A Lion's Will

Chapter 1 Part 5: A Newcomer Enters the Chat

Katie snorts, “So, Warren what brought you to Mountain Ridge?”

Warren chuckles, “The scenery.”

Katie gives him the look, “No, seriously, because as your friends I think we’d all like to know.”

“Well, my uncle is expanding his sporting goods franchise and opening a*****e here, so I decided to tag along.” Warren says, settling back into his seat.

“You live with your uncle?” I ask, unable to help myself while I maneuver my body a little further from him.

Warren turns that liquid steel gaze at me sending shivers rocketing down my spine, “No, but my parents are…at odds for the moment and it is just easier to leave than to deal with it.”

I shiver again drawing my hoodie closer around my body, “Ah, I wouldn’t know what that’s like.” I say playfully.

“What do you mean? Your parents don’t fight with each other?” He asks scooting closer.

I shake my head, “Nope, haven’t said anything negative to each other or to us kids in about three years.”

Katie chuckles, “Yeah not a single word.”

“Couldn’t get them to say anything if you tried.” Sam chimes in finally looking up from her phone.

Warren looks around at us, not picking up on the inside joke at all. At the look on his face we all start laughing, “My parents are dead.” I tell him bluntly before laughing again.

The shock on his face is apparent until I reach over to close his mouth. His skin is soft but strong and he has a hint of stubble growing along his jaw.

“How did it happen?” He asks, shaking some of the shock from him.

Just in the nick of time my number and his are called for our food. “Katie can tell you. I’m going to get our food.” I say, hopping out of the booth.

I can hear Katie beginning the tale and I feel my back go rigid. Quickening my pace I hurry up to the counter and grab our two trays before stopping by the ketchup station to grab napkins and the like. Katie is done with the retelling when I finally reach the table again. I set Warren’s food in front of him and place mine back in my spot before sliding back into the booth.

“So, did she tell you everything so tragically?” I ask before taking a massive bite of my burger.

He nods, “It was all very dramatic.”

Katie smiles, picking at her chicken salad. “Well, enough with the sad topics, tell us about you. Tell us everything we need to know if you’re going to be a part of our friend group.” She says pointing her fork at Warren.

Warren nods as he crumples up his first wrapper and begins filling everyone in on his likes and dislikes. His favorite color is green, his hobbies are working out and surprisingly reading. He likes riding his motorcycle more than driving, and severely hates airplanes. He is single and has been for sometime, but as implied that hasn’t stopped him from getting around. After that tidbit I sort of started tuning him out, and only answering questions when asked. We get to learn about Warren and he gets to learn about everyone else. Once we’re back on the bus I adjust my headphones onto my ears and prepare myself to sleep the rest of the bumpy way home. Staring out of the icy bus window I slowly begin to drift off.

It’s raining and I’m sitting in the bay window at home waiting for the white Jeep to pull into the driveway. Charlotte and Tim are upstairs already asleep. I wait, and wait, and wait until finally the Jeep appears swerving into the driveway narrowly missing Tim’s car. I race for the door and am out with a flash of lightning and a clap of thunder. Racing towards the Jeep I hop into the passenger seat. The reeking smell of alcohol drifts into my nose as hands find my body. They wonder everywhere but my face as Jesse’s lips meet mine.

“Hey gorgeous, what took so long?” I ask, playfully.

Jesse smirks at me, “I had some business to handle.”

“Oh, well let’s go, I’m ready to get out of here for the night.” I say stretching up in the seat, the tiny skirt around my hips riding up further as I do.

Jesse grins a wolfish grin at me as he brings his hand between my knees, “Let’s go have some fun.”

The image shifts and I’m staring up at the stars through swollen eyes. My legs are shaking and sore. My throat hurts and the ground is cold and wet. I can hear people calling to me, but the rain is drowning out their words, so are the echoing sounds of laughter and pain. I see flashes of light coming toward me and I raise my hand as if to say that ‘I’m here. I’m alive.’

Warm, strong arms lift me off of the cold hard ground and place me on a soft surface. I’m tired…so, so tired. I feel my eyes slide shut and then I’m being shaken.

I jolted awake, swinging my fist out as I do. I feel my fist hit a warm surface and open my eyes fully. Warren is leaning into my seat, his big hand holding my still balled fist.

“Are you okay?” He asks, looking down at me with worry.

I nod scooting back away from him, “Yeah, I’m fine, was I talking in my sleep again?”

He nods, his face is grim, “What happened?”

I shake my head, “Just a nightmare.” I say scooting myself further back so that my back is against the bus window.

“A nightmare of what?” He prods, taking a seat.

I bring my knees up to my chest and shiver at the thought of him knowing exactly what my nightmares intel, “Nothing, you need to concern yourself with.”

“Ness, If I’m going to be your friend you’re going to have to trust me at some point” He says, those silver eyes seeming to look into my soul.

I shake my head again, “Not yet.”

“What could be so bad that you won’t tell anyone?” He asks hints of anger rising in his voice.

I feel my brows furrow, “I’ve known you for less than twenty four hours, what makes you think you’re entitled to knowing anything about me?”

“Because I’m your friend, or at least I’m trying to be.” He snaps back.

My anger is rising and so is the fear and shame along with it, I move inches away from his face, “Drop it Warren, just drop or get the hell away from me, because if you think that just because you’re my friend I’m going to let you into the darkest recesses of my mind. You’re dead wrong. I’d rather walk over broken glass and salt barefoot than tell you what really lurks through my head.” I say venom dripping from every word.

Warren looks blankly at me, “He hurt you, he hurt you really bad, didn’t he?” He guesses.

I feel metal on my tongue as my jaw tightens, “Mind your own business.” I tell him as the bus jerks to a stop.

“Vanessa,...” He starts but I’m already moving. There was horror and anger in his eyes, and maybe even disgust.

Angry tears begin to prick in my eyes. Why do I even care? I don’t know this guy, but why does my chest hurt when I think about him finding out. I sling my softball bag over my shoulder grabbing the keys out of the side pocket. I’m at the Impala faster than I thought. I hit the key fob and unlock the doors when a hand snakes out and stops me.

“Vanessa, tell me what happened.” Warren demands.

I stomp my foot down on his and shove him away from me causing him to tumble onto the gravel, “No! It’s none of your business, you’re my friend, not my boyfriend, so just drop it and leave me alone!” I yell at him before sliding into the Impala.

Screeching out of the parking lot my anger and shame keep bubbling up into my chest. A solid knot is forming and I know that if I don’t hit something quick I’m going to be lessened into a crying mess.