The Fall

By Monica Millard

Rian Winson's parents take in troubled teens and offer them a home, safety and kindness. Watching each one of them stumble and fall has left her brokenhearted and a little bit jaded. In spite of that, she's come to care desperately for the latest, Sara.

She's determined to keep Sara from falling victim to the same fate, life on the streets or worse. But after meeting Jess Remiel, a beautiful stranger who seems bent on rescuing her from the dangerous world that grips her friend, Rian realizes when you try to save someone, you may only succeed in being pulled under yourself.

Will the help of this mysterious champion keep her safe? Or is he pulling her in deeper?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Monica Millard
• Release date: Mar 23, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301452002

Monica Millard

Monica was born and raised in Alaska. She doesn’t own a dog sled team, but has worked in a place where there are buildings with caged exterior doors to keep employees from being eaten by polar bears.She lives in Wasilla, Alaska with all her critters, some four legged and others that stand on two. She writes Science fiction, fantasy, and Paranormal for young adults.

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The Fall

By Monica Millard

Smashwords Edition

The Fall

Copyright 2013 Monica Millard

All rights reserved.

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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either 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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Cover design by Steven Novak

http://www.novakillustration.com/

Table of Content

Title Page

Dedication

About the Author

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

~ For my parents. Thank you for showing me the true meaning of compassion.~

Chapter 1

The skin of the boy who sat in front of me was dark. It wasn’t darkened by sun or birth but smeared with dirt and caked on filth from days without cleansing of any kind. I watched him, both of us dazed from hunger and fatigue, trying to rest in the darkness just enough to gather the strength to do what must be done.

I’m from a good family, not like many of the kids I’ve met in the months that have led me here. My parents have devoted their lives to helping people, just the sort of kids that live in this world I now found myself in. They offered food to those who were hungry and beds to those who were weary, but more importantly they offered kindness and safety. On occasion, they even offered to be family to those whose own family had rejected them.

They say you shouldn’t bite the hand that feeds you. No one, it seemed had ever shared that piece of advice with many of these kids. What could one expect though of those whose own families had discarded them as so much trash?

You might expect one of them to be sitting here, working up the nerve to use this dirty, fragile boy, but you wouldn’t expect it of me. You’d be able to understand if they had carefully plotted their course and were about to use him in the most despicable way, to find and murder another human being, but no one would understand it of me.

The fall was really not as far as one would think. I spent much of my time with these kids. It was unavoidable. Some lived with us for weeks, others a day or two. The lure of a life free from responsibility or consequence was a delicate hand that caressed. The call was a whisper so soft, it beckoned to you with promises of just this once and you can always go home in a voice so seductive, you wouldn’t even notice you’d stumbled down the wrong path until it was too late to turn around.

Of course the path didn’t look so bad when there was someone as beautiful as Jess Remiel to walk along it with you.

Jess was mysterious and somewhat dangerous but that was part of his charm. The dark hair that fell in his eyes and around his face was a sharp contrast to his fair complexion. Fair may not be the right word for it. His skin was the color of porcelain, but not fragile looking like others with his coloring. He might have been resistible if it weren’t for the deep green eyes. They were like two emeralds set into the face of an angel.

An angel though, he was not.

The first time I met Jess, I was mesmerized. I couldn’t take my eyes off him. He was the type of boy that everyone watched. They were unable to help themselves, as I was. He was aware of his beauty and he was vicious in his use of its power.

We’d taken in an older girl, Sara Nimm. She was nearly eighteen and had been part of this world off and on for years. We were instant friends, sharing clothes and a room. She’d begged me to come with her that night to the beach. I think I made her feel somehow safe. So, I agreed, even though I knew it was a bad idea. It was then that I met Jess.

***

Since I was new to the crowd, it being my first bonfire, Jess was immediately aware of me. I was a new ball of string to be played with until something more exciting came along. He didn’t look directly at me, but every so often the corner of his mouth would turn up in a crooked smile that seemed to have nothing to do with the conversation, like he was remembering a joke or reliving a private pleasure. Maybe it was a sign of his smug awareness of being watched? I couldn’t be sure. Either way, I was fascinated.

He was different from the others lounging around the beach. He was alive in a way I’d never seen before. Everything about him screamed vitality. He wasn’t drunk with it like those who tried to gain it through substance. He was crisp and fresh like the feeling you have when you’ve come out of a particularly refreshing shower or after a good workout. It was made even more obvious next to those that flocked to him.

Everything about them was dull, the color of their skin seemed gray in comparison. Their hair seemed limp and without shine, and there was no light in their eyes, except that which was cast by him.

I did not expect him to notice me even though I stared unabashed. I thought I was invisible. I am small and have mastered shrinking into the décor in nearly any situation should I choose to. I like to think of myself as shy, but really I have more confidence than most. This tends to get me in trouble, so I usually just watch in silence.

A fight broke out away from the fire, down by the water. I turned to watch for just a moment. When I turned back to watch the angel with his windblown hair and fierce eyes, I was disappointed to find he’d vanished.

Sara had left me to do whatever it was that she did there. I hadn’t been concerned over her absence while I was watching Jess. Alone and no longer distracted, my anxiety level spiked as I realized I had no idea where she was and I had no way to get home.

It’s early. I told myself, trying to remain calm. No need to panic just yet. I took a few deep breathes and returned to watching the fight which seemed to be fizzling out.

Are you bored yet? a soft voice whispered in my ear. I spun around, startled. Jess was standing so close that I nearly ran into him. I took a step back, allowing for more distance between us, but I was still close enough to feel his breath on my face. I stared dumbstruck, unable to respond to the question he’d asked.

You look bored, he offered in explanation. A simple enough statement, but I’m sure my gaping mouth and obvious confusion implied otherwise.

Um, no, I said, shutting my mouth and chewing on the corner of my lip.

Then it’s just you that is boring? His voice displayed no unkindness despite the words he spoke. I could feel my face prickle, the heat building just below the surface but his tone left me still somewhat confused.

Are you making fun of me?

Not at all, he said, seeming to take no notice of my anger. I’m just trying to understand. You haven’t moved or spoken all night. So if you’re not bored, then... He twisted his finger in the air as though the conclusion was obvious.

I’m not really comfortable here. This isn’t really my type of… thing. And I don’t know anyone from this… Wait. I don’t have to explain myself to you.

He leaned closer. You don’t, but you want to.

Why don’t you just go back to your groupies and leave me alone, I snapped. A raven haired girl and her blonde puppy friend were watching us a little too closely, throwing dagger tipped glances my direction. I wanted the spotlight off of me, especially if the only thing I was getting out of it was rude comments.

I’ll go if you tell me your name. His voice was soft, almost resigned. There was a vulnerability in his eyes I wouldn’t expect from someone as confident as he seemed. I felt bad for snapping at him.

It’s Rian Winsom.

I’m Jess Remiel. It’s been a pleasure! His tone was unreadable.

It was nice to meet you too, I responded, automatically, though I wasn’t sure if he was making fun again.

Don’t take this the wrong way. But Rian is an unusual name for a girl. He seemed to be trying hard to remain polite. Harder than I’m sure he usually was.

Yeah, it is. But I like it. I’d almost forgotten about raven and puppy girl. I felt a sharp side of an elbow from behind, it propelled me forward. Reflexively, I threw my hands forward to catch myself. My face brushed lightly against the silky material of Jess’ shirt and my hands clutched as his sides. He caught me with ease and was leading me away from the fire before I realized what was happening.

Maybe you don’t belong here. His voice was distant, his eye’s still on the scene behind me, back at the bonfire.

You don’t have to worry. Once Sara is done here, you’ll never have to see me again, I snapped, feeling more indignant about his comment than being shoved. His gaze snapped to my face, suddenly he was looking me in the eyes with a wounded expression, his eye‘s ablaze.

Walk with me for a moment. His soft, level tone, belied the turmoil in his eyes. Feeling suddenly off balance, I walked with him. His hand rested lightly on the small of my back as he led me further away from the fire.

Why are we walking? I suddenly felt the peculiarity of the situation.

We’re giving those girls time to cool off, he responded, as if it were apparent.

I don’t think that quality, alone time with you will ease their frustrations. It was my turn to point out the obvious.

Their attention span is short. I’m sure they’ll have forgotten you in five minutes, he said, distracted. I couldn’t help but watch him as he looked back towards the fire. Though we were far enough away that I was sure he couldn’t make them out.

There was something about him as his attention was drawn away, that reminded me of why I’d watched him in the first place. He had an intensity that was captivating. Sometimes when my older brother Teddy, would try to explain how an engine worked, the light in his eyes was the same. But Jess seemed to glow with it almost constantly and yet in this moment there was something else. A vulnerability that ensnared me, made me want to touch him, to reassure him that whatever his concern was, it would be alright.

There was a sudden spark in his eye and he turned his attention back on me. So, it’s a good thing then, that you are so forgettable. His voice was cool, but he spoke so matter-of-factly, it took a second for the words to sink in. I turned, surprising him, and stormed back towards the others.

What are you doing? he called.

You’re an ass! And if you don’t mind I’d like for you to leave me alone, I spit back, over my shoulder. Undeterred, he followed.

I do mind! His tone stopped me short. Not expecting me to stop, he walked into me, catching my shoulder with his. I stumbled forward and he reached out to steady me. I yanked away, his kindness only angering me further.

Why are you doing this? I asked, feeling somehow raw from our short interaction.

I just told you. His hand went up to gesture towards the girls.

Why did you even talk to me in first place? Were you trying to stir up trouble? Do you get pleasure out of being unkind to girls who are stupid enough to notice you? I was going to continue, but suddenly I felt I’d gone too far, the wounded look in his eye’s silenced me.

You looked like you wanted some attention. The edge was back and it pushed me.

"Your looks probably get you a lot of tolerance, but I’m not some girl who has nothing special or good in her life. I don’t need any attention, especially not the bad kind just because it’s attention. I don’t care if you mind or not, just leave me alone, please."

He didn’t say anything and I couldn’t read his expression; he just stared as if he were searching for something. So I turned and continued back towards the fire. At first I thought he was going to listen and not follow, but then I heard him run to catch up with me. I told myself he was only following because this was the way back to fire, but I wasn’t sure if I was hoping he would leave me alone or not.

Wait, he called.

It was only the desperation in his voice that stopped me. I turned, cautious, trying not to be drawn in by his wavering façade.

"Let me take you home. Sara’s probably busy right now and you don’t really want to be here." His concern seemed so genuine, I was taken aback and nodded my acceptance.

Come on. He took my elbow gently. I just have to speak with someone real quick, before we go. He led me back toward the fire but skirted it as we made our way around to the other side. He stopped in front of a light haired boy with crystal blue eyes. He had the same porcelain skin and spark in his eye, though his seemed wild like an untamed animal raged beneath his skin, frothing to break free from its restraints. Watching as Jess spoke to him, I had a sudden outbreak of goose bumps as the hair on my arms stood on end. He shook his head several times and stared over Jess’s shoulder at me more than once. It seemed he did not want Jess to give me a ride home.

I won’t be gone long! Jess called, not seeing the look of disapproval in the other boys eyes as he made his way back to me.

Problems? I asked, trying not to seem too interested.

Nope.

It’s okay. I can wait for Sara. I don’t want to cause you trouble with your friend.

It’s fine. Wesley can be a little dramatic sometimes. His voice was tight, the annoyance with his friend obvious. He was walking quickly; I had to half run to keep up. This caught his attention, and his annoyance with Wesley seemed to transfer to me. You have really short legs!

I slowed my pace and quickly fell behind, though he was completely unaware. I watched as he walked away, deep in thought like a man with heavy responsibility.

I think I’ll just wait for Sara, I called, before he got too far away.

He turned around and looked at me like I’d spoken gibberish. What? he snapped.

I don’t need a ride, I said, feeling my anger prickle again.

I’m taking you home, Rian. You don’t belong here. His voice remained even, though it appeared to cause him some effort to keep it that way.

I’m not your responsibility! I protested.

He took a deep breath before responding. You’re right, you’re not. I’m sorry I snapped at you. I want to take you home.

I stared at him, wanting to believe him, in spite of his Jekyll and Hyde routine.

Really, he said, and held his hand out for me to take. I looked from his hand to his face and it was soft and welcoming. A sharp contrast to just moments ago. I wanted to comment on his wildly changing moods, but I bit my tongue not wanting to prematurely end the current pleasant one.

He held my hand the whole way up the path through the trees. Holding his hand I wanted to pretend that this beautiful boy had more interest in me than just getting me away from rowdy girls and home safely, but I didn‘t really believe it. Girls who needed to be rescued from his scene were not the type of girls that held his attention. I told myself girls like me were safe, and therefore boring, like he’d said. I was just a momentary distraction, which by his most recent mood swing; he’d already grown tired of. But I wasn’t sure I really believed that either.

As we made it onto the street and came around a building I could feel my head shaking already. His motorcycle stood close to the curb. It dared me to come forward, almost pleading like a bull stamping it’s hooves in anticipation, knowing if I complied it would soon have a piece of me.

No… Um. I really think it would be better if I waited for Sara, I said, not taking my eyes off the bike.

He squeezed my hand lightly. I promise it’s safe. He was so confident he exuded security. I won’t go fast, and if you get scared you can give me a squeeze and I’ll slow down. His eyes were so green and the way they were looking at me, with his