Dissipate Read online

  I stretched. “Hey, was the movie good?”

  It had been a sci-fi movie with robots and alien attacks. The name eluded me at this point.

  Brooklyn shrugged. “It was okay.”

  More talk of how the campus was going to handle the football player resumed. People took their football very serious in this area. After a while, Brooklyn stood.

  Mike took it as his opportunity to snag Brooklyn as he threw her over his shoulder and wagged his eyebrows. “Night, guys. I think Brooklyn is exhausted.”

  She faked a yawn and we chuckled, calling out goodnight as Mike carried her up the stairs. The DVD menu came on and was currently on repeat.

  Aiden played with the ring on my finger. “Are you sure you want to go to the cops tomorrow, Kenzie?”

  We hadn’t found anything else that would remotely shed any negative light and give probable cause that The Society was doing anything illegal.

  “Yes. Aiden, I can’t sit back while people are being killed. Could you?”

  “No, but I can’t lose you either.” With my head on Aiden’s chest, I could hear his heartbeat quickening. “If we do this, we do it anonymous. This can’t lead back to you. I’m going to report it to the cops.”

  “But—”

  Aiden cut me off. “Kenzie, if The Society finds out you’re alive, we won’t be able to help these people.”

  “There’s a fine line to tread and I feel like anyone who dies going forward is partly my fault.” There was an immense moral obligation I felt to the people I’d grown up with and even those I’d never met.

  With Aiden knowing everything, I think he felt the burden of helping everyone too. “We’ll do everything we can.”

  Ready for a subject change, I wanted to get lost in Aiden. I gave a fake yawn like Brooklyn. “Boy, I sure am tired.”

  Aiden picked up on my hint and bolted to his feet while carrying me. I giggled as he raced up the stairs. Throwing me on the bed, the green comforter whooshed around me. Aiden covered me while giving me hungry kisses, only stoking the desire for him. I throbbed between my legs, needing to have Aiden within me.

  Clothes were shed and tossed as we tangled in a mass of limbs. Slipping on the condom, Aiden lined himself up.

  “I love you, Kenzie. Forever.”

  “Forever, Aiden.”

  MY PALMS WERE sweating as I waited for Aiden to leave the precinct. I’d given Aiden all the details to share with the cops. There was a part of me that berated myself for not being the one to talk to the cops. However, Aiden had convinced me that if they seemed to believe him, I could come forward to help with the case. I was confident something would be found to trigger some sort of action. There was no way the Keeper was prepared for cops to come in. No one from the outside had ever visited The Society.

  Swinging the door open, Aiden came walking down wearing a Sigma Chi sweatshirt and jeans. Jogging down the concrete steps, he made it to the car. I wasn’t able to tell by the blank expression he wore how it had gone.

  As soon as the door thudded shut, I blurted, “What’d they say?”

  Cranking the car, Aiden left the parking lot promptly. “I got the run around. But, they’ve at least agreed to check it out. Hopefully, they’ll see something.” Aiden gave a frustrated sigh. “The problem is, we can’t prove you’re related to your mom without a DNA test. And they can’t exhume a body without reason. We have no way to show any part of our story especially with your mom having a different name than federal records.”

  Why did I burn those letters? Everything I needed to collaborate my story was within those letters. The sickening feeling became heavier in my stomach.

  With as much optimism as I tried to have, I’d been prepared for the police to do nothing based on the allegations we were bringing with no evidence. “There’s hope. At least they’re going to check it out.”

  “Yeah, the officer said he was going to call the local precinct and have them swing by to take a look.”

  There were still too many what if’s that had me a nervous wreck. “Were you able to stay anonymous?”

  “Yeah, they assured me they would keep my name off the books.”

  That was a relief. The last thing I wanted to do was put Aiden at risk. Driving to the apartment, I prayed they were able to find something to free the Watchers and Charges. Free my friends. Save lives.

  Maybe I’d get to be part of Matthew’s life still.

  TWO DAYS LATER and we still hadn’t heard from the cops. Fresh out of the shower, I was towel drying my hair after wiping the steam from the mirror.

  From downstairs, Aiden cursed. “Fuck!”

  That wasn’t good. We were supposed to hear back from the officer’s today. I threw on some clothes and flew down the stairs to see Aiden clasping his hands behind his head as he looked into space for answers. He didn’t have to see me to know I was there.

  Frustration laced his voice. “That was the cops. They went to The Society and found . . . nothing.”

  “What? Nothing? What about the graves?” All the hope I’d been feeling deflated like a balloon and a gloomy cloud settled over me.

  Aiden turned my way, clearly annoyed at the news. “There was nothing suspicious. They looked at the logs and no one by any of the names we’d given were there. They let the cops look everywhere.” This wasn’t possible. My mom had existed. “Kenzie, the last death they show is last April not August.”

  There was no way. Mom had died. I’d been at her funeral. Her casket had been lowered into the ground. What had they done with my mom’s body? What had they done?

  The words nearly died on my tongue. “They changed all the record books.”

  “The cops thought they were outstanding people. Not a thing out of place.”

  I sat on the couch at a loss on what to do. Aiden came to sit beside me. All those innocent people. All those lives lost. “Kenzie, we’ll keep looking.”

  But who all would lose their life in the meantime?

  Two days before Thanksgiving

  I NEEDED A break . . . from life. We’d been searching for more information on The Society. Nothing new had developed on how we could stop them. Nothing. The police were no longer entertaining any claims without hard proof. The FBI was even less helpful since we had no evidence that remotely even gave a hint that something suspicious was going on. Logically, I understood why the police couldn’t do anything. But knowing that something was going on and being powerless was a terrible feeling.

  Hopefully, Thanksgiving proved to be the recharge Aiden and I needed.

  In the car, we were heading to Aiden’s parents who lived in Kansas. It was late in the day. Brooklyn had left early this morning, but was heading back Saturday night versus Sunday like us. We’d left late since we’d had to finish up at the paper. Then, I’d taken a two-hour shift at the coffee house.

  This week I was losing three days’ worth of pay. Everyone at the coffee shop had taken off. I had nearly made up all but two hours which lessened the stress for the upcoming laptop purchase I would be making on Black Friday.

  At first, I’d been apprehensive about going. I wanted to meet Aiden’s family, but I didn’t want them to feel pressure to have me. To convince me, Aiden had played a message from his mom. Pamela had said, Your father and I can’t wait to meet Kenzie. Brooklyn told me you were going to ask her to come. Call me when you get a chance so I can see if there are any foods she doesn’t like.

  The sincerity in her voice had won me over. They really wanted to meet me.

  Thanksgiving seemed similar to Liberation Day at The Society which was the day we broke away from the world that had been damned in order to follow the way of The Light. Only the necessary chores, such as feeding livestock, were required on Liberation Day. We’d meet at the community building to see reenactments from the grade-level children that told the story of our separation. It was a day we looked forward to because it meant rest.

  The GPS on Aiden’s car showed we were heading through Missouri to ge
t to Kansas. We’d been meticulous in planning our route so that we didn’t come close to passing through Nevada, Missouri.

  We came within fifty miles at one point. Knowing all the people I’d known as family were that close was weird. My past, my home, my previous life was less than an hour away. Matthew was that close. There was so much I wanted to share with him. He would’ve liked Aiden.

  Turning into a neighborhood, the houses were large, more like gigantic. They reminded me of the sorority houses on campus—beautiful and stately. “This is a beautiful neighborhood.”

  Aiden shrugged, obviously not enamored with the surroundings. “This is where I grew up, riding our bikes all through here.”

  At the end of the street a huge house sat in the cul-de-sac. It was red bricked with black shutters. There were three chimneys. Pulling into the stone driveway, Aiden parked the car under a covered parkway that lead to the front door.

  “Is this where you grew up?” I couldn’t even imagine growing up in a place like this.

  “This is home.”

  Aiden’s family had money. There were several kids on campus that flaunted it. Aiden and Brooklyn weren’t like that and it endeared me to them more.

  The door opened and two people walked out. I assumed there were Aiden’s parents. Aiden looked like his father and Brooklyn looked like her mother.

  “Are you ready? Mom’s been so excited to meet you.”

  Looking over my shoulder toward Aiden, I saw warmth in his eyes. “I am. I’m nervous, but excited.”

  He winked at me. “There’s nothing to be nervous about, sweetheart. They’re going to love you.”

  Aiden popped out of the vehicle and I followed. Grabbing my hand, we made our way to his awaiting parents. They were watching us with adoration which only added to my nerves of doing something wrong.

  Since everyone knew each other at The Society, there weren’t introductions except when new members arrived which was only occasional. In fact, in my nineteen years only five people from the outside world were ever brought in. Introductions had to be slow so as not to disrupt our way of life.

  Barely making it to Aiden’s parents, Pamela engulfed me in a hug. Aiden let go of my hand.

  “It’s so good to meet you, Kenzie. We’ve heard so much about you.” I wanted to squeeze her, but refrained. Besides Aiden, I was still adapting to hugging people I hardly knew. After a few seconds, I relaxed and embraced the hug.

  There was one thing that could never be replaced—a mom’s love. How I hated The Society for taking Mom away before it was her time. They deserved to pay for their crimes. Since I’d found out, the anger hadn’t lessened, but grown. I tried not to let it change me from the person I was.

  She pulled back and I missed the embrace. I know I sounded desperate . . . but it had been so long since my mom held me.

  “It’s good to meet you to, Mrs.—“

  Cutting me off, his mom responded, “Please call me Pamela. Kenneth and I want you to call us by our first names.” She batted her hand through the air. “None of that formal stuff.”

  Kenneth came over and gave me a quick hug. His hair was neatly cut versus Aiden’s slightly disheveled look. “It’s nice to meet you, Kenzie.”

  “You, too, Mr. . . . I mean . . . Kenneth.”

  Pamela looked lovingly at her husband. It was evident they were a close family. “Sweetheart, will you get their bags while I show Kenzie her room?”

  He kissed her cheek. “Yes, dear.”

  Aiden gestured toward his father with his hands up. “I got it, Dad. We didn’t bring much.”

  Patting him on the shoulder, Kenneth walked by. “Get Kenzie settled. I’ll get the bags.”

  We entered the house. It was elegantly decorated like I’d seen in some of the fancier magazines at the library. The house was warm at the same time with the burgundy and taupe colored furniture. Climbing a huge staircase that was in the main entrance, we made it to the second floor. Family portraits hung on the walls. The hall was done in a dark wood floor with lighter distressed walls.

  Pamela adjusted her lavender top as she pointed to the door we passed by. “This is Brooklyn’s room. Aiden’s room is down the hall.” We stopped in front of a door that Pamela opened. “And this is your room.” We entered the third door on the right. “I hope this is okay, Kenzie. If not, there are other rooms, but I thought you’d like being close to Brooklyn.”

  “No, this is perfect.” I took in the room and had never stayed somewhere as lavish as this with the huge chestnut-colored bed. The room felt regal with the hunter-green and burgundy colored decorum. Turning back to Pamela, I remembered my manners. “Your home is beautiful. Thank you for inviting me to be part of Thanksgiving with your family.”

  Aiden grabbed my hand and gave me a wink.

  Pamela had followed us into the room as she spoke, “Oh, sweetie, we are so glad to have you. I’m sure you thought I was a little overbearing with how many questions I asked. I wanted this to feel like a home away from home.”

  Aiden hadn’t asked me anything, but I glanced his way. The deer in the headlights look told me he hadn’t expected for his mom to say anything.

  I looked back at Pamela. “It’s all made me feel welcome. I appreciate it.”

  Pamela gave me another quick hug. “Good. That was the intention.”

  Kenneth walked into the room with our things. “Here you guys go.” As the bags dropped they made a thud sound.

  Giving a warm smile, I said, “Thank you, Kenneth.”

  “You’re welcome.” To the group, he asked, “Are we still on for the movie tonight?”

  Aiden had told me about the family traditions as we talked about everything we were going to do while here. However, I let him explain. “Every year we watch Christmas Vacation prior to Thanksgiving Day. We pop popcorn and go to the media room. Does that sound good to you, Kenzie?”

  All eyes shifted to me. Like I would ask them to change their family plans. No way. “Yes, that sounds wonderful. I love that movie.”

  The warmness from everyone brought happiness to my heart. I tried to relax, but still felt stiff and unnatural. Pamela and Kenneth said they’d meet us in the media room in an hour when Brooklyn got back from visiting a friend. Mike hadn’t been able to come since he’d flown to Florida to see his own family.

  When we were alone, Aiden turned me to him. “See, I told you they’d love you. You still seem nervous, sweetheart.”

  Trying to expel some of the nervous energy, I shifted from foot to foot. “I’m afraid of doing something wrong. This is a different dynamic for me.”

  “They already love you.”

  Dragging his nose along mine, I calmed. He repeated the motion and I let out a breath. “That’s my girl.” His lips touched mine as he whispered against them, sending a shiver down my back. “I wish I could have you right now.”

  Groaning, I tried to keep reason in the situation. “Your parents!”

  My eyes were closed and I could sense a smile on his face. Taking my hand he led me out of the room to show me around. Part of me wished I wasn’t the reasonable one at times.

  IT WAS AFTER midnight.

  We were finishing up Christmas Vacation. Clark Griswold never got old. Well, at least the two times I’d seen it. The parts that were funny had become funnier as the colloquialisms made sense. Though my movie knowledge was limited, I had a feeling he would always be an all-time favorite of mine.

  Pamela and Kenneth stretched before standing. I loved how Kenneth put his arm around Pamela’s waist similar to how Aiden did it to me.

  Grabbing the empty popcorn containers, Pamela spoke, “We’re going to bed. I’ll do a big breakfast when everyone gets up.”

  Brooklyn and Aiden high-fived as the both said in unison, “Pancakes!”

  Apparently, Pamela made the best chocolate chip banana pancakes. As everyone hugged each other, I knew I had fallen for Aiden’s family. They were kind and good-hearted. Being together like this reminded me of time
s with my mom. No, we hadn’t been watching movies, but the feeling of family was strong. I felt like I belonged and I hadn’t had that feeling in a long time.

  Folding the blanket I had been using, Brooklyn texted someone. “I’m going to call Mike. He’s been waiting for me.” She gave me a wink.

  Aiden rolled his eyes while I responded, “Tell him we said hello.”

  “Oh, I will.” There was no missing the innuendo in Brooklyn’s tone. Aiden shook his head and closed his eyes. He tried to ignore Brooklyn and Mike when it came to this sort of thing.

  Brooklyn laughed at Aiden’s unpleasant face. I loved the camaraderie between siblings. Brooklyn blew a kiss our way. “Night guys. No making a lot of noise in the next room.”

  My mouth dropped open and a heat swept across my cheeks. I couldn’t believe Brooklyn would think we would disrespect her parents by having sex. Trying to correct her thoughts, I said, “Aiden’s staying in his room. I won’t make any noise.”

  Brooklyn gave me an I’m-not-buying-it face. “If you say so, Kenzie. Night.”

  We called back. “Night.”

  There was no way Aiden was staying with me. No way. As we approached the bedroom door, it felt weird not having him come in. I’d gotten used to having him sleep with me most nights. But, the fact hadn’t changed . . . we were under his parents’ roof.

  Giving me a devious grin, Aiden gave me a kiss. “Night, beautiful.”

  What was he up to? I’d thought it would be harder to convince him to leave me. This was going to be easier than I imagined.

  Giving him one last peck on the lips, I whispered, “Night, handsome.”

  Closing the door, I got ready for bed and sank into the luscious mattress. It was soft and melded to my body. I felt like I was laying on a cloud. Time passed and my eyes grew heavy from the long week.

  Of course, I tried to think of any way that we could draw the truth out of The Society. When I was alone, it consumed my thoughts.

  The door creaked open. Fear griped me, instantly waking me. Quietly, I called out, “Hello.”

  “Shh . . . it’s just me.”