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Chapter 26: Field Party
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2022-04-14 14:01:42Related chapters
Atticus 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 : 2022-04-14Atticus Chapter 29: The Calling
I take a deep breath in through my nose and exhale through my mouth. I do it three more times because when I'm panicked it always helps. Can't hurt to do it now. "Atticus." I whisper his name out loud; thinking somehow saying his name will help. The warm sensation in my belly increases, continuing to relax my body. I feel a sudden sense of calmness engulfing me. "Atticus," I whisper again, closing my eyes as my mind starts to slowly drift. Concentrating seems to help and it becomes easier and easier to give in to the soothing heat in my belly. It feels so good I can't think of anything else...**A white, foggy mist surrounds the edges of my sight, making it difficult to see. I'm confused and a little scared when another blanket of warmth washes over me, relaxing my body as the mist begins to slowly fade. I immediately recognize that I'm back inside the house and it's somewhat dark, just like it was this morning. It feels very different because when I glance around from room to
Last Updated : 2022-04-14Atticus Chapter 30
Is This Real?I open my eyes when I hear footsteps and then I see him. All of him. Just like in the portrait, he has the same clothes; the same youthful look. His emerald eyes catch mine and suddenly it feels like I would sacrifice everything to never have to leave him again."You are beautiful," he says, touching the side of my face and instantly I want his approval. I can't speak because this house, his voice, my want for more is overwhelming. It's as if Atticus knows when he reaches for my hand, pulling me closer to him, that his touch helps. I feel like I'm looking at a beautiful sculpture and the second I take my eyes away, he will disappear. So I don't. I simply stare at him, completely in awe."Do you remember me?" he asks, gazing into my eyes."I don't understand," I whisper, finally finding my voice.He smiles, like he can see into every private piece of my soul. "You will, my darling. You will.""CANDICE, wake up!" I force my eyes to open and see my mother glaring
Last Updated : 2022-04-14Atticus Chapter 31
What Am I Going To Do With You?"You know, you could have any girl you want in this school..." He puts a finger up, stopping me in mid-sentence and gets really close; so close I can smell the soap he used to wash his face. I look down and watch his lips curl up into his usual sexy smile and his entire face lights up. All it would take is a couple more inches and another kiss...and I'd be a goner. "You seriously don't get it, do you?" he asks, placing his palm on my cheek. "And the really sucky thing is the bell's about to ring so I can't take the time to explain...but I want to kiss you so hard right now it hurts." Before I can say anything he turns his head, placing his other palm on my face, and says, "What the hell."His lips are on mine so fast I barely have time to catch up. They're soft at first, then press a little harder, his warm hands cupping my cheeks. Our lips move in comfortable unison, slightly opening and closing as he teases me with his gentle tongue. I don't wa
Last Updated : 2022-04-14Atticus Chapter 32: Mortified
"Earth to Miss. Crawford. I hope I'm not keeping you from something," Ms. Barnes's voice interrupts my thoughts.And everyone is staring at me again. Even Brad. But at least he's not snickering under his breath. "I'm sorry, what?" I look up at the teacher, catching her slight eye roll. "I just asked if you knew the degrees of the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn?" She slowly smiles, as if she's stumped me. "Oh, um..." I pause for a second, shoving my fantasy away with the giggling behind me. Luckily, I've always liked maps and I smile because the answer is easy for me. "The Tropic of Cancer is 23.5 degrees north of the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn is 23.5 degrees south," I reply, pretending I don't notice her total bitchiness. "That is correct." Ms. Barnes pauses with a faint look of frustration, then walks closer to my desk. "But let me give you a little advice." She tilts her head slightly as if she's already enjoying what she's about to say. "You've a
Last Updated : 2022-04-14Atticus Chapter 33
** Brad **Something's wrong, I can feel it-something that must have happened in class. She was fine, and then it was like she was a caged animal, desperate to be freed. But what could it have been? Our kiss? The bullshit Ms. Barnes gave her? I sure as hell don't know. The look on her face was pure determination, like she couldn't get out of here fast enough. She was also stumbling for excuses and I have no doubt she was lying. She blew right out the door before I could catch her but I'm not far behind. I know she's got to be around here somewhere but when I scan the parking lot, there's no sign of her. She couldn't have gotten that far, it would've been impossible, but it's like she literally disappeared. I have a bad feeling and rush to my car and start the engine, pulling out quickly as I pan the parking lot one last time. Nothing. Jesus, did she sprint the whole way? I have to slam on my brakes to keep from hitting another car. I'm not paying attention but right now, I d
Last Updated : 2022-04-14Atticus Chapter 34
** Candice **I only stop when the house is in full view. I ran like hell the entire way and have pause to catch my breath. I feel so out of control even though I'm doing everything I can to get to the house. The pull to keep moving is impossibly stronger and my headache is beginning to turn my stomach into knots. It's clear that the longer I wait, the more severe everything becomes.I manage to look around, hoping like hell no one can see me because I feel like I'm going throw up any second and I don't want anyone to see me puking in their bushes. Thankfully, there's only one car coming down the street, and it's pretty far away. Glancing back at the house, I know I can't wait any longer. I have to make a run for it, to get there before my head explodes or my stomach has time to catch up.As soon as I cross through the window I scan the room, half expecting Atticus to be standing with his arms folded across his chest, tapping his foot. But he's nowhere in sight. The room looks exa
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
