The Grave Mistakes of Emerson Darcy

2

I woke up a few hours later to my grandmother gently shaking me.

“Ah there you go, sweetheart. There’s a boy down stairs for you.” She said

I nodded my head while rubbing the sleep from my eyes.

“You might want to freshen up a bit. He’s quite the stud if I do say so myself but don’t take too long. It’s impolite to keep a boy waiting.” She said before quickly exiting the room.

I got out of bed, padding towards my bathroom. I wiped last night’s make up off my face, quickly put my hair in a side braid. I changed into a more daytime appropriate outfit of shorts and a tank top. I hustled down the stairs. I stopped before I reached the bottom one. I knew exactly what boy it was. He turned around when he heard me coming.

He was taller than I remember, bigger muscle wise as well. It had only been a year, I was surprised that Brennan didn’t recognize him. Maybe he did and didn’t find it relevant.  His blonde hair was pushed back off his face, making it easier to see his bright green eyes peering at me. He slowly walked towards me, looking almost feral. He stopped close enough for me to see the smattering of golden freckles across his nose and cheekbones. His angelic appearance in juxtaposition with his clothing. He had on a short sleeve button up that he left mostly unbuttoned, showing flashes of a tattoo that I couldn’t quite read on his chest. His light wash jeans fit flawlessly, tucked into some shit kicker boots. I think what sealed the deal was the cigarette tucked behind his ear.

“You look very retro badass.”

“Emerson.” He said quietly, almost as though he thought he’d scare me off.

“Jethrow.” I responded firmly.

“It’s Jett.”

“It’s Boyer.”

“Boyer isn’t even your name.”

“Jet isn’t yours either.”

He smirked at me, pulling a devilish half smile. I wondered how many stupid girls fell for that smile.

“How have you been?”

“Swell- the swellest actually,” I said without a smile.

“Just as feisty as ever I see.” He answered while laughing.

“What do you want, Jethrow?” I asked.

“That was a little biting, don’t you think? Maybe I just wanted to say hello after being gone for so long.”

I raised an eyebrow.

“Alright, Emerson. My darling aunt wants you to come over and clean out Kate’s room. And if you’ll show me around school. That’s right dear they’ve let the psychopath into school with all you little boys and girls.” He snarled at me. Jethrow was pulling out all the stops to scare me.

“Don’t flatter yourself. One in hundred people are psychopaths, there’s already thirty of us reigning over the territory.  When does your aunt want me to clean Kate’s room?” I snapped back.

“Like now.”

“Oh wow thanks for the heads up, Jethrow. Much appreciated.”

“Calm down, it’s not like you have plans.”

“Maybe I do!”

“Well knowing you, you’ll cancel. My aunt is too important to you.”

“Your aunt hasn’t spoken to me in a year.”

“As if that matters to you. Little Miss- ‘loyalty over everything’”

I stared at Jethrow, observing him. He was having fun. I was too. These days most people bent to my will instantly. They seem to think that after the deaths of two people close to me, saying no is the most awful thing they could do. “She’s been through a lot” is the excuse they use for everything. When I bully other people, behave inappropriately, or even break the law it’s just me lashing out because of the emotional trauma. “I’d have to change.” I replied after a pause.