Aurora

By Kelleene Jolstead

A love story of two star-crossed lovers who find love in the most unusual place. Love, hope, and mystery shroud this engaging love story based on a popular teen series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Dec 5, 2014
• ISBN: 9781312701373

Book preview

Aurora

AURORA

Dedicated to the author, Kelleene Jolstead for her bravery, creativity, and loving spirit.

au·ro·ra  (ə-rôr'ə, ə-rōr'ə)

n.   pl. au·ro·ras or au·ro·rae (ə-rôr'ē, ə-rōr'ē)

1. A luminous atmospheric phenomenon appearing as streamers or bands of light sometimes visible in the night sky in northern or southern regions of the earth. It is thought to be caused by charged particles from the sun entering the earth's magnetic field and stimulating molecules in the atmosphere.

2. The dawn.

PEOPLE

The first day at a new school. I stared up at the large brick building in fear. It loomed above me like a prison. One that fate had thrust upon me. I hated firsts of any kind, but this one would be especially bad. In a small town like this, I was sure to be an object of curiosity. A thing to be stared at and talked about. Add to that the sorrowful looks they were sure to give me and you’ll understand my situation. Heaving a sigh for the hundredth time that morning, I walked towards the school.

There seemed to be something missing as I scanned the grounds. Where are all the security guards? Growing up in Kerr, New Mexico, I was used to security and the reason for that had always been clear. Sometimes, you couldn’t even walk down the hallway without almost being hit by a misaimed fist. I could tell right away that I had just stepped into a completely different world.

As I entered the building, I was shocked to see that the halls were packed. There’s no way all of these kids came from Hampton Forge! How big of an area does this high school cover? A small child of about ten passed me. Oh, that’s right. This schools covers grades K through 12. I sighed again. Only in Hampton Forge would you find a two story school big enough to fit everyone between the ages of five and eighteen, even if it was a little tight.

The office was located at the front entrance but in order to reach it, I had to make my way across the main hallway. If it’s difficult to cross traffic on a busy street in a car, it is close to impossible to cross a hallway filled with students and their bags. After waiting for five minutes for an opening and not finding even a small one, I took a deep breath and dove in. I got hit a few times and some people gave me weird looks, but somehow I made it across.

The lady at the front desk looked like she could be someone’s grandma. Her floral print dress and tight bun would have looked more suitable in a rocking chair somewhere than in that office. She looked up at me through her glasses and smiled as I walked in.

How can I help you, dear? she asked sweetly.

I’m Vanessa Dove, I answered quietly. I’m a new student.

Oh, that’s right, she replied. Her expression turned to one of sympathy. She reached out to touch the hand I had placed on the counter. I’m very sorry for your loss, dear. Just tell me if I can do anything for you.

I pulled my hand out from under hers. Thanks, I muttered. I didn’t want sympathy. I didn’t want to think about it. I quickly fought back the lump that had appeared in my throat, focusing my thoughts instead on what I would be facing today.

She watched me compose myself for a moment before turning back to her work. Let me find your papers.

She searched the files behind her. After a few more awkward minutes, she finally came back with my schedule and a map of the school. One glance at that map and I wanted to laugh. The school seemed to be made of two long hallways on top of each other. Since my old school had been some architects idea of a joke, I was pretty sure I would have no trouble finding my way around.

I thanked the woman and left the office. Once again, I was faced with the sea of students. It had thinned a little, but this time, thankfully, I would not have to cross. I glanced at the schedule in my hand and followed the stream going to my right. It didn’t take long to find the classroom. I heard the bell ring as I opened the door. It looked like an ordinary classroom: rows of desks, chalkboard upfront, colorful posters all over the walls. Unfortunately, the teacher’s desk was at the opposite side of the room.

I focused my eyes on the ground and tried to ignore the whispers as I made my way to his desk. He looked up at me, but seemed a little confused.

Oh, yes, he said a second later. Vanessa Dove, isn’t it?

Nessa, I corrected quietly as I nodded. My hand went nervously to the silver cross around my neck. Vanessa had always seemed really old-fashioned to me. I finally shortened it after being called a sea-witch several times in grade school.

The teacher nodded in acknowledgement, handed me a book and a syllabus then pointed me to a seat at the back of the room. I walked quickly to my desk, thanking my stars that he had not made me introduce myself. The whispers continued even after the teacher began the class. I pretended not to notice them or the looks that the brave ones gave me while glancing over their shoulders. Keeping my head down, I feigned as if I was busily studying the syllabus. The class didn’t look too difficult. It was like any other math class. Assignments were given everyday, tests at the end of each section. Well, at least I won’t have any trouble with the schoolwork. I was thankful that it wasn’t too far into the year. I wouldn’t be too far behind.

The bell finally rang to signal the end of the period. I bent down to grab my bag, and when I stood up, there was a guy standing inches away. His appearance screamed definite nerd. Thick rimmed glasses, suspenders, pocket protector, the whole shebang. Startled, my hand went to my chest.

Hi, he said rather perkily. I’m Aaron. And you’re Vanessa, right?

Nessa, I replied. This is going to be a long day. Does Dad still call me Vanessa behind my back or something?

Cool, Aaron said, walking beside me as I left the room. So how are you liking Hampton Forge so far?

Well, I haven’t been here long, I dodged. My plane came in yesterday afternoon.

In reality, I hated this small town. I felt cramped and isolated. If it weren’t for the circumstances, I would have stayed in Kerr. I missed the sun. I missed the comfortable family life I had enjoyed. I even missed my clique friendly high school. Here everything was strange and cold. Except, obviously, the people.

Oh, so not really moved in yet?

I guess.

So where are you headed next? he asked eagerly.

I checked my schedule. English. I answered.

He looked over my shoulder at the room number. I have history next but your room’s on the way. I’ll walk you there.

Thanks, I said awkwardly even though I was pretty sure I could have found it myself.

We reached my classroom quickly. Partly because the school was so small and partly because the flow of traffic kept pushing us along. Aaron walked me right to the door. I almost thought he would walk me to the teacher. He seemed so eager to be helpful. It kind of bordered on annoying.

This classroom was just like the last. As was the one after that. There were several more overly friendly people that crowded me after each class. There was one in particular, Jennifer, who seemed intent upon sticking as close to me as possible. I met her in my English class and she escorted me to History and French. It turned out that we had an almost identical schedule. She seemed nice enough but I couldn’t help feeling like a carnival side show. I noticed that our walks between classes were filled with her stopping people and introducing me like I was the most fabulous thing ever.

By the time lunch came, I was ready to be done. I sat with Jennifer and her friends all gathered around. I recognized some of them from my earlier classes. Most of them were more into harassing me with questions than eating their lunch. Consequently, I was hardly able to eat anything. I gave them short answers, avoiding any questions related to my opinion of the hole I found myself living in. I was thankful that while there had been several sympathetic looks, no one had dared ask about it.

One guy in particular, Mark, kept peppering me with questions. I answered him patiently. Jennifer, on the other hand, did not seem very complacent about it. She continued to interrupt him in an attempt to draw his attention back to her. She succeeded for a moment and I was allowed to look around.

The cafeteria was arranged in a series of long tables. Instead of each clique getting a table, it was more like each grade level had one. It was like looking down a staircase as I gazed across the room.

Then I saw them.

They were sitting near the younger children and they definitely didn’t belong there. All three of them wore hooded jackets. The hoods were pulled back to reveal their exquisite, pale white features. I guess that’s what happens when the sun never comes out. There were two boys and one girl. All of them looked like they had stepped out of a fashion magazine. Their clothes were clearly designer made. I also noticed that each of them had on a pair of gloves. They must not like the cold weather here either.

I continued to stare, taking advantage of the time away from the torrent of questions. They were sitting very still, not even talking to each other. As I watched, I noticed that none of them were eating. Curiosity got the better of me and I turned to Mallory, the girl sitting beside me. Who are those people over there? I asked quietly.

Mallory followed my gaze. Oh, those are the Elliots. They moved in about a year ago.

She turned back to her food. That was clearly all I was going to get from her. Luckily, Jennifer had heard the question. She leaned over to me and started to whisper secretively into my ear.

See anything you like over there? she hinted.

I inched away from her. No, I was just curious, I replied.

Oh. She sounded disappointed. Well, you would have been wasting your time anyway. You see that girl and the blonde guy next to her? I nodded. "That’s Déjà and Dorian. They’re seniors. They’re also together."

She stressed the word together as if it was supposed to mean something to me, but I was completely confused. But didn’t Mallory just say they were family? I had a shocking thought. Are they married? Even for a hick town like this, eighteen seems a bit young.

No, she replied, incredulously. They’re not really related. They’re foster children. Dr. Elliot and his wife adopted them. She changed her tone to one of condescension. It’s still a little weird though. I mean, they do all live in the same house.

Yeah, I said absentmindedly.

As I watched, the last boy turned his head in our direction. His eyes looked confused, like he had been expecting to see something else. Heat rushed my face. I couldn’t believe I had been caught staring at someone. I am such a hypocrite. I don’t want people gaping at me, but I’ll do it to someone else? I turned my head back to Jennifer.

Who’s the last one? I asked, still unable to contain my questions.

That’s Christophe, she replied stuffily. He's also a senior. He’s the only single one, but I wouldn’t get any ideas. He’s definitely gorgeous, but not worth the time.

Her voice had a bitter quality to it. I wondered if Christophe had been Mark’s predecessor. She was certainly upset about something. I could swear that when I glanced back over at Christophe, he was smiling. I shook the strange feeling I had and stood up to dump my tray.

My next class was Science. Mallory walked me there since she had the same class. Finally a class without Jennifer. I noticed that Mark was in it too. He waved energetically as we walked in the door. Mallory left me for her seat and I went to the teacher. This teacher was like all the rest. She handed me some items for class and directed me to a seat. I was beginning to feel like I was back in elementary school. I hadn’t had to sit in an assigned seat since I reached junior high. For some reason, this school seemed to love them.

I kept my eyes glued to the floor as I walked to the lab table she had pointed out. The whispers had died down by this time. I had met most of the students my age already, though I probably couldn’t remember half their names. When I reached my seat, I dropped my things to the ground and then braced myself for the onslaught of questions from my new lab partner, my fingers once again playing with my cross.

It didn’t come.

At first, I was relieved, but then I grew curious. I lifted my head and met the gaze of Christophe Elliot. He was staring at me with a look very close to hatred. His eyes looked jet black, but I knew that was just a trick of the light. Eyes can’t be black, can they?

That look shocked me. I was sure I hadn’t done anything to make him hate me. I hadn’t even met him yet. I also noticed that he was sitting as far away from me as possible. His hands had a death grip on the table. Resentment built up inside me. Did I invade his space or something? Well, he can just get over it. It’s not like I chose to sit here. I frowned at him and turned away.

The class was like all of the others. Thankfully, we didn’t have a lab assignment. It was a lecture class. I took notes as best I could, but found it hard to concentrate knowing his eyes were boring holes into my skull. The hour seemed to drag on and on. Relief flooded my body when the bell rang. I glanced at the strange boy but he was already gone. What is wrong with this town? Is there no normal person my age? They are either both really friendly and annoying or they hate me! This is ridiculous.

Grumpily, I walked to the gym for my final torture session. Instead of pointing me to a seat, the teacher pointed to a bench on the side of the gym. His closing remarks made it clear that he expected me to be dressed down tomorrow.

I heard him muttering under his breath as I walked away. What did she think? We were so primitive that we don’t change for PE in this town? There’s always got to be one trouble maker.

Wow! What did these people eat for lunch?

I was actually more than happy to sit on the side lines and watch. PE was not my best subject. I had always been on the clumsy side. Hand and eye coordination were non-existent.

I used this down time to reflect on my life. That was definitely not my goal, but somehow the thoughts just came. I thought back to the time three months ago when my crazy mother had remarried a man named Joe. He was nice enough and he treated Mom well. They were happy. We were happy. We were a family and everything was perfect. 

Until the accident.

Mom had been driving home from work when it happened. She was usually a little late, so we didn’t worry. I could still remember the phone call that had torn our family apart. The attorney said that Joe had never been named legal guardian. I had to live with my father. I protested, but there was no fighting it. And so here I am, spending quality time with Dad.

I shook the memories away, fighting back the tears they had evoked, and focused on the game in front of me. The class was playing badminton. It looked like most of the students could make it as pros. Nervousness crept upon me as I thought of what tomorrow would bring.

As soon as the bell rang, I made a run for it. I reached the parking lot just as the police cruiser came around the corner. I groaned, wishing once again that my father were anything besides a police officer. I have to find myself a car. He pulled up and I quickly climbed in, managing to avoid all my quirky friends. The ride home was silent. Neither Dad nor I were talkers. We reached his house quickly and I went to my room to drown myself in homework.

A few hours later, I heard a noise outside and saw a blue, beat-up, Dodge pick-up truck pull into our driveway. I watched as Dad went outside to greet the boy who climbed out. When he flipped back the hood of his gray sweatshirt, I could see that he was Native American. He must be from that Klamath Reservation. The boy had long black hair that made me want to cringe. Don’t they have barbers on the reservation?

Dad led the boy to his car and they drove away. I lost interest and went back to work. I heard Dad come back but thought nothing of it. He probably goes out with friends all the time. I can take care of myself. No need to worry.

I was surprised to hear him come upstairs and knock on my door. Opening it, I found him standing sheepishly in my doorway.

I bought you a coming home present, he said softly.

My first thought was one of dread. What could he possibly have gotten me?

I know you hate driving with me in that car so I got you another one, he continued, not meeting my gaze.

My mind flashed back to that pick-up and, for the first time that day, I felt excited. You mean that thing out front? I asked.

Yep.

Thanks, Dad. That’s really nice of you. I didn’t care how old and ugly it was. If Dad thought it would run, I would believe it. Besides, with this car, I had freedom. No more waiting around for rides. The feeling of liberation was amazing.

Dad smiled at me briefly and shrugged. I bought it off of John Grey. He’s stuck in that wheel chair now, so he has no use for it. His son dropped it off earlier. I thought you might like it.

It looks really…sturdy, I replied. Thanks.

He smiled again and went back downstairs. I retreated back into my room to stare down at my car. I was beginning to feel a little better about the prison I found myself in.

EXPOSED

The worst thing about Hampton Forge is the weather. It is horrid. I had only been here two days and I was already sick of the rain. I love showers, but rain is quite different. It’s awful. It’s cold, and it’s wet, and it doesn’t go away. Once you’ve been rained on, you don’t dry for hours. You’re stuck in wet clothing, freezing to death, until you get home to change. And your shoes squeak wherever you go. Of course, the school would have linoleum floors instead of carpet. Which presents another problem called gravity. On a normal day, I have balance issues. With a slick floor, I can hardly stand up straight.

I woke up my second day to rain coming down in torrents. I really didn’t want to get out of bed. Even the sound of it pounding on the roof grated on my nerves. I groaned and forced myself to climb out of my three layers of blankets. Luckily, the bathroom Dad and I shared was vacant as Dad had left earlier for work.

I was feeling sluggish so I took my time getting ready. The rain inspired me to wear a huge sweater and jeans. I would grab a raincoat and boots later. I could only hope that would be enough to keep me somewhat dry. I threw my dark, frizzy hair up into a ponytail and made my way downstairs.

Breakfast was simple. Cold cereal and toast. I didn’t feel any need to cook a big breakfast just for myself.

The brightest part of my morning was walking out of the house and seeing that beautiful beast of a vehicle waiting for me. It actually made me smile, something I hadn’t done a lot of in the past few months.

The rain was still coming down hard as I ran for the truck. I started it up and was grateful to hear the heater turn on. Thank heaven for small blessings. The windshield wipers also worked. I loved my father more every minute. Dad may not be good for a conversation, but he knows how to pick out cars.

The ride to school was bumpier in the truck than it had been in the cruiser as the shocks weren’t the best. I slowed down to a crawl when I crossed the railroad tracks about a block from the school. I still felt every bump. I was sure that I would be covered from head to toe in bruises tomorrow.

Finally, I made it to school in one piece and in plenty of time for class. I parked as close as possible and ran for the building, tripping several times. By the time I entered the building, I was soaked. So much for wearing rainproof clothing. I was amazed to see people actually out walking or playing in the disgusting stuff. Are these people completely crazy? They’re all going to catch pneumonia and die.

The school day went pretty much the same way as the first day had except that there was less whispering whenever I passed someone. Jennifer stuck to my side once again, but she used me a little less today. I tolerated her presence because it was better than being alone. Mallory was around a lot as well. She and Jennifer seemed close. I decided that I liked her a bit more. She didn’t pester me with questions and we were able to have a normal conversation without everything being about her.

Mark made himself almost as much of a pest as Jennifer except that he wasn’t in as many of my classes. I wondered why new people were always so attractive. I’m the same as I always was and no one paid the slightest attention to me in Kerr. I found that being new wasn’t the best thing to be. I couldn’t wait for it to wear off.

My mind was so clouded with other things that I didn’t even think about Christophe and his bizarre behavior until lunch. I happened to look over at his table to find only two of the supermodels present. He was missing. Must be sick. I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t leave school just because of me. If he did, he’s even more of a baby than I thought. When I met the gaze of his siblings, I could swear they looked like they were mad at me too. I rolled my eyes. Craziness must be like a disease here.

I was kind of relieved to have the lab table to myself. I didn’t have to worry about any distractions as I did my work. It was a nice break from the rest of the day.

Mark walked with me to gym. This time I had to dress down and actually play. It didn’t take long for my partner to realize my ineptness and cover for me. As long as the teacher didn’t catch me not participating, the game progressed smoothly. At one point, he did turn and glare in my direction, but after he witnessed me almost take out my partner with a racket, he left me alone. He did mutter, however, whenever he passed our team.

I drove home that day feeling a tad bit better about the town. The weather was still ridiculous and the people were crazy, but I could survive.

By the end of the week, I was sure that I would be okay. There were no major incidents and the newness had basically worn off. I felt as if life was becoming normal. Not as normal as it had been in Kerr. But normal enough.

Outside of my circle, I did notice that Christophe hadn't come back. I didn’t dwell on that fact; I just accepted it and celebrated. I had an hour to myself and that was all that mattered.

My life at home with Dad was comfortable. I did homework in my room most of the afternoon. Then, around six o’clock, I would start dinner. We would eat the meal together with minimal talking then we would go our separate ways. I would go upstairs to do some more homework or read a book and he would crash in front of the television.

Yes, life was going smoothly. I expected that it would always be like this. Nothing would upset this pattern that was beginning to form. Not much happens in a small town.

* * *

I walked into Science Monday morning and received a surprise that changed all of my expectations. There he was. Sitting at what I had mistakenly thought to be my table. Christophe was back from his sick leave and life would never be the same.

As I approached my seat, I could feel grumpiness overtake me. Now, I was the one who felt like someone had invaded my space. Maybe he wasn’t over reacting.

I sat down without really looking at him. I expected that today would be just like the first day and I braced myself for it. Once again, I was surprised.

Hello, he said.

I turned to him in shock. He was actually smiling at me. That smile made me melt. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe he just wasn’t feeling well that day.

Hi, I replied.

I was unsure what to say next. I’ve never been very good at talking to strangers. Fortunately, he was.

You must be Nessa Dove, he said. His voice seemed almost hypnotic. I couldn’t look away from his eyes. They were light brown today, almost yellow in fact. I knew it was only the light. I’m Christophe Elliot. I’m sorry I didn’t introduce myself the last time we met. I wasn’t feeling like myself. I think it was something in the air.

Allergies? I asked politely.

He laughed. There was a hint of bitterness in it that I didn’t expect. Something like that.

It was silent for a moment. I continued to stare at him, unable to look away. It felt a little awkward so I fished for something to say.

How did you know my name?

He blinked in surprise. Somehow that set me free of his gaze. I looked away quickly. That was really weird.

What do you mean? he asked.

You called me Nessa instead of Vanessa, I accused.

Oh. He sounded lost, as if he didn’t know what else to say.

He was saved from answering by Mrs. Stewart starting class at that moment. She passed out several sheets of colored paper to each table.

Today, she began, we are going to learn about Natural Selection. I want you all to rip these papers into little pieces. Then spread them all over your table. Follow the instructions in your book. Keep working until either all of your species are extinct or class has ended.

I looked at the paper and sighed. Why are we playing with paper? Isn’t this high school? I passed some of the pieces over to Christophe and started to rip the ones that were left. I happened to glance at his hands and noticed that he still wore gloves.

It would probably work better if you took those off, I pointed out.

Christophe shrugged. Probably.

He kept the gloves on. I just shook my head. Weirdo.

So, how do you like Hampton Forge? he asked.

Here come the questions. I looked over at him and accidentally met his eyes again. Once more, I was drawn into his intent gaze. Despite my resolution not to tear down this town to its inhabitants, I found myself answering truthfully.

I don’t really like it, I said. I’m not a big fan of the rain. Or the cold.

"Why are you