Pick-Up Stix

By Jacqueline Lorraine Conwell

Things were going well for Alorawith the exception of her stagnant relationship with Jordan. She was hoping that her usual beach ritual would bring something to fruition and save her from her current situation. But with their junior year of college approaching, her hope was starting to feel like a pipe dream.

Little did she know, her beach ritual wasnt in vain

For what felt like an eternity, James had waited patiently for Aloras toxic relationship to dissipate as he kept a safe distance. He didnt know how much longer hed be able to stand idly by, when without warning, his patience paid off. Aloras situation took a turn for the better from his perspective, which finally gave him the chance to step in and help Alora start fresh. But soon after James was introduced to her, he realized that swooping in to save the day isnt always as easy as it seems.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jun 10, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481759861

Jacqueline Lorraine Conwell

Jacqueline was born in Far Rockaway, New York, and raised in Willingboro, New Jersey. Growing up, her favorite author in elementary school was Shel Silverstein. She enjoyed having to memorize many of his poems for class, one of them being “Bear In There,” as well as read his work during SSR (Sustained Silent Reading) time. Jacqueline also enjoyed reading books by R. L. Stine, James Howe, Alvin Schwartz, and many others. Reading was, and still is, one of her favorite things to do. As she got older, Jacqueline developed a love for writing as well. One summer she wrote her very own play based on a video game character that she still loves to this day. She and her younger sister performed it for her parents and grandparents. Short plays turned into poetry by the time she was in junior high. She wrote poems to express how she was feeling when she couldn’t do so verbally. It was also around this time that she began writing down her dreams after she had one that she couldn’t stop thinking about. Even after moving to Palm Coast, Florida, in 1998, Jacqueline continued to write, moving on to short stories after she and her family were settled and high school started. After getting some positive feedback in AP English in her freshman year, she realized that writing was something she was fairly good at. Jacqueline currently lives in Casselberry, Florida. This is her second published book, Jax & Marbles being her first.

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© 2013 by Jacqueline Lorraine Conwell. 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 06/06/2013

ISBN: 978-1-4817-5988-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-5987-8 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-5986-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013910157

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

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

—Prologue—

—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—

—Chapter 19—

—Chapter 20—

—Chapter 21—

—Chapter 22—

—Chapter 23—

—Chapter 24—

—Chapter 25—

—Chapter 26—

—Chapter 27—

—Chapter 28—

—Chapter 29—

—Chapter 30—

—Epilogue—

I write differently from what I speak, I speak differently from what I think, I think differently from the way I ought to think, and so it all proceeds into the deepest darkness.

—Franz Kafka, Letters to Ottla and the Family

To my parents, Jack and Doreen, for instilling in me that can’t is not a word.

—Prologue—

I’m happy that the friendship between Alexia and me is on the mend. The fact that she was almost taken away from all of us unexpectedly makes my skin crawl to this day. I try to keep the memory locked away, but whenever I look at her, I can’t help but remember what happened. I was so afraid that I’d never get to speak to her again, especially since it would have meant that I wouldn’t have been able to apologize to her after the huge argument we had on campus . . .

When she stormed away from both Jordan and me that day with our childhood friends, Matt and Samantha, following close behind her to the parking lot, I had no idea that I’d get a call about her being in a horrible accident about thirty minutes later. I got to the scene as quickly as I could, but by the time I arrived, she was already being sped off to the hospital. I visited her every day along with her parents during the winter break, and I made it a point to visit her after my last class of the day when the spring semester started. Occasionally, I ran into Matt and Samantha when I visited; Jordan never came with me. Because of what he calls my misplaced loyalty, I’ve been subjected to running ridiculous errands to try to make up for quality time we’ve lost. I hate it.

I’m still not happy with where I am in regard to this so-called relationship. And I don’t think that’ll change. After I admitted that to myself about a year into it, I started coming to the beach to bury letters and lists in the sand. This isn’t even the type of thing I usually write when I come here. I usually jot down some of the qualities that’d be nice to find in the perfect significant other. Julian, a guy who has grown pretty fond of Alexia ever since he moved to town, brought what Jordan was missing to my attention. I’m not sure what he is to Alexia, but there’s no mistaking that there’s a strong sense of loyalty between them, among other things. After seeing that firsthand in the recovery room when she woke up, I realized that there were quite a few qualities that Jordan obviously lacked.

What I’m writing probably belongs in a private journal or something. Part of me wants someone to find what I’ve been burying, while the other part of me is embarrassed because I feel like what I’m doing is silly. The idea that somehow, someway, any of what I write about a perfect anything could possibly come to fruition is the silly part about all of this. I’ve convinced myself that this’ll help me hang on to whatever hope that’s left that there’s something—or someone—better out there for me. That’s the only thing that’s been keeping me going: hope.

I feel like I’ve wasted a beach day since I wrote off topic today. I have to remember to try and stay focused the next time. It’s okay to take a break from the usual type of composition though, right?

If anyone out there is listening or has read any of these, thanks for not thinking I’m crazy.

—Alora

—Chapter 1—

Tomorrow I’ll get back on track. No more of this journal format gibberish, I thought to myself.

After gently tearing out the now full sheet of paper from the notebook I was writing in, I placed it, and the pen I was writing with, beside me. Slowly, I began to dig a hole in the warm sand as I read over what I’d just written. Without warning, a strong breeze snatched the paper out of my hands. I quickly jumped up and grabbed it out of the air before it got away from me, landing softly back in the sand next to the hole I had dug.

That was close.

Folding the paper into a neat square, I dropped it into the hole and slowly pushed the pile of sand into it. Once it was full, I sat right on top of it and fell back to look up into the sky. Sandpipers were darting back and forth above me; the occasional one swooped into the waves, trying to catch small fish that washed up on shore.

I reached into my back pocket when my cell phone vibrated. After brushing some sand off of it, I read what was on the screen. I rolled my eyes and scoffed in disgust after reading the text message. Nosey ass, I mumbled. It was from Jordan; he wanted to know where I was and when I’d bring his lunch. I texted back, Nowhere special and Soon and then shoved the phone back into my pocket as I sat up. No one, except Alexia and Julian, knew I went to the beach a few days a week. They had promised to keep it a secret. They didn’t laugh or judge me when I told them about what I was doing there, so it was nice to know that I was able to confide in them.

I fished my phone out of my pocket again when it vibrated a second time. This time, Jordan asked what time soon would be. I stared at the screen blankly. I wanted to send him something that I knew would piss him off but changed my mind. Running errands and doing favors for him so I didn’t have to hear how neglectful I was being toward him since Alexia’s accident was starting to get old. When he first made that accusation, I almost laughed in his face; but I had controlled the urge. Lately, he had been working on my last nerve. I wasn’t sure how much longer I was going to be able to take it.

As I wiggled my toes in the sand, I looked out into the ocean. The emerald-blue color of it always put me into a trance and at ease whenever I saw it. I didn’t want to leave, but duty called. After grabbing my flip-flops, notebook, and pen, I rose to my feet and made my way back to the parking lot. I looked back to the ocean when I got to the top of a small sand dune, remembering that I’d be back later that week, if not the next day.

I tossed the notebook and pen into the passenger seat of my car on top of my purse and got settled in the driver’s seat. I took note of the time when the radio on the dashboard lights came on. I hadn’t realized that it was so late in the afternoon, which made my heart sink. Great… he’ll be angry with me, I’m sure. I threw the car in reverse to make my way to the nearest store to grab a premade sub, soda, and dessert.

After grabbing Jordan’s lunch, which included some extra cookies in hopes that they would help me avoid an argument with him, I sped to his place of employment. He worked at a family-owned auto parts store as the manager. From what I gathered, he enjoyed his job very much, most likely because he was paid handsomely to boss people around. His family had opened the store a few years back when they came into some money. Ever since then, Jordan had had this sense of entitlement that he flaunted without hesitation. He claimed that being in charge of others was what he did best.

I parked next to Jordan’s truck around the side of the store and quickly jumped out. I checked my phone for the time and silently hoped he was too busy to notice that I was late by half an hour. Without warning, the sub fell out of the bag and onto the ground as soon as I started a brisk walk to the front of the building. "Seriously?" I moaned and closed my eyes as I dropped my head back so I was looking up at the sky. After a moment or two of staring at a few birds coast by, I stooped over and scooped up the sub. Part of me was relieved that it had been wrapped in paper after the deli employee had made it, but the other part of me wouldn’t have cared if it hadn’t been. I would have given it to him anyway, dirt and all.

I brushed it off quickly and shoved it back into the small plastic bag. I don’t even know why I still bother trying to do something nice for someone so ungrateful. I started walking again as I fought to tie a knot in the handles of the plastic bag so the sub wouldn’t fall out again. I was so busy paying attention to what I was doing that I bumped into someone before I could look up.

Who’s ungrateful?

I took a step back and found Jordan standing in front of me. He crossed his arms over his crisp dress shirt as he waited for an answer. I exhaled deeply from my nose and was ready to scream at the top of my lungs, but I decided not to waste my time, or my breath. No one in particular, I responded curtly.

Where were you this whole time? You’re late with my lunch; I was beginning to worry. He took the bag out of my hand, untied the poorly done knot, and fished the bottle of soda out of it. He twisted the top off and took a drink.

"You were beginning to worry about me?"

No; I was worried I may not have anything for lunch, Jordan snickered.

Figures. I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms.

Where were you? he questioned again.

Nowhere special, I answered for what felt like the millionth time that day.

That’s not a good enough answer. Jordan twisted the top back onto the soda and looked at me as if I were covering something up.

Well, that answer will have to do. I said ‘nowhere special’ and I meant just that. What more do you want? I could feel myself growing agitated.

What I want is for you to be on time with my lunch. He leaned in close to my face and tapped the face of his watch.

"But I’m on time every other day to bring your stupid lunch, except today, I pointed out. Don’t those days count for anything?" I peered around him when I noticed one of his employees coming around the corner from the front of the store.

Excuse me, Jordan? the employee waited for Jordan to acknowledge him.

Jordan turned away from me and smiled at him. Yes?

Your dad called; I’ve placed him on hold. He’s ready when you are, he informed him. He peeked around Jordan and gave a nervous wave. Afternoon, Alora, he said with an anxious smile.

I smiled as well and waved in return as he turned away from us to make his way back inside. Jordan turned back to me as he began digging in his pants pocket. Here, buy yourself something to eat, and grab a movie or two so you have something to keep you occupied when you get home. It’s my treat. I’ll come by after work, so pick up something good. He pulled out a hundred dollar bill and handed it to me. I took it with a sigh and shoved it in my front pocket. Hey, I said I’d be over later, he reiterated. Now, like I said, on your way home, grab something to eat and get a few movies. Jordan spun me around, gave me a gentle push toward my car, and made his way inside so he could take the important call that was waiting for him.

You’re welcome for the lunch, I mumbled. Shaking my head as I got back into my car, I pulled the money he had given me out of my pocket. A hundred dollars—who cares? I reached under my seat and pulled out a small, wooden keepsake box with my initials, AP, engraved in the lid. It was a gift that Jordan had given to me when we first started dating during our junior year in high school. I opened the box and dropped the crisp bill inside along with the rest of the money he had given me over the past three months. What I’d do with it, I wasn’t sure; there had to be well over fifteen hundred dollars in there. I shut the lid, shoved it back under the seat, and headed home. I didn’t think twice about him coming by when he got off of work for the day. Every time he said he would, he was late or didn’t stay long. I hated his lack of punctuality so much. There’s no way I can continue going through this with him, I thought. At some point, I’ve got to put my foot down before this gets more out of hand than it already has.

—Chapter 2—

Unexpected traffic made it feel like it took forever to get from Jordan’s job to my apartment. By the time I got home, I was tired and more frustrated than I had originally been. After making sure the money I was stashing in the car was secure under the driver’s seat, I made my way up two flights of stairs to my place. Once inside, I shut the door quietly behind me and tossed my keys into a small bowl that sat on a nearby table. As I walked to my bedroom, I pulled out my cell phone to check and see if I had received any texts or calls while I was driving. It didn’t surprise me that I hadn’t. I slipped out of my flip-flops as I swapped my phone for the TV remote. I cut on the television and tried to relax after flopping onto my bed. Minutes after an unsuccessful search for a show to watch, I popped a DVD into the player beside the TV. Before I knew it, my eyelids were growing heavy, and minutes into the movie, I fell asleep.

My eyes shot open when I heard shuffling coming from the hallway outside of my bedroom. It was dark, and the TV was off. I sat up and eyed the empty doorway silently as I waited to see if I’d hear the shuffling a second time. Once my eyes adjusted after staring out into the dark hallway for a minute, I noticed that something small was sitting in the doorway. It shook violently and rose to its feet. I smiled as I swung my legs over the side of the bed. Come here, Raven. I patted my knee for my small, jet-black Labrador puppy to hear. She scampered to me quickly and put her front paws on my knees. How’s my girl?

I scooped her up and cradled her in my arms as I stood, grabbed my phone, and carried her out of the room with me. I had adopted her from a local shelter as a gift to myself. I needed company in some way, shape, or form, so I figured adopting a puppy was the answer. Since she hadn’t greeted me at the door when I got home like she usually did, I knew she was asleep somewhere in the apartment and didn’t disturb her. I knew she’d come looking for me when she woke up.

I took her into the kitchen and sat her on the floor closest to the sink after I cut on the overhead light. It’s dinner time, Raven, I chirped happily. I went into the cabinet under the sink, opened the bag of puppy food, and scooped some into her small food bowl. I noticed I had two missed calls as I sat it on the floor in front of her. I called my voice mail box and let the messages play as I watched her eat. The first message was from Jordan; he was letting me know that he wouldn’t be coming by. Well, that doesn’t surprise me in the slightest. I snickered as I rolled my eyes. The second message was from Alexia. She wanted me to join her and Julian for lunch the next day. I picked up the food bowl when Raven was finished, rinsed it out in the sink, and then gave the bowl back to her with water in it. She drank it happily.

When Raven finished the water, I took the bowl and placed it back under the sink. She barked playfully as she vaulted into the front room to grab her large stuffed toy. She was swinging it wildly and banging it against the