Bulletproof: We Are North Star, #1

By Ava Yates

A hit-and-run accident turns the small coastal town of North Star upside down, and brings betrayal, lies, and violence along with it. Sixteen-year-old Charlie Ross and her friends lives unravel as they become entangled in a murder conspiracy. When love comes into the picture it starts taking its toll on them, too. A distraught Charlie forces her first love, and once trusted friend, straight into the arms of the new girl, Heidi. Jack loses his best friend to Will, the brother that he’s only just discovered; while Kya is terrified to be loved by Will. And Taylor...Well, he loses everything. 

As the big Spring Rally approaches, the corrupt former sheriff of North Star is handing out guns to high school students, and ordering them to shoot at the crowd gathered for the event. Not only is it up to this odd group of friends to save themselves and each other, but they have the lives of the town on their shoulders, too. They must unite to survive the worst day in North Star’s history.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ava Yates
• Release date: Jan 3, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386357841

Book preview

Bulletproof

We Are North Star

Book One

Table of Contents

Title Page

Bulletproof (We Are North Star, #1)

Chapter One:

Chapter Two:

Chapter Three:

Chapter Four:

Chapter Five:

Chapter Six:

Chapter Seven:

Chapter Eight:

Chapter Nine:

Chapter Ten:

Chapter Eleven:

Chapter Twelve:

Chapter Thirteen:

Chapter Fourteen:

Chapter Fifteen:

Chapter Sixteen:

Did you enjoy this book?

Dedicated to the many who have supported me.

Mom, Kyle, Peyton, this is especially for you.

This is copyrighted material.

All rights belong to author, Ava Yates.

This book is meant for personal enjoyment, only.

©AvaYates2017

Chapter One:

When I die, I want to be remembered by the light in my eyes.

-Paige Rickus

What is that? Why is a bright light coming towards us? Oh, my god, I think that’s...That’s another car.

Paige?

Where is Paige? She’s not answering.

Oh, she’s right there. She’s coming back.

Charlie, move! Move, move, move!

But, I didn’t move fast enough.

What happened? Did somebody just hit us.

Paige is screaming. Loud. If my ears weren’t filled with static they would be bleeding...But, wait—My ear is bleeding. Oh, my god...Is that glass? Do I have glass in my ear? That’s why I can’t hear anything, except Paige screaming.

It hurts. Paige’s screams hurt.

My eardrum must be ruptured.

What is that? What is that wretched screeching?

It’s a truck. A truck hit us, and now it’s trying to reverse. The driver is going to leave us here. I need to get out. I must stop him and get help. But, I can’t get out. I can’t open the door...Come to think of it, I can’t even feel my legs. The steering wheel is pressed against my chest. I can’t breathe. And the seatbelt feels like it’s slicing me in half. I can’t get it off!

It's a black truck. I have to remember it. Remember Charlie.

The blood is trickling out of my ear. It’s going to ruin my homecoming dress, my pretty purple homecoming dress that mom made for me. But wait—My wrist is bleeding too, and possibly my face. Something hot and sticky is stinging my eyes, and now that I’ve thought about it, it hurts worse. And my dress, it’s beyond repair...Hell, I might die in this dress. Why am I so worried about it?

Paige is screaming. She won’t stop screaming.

I can’t find my phone.

I don’t know if anyone is going to come.

There’s something I need to remember, but what?

A black truck, right?

Even if somebody comes, they won’t be able to get us out right away. We’ll die by the time they get us out. The driver door is smashed in, and the passenger side is stuck in the railings of the bridge. This is it. We’re going to die.

She knows.

We both know.

This is how it ends.

This is how we die.

My voice is weak, but I’ll try to ease her nerves.

The truck is gone. Maybe they went to get help.

No, they’re not going to get help, Charlie! They were probably drunk! They left us here to die!

She’s right...I have to get us out. She’s my best friend. She can’t die. If I die, fine. At least I will die fighting, but if she dies and I live...That’s a scary thought, because what am I supposed to do without Paige? How am I supposed to live? How am I supposed to breathe?

I can’t breathe, already.

How long has it been? Is anyone coming? I haven’t heard any sirens. Also, I just broke up with my boyfriend, so it’s not like he’s going to come to my rescue. Our last hope is Taylor. He’s a mechanic and he can fix this.

I should call Taylor, but my phone is lost.

I need to remember something, but what?

Everything is blurry, except for those screams. The screams are killing me.

How long has it been? Hasn’t anyone figured out that we’re here? At the very least, somebody has to hear Paige’s screams.

Is that still blood, or am I crying?

It’s getting quiet. I just hope that I’m dead, and the silence didn’t come because Paige is dead.

Please, God, kill me. End this, now.

Chapter Two:

"So often, I catch myself looking back on it all and thinking,

‘If only I had known then what I know now.’"

-Charlie Ross

Heidi Collins moved to North Star three weeks before the accident. Paige’s and Charlie’s best friend, Kya, lived next door to Heidi. She pulled Heidi into the odd group of friends, and Heidi felt at home with them until Paige died. Nothing added up. Heidi could no longer use one and one to make two. Heidi needed to solve the most complicated puzzle, Charlie Ross. 

Charlie... Heidi rested her hand on Charlie’s shoulder.

The redheaded young woman stared towards the front doors of North Star High from the end of the sidewalk that lined the student parking lot. She sported crutches to aid the healing of her broken ankle. Her body appeared frail and weak, but Charlie insisted on being well. She spent two hours of her morning convincing her mother to allow her return to school. She remained confident in her decision, until Stella pulled up to the building, and the brick in her throat dropped to her stomach.

Do you need help getting inside? Heidi cooed. She possessed a sense of calm and security in her that made it impossible for Charlie to order her to go away.

Charlie shook her head. I don’t think I can go in.

Heidi wrapped her left arm around Charlie’s neck, and gripped her elbow with her other arm. I remember the first day that I showed up here. This building looks scary. It’s big, and these kids seem so sure of themselves. How do you figure out who you’re supposed to be when it seems that there’s no room for you? Where do you fit? Heidi met Charlie’s doubtful gaze as their pace slowed. I settled for misery, until Kya took me in and introduced me to you and Paige. You all helped make this a home for me. I owe you. Just tell me what you need.

Charlie shook her head as tears blurred her vision. I need Paige.

Heidi placed a kiss on Charlie’s cheek. She’s here. If there’s one place where Paige Rickus will always be alive, it’s when the people that loved her are together. You’re here, and Taylor is here. Kya is here, Jack is here, and I think—even though I knew her for such a short time—I can help keep her memory alive, too. Paige is here, Charlie.

Charlie’s watered down smile didn’t convince Heidi that her words helped. The young woman dropped her crutches and slapped her palms to her face; Heidi provided no relief to her grief-stricken friend.

She’s going to disappear. Heidi, time will erode everything, until I don’t remember. I won’t remember what it felt like to spend the day with her on Crawford Beach and listen to her sing her horrid versions of show tunes from the towel next to me. I won’t be able to hear her voice in the back of my head, or remember all those times when she reminded me that I matter. She won’t be there senior year of the Lady Warriors; and, she won’t be able to see the day that we graduate. Charlie’s whole body shook while Heidi sunk down to the ground and cradled Charlie in her arms. She’s dead, but it makes no sense. Why did she die? Why did I live? She’s the reason that I made it this far. What do I do, Heidi? How do I get back up on my feet with this weighing me down?

Charlie screamed into the small of Heidi’s neck and left her ears ringing. Heidi’s own throat burned as she searched for a response. There were no words to make this better. Paige died, and Charlie sat four feet away from her when it happened. Charlie watched her take her last breath, before she closed her own eyes hoping that they wouldn’t open again.

I can’t talk to Jack. Kya can’t even look at me—I haven’t confronted her, because I’m terrified that she blames me for what happened. You are a foreigner here, but you’re all that I have. You are all that I have, Heidi! You are the girl who kissed my boyfriend during our relationship, and you’re all that I have. Charlie laughed, but tears and snot still covered her face. I want to hate you, but I can’t, because if I did, I wouldn’t have anyone on my side.

Heidi wiped her own tears from her face before she helped Charlie onto her feet and put her crutches back into place. Hate me, Heidi ordered. Hate me if you need to. I’ll still be here.

Charlie shook her head. Eyeliner smeared her bright pink face. Take me home. Today is not the day, Charlie declared. I’ll try again tomorrow.

––––––––

Heidi arrived a half an hour ahead of schedule to pick up Charlie for school the next morning. She waited on the porch, while she listened through the front door of the Ross home. Charlie sat behind that same door and cried into her knees as she tried to talk herself into leaving.

You have to do this, she pleaded with herself. Your whole life is passing you by while you sit here. Come on, Charlie. This isn’t you. You aren’t the girl who quits because things get tough. You’re the girl who stayed by your mom’s side when everyone else blamed her for her failed marriage. You helped Paige fight back against an abusive dad, and you’re the girl... Charlie sucked in a deep breath. You didn’t let her die alone. You’ve been there for people. You’ve been strong for everyone else. You need to be strong for yourself. Get up and walk out of this door with your head held high. Paige wants this for you. She’d be kicking your ass if she saw you. Get up, get up, get up!

Heidi eased opened the door to collect Charlie.

Come on. She helped her to her feet. Get up and get it together. We’re going through those doors today, Charlie. As far as your fear of Paige disappearing...Don’t allow her to disappear; but, above all, don’t allow anyone to make you feel guilty or crazy for how you feel. You’re allowed to feel whatever you want, under any circumstances. You’re going to march into that school like a fearless bitch returning from a mission to conquer the world.

Charlie furrowed her eyebrows as she followed Heidi towards the front doors of North Star High, in a hypnotic trance. Between the time that they left her house and arrived to the school, she couldn’t remember making the choice to go to school that day. Heidi decided for her, and as much as she wanted to object, she needed somebody to force her hand. Heidi held the strength and confidence to be that person for Charlie; otherwise, she could have spent the rest of her life trying to get up the guts to live, again.

You’re still making it too hard to hate you, you know? Charlie scoffed as Heidi held the front door open for her. I wanted you to be the scapegoat for what happened between Jack and me, but you’re not. Honestly, you are the truest friend that I have, Heidi Collins. I owe you thanks for not allowing our odd, short history to prevent you from supporting me. I would have stayed at home today if it weren’t for you.

Heidi stood back and watched as Charlie continued down the hall, aiming for her locker.

You did it! Kya exclaimed as she stepped up beside Heidi. You got her to show up.

Heidi smirked as she nudged Kya in the side. Sure, I did. I told you that I would, didn’t I?

Why? Kya’s question surprised Heidi enough to stop the young woman in her tracks. Are you helping her because you feel guilty for breaking her and Jack up?

I’m helping her because it’s helping me, Heidi answered as she glowered at Kya. I didn’t kiss Jack with the intention of ruining his relationship. The rest of you saw the ‘hot girl’ when I arrived, but Jack saw me. You just befriended me to get me onto the Lady Warriors’ squad, Kya. You knew my name would heighten the squads’ reputation.

Kya dropped her jaw and stumbled to defend herself.

Well played, Heidi continued. Now that we are friends don’t insult me with false accusations, because I’ll ruin you.

Don’t screw her over, Kya ordered, as she started down the hallway. She’s been through enough. She doesn’t need to find out that somebody she trusted used her to get to her ex.

I find it crazy that you’re telling me how to handle my friendship with Charlie, when your friendship with her is sinking deeper by the second. If you didn’t trust me, you wouldn’t have stayed in my bedroom every night for the past week. I’m not a dishonest person, and I won’t toy with Charlie’s emotions. You’re projecting your own issues onto me. If you’re worried that you’re being an awful friend to her, go fix it. You have your chance; don’t waste it. Heidi disappeared behind her locker door, while Kya disappeared down the hall.

––––––––

Charlie wouldn’t even call Noah Slater an acquaintance. The two of them only spoke to each other while Noah dated Paige during freshman and sophomore year. Their forced conversation and Charlie’s faked smiles, aimed to appease Paige. Noah, however, ran in the same circle as Charlie. He played football and Charlie cheered. She often had no choice but to suffer with his presence, and with time, she decided that Noah became tolerable with age.

How are you? he asked, as he seated himself next to her at her round lunch table in the corner. He received a chorus of eye rolls from Charlie, Heidi, and Kya.

I’m here, aren’t I? she shrugged as she looked around the cafeteria. The room lacked color after her month’s absence. How are you?

Noah’s face turned a slight shade of pink as his stare focused on his large hand that rested on the table. Nobody bothered to ask him that question after Paige died, as if she didn’t—no, couldn’t—mean anything to him after their breakup.

You healed up nice. He grimaced. When I brought you those flowers in the hospital, you were unrecognizable. Even at the funeral, you looked like a balloon. Now, I wouldn’t guess that you were in an accident, besides the crutches.

Charlie chewed on her French before saying, Yeah, those are a giveaway.

I didn’t think about how that would sound, Noah grumbled.

Well, she answered with a shrug, at least you are honest.

His eyes landed on his hand, again. Charlie, listen...I’m sorry. You lost Paige, and you almost died, too. I can’t even imagine what you went through in that car.

Charlie shook her head. You don’t want to, and you don’t have to, so please don’t try. Then, she started shoving fries into her mouth until her cheeks were swollen and she couldn’t speak if she wanted to.

That’s all I wanted to say. Noah stood up and forced in a deep breath to gather his composure, before he took his seat with the rest of the football players in the front of the cafeteria.

Did anyone else find that awkward? Heidi chimed as she watched Noah stomp to his table like an ogre. Thank God Taylor is in the library, today. All he can talk about since Noah’s dad cut that check for Paige’s memorial in the courtyard is fighting him.

That’s just stupid, Kya snapped. Taylor has been acting like he is the only one who lost something since he came back to school.

We all cope on our own schedule, in our own way, Kya, Heidi lectured.

Charlie choked down the rest of her fries in a hurry. She took a swig of her drink before she gushed out, I’m sorry. Kya, I’m sorry. I haven’t been there for you... She stopped speaking as if she became lost in her own thoughts.

Heidi looked to a blindsided Kya and encouraged her to speak with a nudge to her side.

Stop it, Kya ordered her. We’re all...Well, we’re just not ourselves, are we? We lost Paige. You recover however you can. I am here for you. Just say the word, Charlie.

You can’t look at me. Charlie met Kya’s gaze to find that she looked out of the window in the same instant. You won’t look at me, Kya. How can you tell me that you’re here for me, when you can’t even stand to look at me? You blame me, don’t you? You think I could have done something more to save Paige, but I did everything that I could!

No! Kya shouted. What the hell are you even talking about? Charlie, you couldn’t save Paige. Every paramedic and fire rescue member in this county couldn’t save Paige, and we’re blessed they got to you in time! I thought you were dead when they pulled you from the car. Then, I spent three days at a hospital thinking that you weren’t going to wake up. I saw you at the lowest that you have ever been and I can’t forget it.

Thick silence fell over the table. Kya, Paige, and Charlie were once connected at the hips: the three of them stood against the world. They each played an essential role in the group. Paige acted as the peacekeeper; and Kya played the doting mother; while Charlie represented the troublemaker. The backbone of the group left them to navigate the fight without her.

We have to figure out how to get over this, Kya sighed, as she reached across the table to grab Charlie’s tray so that she could dump it for her. I don’t know where to start, but we have to try. This isn’t right. You’re all I have left. I’m not going to lose you because we’re both stubborn. Charlie, you’re my best friend, and you always will be. If there is one truth that you can count on forever, it’s that I am here for you, when you’re ready.

Charlie nodded as she blinked back burning tears. I have to adjust to this, Kya. I’m not even sleeping at night...I can’t work on fixing anything else until I fix me, which is why I’m trying to give you space. I think that’s what will heal us: space and time.

Chapter Three:

What if this is a dream, and you’re gone when I wake up?

-Jack Carmer

Tuesdays and Thursdays were late start days at North Star High. First period commenced 90 minutes later than usual, and Charlie used that time to her advantage. She arrived with a hot cappuccino, and a well-rested attitude.

Charlie! Harper shouted her name, and she slammed her head against her locker. Oh, no need to do that for me. Hey, I wanted to give you this. He slipped her a pink piece of paper.

It’s a pass, but why? It is Thursday, right? I’m here on time, right?

It’s a pass to go to the counseling center during your first class.

A freaking therapy pass? Charlie crumpled the pass in her hand. I’m not doing it.

Listen, your mother suggested this, Charlie. Please, don’t make me call Stella Ross to the school. That’s a scene I’m not ready for.

Oh, I won’t make you call Stella Ross. I’ll call Stella Ross! Charlie shouted, as she dropped her crutches to the floor with two loud slaps. She pulled out her phone and dialed her mother’s number, as Principal Harper rushed from the scene.

Twenty minutes later, her hatred for Jen Ross consumed her as they sat across from each other in the counseling suite.

"So, let me get this straight: Mom decided that I needed to see a grief counselor, so the school called in my sister, who is on the list of reasons that