Entrelacen

By Dani Morales

One girl faces tethered responsibilities in the form of three boys.One boy dealt a hard hand but rises above in search of his destiny. Two separate lives desperate for a break, collide. Falling in love was never the plan but it happened anyway. Time's running out and both their fears comes to light. The key to defeating darkness lies within their family lineage. Were they thrown together by chance?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dani Morales
• Release date: Apr 12, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301440825

Dani Morales

Dani Morales is a native Texan currently residing in Las Vegas, Nevada with her three boys and her mother. She adopted the boys in December of 2011 and loves spending every minute playing with them. On her spare time you can find a book in her hand or sitting in front of the computer typing out stories that run rampant in her mind.

Book preview

Prologue

As I sit behind the counter reading a rather thrilling book about twin guys, a girl, and their love triangle (Yes, it’s one of those books) I look up and study my surroundings. This little book shop may not seem like much, but it really feels like home. Stacked on the cherry wood shelves behind me are all the novels that inspired me to work in a bookstore. They’re my personal collection of favorites, the ones I always recommend to customers. Needless to say, I sell a lot of them.

Wait, I’m sorry, let me back up a bit because I’m getting way ahead of myself. My name is April Martinez, and even though I’m only twenty five, I’m certain that I’ve experienced more and had to grow up faster than any typical person my age. It’s been quite the challenge to say the least, but somehow, I managed survive it all. It’s hardly a fairy tale, but it’s my story.



I’m standing in the entrance of the Book store’s New Age section.  I glance over at the girl, correction-beautiful girl, behind the counter who currently has her nose stuck in a book. All of the sudden, it seems like time actually slows down. I don’t know exactly what It’s about her, but I’m suddenly unable to move. What the hell? I mean, it’s not like I’ve never seen a hot girl before. Not to brag or anything because I swear I’m not a player, but I do know how to handle myself around women and for me, this is just. Not. Normal. In fact, it’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever felt. And if it didn’t feel so perfect, I’d be seriously freaked out right about now.

Whoa, I sound like total psycho. Sorry, just let me try to explain what’s going on here. Because before you can understand my life now, you have to know about the long and rather twisted path that brought me and hot bookstore girl together. I’m Logan Mathews. And I’m going to tell you how I managed to overcome my troubled past, and face my fears. It’s how I finally learned to do what I had always believed to be impossible; how to love, and have hope for the future.

Chapter 1

April

I was always the shy, smart girl who got taken advantage of, a lot. I didn’t care because at least people liked me for it. It sounds crazy right, why would anyone do that? Let’s just say that life hasn’t always been easy for me. I also know life isn’t about being easy or hard; it’s about making something of yourself. That’s why at age twelve I decided I wasn’t going to have the life my mother and father had. I wanted more. So I dedicated everything I had to school. Of course, that was only until I realized what a loser my father really was, and then I started helping my mom out. I have the best mom and though we have our differences, no matter what we’re always there for each other. My mom worked her ass off every day, but we barely got by. So when I was finally able to work, that’s what I did. Yeah, that meant I had to grow up early, but I had no complaints because that’s what family does. You take care of each other.

Making friends has never been one of my strong suits, so the few I had were really important to me. I would do anything for them. I’ve always been able to sense people’s intentions, so I know who to stay away from. It’s like the energy they carry around them is tainted and I’m instantly repelled with the idea of being anywhere near them. My mom always said it was because we came from a long line of women who dealt with various forms of magic. She said that one day she would explain to me what it meant to be one of us. I had no idea what she meant, but it calmed me to know there was an explanation for some of the things I felt.

Magic always fascinated me, but it wasn’t the casting of spells that drew my attention. It’s the part of magic my mom was talking about that enamored me. It was basically the same thing we’re all taught, Do unto others as you would want done to you. It was the idea that everything was connected that captured and held my attention.

Little did I know, magic was going to play a big part in my life. I wish it could have warned me what was to come, maybe it did starting with my upcoming birthday. My fifteenth birthday was coming around and it seemed like my life was starting to unravel. Starting with the relationship, or lack of one, with my dad. I think I’ve always known what he did to earn a living, but wanted to live in denial. I mean ignorance is bliss, right? Wrong. Finding out what he actually did through my friends had my friend Lisa and me making a pact that if life got too hard we would take off and leave everything behind. Lisa was always having issues with her siblings. Her parents were never around and if they were it made no difference. She was always a shadow in a room full of light. We were kindred spirits that way. We both sought attention from the people who weren’t able to give us the kind we needed.

I know it was an odd pact for me to make with someone, especially because my mom and I got along so well. Our relationship isn’t like a normal one. My mom is my best friend. We have the type of relationship people envy. So why make the pact, you ask? That’s simple. It all revolves around my brother. He always got all the attention. He was ADHD and took it to the extremes, played the card really well. He was always getting into trouble or fighting. That meant I was left to the side because I took care of myself. I was the good kid who always went to school, never complained, helped out anyway I could, and never spoke up. So I figured if I, well we, ever acted on our pact, I would be taking a stand saying, Here I’m. Do you see me now? Stupid and vain maybe, but that’s why I did it. I never actually thought we would go through with it, so what was the harm in it?

On one particular Friday morning, I got ready for school like usual, looking in the mirror and being disappointed with what I saw. I’m really insecure with the way I look. Shocker, right? I love shopping for other people, but not for myself. So back then I hid behind baggy shirts and baggy pants, nothing that showed my shape, or lack of one for that matter. I was comfortable hiding behind layers. That day was no different. I wore baggy blue jeans and a black shirt that was my actual size, large. I have always been endowed in the chest area. On top of that, I wore a black jacket, which I never left home without because I hated my arms. Did I mention I liked school? Yeah, I know I have 'nerd' written all over me, but school always felt safe. Math and literature don’t judge you. It’s the same wherever you go. I could actually solve these problems and figure this stuff out. It’s the one area in my life I felt like I had control over.

I got dropped off on the side of the school. Our Junior High was a massive bricked building with hundreds of windows. Absolutely no one wanted to be there. I walked through the double doors like I did every day and followed the arrows that marked the way to the auditorium. It was a pretty typical auditorium: rows and rows of blue seats with a stage at the end, blue and white curtains hanging with a cavalier emblem in the middle. Lisa was already there with our friend Sandra.

Lisa was the major tomboy in our group. The only reason people could tell she’s a girl was because she wore dark eyeliner that made her dark eyes even darker, and this maroon lip liner that I never understood. Although, if you didn’t see her from the front, you would have thought she was a guy.

Sandra is a girl so skinny that she could give skinny girls a complex. She isn't really pretty, but is one of the softest spoken and sweet girls you will ever meet. She’s the type of person that gets prettier as you talk to her, get to know her.

Then there’s me. I’m the girl with the pretty face, hazel eyes that everyone loves, cute nose, nice lips, and a round face. It stops there. I’ve always been told, If you just lose weight, you could be the prettiest girl, and everyone would be falling all over you. Then they wonder why we young girls mutilate our bodies by taking drugs or starving ourselves. I mean really, who at fifteen needs to pay attention to what they look like or should for that matter?

I took my normal seat in front of them, thinking how I couldn’t wait to be done with this repetitive life. Then I turned around to join in the conversation.

Hey guys. What are we up to tonight? Looking back and forth between the two of them, I wondered what they were talking about since they both got quiet and looked at me with a weird expressions.

You remember when we made that pact that if things got too hard, how we can take off, no questions asked, and just disappear? Lisa asked, her voice pained and her eyes filled with unshed tears.

I looked at Lisa and nodded, We going tonight?

The whole time I was trying to come up with an excuse to tell my parents so we would be able to get a head start before they completely freaked out. I knew it would kill my mom, but I had to keep my promise to Lisa. Plus, I thought it might be easier to run away from my problems. That entire year I had struggled with trying to find myself and be accepted in high school as well as home. I put up a really good front around everyone other than the two girls in front of me. They knew everything about me: how my dad was a loser and a drug dealer, how I was so insecure with myself that I resorted to cutting myself, how my mom was so busy trying to make a life for us that I felt like it would be wrong to tell her all this because it would seem ungrateful. My friends didn’t judge me. They had their own issues. We didn't want to belittle each other when there were other people doing that. We just accepted each other for who we were, just like a little family. A band of misfits.

Earth to April, can you hear me? Sandra said breaking my concentration on the lie I was beginning to fabricate.

Huh? What’s up?

So Lisa thinks tonight will be best, so we can tell your rents that ya’ll are staying at Stephanie’s house, since you guys usually do that anyways. Then ya’ll are going to say you are staying over with me on Saturday. That gives ya’ll two days to get away. Sound good?

I was totally amazed that they had actually been thinking about this. I knew something major must have been going on at home with Lisa. Her mom was never in the picture, and her dad worked all the time. Usually it was just her and her siblings at home, which meant one of her sisters and boyfriend must have been causing drama. They always treated her badly. Being the baby of the family, they all expected her to cook, clean, and do their laundry. It’s like she took over the mother role.

Okay, that sounds like a solid plan. Have either one of you talked to Stephanie yet?

This was only going to work if she was on board. Stephanie was my best friend, in the sense that we were always together, but if push came to shove its Lisa and Sandra that would really be there for me. Stephanie has always said that she’s my cousin because one of her brothers is related to one of my cousins on my dad’s side of the family.  So according to her, we’re related. Whatever. Needless to say, I trusted her, about as far as I could throw her.

Stephanie walked in right as I was asking about her. Now Steph is a lot like me. She has a pretty face and not a very good body, but she has this confidence that I lack. No one realized why I would walk around all the time with a straight face. I just wanted to appear that I wasn't as insecure as I really was. I knew people called me a bitch behind my back because of the hard exterior I put up, but I didn’t care. Ok I did care, but like I said, I put up a really good front. That’s one of the only things I’ve perfected.

Ya'll have that look we get when we’re plotting a scheme. What’s going on? I turned to look at Stephanie who sat in the same row a few seats away from me, Before I tell you what’s going on, you have to promise to ask no questions.

I Promise. So what is it?

Lisa and I are going to be taking off, and we need you to cover for us tonight.

Taking off? What do you mean, taking off? She started to raise her voice.

You promised no questions, but you know about the pact we made. Well we’re cashing in on it tonight. Things are getting too hard, and our rents think we’re staying the night tonight with you. So you can’t call our house no matter what, okay?

Okay? Does that mean I won’t see you guys or talk to ya’ll anymore? I’m not down with that. I mean we’re a group. That means we’re supposed to stick together!

No. Calm down before you draw unwanted attention to us. We will all still hang out. We won’t stay gone forever. We just...we just have to get a way for a little while. Things will get better and when they do, we’ll come back. We promise, right Lisa?

Right. Steph, we’re family; nothing can keep us apart for long.

Lisa looked at me, and the look in her eyes told me something way worse than what I had imagined was going on at her house. That look worried me. I wasn't sure if Lisa would ever come back. I still had to leave with her because I don’t break promises even when I’m not sure we’re doing the right thing. My friend needed me. She was like my sister, so I was going to be there for her when no one else was.

The bell rang, and we all took off for our classes, agreeing to meet at lunch to finalize our plans. Heading to homeroom I felt lighter, almost as if all my troubles had just vanished. Like I said before, I had to grow up pretty quickly and never really had the chance to make stupid mistakes. Yes, I said it, I knew running away was a stupid mistake, but what else could I do? I wasn't happy. I mean I was cutting myself and my family didn’t even realize it. My mom must have had an idea since I didn’t wear shorts anymore, even when I went to bed, but she didn’t comment.

Sliding into the desk, I had myself almost convinced that this was the right thing to do. No one was going to miss me right away anyway and by the time they do, maybe I would be back home. I hoped this just might be Lisa overreacting to something miniscule, and a little time away is all she would need to clear her head. I knew I needed to talk to her and see what was going on. I was mentally making a list in my head, with my teacher’s voice in the background, when all of a sudden I get shoved by someone.

Turning to my right I whispered, Hey, what’s your problem? I’ve always been the quiet girl, always taking what everyone else dished out, but I finally had enough. I was tired of people taking advantage of me and thinking they could push me around. Just because I don’t give you the reaction you want doesn’t mean you should keep doing it. This random shove made my decision to leave so much easier. I thought that I probably wouldn't ever see this girl again, so I just snapped.

What did you just say, April?

I looked back at the girl, Did I stutter? What the hell is your problem? I didn’t even know this girl. What was her problem? I always kept to myself, and all I did every day at school was pay attention in my classes, so why did this girl have an issue with me?

Ms. Andrews please head to the principal’s office and take this pink slip with you.

I turned to look at Mrs. Hill, waiting for her to send me to the office as well, and she just smiled at me. Mrs. Hill wasn’t your typical high school teacher. She’s cool in that adult way where you want to be friends with and can trust her. Totally shocked that I didn’t just get sent to the office, I started paying attention. We were learning about Robert Frost and his poem about Fire and Ice. I made it through the rest of the day with no problems, but a ton of looks. Apparently standing up for myself meant I got put under the microscope. Seriously, it was like I grew a second head.

As the lunch bell sounded I made my way to buy some nachos, Doritos with melted cheese, grab a soda and went to our table. I knew an interrogation was coming. With all the looks I was getting in the halls, I knew my friends had heard something. It was so unlike April to do something like that. It was bound to be questioned. I sighed as I took the seat, my seat, the one in view of absolutely everyone. Well at least that’s what it felt like.

Oh my god, April. Please tell me you did not get Marissa sent to the office? Marie screeched.

Who the hell was Marissa? I thought. Then I realized she must be talking about the girl from first period. Yeah, she looked like a Marissa. What? Was I supposed to do Marie, let her shove me?

Well no, but we’re just surprised you actually did something.

Wow! Was I really that lame? I knew I always let people walk all over me, but for my cousin to actually say something about it made me feel pathetic I guess I should’ve expected that from her since she was one of the popular girls. Everyone loved her. How could they not? She was gorgeous. I was surprised she still sat with me since I was considered a nerd. If you were in Honors classes that meant you were a geek and should be avoided at all cost. Don’t you love high school? You spend four years surrounded by the same people since elementary, and yet when you become smarter than them, those years of friendship disappear based on popularity. Lame.

Well whatever, I’m tired of being everyone’s door mat, and I’m over this conversation.

Conversations around me seemed to disappear. More eyes than I can remember were focused on me. I let out a breath trying to calm myself before I exploded. I have the tendency to harbor my emotions until they build up and explode like a volcano. Can you see the ashes in the sky yet?

Somehow I made it through the next 4 classes. The school day was finally over. Lisa, Sandra and I walked to my house to get a bag ready. We live in this ghetto neighborhood, but the funny thing is I felt safe there. Everyone knew everyone, well except me. I usually kept to myself, but my dad and brother Anthony could tell who is who and where a person lived. Most of the houses were run down. They had chipped paint, over grown weeds, and fences that were falling down. Our house wasn’t that bad, but the garage needed to be knocked down. It had seen one too many twisters in its day and it was barely hanging on. My grandparents lived next door to us in this ugly Pepto-Bismol pink house with a white picket fence. The only house I liked on the block was the adobe one that was across the street from ours. I always wanted to live in a house like that. It had character, and if the walls could talk, I’m sure it would have amazing stories to tell.

Chapter 2

Logan

"Mommy it’s so cold." I feel my body shaking underneath the blanket that mommy placed on me. It’s not helping at all. The darkness is all around us; nothing is making it go away. Mommy used to be able to keep it away from me. She would hide me in the closet or underneath the sink in the cabinets. The darkness would keep searching for me. It liked to make me scream and cry until I couldn’t feel anymore.

"It’s ok, Logan. Just picture the heat from the sun. Feel how the sun would warm your skin when you would go swimming and hold on to that thought."

I’m sitting on the floor of my closet where mommy wrapped me in a sheet off the bed. The closet smells like dirty clothes, and the floor is so cold. She tells me to be quiet as she shuts the door. Logan you can’t make a sound or the darkness will find you. No matter what you hear, stay here.

I nod my head like I understand what she was saying even though I don't. I hear her crying outside. I stand up in the closet with the blanket around me, shaking. I can’t tell if It’s because I'm cold or because I’m angry. I open the door and creep out of the closet and see mommy lying on the floor. She isn’t moving. I run to her as I’m crying screaming at her to wake up. I don’t see him coming at me from behind. Now It’s darkness. I see nothing.

That’s the moment when my body decided to jerk awake. I was covered in sweat, and my heart was racing. That was what happened to me most nights since I was 9 years old. My mom always sounded sad and scared since we left the darkness behind. We were always running. I couldn't remember the last time we stayed in a place longer than a couple of weeks. Then the fight in Mom just stopped. I wasn't 9 anymore. I knew that the darkness wasn’t the dark but a person. He haunted my dreams turning them into nightmares. He haunted the days as well. I felt like we couldn't escape him. He wouldn’t allow it. The darkness that was always with us was my father.

We didn’t talk about him much or what happened that night 6 years ago. I remember waking up in the hospital with my mom telling the doctors that I fell. I knew the truth, but she was trying to protect us. I never understood her logic. How was not telling the cops the truth helping us? It was protecting him, the darkness that plagues my very existence.  Sometimes I felt it inside of me, fuelling the hatred I had towards him. I didn’t want to be like him. I couldn’t be like him.

All the moving around put a strain on my mom. She wouldn’t say it, but I could see it in her eyes. She tried to keep a smile on her face, but it didn’t reach her eyes like it used to. I didn’t know what to do to help her. She was the only person in the world that mattered to me.

I refused to ever get close to anyone because I never knew if I would have to pack up and leave. It was always the same. We would stay in the cheapest hotel we could find for no longer than 3 months. I talked her into home-schooling me for a while so we didn’t have to worry about the outsiders getting involved. I would do odd jobs for random people in whatever town we were in at the time. I mowed lawns, took out trash, and washed cars, anything and everything to get some money to help my mom out. She never told me what she did to earn money, but with the way she looked when she came home, I could only imagine. I saw it killing her more and more every day.

My mom was beautiful. She had the greenest eyes I have ever seen. Her skin was so smooth and tan. She had the straightest black hair framing her face. She’s the only person I have ever called beautiful, and she’s the only girl I’ll ever love. After seeing the relationship with my mom and father, I refuse to even date. What’s the point? I mean all you do is hurt each other and then one of you leaves. It’s just better to stay single.

I knew life must be hard for mom. She deserved to be happy, and the life we have definitely couldn’t make her happy. Hell, I couldn't ever remember a time when I was happy.

We’ve always lived in the state of Nevada, but eventually we ended up in Las Vegas permanently. This was the first time we had even made it to a big city. Mom had friends who offered her their house. They said they were moving out of Nevada but didn't want to sell it. All we had to do was keep up with the bills. So that’s what brought us here.

It was the first time we lived in a house and not a hotel room. Everything was beginning to look up. Mom enrolled me into school, I got new school clothes, and mom was doing amazing. She was working for a casino that knew our situation and kept her safe. That was the most important thing to me, her safety. I was old enough to know how to defend myself if I needed to, but mom couldn’t. I began working out in the school’s gym during my free time, while anticipating and almost welcoming the time I would run into my father.

I didn’t have to wait long. We were coming home from the store when someone was leaning up against the door. Everything in me told me to grab Mom and run, but my feet wouldn’t cooperate with the signals my brain was sending. As we got closer to the door, all the hatred I felt for this man began surfacing. The look on his face said he finally won. Two months. We were only here for two months before he found us. I noticed that the little old lady, who Mom called Agatha, from next door was discreetly looking at