Awakening Avery

By Carolyn Moring Lowes

Avery was there to pick up the pieces of her best friends heart when Hannahs innocence was pillaged. To gain back their independence, the girls go on a forbidden adventure to the big city.

Then, as if by coincidence, Avery meets another, far-from-creepy individual., tall, dark, and handsome, who sweeps her off her sensibly shoed feet at first sight. He turns out to be incredibly romantic, sensitive, and richalmost too perfect. Their relationship flourishes quickly, and it feels so right to Avery: true, undying, passionate love. This normally sensible, average teenager has unwittingly embarked on a mystical journey with her newfound love.

She finds herself learning many strange, unimaginable but somehow familiar things With good comes bad. To know the light, there must be dark; To know extreme love, you must also feel pain. And with truth comes secretsdangerous, dark secrets.

To Avery, the world seems to be spiraling into a deep chasm of despair and fear. A fearful shroud of deception bewilders society. With Kaysens help, Avery learns what is on the other side of this unapparent cloak. These young lovers are an intrinsic part of a bigger, lighter picture and must awaken their supernatural gifts to save themselves and the others.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press
• Release date: Sep 28, 2011
• ISBN: 9781452538341

Carolyn Moring Lowes

Carolyn Lowes resides near Peterborough, Ontario, with her husband and two children. Life experience and her creative prowess brought this novel to life.

Book preview

Contents

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Epilogue

Dedication

To Abby, my loving, creative and free spirited daughter.

To Holden, my brilliant, good hearted, warrior son.

To Hayden, my husband and lifelong love.

I am so blessed and grateful for my parents, family and friends that have inspired and encouraged me to follow my dreams.

You are the beats in my heart.

We are absent from the light of God when we are immersed in the darkness behind the veil of humanity. To know Light, one must experience

the darkness.

Chapter 1

I think they call it spring fever, only I seem to have an immunity to it. I thought being seventeen would be so much more fun! I’m so bored and alone now that my friends have guys to date. No one to hang out with and all they want to talk about is what he said and what they should say to him, they’re twitterpatted, totally consumed in puppy love and I want to pewk. On the brighter side, I do get lots of studying done and at least I get good grades, whoop-tee-doo. There are no boys at school that interest me, none that like me either. My friend says I intimidate them because I am smart, confident and pretty. I don’t know about the pretty part, but I don’t fall for the dumb jock type, the smart guys are dweebs and I just don’t like those head banger jerks with all the hair, piercings and loud music. I’m not into getting drunk, doing drugs, smoking or wild parties. What is my perfect guy like then? I just happen to have a list here; he’s very good looking, a perfect smile, beautiful blue eyes, tall, a great body, healthy, good habits and humble. He’s smart but cool, very spiritual, open minded, responsible, calm, happy, even tempered with good self control and disciplined, kind, thoughtful, considerate, sensitive, loving, giving, athletic, funny, adventurous, creative, affectionate and romantic. He only has eyes for me, respectful, faithful, loyal and committed. He’s patient, loves family, kids and animals. Hard working and good with money. He’s a really good kisser and lover too. We would go to the theatre, movies, picnics, travel, hiking, the gym, the beach, boating, skiing, skating, tobogganing, curl up by a fire, meditate and read together and go dancing, he’s a great dancer! Mm, I’d wait a lifetime for that guy, huh, I might have to!

The phone rings, it startles me interrupting my daydream, bringing me back to reality. If that is what this is, reality. It’s my best friend Hannah. Hey girlfriend, how’s it going? I asked enthusiastically, fully expecting her giddy greeting and instant emergence into the boyfriend talk. All I heard was sobbing at the other end of the phone. My heart sunk, Hannah what’s going on, are you all right? She mumbled something in her choked voiced, I can’t understand you, I’ll come right over! I hung up the phone and ran the few blocks to her house. My heart had taken up residence in my throat now. Although I never run at all, my panic drove me and the exertion didn’t even faze me!

I opened the bedroom door and stepped inside the dimly lit room apprehensively. I got here as fast as I could Hannah, I said in a low voice almost afraid of what I was about to hear and see. My imagination was whirling, what could be so terrible?

Only a crack of moonlight streamed through window blinds. Her white Victorian lace bedcover seemed soiled and grey with small white balls all over it and on the floor, tissues. Hannah hunched over, cross-legged on her bed, her hands clutching fistfuls of her golden curly hair and she was sobbing uncontrollably, rocking back and forth.

What the hell happened? I sat next to her on the bed, leaned in and put my arms around her. The pain and sorrow she exuded enveloped me and I began to cry with her. I can feel her broken heart inside me, her heavy gloom fills the already dark room. She is so sweet, beautiful and a really nice girl. How could anyone want to do this to her?? Who did this? Could it be Jamie? What did he do to her? The love of her life? Every girl in the school thinks he’s so hot, he’s a jock with long blonde hair, big brown eyes, muscles and he sings in a band too. I have to admit he is really easy on the eyes, but I don’t go all goo-goo over him every time he’s near like most of the girls in class. He actually repulses me a little but I can’t tell Hannah that. She’s the prettiest girl in the school and she played hard to get with him for awhile, but now they are officially dating, since last month.

Hannah, tell me what’s going on?

I, I can’t.

You can tell me, it’s okay, I said with the calmest tone I could muster, meanwhile my heart was pounding out of my chest.

He took it from me Avery, he took it, I said no, but he forced me. Gasping for breath between sobs and words.

Who did?

Jamie, she cringed and looked at me for the first time with sadness, terror and loathing. Did she loath him or herself? She seemed to be searching my face looking for my understanding so she wouldn’t have to say anymore. I waited for more words from her.

She sighed with slight disappointment that I couldn’t just read her mind, I was flirting with him and we were talking and kissing, I guess I made him think I wanted it. I shouldn’t have wore that short skirt, he called me a tease when I told him to stop, he looked angry. I should have left right there, I wanted to, I was so scared and confused, I trusted him. He told me how much he loved me, how beautiful I am to him. He asked me if I loved him too and told me to show him how much, he said if I didn’t do it he would have to break up with me because he loved me too much and it was driving him crazy! She paused and looked into my eyes as if trying to read my thoughts, see my response.

I felt horror and disgust for Jamie, I could see what he was trying to do and I could feel her confusion, he knew what he was doing, like a practiced professional. I didn’t want Hannah to see it in my face or confuse my feelings for him, so I focused on my expression and tried to stay calm.

She continued, I don’t want to lose him, I do love him so much, I would die if he left me, I couldn’t bear to see him with someone else, he’s so sweet to me and he loves me too, what if I get pregnant, what would I do then? Would he marry me, Avery? What about school?

Calm down, tell me what happened exactly, Hannah, start from the beginning. Well, he showed up at my front door with a flower in his hand for me. He picked it from my mother’s flower bed. He asked me if I could go out with him for awhile, that he wanted to talk because he missed me so much. He never said a word about it at school today but I only saw him for a couple of minutes at lunch. He was with his friends most of the time talking about their next jam session or the big game, I think. Anyway, I went with him but said I couldn’t be out late, it’s a school night. He took me to a cabin out in the woods, I wasn’t sure where we were exactly, but I trusted him. We went inside the two room cabin, he was so nice, holding my hand, opening doors for me, kissing me. We sat on an old couch for a while talking, holding both my hands in his, looking deep into each other’s eyes, he told me how pretty I am, how he loves my laugh and smile, he touched my hair and commented on how soft it is, it was so romantic. He started to talk about touching me, he wondered how I’d feel about it if he touched my breasts and would I consider showing them to him. I could feel my face go hot and red, my inner voice screamed no, but what harm could it do? I had to tell him that I wasn’t ready to go all the way, so I blurted it out, he laughed and gave me that look that melts my knees and told me it was okay and I should trust him. I thought he meant he wasn’t going to try to go all the way! He lifted my shirt off over my head, I felt anxious and embarrassed. He looked down at my bare breasts and said wow with that big smile, he leaned in to kiss me and I was relieved to have his eyes off me for a moment. Then I felt his hands slide up my arms and onto my breasts. He squeezed them firmly and then his kisses moved down my neck, I was so nervous. He scooped me up in his arms and took me to the bed in the next room. He took off his shirt, my eyes must have popped out of my head and he reassured me that he loved me and it was okay. He laid half on top of me and started kissing me again. My head was spinning between the good sensations, my nervousness and the feeling I needed to scream and run. He kept whispering sweet nothings in my ear, then he took off his pants saying he had something he wanted to show me too. He took my hand and forced me to touch him. I was beginning to panic inside, I reminded him that I was not ready to go all the way. He said I could just kiss him down there and that would be enough, he pleaded with me so sweetly and told me it was alright, everyone was doing it. He pushed my head down and held it there and instructed me on what to do. He told me it would show him how much I loved him. When I gagged he finally pulled me up rolling on top of me. He seemed out of control, breathing heavy, talking dirty, kissing me hard. I told him to slow down, I needed to get home now. He told me to trust him again and that he loved me and it was all okay, he just wanted to know me better and explore my body since I got to see him totally naked it would only be fair. As he spoke he had already undone my skirt, his hands were all over me, I just kept telling myself it was okay, I could trust him, he loved me, he wouldn’t hurt me. He asked me if I loved him and I said I did, he said we should do it and I said no, he forced my legs apart and pulled up my leg with his strong arm, I said no, please stop, don’t please, I don’t want to yet, I was crying and in total panic. His face was angry, he called me a tease and worse. I struggled to get out from under him and he just pinned me down telling me I wanted it . . . Hannah began to hyperventilate and sob again.

I threw my arms around her again and assured her it was not her fault. I felt so sorry for her at that moment. This is the kind of thing that could affect her whole life, what could I say to help her rise above it? I couldn’t tell her that I understand, it’s never happened to me, thank God.

Hannah, that was rape and you can report him, stop him from doing it to someone else. It’s not your fault, he knew what he was doing, he took you somewhere that you couldn’t call for help or run away because you didn’t know where you were and your phone wouldn’t have a signal out there. He planned the whole thing very carefully, he’s probably done it before, he knew just what to say, if he really loved you he would never have made you uncomfortable at all. It’s not your fault, Hannah. He’s a predator and his friends are no better. I’ve heard rumors about one of his friends and that girl in the computer club, he even hit her I heard. She wouldn’t tell anyone that could help her because she thought it was her fault and she was too embarrassed and afraid of him. I’ll help you if you want to talk to your mom about it. He didn’t give you a choice and he didn’t listen to you, it’s not your fault, no matter what you were wearing or how much you kissed him back, you said no and he should’ve stopped. Your mom will understand and she’ll know what you need to do. This is a choice you have to make Hannah, if you try to hide from it, it will always find you when you don’t want it to. If you face it head on right now, you can deal with it and hopefully stop it from happening to another innocent girl. I know it is hard and you are afraid but I’ll be right here and I’ll stand up for you, what do you say girlfriend?

She had calmed herself, her breaths came in short hitched gasps, huh, huh, huh, you’d better go get my mom before I chicken out, hurry.

I rushed out of her room and down to the kitchen where Mrs. Embry was sitting with her tea and computer. She looked up in surprise to see me appear and said, hi Avery!

Hello Mrs. Embry, Hannah has something very important and very sensitive she needs to talk to you about, she asked me if I could be there too and she’s pretty upset . . .

Is she in her room? She asked as she was darting past me and up the stairs. Hannah, are you alright honey? she rushed to her side and wrapped her arms around her daughter, rocking her in her arms and kissing her hair.

Hannah burst into tears again, sobbing into her mother’s shoulder, I’m so sorry Mom! Please don’t be mad, I’m sorry. Her mother looked at me with confusion, terror and question in her eyes.

I said, Hannah, it’s not your fault, tell your mom what happened, she wants to help you.

Her mother took Hannah’s face in her hands, looked into her eyes and said, I love you more than anything in the world sweetie, talk to me, it’s okay.

That’s what he said too! She blurted out and began to sob again. As her mother rocked her and rubbed her back I reminded her she had to be strong and make a choice to take back her power, stop crying now and tell your mother what happened. She did, but not in such detail.

After going to the hospital and the police to make a statement, she had to face going to school. The rumors had already begun. Jamie’s friends made sure of that. He wasn’t at school that Monday, he was 18 and would have to spend a couple of nights in jail. There were many hurtful things being said about her throughout the school, accusing her of lying, wanting it, being a big tease, a slut and more. But there were also about three other girls that admitted having the same thing happen to them. Another girl would have been his next victim, he had started dating her two days ago, unbenounced to Hannah. I assured her that the hurtful rumors would pass but the good she did would last a lifetime.

She spouted sarcastically, you are too old and wise for your age! Don’t you ever make mistakes!? You’re a freak! She laughed at her own derogatory humor.

Hahaha, I laughed with her about that ridiculous statement. It wasn’t like I never made mistakes or bad choices.

Jamie ended up getting off with parole because he had no prior offenses and rape is tough to prove. He did spend a couple of nights in jail while he was waiting for the parole hearing and he was different when he came back to school. His dad took away his car for a month and he didn’t go around acting like a cocky king, but he was angry and brooding inside with big dark circles under his eyes. It kind of freaked me out. Hannah tried not to look at him, she still had feelings for the jerk, she really wanted to believe all that stuff he told her, but she knew inside it was all a farce and a game for bragging rights, at her expense. He wasn’t bragging now.

When our classmate Holly came up to Hannah and told her the latest rumor was that he said he was going to get her alone and fix her, Hannah just looked her straight in the eye and with an astonished look at what she was about to say, she blurted out, that’s a lie. He didn’t say that. He might hate me, but he didn’t say those words to anyone.

Holly was stunned and just walked away, looking a little frustrated and disappointed that she failed to add to the drama.

What made you say that Hannah? You don’t still think he really loves you, do you? I asked.

No, no it’s not that at all, I don’t know where that came from, honestly. Anyway, Holly just loves to gossip.

This is true. Hey, wanna give her something new to talk about? I queried with mischief in my eyes. Hannah returned the look with a grin, like what?

Why don’t we go on an adventure? For your birthday? Like say, Toronto?

Yeah! A good adventure will get my mind off things. And there will be a lot of cute guys to look at too!

I laughed, I love how you rebound Hannah. Let’s think about how we can pull this off.

Chapter 2

It was my favorite movie of all time and the next one of the series was coming out very soon, at the end of May, near Hannah’s birthday. I’ve read all the books, 3 times, I love vampires! Well, the romance of the one in the story anyway. It was opening at midnight, in downtown Toronto, an hour and a bit away from my house. My mom said there was no way I was going to a movie in Toronto, never mind that time of night. But I just had to go! There had to be a way, Hannah and I had already found it! Some of the girls in the class are going and they have a car. Jennifer is nice enough, but Heather I didn’t care for, I don’t know why, she’d never done anything to me. She wasn’t very friendly most of the time, I got the feeling she didn’t really like me either. But we needed a ride, Hannah and I could tell our parents we were sleeping over at each other’s houses. We could stay out all night if we wanted, no one would need to know!

The week flew by, it was finally here, Friday, the big day, everything was set to go. We were leaving right after school to get a good spot in line. The bell rang at 2:30 p.m., we met Jennifer and Heather outside in the parking lot, ready to go girls? Jennifer said with a warm voice and excited smile.

Woo who! I squealed, let’s do it!! I was feeling excited, exhilarated, guilty but mostly terrified, deep in my gut the anxiousness festered. I told myself it was due to the anticipation and adventure. What a rise. We arrived safely and parked in the underground parking lot across from the theatre, under the mall. It was early, but we needed to get in line, when we arrived there must have been a hundred people waiting already! Heather was rooting around in her big purse, she pulled out an iPod and then a pack of smokes. I was shocked and must have revealed my disgust through my expression.

What’s your problem Priss? You’re not old enough to smoke? You’re Mommy might find out? What about you squirt? She gestured to Hannah.

I could feel her cringe but her response surprised me, sure, I smoke my Mom’s cigs all the time, I’m down.

We talked about this all the time, how it stunk, how uncool it was, the health risks and peer pressure and here she is buckling! Why did she want this bitch to like her? I felt betrayed and sad for her. That’s her choice. I gave her a dirty look and she just looked away and started to talk to Heather. That manipulative bitch seemed smug and satisfied, she was coming between us and she took great pleasure in that, but why? I turned my attention to Jennifer. She was pretty but plain, little makeup, straight reddish blonde hair and a very full figure.

She gave me a bright smile and tried to start a conversation, so, isn’t this exciting? Is it your first time in Toronto?

Yes and yes. I can’t wait to see this movie, have you read the books?

Yeah, I just love that werewolf, he’s so gorgeous. Who’s your fav?

Definitely the tall, gorgeous vampire, he can bite me any day! Haha, I giggled.

We have a long wait here, it’s only four o’clock, maybe we could take turns going for walks in pairs? What do you think guys? Jennifer gestured at Hannah and Heather.

Great idea, I agreed, the big mall is just across the street, we could take one hour shifts and grab a bite to eat too. Jenn and Heather can go first since you thought of the idea.

That’s fine with us, Heather snipped back and she grabbed Jenn’s arm as they strode off.

As soon as they were out of earshot, I spun around to face Hannah, what the hell are you doing?

What?

Come on you know what, smoking.

I just thought I’d give it a try, it makes me look older I think.

It makes you appear to be stupid I think! I sniped back in all honesty.

Back off MOM, anyway did you see that guy over there?

It’s your choice and no, what guy? I knew she wasn’t mad and just wanted to change the subject.

Honestly Avery, you are blind or oblivious sometimes. Don’t turn around yet, he’s looking this way. He’s wearing a khaki jacket, dark messy hair and tall.

Of course I looked, he was staring at us, mostly at Hannah, I got chills and a lump in my throat and turned to face her, ew, he’s cute but creepy, I don’t like him.

Geez Avery, is there anyone you do like? Real boys I mean?

I just don’t need a boy to like me, in order to feel good about myself, I retorted.

Are you saying that I do?

Look Hannah, I don’t want to fight with you, I just get a bad feeling about that one.

Yeah, well we’re here for the movie not to meet boys I guess. Not two minutes later the creepy guy walks up to us and asks if we have the time. Hannah flashes her big, perfect smile and says, sure, it’s 5:15.

He smiles back a crooked smile and says, thanks, have you got a light, I noticed that you smoke?

Uh, yeah, well no, my friend took it, she’ll be back soon though.

Thanks again, he says and walks back to his spot. He wasn’t really in the line though, he stood off to the side so he could see a good piece of the line.

See, he’s nice. And I told you the smoking made me look older and cool.

OH my gosh, Hannah give your head a shake! Why do you want to look cool to creeps like that and bitches like Heather?

She looked at me with confusion and shock in her eyes. Then she began to laugh, your right, what was I thinking?

We were laughing when the girls came back.

It was our turn to explore, did you find anything good? Hannah inquired.

Not really, there’s a burger joint in the food court in the mall and some nice stores, have fun and see you in an hour, Jenn replied.

Right! We hurried off.

It had been a beautiful warm day, but the sun was going down and it was starting to get chilly.

Let’s grab our coats from the car first thing and then find someplace to eat, okay?

Sounds good, Hannah replied.

We found the burger place with no problems. Hannah finished her food first and said she was going to the washroom, I chose to wait at the table alone, no big deal. The washroom was just across the food court, she wouldn’t be long. I watched Hannah as she made her way through the maze of tables and crowds of people. Then I saw him, watching her. He was still wearing his sunglasses inside, how odd. He began to move toward the washrooms too. Crap! A sudden panic rose up inside me. I jumped from my seat, grabbed our coats and hurried toward the ladies room. He was closing in on her, I called out her name to make her turn around and so he could hear me coming. I glared at him and caught up to Hannah, his upper lip quivered in a snarled expression for just an instant, then he turned with a jerk and stood in a line up at the coffee shop. I rushed Hannah into the washroom.

She said, what’s up with you?

You know that creepy guy from the line up with the dark shades?

Yeah.

He was following you Hannah.

No way, he’s probably just getting something to eat too.

Oh, he’s looking for something to eat alright!

Oh Avery, you’ve been reading to many vampire books.

Well he gave me a dirty look when I caught up to you.

You’re imagining things, Hannah dismissed my paranoia.

I don’t care, my gut says he’s not right and I’d rather be safe than sorry, so let’s just stay together okay?

Sure, we’re okay, this is a great adventure, enjoy it! Let’s get back to the line.

Yeah it must be dark outside almost, we hurried back to the girls, I kept my eye out for the creep but I didn’t see him anywhere. Maybe he knew I was onto him and he took off. Here’s hoping. When we got back to our spot in line, Jenn and Heather had some new friends.

Three really cute guys and a girl were standing in the line with them. Whoa, wholly crap would you look at those guys, man they’re all cute, where did they come from? The tall one is dreamy but the blonde is hot too, which one do you want Ave? Hannah was at it again.

We don’t even know these guys maybe they’re taken or gay. Be cool Hannah.

She took a deep breath and put on her best smile as we approached. Hi, we’re back.

Hey kids, back so soon? Heather said dryly. She’s such a bitch she’s only like six months older.

Did you have fun? Get some grub? Jenn grinned.

We did eat and I had to save Hannah from this creepy guy, she’s a magnet for all kinds of men I tell ya.

Who are your friends? Hannah pressed ignoring my comment.

Jenn introduced them, this is Drew, Jordyn, Bayleigh and her brother Kaysen. We met them in the mall and invited them to stand with us in the line.

I looked at them each as they were introduced smiling and nodding hello. When she got to Kaysen my heart skipped a beat and I had to swallow hard and my legs felt like rubber, a small giggle escaped my throat. He smiled at me and I felt like I had loved him my whole life. I tore my frozen gaze from his big deep blue eyes with their long, thick, black lashes. I wasn’t pulling a Hannah was I?

Drew was closest to me, so do you all live in Toronto? I asked.

Yeah, he smiled.

Big vampire fans I guess? I grasped for something to say, to be calm and cool.

No actually, it’s Bayleighs 17th birthday and Jordyn wanted to do something she’d like, but her Mom made Kaysen go cause it’s so late. I’m a tag along for something to do, Drew explained.