Waiting: The Burning Trilogy

By Missy Reynolds

Two peculiar teens alter lives when the unseen world is seen. While Bastion works at a summer camp with flirtatious Kaylynn, Margo struggles with her lack of dreams, visitations, and her boyfriends need for more. When their youth group plans a missions trip to Haiti, the couple jumps at the chance to leave all their problems behind. When the pair comes up missing from the airport, a manhunt ensues, leading detectives and distraught parents deep into the mountains of Tennessee. As past secrets threaten to destroy their relationship, Bastion and Margo must work together to survive old and new threats. Will their relationship past the test of betrayal? Will retribution cause them to question everything they thought to be true? Will Bastion and Margo survive the house of weeds? Find out in the second book of the Burning Trilogy, Waiting.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press
• Release date: Sep 1, 2015
• ISBN: 9781504335799

Missy Reynolds

Missy lives in Pennsylvania with her family and pets. She is the author of Dreams and is a self-proclaimed book nerd. She loves to read and write. She has many interests and divides her time between them all, but her true passion is to get lost in between the pages of a good book.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

PLANS

Margo bakes by the public pool, soaking in the rays of the late afternoon sun, allowing her skin to toast and turn brown. She listens to the children shout and splash. As her mom reads, the adults in the surrounding lounge chairs chatter about local gossip. She tunes out the summer fun, letting her thoughts drift to Kyle under the cover of her tiger print sunglasses.

Over the last few months, Margo has come accustomed to calling Bastion, Ky. Making her feel special, as she and his mother are the only two who know his real name. The rest of the world knows him as Bastion, his fake persona. She is privileged to know the real him, making her relationship with him seem extraordinary.

She wishes he could be at the pool with her enjoying the last remnants of summer, but he works at a local summer camp as an aid for troubled children Monday thru Friday. Thankfully, tomorrow is Saturday, making her smile brightly. They made plans to join their youth group, Kingdom Kids, to the movies. She’s looking forward to doing some normal things together after a very long grounding due to their tardy return from the Spring Fling.

Kerry tried to convince Kyle to no longer date Margo after their late night, but he refused and in the end, after much debate, Kerry allowed him to date her under some restrictions. One being they have to go on group dates and the other is a very strict curfew.

It has been a few months since the incident as Kyle has come to refer to it as. They were on edge the following weeks after the battle in the Pines, but since relaxed a bit after no signs of Max have been had. Margo still catches Kyle acting jittery sometimes, scanning parking lots and checking his car back seat before getting in. She hopes one day soon he can be at total peace and live his life without always worrying about the monsters under the bed.

Margo, it’s three o’clock. We’re gonna leave soon, Daddy is gonna be home in about thirty minutes. I got to get dinner on for him, Lisa says smacking the arm of her daydreamer crisping in a black one-piece bathing suit.

Okay Mom, I’ll start to clean up. What are you making tonight? Margo asks eagerly as her mom looks at her over the brim of her sunglasses.

I’m thinking hamburgers on the grill and corn on the cob. Sound good to you? She asks now folding her beach towel.

Sounds great, but you know what will make it even better? Margo pauses trying to ease into her next statement. Is, if you invite our neighbors over for dinner! she says trying to convince her mother with begging hands.

Lisa continues to pack their pool bag as she considers Margo’s suggestion. She mulls over it a few moments hating to be in Kerry’s company, but seeing the joy Bastion brings to Margo’s life, seems to outweigh her temporary inconvenience.

Alright, you can invite them over, but you and Bastion are doing the dinner dishes, okay? Lisa smiles throwing the sun screen at her bouncing teen.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! We will Mom; we’ll clean up and do all the dishes! Margo says jumping for joy!

Lisa rolls her eyes and swings the pool bag over her shoulder. They walk to the jeep and surprisingly Lisa walks to the passenger side and opens the door to get in. This shocks Margo, stopping her in mid-stride. Her mom nods to the driver’s seat.

As Margo opens the door to the jeep, she announces, This must be my lucky day, a barbecue with my boyfriend and I get to drive home! She shuts the door behind her and looks at her mother. Mom, have I told you lately how much I love you? Margo asks behind the wheel while taking the keys from Lisa with an ear-to-ear grin.

Just remember how much you love me when you’re cleaning the grill! Lisa laughs.

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Bastion helps his co-worker, Kaylynn, clean up the paint and papers left over from the afternoon. The kids made macaroni necklaces earlier and since have gone to the playground.

The clubhouse as the kids refer to it as, above the main teaching rooms, is small but homey. Bright rugs cover the wooden floors and the paneled walls are a soft blue. The room is full of the children’s works of art and paper flowers of every color hang from the ceiling giving the room a cheery mood.

What are you doing this weekend B, anything fun? she asks, throwing a paintbrush at him, smirking with malice in her indigo eyes.

Yup, actually I am. My girl and I are going with some friends to the movies tomorrow. What about you, you have any plans for the weekend? he asks throwing it back at her playfully.

She bends down to pick the paintbrush up then shrugging says, Nah, just another boring weekend for me. What movie are you guys going to see?

Oh some comedy everyone’s talking about. You know K, we’re going with a group of kids from church, you’re more than welcome to join us if you’d like, he suggests throwing away crumpled papers and flashing a look of interest.

I don’t know, church kids? she says twirling a lock of midnight hair around her pointer finger considering his offer. I don’t think we’ll mesh well ya know. Besides, I don’t want to intrude on you and Margo.

Nonsense K, you won’t intrude and they’re a great bunch of kids; you’d like ‘em. My best buddy Mike is single you know, maybe I can introduce you two! he hints, flashing his pearly whites at her.

Kaylynn smiles back and shakes her head unsure. She collects the jars of paint from the tables as Bastions wipes them down behind her. They work in silence a few moments until he asks again. So…. what do ya say, wanna come?

Are you sure I won’t be intruding? she asks concerned, batting her thick, dark lashes at him.

No way, he says waving a hand at her. We’re going around three, do you need a ride?

I’m not sure yet, I’ll have to get back to you. Gotta ask the parental units first. Can I get your digits and I’ll text you later? she takes a pen from a cup on the desk next to the paint cabinet and hands it to him.

He takes the pen from her and asks, You got a piece of paper I can write my number on?

She shakes her head and holds out her hand. Just write it here, that way I won’t lose it.

Bastion shrugs his shoulders, takes her hand in his and begins to write his number on the inside of her palm. Kaylynn watches him, studying his every move. He can feel her frosty blue eyes moving all over him making him feel uncomfortable.

He finishes writing the number and hands back the pen with a smile. She grins at him funny, only turning up one side of her mouth. He walks away to grab his knapsack from the floor feeling strange. Opening the door to the clubhouse, Kaylynn hollers after him, I’ll text you later B!

Bastion waves back at her then steps through the door out into the bright afternoon sun.

He walks past the parents lined up on the sidewalk outside to pick up their children. He sees his mother waiting for him in the parking lot. He trots past the talking parents and gets into his mother’s Prius.

How was your day? she asks flatly, turning the car onto the highway.

Okay I guess, busy as normal, but good. What did you do today Momma, anything exciting? he asks pulling a bottle of water out of his bag and taking a sip.

You know me; I’m nothing but thrills working at Pathmark, she exaggerates.

I know Momma, it’s not the best situation, but we’re getting by. It’ll get better, there are worse things than working at the grocer, you’ll see, he says trying to reassure her.

They teach that positivity crap at that there church you’re going to with that girl? she asks sarcastically.

Bastion sighs loudly and avoids the question; he does not want to start another argument. What are we gonna have for supper tonight Momma, anything good? still trying to sound upbeat.

Tension fills the tiny cab of the Prius, as Kerry does not answer Bastion. They drive the rest of the way home in silence.

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As Kerry pulls into their driveway, Bastion sees Margo sitting on her front porch. Her hair glistening and her skin darkened by the sun, she waits for him. A sigh escapes Kerry and Bastion ignores that one too.

Margo walks over to the Prius with a bright smile and a summer glow as Kerry and Bastion exit the car. He smiles at her and she waves to him.

Hi Mrs. Zingermen! she yells to Kerry as she climbs the porch steps to her home then enters without saying a word. She’s still mad at me huh? Margo asks with hurt eyes, disappointed with Kerry’s reaction.

Bastion wraps his arms around her waist, pulling her to him and buries his head in her neck. She smells like summer and chlorine. They embrace for a few moments, but not too long, parents might be watching.

Don’t let her get to you Mar, she’ll come around; just give her some time. Changing the subject quickly he asks, What did you do today cutie?

Margo smiles while blushing. Not much, I went to the pool with mom and got my tan on! Now she quickly changes the subject. I have good news; we’re inviting you and your mother over for a barbecue later!

You are; are you? he laughs at her girlish excitement.

Do you think she’ll come, we’re having burgers and corn on the cob?

Well that sounds yummy! And I’m sure she’ll come. Should we bring something? he asks excited to spend some time with her.

Just yourselves, but I was wondering, do you think me or my mom should invite her? Do you think it will help? I mean, she can’t hate us forever, right? Margo pleads with her eyes as she narrows them.

Kyle can see the pain his mother’s arrogance is causing and it makes him mad. He runs his fingers through her hair pushing a stray lock from her big, brown eyes. Yes, she’ll come around someday soon I hope. In the meantime, you just let me deal with her. Changing the subject again he interjects, I’m looking forward to tomorrow; just you and me, holding hands, eatin’ popcorn…In the dark! He winks at her as he tucks his thumbs in her belt loops on her blue jean cut offs.

She scrunches her nose at him mocking his drawn out tone. Yeah right, just me and you and about ten others!

It’s good we have company, it helps me be accountable you know. If it wasn’t for Pastor Jimmy and his teachings, I don’t think I would be able to resist your feminine charms! he says teasing, with a poke to her side.

Oh really! she says punching his shoulder lightly, to which he pretends to fall over from. He recovers smiling and touches her cheek with the back of his hand.

I’m serious Mar, this church stuff is new to me and my last experience wasn’t that great. I’m really trying here. I respect you and your beliefs about purity and all, and after the incident, I’m trying to make them my beliefs too! I love you Mar, but sometimes it’s hard.

I know it is! This is all new to me too, remember? she smiles at him trying to catch his eyes, so he can see she means it. I cannot deny God, Ky. I saw what He did for us! So, she pauses looking deeper into his sparkling blues trying to reach his heart. For me, it has to be this way. True love waits! She examines his face trying to read him. She knows he gets it, but worries that God still might not be as real to him as He is too her. She has moments where she struggles with belief, so she assumes he does too.

Seeing that this is going nowhere she says, Listen, I have to go help my mom with dinner. She kisses his cheek and shouts back as she starts to walk away, I’ll see you later, my place, five o’clock sharp and don’t be late!

He watches as she walks away from him. Her brown hair bouncing as she strolls. It has grown longer and has lightened from the summer sun. She looks a little taller too. Maybe it’s the jean shorts, but her legs look longer. She’s lean and confident; beautiful! She looks older to him since the incident, as if it matured her somehow. He can’t put his finger on it, but she’s just different.

She climbs the steps of her front porch and waves to him as he leans on his mother’s car. He waves back wishing he could join her in her happy home instead of having to face his bitter mother.

Sighing he walks to his porch hoping his parental unit is in a better mood.

CHAPTER TWO

BARBECUE

Margo sets the picnic table with a red and white checkered tablecloth and uses clothespins to pinch the corners to keep it from blowing away. She grabs the paper plates, plastic cutlery and happily sets two extra places. Lisa brings out the lemonade and watermelon slices from the kitchen while Ben flips the burgers on the grill.

Margo glances at Bastion’s house again becoming nervous that they have not made their way over yet. She exhales to relive some of the tension from her muscles. She folds napkins in triangles to pass the time, trying to keep her mind busy.

Are you sure they’re coming, these burgers are ready to come off? Ben yells over the grill lid as smoke billows in front of his face making him squint.

Bastion said they were. I’m sure they’ll be here soon Daddy! Margo yells back with tension in her voice.

Lisa walks over to her daughter who wears a frown. She straddles the picnic bench next to her. How are things going with Bastion and his mother? Is she a little better with you?

No! I wish she were though. It makes it hard on us, you know. I don’t know what I did to make her hate me so much? Margo spews almost in tears.

I don’t think she hates you, Mar; I think she’s afraid of you. Lisa says rubbing her back trying to comfort her.

Margo shoots her a confused look. What do you mean, ‘afraid of me?’

Well, think about it, she’s all alone. Bastion is all she has. You come in the picture and draw all his attention away and that reminds her that one day he will want to leave to start a family of his own. That’s pretty scary to face all by yourself! Do you understand?

Margo bobs her head, understanding. She never thought to see things from Kerry’s perspective.

Lisa continues, And I might add, the night you two didn’t return home to almost four in the morning did not help things at all! You have to understand Mar; people who have experienced trauma and loss become acutely aware of how fragile life is. Your father and I were terrified that night; I cannot imagine how frightening that must have been for Kerry. The night her husband died was just like that. He left home one evening and never came back. You have to give her some time, and believe me when I say; I’m talking to myself too! Just between you and me, she leans closer to Margo and whispers. She is so annoying! Nevertheless, it helps me when I think of what she must be going through. I don’t know what I would do if I ever lost your father.

Margo wraps her arms around her mother’s neck, squeezes and whispers, Thank you Mom, I needed to hear that. You’re the best.

Lisa pulls away smiling, glad she helped. Any time sweety! That’s what moms are for! You can always come to me about anything and I’ll try to help you in any way I can.

Smiling, Margo feels a little better about her situation and decides to cut Kerry a break. She continues to fold napkins as Lisa sets out to the kitchen to fetch the condiments.

Margo, often feeling guilty about continuing to withhold the truth about the night in the Pines, wonders if she should divulge the truth to her mother. With the threat of Max gone; she doesn’t understand what their still hiding. She doesn’t think Kerry would move them away if Max is no longer an issue, but Bastion insists that it remain a secret.

Sometimes she’s sure Bastion knows something, but isn’t telling her, making it hard to trust him. She feels like she really can’t move forward in her faith or her relationship with Bastion. This huge, looming lie follows them around seeping into every part of their lives. How can they be liberated from their past if it’s chained to their ankles like a big ball and chain? She hopes one day soon they can come clean and truly be free of it.

Margo hears the squeal of Bastion’s back door open and butterflies dance in her belly with relief.

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He crouches by the neighbor’s shed, his favorite spot to watch them. Here, trees and a wooden picket fence cover him. He watches the families through the slots enjoying a picnic in the girl’s backyard. He has been watching them since he got back from Tennessee, waiting for the right time to make his move.

He inches a little closer as he sees the love birds go off by themselves deeper into the backyard, closer to him. The boy leans up against the girl’s house as she speaks franticly. He listens closely.

What do you mean you invited her? she snaps, throwing her hands in the air waiting for a reply impatiently.

What’s the big deal Mar, she’s just a friend from work? Kaylynn is a nice girl; you’ll like her. Besides, I want to introduce her to Mike. I think he’ll be good for her! Bastion says while shoving his hands in his pockets looking away.

Margo narrows her eyes as he looks away. So now you’re interested in ‘what’s good for her?’ she says sarcastically with air quotes frustrated that they are having this conversation. She looks at him sternly as he sighs.

Aggravated, he snaps back, Margo, give it a rest, okay! She is just a friend. This jealousy thing doesn’t suit you. You’re my girl, nothing will change that!

Shocked that he raised his voice at her, she folds her arms across her chest creating a barrier between him and her. She paces not knowing what to do with her anger sparked by the recent change in him. He has not been the same since the incident. He’s been secretive and impatient with her. She knows he cares for her, but sometimes he feels distant and very distracted.

Bastion reaches for her and she pulls away. He holds his hands up and throws them down at his sides exasperated. Margo, I’m fixing to walk away if we can’t talk about this. I mean, if you don’t know that I’m crazy about you than I don’t know what we’re doing? Defeated he stares at his shoes.

Margo stops pacing and walks over to him. She stands there for a moment, until he looks up at her. Staring into those stormy pools of blue gray, she tries to reach him. I’m not jealous Ky, it’s her! You’re blind to her and that frightens me, okay!

What do you mean, blind to her? He asks confused cocking his head to one side.

Margo steps closer to him and places a hand on his chest above his heart. She then whispers, You don’t get what I see, what she sees. You’re heart Ky, who you are and it doesn’t help that you’re gorgeous either! she says smiling slightly. Don’t you get it, she sees you Ky, the way I do! I know you love me, but it’s her I don’t trust. She stares at him as he absorbs her words. They stare at each other for a long time.

Bastion wraps his arms around her waist and pulls her into him, so close they share the same air. He softly states, Then trust me, alright? He gazes at her while she reasons in her heart his words.

She nods touching the tip of his nose with hers and the tension between them dissolves. Besides, it’s not like I invited her to go with me on the mission trip to Haiti next week or anything! It’s just the movies! he laughs trying to lighten the mood.

She smacks his arm, smirking. You better not! I’m looking forward to that, and I don’t want a lovesick puppy following you a round Haiti all week. This is a trip of a lifetime and I want to enjoy it with you, not fend off some love sick girl.

Bastion grins. Well then, I guess that leaves you out too! They laugh as she melts into him. They embrace in a make-up hug. He whispers into her ear, I love you Mar, with all my heart!

He watches as the two giggle and flirt. They play wrestle and sneak little kisses. He decides to leave them to their courtship. He has all the information he’ll need to make his plan a reality.

He runs from the neighbor’s yard back to his tan Toyota. He climbs in behind the wheel and forms a plan.

Next week, when they leave for Haiti, he will make his move and seize them from the airport.

CHAPTER THREE

MOVIES

Margo, Bastion and Kaylynn wait for Pastor Jimmy and the others to arrive at the Loews Movie Theater in Toms River. Kerry dropped them off in front of the large, red, brick building as one of Bastion’s restrictions. She can only take and pick him up from places.

They do not have to wait long as the yellow Freedom Ministries bus pulls up and opens its door. Pastor Jimmy, who sports his Jesus saves tee shirt, blue jeans and a Giants ball cap, waves at them as the crew starts to unload.

It’s strange to see him dressed like that. Margo is use to him being in his church attire and it makes her smile at him.

Alyssa is the first to get off. She runs over to Margo, and hugs her neck excited to see her.

Alyssa, this is Kaylynn, she works with Bastion! Margo says introducing her.

Alyssa holds out her hand for Kaylynn to shake. Hey, I’m glad you came! So you have to work with this turkey huh? she asks pointing to Bastion.

Kaylynn smiles while shaking Alyssa’s hand. It’s nice to meet you too. Yeah, someone’s gotta do it, right B? she asks nudging Bastion’s shoulder with hers.

Bastion smiles as he watches Margo’s face twist into knots. Before he can say anything, Mike who’s all teeth and legs, makes his way over to them holding his hand out for Bastion to slap.

Hey bro, what’s happening? Mike says pulling Bastion into a half guy hug.

Not much buddy, same ole, same ole, but let me introduce you to Kaylynn. He turns to her and says, K, this is Mike. Then he turns to Mike and says, Mike, this is K! There, now we all know each other. So let the good times roll!

They all laugh nervously.

Mike holds out his hand and Kaylynn shakes it. They stand in front of the theater and make pleasantries as they wait on Pastor Jimmy to park the bus.

Margo grabs Bastion’s hand and pulls him aside. You guys have nicknames for each other? she asks annoyed as she twists the corner of her light blue tunic. Kaylynn’s comfort with Bastion makes her uneasy.

Bastion sighs. Yes Mar, it’s a play on words, nothing more. Please, let’s just have a good time, okay? He waits for her to relax. He can tell she’s not going to, so he starts to convince her, but is cut short as Pastor Jimmy yells for them to join the group. C’mon, we’re gonna have a good time, Mar! Bastion declares dragging her along to join the group of chattering teens.

Once inside, Bastion and Margo line up with the others to receive their movie tickets. As Pastor Jimmy hands Bastion his and Margo’s tickets he says, I didn’t know about your friend coming, so I don’t have a ticket for her.

Bastion jumps. Oh that’s right Jimbo I forgot, I have the money for her ticket. I meant to give it to you earlier, but it slipped my mind. No worries I have it right here, he confirms as he digs in his back pocket for his wallet. He fumbles for a minute and then hands the money over.

Mighty nice of you Bastion, thanks for thinking ahead. Pastor Jimmy takes the money from him while Bastion shrugs as if it was no big deal.

As he is putting his wallet away, he sees Kaylynn mouth, Thank you, then winks at him as she stands beside Mike. He smiles back when he feels Margo become rigid beside him. He slips his hand in hers to reassure her giving it a slight squeeze.

As they wait by the theater’s entrance for the boys to return from the popcorn line, Margo watches as Kaylynn flirts with Mike and any other male that will give her attention. She throws herself on Mike as he offers to pay for her popcorn. This sickens Margo.

Kaylynn tosses her pitch-black hair from her shoulders and laughs, flashing her perfect teeth and lush lips. She reminds Margo of Nicole with her perfect body and confidence. She wears a short black skirt showing off her smooth legs and a black tank top with REBEL written across the front in red letters. Her hair is long and makes her blue eyes pop as her black locks frame her face. Her features are small and dainty but she makes up for it with her loud personality.

Margo feels a twinge in her gut as she watches Kaylynn control the environment around her just as Nicole did and decides to avoid this snake in the grass. She refuses to fall victim to another again. Mike however, falls prey to her flirtatious ways. His dark eyes, even darker skin, wide smile and carefree spirit attracted a spider and Margo hopes he doesn’t fall victim to her web of deceit.

She feels an elbow nudge her side, Alyssa is making faces at Kaylynn as she takes her popcorn bag from Mike with big doe eyes.

She looks like a handful huh? Margo nods as Alyssa continues. Mike sure seems to like her. Do you know her well?

No, just met her and I have to say, I’m not crazy about her! Margo confirms scrunching her nose as if she tasted something sour.

Well, Bastion seems to like her and he’s a pretty good judge of character. Maybe we should give her a chance. You know the whole don’t judge, least you be judged kinda’ thing! Alyssa suggests shrugging one shoulder unsure.

Margo nods keeping her true feelings quiet. Yeah, you would be singing a different tune if she had the hots for your boyfriend.

C’mon Margo, don’t let her bother you! Bastion is crazy about you, just ignore her and remember whose hand he’s holding, ya know! Alyssa, with her small frame, short brown bob and dark eyes attempts to comfort her.

Margo groans recognizing she’s passing judgment. Deep down though, she knows she’s right to be leery of Kaylynn. Yeah, I guess you’re right. I’ll stop pouting like a jealous girlfriend and give her a chance. Let’s go get our popcorn from the boys, it smells so good! I hope this movie is funny, I could use a good laugh!

The girls grab hands and run over to the boys who are salting the popcorn by the refreshment counter. Margo decides to take Alyssa’s advice, ignore Kaylynn and enjoy her time with her Kyle.

Kaylynn may know him as B, a silly nickname, but Margo knows who he really is. A smile grows on her face. Confident, she slips her hand in his; he turns and smiles at her.

Ah, there is that smile, the one