Chapter 12
“Riley, you’ve got company!” my dad called from downstairs.
“Company?” I set the book aside, checked my reflection in the mirror and wondered if I should change from my T-shirt and sweats into something nicer.
Deciding against changing, I headed down the stairs, and was surprised to see Megan and another girl, who I hadn’t met before, standing in the entryway.
“Ah, here she is,” my dad said, looking elated that I had company. He had come home early for a change, but had gone straight to his study. Now he lingered, much to my annoyance.
“Hey Megan,” I said, giving my dad a look that said to please go away. “What’s up?”
Megan’s curly red hair was up off her shoulders, and she had on a lot of eye makeup. She wore a cute low-cut shirt, tight jeans, and five-inch heels. I wondered what the special occasion was, and hoped she wasn’t going to ask me to go out. I wanted to wait and see if Ian finally showed.
I glanced at the other girl. Her long, platinum blonde hair was straight and had lots of layers. She had an oval face with a broad nose and nice, full lips. Taller than me, she was curvaceous, but not quite as busty as Megan. “Hey, I’m Cassandra,” she said, her voice surprisingly husky.
“I’m Riley.”
Cassandra nodded, and I felt a certain amount of hostility coming from her, which confused me.
“Cassandra and I thought we’d drop by to see how you were doing. I didn’t get a chance to talk to you that much the other night.” Her gaze shifted to my dad for a brief second. “I wanted to check and see if you had a good time.”
She’d been so hammered, I had to wonder just how much of the night she remembered. I glanced at my dad, and lifted my brows, hoping he’d get the hint that he was embarrassing me in front of my new friends.
Apparently he got the hint, because he walked toward his study. “Well, it was nice meeting you, ladies,” he said, keeping the door open.
“You too, Mr. Williams,” Megan said.
“So do you like Johan?” Cassandra asked abruptly, an obvious edge to her voice. Beside her, Megan stood up straighter and avoided eye contact with me.
Now I understood why they’d dropped by. It wasn’t to befriend me, but to pump me for information.
I shrugged. “Johan’s a nice guy and all, but I don’t really know him.”
“But do you want to know him?” Cassandra asked, crossing her arms over her chest and cocking her hip.
I crossed my arms over my chest. “I’m not looking for a boyfriend, if that’s what you’re asking.”
Cassandra glanced at Megan and smiled. Megan’s cheeks had flushed, and she looked ready to bolt. I remembered girls like her at my old high-school, and I admit I was disappointed with Megan. I’d honestly thought she would become a good friend, but maybe I was wrong. I’d been wrong about so-called friends before…
“But why were you holdin’ his hand then?” Cassandra asked, and it was all I could do not to walk to the front door, open it, and tell them to leave.
Instead, I lifted my chin. “I lost my balance, that’s all, end of story.”
“But he walked you home.” Cassandra’s voice sounded snarky and accusing.
“Yes, he did,” I replied, ready to snap. “But like I said, nothing happened.”
Megan turned to her friend. “See, I told you it was nothing.”
Cassandra seemed to accept my explanation—but even then, I had the feeling she’d be keeping an eye on me.
“Why weren’t you at the party?” I asked Cassandra.
“My parents only let me go out on weekends.”
“A wise decision,” my father said from his study.
“Excuse me a sec,” I said, walking over to the study door. I shut it loudly, and both Cassandra and Megan laughed. Thankfully, it seemed to break up the tension.
Shane came down the stairs just then, and I noticed Megan straighten and fluff her hair.
“Hey guys,” he said, running a hand through his hair. “What are you up to?”
Cassandra immediately perked up. “We’re headed to the glen.”
“What’s the glen?” Shane asked, checking her out. God, guys were so obvious.
“A place a couple miles up the road where we hang out and don’t have to worry about anyone ruining our fun,” Cassandra said, keeping her voice low.
“Do you want to come?” Megan asked, suddenly glancing at me.
Cassandra didn’t look like she wanted me to come…but she did seem to want Shane there, because she grinned at him like an idiot.
Megan lifted a brow. “So, do you want to come with us, Riley?”
· · · · ·
The glen ended up being a large meadow surrounded by giant oaks and towering fir trees. It was the perfect hiding place from adults, and now it was filled with about twenty-five teenagers.
In the center of the glen a large fire blazed in a massive stone pit. A few of the guys had set their stereos on the roofs of their cars, the music blasting, but not loud enough that we couldn’t hear each other talk. It reminded me of a place back home called Frenchman’s Bar on the river, where we’d go every weekend to hang out with friends. We’d park our cars, sit on the river bank, and there had been lots of drinking and partying. I remembered thinking life was so perfect. How little I knew that within months my world would be turned upside down.
“Johan’s here,” Megan said, nudging me and bringing me back to the present.
Johan stepped out of a sports car dressed in a black and gray pullover sweater and dark washed jeans. He grinned and I had a feeling he knew exactly what that smile did to girls, myself included.
Ironically, I saw Ian’s face flash in my mind at that moment. Although I had only just met him, what I was beginning to feel for him was more than friendship. I recalled the way he had looked at me last night—how his eyes looked darker, more intense, his gaze sliding down my body.
“Hey,” Johan said, white teeth flashing, pulling me out of my thoughts.
“Hey,” I replied, aware of others watching us. Apparently our spontaneous hand holding at Milo’s party had caused speculation. I felt stupid about reaching for his hand the other night, and wondered if I should say something to Johan about it. Or maybe it would be better to just make it very clear that I wasn’t interested in a boyfriend.
“I was wondering if you were going to make it, Johan,” Cassandra said from behind me.
Johan barely glanced in her direction, which made me curious what the story was with them. A one-sided attraction perhaps––or maybe they had been together. Whatever the case, the last thing I needed was drama.
“You guys want to play Truth or Dare?” a tall, slightly chunky guy with messed up teeth asked. I recognized him from registration. He had stood behind me in line, and he’d been friendly enough, but I hated the way he’d stared at my boobs rather than make eye contact. Now he barely glanced at me, and even gave off a vibe that he didn’t like me very much, which I found strange since we hadn’t said two words to each other.
· · · · ·
Twelve of us ended up playing Truth or Dare. We sat cross-legged in a circle close to the fire, including Shane, who holding onto a half-empty pint of whiskey, looked more than a little buzzed already. If I had to hazard a guess given his bloodshot eyes, I’d say he was blazed too, and I was worried how the night would unfold if he kept it up. After Milo’s party, everyone probably thought I was a buzzkill and it was time to redeem myself if I was going to fit in.
The tall guy with bad teeth and attitude to match was Tom, and he had spent the past few minutes breaking up twigs, placing them in his fist, and holding them out to each player. Everyone in the circle drew a stick, and as luck would have it, I picked a shorter one. I breathed a sigh of relief when Shane pulled a long one.
Richie lifted the smallest stick and everyone laughed—a few people making cracks about it matching his dick size, which drew even more laughter.
“Truth
or Dare, Richie?” Tom asked, crossing his arms over his chest and using his fingers to push out his biceps.
Richie narrowed his eyes. “Uh, let’s go with truth.”
“There was a break-in at the castle the other day. Were you responsible?”
My stomach clenched. I glanced at Shane. Our gazes met and held for a split second before he quickly looked away.
“No, it wasn’t me.”
A couple people in the crowd teasingly called him a liar, but he lifted his hands, palms out, toothy smile in place. “God’s truth, I wasn’t responsible. I have an alibi. Ask your mum, Tom,” he said in a husky voice. “She’ll vouch for me.”
Laughter erupted all around.
“Feck’n wanker,” Tom said, shaking his head.
“Tom’s dad is the police chief in town,” Megan said under her breath.
I nodded, hoping his attitude toward me didn’t have anything to do with his dad’s suspicion or something like that.
“I didn’t hear about any break-in,” Megan said, and I sat up straighter, all ears.
“I heard my father talking to his partner about it on the phone.” Tom cleared his throat. “Nothing was stolen, so that’s why my dad figured it might be kids.”
I hoped the case had been dropped. The last thing I needed was the police showing up at my door.
“Megan, you’re next,” Richie said. “Truth or Dare?”
“Truth.”
“Word has it you kissed Cassandra at Russell’s party last weekend. Is it true?”
I could see her face turn red in the firelight and knew the rumor was true. Megan glanced at Cassandra who didn’t look at all embarrassed. In fact, she flashed Johan a smug grin.
“Yes, I did,” Megan admitted. “But I was really wasted.”
The boys in the group hooted and hollered, and Milo high-fived the boy next to him. I never could understand why guys liked the idea of two girls kissing. I once saw a picture of two guys making out and it didn’t excite me in the least.
“And I’m next,” Tom said, puffing out his chest.
“Bring it on, Megan,” he said with a cocky smile.
“Sure,” she said, sitting up straighter. “Truth or Dare.”
“Dare.”
The crowd roared their approval.
Megan’s eyes squinted as she looked into the darkness. “You must walk to the dueling tree…with your pants around your ankles.”
A few snickered, but Tom stood up, unbuckled his pants, and dropped them to his ankles to reveal a pair of snug, white boxer briefs. I was surprised he was so cocky given the size––or lack of––his package. A few of the other girls must have been thinking the same thing because they burst into giggles, and a few of the guys exchanged mocking grins.
Meanwhile, Tom started off toward the tree at a slow pace. The group watched, most laughing as he stumbled and fell on his face a few times.
I became nervous. It was my turn next and already my palms started to sweat.
Unfortunately it would be Tom doling out my punishment, and given his attitude toward me, I had a feeling he wasn’t going to play nice.
By the time Tom made it back to the group, his face was flushed and sweaty. He pulled up his pants, zipped and buttoned them, before swiping his drink from his friend’s hand and taking a large gulp, his throat convulsing with each swallow.
“Truth or Dare, Riley,” he asked, wiping his lips with the back of his hand.
“Dare,” I said, and the crowd responded with a few ‘oh and ah’s’. Clearly they had expected me to pick a truth question instead.
Assuming I’d be making out with Megan in the next minute or so, I fished for a breath strip in my jean’s pocket.
Tom stared at me for a long, uncomfortable minute, which made me even more nervous. His gaze shifted to Cassandra for a second, and then he cleared his throat, drawing out my agony. “You’re going to spend an hour in the mausoleum…alone.”
The crowd went silent, except for a few people who looked excited and even a little shocked.
The mausoleum. Why had he chosen that particular dare for me? I wondered. And what had that look he’d shared with Cassandra been about? Had Megan told Cassandra about my interest in ghosts? I glanced at Megan and her sheepish expression said it all.
Damn, I had bad judgment when it came to new friends.
Megan opened her mouth as though to say something, but I looked away.
Apprehension rushed up my spine. “The mausoleum?” I said, just to confirm I’d heard him right.
“Did I stutter?” Tom said, one corner of his mouth lifted in a sneer.
What a dick.
“No fucking way,” Shane said, shaking his head. “That’s just wrong.”
“Maybe you should go in her place then?” Tom dared.
“No problem,” Shane replied, looking ready to rip Tom’s head off. If he was a year or two older, I wouldn’t have been so worried, but Tom was a lot bigger than Shane.
“It’s my dare and I’ll do it,” I said, loud enough so everyone could hear me.
“That’s not fair.” Megan glanced at Milo, as though she expected him to help change Tom’s mind. “He should pick something else—something less terrifying.”
“Come on, Tom,” Johan remarked. “She just moved here. We don’t want to scare her off first thing.”
I appreciated them all coming to my aid and all, but I didn’t want or need anyone’s help.
“It’s fine,” I said, standing and steeling myself for what was to come. “I’ll do it.”
“Are you sure?” Tom asked.
I lifted a brow. “Did I stutter?”
“Bitch,” Tom said under his breath, and it was all I could do not to knock him out.
“They’ll lock the door, Riley.” Megan pursed her lips. “There’s no getting out once you get in.”
“I get it, Megan,” I said, not hiding my irritation.
She dropped her gaze again.
Tom waited with hands on hips. “What’s wrong, not so interested in ghosts any longer?”
My heart sank to my toes. Megan had to have told them about the library books I’d checked out, because aside from me and Ian, only one person knew what books they were. I should have known. I was the outsider, after all. But I had to remember that no one knew I could see dead people, except for Miss Akin and Anne Marie, and I trusted them. But I couldn’t trust anyone here. They were the kind of people who would put the new girl in a mausoleum alone at night.
Thank God Shane was here, because he was the only person I knew would have my back, and the only one I trusted…just as long as he didn’t get wasted and forget about me.
Shane handed Richie his pint and stood. “This isn’t cool, you guys. We lost our mom less than a—”
I shook my head, and Shane clamped his mouth shut…but it was too late. Everyone had heard him, and many looked guilty and concerned about the dare. Everyone except Tom, that is. He was clearly gloating, the heartless bastard.
“Riley, you don’t have to do it,” Megan said, taking my hand, but I pulled away. I was pissed off. She had pretended to be my friend, and had gone behind my back yet again.
I needed to be careful with her in the future.
Tom cleared his throat loudly, a mocking grin on his thin lips. I could tell he wanted me to bail, but I had to go through with it—if only to tell him to stick it, and plus, it was a good way for me to face my fears.
“I’ll do it.”
“This is seriously fucked up,” Shane said, running a hand down his face.
“Someone needs anger management,” I heard someone behind me say.
I wanted to defend Shane, but I already felt at a severe disadvantage. My fingers dug into my palms and I welcomed the pain.
“Ready?” Tom said, motioning for me to follow. The group all stood and started filing toward the cars. The cemetery was right up the road, and apparently everyone was going to make sure I went through with the dare.
“I’m going in with her,” Shane said adamantly.
“No way.” Tom planted his meaty hands on his hips. “She goes alone.”
“Come on, Shane,” I said, knowing he was ready to say something to Tom.
As I followed the others, I realized the enormity of what I had agreed to. I would be locked into the mausoleum in a cemetery where Laria was a resident. She hadn’t necessarily harmed me, but would she have more power to do so in her territory?
“Hey, listen, none of us knew about your mum. You don’t have to go,” Johan said, coming up beside me. “Or I’ll go in your place.” He sounded sincere, and I appreciated the offer, but I would never do that to anyone. Plus, I needed to prove myself.
“Thanks, but I’m fine. I’m not afraid.”
He watched me like he didn’t believe me, and he shouldn’t of, because I was scared to death.
“Has anyone ever spent time in the mausoleum?” Shane asked Megan, who appeared more concerned than anyone else. I think she was tweaked by Shane’s outburst about our mother. She obviously hadn’t expected that bit of information. Honestly, I didn’t want anyone’s sympathy, and I know Shane didn’t either. In fact, he looked irritated with himself that he’d said anything about Mom. But he had, and to protect me, which really let me know we were on the mend.
“Ronald Green lasted about twenty minutes,” Tom said with a satisfied grin. “He screamed his bloody head off until he was let out. Come to find out, he shit himself, and to this day he won’t go near the cemetery. I don’t know who or what was in that mausoleum with him, but whatever it was it really messed with his head.”
“I could have gone without hearing that story.
“You’re a fucking asshole,” Shane said to Tom, who merely laughed.
Grabbing the pint from Richie’s hand, I took a long swallow, much to the delight of everyone around me. If they only knew I didn’t do it for show, but to warm my insides that had gone cold—and to give me the liquid courage to face whoever was waiting for me inside that mausoleum.