Red: Grooms' Fairy Tales

By Megan Grooms

Rowan didn't know her life would change when Chann started at her school. She felt drawn to him right away, but couldn't muster the courage to speak to him. When another new student arrives, everything changes. Rowan learns there is more connecting her to Chann than she realized, and there is more danger than she thought possible.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Megan Grooms
• Release date: Nov 4, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201824198

Book preview

Chapter 1

Rowan looked up when she heard her name called. Her best friend, Grace, was waving at her from the top step, waiting for her near the doors of their high school. Rowan smiled, shaking her head a little, making her red curls bounce. By comparison, Grace was incredibly outgoing. They had known each other all their lives, and though their personalities were opposite, their friendship remained true.

There is another new boy! Grace half-whispered when Rowan got close enough. He’s just as good-looking as the last one, maybe even more so. I hope we have class with him. I don’t have class with the other one, she said, with a hint of attitude.

Rowan tried not to roll her eyes at her friend. She had a class with Chann, and for the last two weeks, Grace had been trying to convince Rowan to talk to him.

Hartley High School was small, with only 50 people in their grade, so a new student was big news. When they entered, it seemed like everyone was buzzing about the new kid. All Rowan could think was that at least Chann wouldn’t be the center of attention anymore. He didn’t seem comfortable with it, always finding a way to escape when he was cornered by someone. That was one of the reasons Rowan had left him alone. She could see he didn’t like interacting with people. She knew how that felt. I hope you have class with him too, Rowan finally responded.

They moved to their lockers. Grace had convinced someone to trade with her so the two friends could be next to each other. If you actually talked to handsome but silent, we could both have new boyfriends by the end of the week.

Rowan couldn’t hold back a burst of laughter at the nickname she gave Chann. Everyone has been going after the poor guy since he showed up, and he hasn’t given them the time of day. It’s not like he’s going to go for me. Grace pushed her and gave her the look she usually got when she put herself down. Her best friend hated it when Rowan said anything that might be construed as negative about herself. She clarified, I didn’t mean because they are better than me. I just meant that it’s unlikely anyone would get his attention. People are throwing themselves at him, and he doesn’t care.

Grace looked at her a moment longer, then nodded, accepting that explanation. Never know until you try.

I don’t even know him if I’d want to be friends with him, let alone date him. Rowan shut her locker and leaned against it, hugging her books to her chest.

That is the whole point. Her friend also shut her locker, and the two moved down the hall. If you don’t talk to him, you won’t get to know him, and you won’t know if you’d like to date him.

Rowan sighed, Let’s just drop it for now, okay?

Fine, are you coming to the party with me on Halloween? Grace grinned when her friend groaned. I’m asking now, a full month in advance, so you have time to be prepared and not chicken out on me. Again.

I’ve been taking care of Gran on the weekends. She’s still not doing well, and the nurse that comes to the house doesn’t come on the weekends. Rowan bit her lip. She was very worried about her grandmother. If she didn’t go out to visit, the old woman would be alone, in her little cottage in the woods, all weekend.

Why doesn’t she just move in with you guys? Grace asked as they set their books down on their desks.

Rowan gave her a look. Grace knew exactly how stubborn her grandmother was. Rowan admitted, Dad tried to convince her again, but she says she doesn’t want to be a burden. Mom says she’ll have to once the snow starts falling. We can’t risk her getting snowed in out there when she needs care.

Gran wouldn’t want you missing out, Grace said softly. Besides, I know if you told your mom you wanted to go to a party, she would be happy to stay out there for you.

She couldn’t argue with her friend on that. Her mother would be excited for her to go out on a weekend. She sat down with a sigh, All right, I’ll-

Grace suddenly pushed her, cutting her off. There he is! she whispered, leaning down toward her friend, though her eyes were glued to the man that had just walked in. Oh my God, he’s even hotter than I had heard.

The guy was tall and thick. Though he was wearing a plaid flannel jacket, Rowan could see he was solid. The muscles in his arm bunched as he shifted his backpack. She couldn’t help thinking he should get a bigger jacket, which made her laugh a little. Her laugh stopped abruptly when his eyes flicked to hers. They were dark, almost black. They swept up and down, taking in as much as he could see, since she was sitting at her desk. He redirected his attention back to the teacher he was walking toward.

Why did you laugh? Grace asked, sounding annoyed.

All Rowan could do was shrug. That guy did not seem friendly, and she had no desire to get to know him. He seemed a little too ‘bad boy’ without all the tattoos and piercings. Every girl there watched as he spoke with the teacher, then moved to the back of the classroom. He took a seat in the last row in the corner of the room. Now he could see everyone, and no one could see him without being obvious that they were looking.

I wish high school teachers introduced new students in real life like they do on TV, Grace muttered to Rowan. I’m going to go talk to him. Come with me, she announced a moment later, pulling on her friend’s arm.

No way, I’m staying here. Rowan pulled her arm free.

Please! You don’t have to talk, I’ll talk. I just want my best friend there for support, she begged.

I have a bad feeling about him, Grace. I don’t think you should try to get to know him, she said quietly, not wanting the guy to hear her.

At that moment, the teacher stood, having everyone sit in their seats. Rowan was glad. She was saved from having to speak to him.

After class, Grace was back, begging her to go talk to the new guy with her. Rowan relented and followed behind as her outgoing friend walked right up to his seat. The guy hadn’t moved, watching as everyone else filed out of the room. He sat up straighter as the two girls approached, like he was on guard. Rowan stood back a little. So, what’s your name?

Hern. His voice was very deep, and his answer short, almost clipped. It was clear to Rowan he wasn’t inviting more conversation.

Where did you move from? Grace continued questioning him.

His eyes flicked up to look at her. Though his face looked blank, Rowan could feel him becoming angry. Portland, Organ, he answered in the same tone. His eyes then moved to Rowan. She looked down at the ground.

Not much different from here, huh? Grace asked.

Rowan saw Hern’s jaw tighten when she peeked at him again. Come on, Grace, we’re going to be late. She pulled on her friend’s arm.

All right, fine. Well, see you later, Hern! she called, as if they had been having a friendly conversation. Rowan had no idea how her best friend could be so oblivious. As they left the room, Grace whispered, He was kind of rude.

Rowan rolled her eyes. Grace had noticed that he didn’t want to talk, but pushed for it anyway. Rowan said, Maybe he didn’t want to chat, and you were the one being rude, forcing him to.

I was being friendly. Nothing wrong with asking a guy his name and where he came from. I was showing interest in him, she answered, sounding slightly offended.

Some people don’t like to chat. He’s new. I bet he’s had everyone bombard him with those questions. Just give him some time to settle. Rowan said, trying to make up for her comment. Grace didn’t understand people that we not friendly, like her. If the two hadn’t been friends all their lives, they probably