’s not true I’m just...moody.”
“Is that why you went drinking? You’re moody? Because that’s the dumbest excuse I’ve ever heard.”
“What? I never said that’s why I went drinking!”
“Then why did you do it? You’re lucky we haven’t told Uncle Cass anything. Think about how disappointed he would be.”
That made me pause. I hadn’t even thought about him finding out. He would be more than disappointed. He would be heartbroken. He was the only father I had and if he found out I was out there being vulnerable.... he taught me better than that. He would never let me out again.
“You’re not going to tell him, are you?”
Blake crossed his arms. “I should. What you did was reckless.”
“You don’t think I know that?” I snapped. “I’m not stupid.”
“Are you sure?” He smiled.
I rolled my eyes. “Older brothers suck.”
He chuckled but then sobered up. “Seriously, don’t ever do that again. I'm trying to understand why you did what you did. It was him, wasn’t it?”
I looked away. He couldn’t even say his name. “You mean Arlo? You think Arlo messed me up that much?” I struggled to laugh and make this lighter. “He wishes he could get to me.”
Blake sighed. “I know I haven’t been the best brother lately, but you can still talk to me. I’ll always be here.”
But he wouldn’t always be there. There would be many times in the future where I would have to deal with the world alone and that couldn’t be helped. But I said nothing about that.
“I know.” I smiled and punched his arm. “The girls have been waiting long enough. Thanks for not ratting me out.” I moved past him.
“I still might.” He shouted behind me. “Be nicer to your big brother and maybe I won’t.”
Priya, Sky and Ava were huddled close together and whispering when I reached them.
“Hey, stop talking about me.” I called out.
Priya nearly dragged me into their huddle. “Is everything okay with you and Blake?”
“Yeah, it’s fine. We’ll be fine.”
“That’s good. If I have to talk to him, I will. Hoes before bros. Even if that bro is my boyfriend.”
I laughed. “That’s good to know.”
“I have something to tell you.” Ava spoke up. “It’s what we were talking about before you got here.”
Everyone grew serious.
“Whoa, what it is?”
I looked around, Blake was now with Ethan and Elijah. Caleb walked up to join them. They nodded at him and clapped his back. Why were they so buddy buddy with him? As if he could hear me, he looked over and winked. Winked!
I rolled my eyes and quickly looked away. Ava was also looking their way, her eyes lingered on Elijah only for a moment before finding mine.
“They’ve set a date.”
“A date? For what?”
Ava looked grim. “For my wedding. I’ll be marrying Kenji in a month.”
My foot was seconds away from being crushed.
I jumped out of the way and cursed under my breath. “Watch where you are going.”
All three boys looked up, finally realizing that they almost crushed my foot with their large cart of silverware.
“My bad.” One of them said, I think his name was Jude. “This silverware is for the wedding.”
“I figured.” I mumbled. “Try not to crush anyone else.”
“Yeah, Jude, watch it.” One of his friends teased.
“Hey, I’m not the only one pushing this thing!” They continued arguing as I passed them. Preparations for Ava and Kenji’s wedding were in full swing right now. Only two more weeks and she would be married to him.
I was avoiding her like the plague. She wanted to marry a man she didn’t love out of obligation then so be it.
She made her decision and all I could do was stand back and watch her make the biggest mistake of her life. My fists clenched at the thought.
I raced downstairs, already late for the meeting. I pushed through the door of our meeting room and the first thing I saw was dad’s scowl. He was speaking to Riku alone in a corner. Their hushed and tense voices indicating that this meeting was already starting off bad.
Mom was sitting in a chair, her hands clasped tightly in front of her on the table. Several members of the council were seated around her, their faces severe.
Ethan and Blake were standing near the door with Caleb. They nodded to me and waved me over.
“Do you know what they are talking about?” I asked them, my head nodding towards my dad and Riku.
“No clue.” Blake said. “They were already talking when we walked in.”
The door opened then, and Ava walked in with the girls right behind her. Kenji was next, he stood near Ava but gave her space. He didn’t seem too happy to be here.
Ethan and Blake waved them over. The girls huddled together casting glances at us, Olivia was shaking her head and giving us dirty looks, it wasn’t until Caleb chuckled that I realized she was giving those looks to him.
“Is there something going on between you and my cousin?” I asked him.
“Yeah, she hates me, isn’t it obvious?” Caleb kept his eyes on Olivia who was glaring at him. “I happen to find her charming. She’s cute when she acts like this.”
“Whoa.” Blake narrowed his eyes. “I don’t like that. Keep those comments to yourself.”
Caleb laughed and playfully punched Blake on the arm. “Sorry I understand, I’m a big brother too even if my sister hates me at the moment.”
Jesse and Daniel walked in, and Ava motioned them over. Once they were together Priya and Sky left their group and headed for us.
“Olivia really hates you.” Priya immediately said to Caleb. “What did you do?”
“Nothing to her.”
“Is that why she stayed with Ava?” Ethan asked.
“Yeah,” Priya looked behind her shoulder at them. “And Ava didn’t want to come over either.” Her eyes briefly landed on me.
Of course.
“There’s been a recent sighting,” Dad suddenly announced. “Arlo has been seen in town. There are rumors that him and Balin had something to do with a recent theft of a gun shop.”
Gasps erupted in the room.
“Did they steal guns? Are they coming for us?” Someone spoke up.
“No, no guns were taken. But they did take things that could be made into bombs. We need to stay vigilant. We're doubling security throughout the night.”
