In the Heart of Forever
Read In the Heart of Forever Online
Authors: Jo-Anna Walker
In the Heart of Forever
A Heart Story
Full Novel
By: Jo-Anna Walker
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
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No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not
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In the Heart of Forever
Copyright 2013, Jo-Anna Walker
ISBN-10: 1494340232
ISBN-13: 978-1494340230
Acknowledgements:
First off, thank you to everyone who has helped me in my new journey of writing.
My most wonderful husband, family and friends...I couldn't have done this without the support from all of you.
Chrissy for recommending the most fabulous CPs a girl could have and for you, for being awesome.
Susie, you are amazing and have taught me so much and are still teaching me through everything that I write. Thank you.
Brenda Wright, you are a fantastic editor and friend and I am so happy to have you with me on the journey of getting Jesse and Rave's story out there. Thank you!!
My girls at Twinsie Talk Book Reviews, Angie SJ, Angie WE, Jennifer, Melinda and Brenda...I may be a tad biased but thank you!! For everything! Just thank you!!!!
To all the blogs who read and reviewed my book, your honesty is appreciated and thank you!!
To Team Shattered. You ladies are amazing and without you, none of this would be possible.
To Karen, my wonderful beta reader who wants "a Rave of her own". Thank you!!
To my readers!! Thank you!!! Just for taking the time to read my book. Thank you for your patience during the wait of each part of this book.
To Barbeth Publications for the gorgeous cover and for recommending the tulip theme. I heart you!!
And to everyone else, you all rock my socks!! xx
***Note: Due to the mature content and subject of abuse, this book is not recommended for a younger audience***
Dedication
To Jesse Dawson and Rave Black
In the Heart of Yesterday
Part 1
Jesse Dawson
Chapter 1
As I sat in my seat at the front of Mr. Deel's class, I felt eyes boring into the back of my skull. Our school's team of snotty girls sat in the row behind me, whispering about yours truly.
OMG. Look at Jesse Dawson, always wearing the same boring clothes with the same stringy hair. Has she ever had a boyfriend? Maybe she likes girls.
With her small tits, if she didn't have long hair, she would look like a boy.
Why can't she actually make an effort to look like a girl?
I clenched my jaw, my foot tapping against the leg of the desk. They were loud enough that I would hear them but not too loud to alert Mr. Deel’s class. Miranda, Melissa and Melanie called themselves, "The Triple M's". It was cheesy. They were blonde, blue eyed and fake tanned and every boy’s fantasy at West Carlton High.
I leaned forward in my desk, sighing and focused on Mr. Deel's lecture about American History. Some bad guy shot so and so and another guy went to jail...some torture was involved. I really didn't know what he was talking about. I started doodling in my notebook and stifled a yawn.
The Triple M's giggled and Mr. Deel turned around. "Something you'd like to share with the class ladies?" A gray eyebrow rose.
"Sorry Mr. Deel," Melanie Anderson said with so much warmth butter could have melted. I think I puked in my mouth a little.
Mr. Deel nodded and turned back to the board, continuing in his lecture about some war back in the day.
"Psst," Melanie said from behind me.
I sighed and ignored her.
A moment later she kicked my chair. "Hey, Four Eyes."
I ground my teeth at the clichéd nickname. Apparently they couldn't come up with anything more original.
I continued ignoring Melanie and pretended to read my history book. My chair jerked forward as she kicked my chair harder. I slapped my hand on the desk, causing Mr. Deel to glance over. My cheeks heated. “Sorry, Mr. Deel.”
He looked between us and turned back to the board.
The Triple M’s giggled.
I turned around and glared at Melanie. "What?" I snapped, keeping my voice low.
She smiled, perfect white teeth showing between gloss injected lips. "Nothing. Nothing at all.”
She got my attention. That was her goal and I gave in. Stupid move, Jesse. I huffed and turned around in my seat as the three of them laughed.
God, I hated this school. I could not wait to graduate. Six months left. Six months and I would be eighteen, graduated and gone out of this God forsaken city. For good, hopefully. I would go to college across the country, or even in a different country, and never look back.
While I was stewing over my inner rant, Jake Porter walked in and handed Mr. Deel a note. Jake was your stereotypical geek: dark rimmed glasses, pocket protector and even the suspenders to boot. He turned, saw me and gave a little wave. I smiled and waved back.
The Triple M's giggled harder making him blush. He abruptly left the classroom.
"Is that your boyfriend, Four Eyes?" Miranda Adams asked from beside me.
I rolled my eyes but didn't reply. Jake and I were friends. My only friend at this damn school. He’d been there for me when no one else had.
"Well class, it looks like we have a new student," Mr. Deel stated.
Curiosity came over me as someone entered the room. My gaze flicked to the door and a tall boy concentrated on his feet. He wore a band T-shirt and ripped blue jeans. Shaggy black hair covered his forehead and his full lips were set against hard features. He had a dark shadow on his jawline, making him look older but God, he was gorgeous.
The girls in my class gasped when he looked up. His deep green eyes travelled around the room and then landed on me. My cheeks heated. His lips twitched at the sides and then he looked back at Mr. Deel. "Class, this is Rave Black."
A collective giggle erupted around the room. I rolled my eyes, embarrassed for him. The girls swooned and the guys laughed at him.
Mr. Deel told him to take a seat at the back of the room.
I glanced down at my notebook. As he walked by, I could feel him looking at me, making the tiny hairs at the back of my neck tingle. The scent of musk and light cologne wafted into my nose, making my heart flutter.
The Triple M's made some suggestive comments as he passed us. Melanie kicked my chair a moment later. "Careful, your boyfriend might get jealous."
I took a deep breath. “He’s not my boyfriend. We’re friends.”
Melanie snorted. “Right. That’s what they all say.”
I huffed and turned back around in my chair.
Half an hour left of class. Only half an hour.
Miranda giggled. "I wonder what his story is."
"He looks like someone with a dark secret," Melissa responded. “I definitely would not mind finding out what it is.”
"What do you think, Four Eyes?" Melanie asked, kicking my chair again.
I didn't answer. How was I supposed to know what his story was? I didn't even know the guy. I was not one to play along with the gossip and I definitely didn’t believe the rumors that were spread around about people.
"I heard he was in juvie," Melanie continued.
I frowned. How did she hear that already?
"Juvie? Wow. He truly is a bad boy," someone else said.
Seriously? Poor guy hadn’t even been here one day and already the rumors start. Leave it to the Triple M's to make that happen. Want something spread? Go to them. They would make sure to get the lies out.
The bell finally rang and I gathered up my things. I hugged my books tightly against my chest and hurried out of the classroom.
"Hey Four Eyes."
I turned around and went to glare at Melanie when Rave walked by. His brow rose in question and his gaze drifted to mine. My face grew red hot and I turned away, stepping up to my locker.
The Triple M's laughed at my misfortune and their giggles carried down the hall.
“Hey Jesse.”
I turned to the sound of Jake’s voice as he came up beside me. I smiled. “Hi,” I said, closing the door.
“How’s it going?”
I shrugged. “Not too bad. You?”
“Good. How’s your mom?”
“I haven’t seen her,” I mumbled.”
Jake grabbed my books from me. “Allan still not letting you see her?”
I shook my head. “I’ve tried asking but…”
“Yeah. Listen, the dance is coming up. You going?”
I breathed a sigh of relief at his change of subject. “I’m not sure. I haven’t really thought of it. Are you?” I leaned against the locker beside him.
“I dunno. The Triple M’s are pushing everyone to go.”
They were on the school social committee and were obnoxious about the events they planned. Red and pink hearts lined the halls enough to make even the girliest girl puke.
The final warning bell ran and Jake pushed off the locker. “You heading to the library?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll walk you. We still on for lunch?” He playfully nudged my shoulder.
I smiled. “Always.”
We walked down the hall as the crowd of students cleared, heading to their classrooms.
“If you want to go to the dance, let me know.” Jake handed me back my books. He turned and started walking away. “Bye bestie.” He waved over his shoulder.
I giggled and shook my head, pushing through the library doors.
This was my favorite time of day. Two hours to do nothing. Which I spent in the library. Being surrounded by the smell of books always made my heart skip a beat. Diving into other worlds that weren't my own gave me peace and calm. It always had. It was my way to escape and thanks to my mother, I inherited the love of reading from her.
The final warning bell rang and I smiled to myself when the library came into view down the hall. Students milled about, heading to their designated classes.