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Chapter 20: Lost Time
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2022-04-14 14:01:42Related chapters
Atticus Chapter 21: Drama Queen
"C'mon, Bradley. Don'tcha miss me?" She whispers in Brad's ear but I can hear every word and I'm pretty sure she's very aware of that fact.Holy shit, who does this?"I said stop it, Sarah," Brad snaps back, biting out his words, looking at me the whole time. "Why don't you take your little friend home and meet me back at my place so we can talk? You know, somewhere private." Sarah smiles and then narrows her eyes directly at me. She smirks like she's won Brad back.Her confidence is freaking amazing, I'll give her that. But I also want to slap her across the face."We broke up two months ago. There's nothing to talk about." Anger contorts Brad's face, turning it almost blood red as he holds her wrists away from him. "Who says we're gonna talk, sweetie?" Her syrupy voice drips with condescendence, like she's all of a sudden talking to a child.Ick.Brad doesn't answer and pushes back, letting go of her. Her face changes and I can tell she's shocked he choose crazy-dressed-zer
Last Updated : 2022-04-14Atticus Chapter 22
** Brad **Candice couldn't get away from me fast enough. Jesus, what the hell was Sarah thinking? I haven't spoken to her in weeks and she pulls that shit? A normal person would have moved on but she isn't normal and she hasn't changed. She's still the same immature, entitled, over-privileged girl I was stupid enough to date. This is my fault. I should have known when she walked up to us nothing good would come from it. Why didn't I just ignore her and walk away? Either way I looked like an asshole. Glancing over at the passenger seat, I can still imagine Candice sitting there. Hell, I can still smell her and it's driving me nuts that I don't know what's going on inside her head. When she got out of my car, I realized something. I want to spend as much time with her as possible. But I have to be cool about it because she's almost like a scared animal and I don't want to spook her. It's entirely possible I'll scare her away. Instead of going home, I decide to drive around to cle
Last Updated : 2022-04-14Atticus Chapter 23
** Candice **The second I shut the door, the flashing light on the answering machine catches my eye. I almost trip on my own feet, trying to get to it before it blinks again. I'm pretty sure I know who left a message before I push play. As soon as I hear a woman's voice, saying she's calling from the school attendance office, I hit erase. God must be smiling down on me at this moment because if Mom had gotten to that message before me, I'd have hell to pay. I probably won't be as lucky next time. I have to put an end to this insanity. But why is it happening? And why am I dreaming about Atticus? Who is he? Hell, what is he? All I know is, he seemed very real this morning and in my dreams. He even told me he has psychic abilities, so maybe there's a way I can talk to him in my sleep. Assuming he shows up at all. The front door slams, startling me out of my thoughts. My head automatically turns toward the sound and I see my mother carrying a grocery sack into the kitchen. I suc
Last Updated : 2022-04-14Atticus Chapter 24: Date Night
After freshening up my makeup and curling the ends of my hair, I grab a pen and piece of notebook paper from my backpack. Out with friends to the movies, I write. Be back by midnight. No 'love, Candice' or silly little hearts because even I can't fake those. Still holding the note, I pull the strap of my purse across my chest, tossing in a few leftover coins, some lip gloss, and my I.D. I take one last look at myself in the mirror before closing my window and heading down stairs. I flip on the kitchen light, startled when I see a black roach scamper across the counter, immediately making me cringe. I can't stand bugs, especially disgusting roaches. We don't have enough food lying around to attract them so they must be coming from some other apartment. I'm so grossed out, I tiptoe into the kitchen like I'm walking through a minefield. I take Mom's note and fold it in half, leaving it upside down on the table like a little tent so it'll catch her eye in case she wakes up and doesn'
Last Updated : 2022-04-14Atticus Chapter 25: Sitting Close
Brad cranes his neck, looking over at Nick, who's obliviously watching the previews, and then says to Beth, "Want some popcorn?" as if trying to divert her attention. It was sweet of him, I'll give him that. Unfortunately, it's pretty clear Beth's not the kind of girl who would notice. She's already too mad at everyone else to care.She turns her head slowly to look over at him and curtly crosses her arms. She even huffs, like she's a pouting five year old. That's all it takes and I laugh out loud. I couldn't stop myself if I tried. This is pure entertainment. Her eyes instantly shift to me but luckily, I'm able to pass it off like I'm laughing at a preview.Lord have mercy. This poor girl is a mess.Suddenly, I don't feel so crazy. The movie starts soon after and I can't help a little internal sigh as Brad takes my hand. I snuggle next to him and watch Wayne and Garth play air guitars and fantasize to Dream Weaver in Wayne's parents' basement. **As we exit the theater, Nick t
Last Updated : 2022-04-14Atticus Chapter 26: Field Party
His warm, firm grip leads me straight into the music and chaos.Twenty minutes later, I'm holding one of those red Solo cups (full of lukewarm beer) as I watch Brad socialize with ease. My hand is still in his and there's a certain beauty in the way he's able to make me a part of his world even though he's doing all the talking. He makes me want to be here as much as he wants to be and I'm in awe of him all over again. He's introduced me to countless people as they welcome me into their Parkview High kegger society.The simplicity of the moment is an epiphany for me. I'm falling for him.Hard.**Almost an hour has gone by when Nick and Beth eventually join the circle of people surrounding Brad and me. They disappeared a while ago and I was starting to wonder if they'd gone. When I get a closer look, I see that Nick's shirt is buttoned wrong and the back of Beth's hair is a knotted mess with pieces of grass in it. Nick keeps scratching his chest between sips of beer while Beth l
Last Updated : 2022-04-14Atticus Chapter 27: Insecure Much?
"Get the fuck away from him." Beth spits her words out; her face changing when we make eye contact and I swear, she's about to come at me.Holy shit."Whoa, whoa, Beth!" Nick puts his arms up between us like he's already breaking up a fight."Beth..." I start to say but she interrupts, wedging her way past Nick with her finger pointed only inches from my face."You touch him again, bitch, and I'll kick your fucking ass!""Seriously? You thought I was copping a feel of your boyfriend?" I don't even try to disguise my sarcasm because this is ridiculous. She is completely out of control. Suddenly, I hear screaming and see her coming straight for me. All I see are hands until Nick picks her up, carrying her flailing limbs away from me. I'm totally mortified and embarrassed. I've never come close to getting in a fight, much less over a guy. Nick is still holding Beth back when Brad walks past me. He must have had enough because he gets in Beth's face and when she looks up at him I
Last Updated : 2022-04-14Atticus Chapter 28: That Was Interesting
Brad asked if he could pick me up in the morning and I told him he could. I also told him he didn't have to walk me to the door because I didn't want to take the chance of waking Mom. As soon as I walk in, I hear his car drive away and I'm relieved I made the decision to walk up by myself. Cigarette smoke practically wafts out at me. I can feel my nose scrunching up the second I race up the stairs, hoping somehow I'll avoid the stench. I make it to my room so fast I wonder if the smoke even knew I was there. I close my bedroom door as softly as I can before yanking up the window and turning on the lamp just below.The house is very quiet. More than likely, Mom passed out long ago. I could check on her, like the dutiful daughter I'm not, or I could relax and think about my date. The night couldn't have gone any smoother. So why am I waiting for my world to come crashing down? I force myself to shake off the feeling and glance over at the clock. I made it home ten minutes before my
Last Updated : 2022-04-14
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Atticus Chapter 57: Guilt
Brad sucks in a breath when the nurse yanks his arm to strap on the blood pressure cuff. Several layers of white compression bandages are around his ribs and I'm having a hard time believing she didn't notice. I give her a concerned glare. She looks at me then back to Brad. Apparently she finally realized she's been a little aggressive and apologizes, releasing his arm. Clearly, Brad's unscathed because he immediately reaches for my hand. I'm about to get on my knees and beg his forgiveness for putting him here in the first place when there's a knock on the door and we both look up.Two people walk in and it only takes one second for me to realize they're Brad's parents. The concerned looks on their faces pull at my heart. His mother instantly rushes over to him, gliding her palm over his face. Brad's dad follows her, standing behind, as if allowing his wife to have the first moment with their son. "Baby," is the only thing Mrs. Davis gets out before she starts to cry. "I'm okay
Atticus Chapter 56: A Reprieve
Mrs. Stephens starts the first cup and the heavy smell of coffee hits the air. A couple minutes later, she walks back and places two cups on the table before pulling out a chair. "Thanks," I say, taking a sip. She laughs when I make a face. It's the crappiest cup of anything I've ever had. "Yeah, it's pretty bad," she admits, pushing her cup away. Then she cocks her head as if she's sensing my emotions. And she probably is. I'm getting used to it, I think, her reading me."Well, at this rate, the hospital should probably set you up a cot." She laughs, trying to lighten my mood.I'm sure she knows I feel like shit for putting her and Brad through hell. I take another sip, glad it tastes terrible. It's exactly what I deserve.Mrs. Stephens reaches for my hand across the table and I look up to see the kindness in her eyes. I try not to lose it and bawl my eyes out again, so I look away. She squeezes tighter. "You've got to stop beating yourself up about this, Candice.""I can'
Atticus Chapter 55: A Change
When we stop at the front desk of the ICU to check in, the nurse asks us to wait for Dr. Calloway. Apparently, something new has developed with my mom and he wants to talk to me about it. To say I'm nervous would be an understatement. I'm sure she's gotten worse; I'll be an orphan by tomorrow, I just know it.Five minutes later he walks out of the double doors and sits down across from us. He looks at me, then to Mrs. Stephens, asking permission to talk freely in front of her. I tell him it's okay and he scratches his head like he's confused."I'm not sure how to tell you this, but..." He pauses, looking down at his clipboard as Mrs. Stephens takes my hand. Doctor Calloway looks back up at me and says, "Thirty minutes ago, your mother woke up from her coma." His brows push together like he's still in disbelief but then a smile slowly washes over his face. Mrs. Stephens instantly gives me a hug and whispers, "She's free of him, too." I smile back at her, wiping a tear from my ch
Atticus Chapter 54
**Candice**Mrs. Stephens called Brad's parents immediately after he was admitted, telling them what happened and to come to the hospital as soon as possible. I stood next to her at the pay phone, listening to her story, nervous and shaking and out of my mind with worry for him all at once. She glanced over at me for a split second and rubbed my arm as if she knew I was consumed with guilt. Then she cleared her throat and continued, telling Brad's parents that we'd been investigating the Emory house for a class project at school. She paused, I assume to listen to their concerns, before agreeing it was a really bad idea that we snuck into an abandoned house. She effortlessly described how Brad "lost his balance" at the top of the already dilapidated stairs. Fortunately, she was very convincing and never gave out too many details. Apparently, when parents find out their kids are hurt, how it happened isn't all that important. And the fact that she's an adult who works at the school de
Atticus Chapter 53
** Brad **BanishmentMrs. Stephens is walking the perimeter of the room, repeating her words as she tips the vile, allowing the black water to drop on the floor. Without warning, what sounds like hundreds of voices fill up the room, making it impossible to hear, while millions of black, dust-like specs swirl around the room.My eyes are drawn up when I realize the black shadow creatures are back, turning in circles above our heads. Bloodcurdling screams and horrific, demonic cries reverberate around us as if they're having a war with one another. Shrieks fade in and out until every last creature finally vanishes into midair, silent. I shift my eyes back and forth, looking for Atticus, but there's no sign of him.I don't know what the hell Mrs. Stephens is doing, but it's working. She's shouting her words, chanting them louder and louder, shaking the vile of black liquid in the air. I can actually feel the negativity being forced out of the room. The room is still smoky but it fe
Atticus Chapter 52
** Brad **Man to Man"You had a chance to leave, yet you chose to stay," Atticus says, looking genuinely curious. "Do you love her?"Ignoring him, I attempt to get back up but he stands over me, demanding my answer. I slowly look up at him, trying to keep his attention away from my hand, gathering some of the fallen salt."Answer me!" he shouts as animal-like shadows begin crawling along the ceiling.If I weren't in so much pain, the horrific show above my head would be terrifying, but I'm finally able to get a full breath and force my legs to pull me up. Immediately, my hand tosses the last bits of black salt in his face. He disappears again but this time, I'm ready for it. I know I only have a few seconds to get Candice down. "Brad, run!" Candice shrieks.I turn around to see Atticus flying straight toward me, both hands stretched out, aiming directly for my throat."Stop...I love him!" Candice cries out.Atticus whips his head at Candice and I watch her take what looks like a g
Atticus Chapter 51
** Brad **I check my pocket again, touching the small lump of black salt. It's my only defense. I have no idea if it will work but I have to do something. I just hope like hell I'm not too late. I'm instantly nauseated just thinking about it.I make a right on Oak Lawn, parking two houses down before cutting the engine. I sneak out, barely clicking the door shut as I duck and run, sneaking across the lawn like I'm about to rob the place.The house is quiet but as I get closer and slip through the broken out window, I can hear talking in the distance. I try to be as quiet I can, but my heart is practically bursting through my chest, requiring me to take quick breaths. If I'm not careful, I'm sure they'll hear me coming by that alone. I want so badly to call for her but force myself to stop and listen. A few seconds go by before I hear something. It's faint but it sounds like a male voice coming from upstairs.Atticus.Ducking behind the staircase, I close my eyes and stop to con
Atticus Chapter 50
** Brad ** The back door opens and I already know it's Mom. The Family Law office she manages closes at five thirty every day, even though most of the attorneys stick around longer. Sometimes Mom stays after too, picking their brains about class action suits and indictments. Especially if there's a case she's interested in. Even without going to law school, it wouldn't surprise me if she could pass the Bar exam."Hey," I call over my shoulder."Hi, honey. What are you making?""Mac and cheese." I pause because I think I hear Candice. Maybe she's awake? "How 'bout I make us a couple sandwiches to go with it?" Mom suggests, opening the pantry door.I better tell Mom what's going on before Candice beats me to it. If she walks out of the guest room looking like she just woke up, it might be a little bit of a shock. The good thing is, Mom prides herself on helping others, so there's a pretty decent chance she'll be okay with it."I need to talk to you." "Sure. What's up?" She s
Atticus Chapter 49: The Return
"Hello, Candice." His voice is still so beautiful and I reach out to him. "How did you find me?" I don't know why I asked; I already know the answer. He's part of me now."You must come with me." It feels like cool fingers are tapping on my cheek. When I push up on my elbows and look around, he's not there. I turn to look out the window and see the edge of the sun resting just above the horizon. I've been asleep for a couple of hours."Atticus?" I call out, but I he doesn't answer.Lifting the covers, I step out of bed to get a better look and I'm right, I'm alone. Instantly, my head begins to throb again and I hear his voice. But it's not coming from inside the room; he's in my thoughts. "If you want the pain to stop, you must return to me." Every time he speaks, the pain eases a bit, then returns with a vengeance-worse than before. I'm having a hard time trying to think, but I know I have to leave as soon as possible. I rush over to the window, hoping I can sneak out witho
