Chapter Eleven

Ever

T he following day, I awake from another nightmare-filled sleep, clamping down on the scream that tries to make its way out of my throat. It's still early, but I’m not going to get back to sleep now, so I pull out my spare outfit and get changed in record time. I pull on ripped black skinny jeans, a Falling In Reverse band tee, and my red and black plaid shirt. I tug my bike boots back on, shooting looks at the bedroom door the entire time I am changing. I really hate not having a lock on that door. Throwing my black hair up in a messy bun, I line my eyes with black kohl and call it good. I mess around in my room for a bit, straightening things and exploring before I hear Rob and Jenny moving around and figure it’s okay to venture out for coffee.

Grabbing my helmet and bike jacket, I transfer one of my knives to the sheathe in my jeans and keep the other in my jacket. I know I shouldn’t take them to school, I know I am safe, and I know that this neighborhood is nowhere near as dangerous as the one in Fresno, but I can’t bring myself to leave them behind. There’s no doubt that I have dangerous drug and gun dealers looking for me. Even though the likelihood of them finding me here is slim, it’s not a risk I am willing to take.

I learned very quickly always to be armed, and it has saved me more than once. It's another habit that is going to be hard to break. I quietly pick my way back downstairs and toward the kitchen. My eyes widen as I see the spread Jenny's set out on the breakfast bar.

“Good morning, sweetie. Help yourself to the food. There is plenty. What would you like to drink?”

“Oh, erm, thank you. Coffee, black, please?” I ask, taking a seat and piling my plate high.

She raises her eyebrow but thankfully doesn’t say no. I need my morning coffee. Jenny chats about random things over breakfast, and I listen with half an ear while stuffing my face.

She reminds me once again that the boys will be at school by lunch.

“Are you going to be alright riding your bike to school?” She asks, a bit apprehensive.

I shrug.

“I will be fine. I rode it to school back home.” I cringe at calling that shit hole home before shrugging again, “Besides, I have been riding since I was twelve. I am probably safer than most.”

Her eyes widen at my confession, and I inwardly curse again. It’s so different out here. No one would have given two fucks if I had said that back in Fresno. It was odder not to have been able to drive from that young. I can just imagine her face if I told her I have been racing bikes for that long, too.

I am hoping to find somewhere around here to race; it’s my escape. When I’m racing, everything fades into the background, and I’m free. It’s just me, my bike, and the speed. There is no hunger, bruises, wandering hands, drug deals, nothing. For however long the race is, I am fucking free, and I crave that. I didn’t get to keep whatever winnings I made; they went straight to dear old dad since the only races were run by him. I tune back into my surroundings as Jenny nods, then leans forward and gives me a quick hug. She steps back as soon as I stiffen and smiles sadly at me.

“Have a good day, Ever. See you after school.”

I offer her a tight smile before spinning, putting my helmet on, and rushing out of the door, not wanting her to see how much her words have affected me. The last person to say something like that to me was my mom. A pang hits my heart, and I breathe deeply as I swing my leg over my bike, nudging the kickstand away. I give a short wave to Jenny before starting the engine and pulling away. I remember, at the last minute, to stick to the speed limit. I have a feeling the cops in this town are more concerned with speeding than back in Fresno. The cops back home had bigger things to worry about, like murders and gang disputes, so unless it was affecting the public, they usually turned a blind eye. I don’t think that will be the case here.

Jenny gave me directions to the high school this morning, and I vaguely remember driving past it as a kid. Making it there in good time, several kids turn and stare as I pull into a space in the lot.

I subtly glance around, realising there are no other bikes here, and although not all the cars are fancy expensive brands, there are no second-hand, barely running, dented old bangers either. Huh, I am so not going to fit in here.

Ignoring the stares, not really giving a shit either way, what these kids think of me, I take off my helmet, hoping my locker will be big enough to store it. I don’t enjoy the idea of lugging it around all day, and I am sure as shit not leaving it out here where anyone can mess with it. It’s bad enough I have to leave my bike out here. I have trust issues; can you blame me?

Straightening my shoulders and keeping my head held high, I walk toward the school.

“Hey, new girl, I’ve got something you can ride,” a guy snickers from behind me.

I glance over my shoulder, giving the guy a once over; he has got greasy dark hair, mud-brown eyes, and obviously thinks he is worth something at this school.

“I don’t think you do.” I scoff, “I think I'd be very disappointed.” The corners of my lips tilt up as I wiggle my little finger in his direction before giving him the one-finger salute, spinning on my heel, and walking toward the big double doors again. This time, laughter follows me.

Just before I step through the doors, someone steps up beside me. I give her a cursory glance. She is about an inch taller than my five-foot-three frame and dressed in a similar style to mine, but her clothes are in much better condition. She has blonde hair cut into an edgy pixie cut, several piercings in her ears, and bright blue eyes.

“That was fucking brilliant. Ralph thinks he runs the fucking school when the football team is away just because he rides the bench as a wide receiver. He has never even played a game.” She chuckles. “I’m Rylie.” She grins, and I feel myself responding. I can already tell she is good people.

“Ever, and thanks.” I chuckle.

“Nice to meet you. The office is this way,” she points toward a door off to the side.

I smile my appreciation. I am usually more cautious when it comes to new people, but something about Rylie puts me at ease.