Levi's Trail

By Ar'Triel Askew Kirchner

It’s never easy being the new kid, just ask Levi Squair. Levi and her father move out to Washington in search of a new beginning. Abandoned by her mother, Levi faces the prospect of a new school without her mother by her side. Her new class is everything she feared: kids who choose not to see past the color of her skin. When a spunky and mischievous Cameron Moore enters the classroom, he immediately strikes up a friendship that remains unbreakable for years until he disappears without notice. Now as an adult in the Seattle area, Levi is working at a prominent construction firm. When given the chance to head a new project, she meets up with none other than a grown up Cameron. Picking up where they left off so many years ago, Levi is led down a trail of seduction, submission, pain and lies. Follow Levi as she unleashes her most hidden desires, all for the man she loves!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Aug 9, 2016
• ISBN: 9781365318924

Book preview

Levi's Trail

LEVI’S TRAIL

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Publisher and Copyright

Published by:  Ar’Triel Askew Kirchner

P.O. Box 702

Spring Lake, North Carolina 28390, USA

[e-mail]

This is a fiction novel; all characters, organizations, and events

portrayed in this novel are products of the author’s imagination or

are used fictitiously.

Levi’s Trail. Copyright © 2016 by Ar’Triel Askew Kirchner. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations used in a critical review or articles.

ISBN: 978-1-365-31892-4

Acknowledgements

First and foremost, I must thank God for giving me breath, for letting me stumble and for helping me find my way.

Thank you to my wonderful family for standing by me every step of the way and for their encouraging words. Much gratitude to my wonderful editor, Alicia Mendoza, for her dedication to providing the best possible editing service.

To the readers who took interest in this novel, thank you so much. I hope you enjoy it just as much as I enjoyed bringing Levi and Cameron to life.

Prologue

For as long as I can remember, there has been much conjecture within the community in regards to the racial identification of people of color.  People unfairly label you based on the color of your skin; it doesn’t matter if you’re Black, Brown or White, or whether you have a G.E.D. or a Ph.D., for most people, the color of your skin is the first distraction that clouds their judgment. 

The label ‘African American’ has been unfairly thrust upon many people based on the color of their skin.  What they fail to understand is that the darkest of color doesn’t always mean they are of African descent, and the lightest of color doesn’t mean they are of European descent.  To clarify the matter, my ancestral roots are African and Native American; therefore, to be correct I am Afro-Native American.  To keep things simple, I prefer to be identified as Black–well, medium mocha brown to be precise.  But does it really matter what I prefer?  Unfortunately, it does not!  I’ve learned early in life that no matter what you prefer, there will always be those who disagree with your logic.  Nevertheless, it is only when people come to realize that identity labeling is the least of our worries, is when we as a community can unite to form a greater nation.

I leave you with this, during these times, we need to all come together and live peacefully with one another, look past their skin color and focus on their character.  Furthermore, if you let the color of a person’s skin influence your decision on whom you choose to love, you may miss out on your one true love! 

My parents grew up on opposite sides of the tracks. My dad grew up dirt poor; hustling for his next meal, while my mom grew up with a silver spoon in her mouth, being that her mom was the nanny for a wealthy White doctor.  Even though they came from contrasting backgrounds, they both endured racial inequality; just on different levels.  My mother is light skinned with wavy hair and spoke with a proper accent, she faced racism but not to the extent of my father.  He, on the other hand, has a deep dark complexion with nappy hair and spoke…well he spoke his mind, and most White people thought he was disrespectful. Needless to say, he isn’t fond of White people, or people in general for that matter.

In an attempt to prepare me for the injustices of the world, my father told a very different and scary story of race-relations than my mother.  His stories of how cruel some people can be scared the living daylights out of me, but they always taught me how to love everyone, even those that ridicule me because of the color of my skin.  In the end, they are the ones that have to own up to their own misdeeds. 

Amongst all of their teachings and preparations they left out one huge aspect, they never taught me how to deal with all of the bigots and racists that cross my path each and every day.  I know in my heart that if they had, I wouldn’t be afraid of the world, and my life would have taken a different, more exciting path!

It’s my first day at Walnut Cove Elementary, and already I feel out of place.  Peering up at this enormous building I shake my head, holding my books tighter to my chest I know this isn’t going to be good!  Why isn’t my mommy here to walk me in like she used to?  Hesitantly, I look back at my dad and there he is with a huge smile on his face with concern written all over it, I quickly turn back before he sees the tears forming in my eyes.  I take a deep reassuring breath and slowly make my way up the stairs.  I hate being the new girl, no one ever speaks to me, and I never make any friends.  Why I don’t know, maybe I’m unapproachable. 

There’s nothing wrong with you, it’s them! Marie, my subconscious and only friend scolds.   

Marie showed up soon after my mom left my dad and me.  She was the only one who could comfort me and keep me sane when I lost my lifeline.  I named her Marie because that’s my mom’s middle name and in my mind, the name suits her just fine.  Marie is feisty just like her and cannot hold her tongue to save her, well, my life!  She helps me find the courage to speak up when needed, helps me put things into perspective, and even helps me decide on my wardrobe. To sum it up, she helps me conquer the world!   On the other hand, she does get me into more trouble than I would like. 

Sometimes, I must admit, I do talk to her but only when I think no one is around.  Unfortunately, one day when I thought my dad was in the other room, he heard me ranting to her about something he made me do. I can’t remember what, but shortly after that, we began seeing a psychologist.  I’m not sure if it was to help us get over mom’s absence or because he thought I was crazy.  After a few dreadful visits, I finally opened up to my dad, and we stopped going.  That was all right with me because he was always trying to convince me that she’s not real, she’s a figment of my imagination, blah blah blah!  My dad didn’t have to pay someone to tell me what I already knew!

Like I said, I like her, she’s not afraid to say what’s on her mind–er–my mind, which takes me back to my earlier point, she can really get me into loads of trouble!  For instance, there was this one time my dad told me to take out the trash and Marie yelled–well, I yelled, No!  Mom wouldn’t make me do it! then I ran into my room slamming the door behind me.  Man, I got a good spanking for that one!  Trying to control her is hard, I have to make sure I keep her temper under control, especially now at this new school with all of these White kids.   

Shaking my head, I slowly enter my new school and stop to glance around.  There are White kids everywhere,  running around, laughing, and I feel awkward and out of place.  Slowly making my way to the classroom, I pray that no one notices me and make a scene.  I’ve heard the stories; I’ve seen it on television all of the cruel things kids do to the new student.  I want to avoid that by any means necessary, and that means prayer, good old fashioned prayer! 

Freezing right outside the classroom I offer one last prayer before entering the battlefield, God, please hold my hand. I pray and immediately I feel better, confident even!  I thrust my head up and march my behind into that room, just to have my confidence leave me at the door.  Quickly scanning the room, to my horror there was not one Black, Asian, or Indian kid in the entire class!  God could have given me, at least a Bi-racial child; I could have worked with that!  With the lonely feeling kicking in again, I quickly divert my eyes to my new teacher, Mrs. Annette.   She was standing at the chalkboard writing something on it, I can’t tell what for my whole world has become cloudy.

Slowly approaching her desk, I could feel a million eyes glued on me, then the tardy bell rings, and I almost jump out of my skin!  Frozen in a position that mimics a running man, I diverted my eyes to the floor, wishing I had the power to magically disappear!  Who is that? a little girl murmurs causing the entire class to snicker.  I’m still standing there frozen; I think Marie is too because for once when I really need her to speak up she’s silent!   Questions popped into my head. Are they laughing at me?  Why?  I haven’t done or said anything funny.

It goes with the territory Levi, hold your head up! Marie whispers like someone other than me can hear her. 

Stifling a cry, I hesitantly hold up my head, and my mouth opens, but nothing comes out causing the children to laugh again.  Can you imagine a dark-skinned little girl with afro-puffs, standing at the teachers’ desk in a stationary position that mimics running and her mouth hanging wide open?  If you can, then that was me at my finest!  After a moment, I finally gather the nerve to speak.  Mrs. Annette. I murmur, but my voice is lost amongst the chatter.  

Not noticing my presence, she abruptly stops and turns towards the class, Hush up now, you should be preparing yourself for class! she barks and turns back to the chalkboard, and she finally notices me.

Goodness, hello Levi, welcome to our class, she smiles, her angry voice disappearing, we’re happy to have you with us.  Again, the class snarls and she quickly furrows her eyebrows, Just for that, take out your notebooks!  I want you to write ‘I will be respectful at all times’ twenty-five times and turn it into my box at the end of the day! she scolds and returns her attention to me, her sincere smile slightly easing my nerves. Are you okay Levi?

Yes ma'am. my voice was low, almost inaudible.

Okay, you can have a seat over there where I showed you yesterday. she points to a place in the middle of the classroom next to a little blond haired girl, but she’s shaking her head no.  Sensing my hesitation, she rubs my back, Okay how about over there?  She points to a seat in the back of the class with empty desks surrounding it. 

Not wanting the class to see the tears in my eyes, I glue them to the floor. I’ll take the one in the back, I whisper. 

Okay, just for now. And don’t worry about the assignment, all right. 

Yes, ma’am.

Making my way to the desk, my eyes follow the pattern on the carpeted floor.  Just before I take my seat, I glance around, and everyone’s eyes are fixated on me and despite their punishment, they were still snickering!

Just for that, make it thirty-five! Mrs. Annette reprimands.

Aww! the class moans simultaneously and returns to their punishment.

Taking a seat, I place my books on the desk, and when I think it’s safe, I scan the room again, this time only a handful of them were staring.  Feeling somewhat relieved, I open my book and through tear filled eyes I stared at the now illegible black print on the white pages, mimicking how I felt–a small black smear on an enormous white page.

I hear the door swing open.  Peering from behind my book, I spot a little brown haired boy with a huge smile standing at Mrs. Annette’s desk, rocking on his heels. 

Late again, do you have a note this time? Mrs. Annette peers at him over her glasses. 

Yep. he smiles, and she narrows her eyes, Yes ma’am, he mutters, correcting himself, but he hadn’t stopped rocking.

Something’s wrong with that boy!  I hope he doesn’t sit back here.  Go that way!  Marie snarls and continuously points to the chair next to the mean girl like she had the power to influence his decision.  I closed my eyes praying that she did.

That’s better!  Put it in the basket and take your seat. she points her pencil at a little wicker basket at the edge of her desk that I hadn’t noticed.  He places the note in the basket and strolls over to the desk right-beside-me.

Of course! Marie remarks, throwing her hands in the air. 

Hi, he says and takes his seat. 

Glancing at him from the corner of my eyes, I notice he was staring too, just like the other kids!

Ignore him Levi! Ignore them all and they’ll go away!  Marie whispers and I quickly return my attention to my book. 

Taking a deep breath, I cut my eyes at him again, this time, he’s smiling at me or laughing, I can’t tell at this point.  As tears begin to form, Marie whispers, "Remember, crying is for babies!   It isn’t going to make anything better, so stop crying!" and my mom’s angry face flashes before my eyes.  She used to tell me that all of the time.  I never understood why, when mom left, my dad cried for weeks.  He doesn’t know that I saw him, but from that day forward I tried my hardest not to, or, at least not let anyone see me cry.  I have to be strong for my daddy, with everyone being so mean, it’s really hard.  I don’t understand why everyone is laughing at me. 

They’re assholes, that’s why!  Marie hissed.

Hey, Cameron whispers as he props his book up, ducking behind it. 

With tears in my eyes, I quickly look over at him in hopes that he would see how upset I was and leave me alone!   What? I hiss staring at him with furrowed eyebrows.  His big smile fades and his eyebrows furrow upon seeing my face.  He doesn’t say anything; just stares like he’s examining me.  What? I mouth, and he diverts his eyes to his desk.  Gazing at him, for some reason, my eyes cleared up, and I felt at ease, maybe he’s trying to be nice, and I won’t let him.  Just as I was staring at him, he looks up at me, and he has the biggest smile on his face you could imagine.  It was unsettling!

Hey, you want to see something funny? he whispers.  Not waiting for an answer, he rolls up a piece of paper and flicks it at the chalkboard causing it to land on the teacher’s desk.

Cameron! Mrs. Annette scolds, peering over her glasses. 

I wonder how she knew it was him, she was looking down when he did it! 

Yes ma’am. he snickers and quickly lays his book down, folding his arms on the desk, trying hard to look innocent.  The entire scene is funny; I attempt to hold in my laugh, but a chuckle slips out. 

All morning he entertained me, the teacher got on me for being too loud, though she winked at Cameron when she did.  I don’t know what that was about, and I don’t care, he made me forget about everyone around us, I felt comfortable–that’s until the bell rings.  Startled, I quickly duck behind my book like a turtle hides in its shell.

That’s the lunch bell. he whispers and chuckles at the same time.

That’s not funny! I smile.  There’s something about that boy that I like. 

Shake him off; he’s the enemy I can feel it!

Okay children, did everyone bring their lunches like I asked?  Mrs. Annette asked once again peering over her glasses, scanning the room.

Yes ma’am. the class responds and place their lunches on their desk.  Not me, I remain hidden safe and sound behind my makeshift fort.

Great! She strolls over to the door with a big grin on her face and props it open, All right, we’ll be eating lunch in the yard today to enjoy this lovely weather!  Grab your lunches and head to the yard.  Oh, don’t forget we have a new student! 

All of the kids jumped up and head outside not giving me a second glance.  I was fine with it; they have done enough staring and snickering to take me through the entire year!   With my eyes following the students, it felt like I was glued to my seat. 

Are you coming? Cameron asks.  Staring into his eyes, I slowly shake my head no.  Okay. he shrugs, and my eyes follow him all the way out the door. 

Feeling ill-at-ease, I divert my attention back to Mrs. Annette.  She seems nice; maybe she would let me eat lunch with her today.  I have to play this cool, so with my hands folded on top of my book, I flash a sincere smile and bat my eyelashes, Please let me stay, please let me stay. I silently pray. 

She makes her way over and places her hand on my shoulder, Levi, you can go to lunch now.

Maybe not!  Yes, ma’am. I sigh, grab my lunch bag from under my desk, and slowly make my way to the door.

Do you know where it is?

Yes, ma'am.

Okay, she smiles, you might want to talk to Cameron he’s a charming young man, a little disruptive, but very friendly.

Yes, ma’am, I replied and slowly walked out. 

Scanning the yard, I felt relieved because the kids have yet to notice my presence, giving me the opportunity to do what I do best, fly under the radar.  In the center of the yard were four large round lunch tables, to my right a swing set, and a jungle gym–and all of them are taken.  Looking for the perfect location, I spot Cameron to my left; he appears to be lecturing to a group of kids.  Great! I sigh, and then continue my search for the perfect hiding spot.  In the right corner, all the way to the back by the fence, there stood a large oak tree, Perfect, out of sight out of mind! 

Swiftly but subtly, I make my way to the tree and sit down with my legs folded, holding tightly to my lunch.  Not in the mood to eat, I place my elbow on my leg, resting my chin on one hand and draw in the dirt with the other.  A shadow appears in front of me prompting me to glance up, and there stood that mean blond haired girl that didn’t want me to sit next to her. 

Hey stupid, why are you so ugly? she giggles. 

I’m not ugly, you are!  Leave me alone! I bark, frowning up at her.

Nu-uh you are, stupid! she hissed, kicking dirt all over me!  There, now you look better! she laughs.  Boy, I want to kick her ass!  Unfortunately, I am outnumbered, and I’ve never been in a fight before so she might kick mine!

Wiping off my face, I noticed that dirt is everywhere, in my hair, in my mouth, in my eyes and all over my clothes! Why would she do that?  I didn’t do anything to her!  She stands there pointing and laughing at me as I wipe the dirt from my face and try to remove it from my hair.  I hadn’t realized how difficult it is to get dirt out of an afro puff, until now!  All of a sudden, she runs away, and another shadow appears.  Still trying fruitlessly to remove the dirt, I peer up and brace myself for copycats, but I can’t see who it is, the dirt in my eyes has clouded my vision.  They swat at my hair, and I slap their hands away, Don’t touch me! I demand. 

Through the dirt and tears, I’m slightly relieved to see that it was Cameron and not that troll!  Glancing at him did little to ease my humiliation; he was wearing a pair of brand new jeans, bright white t-shirt, a new pair of Nikes, and holding a Michael Jordan lunch box.  Quickly looking down at the rags I was wearing; a beat up pair of jeans, dingy t-shirt, torn tennis shoes, and my lunch in a brown paper sack– now covered with dirt!  Embarrassed, I stuff my lunch further into my lap, wishing I could place myself in the bag! 

Are you okay?  She’s the stupid one! he mutters, swatting again at my puffs.  Glancing up again, he has a smile so big he almost made me laugh, but I stand my ground still not knowing what his intentions are.  He could be setting me up!   Scanning the yard, I noticed everyone’s eyes are on us.  Horrified I divert my eyes back to my lap, wishing he would go away so they will stop staring.  Of course, he didn’t, he sat down next to me and runs his hand across my cheek causing me to wince.  Other than my mom or dad, no one has ever done that before. My name’s Cameron, what’s yours? he asks as he brushes dirt from the sleeve of my shirt.  Staring into my lap, I wish he would place his hand on my face again; it was a comforting, friendly gesture from an unlikely source. 

Ignore him Levi.  Don’t fall for his trickery!  Marie snaps, and for some reason I ignore her.  No one has ever been this nice to me, not even the kids that look like me.  They all would tease me because I didn’t wear the trendiest clothes, or relax my hair, or something else stupid.  But not Cameron, he doesn’t seem to mind any of it.

After a moment of silence, he opens his lunchbox and pulls out a sandwich bag, would you like a cookie?  My mom baked them for me.

It must be nice, now please go away! I sniffle, not taking my eyes off of my lap. My mom never baked us cookies; she never cooked anything for us, and she was always gone.  My father was the one to do everything from the cooking to styling my hair, but he never baked cookies!   

Why? I like it here.  I sit here every day.

Glancing at him, for some reason he made me feel safe.  Taking a chance, I lean towards him, everyone is staring. I whisper.

He searches my eyes and grins, So, he shrugs then diverts his eyes over my shoulder, I bet Lorie won’t do that again! he sneers, staring her down, then slowly scan the yard. 

Reluctantly, I peer back to see what he was looking at, and my eyes stop on Lorie.  She was sitting at the table crying, but why? I should be the one crying; she assaulted me.  Turning back to Cameron, he was staring at me with a grin that suggested ‘don’t worry, I took care of it.’  Why is she crying?  I ask.

I don’t know.

Gazing into his eyes, I can feel my lip curl up wanting to smile, wanting to give in to him, but I can’t shake the feeling that he has done something bad to that troll of a girl because of me.  It’s okay, honest, I'm all right. my words are soft, eyes still fixated on his, not wanting to look away.  There’s something about his eyes!  They make me feel safe; he makes me feel safe.

No, it’s not!  That wasn’t very nice–she won’t mess with you anymore, I promise!  None of them will! he grins, These cookies are good, sure you don’t want one?  

No thank you. 

Slowly removing my peanut butter and jelly sandwich, I scan the yard once more.  I spot each and every child, and none of them were staring at us anymore!  Scrutinizing Cameron, he was grinning like he had something to do with it, My name is Levi; did you say something to them?

He cocks his head to the side and smiles, confirming my suspicions, Levi, like the jeans? he asks.

God! Could he be any more aggravating? Marie quips.

Yeah, I guess.

Okay Jean, would you like a cookie?  He pulls out another, holding it in front of my face. 

No, my name is Levi, I repeat.

I know, would you like a cookie? 

Sure, thanks. My lip pulls up in a half smile as I slowly grab the cookie.

No problem, Jean! he replies and we both laugh.

Since that day, Cameron and I were inseparable, all the way up until the middle of our eighth-grade year.

Chapter 1

Time to wrap things up Levi! my boss shouts from his office, bringing my trip down memory lane to an abrupt halt. 

Shit!  Is it a quarter-till already?  I hissed under my breath glancing at my watch.  Okay Mr. Johnston, I’m finishing up my revisions and will send you a copy in about fifteen minutes or so. 

He peers at me from the doorway of his office, Levi that can wait!  I would like to get home before my dinner gets cold!  

Yes sir, I’ll finish it up tomorrow. I sigh, shutting down my computer and packing up. 

It’s the same old thing, day after day!  He rushes to wrap things up about fifteen minutes before quitting time, to go home to a loving family.  Not me, the only things waiting for me are my elliptical, television, and my romance novels, so I’m in no rush, what-so-ever, to get there!  What I would give to have a friend or companion to keep me company, I’d even settle for a dog or cat, but my damn