Envelopes

By Latosha Downs

Eighteen year old Alex Newlynn has moved back to her home town of Towers, Montana. The memories are still fresh in her mind but Alex is still hoping to have a normal senior year with her family and friends. But family secrets and feelings long buried make it hard. Then comes the one thing that can ruin her life along with the town. Hes back to haunt them when Alex finds an envelope taped to her bedroom window.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Abbott Press
• Release date: Jun 25, 2014
• ISBN: 9781458216779

Latosha Downs

Latosha lives in Alabama. She has loved writing since the age of twelve. Envelopes is her second novel. Her other novels include The Girls of Charity.

Book preview

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Copyright © 2014 . Latosha Downs.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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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.

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

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ISBN: 978-1-4582-1676-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4582-1677-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014910669

Abbott Press rev. date: 06/23/2014

Contents

Acknowledgments

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-one

Chapter Twenty-two

Chapter Twenty-three

Chapter Twenty-four

Chapter Twenty-five

Chapter Twenty-six

Chapter Twenty-seven

Chapter Twenty-eight

Chapter Twenty-nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-one

Chapter Thirty-two

Chapter Thirty-three

Chapter Thirty-four

Chapter Thirty-five

Chapter Thirty-six

Chapter Thirty-seven

Chapter Thirty-eight

Epilogue

Acknowledgments

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First off I want to thank God for giving this desire to write.

My parents for always believing in me and their support.

My 6th grade teacher Mrs. Motes for giving out a fun short story assignment.

It was that assignment that woke up this desire.

Thank You All!

Chapter One

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A lex stood outside Towers High. It was a sight for sore eyes. The old brick building held a lot of memories for her. It was also a lot smaller than her other high school in New York. That’s one thing she hated about moving back, she had to leave the big noisy city of Brooklyn and move back to the small now quiet town of Towers, Montana. However she was back home though. Back with her family and friends. Alex took a deep breath and walked into the school. Nobody really knew she was back or late for school. Alex quickly made her way to her second class Trig with Mr. Black. Good old Mr. Black who had been teaching math at Towers High for well over twenty years. When Alex got there she found that everybody was just taking their seats. She found an empty desk in the back and sat down. She looked around and saw her old best friend Chelsea Morgan. Chelsea looked the same except she now had short brown hair instead of her long brown hair. Alex also saw Brooke Law and Erin Olds. The fact that they were still cheerleaders was obvious. They both sat at their desk with their chins stuck out wearing their cheerleading outfits. Alex’s cousin Paige Tuner was also in the same class. Before Alex could say anything to Paige or Chelsea Mr. Black walke d in.

Good morning class. said Mr. Black sitting his briefcase down on his desk, getting moans and groans over his cheerful good morning. Seems like nobody had a good weekend. Well, here’s some good news to start the second week of school. We have a new student with us.

What’s so good about that Mr. Black? asked Brooke with a toss of her long black ponytail.

Yeah? Whoever it is we need to buy them a map. There’s like a zillion better places to move to then Towers, Montana. agreed Erin with a toss of her long brown ponytail mimicking Brooke. Her comment getting low snickers.

Alex smiled when she saw the jealous look on Brooke’s face. Nothing ever changes in small towns and she was glad.

There’s nothing wrong with Towers and even if you did buy a map for this person I do believe it would do no good.

Why is that? Brooke asked leaning forward in her seat a little. She was now interested in who this new student was Mr. Black was talking about.

I think the name will tell all. Will Harley Alexandra Newlynn stand up. Mr. Black looking over the top of his classes nodded in her direction.

Alex did as Mr. Black said. But I still go by Alex. she said with a smile.

Brooke and Erin’s mouth fell open and their eyes were as big as apples. Alex knew why they were surprised and it wasn’t because she was back. It was because her hair was no longer short and brown. Instead it was now long and black with two bright red highlights in the front.

Paige squealed when she saw her cousin. Does the rest of the family know your back?

Just Tracy and her family. answered Alex looking over at her cousin.

It’s nice to have you back Alex. Now it’s time to get to work. smiled Mr. Black.

Alex sat down. It took a few seconds for her to realize Chelsea hadn’t said anything. She looked over at her and that’s when she noticed Chelsea was wearing a cheerleader outfit just like Brooke and Erin. By study hall Alex knew Chelsea was avoiding her. It all had to do with what she was wearing. From the third grade till the day she moved away Chelsea and her had always made fun of the cheerleaders. That’s what made going to football games fun. Hoping one of them would make a mistake and fall. That and watching Colton Anderson who was graduating the year she moved away, play quarterback for the school. Thinking of Colton made her wonder what he was up to. Does he still live in Towers? Alex pushed Colton out of her mind. She had to find and tell Chelsea that just because she was a cheerleader didn’t mean they couldn’t be friends. She also had to tell her she was a cheerleader back at her old school. Alex dressed out for PE one of her least favorite things about school. She had nothing against exercising. That was one of her favorite things to do but to have to play basketball or some sport like that after she was done exercising was not something she was a fan of. She didn’t even like to watch sports let alone play them. After Alex finished her exercises she played basketball with some other girls. After PE Alex tried to catch up with Chelsea but had no luck. As soon as the bell rang to end PE Chelsea was nowhere to be found. Since PE was her last class Alex gathered her thing and headed out the front door only to have her cousin suddenly appear by her side.

I’m so glad your back! yelled Paige in a loud piercing voice as she hugged Alex and laughed.

I’m glad to be back, said Alex stumbling a little when Paige grabbed her. It’s kind of hard to breathe Paige.

Oh, sorry. It just seems like it’s been forever. You didn’t even write. Which I know why but still you could have had a little contact.

It was rough Paige. Moving to a new place and the reason why. Plus mom had little Gwen two months after we moved.

Oh my gosh! I totally forgot Aunt Hilary was pregnant when you guys left. What day was she born on?

August 12th.

She’s two now. I want to see her. When can I see her?

Well, we told Aunt Tracy we were moving back a week ago so you know Aunt Tracy there’s a big welcome home party at the Anderson ranch.

A huge smile light up Paige’s face. Couldn’t be more perfect.

Alex knew there was more to that smile. Was Colton still home? Why is that Paige?

Oh, nothing.

Two years or not I know you better than that. What was that smile for. Accused Alex crossing her arms.

Maybe I should tell you. You weren’t that good with guys. Colton still lives here. He helped his Uncle open up Anderson’s Diner. Which is about the only new thing you will see in this town. He’s working now if you want to go over there and get used to being around him so you will be able to say more than hi to him in the future.

Alex hide her smile. There was a lot about her that her cousins didn’t know. One thing was how she got her last boyfriend. She did the asking. They went out six months then she found out how big of a jerk he really was when she caught him cheating on her with the most popular girl in their grade. Fine. Are you coming?

Paige was a little shocked by her cousin’s attitude. Yeah.

As they walked away from the school Alex asked about Chelsea. Hey, Paige what’s up with Chelsea?

She’s a cheerleader now. Paige said as if that explained it all.

I kind of figured that out for myself. The red and blue uniform was a giveaway. Is that why she’s ignoring me?

That and the fact she is now best friends with Brooke and I mean best friends like you two use to be. Paige sent her a sideways glance.

Really. It was more of a statement then a question, said Alex under her breath as she looked away from Paige a little surprised at the news. She found it hard to believe Chelsea would even consider being friends with Brooke let alone actually become best friends with her. And a cheerleader on top of that?

Maybe she’ll see the era of her ways and come running back begging you to forgive her and be her friend again. Paige stated dramatically with a grin on her face.

You haven’t changed one bit Paige. It’s nice to know that will never happen. Alex smiled as she forgot about Chelsea and Brooke. It was so wonderful being back in her hometown with her family. Paige was right the only new thing in Towers was Anderson’s Diner. Everything looked as if it hadn’t changed since the day she left. Except one thing. She actually felt safe walking down the sidewalk. That was something she could get use to in Towers.

Now let’s see if you’ve changed any. We’re here at the Diner. Paige sent Alex a knowing smile. With the exception of the hair, Paige knew Alex still had to be the shy little girl that left here all those years ago.

Alex looked up at the huge sign above the entrance. What did Colton look like now? Was he still the cute QB from two years ago? The only guy she ever wanted to date? Or would he be just plain old Colton Anderson, no longer good looking? Alex bit her bottom lip as wonder and worry knotted in her stomach. Paige was now pulling her by her arm toward the Diner. Paige pushed opened the door. Alex then found out the Diner was the place to go after school. Pretty much everybody was there. The diner had this old western feel to it. It felt homey. It didn’t look anything like Colton Anderson.

There he is. Whispered Paige pointing to a guy with his back to them. He was putting food on the table where Brooke and her sidekicks were sitting. Chelsea included.

Alex looked over at him just as he turned around. Her breath caught in her chest. He definitely was the same Colton in looks, and in clothes. Wranglers, cowboy boots and since it was summer his white cotton T-shirt. Since he was inside no cowboy hat but she was certain that would change as soon as he stepped out the door. His hair was clean cut and just as dark brown as she remembered it. Alex wondered if his eyes were still that wonderful warm brown she remember them to be? And her feelings for Colton Anderson from two years ago exploded inside her upon seeing him. Alex pushed them away before she could linger on them too long. That would be treading dangerous grounds.

So what do you think? Still whispering Paige asked as she led the way to an empty booth by the windows.

The Diner’s nice. Alex knew that wasn’t the answered Paige was waiting for. They slid in the red seats of the booth. I like it here.

Funny, Alex. Now the real answer. Paige rolled her eyes.

Alex glanced back over at Colton, old feelings still trying to make their way back to the surface. Still the same. She turned away before anyone other than Paige could see her looking at him.

He doesn’t have a girlfriend.

I didn’t ask.

But Brooke still likes him.

Can you blame her?

I’m not at liberty to say.

And why is that?

I have a boyfriend.

And who is this guy I now feel sorry for? Teasing filled Alex’s voice. She smiled at her cousin.

Paige rolled her eyes. You know him. Devon Hudson. He’s twenty now.

I don’t really remember what he looks like. Devon had been a senior at the same time Colton was.

Gorgeous! Paige’s expression turned dreamy as she stared off into nothing.

Wasn’t he like always quiet and awkward?

He wasn’t awkward! He was just shy. Paige said defending him. He’s so sweet and wonderful. He brings me flowers like once a week. Hand written love letters.

He sounds like a catch. Alex couldn’t picture the Devon Paige was describing. All she could see was the awkward boy with long shaggy hair that they had gone to school with.

Colton chose that time to walk over to their table. What can I get you two? He kept his eyes on the pad of paper in his hands as he waited to write down the order. So Alex was sure he didn’t notice it was her sitting at the table with her cousin or that she was now living back in Towers. That or he didn’t care that she was back in Towers.

I’ll have what I always have. Answered Paige. She slide the menu away from her. A salad and water.

What about you little Miss. Harley?

Alex could hear the smile in his voice. I guess he did notice me. She had always hated it when he called her that. It always reminded her that he saw her as a little kid. But did he still think that now? She looked up at him. Why else would he bring up that old nickname he had given her? It’s been two years and you still remember that nickname. How did you know I was back?

It’s a small town Alex. Your hair is another reason. It looks good. Using his pen Colton lifted one of the red highlights and grinned.

Thanks. I’ll have the same as Paige. Alex looked away from him, wondering if he was making fun of her hair or if he really did like it.

Colton stared down at her. Alex could feel him watching her. She looked back up at him as he said. The same as Paige?

Something wrong with that?

No. I just remember you always getting fries no matter what and a BLT or turkey sandwich. Colton answered her shaking his head a little. He had been surprised when he heard Alex had moved back to Towers. Colton wrote down her order. Okay. Two salads and water coming up.

Alex watched him walk away for only a second before looking back at her cousin. Paige had this huge silly grin on her face. What?

He likes you.

And you can tell that by the few seconds we talked. Please Paige it’s been two years and you heard what he called me. Alex reminded her ignoring the tense feeling going through her of having Colton standing that close to her. Little Miss Harley.

He was flirting with you Alex.

Shut up Paige.

You haven’t changed one bit little Miss. Harley. Teased Paige as she tossed a packet of sweet and low at her.

Thanks Paige. I have to go. I still have some unpacking to do. Alex got up. She walked past Colton holding Paige’s and her order but couldn’t bring herself to look at him. She was hurting from the nickname and didn’t feel like answering questions. She hadn’t thought she would still care this much for him.

Alex.

Alex heard him call her name as she pushed open the door but ignored him. She didn’t want him to see how upset she was. She didn’t want him to know that she still liked him and hated the fact that he might still see her as a little girl. Alex slowly walked home. So far being back had been different but also the same. Chelsea was best friends with a girl she use to hate, and she’s a cheerleader. That’s different. Colton still looks the same. He still caused her stomach to flutter at the mere thought of him. And worse of all he still saw her as a little girl. That’s the same. She hoped in time things would go back to the way they use to be.

Chapter Two

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A lex put her World History book in her locker. So far her second day back at school was boring. Chelsea was still ignoring her. Nobody was really talking to her except for Paige and that wasn’t much since they only had two classes together along with lunch. She looked around the hall. And I was looking forward to being back. she whispered to herself. Alex went through her day only talking when she had to. Which wasn’t very o ften.

Hey Alex, Called out Paige after school. Alex stopped and waited to see what Paige wanted. Do you want to go to the Diner?

No.

Come on Alex. Give it time.

It has nothing to do with that. I need to get home anyway. Alex saw no other way but to lie causing guilt to fill her.

Fine. said Paige, obviously not happy as she walked off in the direction of the Diner.

Alex watched her walk away. Why would she want to go to the Diner? To watch everybody talk and not include her? To see Colton flirt with all the girls that he no longer saw as little girls? No, thanks. She had only three days until Saturday when all her family would be gathering at the Anderson ranch. Which meant Colton would also be there. All day. What joy. She needed the time away from him to ready herself at having to put up with him treating her like a little girl. Alex stopped at her mailbox at the end of her long dirt road. She knew there would be no mail in it but she wanted to stop anyways. She hadn’t stood in this spot since it happened three months before she moved away. The spot she was standing in when ‘Towers Terror’ almost got her for a second time. It was around 8:15 pm. Not dark but very close to it. She hadn’t planned on being out that late. She wasn’t supposed to be out that late. Her mom, her family, Colton. Everyone had warned her not to be out after dark. She hummed to herself to keep her mind off of being out at night with whomever it was out there lurking in the woods waiting. Waiting for the perfect opportunity. She saw her road and knew she was almost home. Alex could remember feeling a little relieved at the sight of her road. By the time she got to the mailbox she heard something in the woods to her left. She froze in her tracks. She didn’t know if she was frozen in fear or frozen from the cold night air. She was able to let out a long loud whistle before someone grabbed her. She kicked, tried to scream but a large gloved hand had prevented the scream as it clamped tight over her mouth. She didn’t want to be taken. Nobody really knew what would happen to you if you were taken. Whoever ‘it’ was they were a lot stronger than her. She was about to give up, let whoever it was take her when her four German Shepherds came charging out of nowhere. The dogs went after whoever it was. As soon as she was free Alex took off running never looking back. When she got home she busted through the front door screaming what had just happen and where the dogs were. Her dad and Uncle Gary loaded up their guns and rushed out the door. They only came back with two dogs. Both hurt but not too bad. As for the other two no one ever found them. Alex’s mind came back to the present. She looked over at the part of the woods where Towers Terror had come from that night. There was nothing there now. Not even noise from the breeze blowing and she hoped there never would be. Alex knew everybody would agree with her on not wanting to go through that again. She let out a happy sigh. She was glad no one would have to go through that again.

Not very good memories is it?

No. Alex turned around to face Chelsea. She crossed her arms. What do you want?

Chelsea flinched at the hardness in Alex’s voice. Guess I deserve that. I just wanted to welcome you home. answered Chelsea with an unsure smile.

So are you just welcoming me home because school’s out for the day and no one else is around? Alex couldn’t mask the hurt in her voice.

Alex. But Chelsea knew she deserved that one too.

Don’t Alex me. You’re a cheerleader now and friends with Brooke. I get it. Cheerleaders are only allowed to talk to certain people. I know I was one back in New York.

You were in New York? Cool. Wait did you say you were a cheerleader? Chelsea had to ask to make sure she had heard Alex right.

Head cheerleader.

Then why don’t you try out? Suggested Chelsea with hope.

Do you really think I would get on?

I guess it would be a waste of time. Chelsea thought about how much Brooke hated Alex being back. Are you mad at me?

I don’t have any reason to be. It’s been two years with no contact. I can’t blame you for making new friends.

I never thought we wouldn’t be friends. I guess time can really change people. Well, it is nice to have you back. Chelsea wondered if Alex was as uncomfortable as she was.

Thanks. It’s nice to be back.

You’re not scared?

If I was do you think I would be standing here? Alex gestured toward the mailbox and the woods.

Yeah, I guess you’re right. But even if you were I would tell you, you didn’t have to be. It’s all over and never going to happen again.

I couldn’t agree more. Alex said. A few seconds of awkward silence passed by.

Well, I have to go. Bye. Chelsea took a few steps back.

Bye. Alex turned back to her road and started home. She glanced over her shoulder at Chelsea. Maybe in time they would become friends again.

Chapter Three

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T he rest of the week flew by bringing Saturday sooner than Alex was ready for it. She now wished she would have never went to the Diner and seen Colton. She should have just waited until today. They had to be at the Anderson ranch at eleven. Alex glanced at the clock in her room. It was now eight. Three hours until she had to face him and this time she couldn’t just get up and leave. She planned on getting ready around nine so that gave her an hour for a nice long jog. Alex walked out of her room and down the hall to her mom’s room. Hey, mom I’m going for a jog.

By yourself? asked her mom looking at her from her place in bed with little Gwen sound asleep beside her.

Alex knew what her mom was thinking. She would think the same thing if she was the mom and her daughter was standing in her doorway saying she was going for a jog. Mom I went jogging in New York by myself. I’ll be fine. I’ll be back by nine. I have my cell phone. It’s all okay now in Towers. Bye.

Be careful. called out her mom in worry.

Alex smiled and headed out the front door. She had to do this. She had to go off jogging by herself. For some reason jogging by herself was different than walking to school and back by herself. She had to prove to herself that she was safe and there was no reason to be scared. Alex jogged up her road and down a trail where the first almost kidnapping happened in Towers. Brooke Law was taking her usual morning run. But the only difference was she was by herself this time. Her mom and sister were at home in bed sick. Brooke wasn’t even supposed to be out there by herself but she was to worried about gaining weight before the summer she went out any ways. She told everybody she had only been jogging around ten minutes when someone grabbed her. She screamed and kept screaming and when he put his hand over her mouth she bit him as hard as she could. She said it must have taken him by surprise because his grip loosened and she was able to push him down to the ground and take off running. Whoever grabbed her didn’t come after her. She told the police where she was at when the Terror grabbed her. They searched the area but found nothing. Not one thing that would show them who it might be. Alex was so busy thinking about Brooke she didn’t realize she was running instead of jogging. She started to slow and then came to a stop. As she slowed her breathing she looked around. She was standing in the place Brooke was standing at when it happened. Alex listened but heard nothing strange. It was all quiet except for a few birds singing. I’m safe and everything is going to be fine. Looking toward the sky Alex sent up a prayer of thanks. She looked at her watch. She had just enough time to get back home and grab a shower. She didn’t want her mom to think the worse. Alex was still sitting in the front seat while her mom got Gwen out of her car seat. She was more scared of facing Colton than she was jogging by herself that morning. She took a deep breath asking God to calm her nerves. If she could jog she could face Colton, she just had to keep reminding herself of jogging. Alex got out of the car and caught up with her mom. Everybody was there. She saw her Aunt Tracy and Uncle Gary and their two kids. Ashley who’s twenty-one now and Emily who’s twenty-four and now been married for over a year and six months pregnant. They didn’t want to know if she was having a boy or girl. She saw her mom’s brother Rick and his family. His wife Jill and their kids Timmy who was now fourteen and Paige with who she guessed to be Devon. He did look a lot better than the awkward boy she remembered from two years ago. He was more filled out now. He wore his hair in a clean cut fashion. His clothes were fashionable. He wasn’t gorgeous like Paige had said he was but he was nice looking. Alex looked from Devon and saw her grandparents and Mr. and Mrs. Anderson waving them over. Seeing her grandparents made her forget all about looking for Colton. With a huge grin Alex ran over to them and gave them each a big hug.

You look so different, Stated her grandma holding one of the red highlights in her hand. but still just as beautiful as ever.

Thanks. Alex smiled at the two. She had missed them so much it had hurt. She had worried about them for months after leaving.

How do you like being back? Was Ruth’s next question.

It feels good to be back home. Alex answered honestly. Her grandpa still had his arm around her. It didn’t bother her that he was lightly pinching her arm like he had always done to her and all her cousins since they were little. It was wonderful now.

Where’s your dad? asked her grandpa looking down at her then at her mom. Alex also looked at her mom to answer.

He’s still in New York. Answered Hilary not able to look her parents in the eye. She shifted baby Gwen to her other side.

Alex looked at her grandparents. The subject was dropped as quickly as it was brought up. While her mom showed off little Gwen, Alex walked over to Ashley. Giving her a hugged she asked. So how have things been going?

I’ll be an aunt in three months. answered Ashley with a smile.

I know. I’m so happy for Emily.

How did you know?

Paige.

It’s weird how saying that one name can mean a million other things. Ashley shook her head and Alex laughed.

Besides becoming an aunt what else is new?

Why do I get the feeling you already know?

A million other things. So where is he? Alex scanned the crowd for Ashley’s future husband.

He is in California on business. He’ll be back about a week before Christmas. Sadness colored Ashley’s every word. I hate being away from him this long.

Are you happy?

I never thought I would find anybody. I hate being away from him this long but yeah, I’m happy.

Alex gave her another hug. How long has Paige been going out with Devon?

Ashley thought for a minute. Around six months I think. He’s really sweet and has settled Paige down so much!

Really! Alex could imagine Paige as anything but wild and crazy. She was always sneaking out and getting drunk.

I think it has surprised everybody. Is that your sister your mom is holding? Asked Ashley missing the odd look in Alex’s eyes as she caught sight of her aunt.

Yeah, that’s baby Gwen.

I’m going to say hi. I’ll talk to you later.

It