Hidden Close (Jr. Year)

Chapter 39

Part 39 Of The First Draft

“This won't work.”

Brad said, still angry at Carlie. All of us were gathered around to watch her be hypnotized. Becky had even came over, concerned about Carlie.

“She isn't in any pain, is she?”

Carlie was laying down on the couch, eyes closed, ready for Grace's commands. She seemed peaceful, without one drop of sweat on her or her black sleeveless top.

“Carlie, can you hear me?”

Grace said, in a deep and melodic tone. Carlie breathed deep, and smiled. She responded,

“Yes, I can.”

Grace smiled too, and pressed on,

“Where were you when I was attacked?”

Carlie, hesitating for a moment, answered,

“I was downtown. I had gone out for a drink. I didn't tell Serah because I didn't want to worry her.”

None of us were shocked over her response. Perry drew forward, his face flustered with anger. He asked Carlie in the most blunt of all manners,

“Were you anywhere near our house that night?”

Carlie frowned, and told us, her breathing becoming unsteady,

“No...why would I be?”

Grace nodded, as if she was not surprised. Her calmness was noticeable. She breathed heavy, and asked Carlie one final question, it causing the whole room to be silent,

“Did you attack me, Carlie?”

Carlie’s answer was both convincing and tragic,

“No, why would I do that? You've all been so nice to me. I even heard you saved me from my madness. I would rather die than hurt you.”

Becky smiled as her tears came down, and I turned to look at the Eisen siblings. Perry returned my gaze, and after a long, drawn out pause, he answered for the three of them, with both Brad and Renee being satisfied with his response,

“We were wrong about her. We should all apologize to Carlie.”

I smiled, and Carlie joined me at my side after being awakened from her trance. Both the Eisen boys shook Carlie's hand, and Renee went one step further, giving Carlie a giant hug. Perry went to sit down, and I followed him.

“When are we going out?”

I asked Perry, a mischievous smile forming on my face as I did.

“Tomorrow. My stomach has been churning all night. We'll go out for coffee or something, okay? I miss spending time with you, Mindi. This house is only too cramped. When I have you by my side, I feel like the whole universe is at my fingertips. It's both strange and thrilling....”

What he had expressed perplexed me, but it was also sweet.

“Coffee it is, then. He he.....”

Following my emotions, I wrapped Perry in my arms and gently kissed him. His lips, as always, were soft but warm to the touch. He closed his eyes as he kissed me, as if he was really enjoying it. As the embrace unlocked, I looked into his eyes, then sighed. I fixed his light black jacket for him, straightening it out, and said, ever so quietly,

“I have to go. I love you. I'll see you tomorrow at six.”

On the walk home Carlie caught up with me. She looked ever so pleasant, and I commented to her,

“It must feel good.”

She laughed nervously, and shared,

“Yes....I don't want to cause any trouble. Any of them could have ended me....”

I reassured her,

“I'll always look after you. Besides, I believe they knew their blame being placed on you was a product of their own emotions.”

Carlie put an arm around me when we neared my house, and hugged me. The night sky of Knoxville was the perfect backdrop, it's clear starry sky sparking my wonder. The moon was out, it being almost full. My house was lit up when we got there, and I knew that my mom must be worried about Carlie. That being said, I told Carlie, grabbing and pulling her by the hand,

“Let's hurry inside.”

My mom saw us, and asked,

“You’re off the hook, Carlie?”

Carlie said with cheer in her voice,

“Yes, and I'm ready to lay down.”

I laughed over her response, and agreed,

“I’m tired, too. Good night. I love you both.”

The run up the stairs was nearly an exhausting one, and I laid down with a soft ‘thud.’ One thing stood out in my mind about tonight. Becky had left after hearing that Carlie had been cleared of all doubt. I think she was relieved and didn't want to tell Carlie how she felt. I can tell that Becky really wants to like Carlie. She had been deceived by her when she was the evil Carlita and at times, it's as if Becky almost misses those days. Becky is a weird girl that I believe no one will ever figure out completely. All I get about her is that she is as independent as she is weak. Underneath Becky's tough facade remains a scared girl. Tomorrow I should call her, you know, to make sure everything is okay.

It was nearly noon before I had awakened. The weekends go too fast, as do they for all kids in school. I grabbed my phone, and dialed Becky's number. She instantly picked up, and said,

“Mindi...just who I wanted to talk to.”

“Why?”

“Oh....last night got me thinking. I wanted to tell Carlie that I am sorry for the trouble I've caused her, but couldn't.”

Something’s not right here.

“What is wrong, Becky?”

She breathed deep and let the truth out,

“Someone had stolen my phone. They probably found Grace's number and traced their house. It's all my fault. Please, forgive me, Mindi. I’ll do anything to make it up to you...”

Her sobs on her end told me she was sincere. I told her, with confidence,

“Don’t worry, Becky. I got you covered. Promise me one thing, though.”

“Anything.”

“When we finally have a showdown with Mr. Paulson, you’ll be at my side for the fight.”

She laughed, and gave me a resounding affirmation,

“I will be with you to the bitter end.”

Before we hung up, I exclaimed,

“Alright! Rock on! Go Wolf Girls!”

Now to focus on my date. I'm going to spend all day preparing for it. Maybe my good looks will alleviate some of Perry's growing stress. Coffee....mmm. I like a good cup of hot joe. Another thing I also want these days is a hot cup of Perry. Darn me and my teenage body. I must keep the promise I made to my mom and dad. Who knew saving yourself for marriage would be so difficult?