The Howling Prophecy

Trust

Kari was in shock while staring at Trent who was standing in her doorway with a pleading look. Kari quickly turned her head away from him in hopes her heart fluttering at the sight of him would not diffuse her current state of anger. 

“Kari...I had to come see you.” Trent’s voice shook with the cautious remark.

Kari nodded and continued to look out her window. She started counting the snowflakes swirling down onto her windowsill. She never imagined how many firsts she would meet in such a short time. Her first date, first kiss, first time applying lipstick for a man, and first heartbreak brought on by the sense of her first betrayal. Moments passed while Trent continued to stand just outside her door frame fidgeting with his head hung low. Kari could see his unease out of the corner of her eye and yearned to say something.

Trent let out a nervous sigh. “Look, Kari I didn’t even know Vicki was there last night and I certainly didn’t want her to be. I want nothing to do with her and her dreamed up fantasy she keeps trying to force me into. She has been after me for years and it’s only because of my family's standing. She thinks we belong together, and I have never agreed with it.” Trent took a breath like he just finished running a marathon.

Kari scooted over on her bed to make room next to her. She glanced down at it and Trent sat down next to her with a sense of small victory of moving past the door. He reached for her hand on the bed and Kari allowed him to take hers without further acknowledgement or encouragement. 

Trent cleared his throat. “I know there are things right now that do not make sense. But what I do know for sure is that I really care about you. I have always cared about you and when you disappeared, it ripped me apart. I know we were just kids, but I remember it like it was yesterday. I came over to your house the day after you had left. It was boarded up and all of your things were covered in sheets. I was like your family had passed away and no one knew

what to do with your things. My father told us that you had to leave and now that I am older, I understand why. I am so glad to have you back, it makes me feel whole again.”

Trent let go of her hand and brushed her hair off of her face to tuck behind her ear. He touched her cheek with a light smile.

“In time this will all make more sense, I know it sounds crazy after all of these years. I know expressing these feelings I have for you is intense and wacky. I just ask that you trust me, to trust Lindsey, and your family. I need you to know I would never betray you, I would never knowingly hurt you, and I had such an amazing time with you last night. I want to have more amazing times together. I want to be here for you and with you. I am sorry about what happened, and I should have paid more attention. I guess I was distracted at the thought of being with you more that evening and how perfect it already was.”

Trent picked up Kari’s hand to his lips and kissed the back tenderly. Kari couldn’t believe her ears. She was so moved by what he said she felt breathless. 

Holy cow what a confession. I don’t even know what to think or say. Am I still mad? Am I mad at him? He seems very sincere and almost stalker-like with this confession. This is really intense and nothing like I had imagined. I feel this is crazy and I must be crazy...because I feel whole with him near me too.

Kari steadied herself and looked in Trent’s eyes with conviction. “It hurt so much to see that. I haven’t slept or eaten since I left the movies. I know you called and texted, but clearly you know where I live. Why didn’t you come after me, why didn’t you tell me this last night?” Trent gave a small smirk as if he just cracked a code. “You are not a woman that wants a man chasing after her. He is strong and independent, and I knew that I needed to give you space or you might have caused me bodily harm last night.”

Who am I kidding? He is right! This guy is good and apparently knows me very well already. Now I really have no reason to be mad at him or keep this up.

“So... Lindsey sent me a photo of her on the ground with a shocked face. Apparently, she expected that to go very differently. What happened after?” Kari inquired with amusement thinking of Vicki not getting what she wanted.

“I pushed her off of me and I guess I pushed harder than I thought. All I could think of was putting her in her place and getting back to you. After I flipped her off of me and saw you take off, my instincts were immediately to run after you. But my inner self reminded me that you can be stubborn as well as a strong independent woman. I wasn’t surprised you didn’t answer my calls or respond to my texts. Vicki was screaming at me and was really embarrassed. Lindsey said she didn’t have any panties on, and she flashed a crowd behind us. She started crying and ran away cursing me along the way. It was pathetic and I kind of felt sorry for her.”

Trent put his arm across Kari’s shoulders and scooted in closer till their hips were touching. Kari felt warm and at ease. He could have done almost anything, and her heart and body would still want him.

“I don’t understand why she thinks she has this ownership over you. It seems like it has gone on for a long time and with no success. There has to be a reason she would continue for so long and keep trying so hard. Why does she think and feel like this Trent, someone wouldn’t just continue like this without a reason?” Kari searched his face for an answer. Trent put his

arm down and looked across her room. 

With a deep breath Trent answered her, “last year I was getting really frustrated. It took me a while to realize it was you, I was looking for. I had looked for you for two years already and my insides were going mad. My father said he didn’t know where your family went, and I searched as much as I could while maintaining my responsibilities to the family. I knew he was lying, but he wouldn’t tell me. I eventually gave up on searching and my inner beast couldn’t take it. It happened one time after I had just gotten back from a dreary search with no leads. I regretted it right away. I knew I made a mistake, I just didn’t realize how much it would haunt me. Afterwards she kept thinking we were together. I never really wanted her. I’m sorry Kari and I wish it never happened. Now I created this mess between the two of you and made myself out to be a prize. I won’t let her hurt you or anyone else.” 

Trent looked back at Kari after his heartfelt confession. He confidently took Kari’s hands after his declaration. Kari felt tingles erupt from the connection.

“Hurt me? Why would she hurt me over being jealous? Do you really think she would do that over a one-time deal?” Kari scoffed with a hint of laughter.

“I would hope not, but she is crazy with entitlement and so is her father. You meant the world to me Kari. I know that doesn’t make sense to you and it probably seems ridiculous. It’s okay if you don't feel the same right now, but one day I hope you will. Just trust me on this okay and be careful?”

Kari nods and embraces Trent. A feeling of calm and security rushes over her. 

He seems so sincere and how could I not trust him. He technically didn’t’ do anything wrong, I can't hold a grudge over something that happened and I most likely wasn’t even in the same state let alone aware of anything. I am so confused as to why Vicki would hurt me or care that much. Him holding me makes me feel so much better and I don’t understand most of what he said. Especially waiting for me for two years. But...does that mean my family was going to come back all along?!

Kari released Trent and sat back while looking at his face. “You said you had been waiting for me for over two years. What do you mean? Did you know I was going to move back here?”

“Uh…well I mean… of course you were going to come back, my dad didn’t sell the house and your family never sent for your stuff. I just didn’t remember how old you were exactly or when you might be back.”

“How old I was? What does that have to do with anything?” Kari became more confused and started to feel like pieces to the puzzle were taunting her.

“Well, ya, because you were most likely to come back after you turned eighteen. I mean it does make the most sense to come back once you are an adult?” Trent replied to Kari with an obvious tone.

“But how would you have known that or to even guess that?” Kari searched Trent’s face for an answer as each time he responded only more questions came to her mind.

“Please...just trust me, okay? I am not a stalker, it is just a family thing with the business your dad is a part of. And no, we are not the mafia either or some spies for another country. This isn’t the right time or place to explain and get into all of the details. I will tell you everything, I just can’t right now. Just know that you’re the only one I have eyes for and to be open minded.” Trent gave one of his classic smirks to Kari and she rolled her eyes back at him.

“Alright, I am putting a pin in that for later.” Kari responded with a yawn. The night sky gleamed outside the window and Kari suddenly realized how emotionally exhausted she was. Her stomach started to growl loudly, and Kari let out a nervous laugh.

“Allow me,” Trent gleamed and smiled sincerely to Kari. He got up and kissed her cheek. He helped her back in bed and left the room. After a short time, he was back with a grilled cheese sandwich and some water. Kari smiled at the gesture and ate her sandwich which warmed her heart. Her eyes were getting tired and heavy after eating. Trent kicked his shoes off and snuggled up next to her. He was so warm, and it felt so good to have him close.

“Ah…do my parents know you are here?” Kari let out a little laugh as she snuggled into Trent’s chest.

“Of course, I made them grilled cheese too!” Trent said with gusto and smiled brightly at Kari.

I can’t believe how much has happened in this short weekend. I can’t believe my parents are fine with him in my room and at night, alone. 

“So, they know you are in my room and seem okay with it?” Kari questioned Trent.

“Don’t worry, they know. Just close your eyes and get comfortable. I will be here for you and even take you to school tomorrow.” Trent responded with his eyes closed as if being with Kari in this position was nothing new to him.

I could get used to this, I hope I don’t do anything embarrassing like smack my nose or something lower while I sleep. He does bring up something else I want to know about, what was he doing at school that day? So many questions and for now, I don’t care.

Kari closed her eyes and let the comfort sink in to lull her to sleep. It was pure bliss and Kari wasn’t worried about anything at that moment. She dreamed of having a future with Trent and being forever happy.

The next morning Tent and Kari set off towards high school. Trent preheated his F-150 Ford for Kari. They were all smiles and gave each other a kiss before Kari got out of the truck once they arrived. Kari got out of the truck feeling like everything was finally in place, even if there were still some gaps in her story. She felt on top of the world, but lurking in the distance was a now very, very jealous Vicki watching the happy couple with disdain.