The Blood Will Run (5 page)

“Over here!” someone yelled. “She’s in pretty bad shape.”

“We’ve got it from here, son,” the voice said.

“You’re going to be just fine little lady.”

She tried to make out the voices but her ears were ringing.

She felt them lift her up onto something and then she passed out again…

Alivia placed the coffin napkin holders on the tray. She lined them up in rows of three. When she was finished, she stared at the scar on her right hand that ran from the tips of her four fingers right down to the middle of her palm. She rubbed the red waitress uniform where the other large scar was on her right rib. She couldn’t help but wonder, why she didn’t die as her mother and brother did that night.

Coven Daily had reported the story a couple of days later in the newspaper. The car that smashed into her mothers’ Honda had belonged to an old man by the name of Jack Parkinson. Jack

Parkinson was the town drunk. He passed out while he was driving and it wasn’t the first time according to Sheriff Hunter.

Alivia pulled the clipping out of her uniform pocket and read it for the millionth time.

Four killed in the Omar gas explosion that shook the peaceful streets of Newgrave:

An autopsy report revealed that Jack Parkinson had a Blood Alcohol Concentration level of point twenty-eight.  Sheriff Hunter of the County Sheriffs’ department explained that a point twenty-eight BAC level was the reason Mr. Parkinson slipped into an unconscious state before he collided with the Marks’ Honda at the Omar gas station. Sheriff Hunter explained to the press, that Jack Parkinson had several driving under the influence arrests, that landed him in the county jail on several occasions over the past twenty years. Coven Creek and it’s residents will miss seventeen-year-old Lawson Marks and forty-nine-year-old Amelia Marks. Mr. Grell who was the owner of the gas station also died in the explosion. Mr. Grell, who was fifty-three years old, was in the process of selling the Omar station to move to sunny Florida with his daughter Rita. Alivia Marks the only survivor in the explosion is currently at home with her sister Jules and is in fairly good health. Jules and Alivia Marks will continue to run the Grand Coffin Cafe in Coven Creek, as it was their mothers’ lifelong dream.

Alivia folded the clipping and slid it back in her pocket.

For the longest time she had blamed herself for what happened.

If she hadn’t insisted on going to the bathroom that night they wouldn’t have been at the gas station and Lawson and her mom would still be alive.

Jules was the one who snapped Alivia back to reality.

She read the newspaper clipping to Alivia every single day at least three times a day. When Jules finished reading it, she’d tell her that there was nothing she could’ve done and there was no possible way that the accident could’ve been her fault.

It took her sister a little over three weeks to convince her. Eventually, Alivia replaced the guilt with anger and wondered why the Sheriff didn’t take away Jack Parkinsons’ license.

When Alivia questioned the Sheriff about it, she found out that Jack Parkinson lost his drivers’ license over ten years ago. Now, when she read the clipping, she knew it was his fault for driving drunk without a license.

Still, she felt the loss. She missed Lawson and her mom so much. Now, she spent as much time as she could at the cemetery at the family burial plot. She’d sit there for hours at a time. Some nights, she’d fall asleep on the grave. Somehow, this made her feel closer to them.

She could feel the tears sting her eyes. She tried to force them back and concentrate on chopping the ingredients for the Cafes’ homemade special salsa. But she had to stop because the tears streamed down her cheeks anyway.

The door behind her swung open, but Alivia didn’t turn around to see who it was.

“Hi, um… I was wondering if you were going to the party tonight.”

She recognized the voice. It belonged to Chace.

“Alivia?”

She couldn’t turn to face him.

Seconds later, he was standing beside her. He cupped his palm under her chin and turned her to look at him. When he saw her tears, he brought his thumbs up to her cheeks and wiped them away while he cradled her face in his hands. She stared at him and cried even harder. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to his chest. She buried her wet face against his t-shirt and sobbed as he stroked her hair.

Chace never said a word. He just held her close to him stroking her hair with his hand as he brushed his lips softly against her temple. The warmth of his breath fanned against her skin. The smell of his body spray amazed her senses. 

Slowly, she brought her eyes up to his. Chace leaned in closer and pressed his lips to hers. Alivias’ lips parted as she reached up and wove her fingers through his hair. When their lips drifted apart, he caressed her cheek gently and smiled.

She blushed and lowered her gaze. He eased her face up gently with his hand.

“You are so beautiful,” he said. The desire that he was feeling for her right at that moment, crept into his eyes.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

“Can I take you to the party tonight?” he asked in a soft voice.

“Yes.”

She watched his eyes beam with happiness as he leaned in again and gently pressed his lips against hers.

She melted against him. He deepened his kiss.

“I knew it, Livy!” Ericas’ voice shrieked from behind them. “I can’t believe what I’m seeing. Alivia Marks is kissing a boy.”

Startled, Chace and Alivia separated at the same time and turned to stare at Erica.

Erica was so excited that she was jumping up and down.

Alivia glanced up at Chace and blushed again.

He smiled, took her hand and squeezed it gently.

Then he leaned in and whispered in her ear, “I will pick you up at 8:00, okay?”

Alivia nodded and watched him as he walked through the door.

“Well come on now, out with it sister. How did this kiss happen? I want all the juicy details and don’t you dare leave anything out.”

“I was preparing the salsa and started crying again, as usual. Chace walked in here and wanted to know if I was going to the party tonight.”

Erica yawned. “I want juicy details. This is all so very boring.”

“Chace held me just like he did at the creek party. Only this time he brushed his lips against my temple. I felt this fluttering in my stomach. After that, the urge to kiss him just sort of sprang up on me.”

“Now, that’s what I want to hear.” Erica smile

Alivia giggled. “I wasn’t sure if he was going to kiss me, but when I gazed into his seductive blue eyes, I knew.” She hugged

Erica. “I’m so happy he did. I feel so warm all over. All I want to do is kiss him again.”

“So, did you say yes? Will you be going to the party with him?”

“Yeah, he’s picking me up at 8:00.”

“Livy, that’s awesome. I’m so happy for you, I could scream.” Erica hugged her. “Tucker and I will be here at 8:00. No, Tucker and I will be here before 7:00. I’m going to turn you into an Alivia goddess and make Chace go completely crazy over you. You’re not going to this party in a jogging suit. Do you hear me? No matter how cute you believe those jogging suits of yours are, you’re going to wear jeans and a girly shirt, just as the rest of us girly girls do. Do I make myself clear?”

Alivia nodded.

CHAPTER FIVE

W
hen Erica
entered Alivias’ bedroom, she tossed a bag full of beauty supplies on top of her bed. Erica put her ‘iPod’ into the docking station that was on the wood nightstand next to Alivias’ bed and turned it up full blast.

Alivia changed her outfit at least a hundred times. Then Erica started Alivias’ manicure, and then did her pedicure. While the nail polish was drying, Erica started doing her hair and then finished with her make-up.

“There, I’m done.” Erica beamed at the reflection of Alivia in the wide mirror above her dresser. “As always, perfection.”

Alivia scanned her image. Her auburn hair hung straight but loose against the fitted white top that revealed her plump firm breasts. Emerald green-eyes with long thick lashes with very little mascara blinked back at her.

She lowered her gaze to the black skinny jeans and then to the white jeweled sandals highlighting her French pedicure.

Erica was standing beside Alivia at the mirror brushing her long blonde hair.

She always believed that Erica could be a highly paid model with her amazing looks. Erica was perfect with her blue eyes and lightly tanned skin. She wondered how two completely different people could be the best of friends.

“See,” said Erica kissing Alivias’ cheek, “You look amazing.”

“Thank you Erica, I didn’t know that I could look like this.”

Tucker walked through the door to her bedroom. “Holy shit, Livy. When did you turn into such a hot looking babe?”

Alivia giggled and blushed. Erica on the other hand, didn’t. She looked offended and elbowed Tucker in his rib.

“Ouch… come on babe,” Tucker pulled Erica to his chest and kissed her. “Alivia is like a sister to me. I just never seen her dressed up before. She’s always wearing sweat suits.”

“You’re right, she does look pretty amazing.” Erica smiled.

“Come on Livy, let’s go downstairs. Chace is waiting in the Cafe and I’m afraid if we don’t get out of your room Erica is going to break my arm or something.” He laughed.

“Oh shut up. I’m not jealous. Alivia wouldn’t touch you with a ten foot pole. She’s my best friend.”

“Okay guys enough. And Tucker, just in case you were thinking dirty thoughts, Ericas’ right. The very thought of touching you gives me a revolting, stomach churning, throwing up in a bucket kind of feeling.”

Erica laughed and Tucker held his heart and pretended to look wounded.

Alivia followed Erica and Tucker down the stairs.

She was nervous. What would Chace think of the new and improved Alivia? Maybe he was attracted to the plain Alivia. The one who wore jogging suits and a red waitress uniform with Draculas’ face for an apron.

When she walked through the employee door, her fear melted away.

Chaces’ face lit up.

“You look stunning,” Chace whispered in her ear as he embraced her.

“Thank you,” she said shyly.

Chace pressed his lips against hers and deepened his kiss as she melted against him.

“Okay cut it out you two lip sucking fish. If we’re going to this party we need to leave right now.”  Erica smiled as they separated. “Besides, I’m afraid that if we don’t leave right now, Alivia and Chace will be the Cafes’ romantic entertainment for the night.”

Tucker and Erica laughed in sync. Chace muffled an uncomfortable laugh, but Alivia didn’t laugh, she blushed instead.

“Have fun Liv, and don’t stay out too late.” Jules flashed her smile. “And Chace, try not to man handle my sister too much.”

Chace nodded and reached for Alivias’ hand and held it as they headed out the door to Chaces’ BMW.

“Wow, kick ass car my friend. Your parents must be loaded,” Tucker said.

“We do okay,” Chace replied.

“Hey, De Luca, unlock the car door would you,” Erica said and smiled.

“Relax Erica, what’s the rush babe?” Tucker asked.

“It’s been a long day and I need a drink.” Erica said.

Chace pressed the automatic unlock button on his keychain and Tucker and Erica climbed into the back seat.

He opened the passenger door for Alivia and closed it shut once she slid in. He rushed around to the drivers’ side, opened his own door and slid in.

He smiled at Alivia and squeezed her hand before he started the car.

“So Chace, are you related to Mr. Sandino De Luca, the multimillionaire?” asked Tucker.

“Yes, he’s my uncle.”

“So, you, Devin, and your parents live in the Casa De Luca mansion near the edge of the woods?”

“Devin and I live with Zio Sandino in the mansion, yes.”

“Where are your parents?”

“They’re dead.”

“Wow, I’m sorry man. How long have you lived at the Casa De Luca?”

“Three years.”

“Okay Tuck. That’s enough with the twenty-twenty questions leave the boy alone,” Erica said nudging Tucker in the rib again.

“Ouch babe, that’s really starting to hurt.” Tucker moaned and rubbed his side.

“Okay you man-child, I’m sorry, come here and let me kiss it better.” Erica practically purred like a tiny kitten.

Alivia glanced at Chace and he smiled. Not long after, they drove up the hill and passed the road-closed sign. He stopped minutes later and parked the car beside the woods with the rest of the cars. The four of them piled out of the car and this time, Alivia opened her own door.

Chace used the automatic lock button and locked up the car. He reached for her hand and held onto it, stroking her palm with his thumb lightly as they hiked along the path to the creek.

They walked through the narrow opening covered by the tall wide trees and stepped out into the clearing. Alivia noticed that the party already started and was in full swing. Someone handed her a beer on the way to the bonfire and she took it happily. She suddenly felt nervous again. She twisted off the cap, tossed it into the recycling bin and guzzled almost half of the beer in one shot. Chace stared at her and raised his brow questioningly. Then, as if he suddenly decided to relax, he smiled and wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him. Alivia glanced at the band playing on stage that night. She smiled when she saw it was the Wolfjack band.

The band consisted of three guys and two girls. The main singer was Wolfjack.

“Can I have everyone’s attention please?” Wolfjacks’ said loudly over the microphone. Seconds later, everyone stood in front of the stage waiting anxiously for the announcement.

“Tonight I have a special request from a long time friend of mine. The song is by Bryan Adams and it’s called “Let’s make a night to remember”. So, this song goes out to a very special young lady by the name of Alivia Marks. I hope you enjoy it.”

Several eyes stared at Alivia as she stood holding hands with Chace.

“May I have the honor of dancing with the most beautiful girl here tonight?” He smiled and Alivia nodded.

He led her to the clearing intended for dancing. He wrapped his arms around her as the music began to play. Several other couples joined them. She gazed into his eyes as he and Wolfjack sang in unison. Chace slid his hand gently down her spine. Then he pulled her closer to his chest and kissed her deeply. She vibrated against him as she began to spiral into the heavenly unknown territory of ecstasy. She felt as if her feet had just lifted off the ground and she was floating. Then she decided it wasn’t possible.  She shifted her gaze back to his as he began to sing almost as loud as Wolfjack while he gazed into her eyes seductively. She couldn’t help but drift away to the sound of his beautiful voice. Her heart pounded in her chest and for the first time in Alivias’ life, she was falling in love.

When the music stopped, Alivia and Chace stood still gazing into each other’s eyes.

Wolfjacks’ voice came through on the microphone. “I would like to invite a friend up on stage to help me sing this next song. Chace De Luca come on up and give me a hand bro.”

Chace turned and stared at Wolfjack and then back to Alivia. She nodded and stepped back. Chace walked toward the stage and jumped up.

She stood off to the side of the clearing. Wolfjack handed a microphone to Chace and then leaned over and whispered something in his ear. Chace nodded and

Wolfjack cued the band.

Erica and Tucker came to stand with her. She smiled at them and breathed in deeply as Wolfjack and Chace started to sing, “Everything I do, I do it for you”.

Chaces’ voice was so beautiful and so very frightening all at the same time. He was staring right at her as he sang. His voice was so full of emotion that she couldn’t help but hang onto his every word. That was when it hit her. He was falling in love with her too. Alivia lost it. She couldn’t control the stream of tears that spilled down her cheeks.

Erica hugged her. “Livy, you’re crying. Why are you crying? This is one of the most beautiful moments in your life.”

“This is all too much. I can’t do this Erica. He makes me feel things I shouldn’t be feeling. Actually, things I don’t want to feel. I’m not ready for this. Erica, I’m falling in love with him.”

Erica hugged her tighter, “He scares the hell out of me.”

Alivia sobbed against her friends shoulder. Her body was trembling.

Chace leaped off the stage and walked up to them.

“Alivia?” Chace grabbed a hold of her shoulders and turned her to face him. “What’s wrong? Why are you crying?” Chace looked concerned.

Chace reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a handkerchief and handed it her.

“We need to talk Chace,” Alivia said wiping her eyes.

Chace nodded and Wolfjack began to sing “Sweet emotion” by Aerosmith.

“Not here. Let’s take a walk,” Alivia said.

She led the way through the woods and stopped when she couldn’t hear the music from the band playing anymore.

She turned and faced Chace.

Chace looked nervous and shoved his hands into his front pockets. 

“I’m upset because?”

She couldn’t say it. How could she tell him that she was falling in love with him, but just wanted to stay friends?

“It’s okay Alivia you can tell me what’s going on.”

Chace said softly.

“I think that this…what’s going on between us… is well…moving much too fast for me. I think we should slow it down and just be friends for now anyway.”

There, she said it. She wished she hadn’t because Chace looked crushed.

He was shaking his head. “I can’t just be friends.”

“I think right now,” Alivia spoke softly. “It would be the best thing for me.”

He took his hands out of his pockets and moved closer to Alivia.

“I can’t just be your friend, Alivia. I know what it feels like to be close to you. I know the warmth I feel when your body is close to mine. All I can think about is how sweet your lips taste when I kiss you. I can’t go back to being just friends.”

“But I think?”

Chace stepped closer to her and put his finger to her lips. He stared into her eyes and Alivia melted.

He reached out and wrapped his arms around her pulling her so close to him that she felt his breath against her face.

He buried his face in her hair and brushed his lips softly against her ear. “Please, don’t do this to me. I’m in love with you. I’ve loved you from afar for way too long. And now that I know all the fantasies that I’ve envisioned are true, it’s no longer a dream for me.” Chace brushed his lips over her neck. “You’ve captured my soul and it’s yours from today, until forever.”

He lifted his eyes to meet hers. “So you see I can’t just let you go. I can’t live without you.”

Alivia lowered her eyes.

Chace cupped his knuckle under her chin and lifted her face to his.

The glossed over look in his eyes was dreamy.

Alivia melted. “Oh Chace this is all so completely crazy, but somewhere down the line I’ve fallen completely and utterly in love with you. I can’t help it. I’m excited and scared at the same time.”

Alivia brought her hand to his face and stroked his cheek softly.

He pressed his lips to hers and kissed her passionately. Alivias’ heart fluttered and she wrapped her arms around his neck and trembled against him. The warmth of his breath against hers edged her to deepen her kiss. The teasing tongue that parted her lips and searched for hers was sending tingling sensations throughout her body. She quivered with delight. She pressed her body closer to his as she felt his excitement begin to rise. Chace slid one of his hands under her shirt and caressed her back.

Then he slid the other hand under the front of her shirt, drifted up to her stomach, and inched his way slowly toward her breasts.

Alivia struggled and pushed him back.

“I’m sorry Alivia, I didn’t mean for it to get out of hand. Please forgive me.”

Alivia drew in a deep breath and turned away from him.

“It’s?” Alivia turned to face him and lifted up her shirt. “It’s this disgusting scar here on my rib.”