Jezebel Loves Candy

By Melissa Noël

When four average teenagersKris, Charity, Duncan, and Ianare invited out on a Friday night in June, they think its just another stupid party. The new girl, the punk, the snob, and the nice guy dont expect anything particularly exciting to happen, so they are surprised when they find themselves, over the course of three days, unceremoniously brought together by both chance and an unerring kick to the family jewels.

As the weekend passes in a whirlwind of crazy, the four of them must navigate around a girl who has seen way too many bad villain movies, spying siblings, sickening merry-go-rounds, overprotective parents, July First, suspicious private investigators, and a potentially homicidal five-year-old kid.

But each of four is more than a single label, and perhapsjust perhapsthey will find out along the way that they have more in common than they thought.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Nov 19, 2014
• ISBN: 9781491751947

Melissa Noël

Melissa Noël currently lives in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, with her two friends and is attending the University of Lethbridge to complete her education.

Book preview

June 27th, 2014

Friday

Chapter One

Kris

Kris yawned loudly, covering her mouth the best she could despite the food in her arms. She’d only meant to get milk for her mom, but the weekend sales had enticed her with stuff that she didn’t necessarily need but her stomach had demanded. Soon she ended up with half of the bakery sweets towering precariously against her chest.

She didn’t mean to spend so much time at the store, but it was part of a chain that Kris was familiar with, and being somewhere new and distinctly unfamiliar was stressful. She’d texted Odessa the entire drive down from Calgary, and even then the knot in her stomach hadn’t settled down. That had been days ago. She could barely remember the layout of her new house, and she’d tried walking down the street just yesterday before remembering that she didn’t know any of her neighbours. She’d caught an angry-looking guy her age glaring at her when she was staring blankly at the sidewalk, trying to remember her new address.

But living just a few blocks away from the centre of livelihood—fast food places, a bakery, even a small movie theatre—was going to be one of the top perks of moving to this new town. Her parents, Sapphire and Samuel, had both been blessed with a fresh start in their careers, and that meant uprooting the family once again. They had been doing so well in the last place they’d lived in; Kris was able to attend the same school for three whole years.

She hoped that this time it would be a permanent settlement.

Hey, neighbour.

Kris turned, the voice breaking her out of her thoughts. She was greeted by the sight of a tall black guy around her age smiling warmly, leaning against the milk cooler’s glass door. He wore a blue tank top that was stretched taut across his broad shoulders and muscular chest. Kris blinked, frowning, trying to remember his name; she’d been half-asleep when she arrived in Foxglove and was introduced to her next-door neighbours. Was it Chet? Chevron?

Hey, you, she said shyly, turning away and trying to locate a basket. Seeing none within easy reach and giving it up for lost, she turned back to him. Umm, can you help me for a second?

Sure, said Chet-Chevron-Neighbour-Guy. He quickly grabbed a basket from the towering pile at the end of the cooler row and helped her load her goods into it. Once that had been done, he shot her another grin. So, how are you finding everything so far?

Kris shrugged. In the store right now or in general?

In general, he amended. I was talking to your mom earlier and she said you’d be here.

Did you need me for something? Kris asked, frowning. Uh, sorry, but I forgot your name.

It’s Cheyenne, he answered, clearly unoffended by her lack of memory. He held out his hand, gesturing to the basket. Kris handed it to him and the two of them walked down the aisle towards the cash registers. So I know you’re new in town, and the timing is a happy coincidence for you.

Coincidence for what? Kris said, wondering what Cheyenne was going on about. The two of them began to load up her groceries onto the conveyor belt before they were scanned in by a sour-looking employee.

Cheyenne laughed, sounding a bit embarrassed by whatever he was planning to say. Okay, no beating around the bush for this. You’re new here and my buddy, Cairo Young, is throwing a party tonight to celebrate the end of his exams. It’s a free-for-all, so anyone’s invited and you can drink as long as you bring your own alcohol. He gave Kris a meaningful glance. It’d be a great way to meet some new people, if you’re interested.

Oh crap, a party. Generally Kris stayed away from such shenanigans, especially when alcohol was involved. Odessa had tried (and failed) many times to get Kris involved with the social aspects of high school, but Kris had a good reason for not going. For one, they got crowded uncomfortably fast, and with everyone drinking like thirsty men during a drought, it always led to bad decisions and regret and the police showing up to arrest everyone.

Cash or debit? the cashier asked, looking surly. Kris hastily pulled out her card to pay for her things.

I don’t know, Kris said hesitantly. I won’t be much fun to hang around, since I don’t drink.

Not everyone will be drinking, Cheyenne said. I’ll be one of the rare few that’ll be preserving their dignity.

Really? Kris asked, taking her receipt. Cheyenne nodded encouragingly as he grabbed the bags of groceries, not even giving her a chance to help.

Definitely, Cheyenne reassured her. I’m one of the designated drivers for anyone that needs a ride home.

So if I came, I could get a ride with you?

Of course!

Kris bit the inside of her cheek. How about I think about it? I don’t want to be one of those people that end up dead in a ditch or anything.

Cheyenne smiled. Yeah, no problem. Just swing by my house by eight.

The sun was shining intensely by the time they’d stepped outside. Kris pulled her baseball cap low on her head to deflect some of the brightness. I’ll take those, thanks, she said, retrieving her bags from Cheyenne.

So I’ll see you later? he asked. Sorry, I have to go grab supplies for Cairo. He nodded at the liquor store just across the parking lot. I promised the poor kid that I’d bootleg for him.

Yeah, no problem, Kris said. Cheyenne gave her one last smile before walking off.

She was, thankfully, able to find her way back to her house without getting lost. Along the way, her brain offered the pros and cons of going to this party. It could be fun; she was old enough to enjoy it if she put her mind to it. But on the other hand, there would be swarms of drunk people and everything else that was nerve-wracking about such an event.

Who knows, Kris might meet someone that she’d like.

Chapter Two

Charity

She was all dressed up and had nowhere to go.

Charity Banner sighed; she batted her eyelashes after the last bit of mascara had been expertly applied. Her lashes were already long and full before it, a trait that she’d inherited from her mother. She swiftly changed tactics, now choosing her favourite shade of lipstick from the neat row in her bathroom’s vanity. A strand of her strawberry blonde hair bounced past her shoulder as she leaned in closer to the mirror. She applied a dark smear of lipstick to her bottom lip and mirrored the gesture for her upper one. She straightened herself, pressing her lips together before pouting at her reflection. She did a half-twirl for the finishing touch.

Her mother was still at work, no doubt cutting up the cadaver of some unfortunate fool who died from some boring disease. She wondered if Theodora ever had to examine a body that was already missing a head or its genitals. A piece of news like that would no doubt liven up their quaint little town. Anything could be lively at this point.

Being bored is better than being fucked up, she reminded herself.

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Charity was bored again. It had only been ten minutes and she found herself lying on her bed, her dress bunched up around her hips. She stared up at her ceiling, her vision blurred and unfocused as she tried to think of something to do. This had been happening too frequently; boredom mixed with the strange relief of having nothing to do at all. She rubbed her hands up and down her legs absentmindedly, wondering what she would be doing at this very moment if she’d stayed with them.

Her iPhone buzzed next to her, and Charity almost considered pushing it against her thigh just for the feel of the vibrations before she finally gave in and looked at the caller ID.

Jesus Christ, it was her.

No, she didn’t want to deal with this. And why now after all of this time? It’d been three months; that obviously hadn’t been long enough to get away.

Lin, Charity greeted sweetly, pressing the phone against her ear.

Hey Chair, said the voice on the other end. It was enticing, dripping with sweet temptation. Charity ignored it, opting to focus on whatever the fuck Lin wanted. I was afraid that you wouldn’t pick up.

Charity rolled her eyes, glad that Lin wasn’t there to see it. She would surely tut at Charity before giving her one of her devilish smiles.

I picked up, so what do you want?

Jesus, can’t I just enjoy the sound of your voice first? Lin asked in her sweet-syrupy tone that now drove Charity up the wall. About a year ago it would have elicited a much different response from her. "I haven’t heard from you in so long; it feels like it’s been years. It’s nice to listen to your bitchy voice. It makes a girl feel all naughty and gooey on the inside."

Lin was starting it up again, and Charity didn’t want to hear it. I’m hanging up now.

Hey now, aren’t you the least bit curious as to why I called? Charity’s thumb hovered over the End button, hesitating. She could give Lin the satisfaction of ceding to her demands now or sit around all night wondering why the bitch was bothering to contact her in the first place. Three months, though. Fuck her.

Against her better judgment, Charity decided to go with the former. Maybe a little, she replied reluctantly.

Good girl, that’s what I like to hear, crooned Lin. Charity could envision her twirling her fingers through her dark curls, smirking on how weak Charity was against her temptations.

Charity squeezed the hand not holding her phone into a fist, pressing her nails into the fleshy palm. The pain kept her focused on the conversation at hand and not on other dangerous thoughts.

Tell me what’s going on, she said. Hurry up before I hang up on you.

You’ve already threatened that and yet here you are, still hanging on to every word I say, Lin sneered. She chuckled softly. Alright, alright, I’ll stop being such a tease, sweetheart. There’s a party tonight and I want you to come.

Not in front of a crowd, Charity replied dryly. What party? Where was it at? Who was hosting? Lin did realize that there could be dozens of parties happening across town tonight, right? Summer had just begun, so nearly everyone would be taking advantage of that fact to get drunk and high.

Lin laughed. Are you sure? It would be entertaining if you did.

Charity’s cheeks burned. Lin would certainly enjoy that.

I’m fucking with you, Chair. Jesus, can’t you take a joke? Lin sighed dramatically. "Anyway, have you ever heard of some kid named Cairo Young? Oh course you haven’t, he doesn’t go to your school. He never went to mine either, but he’s a friend of a friend. He’s cute, plus he’s Chinese or something so that adds some points to the Exotic Hotness Scale.

"Anyway, our mutual friend, Cheyenne Benson, just graduated so Cairo’s throwing him a ‘have fun throwing your life away in college’ party—his words, not mine. He’s super-hot and I’ve been trying to get into his pants even before we were a thing, so don’t get jealous. Everyone’s going to be there, so that includes you, sweetie. Cairo is a wild drunk, so there may be something in for it for you too."

Lin kept blathering on and on about this stupid party hosted by some guy that Charity had no intention on meeting. The little stab about bagging this Cheyenne twisted at something ugly in her chest, but she pushed it aside. If she didn’t get in a word edgewise then Lin would think that she’d won.

Not interested, Charity said briskly. She wasn’t interested in boys, unlike Lin. But it wouldn’t be Lin if she bothered to remember that. Courtesy was for other people.

Aww, come on, don’t be like that! Lin’s tone was light and flirty, but underneath it a sliver of menace was emerging. Charity was used to that tone when she shouldn’t be. It was one that spelt trouble, mostly for her if Lin didn’t get her way. It’s going to be fun! It’s the type of party that you’re used to, thanks to me, and it’s been so long since I’ve seen you in person.

For a good reason, Charity thought bitterly. I don’t want to go, she said. She was sure that she wasn’t lying, but Lin must’ve heard hesitation in her voice.

"Yes you do, Lin replied coolly. You’ll be there and it’ll be a great night for all of us. It’s not like you had any plans this evening, right?"

Well, shit.

I’ll think about it, Charity said. "But prepare to be disappointed. I’m not your little bitch anymore, Linnea."

Sure you are, Lin giggled. I’ll text you the address. Don’t be late!

The call clicked off, and Charity dropped her phone in her lap. Her face was flushed and her heart was racing. Seconds later and her phone vibrated, signalling a text. If she ignored it, maybe it and the entire conversation preceding it would go away.

Charity sighed and picked up her phone.

She wished that she was still bored.

Chapter Three

Kris

Her parents had actually agreed to let her go to the party, even when Kris told them that there would be drinking. Sapphire hadn’t even been phased by the prospect of minors engaging in such reckless activities.

I could help unpack the house tonight… Kris began, but her mom had brushed it off. Go and have fun, be a teenager! Sapphire said. We trust you to resist temptation. She gave her daughter a little wink.

Err, great? She told her parents that she’d been invited to a party and they were letting her go? Weren’t parents supposed to object to these things? Kris had been betting on that happening.

Every teen movie imaginable had lied to her!

But maybe it was a karma thing? If she had desperately wanted to go Sapphire and Samuel would’ve stopped her and then her inner rebel that she never knew existed would hatch some plan to escape the confines of her bedroom and get to that party. Consequences would ensue, blah, blah, blah. But since Kris wasn’t so gung-ho about attending the party, her parents could somehow sense it and thus were giving her their blessing? The world made no sense sometimes.

What about Diamond? Kris argued meekly. Don’t you need someone to entertain her while you guys move stuff around? She’ll get in the way or fall down the stairs and crack her head open!

No I won’t! her sister protested. I’m not dumb!

Kris sighed, running her fingers through her hair. It was shoulder-length, just long enough to put it back in a ponytail if she wanted to. She should do that and then put on her baseball cap to hide her face.

Diamond will be fine, Sapphire insisted. Go out and enjoy yourself. It’ll be fun!

Well, okay then.

If you’re sure… Kris said in defeat, sighing dramatically. Sapphire gave her a nod of joyous approval. Great, not even her own mother would give her a way out? She was a traitor to her own blood.

No, that was harsh-sounding, even in her head. An instigator of random and unusual events that Kris would likely have absolutely no control over? That sounded more likely.

She went next door, rang the doorbell, and was greeted by Mrs. Benson, a woman with beautiful dark skin and hair that was shaved close to her scalp.

Is Cheyenne home? Kris asked.

Mrs. Benson nodded and called her son down, who smiled when he saw Kris.

What time are we going again? she asked.

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They pulled up to a large brown house with a neat green lawn in the front that was just brushing the edge of town. It was just past eight and there were dozens of people spilling out of the house and into the back yard. One of them drunkenly shouted at Cheyenne, who responded with a grin and a small wave. He stayed close to Kris’s side, though, and she felt grateful that she knew at least one person at this party.

Kris noticed a small crowd off in the corner, all laughing at something that one of the girls was saying. Who are they?

Chloe Jacobs and her posse, Cheyenne replied evenly. She graduated with me this month. I don’t think Cairo even invited her, but here she is.

You don’t like her? There was something in Cheyenne’s tone that made her feel cautious about the girl.

No, it’s not that, he said carefully. I like her well enough. She’s just kind of complicated, that’s all. It’s hard to tell what she’s up to most of the time. Hey, Cairo!

Cheyenne raise the hand gripping the six-pack, which acted as a magnet. A Korean guy Kris’s age raced over, a comical grin plastered on his face. He wore a plain white t-shirt and loose khaki shorts that hovered just below his knees. His flip-flops slapped loudly against his heels as he ran towards the duo, his wild black hair swaying in the air.

You’re late, asshole! he said cheerfully. He tried to snatch the six-pack out of Cheyenne’s hands but, being shorter by at least half a foot, ended up jumping in the air, his limbs flailing in an exaggerated manner.

You’ll get your beer, Cheyenne laughed. He nodded at Kris. This is my new neighbour, Kris.

Sobong. Kris Sobong, she said nervously. The joke seemed to pass and she felt relieved at Cairo’s accepting grin. Kris grinned back, feeling a bit more confident.

Finally, we got some more Asian blood around here, he said. There are too many white people in this town.

Hey! someone shouted from across the back yard.

Shut up, you! Cairo shouted back. You know it’s true, so stop acting so butt-hurt about it! He rolled his eyes, but he was still smiling in that carefree manner. Anyway, I’ve been sober long enough, so gimme! He made grabby hands at Cheyenne, who finally surrendered the coveted prize.

That’s supposed to last you the entire night! Cheyenne called to Cairo’s retreating back.

I won’t make any promises!

Cheyenne shook his head, a fond look in his eyes. How will he survive without me?

So, you’re uh, leaving town for college then? Kris ventured.

Sure am, Cheyenne said. I’m going to the University of Waterloo to do software engineering in the fall.

Whoa, nice. Kris was impressed. Clearly he had big plans for his future.

‘Whoa’ is right, smiled Cheyenne. Mom still can’t believe I’m heading out that far. She’s going to get a bad case of empty nest syndrome.

I can see why, Kris replied, smiling. That’s all the way out in Ontario, right?

Sure is. My buddy Ephraim wants to join a similar program, but he isn’t sure about it yet.

Ephraim?

Cheyenne nodded. Yeah, Ephraim Delarosa. He’ll be with you and Cairo for your final year of high school. Great kid, but he’s not one for these noisy crowds. I think he wants to do video game design, so he might be heading off to the States next summer.

Kris had a feeling that, whenever she met this Ephraim Delarosa, they would be getting along.

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Kris didn’t think that it was possible for even more people to arrive at the party, and yet more cars kept pulling up down the street and parking on the curb. Sometimes it was just the driver coming out, but Kris had spotted a van maxed to capacity spilling out onto the street and heading toward Cairo’s house.

There was music playing loudly in the back yard (it all came from a playlist that Cairo had called Cairo’s Secret Harem Mix 2014, which made her wonder if he had a Harem Mix for every previous year) but Kris could barely hear it now that there was close to eighty people shouting and drinking around her. Cairo had chatted excitedly at her while she nodded vaguely along, wondering if the alcohol was influencing his enthusiastic ramblings. She had left Cheyenne’s company some time ago, saying that she wanted to have a walk around the house. If she needed help she had his number on her cell.

She checked the time: it was quarter past nine. She’d been there barely an hour and already she was bored, not to mention uncomfortable by the frenzied atmosphere caused by her new peers. Just minutes earlier a woman far too old to be at a teen party shrieked wildly as she ran past, missing her top and sporting a black bra. Kris suddenly felt overdressed and formal in her green baseball cap, jeans, and tank top.

She headed inside to have a look around. There were fewer people in the house, but it was still crowded. People were mingling in the kitchen, drinking from their red Solo cups and laughing sluggishly at some joke. Kris decided to explore, and headed upstairs. All of the doors were closed and when she opened one she was attacked by the surprised shrieks of a naked couple on the bed.

Oh shit! Kris said as she promptly slammed the door. She was going to need copious amounts of brain bleach to get rid of that horrifying image.

The next door she opened carefully, peeking in through the crack to check for any strangers groping each other. She sighed in relief when she found the room to be empty of people.

Kris walked in and looked around. Posters from obscure indie films were plastered on the walls, sometimes overlapping each other near the corners. The desk in the far corner was cluttered with books, crumpled pieces of paper and second-hand camera equipment. The bed was unmade, with most of the bed sheets spilling onto the floor, as if the occupant had jumped right out of bed that morning. Laundry covered the ground and the only clear path was from the door to the desk. Kris took a few careful steps in, twisting her head around to analyze all of the posters’ details.

She guessed that this was Cairo’s room; the state of the room matched up well with his personality.

I haven’t seen you around here before. The voice came from the doorway. Kris turned around. A guy approached her, naturally tanned and sporting short, sun-bleached hair that looked a little too crisp. He was taller than Kris by several inches, and he was holding one of those Solo cups in his hand. He held it out towards her, but shook her head.

Sorry, but I’m the designated driver tonight, she lied.

Well that sucks, the guy said. He shrugged. I don’t see the point of being here surrounded by lunatics if you can’t join in. He took a small sip of his drink, watching Kris carefully. She averted her eyes, suddenly finding the carpet to be more interesting instead. It was brown and slightly aged, but far more appealing than the guy talking to her.

So you’re here with someone, the guy stated, not really asking.

Yes, Kris said.

Me too, he said. He whistled loudly. Well, most of them are here; we’re still waiting for our leading lady to show up.

Good for you, said Kris. She turned around and walked away from crispy-haired guy. She got as far as the doorway before something slammed her into it. The guy grabbed a fistful of her tank top and twisted her around, pinning her against it. Kris shouted in alarm, hoping to grab someone’s attention. Unfortunately, there was no one in the