Believing

By Courtney Rausch

You never get something for nothing, something that Cara was always told as a child and now that childhood lesson comes to life. A trip to George Raphaels Private Island leaves Cara and her friends not entirely human, with powers beyond belief. Now running for their lives they turn to the only other person whos ever been on the island, Rina, but little do they know thats only the beginning of what Rina has planned to gain revenge on Raphael.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 30, 2011
• ISBN: 9781469118109

Courtney Rausch

Raised in a small town in Michigan, Courtney Rausch has been writing most of her life and wishes to continue doing so throughout her life. She plans on attending college in Florida and earning a Degree in Creative Writing.

Book preview

Prologue 

I t had been years since I had been here, crouched in this very spot, staring at the god forsaken tombstone, hating its worn edges and how so much time had passed since she had been gone. I avoided coming here at all costs, spending my time with Analise, or working out until my body literally gave out and I was totally numb from head to toe. But it never got rid of the ache in my chest, the hollow empty feeling that sucked all the happiness right outta me. She had caused this, had left me, using a gun to take her own life, left me with nothing to do but wait for my own end.

God girl, why? over the years I had asked that question hundreds, even thousands of times and I still had never gotten an answer. I knew I never would but I wanted one, needed one, even after all these years I still missed her, felt the emptiness of her being gone, that feeling that made places inside me I never knew I even had burn in pain. She had been my rock, the one thing that even when I was weak-she had loved me and yet . . . she had chosen to leave me in this world and as much as I put on that glossy facade; I had needed her.

Not much . . . has happened, I did what you wanted . . . I knew she wasn’t there, only a casket full of bones in the ground, but I had to tell her somehow. God, it kills me, but I did it. I love Analise-she knows she’ll never . . . take your place and she cares for me . . . I tore at my face with my hand, shifting to sit indian style. My eyes never left that gray stone, torn and chipped since it had been placed there in the clearing. The grass grew up around it and I shoved it away, wanting to erase the evidence that she had been gone. The day was cold for a spring morning in Annaville, back where it all started, technically I wasn’t from here but she had been . . . and the others we had lost.

The remaining living members of ‘The Team’ had bought plots of land and put our fallen friends in the ground . . . together where they should be. Across from her headstone were four others; it was downright wrong that we had lost them-and not all by natural causes.

She, ah, she’s pregnant and yeah . . . but I know you wanted the world to know this story-our story. So I’m gonna write it down, for you and only for you. God I’m always going to love you Delia-I’m sorry you got stuck with the . . . abilities you did. You dealt with everyone’s emotions and I didn’t even see it . . . didn’t know you felt that much and how much it hurt you to take away some of our pain . . . I lost my voice, remembering hers, all those times she came up from behind me and wrap her arms around my waist. The smell of her hair, the way she could kick the shit outta me when she really wanted to . . . she had always been there for me, ever since our parents had introduced us way back when. Her chesnut colored hair, with red and blonde highlights that came out especially in the sunlight, all natural. Her beautiful eyes, a mixing pot of colors and her smile . . . I had been her man, a part of me still was and she . . . she had been my girl. She was the cause of the ache that I always felt and somehow, even with the help and love of Analise; I would always love her. But Analise was right, I had to move on; it was time. She wouldn’t want me to be miserable but happy . . . eventually, I would.

So let me take you back twenty years, using what my best friend, my now deceased wife told me of what she knew, back when we were teenagers and we were all naive enough to believe that that ’free trip’ was truly free . . . all except for one of us.

Chapter One 

T he plane terminal was bustling with people, the regular summer rush here. Oh yippee. I walked silently onto the bridge that lead to the private jet and turned back slowly to wave to my parents. My mother was about five foot eight and my father had a receding hair line, (ok scratch that he’s practically bald). He was wearing his button down shirt with ships and light houses on it. My uncle, his brother, had the same exact shirt from a cute little shop in Annaville; they’d gotten it for their fiftieth birthday when we flew out to Washington State. His eyes sparkled with happiness, and yet I saw fear as well, making me feel uneasy about this whole free trip. His body had been well maintained when he was younger, but now he was getting larger, which usually happened, as if I cared anyway. He smiled and waved at me. They smiled yet again and he pulled my mother closer to him, his arm around her waist.

Sweat ran down my forehead as I realized how hot it was, turning away from my parents. It was a ninety degree day in Grand Rapids, Michigan; this didn’t happen very often and anyone who lived here knew it wasn’t a good thing. I looked down at my shirt, a tank top from softball, with my dad’s business logo ‘Jesse’s Remodeling’ splashed across the back. It was tight, blue and gold, (my school colors,) and represented how competitive Annaville was, fighting for championships and beating records. The bridge to the jet wasn’t anything out of the ordinary, the same grey walls as all of the rest, looking like fuzzy carpet more than walls. It had been a full year since all plane terminals in the state had been redesigned, in hopes of attracting more people in this ridiculous economy, everything was replaced, new chairs that were plush and much like ones you would find in a home. There were more stores, offering all the comforts of home in case travelers got stuck in the airport at any given time and of course all the technology had been upgraded and now it looked similar to something you would see in a SyFy movie.

The small space I walked in felt like a canister, heat sweltering in waves around me. Breathing in deeply I continued my trek forward; my backpack was slowly sliding off of my shoulder, feeling like a ton of bricks. How much had my mom packed? I tried to snatch it, but couldn’t. My hands were full with my four—foot suitcase and I just watched, knowing it would crash to the floor and I would have to pick everything up off the floor that my mother had managed to stash into it.

A familiar black hand shot out and grabbed my backpack from midair, wrapping the strap around his wrist as if it were only a few pounds. I turned to see Trent Malley, jock extraordinaire. His body was well built, considering all of the sports that he was in, lean muscles in all the right places. In our high school he was one of the most popular guys; he pretty much ruled the whole fricken school. I absolutely loathed him, but Delia my best friend made me be nice to him, saying I should ‘give him a chance’ (fat fricken chance that would ever happen). His hair was cropped and usually short, making it easier for him and his asshole friends to play football and whatever sport he decided to participate in. At one time he had had an afro, but cut it for football season and hadn’t grown it back since. His eyes were a warm chocolate color but appeared almost black; he had a strong jaw line, thick brows and a prominent, strong nose. If I hadn’t hated him the way I did, I might have said he was good looking, bangable even. The walls around my heart flew up instantly, knowing that I could never really trust him or anyone anymore.

I think this is yours, he said in his low, yet somewhat musical voice. Stupid moronic,

fucked up jock.

Thanks, I growled, snatching the bag out of his hands and continuing down the heated hall, dragging my bags as best I could, hoping my strength wouldn’t fail me now.

So you won too? He was walking beside me, slowing his pace for my shorter steps. I was only five three and couldn’t walk or run fast to save my life, and I got hell for it all the time, anytime anyplace; I was always picked on because I was the easiest target.

Do you think I’d be here if I hadn’t? My voice was dry and soaked in sarcasm. He gave the look that said, What did I do? and I wanted to say You exist, but kept my mouth shut and kept walking until we reached the entrance. Men in general tended to piss me off for reasons I didn’t need to relive, but this guy? He pretended to be your best friend and then went off with his ‘better than thou’ friends and ripped on you behind your back. Typical for Annaville High School, a place where hypocrisy was as normal as the air you breathed.

I heard the plane’s rumble from behind the door and I tried to keep my balance as it gently rocked the walkway. By what I had been told, the plane was bigger than any commercial jet ever made. It had metal doors covered in seals, locks, and barricades. It also had been designed especially for Raphael’s (George Raphael) private flights to and from his island. The guy was a flippin’ billionaire and had more money than he knew what to do with. The contest was based solely on what he thought was appropriate; to enter and win you had to send a biography of yourself and your accomplishments, hoping he found you worthy. I had never in my wildest dreams even thought he would pick me, but hey; I was certainly not complaining about his choices. Six months on a private island that would put Hawaii to shame-who wouldn’t go?

Flinging the door open, a tall handsome man appeared. He looked as though someone had stretched him out with a taffy machine, stretching his body, muscles, and features. His gray-hazel eyes searched mine and held a glint of malice, as if he knew something I didn’t. He grabbed my bags along with Trent’s as if they weighed no more than ten pounds. I walked into the plane and gasped, not believing what I was actually seeing. The plane was somewhat normal, in a sense. There were couches, small tables, games, refrigerators, and beds everywhere.

The four king size beds were angled toward the middle on each side of the plane, and each was artfully made, all of professional designers that you could imagine. Nearest to the back were arcade games, ranging from Pac man to Star Wars, lined up in a large semi-circle. Closer to Trent and I were couches and plush chairs that must have cost an arm and a leg to get. I mean shit the interior structure and wood was mahogany-I instantly knew because my father had taught me to know which wood was which at a young age. The stupid trips to Home Depot and Lowe’s that pretty much became a freaking hang out for my family when we had been building our house.

I smiled and looked around, grinning like a small child who just saw an enormous stack of presents on Christmas. No one else was here, at least not yet anyway. I was wondering who all had won, and whether or not we would get along? Or would I be stuck with some slutty bitch? I sank into one of the seats closest to the window in the far back, close to an arcade game but only a few feet from a massive bed. Looking out the window I could see the clear blue sky and blistering sun and I wished for snow again, knowing it wasn’t what I really wanted, but I hated the muggy heat even more than the blistering cold.

Trent began to sit next to me, and I glared at him, letting the fire and anger I held inside me seep out from within the inner walls of my heart and he almost gasped involuntarily and his eyes narrowing, all warmth gone, then rolling his eyes, he walked away. He walked back to the front, footsteps resonating through the empty hallways of the plane. The man who had taken our luggage was at the front door again, but from where I was I couldn’t see him; he was ushering someone else in. Only by his footsteps did I know where he was, echoing through the plane, like the sound of thunder on a peaceful night.

The door whooshed open again. A breeze blew in from the hot stuffy air outside the plane, smothering the cool air that had begun to swirl around me. Of course, I realized, air conditioning, and immediately felt like an idiot for not realizing that earlier. A scent filled the room that I recognized immediately, Hollister perfume. It suffocated my nasal passages and caused a headache to start to form. Then a voice came that was familiar as well, and I instantly got an idea of who it was. I stood slowly and saw my best friend Delia round the corner of the plane door.

She had a very muscular build, made up from years of track and wrestling. She was the only girl I knew who wrestled with the guys, kicking their asses in the process. Her eyes glowed a slight caramel color, swirling with other colors of brown, looking like a melting pot of colors. Her hair fell at her shoulders, fanning out in waves, shining with brunette, red, and blonde in it. It was a very odd combination of colors, reminding me more of a horse’s mane than human hair. She was wearing a turquoise shirt that had white torn fabric that said Hollister across the front. It might have been her favorite shirt, but they were all Hollister or something of that nature-so who knows. She was wearing a light washed pair of Hollister blue jeans, holes spread out in various shapes and sizes all over them. I almost laughed. Usually I called her my walking billboard and it was true.

Hey Delia, my bestest friend! I turned to see Trent waking towards her and talking to her. I laughed, and she rolled her eyes; it was all a front he put on, pretending like he cared most of the time when he didn’t. Then finally she saw me (about fricken time too), and came over to me in a jog. She hugged me and pulled back, eyes ablaze with excitement.

I can’t believe you won too! I smiled and thought on it. So far every winner was from Annaville and we all knew each other too. Why was Raphael picking us all? Delia wrestled and was a part of Student Council; Trent was popular and his accomplishments were impressive. I decided to keep my eyes peeled, something wasn’t right. The winners were supposed to be from all over the state-not the same town. There was another whoosh from the door and a familiar giggle, an all too familiar giggle. I turned to Delia and raised my eyebrows; she was mimicking my face, same exasperated look in her beautiful features.

Tayrn entered as theatrical as ever, laughing and giggling in an almost high pitched voice. Her wavy chocolate brown and caramel hair was slightly curled, falling just past her shoulders. It bounced as she giggled and continued walking, looking around, most likely distracted by the shiny objects on the plane. She was long and lean and, compared to most in our grade, as beautiful as any one person could be. Her muscles spread out and made her look like a supermodel on the cover of ‘Sports Illustrated’ or some shit, though she’d never believe you if you told her that. Her frantic excited eyes searched mine and then went to Daniel; who had just emerged from the bathroom. Another winner who was from Annaville? And Daniel wasn’t anything all that great, nice guy, but he was really just a farm boy.

He was at least two or three inches taller than Tayrn, lean and muscular in a very appealing way; he almost gave Delia a run for her money in wrestling every year. His skin was naturally tan, due to hours of feeding his many farm animals outside and he had the muscular build you expected out of a farm boys. The only thing I ever gave him credit for were his amazing eyes, brilliant chocolate depths that were surrounded by thick, almost girly lashes, but within those eyes was an understanding and kindness I never understood. I heard yet another whoosh, and the air hit my face and blew my chocolate brown hair past my face.

I saw my friend Gordy step in, or rather my ex-boyfriend who still wanted to be my friend for reasons I didn’t know. He was a bit taller than Daniel and had coal black hair, falling just past his ears. I could tell it wasn’t natural, probably done by one of his friend’s the weekend before today. He had had brown hair until he had gone emo, or at least something close to that, maybe even Goth, but who knows anymore. He did drugs and jacked cars earlier in the year, and finally gave it up when a buddy of his had been shot and killed instantly. His blue eyes shined in the lights of the plane, one of the many reasons girls were at his beck and call. They were a dark, sapphire blue around the pupil and towards the outside they faded into a glowing white-blue color. Now Gordy was far from skin and bones; he was built like a fighter-and all the shit he had done just made him more appealing, scars now marring his tan skin. Whenever you asked him a question all he said was ‘whatever’-probably my fault but I couldn’t change what had happened.

My mind was beginning to wonder why we were all chosen. If and when Gordy had sent in his application-what had he put on it? The kid had been so far into drugs I didn’t think he would have anything to write down, but I had seen the guy underneath all that gruff, the one who had your back no matter what, never let you down. He wasn’t much for talk, but if you need someone’s shoulder to cry on, or a chest to punch your anger out on-he was the one you went to.

Hey Gordy! Trent walked up to Gordy and I heard him say, the dreaded word, wondering why he couldn’t be the guy I had once loved, maybe even still did, the person under that mask he wore so well.

Whatever, His voice was extremely low for guys our age, vibrating a deep bass, filling the whole room with a soothing sound. I heard the last whoosh from the door and felt Delia shake my shoulder, almost ripping it out of its socket in the process and I hissed, wondering what the hell her problem was.

And I realized it as soon as I turned to see Cal Braden walking down the hallway, a boyish grin plastered on his face. He towered over me and everyone in the room, even Trent. His whole body was wrapped in thick muscles and he had a sharp, angular face, features that made you wonder where he got his looks from. His blonde hair was in a Mohawk as usual, gelled and standing in a straight line on his head, some still falling around his ears. He had amazing blue eyes, cerulean blue if I guessed right and they shown the color of sea water on a bright day. Cal was the only one of us not from Annaville; he was from Sparta, a town a few miles east from ours and my curiosity spiked. Why had Cal been chosen? He was a partier, not superficial most of the time but always wanted to have a good time.

I turned and saw the man who had carried our luggage come back out of the staff room, wading his way through the chairs with a smug grin on his face and an odd evil twinkling in his eyes and again I frowned, narrowing my eyes at him.

If you will please be seated we can assume our take off. You will be allowed to move around freely afterwards. We nodded and I motioned Tayrn and Delia to come and sit near me. I saw the longing in both of their faces to sit by their guys, and I knew I would have to beg to get some attention on this trip, knowing full well that I was really jealous anyway.

Please, I pushed my lower lip out and gave them the puppy dog pout, making my eyes all watery and cute, hoping to get somewhere. I saw them roll their eyes and come to sit by me, dragging their feet and acting like it was the end of the world. I sat closest to the window in a large plush chair, sinking my sore and overheated body into it. Delia sat next to me and Tayrn on the end, her eyes all for Daniel. Couldn’t say as though I blamed her, that boy was fine.

This is gonna be so much fun! I turned and saw Delia eyeing Cal from across the plane, and I knew whatever she was thinking wasn’t appropriate. Tayrn grinned, revealing that she as well had something in mind.

Tayrn would you get your eyes back in your head? She turned and slapped me on the shoulder as she turned beat red, and I made a fake rubbing jester on my shoulder, pretending her hit had actually hurt me in some way. Delia and I both laughed. We clicked our seat belts and heard the plane rumble to life, shaking our bodies up and down. I closed my eyes and breathed out, everything would be fine, but I had no idea how wrong I was.

Hey Cara, what electives are you taking next year? Delia nudged me with her free arm, that wasn’t scanning her iPOD for music. I rolled my eyes, knowing she was listening to some stupid rap song that would no doubt drive me insane.

Um, some Creative Arts class, and I think I’m takin’ French. Why are you asking? She frowned, knowing why I was taking French in the first place-just to drive her insane. She always said my language put a trucker to shame and I would never bother learning another language, but if I did it would be for learning how to swear. I also knew she disliked French and pretty much everything there due to an ex-boyfriend.

Oh you’re so hard to figure out Cara; you always wanna drive me fricken nuts! She stuck her tongue out at me, turning away; knowing this was the only way I would ever show I cared. Tayrn began to badger us with questions, asking about Daniel in general, as was her usual topic of discussion.

Do you think Daniel will . . . you know? I looked to her and shook my head, being ashamed that she couldn’t just ask him. Daniel and Tayrn had been dating a long time, like almost two years. But Tayrn wanted to get more ‘serious’ in the physical department—if you know what I mean (not like having sex for god’s sake; she’s not a slut!), but she wasn’t sure what Daniel would think. He had always been a real goodie goodie, always doing what’s right, going to church and enjoying it. It honestly disgusted me; the poor girl thought something was wrong with her because Daniel didn’t have the guts to make a move.

Why don’t you just ask him? I mean, shit girl, take control and demand something. You guys have been dating for a really long time. My voice was harsher than I intended, but I was tired of her constant questions. She needed to get him to do something fast, or he was gonna lose her and she would be heartbroken. Of course Delia and I would be there to help her through it, but she did not deserve to go through that shit-it flat out sucked balls.

Or I just might take you for myself, I commented, earning a slap on the shoulder. Daniel already thought I was a lesbian and any chance I got to annoy or weird him out I would take it; it was the only way we really got along.

Do you want me to fix it? I asked, knowing she would say no. If I helped it would turn into a fight or in Daniel’s case a slapping match ‘cause there was no way that boy would beat me.

Cara, Delia cautioned over her music, her eyes shooting me a silent warning; she always was the reasonable one, be nice, and don’t hurt his feelings.

I made a disgusted noise and looked out the window, knowing she was the one who kept me in line. Without her I would probably be doing drugs or something to that stupid degree.

What did’ya have in mind? I smiled wickedly and Tayrn smiled back; this trip was giving her some confidence, about damn time too.

Try it, she whispered, confident for once, knowing whatever I did would involve swearing and a possible smack down-which I would win.

Hey Daniel! I screamed and Delia jumped, her headphones falling out, causing her to turn her rage filled eyes at me, my voice raising an octave and I watched Daniel wade through the chairs and games to walk slowly over to us. Having an idea of what I was going to say Cal, Gordy and Trent followed; Gordy knew I would say something nasty and Trent-well Trent was just following Gordy. I stood and put a single finger on his chest and looked up to see his face. His eyes never left Tayrn’s as if she had done something wrong to ask me to do something.

I was just wondering, are you even a man at all? Or is Tayrn just a cover up so you can jerk off with men all the time and leave her wondering what the fuck is wrong with her? He sucked in a breath and I could see his naturally tanned face getting red; I all but laughed. So goodie two shoes was pissed-good; it’s about time that boy showed some semblance of human emotion.

That’s none of your business, he stated, anger seeping through his calm façade for once. He pushed my finger away with his large hand and glared at me instead of looking at Tayrn. He might have been scary if I hadn’t known him, but it was Daniel and he would never hit a girl. Stupid sexist pig that he was, he thought I was helpless; not knowing what had occurred this summer and why I had gotten a personal trainer.

Actually it is, considering she’s my best friend and you’re making her feel like shit. So, yes, it is my business and don’t be pissed at her. This wasn’t her idea; it was mine. I wanted to get my point across-you keep hurting her and I’m going to castrate you with a rusty spork, motherfucker. Understood? He removed his gaze from me and turned to Tayrn, as if they were having a telepathic conversation or something. He turned back to me and walked forward, getting closer, as if he were rearing up for a fight.

Gordy grabbed his arm and restrained him from doing something stupid, eyeing me and I glared at him as well. Gordy knew me too well, knew I was looking for a fight, and knew how much I was hurting from what had happened between us.

I had never seen Daniel’s emotions get the best of him, and it was nice to finally see some human emotion outta the boy. I knew Gordy would never let him hurt me. We were . . . well I don’t know exactly. No one hurt the other without paying for it. I laughed and glared back at him, eyes narrowing, body tensing, ready for a fight; I was dying to hit someone, something, hell anything at this point.

You don’t scare me. You never have, nor will you ever. So be a man and stop making her feel like shit or you won’t have the equipment to be a ‘good Christian boy’ and have kids. I growled, raising myself onto my toes so I could get almost eye to eye with him. I let the flames of anger show in my eyes which caused his resolve to falter a bit; he saw what I had hidden for the past weeks, the pain, and the utter rage that lurked within me.

Come on guys, Trent cautioned, pulling Daniel back as Gordy looked me in the eyes. I could’ve sworn he was making me say what I said next.

Look, Daniel, I have no problem with you; I may not understand the whole church stuff, but it’s not like you’re an asshole or anything. You’re a really nice guy, but for god’s sake! You’re depriving the poor girl! Just do something, anything before you lose her entirely because you’re too much of a coward! Tayrn sat speechless. I was being over protective of my friends, again. Finally Delia threw her iPOD in a seat and stood up, tired of our childish fighting already.

Stupid, level-headed walking billboard, I grumbled to myself, knowing Delia had heard me and chose to ignore it, using her usual logic to keep us from fighting even more.

She’s right, Daniel. With that she went and grabbed a Dr. Pepper from the fridge and cranked it open. So there was a tiny fridge next to all of our beds? Good to know. Fizz shot out everywhere and the intoxicating smell filled the room and my stomach roared with hunger; I ignored it, not wanting to eat. Food had held little appeal since . . . that night.

Cara’s just a little smidge bitchy and you should know that by now. She’s only trying to help Tayrn. I knew what she wasn’t saying; I was trying to prevent Tayrn from going through what I had. I looked to Daniel and he smiled, turning his eyes back to Tayrn. By now she was blushing like crazy, obviously embarrassed. I grinned a wicked grin and knew she knew what I meant.

Just remember, buddy boy, she’s still my ho, right Tayrn? She blushed, knowing I was joking, and nodded, knowing she wouldn’t win that old joking argument. Daniel rolled his eyes and took her hand.

Toss me one, Delia! I shouted with sudden enthusiasm. While drinking she opened the fridge and threw the can of soda over her head like a basketball. I caught the cold can and cranked it open, feeling the cold liquid down my throat, finally realizing how thirsty I actually was.

Now that that’s over; what are we gonna do for ten hours? Trent asked, obviously bored as hell and already sick of our fighting. His eyes were already searching the plane, looking for a prank to pull.

Dunno, what’dya wanna do? Daniel questioned everyone. I grinned slyly and