~Temporarily~

By Shania Soler

Does anyone ever really die?
Or
Is it just that some lives are different than others?
After years and years, or rather centuries and centuries, of mourning over her brothers death, Lia finally thought that she was over it. Shes proven wrong when she continuously visits his grave. The reason for this is because Lia still feels a responsibility. Ever since that day ages ago, Lia has told herself that its her fault that hes dead.
Her every day visits to her brothers grave are soon put on hold though when a new guy shows up in Denver, Colorado. He goes by the name Tristan. As soon as Lia hears the name, something goes off in her head telling her shes heard it before. Only thing is, she cant remember where or when. Aside from his name, as soon as their first meeting is over, its clear that hes taken an interest in her. But since the day Tristan showed up nothing good has come to Lia. Murders start happening, Emotions that dont make sense to Lia come up, an old friend comes back, a promise is remembered, and memories start to rouse from a long forgotten slumber. Lias everyday normal life is no longer around, nor will it ever be again. She must stay hidden as best she can and try to stay away from Tristan. The only faulty in that plan is that Tristan my very well be the only thing bringing back those lost emotions along with some valuable memories.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Aug 8, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477229576

Shania Soler

I have always wanted to be an author and now I am. I get to do my favorite thing. Write. I was inspired to write stories thanks to Rachelle Mead. She’s my hero and I look up to her. I love to read books in my spare time. I always get lost in the book I’m reading. Books are like an adventure just waiting to be discovered. They always keep you guessing at what’s going to happen next. I live in the state of Pennsylvania in the United States. I am a thirteen year old girl. I love to play soccer, I love to swim, and I like to climb trees. I like to be outside when it’s a nice day and I love to hang out with my friends. Otherwise, if I’m not writing I will be reading.

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© 2012 by Shania Soler. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 08/02/2012

ISBN: 978-1-4772-2929-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-2956-9 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-2957-6 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012911452

This book is printed on acid-free paper.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Acknowledgements

Prologue Denver, Colorado 1996

Chapter 1 Denver, Colorado 2310

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank my friends and teachers from elementary school for cheering me on about my writing. They all helped and even though they might not have realized it, some people even gave me some good ideas for new stories. I would also like to thank some people from middle school that I just met this school year along with the teachers. There are two special people that stand out from that group though. Briana, who also happens to be the best manga artist I know, and Hans Christian who is a genius when it comes to computers. I would also like to thank my family too for also helping me with my book. There are four people that stand out: Jasmine, Nicolas, Brooke, and Sabrina who also loves to write, she’s awesome at writing poetry. I would also like to thank my grandparents too.

Thank you to all the people who supported me, I’m finally an author.

Prologue

DENVER, COLORADO

1996

I was standing my ground. Even though every part of my mind was screaming: Get out of here! Run! Run and lock yourself in your room. My hands were trembling and I was trying my best to hide it. Along with my hands, my legs were trembling and threatening to collapse from under me. Sweat was running down my neck, making my hair cling to it. I moved some strands of hair out of my face so I could look at the guy in the eyes. I regretted it afterwards because I was sure that he could read the fear in them.

Are you so sure you want to give up everything for one person? The guy asked. He was staring down at me. As I was looking at him, his hair hung down in his face. He was probably about a head taller than me. I could see in his eyes something that no ordinary person had. He had a tint of blue in his black eyes. When he spoke, his voice along with his eyes and face showed nothing. I tried to read his expression but it was impossible. He showed absolutely no emotion. And I hated it.

I want to do what I choose and what I choose is what I intend to do. I say my voice shakier than I intended it to be. At first I thought I saw the smallest of smiles pass though his eyes, but I told myself that I imagined it and pushed it to the back of my mind. A smile is the least of my troubles. I needed to protect my brother. He was counting on me to keep him safe.

Our Parents weren’t going to do anything and we both knew it. The only time they helped is when it was in their favor and making sure that my brother, their son, was alive wasn’t on the list. So the only one left is me and I intended to do everything in my power to keep him alive and safe. With his condition, even the doctor said it would be pure luck if he survived the rest of the night. That was all I needed to hear to know that I needed to take matters into my own hands.

Alright, but you know the cost of all of this don’t you? He said, pulling me out of my thoughts. After hearing him say that, a tear escaped my eye and traveled down my cheek.

Of course I do! I yelled. Even if I didn’t, my voice softens, I would still do this. I would still be here right now. Nothing would-could change my mind. I look down at the ground. Another tear escapes my eye and falls to the ground.

Once you do this, you’re bound for life to live forever and to walk alone forever, never aging and never changing. You would be-

Immortal. I whispered, finishing his sentence and looking back up at the guy. To walk alone forever. Never dying. I thought as I looked away from the guy again. A small smile curved on my lips. I know the consequences and I’ll gladly accept them if it means saving my brother. I could see out of the corner of my eye the guy nodding. I felt him place his hand on my head. I closed my eyes.

You’re doing a good thing Lia. I smiled again. Then it happens. A searing pain starts up inside of me. It felt as if everything inside me were disappearing . . . or changing. I wanted it all to stop at that moment. I wanted it all to disappear. No! No you don’t! I told myself. You need to keep Josh alive. That was all I needed to tell myself to calm down and ignore the pain.

I knew that my life would never be the same, but at least Josh would get to live his life to the fullest.

Chapter 1

DENVER, COLORADO

2310

My alarm clock is going off. The annoying sound ringing in my ears. I tried to ignore it as best I could, but it was pointless. In the end, my hand ended up slapping it off of my dresser, knocking it to the floor and to its death, just like every other one.

I pushed my covers to the end of my bed. A wave of coldness crept over me without warning as soon as the covers were off of me. The springs in the bed all cried out as I sat up. In some ways the noise was comforting. A type of sign that things hadn’t changed, yet. But then, in other ways, it was as annoying as the alarm clock.

I stretched out my arms and cracked my knuckles. Under my feet, the floor boards were cold and sent goose bumps up my legs. They moaned their forbidden melody with each step I took.

When I got to the door, I smelt something horrible. It had made its way from the kitchen, I knew that much. I opened the door and in came the stench, staining my room with it. I slapped my hand over my mouth and nose. Just the smell made me sick. I didn’t need to look into mirror to know that my face was turning green. I could feel it changing.

I hurry into the kitchen and discovered who had caused it. My mom was standing over the stove, spatula in hand and a confused look on her face. I go over to her and snatch the spatula out of her hand. I turned off the stove.

Oh, good morning Lia. She said. Her voice apologetic. I turned around, a deep sigh coming out of my mouth. I point the spatula at her, my eyes narrowing.

"You know we both agreed that I would do the cooking." I say while my mom tossed some of her hair behind her shoulder.

My mom’s name is Cassandra Kay. If you asked me, I would say that she is really beautiful. Her hair is a straight, long, dark red color. As blue as blue can be was her eye color. Her skin is kind of pale. Freckles were on her cheek, over the bridge of her nose, and then onto the other cheek. She was a bit shorter than me, but not by much. (Oh and, by the way, she’s not really my mom. I go through foster care. She just happens to be the one who adopted me this time. Just a bit of info you should know.).

I, on the other hand, have curly, light brown hair that falls down to my shoulders. My skin is all tan, not a single freckle on it. My eyes are the most important, and special, feature. They’re a shiny gold with a tint of blue. No one else had this in their eyes except for one person that I saw a long time ago. But I was ‘tired’ at the time and nothing made much sense so I was probably just imagining it. There was another person too but I don’t really remember much about him, except for the fact that he was the one to seal the contract.

My eyes meant that the contract had been done. That everything was finished and this is me paying the price, or holding up my end of the deal. And I didn’t, and wouldn’t, regret anything. That was all there was to it.

Yes, I know but you’ve been working yourself so hard that I thought you needed to take a break. Between your studies and track team, I didn’t want to burden you with cooking this morning. She said. I put down the spatula and shake my head.

Okay, how about this. You make the both of us a bowl of cereal while I get ready for school? I say. She smiles and nods. I give another sigh and leave for the bathroom.

The bathroom almost smelt as bad as the kitchen but I managed. Our bathroom was small and could be considered claustrophobic to some people. It was also the only bathroom in the entire apartment. I hurry up and brush my teeth and hair.

After that, I hurry back to my room that was still caked with the horrible smell. I ignore it and take off my PJ’s. I go over to my dresser, take out thigh high socks, pull them on, and put on my favorite jean skirt and a long sleeved red shirt. I only stopped a minute to run my hand over the scar I had on my chest but then put on my black and white high tops. Satisfied with how I look in the mirror, I go out to the kitchen.

The smell had mostly gone away, thanks to the open window. On the small rectangular table sat two bowls of fruity pebbles. I took my seat and started eating. My mom sat down across from me. We both sat in silence until she said, So, is anything interesting happening at school today?

Aside of the first day of school being today, on a Friday, nothing I know about. I take the last spoonful of cereal, put it into my mouth, and finish drinking my milk. I’m gonna leave early today with it being the first day of school and all. I’ll see you after school. Oh, wait, no, I’m going to be with Clover till 5:30 tonight but I’ll be home right after that. Before my mom can answer, I’m out the door, and jogging to school.

As soon as I get to school, I sit down in front of the doors, waiting for them to open. I laughed to myself and shook my head. I should have put on a jacket. I tell myself.

Just then a sudden breeze blows through making me shiver and the hairs on the back of my neck to stand on end. I curl up into a ball, saving all the warmth I have until the doors open. What a day to choose to come to school early Lia. I scold myself and then laugh a little. Then I hear an engine. I look up and see a black limo pull into the schools parking lot. Maybe it’s a teacher. They might let me sit in the car with them. I get up and walk over to the limo, not giving much thought to what teacher might own it or how they would have bought it.

It only takes me a minute to get over to the vehicle. I knock on the passenger door window. The window goes down and my eyes widen a little. I quickly get it under control. A guy looks at me, taking off his sunglasses. His eyes! I thought.

Can I help you? He asks.

Um, uh, I was wondering if I could sit in the car with you. It’s really cold out here. But I understand if you say- The door opens up and the guy steps out. He has a good two inches on me. His hair is the same color as my moms and his skin is almost as tan as mine. His face showed no expression. His eyes are what caught my attention though. They were a bright, almost shiny, venomous green with . . . . a tint of blue. Without thinking I ask, Did you make the contract too? Something, maybe surprise, passed through his eyes but was gone as fast as it appeared.

Go ahead in if you want. Even his voice showed no expression. I was reminded of that day 314 years ago. That guy that showed no emotion and yet helped me so much.

I go inside the limo, moving all the way over. Instantly I’m filled with warmth and I’m glad about my decision about asking if I could sit in here and wait for the doors to open. The guy follows me in and shuts the door behind him.

Thanks for letting me sit in here. My name’s Lia Kay by the way. I smile, looking over at the guy. He just nods and leans his head up against the window. What’s your name? This makes him look at me. There was a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. I didn’t really know why but I didn’t care all that much.

The name’s Tristan. As soon as I heard the name, something inside of me went off. Kind of like a buzzer going off uncontrollably after a basketball round. It felt like I had heard the name before. Since he has such an unusual name, I should remember it if I have heard it before.

As if Tristan was reading my mind, he said, It’s an unusual name isn’t it? I can tell that’s what you’re thinking just by the look on your face. You’re pretty easy to read . . . . Lia. As soon as he said my name, my heart skipped a beat. I hadn’t realized that I was holding my breath until I said,

Have we met before? I know it’s a strange question, but . . . I trailed off. I heard Tristan laugh and I looked up at him.

Wow. Nice pick up line. I could feel myself blushing, but not from embarrassment. I open the door on my side and stepped out. A sudden breeze sweeps over me, making some of me wish I had stayed in the car.

It wasn’t a pick up line. As if I would ever flirt with you. Next time we meet, if we meet again, why don’t you try to be less cocky. This makes the smile on his face deepen.

So you want to meet again? Already? We haven’t even said goodbye yet. I slam the door shut, not thinking of the consequences if I damage the limo. The bell rings at that moment and I decide that today is not my lucky day. Tristan opens the door on his side and gets out while smiling at me.

His smile is not a kind one. It is pure evil. A chill runs up my spine and it’s not from the wind. I let out a sigh and walk over to the school. I hurry inside, rushing to my locker.

The school I go to it called Potter Piece high school. Our school colors are purple and white and we’re known as the Grizzlies, that’s also the name of our football team. The school is pretty big if you ask me and I’m sure anyone would agree with me. The education everyone gets here is great, even though I already know everything they teach.

I get out everything I need from my locker and stomp off towards homeroom, still angry from earlier. The nerves of that guy! What’s wrong with him? All I did is ask if we’ve met before! I stop just short of the classroom door. I look down at the floor. His name, I whisper to myself. "Where have I heard it before? It sounds so familiar." I shake my head and go into the classroom.

The classroom is completely deserted when I go in. The teacher isn’t even at their desk. The room felt ominous for some reason. I wasn’t sure why, but I entered the classroom anyway. I sat down at a desk and took out a book and started to read. When an hour passed, I decided to leave.

I stopped by my locker and got the rest of my stuff before heading home. My phone was vibrating, almost yelling at me that I have a missed call. It was from my mom. I was worried that something had happened because she never called me at school. I dialed her number and waited for her to pick up. She does on the third ring.

Hello? Her voice sounded tired, like I had just woke her up from a cat nap.

Hey mom, why did you call? Is everything okay?

Yeah, everything is fine. Your school called earlier and told me that they had to cancel school today because of a teacher meeting or something. I froze. Lia? Hmm, her phone must have died. Then she hung up. I pushed my phone in my pocket.

Well this sucks. I just wasted an hour of my life. I laugh a little to myself. Oh well, not like it makes a difference. An hour wasted out of an eternity of hours. I shake my head, grab my stuff, and head to my real home.

Half an hour later, I arrive at the graveyard. Fog walks along the ground, hiding everything that could trip me or anyone else. The sky is gloomy, like always, making everything seem depressing. But then, it is a graveyard so everything should seem depressing. Graves sit firmly on the ground, not willing to budge. Trees that have lost some of their leaves are scattered around the cemetery. There is still a slight breeze in the air, only adding to the effect of the graveyards ‘Horror movie’ image.

I walk around for a bit until I find the right grave. I kneel down in front of it and smile. The grave reads:

Josh Exahlia,

1986-1996

Caring brother and son, may he live on in our

hearts forever.

Hey josh, how is everything? I ask no one in particular. I feel a tear run down my cold cheek. I’m doing great. Life is the same as always. I mean, a lot of things have changed since you’ve been alive. But it’s nothing that I can’t handle. School life is still as boring as ever, maybe even more. I cry. Multiple tears run down my cheeks and fall to the ground. I hope you’re doing well in heaven. I hope that you’re nice and healthy. The only thing I can hear is the echoing of my crying in the silence only adding onto my sadness.

I put my hand on the grave and run it along its hard edge, scraping my hand as I do. His gravestone is cold to the touch only adding onto the pain of running my hand along it. But that