The Afterglow Trilogy

By Alyssa Rose Ivy

Take a step through the gate into the Afterglow Trilogy.

Contains all three books of the trilogy.

Beckoning Light

As Charlotte steps through the gate, she has a strong feeling that nothing will ever be the same again.

Moving back to South Carolina after three years away, Charlotte knows she's going to have to face people from her past and adjust to a new high school, but she's completely unprepared for what else waits for her in Charleston.

Drawn through an old garden gate, Charlotte discovers a hidden world where she meets Calvin, a boy to whom she is inexplicably attracted. As Charlotte is pulled deeper into this hidden world, it's up to her older brother Kevin to rescue her. The problem is that no matter how hard Kevin tries, the rescue depends upon Charlotte fighting her intense feelings for Calvin while mastering a set of abilities that she has only just discovered she possesses.

Perilous Light

Would you sacrifice everything for a world you barely knew?

A year has passed since Charlotte and Kevin first stepped through the gate into Energo and neither has been able to settle back into a normal life. Charlotte tries to distract herself from thoughts of Calvin with the antics of James and her growing friendship with Liam. Kevin can't seem to shake his feelings for Samantha as he adjusts to his new identity as a college basketball player.

When they unexpectedly return to Energo, both Charlotte and Kevin must face their fears and become the leaders they were always meant to be.

Enduring Light

Fighting darkness takes light.

Desperate to save James, Charlotte scours Energo for answers with Calvin and Liam at her side. Kevin and Samantha head to Alaska to find the one item that might destroy Blake, but the search is only the beginning.

As time runs out, Charlotte and Kevin discover that keeping Energo from eternal darkness will take a sacrifice no one expects.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alyssa Rose Ivy
• Release date: Dec 5, 2013
• ISBN: 9781310492143

Alyssa Rose Ivy

Alyssa Rose Ivy is the bestselling author of more than fifty novels with over one million books sold worldwide. She loves to weave stories with romance and humor, and she is best known for writing about college boys with wings. After surviving law school and earning her masters in library science, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. She lives in Alabama with her two children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.Series by Alyssa Rose IvyThe Chronicles- New Adult Paranormal and Fantasy Romance-The Crescent Chronicles-The Empire Chronicles-The Dire Wolves Chronicles-The Allure Chronicles-The Forged Chronicles-The Grizzly Brothers Chronicles-The Pteron Chronicles-The Heart Chronicles-The Triton ChroniclesOther Paranormal/Fantasy/Dystopian Romance- Full Moons- The Corded Saga- Willow Harbor- Vampire Emails- Lunar Academy-Ghostly ShadowsYA Fantasy Romance-The Afterglow TrilogyNA/Mature YA Science Fiction Romance-Half LightContemporary Romance/ Romantic Comedy-The Hazards Series-Clayton Falls-The Mixology Series-Life After FallingVisit me on the web at:http://www.alyssaroseivy.comwww.facebook.com/AlyssaRoseIvytwitter.com/AlyssaRoseIvyhttps://www.instagram.com/alyssaroseivy/Sign up for my new release newsletter: http://eepurl.com/ktlSj

Book preview

Beckoning Light

Book 1

Alyssa Rose Ivy

Was it not Fate, (whose name is also Sorrow,)

That bade me pause before that garden-gate,

To breathe the incense of those slumbering roses?

No footstep stirred: the hated world all slept,

Save only thee and me. (Oh, Heaven!- oh, God!

How my heart beats in coupling those two words!)

Save only thee and me. I paused - I looked -

And in an instant all things disappeared.

- Edgar Allen Poe

Chapter One

Charlotte

We were flying over Canada when the panic set in. I felt a mild tightening in my chest as I thought about the plane that was taking me closer to the place so unimaginably full of memories that I couldn’t quite process it. As I sat there, earphones still in my ears even though I had turned my music off hours ago, the one thing keeping me from becoming physically ill was that I wasn’t completely alone. My older brother Kevin was dozing in the seat next to me.

Looking over at him, I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of jealousy. There was something unfair about two siblings being so different. Physically, we shared some traits, dark brown hair and above-average height, but that was where the similarities ended. Kevin moved through life with an almost effortless ease, usually getting exactly what he wanted without even contemplating another outcome. He was social and confident, the opposite of me; I found social situations intimidating and absolutely hated being the center of attention.

I had been wide-awake for the entire flight. I was tired, but sleep wouldn’t come. We still had another plane to catch once we got to Detroit. We had left Fairbanks early in the morning, and we wouldn’t get to our final destination, Charleston, until late afternoon. It was a long day of traveling, but at least we had one-way tickets.

I kicked at the winter coat stashed on the floor by my feet, relieved that I wouldn’t need it much in South Carolina. I guess I was being louder than I thought because Kevin started to stir.

How much further? he asked sleepily, as he stretched out his six-foot-four frame.

I’m not sure. I pointed at the blank screens in front of us where the map was supposed to be.

Oh, I guess I’ll ask next time I see a flight attendant. He clearly wasn’t overly concerned by my inability to answer.

Good idea.

So Charlotte, can you believe we’re moving back? He sounded way too excited for someone who had just woken up.

No, not really, I admitted. But I’m glad that Dad decided to send us back to Charleston instead of making us move to the arctic with him.

He laughed. Yeah, I don’t think either of us would have made it very long in Siberia. I smiled and nodded, but I couldn’t help thinking that Kevin would have been just fine in Siberia; he would be fine anywhere.

We had moved to Alaska almost three years ago on the pretense that my dad could pursue his research, but really he was just ready to get away from Charleston. Although I thought that it was pretty cool that my dad was a geologist, I never really got his affinity for research that required such prolonged periods of time in the cold. Having grown up in the south, I think I was just meant for warm weather.

But you’re happy about the move, right? Kevin asked suddenly.

I guess. Knowing how unhappy he would be with my response, I avoided his eyes.

You guess? He tugged at my ponytail. As usual, I was wearing my hair up. I always felt like I looked too much like my mom when I wore it down because we had the same wavy brown hair and blue eyes.

After making a face at Kevin and pulling my hair out of his reach, I decided to give him more of an answer. I always loved Charleston, but I’m nervous about the new school and facing memories of Mom.

The memories are going to still be there no matter where you live, Kevin said quietly. I shrugged. Even though my mom had died almost five years before, I still had issues with it, which I guess was pretty normal.

When I didn’t say anything else, Kevin changed the subject. I’m really excited to see Liam. I can’t believe he never made it out to visit us.

Liam. Just his name brought back memories of my last night in Charleston. It was my thirteenth birthday, and I had stayed up late packing up the last of my things. Kevin was in the next room with Liam, his best friend and our neighbor. Liam was my first crush, that older boy who just seemed so cool. Everything about him intrigued me, the way his auburn hair was always slightly messy, the way he permanently called me Little Calloway instead of Charlotte. Looking back, it seems surprising that I liked him so much. It wasn’t like he was ever particularly nice to me. To him, I was just Kevin’s pesky little sister who was always in his way. Back then, our two-year age difference had seemed insurmountable.

It had been unexpected when Liam had knocked on my door that night. I was sitting on my bed staring out the window when he sat down next to me without saying anything. Then I made the most impulsive action of my life—I kissed him. I felt like I lost control at the moment, as though someone else had propelled me toward him. The second our lips touched, I felt a surge of heat that continued until I was able to pull away. I opened my eyes. He just sat there staring at me with his mouth hanging open. Finally, as though nothing had happened, he got up and left my room without another word. That was it. I left the next morning, and we hadn’t spoken since.

I had thought about that kiss a lot over the three years in Alaska. The long, almost endless winter nights were the perfect backdrop to analyze the kiss and to regret having done it. For the first few months, every time Kevin talked to Liam, I prepared for Kevin to come in and start yelling or making fun of me for it, but he never did. Luckily, Liam never told him. Maybe he was too embarrassed to admit that a thirteen-year-old had kissed him that way. Thoughts of that last night in Charleston fueled my panic. What would it be like to see Liam again?

You know Liam is on the basketball team now, right? Kevin asked, pulling me out of my thoughts. I was mortified that I had even been thinking about that kiss in front of Kevin and hoped it didn’t show on my face.

Yeah, Monty told me. My uncle Monty, the high school basketball coach, had been living in our house while we were away. He had also mentioned that Liam still visited a lot, even though Kevin was gone. As I tried to imagine how awkward our meeting would be, I was grateful that I hadn’t had months to obsess over it; my dad had only told us about the move a few weeks ago.

I heard that he’s actually pretty good. Once Kevin got on the topic of basketball, it was hard to get him to stop. He was really excited to play on Uncle Monty’s team. His only condition for moving mid-season was that he got to start. Monty had no problem with that; Kevin was an incredible player.

Thankfully, Kevin stayed awake for the remainder of the flight and for the entire second one. Even though he talked about basketball the whole time, it was a lot better than staring out the window. We were discussing the early games of the college basketball season when our flight landed.

Monty had visited us in Alaska several times each year, so he didn’t look too different when I saw him waiting at baggage claim. Clearly in need of a shave, he had that ruggedly handsome look usually reserved for movie stars. At thirty-four, he still held on to a certain boyish charm that made him look years younger. When Monty saw me, he ran right over, picked me up, and swung me around. If anyone else had done that, I would have lectured them about my being too old for it, but it was different with Monty. It was a ritual that had started when I was a toddler and had never seemed to wear off. Hi, Charlotte. How was the trip? he asked.

Bearable, but it’s good to finally be here. I smiled as we walked over to meet Kevin at the baggage carousel.

Hey, Kevin, are you excited about playing for the Tar Heels next year? Even though Monty had never pressured Kevin to play college ball, it was obvious he was thrilled that Kevin had signed with North Carolina.

Yeah, I guess you heard I officially signed last week. It looks like I’m following in your footsteps… but I won’t be warming the bench. Kevin laughed.

If Monty felt snubbed by the remark, he didn’t show it. He responded by grabbing Kevin’s hand and pulling him into a bear hug. Good to have you kids back home.

***

I looked out the window of the back seat of Monty’s truck as we drove away from the airport. Kevin had called shotgun as soon as the truck was within sight, and I got into the backseat without complaint. Monty had laughed as the two of us went on and on about the hot weather. It’s only seventy degrees, he reminded us.

You do realize how cold November is in northern Alaska, right? Kevin asked.

Yeah, yeah, Monty said playfully. I could tell that it was funny for Monty to see how much three years in Alaska had changed us.

As I watched the palmettos and beautiful oaks with dangling moss pass outside my window, I felt more excited about being home every minute. Twenty minutes later, we pulled into the long drive on the side of the house. It didn’t look like much had changed but, then again, very little had changed in the more than two centuries the house had been in my father’s family. I stood outside staring up at the house, feeling a sense of homecoming I hadn’t quite expected. In some ways, the house had been as much a part of my childhood as the people. The endless rooms and countless small hideaways coupled with my wild imagination had made every day an adventure. I always thought that growing up in an old house somehow connected me to the past, especially since so many generations of my family had lived there.

I waited as Monty and Kevin pulled our bags out of the car and toted them inside. I followed them in and was hit with a wave of disappointment. Though I knew that my mother wouldn’t be waiting for me within those walls, part of me had hoped I would feel her presence in some small way, as if returning to the house would somehow quell the empty feeling that I could never quite shake. I snapped myself out of it as Monty started to talk.

Kev, you’re in your old room but, Charlotte, there was some water damage in yours, so I put you up on the third floor, Monty told us as he dropped the last of our bags in the foyer. I wasn’t surprised. When you lived in a house that’s been around for over two hundred years, there was always something that needed to be fixed.

Great, I said with some feeling, as I realized that I would have my own bathroom.

Monty grabbed the larger of my two bags while I carried the smaller bag and followed him. Kevin was already in his room when we passed it on the way up to the third floor. Monty stopped at the first door on the right. I thought this one would work well. You have views of the yard and the harbor from the windows and porch.

I walked in and examined the room. I was glad to see that the bed was already made; I suddenly felt exhausted. On top of the bedspread were the boxes of clothing I had ordered in anticipation of my need for clothes more appropriate for a southern climate. I looked out the window and took in the view of the garden, the manicured rows of bushes, the brick paths, and my favorite spot, the fountain at the rear of the yard.

I had grown up in that garden, following mom around everywhere. I even had my own little section where I planted all of my favorite flowers. I wondered suddenly if Monty had been keeping them up. I finally tore my eyes away from the window and noticed an object in the far corner of the room—my cello! One thing that my uncle and I shared was our passion for music. In addition to being basketball coach, Monty was also the orchestra teacher.

Thanks so much for setting everything up for me. I gave him a hug. I really couldn’t believe he had set up my room so nicely in such a short period of time.

Anytime. If you need anything, I’ll be downstairs.

I collapsed on the bed as soon as Monty left the room. Thoughts of the trip had kept me from fully coming to terms with being back in Charleston, but now the trip was over, and reality set in. It was Saturday afternoon and, on Monday morning, I would be walking into a new high school, forced to see people I hadn’t seen in three years. It seemed like a fresh start would be easier; at least no one had any preconceived notions about you that way. Here, I had no idea what people thought.

One silver lining was that Kevin would be driving me to school, so I didn’t have to arrive ridiculously early with Monty. Our dad had left a car at the house that Kevin could drive until he went to college, and then, assuming I had my license, it would be mine.

Within minutes, I fell asleep. The day of travel had finally caught up to me. The next thing I knew, my room was dark, and Uncle Monty was in the doorway asking what kind of pizza I wanted.

Anything is fine. I was trying to hold onto the end of a dream, and I barely got the words out.

Pepperoni it is. I’m going to go get it with Kevin; we’ll be back in a few minutes.

Great, I called after him absently while I contemplated the dream.

The dream had replayed a vague childhood memory. As a child, I woke up in the middle of the night and walked downstairs for some water. I thought I heard something outside, so I peered out the kitchen window. I saw my mother walking up the garden path wearing a long blue dress. I ran upstairs so I wouldn’t get in trouble for being out of bed so late. Before going back to bed, I looked out my bedroom window and could have sworn I saw a faint light at the back of the garden. I never asked my mom about it, but I always wondered why she was out so late at night dressed so formally.

My dream followed the same scene, but this time I thought I saw a figure standing at the old gate beyond the fountain, and the figure waved. I waved back through the window as though I knew who it was. The last thing I remembered before waking up was looking down and realizing I was wearing a long blue dress instead of pajamas.

I shrugged off the dream and decided to start unpacking. I only got as far as my toiletries before realizing that what I really needed was a shower. I took a fast shower, letting the hot water wash away the grime of travel and then searched for some clean clothes to wear. After pulling on jeans and a pink three-quarter-length top, I tied my wet hair back and, suddenly very aware that I hadn’t eaten in hours, started down the stairs quickly.

I’ll be right— The words caught in my throat as I realized that there were three people standing in the foyer—Monty, Kevin, and Liam. Wow, Liam had really changed. He was no longer the slightly awkward fifteen-year-old; he was so much taller, standing at least six-foot, and so much bigger, nothing scrawny about him.

Charlotte? Wow, you’ve grown up! Liam grinned, and I couldn’t help but look away.

Yeah, you, too. I felt self-conscious. I just wanted to disappear, but in the back of my mind, I also knew that it was better just to get it over with.

I still can’t believe you guys are back. Things just haven’t been the same around here since you Calloway kids left. Liam gave me an awkward hug once I reached the bottom step.

Yeah, I bet. I played along, even though I knew what Liam meant was that things weren’t the same without Kevin.

So, Liam is going to join us for pizza, Monty broke in, giving me a strange look. He must have noticed I was uncomfortable. I nodded, and we all headed into the kitchen.

Dinner was better than expected at first, as I mostly just listened to the three guys discuss the basketball team. Evidently, Monty had already broken the news to the forward who would no longer be starting. I really didn’t mind all of the basketball talk because it gave me the freedom to just sit and think without the pressure of coming up with conversation. But, that didn’t last.

Monty was the one who pulled me into the conversation. So Charlotte, I printed out a list of all the clubs and activities at school. I know it’s tough that you’ll have to wait around after school most days until you get your license.

Thanks, but I could probably always get work done at the library or something. I hoped he wouldn’t press the issue.

Sure, and you’re welcome to use the orchestra room to practice any time, but joining something might be a great way to meet people.

And we all know Charlotte could benefit from meeting people, Kevin added with a grin. Oh geez, did he really have to start in on this?

Did I ask you, Kevin? I snapped. Sometimes he could be so nice, but other times he could be such a jerk.

No, but you should, he said, challenging me to argue. And hey, you’re the one who told me that you were nervous about starting at a new school.

Whatever, I replied, because some arguments were pointless.

Kevin wasn’t going to let it go. Speaking of Charlotte and friends, I need your help on something, Kevin said, addressing Liam. This time I didn’t want to disappear, I needed to. This was so awful; I could hardly believe it.

Yeah? Liam looked over at me, clearly curious. I knew that I must be bright red, anticipating what Kevin was going to say.

You have to help make sure Charlotte doesn’t become a total social outcast. You should have seen her in Fairbanks. Not dating, I get that; she’s too young to date. Kevin spoke as though I wasn’t even in the room.

Wait, excuse me? I didn’t know what possessed me, but I just had to argue.

Yes, Charlotte? Kevin asked with mock surprise.

I’m almost sixteen, and you’re not Dad!

Okay, well, it’s not like you wanted to date anyway. Remember when Jared asked you out? The only freshman on the team last year, and all you could say was ‘Sorry,’ with no excuse or anything. The poor kid probably still hasn’t gotten over it. Kevin just had to make me feel sillier. I was ready to kill my brother. I thought I had known mortification, but this was something worse.

Why do you care why I turned Jared down? It’s none of your business! The truth was, I just hadn’t been interested in dating up in Fairbanks. The thought of having to spend an evening finding conversation terrified me. Even though Jared was cute, the date didn’t sound appealing.

Kevin, just leave your sister alone. Monty threw him a dirty look.

However, Kevin wasn’t listening. Okay, forget dating. Like I said, she’s too young anyway, but that doesn’t excuse hiding in her room when I threw parties while Dad was away.

I knew I was going to lose my temper completely, but I couldn’t stop it. "I was not hiding! I just had better things to do, and they were your friends, not mine. It’s not like I told on you, and I always helped you clean up."

Well, you could have invited your friends. Oh wait, you didn’t have any, Kevin said snidely.

Shut up! You know I had friends; you just didn’t know them, I shot back. That was it. I couldn’t sit there any longer. I got up, pushed in my chair, and quickly rinsed my plate before putting it in the dishwasher.

Nice seeing you, Liam. Thanks for dinner, Monty. Go to hell, Kevin. Without a second glance at any of them, I ran upstairs to grab a sweatshirt and my iPod; I was going for a walk. As I started up the stairs, I heard Kevin yell. Monty had probably thrown something at him.

They were still talking about me when I walked out the front door, and I could feel tears rolling down my cheeks. I just didn’t understand why Kevin didn’t leave me alone. Did my shyness really bother him so much? Of course, he probably didn’t understand why I cared about him talking like that in front of Liam, but somehow he should have. I got the distinct impression that Monty could tell by the way he had looked at me when he told me Liam was eating with us.

I spent a good half-hour walking around the waterfront and realizing just how much I had missed the water. Growing up in Charleston, I had always taken for granted the access to the water; it felt so nice to be near it again. In the darkness, the lights reflected off the water, and I shivered slightly as a breeze picked up carrying the salty smell of the ocean. I closed my eyes for a moment taking in the sensation of being home. When I got back to the house, they were outside playing basketball, so I went back upstairs to my room. Before I got into bed, I walked onto my balcony and looked out into the night. I thought I saw a faint light in the back of the garden, but before I could figure out where it was coming from, it disappeared. I figured it was my mind playing tricks on me because of my dream. Whether I was losing my mind or not, my first day of school did not bode well.

Chapter Two

Kevin

It felt good to be home. It wasn’t like I didn’t like Alaska. I had met some cool people and had a good time there but, even after four years, it still felt like an extended vacation. I hoped that Charlotte felt the way I did about being back, but I sensed she was too nervous to enjoy it. As hard as I tried, I didn’t always understand my sister. When I tried to help her, she acted like I was being a jerk. I knew that I was being tough on her, but usually the best thing you could do for someone was to challenge them to step up to the plate.

Monty gave me a hard time about it, too, as we sat at the table with Liam. Kevin, could you please give your sister a break? He unexpectedly picked a basketball up off the floor and threw it at me.

Hey! I caught the ball before it hit me. It’s for her own good. I only have a few more months to help her out.

I realize you’re trying to help, but maybe tone it down a little.

Sure, but just realize that you’re the one who is going to have to deal with it once I leave, I warned.

I’ll take the risk. You just need to give her some time to get used to being here; she really didn’t have much warning about the move.

We all turned to look toward the front hallway when we heard the front door slam. Charlotte could be so dramatic.

Do you think she’s figured it out yet? Liam asked, looking down the hall to make sure she hadn’t come back inside.

That we knew about this move months ago? Or that it was my idea for us to move back to Charleston?

Both.

No way. I doubt she’ll ever catch on.

Let’s hope not, Monty said. I really don’t want her worrying that we deceived her.

Well, we did it for her own good. You know how stressed she got about moving, no reason to give her six months to obsess. When Dad told me he had to move his research, I knew that the best thing for Charlotte was to move back here, and you know I was right.

I’m not disagreeing. Monty ran his hands through his hair, a clear sign that he was stressed. I just wish we could have prepared her better, that’s all.

No use worrying about it now. She was always happy here before we left, so I’m sure she’ll get used to it.

I understood Monty’s concern, but I also knew that I wouldn’t have changed the way we had handled it. I was going away to college soon, and I didn’t want to leave her alone on some crazy research base with Dad. What kind of life was that for a teenage girl? Even Alaska had been too much for her. She had been so antisocial that I questioned whether she was suffering from depression. Charlotte had always been close to Monty, so I figured she’d rather just come home.

Liam jumped back into the conversation. Well, she seems okay. She’s just ticked at you.

Yeah, but I’m still worried about her first day. Will you do me a favor and look out for her when you can?

Yeah, of course. I wasn’t surprised by his response. Liam had always been a great friend, and he had known Charlotte almost as long as I had.

I finished my third slice of pizza, and the three of us headed out to shoot some hoops. Playing ball on the old driveway brought back a lot of good memories. The same weathered hoop hung from the frame, and I could still make out my name scrawled in the cement at the base. It was nice to know that some things never changed. It was fun to shoot hoops with Monty and Liam but, man, had Liam improved. Monty had told me that Liam was pretty awesome, but the guy didn’t miss a shot. I watched as he landed four three-pointers in a row.

Whoa, Liam. Someone’s been practicing. I didn’t try to hide the surprise in my voice.

Yeah, well it helps when you spend all of your time hanging out with the coach. There hasn’t been all that much else to do around here, you know? Liam paused for a moment before passing the ball to Monty.

Speaking of practicing, have you looked over the plays, Kevin? Monty asked.

Yeah, and I’m not too worried. You do remember that you were my coach for eight years, right, Monty? He laughed.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Charlotte walking toward the front of the house. It kind of looked like she had been crying, but I knew that the last thing she would want was for me to call attention to it.

After saying goodnight to Liam and Monty, I headed back upstairs to my bedroom which, much like the old hoop, hadn’t changed at all. I looked at the line of trophies on my dresser and picked up an old photo of me at one of Monty’s UNC-Chapel Hill games back in the day. I had to laugh; there I was, scrawny as anything, wearing a Tar Heels jersey. Even back then, I knew I would wear Carolina blue for real one day. As I went to sleep that night, I felt relaxed.

Sunday morning went by quickly. By the time I woke up, Charlotte was already practicing her cello. Although I’d never admit it, I didn’t mind listening because she was really good.

After a quick breakfast, I went for a run. One day away from practice and I already felt out of it. It felt good to stretch my muscles and get some exercise. I stayed out longer than I planned, and it was already lunchtime when I got home.

Charlotte and Monty were in the den watching the pre-game football commentary when I came downstairs after my shower. I could tell that Charlotte wasn’t really paying attention to the show, so I decided to ask her to walk over to Liam’s house with me.

I told Liam we would come by today to see his mom, I said casually. You want to head over?

Oh, I’ll stop by and see Debbie while you’re at practice.

Why don’t we just go together? I didn’t understand her hesitation. Let’s go.

Charlotte nodded, maybe realizing her plan made no sense, so we said goodbye to Monty and headed next door.

Debbie Anders opened the door on the first knock and pulled me into a big hug.

Kevin, you are so grown up, she said, looking up at me; Debbie wasn’t a tall woman. Then she let me pass and took in Charlotte.

Charlotte! Wow! Debbie gushed. Liam told me you were gorgeous, but I can’t believe this.

Charlotte blushed and looked down quickly. I looked over at Liam and could tell he was embarrassed. Leaving Debbie and Charlotte in the front room, I followed him back to the den.

So you think Charlotte is gorgeous? I joked, because it was just too good an opportunity to miss. He glared at me, so I dropped it. I figured that she probably did look really different from the last time he saw her. We sat around watching some football for a while, talking about sports mostly.

Last time we talked, you were dating that girl up in Fairbanks. Did you break it off, or are you going to try to do the long distance thing? Liam asked.

I broke it off. I was surprised that he would even ask. It wasn’t anything serious.

I figured, but I thought I would check because Karen Myers has already been asking about you.

Wow. That’s a name I haven’t heard in a while. I had dated Karen back in eighth grade, and I was trying to picture what she would look like now. So, what about you? Are you seeing anyone? Although this wasn’t exactly the conversation I had anticipated, it was nice just to shoot the breeze with him.

No, I’m single right now. No need to get into anything serious before leaving for college. He shrugged. I agreed with him, and we went back to talking about sports. Eventually, I heard someone knocking out front, then Charlotte and Debbie came into the den with Monty.

Hey guys, just a reminder that we have to leave for practice in less than twenty minutes, Monty told us as he sat down on a couch. Charlotte, you’re welcome to come if you want to see the school, but I’m guessing you would rather not. He looked over to where Charlotte stood by the door.

Good guess. No, I’ll just wait until tomorrow.

After Liam grabbed his stuff, we said goodbye to Debbie and walked back to my house. We left Charlotte inside to finish unpacking, and Monty, Liam, and I drove over to the school together. I was looking forward to meeting the rest of the team and getting back onto the court. I couldn’t help but think about what it was going to be like to meet my team next year. As calm as I pretended to be about playing college ball, I was nervous. I had always played well, but I knew that next year would be like nothing I had ever experienced. One great thing about moving back to Charleston for my last high school season was that I would be playing with more competition. Basketball was a much bigger deal in the Carolinas than in Alaska. By the time we walked into the gym, I had cleared my head and was ready for practice.

Chapter Three

Charlotte

Dressed in a jean skirt, a long-sleeved t-shirt, and a light jacket, I got out of the passenger side of Kevin’s car. My stomach knotted, and I started feeling lightheaded.

You ready for this? Kevin asked.

No, but do I really have a choice? I retorted. I knew that I shouldn’t be taking out my nerves on Kevin, but I couldn’t help it.

He stifled a laugh, It’s just school, Charlotte. Besides, maybe this is a chance for a new start.

Maybe, I mumbled.

I used the map my uncle had given me with my schedule to find my locker, which he had marked with a bright red ‘X.’ Thank goodness for Monty. At least he seemed to understand me sometimes. I was pleasantly surprised when I opened my locker on the first try. I put in a few of my new books, which Monty had already picked up from my teachers. I thought about putting my jacket in there, but I reconsidered, afraid the classrooms might be cold.

I walked to my first class, English, hoping the day would pass quickly. There were still about ten minutes before class started, but I decided to walk in anyway. The room was empty except for an extremely young, dark-haired teacher. I took a deep breath, preparing to introduce myself, but the teacher spoke first.

You must be Charlotte. I’m Ms. Wilson. She stood as soon as I reached her desk.

Hi, nice to meet you.

Your uncle has told me so much about you. Mont—I mean, Mr. Winthrop, is just so happy that you and your brother moved back home. Does it feel good to be back?

Yeah, I’ve missed Charleston and my uncle.

Your uncle told me you are quite the writer. Her voice lilted upward at the end, making her comment seem almost like a question.

I like to write, but I don’t know how good I am. I wondered what else Monty had told her.

Well, I’m the advisor for the school newspaper. Would you be interested in joining us? We’re meeting in here after school, she added.

Oh, that actually sounds great. I hadn’t looked at the list Monty gave me, but the school paper seemed like it might be a good fit. I had occasionally written articles for my school paper in Fairbanks, so I knew what to expect.

Wonderful, she said with a warm smile.

I heard books hit a desk and realized another student had entered the room. I decided not to look over. There was no reason to make whoever it was think they needed to make conversation. Okay, great. Where should I sit?

Ms. Wilson? the student who had just entered the room called out. There’s an open seat next to me.

You’re right, James. Charlotte, why don’t you go sit over there? I glanced over to see that Ms. Wilson was pointing to a chair in the back row closest to the windows. I slowly walked over to the desk, looking down as much as possible. It was only after I was seated that I snuck a peak at the other student. He was tall and athletic-looking, wearing a fitted polo shirt that looked a little tighter than what I expected a guy to wear. I guessed that he was wearing it to draw attention to his muscular build. He sat completely straight in his chair and, when he saw me looking at him, he made direct eye contact, making me think he was the over-confident type. He smiled brightly as if seeing an old friend. I expected to feel nervous, but something about him felt familiar, even though he made me feel uncomfortable at the same time.

Hi, I’m James, he said, extending a hand.

Charlotte. I accepted the handshake awkwardly, still locked in his intense gaze.

Pretty name. I know how you must feel. I was a new kid at the beginning of the year, but it hasn’t been so bad.

Oh, okay. Nice to meet you, but it’s kind of more complicated for me.

Complicated? How?

"Well I’m not completely new. I’m from here, but I’ve been living in Alaska for the last three years."

Alaska? Wow, must have been hard for a southern girl. I sensed some sarcasm but decided to ignore it.

It wasn’t too bad, but it’s nice to be out of my parka.

I bet. I didn’t think it was possible, but he smiled brighter.

What? I asked, trying to understand what the smile meant.

You’re probably the only girl wearing a skirt today. He momentarily broke his intense eye contact to look down at where my legs were visible below the desk.

I immediately blushed. Well it’s pretty warm… considering. I quickly looked down before he could catch my eye again.

I’m not complaining, Charlotte, just saying. A hint of a joke hid in his words.

Great, this was getting even better. A boy I didn’t know from a hole in the wall was talking about me wearing a skirt. He was either trying to flirt or trying to make me feel weird; the latter felt more likely.

Other students began filing into the room. Most wore curious expressions, and some stopped to introduce themselves. A blond-haired girl came right over, and said, Charlotte Calloway? Oh, my gosh, you look so different.

Anna? Wow. Relieved to see someone I remembered who actually seemed happy to see me, I held back the comment in my head that Anna really didn’t look very different.

I can’t believe you’re back. It’s so crazy you were in Alaska, she said excitedly.

Yeah, I know. It was a big move.

So I saw Kevin in the hall. He looks great. She looked at me expectantly.

Yeah, I guess. Great, so that was it. She wasn’t excited to see me. She was excited to get friendly so she could get near my brother. I thought back on all of the times she invited herself over for sleepovers before I moved and realized that the motivation had probably been Kevin. Well, I figured her friendliness was better than nothing. Maybe we would have other classes together. As a bonus, her arrival had gotten me out of that awkward conversation with James.

Ms. Wilson started class by casually mentioning there was a new student, but luckily, no one stared for too long. Her next announcement was even worse. We’re going to continue our discussion of modern American poets. As I mentioned last week, I want you to break into pairs and choose a poet to study over the next few weeks. At the end of this time, you must turn in a written report on the chosen poet; you must include a biography and an analysis of two of the poet’s works.

Great, I thought. My first day, and already I had to find a partner. I looked down at my desk and waited as Ms. Wilson walked around the room writing down the partners and selected poets. I looked up when I heard James say, Charlotte and I are going to work as a pair, Ms. Wilson, and can we please have Poe?

What the heck? I thought. I couldn’t believe he had just volunteered us to be partners without asking me first. But I quickly realized that he was doing me a favor by saving me from having to ask anyone else. Maybe he really was just trying to be nice to a fellow new kid.

Great. You two can definitely study Edgar Allen Poe. After Ms. Wilson moved on, James moved his desk closer to mine, mirroring what others were doing in order to discuss the project.

So, you ready to study, poetry partner? James asked with a cryptic smile.

Sure, how do you want to split this up? I hoped to avoid meeting him outside of class.

Split this up? I thought we were working together? He sounded genuinely surprised by my suggestion.

I tried to soften my proposal. I mean, shouldn’t we at least spend some time researching on our own first?

Why? It’s boring that way. Let’s meet in the library one day this week, okay?

Unfortunately, I couldn’t come up with a reasonable excuse fast enough. Sure.

Oh, and I heard Ms. Wilson talking about the school newspaper, he said, abruptly changing the subject. You really should come.

So, you’re on it? I asked, surprised. He didn’t strike me as a ‘school paper’ kind of guy.

I wasn’t, but I was thinking about checking it out this week.

Oh, okay. I doubted that his interest in the paper was a coincidence, but there didn’t seem to be a point in calling him on it.

Ms. Wilson asked for everyone’s attention, so I tried to concentrate on her lecture and not on how nervous I was about the rest of the day. Before I knew it, the bell rang. I got up with some relief—one class down.

So I guess I’ll see you later, James said, as we walked to the door.

Yeah, see you later. I hurried ahead.

The rest of the morning went smoothly. I had Spanish, which didn’t seem too bad, and I really liked my world history teacher. When I got to gym, I changed into my gym clothes and was relieved to see Anna. She invited me to join her team for basketball. Whether she was using me for my brother or not, it was still nice to be able to avoid asking the gym teacher for help in selecting a team.

Class was almost over when someone touched my arm lightly. I twisted around quickly. Everyone else was heading back to the locker room, but Anna had hung back with me.

Hey, little Calloway! Liam said, smiling.

Hi, Liam. I tried to comprehend how I had somehow failed to notice that Liam was in my gym class. I suddenly felt self-conscious in my gym shorts. Liam had walked over with a boy I didn’t recognize.

I can’t believe you’re in high school. Liam appeared so calm; he obviously wasn’t embarrassed about wearing gym clothes.

Yeah, I’m not thirteen anymore. I couldn’t believe my luck. Of all the gym classes, he had to be in mine?

No, you sure aren’t, Liam said, looking me up and down.

What? I wasn’t sure what to make of his sweeping look.

So, you’re a sophomore?

Yeah, tenth grade. I didn’t know why he had asked. Was he playing dumb on purpose? How could he not remember what grade I was in? Or maybe he had no reason to remember, since I was just his friend’s kid sister.

It’s funny. I always felt like you were a lot younger than me, but I guess it’s only two years. Liam stopped, as though suddenly remembering the boy next to him. Oh, this is Brian. Brian, this is Charlotte, Coach’s niece, Kevin’s little sister.

Hi, Charlotte. So you’re who coach was talking about?

Hi, Brian. I tried to sound friendly, but I sincerely hoped that Monty hadn’t been talking about me too much.

So, how do you like being back in Charleston? I know Kevin seems excited. Brian acted like he was genuinely interested in my answer.

It’s nice. I think I missed it here more than I thought, I admitted.

Well, just so you know, I’m having a party Friday night. My parents are going to be out of town, so it seemed like a good excuse.

Cool. I wondered why he was telling me about his party.

You’re definitely invited, he added, probably realizing I hadn’t picked up on that part. He gestured to Anna. You, too, obviously.

Really? Great, we’ll be there, Anna answered before I could think of a way out of it. With a cute older brother and an invitation to a senior party, I must have seemed like a winning lottery ticket to Anna. Fantastic.

Sounds like fun. I tried to muster some enthusiasm.

It’s still hard to believe I have a class with you, Liam said, as Brian and Anna walked toward the locker rooms.

Yeah, I think Kevin even forgets I’m not a little kid anymore, so I’m not surprised.

"My guess is that Kevin wants to think of you as a little kid. He’s always been pretty protective, you know?"

Ha, I guess that’s one way to view it.

Well I guess we better go before we’re late to our next class.

Yeah, see you around. I hurried into the locker room.

When I caught up with Anna, she went on and on about how cool it was that Brian had invited us. I was just surprised at how nice Liam had been. I wondered whether he was being nice because he wanted to or because Kevin had asked him to. It was hard to tell but, either way, the year looked like it might even be more awkward than I had predicted. I also figured the party invitation was part of Kevin’s make-me-cool campaign. I really wished I could slug him.

Biology turned out to be a great class. I got to share a lab table with Rachel, another girl I remembered. It turned out that she was dating a basketball player and had heard from Liam that I was coming back. I worried that her boyfriend was the guy who had been pushed aside by Kevin, but she told me he played center. Lunch came after biology, so we walked to the cafeteria together.

I usually sit with my boyfriend and his friends at lunch. They’re all seniors, but you might know some of them because they used to be friends with your brother.

You sure I can sit there? I really don’t mind going off on my own, I said, not sure whether the invitation was just to be nice.

Are you crazy? Of course you should sit with us, Rachel responded, sounding genuinely happy.

Rachel pointed out the table, and I saw that there were several other students already there. I was feeling better about sitting there until one guy shifted, and I saw that Liam was also seated at that table.

Liam looked up, and his face immediately broke into a smile. Hey, Charlotte. What? Are you following me today? I didn’t think it was possible to be as mortified as I had been the night before—wrong.

Hey, yeah, looks like it. I tried to play it cool but wondered if I could possibly go sit at another table.

Well, I guess if I couldn’t have Kevin in my lunch period, at least I get one Calloway, right?

I realized that moving to another table would probably be too weird. I guess so. I took a seat near the end of the table.

Hey, guys, this is Charlotte, Coach’s niece, Liam announced.

Oh, yeah? one of the boys said. Coach was pretty excited that you and your brother were moving back. He’s a pretty cool uncle, I bet.

Very cool, I’m lucky.

As I ate my lunch, I kept quiet, which wasn’t hard because Rachel was pretty absorbed in her boyfriend, Mike, and Liam had gone back to talking to some of the other girls. The quiet time didn’t last long, though. Before I could finish my lunch, James sat down next to me.

Hey, he said.

Oh, hey, James. This is Charlotte, Rachel said quickly, when she noticed him sitting next to me.

We’ve already met. We’re partners in English. James smiled, but didn’t mention that we were only partners because he volunteered me.

Liam glanced over at me, but then went back to his conversation. I tried to act really interested in my lunch, but James kept asking me questions about Alaska, like how cold it was, clearly just trying to make conversation.

The afternoon went much like the morning, and soon I was walking into my last class, orchestra. I waited in the front of the room for Monty to finish talking to a violinist. I listened to the familiar sounds of students tuning their instruments and felt more comfortable than I had felt all day. Once the violinist walked away Monty turned to me. Hi, Charlotte. How’s your day been?

It’s been fine. It really had been better than I expected.

Well, I set you up in the last stand in the cello section. I assumed you would be okay in last chair until our first lesson when I can evaluate your playing. I could tell Monty was holding in a laugh because cello was something in which I excelled. I would likely wind up in one of the first chairs eventually.

Perfect. I figured there was no need to rock the boat on the first day.

Monty walked with me to the instruments at the back of the room and pointed out a cello. This isn’t as nice as the one you have at home, but I didn’t want you dragging yours in every day. It definitely felt funny to have him as a teacher, but it was nice to see such a familiar face after an emotional day.

Thanks, Monty. Wait. I mean, Mr. Winthrop. It felt so strange to call him that.

You’re welcome. See you after class, he said, and returned to the front of the room.

I set up the music on my stand, tightened my bow, and checked my tuning as I waited for class to start. I wondered if Liam still played bass. I suddenly wished I had asked Monty.

Well, fancy meeting you here. I looked behind me and saw Liam setting up his bass.

Quite a coincidence.

I’ll admit I knew I would have this class with you, so I can’t really say that you followed me here. I noticed that Liam was smiling faintly as he adjusted the music on his stand.

No, it wouldn’t really be fair to say that, I responded casually. I really hoped he wasn’t that sick of me already.

So, do you realize I have more classes with you than Kevin? I only have math and English with him. He sounded disappointed at not seeing Kevin more.

I didn’t know what to say. Yeah, weird.

Well, I guess there are worse people to have in your classes, he joked.

A few, probably. Somehow it was easy to go along with Liam’s joke, definitely easier than having a real conversation.

And now I can give Kevin a good report.

A report? I asked, alarmed.

Yes, I almost started laughing when you sat with us at lunch. He raised his eyebrows a little.

Laughing? Why? I didn’t mean to; Rachel and I used to be friends, so she was being nice. I can sit somewhere else tomorrow.

Wow, Charlotte, slow down there. I was laughing because of all the tables in all the lunch periods, you ended up at mine, a mostly senior table.

"Yeah, well of all the lunch tables, in all the towns, in all the world, I sat