13 Ways to Midnight (The Midnight Saga) Page 27

  “I’m, I mean, he’s not one for dating exclusively, and I…”

  “You what?” He asked, and my eyes lifted.

  “I am, I guess.”

  Daniel sighed. “I’ll knock his head off.”

  I looked at Mattie and back to him. “No, honestly, it isn’t a big deal.”

  “Anything that hurts you is a big deal, Echo.” He said as his jaw tightened. I couldn’t tell if he was madder at Thorn or thinking about Tailor.

  The words wiggled their way in between that long fissure that was running the length of my heart. I guess anyone could have said them, but they meant something special, coming from him.

  I paused and stared at his lips and then Mattie broke my train of thought.

  “I say we go and show these people what’s what. We got time anyway, it’s not for another thirteen days, ironically enough on Friday the thirteenth.”

  I stared into my hot chocolate as the marshmallows continued to melt. Then something in me clicked. I don’t know if it was brought on by the traumatic events of the day, or my pride, but suddenly I wanted to go, almost as if to say, you didn’t break me, no part of me, Thorn Vega, and you never would.

  You can’t. I won’t let you.

  “I think maybe she’s right,” I said as I eyed Daniel and he didn’t fight either one of us with anymore logic.

  “See? I’m right.” Mattie said, and Daniel gave me a nod. “So is it a deal?” she asked.

  “Deal.” He said.

  “Deal,” I repeated, hoping I wasn’t making a terrible mistake.

  41

  The next week droned on something terrible.

  Every class sucked.

  Every day was met with rain and more rain.

  Every night my aunt cried herself to sleep.

  But then the most unexpected thing happened.

  I stepped off the porch and felt the sun on my face. I stared up into the sky and had to shield my eyes. I swear I could almost hear the sizzle and pop as it raced across my pale skin. I smiled. The first one in days. My heart still ached, but Thorn had not been in school. Another trip with his dad, I would have to guess. I was half tempted to buy a thank you card for Mr. Vega for taking him away. Not seeing him was helping me get past the emptiness that he had left behind.

  Or at least it helped me fake it better than anyone else had ever been able to before.

  Then, of course, my happiness had to be crapped on by reality. I heard the crinkling of paper at my feet, and I leaned down to retrieve the invitation that had been dropped off at my doorstep. ‘Echo Navarri’ was written in beautiful silver script across the front of the envelope. I glanced back at the door and then turned, making my way down the steps as I tore it open and pulled out the card.

  ‘You are cordially invited to the House of Vega in celebration of Hawthorn Vega’s eighteenth birthday. 10.13.13 *No RSVP required*’

  I stared up at the sun and wanted to curse it for tricking me into thinking this could be a great day.

  I tucked it away in my backpack and clenched my teeth. My jaw started to ache by the time I reached the front steps of the school. I stopped and stared up at the doors. This could be a great day to pretend like I was sick but just as the thought crossed my mind, Bri came bouncing up, along with Mattie and they had invitations in their hands. They winked at me and gave them a shake.

  “Did you receive one?” Mattie asked me and I gave her a nod and jerked mine out to show her.

  “Some nerve, huh? This is why I think it was important to decide that we would go to this thing, ya know?”

  I shoved the invitation back in my bag and shrugged my shoulders. “I’m sure he doesn’t even know whose coming.”

  “Yeah, maybe not but…”

  “I guess I’ll see you there.”

  The mysterious girl who had interrupted us at the assembly stepped up and looked me over. Her eyes quickly darted to Mattie and then landed on Daniel. Daniel smiled at her as she walked away with her plaid skirt swaying in the wind. I rolled my eyes.

  “Who is that girl?” I asked.

  “That’s Nova. An old girlfriend.” Bri blurted out. I immediately turned to her. “Of HIS?” I asked.

  She bit her lip. “Of course it’s one of Thorn’s old girlfriends. I mean who the hell hasn’t dated him?” Tailor said as she walked by us.

  “Thanks,” Daniel yelled at her, and she flipped her red hair over her shoulder with one flick of her hand and stepped up next to that girl’s side.

  “Don’t pay attention to them; I’m serious,” Mattie whispered.

  I tried my best, but she glared at me as we entered the school.

  I walked to my locker and Bri leaned against the one next to mine as Mattie held her hands and they swung them back and forth. Obviously, they were doing fine, and Bri seemed to be getting back to normal with me. I don’t know how much more I could do than apologize to her.

  Daniel leaned in next to me. “Don’t let it get to you.”

  I swallowed hard and fought to pull my books from my locker. One fell at my feet, and I knelt down to retrieve it when I felt something shift behind me. I knew what it was before I even turned around. I took a deep breath and then let it out, rising up slowly and counting to ten before I shut my locker.

  “Bri, Mattie…Daniel.”

  His voice sounded calm like nothing had happened. I held my hand on the front of my locker and decided to turn. I needed to get this over with. I couldn’t change what had happened between us or that he was the biggest jerk in the entire world.

  I spun around and parted my lips, ready to take the high road and got smacked right in the face with a big old dose of reality.

  Thorn stood there as beautiful as ever. Nothing had changed. Nothing. All the old feelings flooded right back in as if he hadn’t been the most horrible experience in my life.

  I felt myself shrinking, but Daniel placed his arm around me without hesitation.

  Thorn’s expression hardened, but he quickly recovered.

  “Echo.”

  I gave him a nod, and he walked on without saying anything else to me.

  I may die.

  In fact, I’m sure of it.

  I broke away from Daniel and ran down the hallway in search of the bathroom. I busted in and dropped my books, allowing them to skid across the floor. I pushed my way into a stall and fell to my knees, effectively throwing up until I had nothing left to give. I leaned back and sat on the floor until I heard someone enter and turn the water on in the sink.

  “Of course I’m going. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Nova said. “Thorn wants me there.”

  “You two are the perfect couple. I mean sheer perfection.” Tailor sickened me. I crawled my way up and onto the toilet, lifting my feet so they couldn’t see that I was there.

  “So, do you think she’ll come?” Tailor asked, and Nova laughed. “Who, Echo Navarri? God, I hope so. Nothing would make me happier than seeing the look on her face when she sees us together.”

  “Oh, I can’t wait.”

  “Me either.”

  I could see them through the crack of the stall as Tailor fixed her hair and Nova smeared more red lipstick on that pouty mouth of hers.

  I hated her, almost as much as I hated myself for even caring.

  They walked out, and I lowered my feet. I let out a huge sigh and placed my face in my hands.

  “I hate my life.”

  42

  “He’s a dick.”

  I chuckled. “I know.”

  Daniel grinned at me. “You know, we could skip out on this thing and just go see a movie or get something to eat.”

  “We could, or we could go there, show them that they don’t matter and then leave, get like five gallons of ice cream and eat all of it.”

  He smiled. “Or that.”<
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  Mattie rushed up to the car and opened the back door. She slid in, and Bri followed. They both had on frilly dresses with tulle that sprayed out at the bottom like ballerinas. One in pink and one in gold. They were adorable together, and it made me sick.

  Sick in a good way.

  Daniel had worn a suit and tie. He looked incredibly handsome. I hadn’t skipped noticing this time. He sat there with his hands gripped firmly on the wheel.

  Mattie tapped the back of his seat. “Daniel?”

  He blinked and gave me a quick glance. I nodded to him, and he pulled out.

  We sat at the end of the long lane, and I glared up the black bricked road with an extreme amount of concern.

  If I could puke, I would.

  All I wanted to do was run, but something in me told me I should face this now and not let it fester like I had with Midnight’s death.

  I also knew that agreeing to this was by far a bad idea, in some aspects, but then again, I’m sick of regret. This would give me the opportunity to hold my head high and let him know that I’ll survive him. I had survived far worse.

  “Daniel.”

  I could see his hands tighten on the wheel. “Daniel, honestly,” Mattie repeated, and he blinked.

  “Yeah, sorry.”

  He pulled up the lane and before I knew it I could see the lights span across the countryside. The Vega house was massive in comparison to mine. Not that I’m comparing size because I don’t care…but man. I could see that the house was four stories high and there were twelve windows across the front.

  “Twelve across and four down is forty-eight,” I whispered.

  I tilted my head back as we pulled around the circular drive, and then a man stepped out with a black suit on with a white shirt and black tie. I could feel a tingling in my fingers, and I had to shake my hands out as Daniel brought the car to a stop.

  I set aside my fear. I popped my door open and stepped out in the dress that Eyota Vega had sent to me. I looked down and could see the two white swans. It was gorgeous, and it fit me like a glove. The material was soft as silk and the light emulating from the large porch lit me up. My lips were painted crimson red and matched the flowers in my dress. I had done the best that I could with the make-up that my aunt had in her bathroom, and by the looks of it, I hadn’t done a bad job. It wasn’t half as treacherous as I thought it would be.

  Sometimes you just have to step outside of your comfort zone and shine.

  Tonight I would. Tonight I would prove to Thorn that I didn’t need him.

  I would also prove it to myself.

  I turned. My hair was braided in two thick strands and pulled up on the back of my head and securely pinned in place. Midnight would be proud.

  Daniel stepped up to my right side, and Mattie stepped up next to him, along with Bri. He held his arms out, and we both took one, letting him lead us up the steps. I glanced up and could see a carefully sculpted wolf on each one of the doors with a thick knocker hanging from the sharpened teeth that held them firmly in place.

  Daniel looked at me and then the doors opened. The strong scent of sandalwood rushed out and engulfed my senses making me close my eyes for a second longer than I meant too, then I heard a voice and had to open them.

  “You look as beautiful as I assumed you would, Miss. Navarri.”

  I stood locked in place as Eyota Vega’s eyes ran the length of my dress. “Tell me, did your aunt happen to join you this evening?”

  I narrowed my eyes and parted my lips, but Mattie spoke before I had the chance too.

  “Her boyfriend died two weeks ago, so I doubt she’ll be coming.”

  His eyes shifted from me to Mattie in a split second. He looked irritated but quickly let it go.

  “Oh yes, Mr. Jenny. Tragic, I wasn’t aware that she was his friend.”

  “He landed on their car, or so the police officer told me.” We all turned our heads as Persephone stepped up in a black lace cocktail dress that was sleeveless, but hugged every curve and crevice with such ferocity that it made me blush. She was stunning, but that dress left no secrets unearthed. It was like a second skin.

  “Let’s be respectful,” Eyota said with an even tone as she grinned and took a sip from her black wine glass. Her eyebrow shot up. She pulled the edge of the glass from her lips and licked them. Daniel was transfixed until Mattie nudged him in the side.

  “And who are you?” She asked while she looked him over. His cheeks became flush. I’m sure he had never seen a woman as breathtaking as Persephone Vega, I know that I hadn’t.

  “Daniel…” He started to say. She interrupted him.

  “How old are you, Daniel?”

  “Okay, then.” Mr. Vega said as he smiled and held his hand out to me. For some reason, I took it without protesting. He was as charming, if not more so than his son. I shouldn’t be surprised. “I apologize, my sister is on her third glass of wine.”

  Persephone laughed and Eyota glanced at her. She stopped and ran his thumb across the top of my hand. I flinched. His hold over me moved one foot in front of the other, and before I knew it, I was being led into a grand ballroom on the arm of Eyota Vega, father to the boy who had broken my heart, and who had effectively broken my aunts, too.

  “I’m glad to see you wearing the dress.” He said softly into my ear.

  “It’s beautiful,” I whispered back to him without much control. Everything else seemed to fall away right up until I felt a hand take mine and I looked back to see Thorn standing there, his chest was rising and falling as if he had been running. His eyes looked wild, so unlike him.

  “Good to see you decided to join us,” Eyota said as I turned and was released the trance. I swallowed hard, and Thorn looked me over.

  “Could we talk?” He asked, and I narrowed my eyes.

  “What?”

  “Please.” He added.

  I glanced at Eyota, and he nodded to me. I stepped out of the room while Mattie shook her head and Daniel looked down at his feet.

  I should tell him no. I should. I should stop right now and embarrass him in front of everyone. I should. But I couldn’t.

  He led me to an opening, and I stepped out onto a beautiful balcony. I reached the edge and gripped the cold stone. He remained behind me.

  “What are you doing here?” He asked me and I narrowed my eyes and turned to face him.

  “I was invited, by your father.”

  He paused. “You didn’t have to come.”

  I looked everywhere, but at him. “I know I didn’t.”

  He took a step toward me. “But I’m…”

  I cut him off. “But what?”

  He bit his lip and released it. “I’m glad that you did.”

  I let out a small bit of laughter, and my eyes locked onto his. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. I let my eyes take him in. He was wearing a black tuxedo with a white shirt and black tie. His hair was still slightly disheveled, and his eyes…God, those eyes. I hated him, but not as much as I hated myself.

  “Don’t,” I said with such regret.

  “Echo, I’ll always…” The violins rose up along with a cello. Everyone entered the room behind him, and we were left there staring at each other like strangers torn apart by a curse that neither one of us had the strength to fight anymore.

  “Always what? Hurt me? Yes, you will.” I didn’t regret telling him the truth.

  “Echo, please.” He said, and I turned as Eyota called out to him.

  “Hawthorn, come. It’s time.”

  He turned back to face me. “Echo, could we talk, later, I mean.”

  I shook my head and wiped a tear that had been fighting to make its way down my cheek since the moment I had stepped foot onto the balcony.

  I sighed. “No.”

  “Please.” He spoke in desperation.
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  I lifted my chin, and his father stepped up next to him.

  “It’s rude to keep them waiting.”

  Thorn let out a sigh, and I turned away from him and stared out at the pine.

  “Please join us, Echo.” Mr. Eyota said as he held his hand out to me. I found myself joining him without much thought at all.

  We entered the large ballroom, and both Eyota and Thorn made their way to the front, leaving me in front of everyone as they both turned to face the crowd.

  Eyota smiled. “Welcome, distinguished guests. We once again have the pleasure of hosting our annual feast to celebrate another year. Only this one is special and something I have looked forward to for a very long time. “Come.” He held his hand out, and I almost took a step but then Nova came into view, and he kissed the top of her hand. I rubbed the side of my neck when she glanced over at me.

  “Please join me in a toast.” Eyota’s voice echoed in the ballroom. He grinned and grabbed two glasses from a tray that a waiter had extended out to them. Servers filled the room, and everyone ended up with a glass of golden liquid with rising bubbles.

  He handed one to Thorn and the other to Nova. Then he grabbed two more and handed one to Persephone and kept one for himself. His eyes had lingered on me before he spoke and it made me uneasy. He lifted his glass, and everyone else in the room lifted theirs. Daniel, Bri, and Mattie stepped up to my side and stared at them.

  Then Mr. Vega smiled and gave me a nod, turning to Thorn and placing a hand on his shoulder.

  “I have waited, for what seems like an eternity, for you to reach this age, my son. Thorn tore his eyes from me and finally looked at his dad. “It’s felt like an eternity.” Thorn muttered back to him, and some laughter rose up in the room.

  “Ah, the impatience of youth. I envy it. I envy anyone who has yet to discover such sweetness as a first kiss.” Eyota looked at me, and I shifted from one foot to the other. Suddenly that serene feeling was slowly making way for something dark and foreboding. I touched my chest, and my glass started to tilt.

  “It’s with great pride that I make an announcement this evening. As it has always been customary in our family, I have gathered you all here to witness a bond that has forever been forged between our family, and that of the most prestigious bloodline of the house of Foxx.