Finding the Light (Whitsborough Chronicles Book 3) Read online

  “Oh!” I nod. I can do that for Coach too. He always rubs my shoulders. So I begin to rub the bulge in his pants and I hope I am making him feel better.

  “My favourite always, Travis.” He lifts his lap up to rub harder into my hand, “but you can’t tell your father or mother about this. They would take you from me, like Kai’s dad did to him.”

  “I won’t tell them anything.” I shake my head, “I never want to leave the team.”

  “Good boy.” He groans and forces my hand down on him harder.

  He rubs against my hand quicker and in short jerks. My hand starts to feel funny from the roughness of his jeans rubbing against it but I don’t want to stop making Coach feel good because I want to stay his favourite forever.

  “That’s it, that’s it.” He moans and then stops moving as the bulge in his pants keeps jerking.

  “Do you feel better Coach?”

  “Yes, Sport. I feel so much better.” I like that I did that for Coach. He deserves it for how hard he works to make sure we are a good team.

  “Remember,” he pops the top of my nose with his finger that smells like smoke. “This has to be our secret, or you can’t be my favourite anymore.”

  “Don’t worry,” I shake my head. “I won’t tell anyone.”

  Coach starts the truck and he drives me back to my big house filled with silence and sadness. He pulls into my driveway and the gates are already open, Sonja is probably waiting for me to get home. Coach stops beside my front door and I see Sonja standing there waving.

  “Remember, our secret.” Coach holds his finger to his mouth.

  “Okay.” I nod and hold my finger to my mouth as well.

  He smiles wide and pats the top of my head. It feels nice to have someone like me as much as Coach does. He’s my favourite, too. I get out of his big truck and run towards Sonja, I am so excited to tell everyone about my very first home run today.

  “Hello, Mister Travis.” Sonja says as she wraps me up in a big hug, “how was your baseball game?”

  “I hit my first home run, Sonja!”

  “Oh my!” She exclaims, “that is wonderful! Come inside and let’s get you ready for bed.”

  “But I need to tell Father!” I yell as I kick off my shoes and run for his office.

  “Wait, Mister Travis!” Sonja calls after me but I’m too quick and there’s no way she can catch me. That’s why I got a home run today because I am a fast runner.

  “Father!” I yell as I open his office door and run inside, “Father!”

  I can see by his face that I made another big mistake. It looks like he is on a phone call and it’s probably important, like all of his calls. He comes around the desk really slowly and I’m so scared that I can’t make my feet move.

  “Yes, we can complete that merger next week.” He says into the phone as he stands in front of me.

  He pulls back his lips and grits his teeth at me as I watch him raise his hand and slap me hard across the face. I fall and hit my head on the carpet in his office and I can taste blood filling into my mouth.

  I forgot one of his most important rules, do not enter his office when the door is shut.

  4

  I haven’t thought about how Coach started his grooming of me in a long time, if ever. I guess his funeral triggered something in my subconscious that’s causing me to dream about it. I toss and turn as I try to get my brain to shut off and fall back asleep but it’s fucking useless. I throw my covers off and bend down to grab my sweatpants off the floor, I might as well go downstairs and find something to eat.

  I walk by Emmett’s room and pause, there’s no sound coming through so I guess he’s sleeping. I continue to go down the stairs and head towards the kitchen when I hear muted sounds coming from the den. I quietly creep towards the doorway and peer inside. Emmett is sitting on the couch in nothing but a pair of black silk boxers and he’s playing some shooting game on the game console. I stand there watching as his biceps bunch whenever he slams his thumb down on a button, or how his abs tighten up when he’s intensely shooting someone on the screen.

  “You’re being creepy.” He says after a few minutes.

  “I didn’t want to disturb you.”

  “Can’t sleep?” He asks.

  “Nah, you?”

  “I actually haven’t tried yet.” He shrugs, “I spoke to Ember earlier and she says they are on Talia’s trail. She also asked me if I was ready for school.”

  “Yeah, we should probably go school shopping tomorrow seeing as school starts in a few days.”

  “Sure.” He nods.

  “Alright,” I shuffle from foot to foot, “have a good night then.”

  “Wait,” he calls out as I walk away, “do you play?”

  “Sometimes,” I shrug. “I doubt I’m any good.”

  “Who cares? It’ll tire us out and we can sleep after.”

  “Okay.” I head over to the couch beside him and he hands me a controller. He leans forward and presses a button on the console and I get a full view of the tattoo on his back. “I like the tattoo. It’s really nice.”

  “Some nice things cover the most hideous.” He grunts as he sits back.

  Truer words have never been spoken.

  We walk into the nearest Staples to Ember’s house and everyone notices us, or rather they notice Emmett. The words I once told Ember flood back to me.

  “We don’t get many new people here, so you’re a bit of a spectacle.”

  “Yeah, I’ve noticed.” He says as he shoots his signature grin at whoever he catches looking at him. He’s taking it a lot better than Ember did, that’s for sure.

  Once we’ve grabbed everything we will need for school, including some obscenely priced leather backpacks, we head to the checkout. When the total flashes on the register, I almost choke on my saliva, I have never spent this much on anything for school.

  “I got it.” Emmett says as he pulls out a black AMEX card.

  “I’ve got money.” I retort as I pull out my wallet.

  “I know Bro,” he clasps my shoulder. “I’ve seen your house.”

  The cashier behind the counter snorts and accepts his card. “I knew your mother.” She says to Emmett.

  “Oh yeah?” He says.

  “Yes, you look like her.”

  “I’ve been getting that a lot. Just wish I could’ve seen it for myself.”

  “It’s a damn shame what happened to you.” She stresses, her hands on her chest.

  “It wasn’t all bad. I did find Ember out of it all.”

  “That’s very true, Rebecca would be happy to know you’ve both found your way here.” She packs up all our bags and we bid her goodbye.

  “Gosh, people here are so darn nice,” Emmett says with a twang as we leave the Staples, “if only they didn’t stare at me like I’m a zoo animal.”

  “They’ll get over it.” I shrug.

  “Did they ever get over Ember?”

  “Not really.” I grin at him, “but in their defense, your sister started teaching a fighting class and she has no intention of being a good little girl, whether in public or not.”

  “True,” he nods. “I will have to redeem us on that good little girl quality.”

  We both chuckle and throw our bags into the trunk of the car. We get inside and belt up but I don’t pull out just yet, I’m not really feeling like going back to E’s.

  “Want to hit up that diner we went to before? With the amazing milkshakes and funnel cakes?”

  “It’s called The Route.” I chuckle.

  “Sure, let’s go to The Route.”

  When we pull up, I see a few students from Precious Blood hanging around outside. It's a popular hang out for them and I knew we would probably run into some. Plus, it’s good to get him acquainted with some instead of being bombarded by them all in a few days.

  I hear the collective gasps from girls and fight really hard not to roll my eyes. I know
Emmett is attractive, that’s undeniable because fuck, look at his sister but I also know his ego is going to grow huge here.

  “I think I’m a celebrity.” See?

  “No,” I shake my head, “you’re fresh meat.”

  “Hey!” He yells out to a girl in tenth grade. “Are you a shark?”

  “No!” She squeals with a giggle. “Are you Ember’s twin? Everyone is talking about you.”

  “Are they now?” He asks tauntingly while looking at me.

  “Let’s get inside and eat, you Kardashian.” I mutter and walk inside ahead of him. I hear his full laugh and struggle to keep my own in check.

  Our meal was peppered with interruptions from chicks and stares from guys. Everyone was beyond curious about Emmett and I could just imagine what walking the halls of Precious Blood was actually going to be like. I'm the type that likes to keep my head down and get through my day with minimal interactions. The most I ever did was chill with Ember during lunch and hangout with the team after school. I’m not a popular jock and I want to keep it that way but seeing how much attention Emmett is getting already, that may be flushed down the drain.

  “You’re deep in thought.” Emmett says as I pull into Ember’s driveway.

  “Just thinking about how my days of just living under the radar are over.”

  “I can see you’re not a people person,” Emmett nods. “I don’t need you to babysit me at school. I can figure it all out.”

  The thought of not being around him all day leaves me feeling a bit sad and I don’t want to dwell on it too long. “Nah, don’t worry about it. It’s senior year, I did pretty well up till now.”

  “Plus, your brother is dating my sister who’s best friends with Adri, who’s obviously fucking you. That’s a circle you are not getting out of.”

  “True.” I shake my head as we make our way into the house, “too fucking true.”

  “I’m gonna nap some of this milkshake off.” Emmett groans as he climbs the stairs.

  “Cool.” I shrug as I head to my bedroom. Might as well respond to those emails I’ve been putting off. Gerald won’t let my silence stretch for too much longer that’s for sure.

  I’m not sure how much time goes by when I start to hear low moans coming from Emmett’s room. I’m not completely sure what the fuck he’s doing, I try to block it out as I attempt to form coherent professional sentences. The moans start turning into shouts of anger and cries of pain and before my brain can even process, my body is flying through his bedroom door and into his room. He’s twisting around his sheets and his body is covered in sweat. His face is twisted in pain as he swats at something above his head. He’s clearly still very much asleep and reliving something terrible.

  “Stop!” He screams, “no, please.” He says with a pained moan.

  “Emmett?” I say softly as I place my hand on his back.

  There are raised bumps all over his back and I can start to make out what looks to be severe scar tissue that his tattoo is hiding. I realize the moment he wakes up, his body completely stiffens and his breathing starts to even out. He has yet to open his eyes but I know he knows I’m here.

  “You okay?” I ask.

  “Yeah,” his bright blue green eyes look up at me. “I’m okay.”

  My hand is still on his back and I run my fingertips over one particularly large scar. His body begins to shake and I realize what I’m doing. I pull my hand back and slide them both into my sweater pocket.

  “Those were given to me by someone who was supposed to be my guardian while my dad was in jail.” He whispers.

  “Carm?” I ask, shocked.

  “No,” he shakes his head. “Carm was young then, he’s only five years older than me. We were raised by a man named Calen. Well, I was mostly because Carm was being groomed along with Trent from a young age to take over The Eastside Rampage. So, most of the time I was with Calen.”

  He curls into a fetal position on the bed and grabs a pillow to cuddle into. He looks so tortured and alone. I sit down on the edge of his bed and place my hand on his thigh. I don’t want him to feel alone and he needs to know that his family is here. His hand comes out and covers my own. My heart takes off in that minute and I’m shocked at the feelings that start coursing through my body, I quickly tamper them down and breathe slowly.

  “Calen was my dad’s age, maybe older. He was tough and without kids of his own. He had very little compassion and an especially low tolerance for children, hence why my diabolical father chose him as a guardian. If I really try to figure it out I can also see how he could keep me from ever being found by my mother.” His hand tightens around mine and I flip my hand over and watch as our fingers link together. His skin just a shade or two darker than mine, the callouses on both of our palms scraping together. The weight of his hand is so different from the weight of a female’s.

  “Needless to say, my punishments were pretty extreme for a small child. Most of them included whips of some sort and those scars are a result of my running in the hallways or screaming too loud.”

  His story mirrors my own life so much and I gasp without meaning to. His thumb begins to rub circles into the side of my hand and I try really hard not to let myself read too far into it.

  “I’m so sorry.” I murmur as I watch our hands still linked together.

  “I am who I am today because of it, so I have learned to accept it, although my brain forgets sometimes and I have to endure it all over again.” He gives my hand a squeeze and then lets it go. “Thanks for checking in on me.”

  I get up off the bed quickly and start for the door, my heart is racing and I can still feel the touch of his warm hand in mine. I definitely read too far into that and I need to go calm myself down.

  “Oh, Travis?” I turn at the sound of his voice, “you can come talk to me whenever you’re ready too.”

  I nod quickly and hurry back into my bedroom, closing the door behind me.

  5

  Precious Blood Academy is huge and old looking. The brick and stone structure stands three levels high and the large double oak doors in the front are intimidating as fuck. I’m standing beside Travis’ car and watching as everyone heads into the place all looking identical in their uniforms.

  I look at Travis and he has his uniform on but the button up shirt is hanging loose around his pants and rolled up at the sleeves, the required tie is also hanging loose around his neck and he has the blazer thrown over his right shoulder. He lights a smoke and leans against the car.

  “Nervous?” He asks me.

  “A bit.” I admit.

  “I should tell you the people to steer clear of.” He exhales his drag, “you’ve probably heard of Marlana?”

  “Yeah, my sister’s nemesis, right? Failed sex tape distributor?”

  “Yeah,” he chuckles. “She’ll be interested in you for sure.”

  “Oh yeah?” I watch his forearm flex as he lifts the cigarette to his mouth and he squints at me through the cloud of smoke. “Why’s that?”

  “Fuck off,” he grins and shakes his head. “I know what you’re trying to do.”

  “Hey guys.” I look behind me and over the top of Travis’ car to see Adri walking towards us. Holy fucking shit, her legs with that kilt on? How the fuck am I supposed to hide my boner in these thin dress pants?

  “Sup?” Travis replies, barely looking at her.

  She comes around and stands in front of us, her blouse has a couple buttons undone and a black lacy tank peeks out with her perfect tits sitting amply on top. “Thought I would introduce Emmett to a few people.”

  “Who? Jordan and Jake?” He sneers a bit.

  “And Cara!” She huffs, “what? Were you gonna sit him with you and all the jocks?”

  “Guys!” I hold both my hands up, “introduce me to everyone. I’m versatile.” I throw a wink at Adri. I love the way her cheeks just immediately blush.

  “We should also point out who you should stay
away from.” She nods, “unless you want your sister to place you in that mausoleum as soon as she gets back?”

  “Lead the way you two.” I throw my arm out.

  I follow behind them and notice the distance they put between them gradually starts to get smaller. These two are drawn to each other, whether they want to admit it or not and I’m feeling a twinge of jealousy when I try to think of how I can fit in. Travis stops a few times to introduce me to definite jocks and a few I recognize from the pedophile's funeral.

  “You’re a late transfer, so your schedule will be in the office with Anna.” Travis explains.

  “My locker is in M hall again.” Adri states as she reads off a piece of paper.

  “I’m in N this year, which is cool.” Travis looks to me, “closer to the baseball field.”

  I nod and follow them to an admin office. Inside sitting behind a large desk is a lady who reminds me of someone’s grandmother. She looks sweet, jolly and maybe bakes a lot of cakes and cookies.

  “Welcome back, children.” She exclaims when she sees us. “Travis, you look well.”

  “Thanks, Anna.” He grins at her, “this is Ember’s twin Emmett. I believe his schedule is here?”

  “Oh yes!” She finally breaks her eyes off Travis to look at me. “Holy geez, you certainly are twins.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” I nod and throw her a wide smile.

  I watch as her mouth drops and her eyes widen. Yep, the older ladies have always loved me. “Uh… right. Here’s your schedule, I believe you have homeroom with Mrs. G.” She nods, “also your sister will be with you in that class, which will be nice.”

  “Me too.” Adri pipes up and throws me a smile.

  “Did you bring a lock for your locker?” Anna asks.

  “Sure did.” I throw her another megawatt smile and watch as she flusters again.

  Travis snorts and Adri chuckles softly under her breath.

  “Looks like you’re all set.” Anna clasps her hands together, “and I do hope your senior year here at Precious Blood Academy is a memorable one.”