Denying the Wrong (12 page)

Katherine

The Doctor's lake house was amazing. I couldn't bring myself to call him by his first name like he’d requested, so I just called him “Doc”. Standing on the back porch, I felt dizzy looking down the steep bank of rocks into the water below. Or maybe it was the fresh air combined with the smell of the lake. I imagined putting a desk right where I was standing so I could write with the amazing backdrop. This was a nice distraction from my constant over-thinking of what was happening with Alissa...and with seeing her acceptance of Walt.

“You're not thinking about jumping are you?” Dillon had snuck up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist.

“Yeah, right. You can't get rid of me that easily.” I placed my hand over his.

He pulled me against him with a tight grip. “I would just jump after you.”

“How romantic,” I said, dramatically.

“Your mom told me to come get you for dinner.” He kissed my neck.

“That's too bad, I was hoping we could kiss while watching the sun go down.” I sighed and closed my eyes, enjoying the feel of his lips.

“We can come back out later. Let's not let the food get cold.” I laughed at him.

“Always thinking about your stomach.” I turned around and stuck my tongue out. He gave me a short kiss before heading inside.

My mom was already scooping food onto her plate and Dillon joined in the moment we sat down. I grabbed the rolls and passed them to Doc, who took one while smiling at me.

“Before we eat, I have an announcement to make.” The three of us stopped grabbing for food to look up at him. My mom looked over at me and I could tell she was a little concerned. Doc’s face turned red as he took in our stares.

He cleared his throat. “I know we haven't all known each other very long, but I have something to confess.” His voice was shaky. I couldn't take my eyes off him, even though I knew my mom could use a reassuring look right about now.

“I have to sit.” He sat down next to my mom. She put her arm around him and kissed his cheek.

“Whatever it is, I'm sure we will all be very supportive.” She looked over at Dillon and me with raised brows.

I took that as my cue to say something. “Of course. Whatever it is, you can tell us.” I didn't sound very convincing because I knew if he said anything to hurt my mom, I would lock him in the closet and leave so fast, he wouldn't know what hit him.

He turned to my mom and cleared his throat. “I don't think I will ever love someone any more than I love you.” He leaned in to kiss her. They didn't stop kissing.

“Kids in the room!”

My mom giggled and Doc turned even more red, which I didn't think was humanly possible. “Yes, sorry. Kids, I feel so lucky that you’ve accepted me. Even though I made a rough first impression,” we all laughed, “the time we’ve spent getting to know each other has been priceless.”

“Awww,” the three of us said in unison.

“Even though you practically moved in after the first night we met, making my mom feel as though she needs to cook now instead of getting pizza, which I miss terribly, I think I can speak for us all when I say, you’re pretty awesome,” I said, giving him a genuine smile.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. Looking at my mom, he took in a deep breath and asked, “Will you marry me?”

Excitement took over my body and I jumped up from the table. “She says 'yes'! Oh my gosh! My mom is getting married!”

“I think she's more excited than anyone else!” He opened the box and we all gasped as he pulled the shiny diamond ring from the box. My hands instantly went over my mouth and I looked down at Dillon who had a big goofy grin.

“Can I touch it?” My mom asked.

“Of course! It's for you, if you accept it.”

“Yes! Yes! Of course, yes!” She stood and started jumping up and down with me. We’d never experienced anything as exciting as this moment together. Tears stung my eyes and my cheeks hurt from smiling. I ran over and pulled my mom into a hug.

“Do you want to put it on?” We both looked at Doc, who was still sitting there with the ring in his hand.

“Oh my gosh, yes!” My mom sat on his lap and he placed the ring on her finger. They started kissing again. He picked her up and they kept kissing as he carried her towards the bedroom, disappearing for the rest of the night.

I looked over at Dillon as he piled food on his plate and took a couple bites. “Can you believe it? My mom is finally getting married!”

“That's awesome! I knew it would happen. He's a great guy.” He just kept on eating.

I didn't know what to do with all the excitement pouring out of my body. I couldn't sit, but I didn't want to jump up and down alone. I walked over to the sliding glass door and looked out at the water. I could see my reflection in the glass and it surprised me how big my smile was. Tears began pooling out of my eyes.

I heard the clink of silverware hitting a plate and the scraping of Dillon’s chair against the floor. “What's wrong? I thought you were excited?” Dillon walked up behind me and pulled me in for a hug.

I felt so overwhelmed. “My mom finally found her happiness. You have no idea how good that makes me feel.” I cried into his shoulder as he rubbed my back. “Ugh, I need to blow my nose,” I said, giggling.

I found a napkin on the table and sat back down. Dillon sat down next to me and started eating again. “If he hurts her, I hope you'll help me hide the body.”

“Of course.” He smiled at me between bites.

We finished our dinner and relaxed on the outside deck together. What was left of the sunlight sparkled against the water, a view that could never be replicated in the city. I began wondering if my plans to live amongst the high buildings would ever satisfy me after experiencing this lake house.

Dillon pulled me in close, rubbing my back. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.” I relaxed into his body, watching the last glimpses of light fall into the skyline.

Dillon and I fell asleep on the back patio, lying under the stars on a huge chaise lounge.

~*~

Coming back to the apartment after being at the lake house was a little depressing. My room usually gave me all the comfort I needed, but it had been nice being somewhere away from reality. I knew I needed to study for a test, but I decided to watch a romantic movie with my mom instead.

“You know, it's weird how being in love makes watching these types of movies so much easier to handle,” my mom said mockingly.

“Yes, it does. I'm so happy for you. When do we get to start planning the wedding?” I asked, bouncing on my butt.

“I think we want a small ceremony. I'll have to call Grandma and Grandpa to tell them the good news. I'll ask them when they can make it out to see us and we’ll do the wedding then.”

“Good idea.” The thought of having to go dress and cake shopping didn’t excite me, but seeing my mom glow was worth the torture.

I heard my text alert go off a while later. My mom had fallen asleep watching the movie and knowing she probably didn't get much sleep last night, I left her alone.

Alissa: Can we please talk?

I wanted to ignore her but couldn't. I missed my best friend even though I didn't like her very much at the moment.

Me: There's nothing to talk about.

Alissa: Please just let me come over to talk.

Me: Fine but don't ring the doorbell. Mom’s asleep.

Ten minutes later I got a text to go open the door for her. I let her in and we walked to my bedroom. The old Alissa would have gone into the kitchen to make coffee and grab the chocolate kisses. She didn't even take off her shoes, so I knew this was going to be a short visit.

We both sat on the floor with our backs against the bed. “So, what's up?”

She started playing with her nails instead of looking at me. “I know you're upset about Walt, but I wish you would let me explain.”

I started getting angry instantly. “Yes, please explain how you could even look at him, much less talk to him again after what happened.”

“I wish you could understand,” she said, still looking down at her hands.

“Understand what exactly? That you have your head so far up Scott's ass, you can't even pay attention to your friends anymore?” She looked at me shocked and I had to admit I’d shocked myself.

“Scott is trying to help and I wish you could see that, too. Walt screwed up but if Scott trusts him, I'm going to trust him, too.”

“Since when did you decide that a boyfriend is more important than your best friend?” I fought back the tears because I wanted her to only see my anger.

“He's important to me. You have Dillon! I don't know why you're so upset? You've always been jealous of what I have.”

“Jealous of what?” I took a deep breath trying to calm my nerves. “This has nothing to do with jealousy. I'm worried about you, and I don't like him at all. I don't trust him. You can't ask me to just shut my mouth.” I worked hard to control my voice so I didn't wake up my mom.

Alissa stood up, towering over me. “You should trust me to make good decisions. Why don't you trust me?”

I stood up, too. “I trust you, but I don't trust him. You don’t make good decisions around him. I can't be around him, and I refuse to go back to that gym.” I crossed my arms, trying to look confident while standing my ground.

“I guess we don't have anything else to talk about, then, because I'm not going to stop seeing Scott and I'll do whatever I can to help him. He’ll protect me if anything goes wrong. If you can't support me, then there is nothing I have left to say to you.” She threw my door open and walked out the front door, slamming it shut.

My mom shot up from the couch, looking worried. “What's going on?”

“Alissa just came by and we got into a fight. She's dick-whipped.”

I thought my mom would yell at me for saying that, but she started laughing. “Sweetie, I don't know what you mean, but I'm going to have to use that saying.” She got up and gave me a hug. “You know, every relationship has its bumpy times. You girls will get through this.”

I didn't argue because I couldn't talk about it any longer. I didn't think we would get through this, though. Alissa was too strong-willed to give in unless Scott royally screwed up.

Alissa

I couldn't believe that after almost eighteen years of friendship, Kat would just let me leave without a fight. I’d hoped she would follow me out to my car, but she didn't. I even sat in my car for five minutes, hoping she would run after me. Why is she being so hard-headed?

Scott had never given her a reason not to like him. I knew she was anti-social, but I never thought she would brush everyone off just because she got a bad feeling. Dillon would probably never talk to me again, either. Ever since they’d gotten together, neither of them had done anything to support my relationship with Scott.

I stopped by my favorite coffee shop before heading over to the gym. I had to talk to someone about what happened, and Scott seemed to be the only supportive person in my life. Walking by the window, I saw Walt talking to some guy with a bright red Mohawk. I continued past the door to the other side window, and when I realized Walt still hadn’t noticed me, I watched them talk for a couple of minutes. I’d never seen Walt outside of the gym.

They stood up to leave and I ran around the corner so they wouldn't catch me. Before Walt got into his car, he pulled the red Mohawk guy towards the wall, a foot away from the corner where I was hiding. I held my breath.

“Hey man, don't mention this to Scott.”

Mohawk guy replied, “No problem, but if he freaks, it's all on you.” Walt let go of his arm and walked over to his car.

They both pulled away before I came back around the corner and entered the coffee shop. My whole body was shaking.
Thank God they didn’t see me! I have to tell Scott about this.

I ordered my favorite drink and took a seat by the window while I waited. Kat had mentioned Matt was with a guy who had a Mohawk, and Scott got pissed when he caught Matt with him. The guy didn’t look like he was in high school.

“Excuse me ma’am, your coffee is ready.” The barista handed me my cup.

I hadn’t heard my name called. I tried to keep my head clear of my thoughts while driving to the gym. The last thing I needed was to get into an accident.

I went to the front desk of the gym and had them page Scott for me. I didn't want to go directly to his office, just in case Walt was there. Scott met me up front a couple of minutes later, alone.

“Hey, do you have anyone in your office right now?”

“No, why?” He winked at me. I blushed because I knew he thought I had come here for another reason.

“We need to talk.” His smile fell and he nodded. I looked around for Walt as we walked to his office. No sign of him anywhere, thank goodness. I didn't know why I felt so nervous. Scott said he would always protect me.

Scott shut the door behind me and immediately got right in my face. “What's going on?” He looked concerned.

“I stopped by a coffee shop after going over to talk to Kat, and I saw Walt in there talking to some guy with a red Mohawk.” Scott's face turned stone cold, scaring me, but I continued. “Walt told the guy not to tell you something. I don't know what they were talking about, but it made me feel weird, so I thought you should know.”

“Did they see you?” He clenched his fists.

“No, I hid around the corner until they left. Who was that guy, and why would he say you’d be mad if Walt talked to him without you knowing?”

Scott backed away from me and sat down behind his desk. He didn't say anything, and I certainly wasn't going to push him. I started to feel that I was in over my head. There was definitely something going on, and he wasn't telling me anything. I sat down in the chair across from him, hoping he would break the silence soon.

“I don't tell you things because I want to protect you, not because I don't trust you. Sometimes we have to do things we don't want to do because it's what's best for others. I make decisions and others follow my lead. I've gained their trust and they've gained mine. There are always some complications, though.”

I had no clue what he was talking about and I couldn't think of anything to say. I just sat there watching him drum his fingers on the desk, lost in thought. His cell phone rang, making me jump in the chair.

“Yeah.”

I couldn't hear what the person on the other end was saying. Scott's shoulders relaxed a little as he sat there listening.

“Thanks, man. I appreciate it.” He placed his phone on the desk and smiled. “Walt's done. He won't be coming back again.” A small smile appeared on his face. “That should at least make Kat happy, right?”

Hearing Kat's name made my stomach flip. “I guess so.” I didn't want to tell him about our conversation this morning. He had enough to deal with. “Wait, done with the gym or the team?”

“You look tired, doll. Maybe you should go home and get some sleep.” He stood up and walked over to me, avoiding my question. I didn’t ask again, hoping I would eventually find out. “Unless you want to stay?” He pulled my hair off my neck and placed tiny kisses below my ear.

“I should get home. I have homework.” I stood up and pulled him in for a hug.

He rocked me back and forth. “Everything will be okay, doll.”

I pulled away and gave him a fake smile. The moment I left his office, I no longer felt safe. None of my questions were answered. I walked back through the gym, leaving through the front door.

I had no one to call on my way home.

~*~

When I walked into my house, I thought for sure Dillon would greet me with his anger. He was sitting in the game room with a friend. He glared but didn't say anything. My parents were in the living room watching a movie together and I didn't want to interrupt them, so I went straight to my room. It was too early for bed, and I didn't feel like doing homework. I logged into my laptop instead.

I decided to look up Scott's name, hoping I could find a story about his late wife. The first couple of articles were about him taking over the gym. An article half way down the page caught my eye.

Bingo.

The article said Scott's late wife had been asleep in their house when something caught on fire. Her ex-husband was later arrested for setting the fire. Scott had been out that night and wasn't home. The ex was angry because she’d received a lot of money in the divorce even though she was the one who had committed adultery. Some sources reported she started dating Scott while he was still in high school. They married right after the divorce was finalized.

All the other articles said basically the same thing. Her ex-husband was in jail somewhere in upstate New York. Scott had not only gotten her money, but he’d sued the husband and won.

Learning all that information gave me a headache. I took some Tylenol and went to bed. It took a couple of hours to fall asleep because I couldn't turn off my brain. I felt sorry for Scott. Losing his wife had to be really hard on him, no matter how horrible he thought she was.

~*~

I didn’t want to go anywhere but really needed to talk to someone. Mary was the only breathing person still talking to me—I hoped.

“Alissa! So good to hear from you. What’s up?”

“I’m bored. I lost my best friend. You’re still my friend, right?” I asked in a pathetic voice that surprised me.

“Coming over.” She hung up.

Mary always got to the point. No frills. I appreciated that about her, but that was also the reason I hadn’t opened up to her about anything very personal up until now. But when I’d woken up this morning and decided I finally needed to talk to someone about Scott, I knew Mary would give me the bald truth, nothing coloring her judgment.

She showed up fifteen minutes later in sweats. Seeing her hurt my heart. I missed Kat more than I was willing to admit.

“So what’s up, my friend-who-likes-to-disappear?” Mary plunked down on my chaise lounger.

“I didn’t disappear. I’ve just been busy with things. I actually need to talk about what’s been going on.”

Mary crossed her arms and nodded. I took that as a signal to keep talking.

I sat down on my bed and took a deep breath. “As you know, Scott and I are close.”

She threw her head back and laughed. “Um, is that what you call you two banging in his office?”

My face flushed in embarrassment. “How the hell did you know?”

“Like it’s a secret? After your birthday party, I’m pretty sure everyone knows.”

I covered my face with my hands, not sure how to respond.

“Don’t be embarrassed. Scott is capital H.O.T. I would jump on that ride.”

“Oh my gosh, Mary. You’re too much. Anyways… I think there may be something else going on behind the scenes of L.S.A.B. He won’t tell me, though.”

Mary leaned forward and looked at me for a second with her eyebrow raised. “Are you sure you want to know or are you still in lust?”

“I don’t know how I feel about him anymore. At first, he was beyond irresistible and I wanted him so badly. Now, it just seems like I’m arm candy he likes having at his disposal.” I paused but she didn’t react. “Not that we’re at it all the time… Anyways… I just can’t get it out of my head that he’s not doing everything… well, kosher.”

“You mean like he’s using his anti-bully campaign to fight bullying with bullying?”

“Yes.” I answered without thinking. “Wait, what are you talking about?”

“Not that I’m an expert, but I’d like to think I have really good observation skills. It’s almost like he’s training his own army. These guys who are ‘protecting’ others are really good at staying behind the scenes, but how is it really helping anyone?”

“Why haven’t you talked to me about this sooner?” I asked. My heart lurched, realizing Kat may have been right about my following Scott around like a blind puppy.

She shrugged. “Because you weren’t ready to listen.”

I looked at her, confused and irritated with myself. “You’re right, I know you’re right. What do you think is going on? Do you think Scott is doing anything illegal?”

“I don’t know the extent and honestly, I don’t want to know. All I know is that you may want to start separating yourself, if you know what I mean.”

“I know what you mean.” I started thinking about all the signs that were in front of me the whole time that I’d ignored. “Do you by any chance know a guy with a Mohawk that hangs around Matt sometimes? Or Walt?”

“Oh, yes,” she said. She didn’t elaborate.

“And?”

“His name is Billy. I heard from one of the guys that he’s into the drug scene.”

“Well, that doesn’t surprise me, but why would he have anything to do with Scott? I overheard Walt and him talking about Scott. That seems weird because I don’t think Scott would be into drugs at all.”

Mary stood up and stretched. “I don’t know.”

Her sweatshirt lifted up and I couldn’t help but notice her belly was a little smaller. “Have you been losing weight?”

“Why, yes I have. Thank you for noticing. After that jerk, Conner, said what he did, I decided it was time to make a change.”

“I’m so proud of you.”

“Yeah, he noticed the other day in class and then had the nerve to ask me if I wanted to go get some coffee. Part of me wanted to say yes but the other part of me wanted to kick his ass right there in front of everyone.”

“Isn’t it crazy how people’s minds work?” I asked, giving her a big smile. Her attitude made me happy.

“My personality hasn’t changed, only my body. Like he’s ever gonna get a piece of this,” she motioned to her body and flexed her arm.

I laughed with her and flopped down on my bed. She flopped down next to me and began filling me in on the high school gossip. It was nice having a light conversation, because my head began pounding behind my eyes again.