Awakened Read online

  "Oh," I laugh nervously. "I was just guessing. Seems like he's the stereotypical bad boy." Her face relaxes into a giggle.

  "You are right about that! I bet you will like Thomas though. He’s a lot like you. He always has his nose stuck in a book, and he’s very smart." She gives me a mischievous look, "I have an idea, let's go shopping this afternoon. We can find you something cute to wear tonight." Is she really trying to set me up with her neighbor? She laughs and I can't help but join her.

  Once back inside, I change into my bikini. Its new, and I'm unsure of how I feel in it. My two best friends helped me pick it out before they left. Jessica and Lillian said the red fabric looked good on my skin, and that the small amount of padding in the top made my boobs look incredible. I don't know about incredible, but they’d grown since the last time I was in a bikini in public. I turned to check out my butt and was pleased to see that it actually looks really good. My body really has transformed in the last year. My hips have gotten wider which makes me appear to have more of an hourglass shape. I rub some tanning oil on my body and some SPF on my face. I feel vain when I realize I’d essentially been checking myself out for fifteen minutes. I’ve never really looked in the mirror and thought that I looked especially attractive. I know I’m not ugly, but I guess I view myself as being vey average. Although, right now, covered in oil in this red bikini, I feel kind of sexy. I slide on a little romper style coverup I’d bought with the bikini and leave the bathroom. I find my sunglasses on the dresser and head downstairs towards the door.

  "Okay, who are you and what have you done with me niece?" Shelly jokes as she takes in my appearance.

  "Is it bad?" I ask. I’m many things, but confident is not one of them.

  "I'm only teasing, you look great! Hey, don’t hide behind that coverup down there. You'll never get a tan if you do." She must’ve been reading my mind.

  "Oh, I uh..." I stammer. She shakes her head at me.

  "You are a very beautiful girl Katherine, don't forget that." I blush and push open the door, grateful to be through with that conversation.

  I grab two towels from the pool room and head towards the long, wooden walkway that leads to the beach. The sun is shining, and the breeze is ever so lightly there which makes this the ideal day to spend on the beach. The beaches here are private, and only available to those who live within the gated community. This means there aren’t many people around, which makes me a lot more comfortable with removing my coverup. It slides off and I drop it to the sand. I lay out the first towel, and then fold the second one up like a pillow. I realize I forgot my book back at the condo, and groan loudly.

  "Problem?" I hear someone ask, and I spin around quickly. There are two guys staring back at me. They look similar, both with dark hair and tanned skin.

  "I uh, forgot my book." I answer quietly. The taller of the two glances around as if trying to figure out where I came from.

  Answering before the question is even asked, I say, "I'm Shelly's, I mean Michelle's niece Katherine." The tall one raises an eyebrow and says nothing. Rude much?

  "Oh hey! I'm Thomas. We live next door." I smile, thankful that at least one of them is being friendly.

  "I think I met your mom earlier, Cynthia?" He nods. The other one is still just staring at me with a strange look on his face. It almost looks like disgust. I'm not sure, but he is making me uncomfortable.

  "So, are you here for the summer?" Thomas asks.

  "Um, yes. Three months." I keep glancing back and forth between the two. It’s shocking how they can look so similar yet behave so differently. Thomas has kind eyes; they are blue just like his mothers.

  "Sorry for my dickhead brother, he doesn't know how to communicate apparently." He gestures towards the taller one. "This is Beau, my older brother." I can't see Beau's eyes; they are hidden behind dark sunglasses. I just know his eyes aren't kind like his brothers though.

  "Hi Beau, nice to meet you." I say. He tilts his head down and back up. I guess that was his way of saying hello. I stand there awkwardly before adding, "I think we are eating dinner together tonight... on the deck. Your mom and my aunt discussed it earlier."

  Beau scoffs. "I have plans." Thomas looks at me and gives me a reassuring smile.

  "That sounds great, I guess I’ll see you later then. Enjoy your day." Beau looks me up and down before turning on his heel and walking back towards the condos. What a strange boy.

  As I lie on my stomach, there’s a tightening sensation on my skin signifying I may be a little burnt. I stand up and slide on the coverup and sling the towels over my arm. As I make my way back up to the condo, I see Beau sitting in a rocking chair on the porch. The sun is getting lower, but he still has the sunglasses on. I can't be sure, but I can sense that he’s staring at me. I wave awkwardly, and he lifts his eyebrow again looking at me quizzically. Man, why did I do that? I keep walking towards my Aunt's condo and try not to look over at him again. The entire time his eyes are burning holes into my back. When I’m finally inside, I let out a breath that I didn't even realize I was holding.

  "What is his problem?" I ask out loud.

  "What is whose problem?" Shelly asks coming into view. She looks at me with concern.

  "Oh, it's nothing. Sorry. I met Thomas and Beau on the beach earlier. Beau is... well he’s very frustrating."

  Shelly laughs, "That's one word for it! Don't pay him any mind, he's a bad egg." I nod and walk up to my room.

  "Still want to run by the boutiques?" Shelly inquires. I really don't feel like it, but then again, I have a very limited wardrobe. My typical style includes jeans and cardigans, both of which are not conducive to Florida weather at all.

  "Sure, I don't really have many outfits for the climate here." I throw on the shorts from earlier and a t-shirt. "Where to?" I ask her.

  Chapter Four

  We walk into a small boutique that has racks lining the walls. "See anything you like?" my Aunt asks as I run my hands along the fabrics.

  "Uh, not yet." I answer quickly. I look at all the different colors and patterns. "I don't know Shelly; my tastes are a little simpler."

  "How about you let me choose a few things for you? I don't think you know how to dress for your body" she states. I look down at the dress she’s wearing, and I love the way it looks on her. She really does have style. Maybe this isn't such a bad idea.

  "Okay." I say. She begins throwing different items of clothing over her arm and slides a mound to the girl working the register.

  "Oh Shelly, that's too much!" She silences me with a look, and I don't say another word. I don't even want to hear the total amount, so I walk outside and wait for my Aunt to finish up. When she makes it outside, she is proudly holding two large shopping bags. I didn't even really see what she grabbed; I hope there are at least a few things that will work.

  Back at the condo, I take a quick shower to remove what is left of the tanning oil from earlier. I smile when I notice the tan lines appearing where my bikini had been. I can hear Shelly singing along to a Gin Blossoms song in her room and I can't help but be in awe of her. For a woman who has been through so much recently, she sure does love life. I find myself wondering why her husband couldn't be faithful. She’s beautiful and kind, and so much fun! Infidelity has never made much sense to me. I wonder if he regrets what he did. I wonder if he misses her. I shrug off the thoughts and turn my attention to the bags of clothing. Let's see what we're working with. I dump out the bags one by one and begin to sort through them. A few sundresses and rompers, a maxi-dress, skirts, lots of tops... There is so much here. I hold up a skimpy little number that instantly makes me laugh.

  "I would never wear this." I look at the little black dress and decide to hang it in the back of the closet. I finish hanging up the remainder of my new clothes and pull on a yellow dress for tonight. I look in the mirror and am pleasantly surprised. The fit is great. It slightly hugs my waist and then flows outwards. It isn't too short, and it isn't too long. I do a few twirls. Maybe Shelly is on to something here. I grab my makeup bag and look at the few items inside it. There is concealer, lip gloss, blush, mascara, and a few eye shadow compacts. I really don't have much, and for some reason tonight, I need more.

  I slide my feet into some sandals and walk down the stairs towards Shelly's room. I knock, "Hey, could I borrow some makeup? I don't have much..." She waves me in without a word and hands me a large bag. I unzip it and look at the treasure trove that is inside. I don't even know where to start.

  I must look utterly confused because Shelly laughs and says, "Come here honey, let me do your makeup. Nothing heavy, let's just accentuate that natural beauty." I close my eyes and let her handle the rest.

  She finishes with some sort of shimmering powder and says it’s perfect. I look in the mirror and can’t believe that the woman staring back, is me. She didn’t overdo it, which I’m thankful for. Mostly it’s barely there, but the way she did my eyes is what stands out the most. There’s a touch of eyeliner and mascara, and the perfect amount of golden eye shadow. I look like I’m glowing.

  Turning to face her I gush, "Thanks, I love it." She wraps me in a quick hug and hurries towards the living room. I stay in front of her full-length mirror for a little while longer. Feeling beautiful isn’t something that I’m used to, and tonight I feel like there’s a newfound confidence radiating within me that’s never been there before. I hear Shelly call for me and make my way towards the door with her.

  "Michelle, Katherine! I'm so glad we could do this." Cynthia beams. I walk over and she grabs my hands and kisses them. This woman sure is affectionate. She introduces me to her husband, Frederick Dalton. He looks so much like the boys I met earlier today. He also has dark hair that is sprinkled with grey, and his eyes are a deep green. His smile is incredible. This is a seriously attractive family. Thomas walks out to greet us, and I’m happy that he is here. His genuine nature is not one that can be faked, and I feel good knowing that I will have at least one friend this summer. Beau is nowhere to be found, but I knew that already. He made it clear he had plans.

  Thomas asks me about school and my interests. He graduated valedictorian and is on a full scholarship. He attends Columbia in Manhattan, and as he describes the campus, I’m swooning. What a dream! I imagine myself walking through the halls of such a prestigious university. I’d been accepted to several schools but still haven’t made the decision on where I’m going. It’s a huge decision, and I’m just not ready to commit yet. I’m sucked into another story as Thomas describes his crazy English Literature professor when I hear someone clear their throat loudly. I look up to see who it is and lock eyes with Beau.

  "Plans fall through?" I ask matter-of-factly. I surprise myself with my comment, and apparently him too. He raises his eyebrow, but this time I believe there’s the faintest hint of a smile hiding behind his eyes. His eyes. They’re green, just like his fathers. I get lost in them for a moment before he breaks our gaze and looks away. Jesus, he’s probably creeped out. I turn back to Thomas and he finishes his story.

  "Where is little Abigail?" my Aunt asks Cynthia.

  "Oh, she’s off at equestrian camp, she’ll be home this weekend." I wonder who Abigail is, and as if he read my mind, Beau’s deep voice rumbles through the room.

  “She’s our little sister.”.

  "How old is she?" I press.

  "Seven, she's seven. You’re going to love her! She’s a lot of fun." Thomas answers. I see Beau roll his eyes as Thomas speaks. Cynthia disappears into the condo and returns with a bottle of wine and Shelly claps.

  "Why don't you boys show Katherine the boat?" Mr. Dalton asks.

  "Dad, I highly doubt she has any interest- " I cut Beau off before he can finish his rude statement.

  "I would love that." He glares at me, and I instantly regret opening my mouth. Thomas takes my hand and leads me down toward the beach, and to my surprise Beau follows behind us. I slide off my shoes at the end of the walkway and sink my toes into the sand. I love the way the cool sand feels against my skin. I realize that Thomas has made it much farther than me down the beach. I pick up my speed a little and trip when my foot slips into a moat dug around a sandcastle.

  Beau catches me before I fall and steadies me. His hands linger on my arms for a few seconds before he huffs and tells me to be more careful. My cheeks burn from embarrassment and I continue to make my way towards Thomas and the sailboat.

  "It's beautiful." I whisper in awe. It isn't that big, which surprises me considering how nice all of Dalton’s belongings are.

  "Oh, this is nothing! If you think this is great you should see the Andiamo," he says proudly.

  "The Andiamo?" I ask.

  Beau speaks up, "She's my boat, so I'm not sure why you’re acting like you own her." I am so confused now.

  "Jesus Beau, it's a boat. Anyways Katherine, it’s a sailboat. We were out on it this morning. You should come see it sometime, it’s really great." I don't even have to look back at Beau to know he’s rolling his eyes.

  "Yeah, I would love that." I say back to Thomas. His smile is beaming. He really is handsome. His bright blue eyes are so welcoming, I can only describe them as magnetic. They draw you in to him, and then his kind words do the rest. I smile back at him.

  "Do you want to head back?" Thomas asks.

  "Sure, whatever you guys want." I reply.

  "I mean, if you want, we can grab some booze and head back out here. It's the perfect night for stargazing." Thomas waits for my answer, and I’m not sure what to say.

  "Have you ever had alcohol before? How old are you anyway?" Beau asks harshly.

  "I'll be eighteen next week, and yes I have drank before thank you very much." I try my hardest to sound confident. He doesn't look convinced, but Thomas is happy with my answer.

  "That settles it then! Let’s go grab something to drink. I can get some towels too." Beau's eyes follow me closely as we make our way back towards the condos. Shelly and Cynthia are still on the deck drinking wine, and Frederick is nowhere to be seen. I guess he’s already gone in for the night.

  Thomas calls to his mother that he is grabbing towels and drinks so that we can hang out on the beach. To my surprise, Shelly twiddles her fingers at me and tells me to have fun.

  Chapter Five

  I wait by the entrance to the walkway for the boys to join me, and I’m suddenly nervous. I wasn't exactly honest about my history with drinking. I mean, I'd had a glass of wine here and there. Then there was the mimosa at brunch today... But I’d never been drunk. I’d never even been tipsy before. I prayed there would be an easy way to play this off, and maybe they wouldn't catch onto just how inexperienced I really am. Beau walks up first, and my nerves become even worse.

  Why does he make me so uncomfortable? He’s holding a blanket and bottle of liquor. It looks like a dark liquor, possibly rum. I wonder how old he is. He’s wearing a white t-shirt and I can see the faint lines of ink through it. I’m burning up, and a foreign sensation pulsates through my body. My heart begins to beat faster, and I think back to my first night and the mysterious man in the shower. I’m trying so hard not to look at him. The tension right now is excruciating. The heat from his eyes is burning through my skin, so I look up. The look in his eyes is a mixture of confusion and frustration, at least that’s what it seems like to me. God, where is Thomas? Maybe I should just say that I’m exhausted and need to head to bed. This guy probably thinks I’m pathetic.

  "You said the boat was beautiful, why did you choose that word?" I hear the question come out of his mouth but don't register that he’s speaking to me. "Earth to Katherine?"

  Shit. "Oh, I'm not sure. What do you mean?" I try to answer calmly.

  "Most people wouldn't describe a little day sailor as beautiful." He presses for an answer.

  "I guess that’s just what popped into my head? It isn't really that the boat itself was beautiful... it was more that experiencing it would be beautiful I think." I answer quietly.

  "Elaborate." He says flatly. I groan, and he smirks.

  "What do you mean elaborate? I just think the whole idea of sailing is beautiful. I imagine it feels a bit like flying." I feel like an idiot, and I’m positive he thinks of me as one. He just stares at me with a curious look on his face.

  "What?" I snap. He doesn't answer, he just continues to stare at me... Then he smiles again. I throw my head back in frustration.

  "You are just- " Beau is interrupted when Thomas runs up and apologizes for taking so long. What was he going to say? Now I wish he would’ve waited just a few seconds before interrupting. He’s toting a small cooler and some towels.

  "Rum? Really Beau?" Thomas grabs my hand and pulls me towards the sea. "Here is good." And he lays out a towel for me. "Pick your poison!" He jokes.

  I peer into the open cooler and see quite the selection.

  "I wasn't sure what you liked so I grabbed a little bit of everything." I smile thinking of him racing around the house trying to make sure there was at least one thing that I liked.

  "That was sweet of you, thanks Thomas. To be honest, I have no clue what I like." I say coming clean.

  "I've only ever really had wine... and mimosas. What do you recommend for a beginner such as myself?" I hope the humor makes this less awkward. I hate feeling like a child, and right now that is exactly what’s happening. I catch Beau narrow his eyes at me.

  "Hey, no worries. How about a wine cooler? I grabbed a few of my mom’s fruity drinks." Thomas offers me the glass bottle containing a pink liquid, and I accept it. The drink is ice cold and refreshing. It doesn't even taste like alcohol. I finish it quickly as we listen to Thomas tell more stories and grab another from the cooler. Beau stays quiet, and I almost forget he’s here. Every so often I see him take a swig of the dark liquor. I finish the second drink and reach my hand over to the cooler feeling around for a third.