Altered

By Elaina Gaeta and Mackenna Gaeta

Sage Gaveston was your typical wall flower. She had few close friends and plenty of bullies. She had little excitement in her life - that was until Purrin Xavier walked into Math class.
Purrin was everything Sage wasn't, outgoing, popular and gorgeous. He even had the attention of Beverly Miles, the hottest girl in school. So why did he bother with Sage?
Sage began to notice strange things happening around the new guy. Milk exploding, soup boiling, and failed food fights to name just a few.
Purrin was a mystery that Sage was bent on figuring out. But what if the mystery wasn't so much the new kid, but Sage herself? What if Sage was the puzzle that needed to be solved?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 12, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477290897

Elaina Gaeta

Elaina and Mackenna Gaeta are a mother/daughter team who read a lot together and share an interest in the unique worlds of fantasy and science fiction. Elaina is a graduate of Saint Bonaventure University. Mackenna is an 8th grader who loves languages. They enjoy watching shows such as Supernatural and Vampire diaries and include Harry Potter, the Twilight series and Eragon series among favorite books. They live in Cuba, NY with both of their father's and various pets.

Book preview

Chapter One

Pounding on the wooden door for the third time in fifteen minutes, sixteen year old Sage Gaveston yelled to her sister.

Hurry up! You are going to make me late!

So what! Sonya screamed back.

I, unlike you, do not want to be late on our first day. Sage stated angrily.

It is only school! wailed the younger girl. She yanked the door open and shoved past her sister.

About time. muttered Sage as she slammed the door closed.

Twenty minutes later, she was in her little hatch back heading toward the brick building ten minuets away. Sonya had complained enough about riding to school with her, that this year their mother took a later shift at the store so that she could drop off her youngest child.

Sage was happy with that arrangement. She finally had control over the radio, when it worked. Currently, it was spitting out static. She switched it to the tape. She sang along with the song as she zipped into the overflowing parking lot. She found a half a spot in the very back under a tree.

Sage squeezed her little blue car into the slot. Having just enough room to open her door far enough to get out, she slipped her backpack over one shoulder. No one was watching her as she made her way into the back of the crowd clogging the double doors.

Well freakzilla is here, everything is right again. sneered a beautiful blond girl. Sage tucked her chin into her chest, trying to hide.

Well it was about time you looked at yourself realistically, Beverly. a boy’s voiced called out. He was taller than most of the students still mushed together outside of the school. His piercing brown eyes shot daggers at the blonde.

Ohh Grady is sticking up for her. she sing songed. Several of the nearby students laughed. Beverly smirked at him.

Yeah, thanks for stating the obvious, moron. he sneered, bending down to put his seething face in hers. She shrank back just as Sage slunk into the building.

Beverly and Grady where both in the same home room as Sage. Though she was a year younger than her fellow seniors, she was still one of the most intelligent in the grade.

Sage took a seat in the front. Grady’s friend Galen was huddled into the corner chair, trying to hide from the world behind his hoodie. Sage looked at him, but she could tell he was in his own world. She took out a book to read as she waited for class to begin.

The bell rang. Immediately, the voices fell silent. Sage put her book down and looked up just as the door banged closed. The secretary entered the room, leading a wild haired boy by the cuff of his sleeve.

Sorry for the interruption. the harassed woman apologized.

Mr. Alvert, this is Purrin Xavier. He is a new student. she added as if it were important. The blonde haired boy stood there with a cocky grin on his face. His spiked haired covered one green eye. The other scanned the room. Sage noticed that the pupil was oddly shaped. It looked like a diamond. That’s impossible, she gasped mentally.

Well, find an empty seat. the pot-bellied teacher barked. Purrin swaggered over to the seat on the other side of Sage. He leaned over to her and spoke in a stage whisper.

Do you have a pen I can borrow?

Mr. Xavier this is math class. Mr. Alvert informed him.

Purrin tapped her arm. Do you have a pencil I can borrow?

Trying hard not to roll her eyes, she handed him the one beside her book. She pulled another one out of her case.

Now that everyone has a pencil, let us begin. grumbled the teacher. While Sage and most of the class were busily scribbling away at what Mr. Alvert rattled off as to how there senior year would proceed, Purrin chewed on the end of his pencil. Never once touching it to paper. Sage glanced sideways at him from time to time. So did other members of the class.

Purrin would smile and nod at each admirer. He appeared to be a king on his throne. Sage instantly felt wary of him. She spent far too much time hiding from people like that. I wonder how long it will take before he starts teasing me, too Sage thought with melancholy.

For the duration of the period, the students continued taking notes and doing some review. Sage had no trouble with any of it. That was one major advantage of being almost friendless. You always had time to master your own talents. Sage sighed dryly as she left the room. Amongst the clamor of the hall, she felt comfortably invisible. She discreetly wove her way to her next class, collecting bruise after bruise from the various bodies colliding with her.

Watch were your going! barked a voice at her side. Grady shoved a boy out of the way from bumping her.

Thanks. she muttered. He nodded.

Hey, can I get a ride with you tomorrow? at her curious look, he continued. Galen is taking my car in for it’s oil change.

Oh sure, no problem. she squealed a bit. She mentally kicked herself for that. But the great thing about Grady, was he didn’t make a comment or seem to notice. He just shrugged nonchalantly. He held the door to English class open for her. This time she picked a seat beside the window. Purrin came in surrounded by Beverly and her perky little posse. Grady snorted and took a seat halfway down the row, beside Sage.

Purrin set up court in the front by the door. Sage sighed. She knew she would have to elbow past them all to break free of the room. Mrs. Yanda walked to the front of the class. Her frizzy black hair was already poking out of it’s bun. This was Sage’s favorite class, even though she did best in Science.

Mrs. Yanda plopped her lanky frame on the edge of her desk. She surveyed the assembled students, pausing, her eyes on Purrin. She remained staring at him so long that eventually the entire class was looking at him. Once the silence filtered its way across the room, he looked up. Several of the girls were still hanging onto his desk.

Are we keeping you from your social engagements, Mr. Xavier? purred the mousey brunette.

Actually, yes. his voice was smooth as whipped chocolate. But since I have to come to school, I suppose I can put them on hold for someone as luscious as you. he winked.

She frowned at him. Very well. Now that we have Mr. Xavier’s permission, let us continue our class. Several students snorted. Sage could almost see his head getting larger. It was an amusing thought. She giggled quietly to herself then brought her attention back to the lesson. Since there wasn’t really anything to pay attention to besides the senior English curriculum, Sage just stared out the window. She watched a squirrel climb a tree, a butterfly glide by, a bird land in an oak. She was particularly fascinated by a spider on the other side of the window. Even though she knew it wasn’t likely, she got the feeling it was watching her intently. The thought made Sage shutter a bit. She loathed spiders.

She was jarred from her reverie by the shrill peal of the bell. The classroom was a cacophony of chairs sliding back, idle chat, spitballs, and paper airplanes. She agilely picked her way to the door. Sage ignored the snide comments of her classmates. After all, she’s had to hear them for the past ten years. She was used to it. But they’re too stupid to realize I stopped caring around fifth grade, she grumbled mentally. Trying to shake herself from her dreary, uncharacteristic mood, she contented herself by imagining her tormenters as homeless beggars.

A nickel for your thoughts. a quiet voice said in her ear, as a nickel hovered in front of her face. She groaned and batted it away.

Hey, that was my last nickel. whined Grady’s best friend, Galen.

Sorry, I’ll pay you back. she muttered.

"Aw, never mind, its only a nickel. Could you do me a favor?’ he questioned.

She stopped to look at him. He was tall with shallow skin. He had been born with yellow jaundice, his skin had yet to recover. Aside from that he had black hair and blue eyes, his complexion was clear for a teenager. All in all he wasn’t bad looking, just needed more self confidence, and to lose the thick Buddy Holly frames around his eyes.

What? she demanded.

Smile! he exclaimed, trying to shove her cheeks upwards.

You better watch it, her face might crack. sneered Beverly as she and Purrin passed. Purrin looked back at her with a inquisitive gaze.

I don’t know. I think it would look good on her. he said it in a matter of fact tone. She smiled. He grinned back.

See that wasn’t so hard. she rolled her eyes and he disappeared around the end of the hall laughing.

Purrin wasn’t in her next two classes. Science and home economic. She was relieved. Grady sat with her for home ec. Which would typically mean that when they did projects he would be her partner. She had known Grady since preschool. That was when her family moved in beside his. They lived in the poorer end of town, but somehow Grady over came that stereotype. People liked him. He was captain of the basketball team and an all around good guy. He would help you with anything as long as it was within his power. There were times when she pondered why he had never asked her out. He was always sticking up for her. She shrugged. Until this year, they had never been in the same grade.

Because of her end of year testing, she had been deemed too smart to stay with her normal class. She skipped eleventh grade and started her Senior year this year instead. This was the second time she had advanced a grade. She had also passed over first grade. Yet she was only a year younger than her fellow seniors, because she had started school when she was nearly six. Her birthday was in February.

Science and Home ec went the same way as her other classes. It was just a summary of what they could expect in the coming year. She took notes or passed papers as was deemed necessary. She was grateful when home ec. ended. It was a boring class, even on the first day.

LUNCH! cried Grady. She laughed at him.

"Lead the way big guy!" Great, she thought as Purrin strode to them.

Why don’t you go find your little entourage. she demanded.

They have cheer something or other to do. he waved his hand airily.

Unfreakingbelievable. she drew out the word. Purrin just smirked cockily at her.

Tell me about it. Grady muttered under his breath. With that, the group entered the cafeteria. They were immediately hit with the loud ruckus of the room. Sage went through the line and selected a place in a desolated corner. She cracked open her book and began munching steadily. She lost herself in the sea of words, plotlines and characters. This was the one place she truly belonged, buried inside a book. When she was done eating, she reluctantly set down her novel to take up her tray. As she passed the cool table, Sage thought she heard one of the kids mutter something about only book characters liking her. She shrugged and continued to her seat. Her novel was immediately scooped back up. The snide comment from earlier was washed away in a whole other world.

A few minutes later, however, she was yanked from her story. Purrin was standing on top of his table. He had a narcissistic grin on his face and a can of soda in his hand. The room was suddenly silent, all eyes on the good looking boy.

Every guy wants to be me, and every girl just wants me. he took a sip of his drink. Hell half you guys want me too, you just won’t admit it. he tossed his wild hair back and laughed.

You are so full of shit. someone shouted. There were several snickers throughout the spectators.

Really! Then why are you all staring at me? he queried

Because you are some idiot standing on a table. another voice called out.

Purrin laughed again. Yet you have all stopped what ever you were doing. he called back. I didn’t even say anything and I got Sage’s face out of that book.

Sage quickly buried her flaming face behind her book.

Oh don’t hide on my account. Purrin yelled at her. She could feel all eyes on her. She was happy when the bell rang to save her from more embarrassment.

They all ran to take care of their trays. This made Sage the first one out the door. Purrin was right behind her.

Where are we off too? he pursued her.

Don’t talk to me. she demanded as she increased her speed. He laughed, still at her side.

Oh come on. There is a whole wonderful world out here. Get your face out of the books and see it! he exclaimed.

I like the worlds in my books, thank you. she said sarcastically.

They had reached their destination, social studies class. Grady was already inside. He was talking to a very attractive African American girl. Sage had met her before, but couldn’t remember her name.

Hey, beautiful! What’s your name? Purrin winked at her.

Victoria. she glared at him.

Vicky, I like it. He grinned at her. She flipped her curly black hair over her shoulder and placed her face in his.

I said it was Victoria. Call me Vicky again and I will put that perfect face of yours through a desk. he held up his hands.

Ok. Victoria. She backed off and took a seat in front of Grady. She continued to glare straight ahead. Sage, a smirk on her face, took a seat in the middle of the front row.

You loved that, didn’t you? a creamy voice cascaded over her shoulder.

Yes! I like that you got told off. she affirmed. To her shock, Purrin laughed loudly. She turned to look at him.

Does anything faze you? She questioned, raising an eyebrow.

He pondered this for a moment. Shrugging he said Nothing that I can think of. he winked at her, those odd diamond pupils squishing together. She turned around as the class began.

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What does any one do for fun around here? Purrin yelled as the school day ended and all the students were rushing out the door. He was responded with a chorus of answers.

Play ball! yelled one of the jocks.

There’s a hiking trail! answered another voice.

Pizza at the bowling alley! someone shouted

You could go swimming at the lake. The water hasn’t cooled down yet. Besides, a lot of people would love to see you shirtless. One of Beverly’s friends called. An arrogant grin crossed Purrin’s face.

I know. he replied. Sage couldn’t help but groan.

Hey, you could take Sage with you! Another one of the jocks taunted. That remark was met with loud, hysterical laughter. Sage’s face went red. Purrin suddenly whipped around to face her.

I would like that. You up for it? he asked. Sage’s jaw dropped.

Me… uhh..umm.. she faltered, shaking her head.

Yes, you. Quit being a turtle. Come hang out with me. he insisted.

Oh, please. Why take her? I look much better in a bathing suit. Beverly sneered.

Better than what, a stuffed pig?. Grady retorted. Beverly looked indignant.

You did NOT just say that. she squealed.

Um, yes, I believe I just did. he wrinkled his nose at her.

Suddenly, Bev slipped on the smooth sidewalk. She caught hold of Galen as he was walking by. The two of them almost fell over. It appeared as if some invisible force held them upright. Sage watched, curious.

First time with the new feet? Grady laughed. Bev’s face went red.

The kids milling around were either laughing openly or calling out other lame jokes.

Have a nice trip, see ya next fall. a high pitched voice yelled.

Purrin turned to look at Sage, for once he wasn’t smiling. He was staring at her intently. There was a calculating tone in his deep emerald eyes. For her part, Sage stood open mouthed. She had just had a thought of Bev falling on her butt, when it almost happened. Sage was glad that Galen hadn’t been injured in the incident.

What are you doing now? Purrin asked Sage.

I have to work. she mumbled and hurried away to her car. Purrin watched her as she flung her belongings over the seat and climbed in. Sage saw that he remained in place, eyes glued to her little car until he was hidden from sight.

Why are you staring at her? demanded Bev with disgust.

The smirky smile leapt to his lips again. Who said I was watching her? Maybe I was admiring her car. with that he headed toward a small path alongside the school that lead to the next street over.

Yeah right. Beverly muttered to herself, watching Purrin strut away.

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"So how was school today?" sneered the miniscule girl as she pulled herself out from under her coffin.

Why do you have that thing again? Purrin demanded.

Why must you answer a question with a question? she probed.

Why… started Purrin.

Why must you two do this every day? Wailed a big beefy boy as he came into the room. He was munching on a bag of chips.

Where did you get those? Purrin pounced on the new comer.

Come on man, we are starving here. the boy hid the chips behind his back.

Just tell me you were careful, please. No one got hurt? he worried.

No! I just had them not looking at me when I took the stuff.

Good. Purrin nodded. "We can’t turn into them." He looked out the window. All that could be seen was a burned out shell of a building. The only home the three teens had ever known.

Let’s go out. You guys have been stuck in here long enough. he decided. Their cheers and yells flowed out onto the streets. Purrin laughed.

We just need to go to a different town.

How about Syracuse? the girl asked looking more happy than he had seen in a while.

College town, I wonder why you picked that. the huge boy laughed.

As the world disappeared, they found themselves surrounded by orange and blue, the colors of the local college football team.

Wow, it isn’t even football season yet. the girl noted.

Football… . the boy hunched his shoulders and buried his hands into the pockets of his hoodie. Purrin understood what was bothering him. He was the perfect size to be a linebacker, only problem, none of them had ever went to school. Let alone, had they learned sports.

Purrin clamped a hand onto his shoulder. Without another word, they strolled down the street. They could smell all sorts of food odors wafting out to them. Though they were hungry, they had to choose wisely.

It was the girl that found one that would fit their needs. It was a small pub, restaurant combo that was filled with many college students. They would blend in easily.

Finding a booth in a back corner, next to the exit, they sat cautiously. The waitress came over. She didn’t look much older then they were.

What can I get for you?

A menu. Purrin commented.

Do you need one before you order drinks? she asked pleasantly.

Um, no.. I would like a diet coke. the big man said.

Raspberry ice tea? the girl asked. The waitress nodded and wrote both orders down. She turned to look at Purrin.

How about a Michelob? he grinned and winked. She placed a hand to her hip.

How about some ID? he laughed.

Ok, you got me, I’ll take a Mountain Dew. She wrote it down and disappeared into the crowd. Retuning a second later, she placed three menus on the table.

I’ll be right back with your drinks. she hurried away again. She came back three minutes later with the drinks.

Caci, Purrin addressed the girl, It’s definitely her. I can feel it. There’s no way it can’t be her.

"So, how long ’til something happens? How long ’til he finds her?" Worry creased Caci’s pale features. Purrin feared the answer.

Soon enough. I worry for anyone in that monster’s line of sight. he replied.

Me too, dude. Griffyn, the boy, agreed.

All we can do now is wait for her to realize who and what she is. Purrin scowled.

But who knows how long we can keep throwing him off her trail. Griffyn fretted.

We’ll do what we can until it’s time, Caci stated, I just hope she finds out before… she trailed off.

"Before he gets her?" Purrin offered.

Would you guys like anything to eat? The waitress had returned.

Yeah, I’m starving. Griffyn answered.

When aren’t you? Purrin teased. Griffyn nudged him good naturedly, recovering from their terrifying conversation.

Okay, what can I get you? the waitress inquired.

Got chicken wings? Griffyn wondered. She nodded.

OK, we’ll all take an order of them each. Purrin told her.

And a salad Caci added.

Okay, be right back. they were left alone again.

When their chicken wings and salad arrived, they sat munching and talking. The boys went mostly for the meat even though Caci kept trying to shove the salads at them. They tried to avoid the topic of the earlier conversation at all costs. For a while they succeeded, they just sat in silence eating, but they returned to the same discussion.

"Where do you think he is?" Griffyn murmured, eyeing the crowd.

Far from here, for now. stated Purrin knowingly.

Let’s get outta here! Caci shivered. They made their way thru the crowd. Just before they reached the door, the waitress stopped them.

You are going to pay. she stated fiercely.

Purrin stepped up to her. Forcing her to look into his eyes, he smiled his award winning grin.

We left it on the table, sugar. he cooed.

Oh! her face turned bright pink. Uh, thank you. she faltered.

No problem, sweetie. he returned, as Caci snagged his arm and dragged him out the door.

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What did you think of that new kid? Shelly leaned onto the belt of her register to talk to Sage. It was slow at the moment.

Sage shrugged. I try not to. she muttered, as she flipped the page in her book.

I think he is dreamy. Shelly continued with a far away look in her brown eyes and twisting her long pale locks around her finger. Sage groaned. Shelly was slightly over weight and short. She ate way too much junk food and her pimpled countenance showed it. As Sage watched, she stuffed a sucker in her mouth.

He is immature and egotistical. She said.

"But he’s so sexy." Shelly murmured lazily.

Sage was happy when the night time rush started. She was tired of listening to the many great qualities of Purrin Xavier.

Three hours later, Sage was walking across the parking lot. She had just reached her car when a mysterious noise made her look up. Purrin was walking along the sidewalk. He wasn’t alone. A tall muscular boy and a small pale Goth girl were flanking him. Sage had never seen either kid before. She wondered who they were, then realized she was letting Purrin disrupt her night again. With force, she yanked open her car door and climbed in. She refused to look at Purrin and the girl he had just wrapped his arm around. She peeled out of the parking lot and headed home. She had homework to finish.

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The next day at school, Purrin was waiting just inside the school doors. He watched the various students strolling in. Occasionally he would call out a hello, or wave, mostly he just smiled. That was until he saw her car pull in. He watched it, unwaveringly. As she pulled her book bag from the car, he straightened. Grady clambered from the passenger side. Purrin was slightly amazed that the massive body fit in the tiny car. He saw Beverly say something to Sage. Rage boiled within him. How he despised people like that. They didn’t know how good they had it.

Sage ignored the popular blonde and made her way to the building. Grady called something back, but followed Sage. As they entered, Grady turned to head down the right hand hallway. Purrin shoved himself off the wall and approached her.

So, have a great time at work? he asked with that infuriating grin splattered over his attractive face.

It was fine. she muttered, trying to get away from him.

I didn’t know you worked at a grocery store. he continued to probe. She stopped and spun to face him.

What do you want? she spat.

He looked shocked. Nothing, nothing at all! he exclaimed.

Good. I have to get to class, goodbye. she turned and left him standing in the middle of the hall. He left the smile in place as others wandered around him.

Purrin. a voice purred in his ear. He looked behind him, Bev had sashayed to his side.

Walk me to class. she commanded, slipping her arm through his.

Sure. he smiled and headed in the direction Sage had gone. Beverly chattered away, but Purrin wasn’t listening. He stared straight ahead, not paying a bit of attention to the perky little girl beside him.

Um, hello, are you even listening to me? Beverly demanded, crossing her arms over her chest.

I’m sorry, what was that? he shook himself out of his thoughts.

Oh my gosh, you weren’t! Bev shrieked as they entered the room. Sage saw them almost right away. An irritated look crossed her speckled face before she turned away.

Purrin spent the class period doodling in his notebook, trying to listen but failing. He was glad the teacher didn’t call on him often. When the bell rang, it was a relief. He gathered his books in his arms and rushed out the door with the rest of the