Perking up, I sat up on the porch and watched and waited until dust filled the air and the car stopped just beyond my driveway.
With the windows rolled down, Maylee waved at me from the passenger seat. “Hey, want to go for a ride?” she called out to me.
“Sure!” I yelled, jumping up. Opening the front door, I called to my mom to let her know I was going out and that I had my phone on me. I ran to the car as Maylee got out and folded the seat down so I could slide into the back seat. The car was just as I had expected. Tan leather interior filled the inside as a heavy musk scent filled my nose.
Ace looked over his shoulder at me and I felt the air around me freeze. His ice-blue eyes froze me and as we locked gazes, I was reminded of seeing him outside my house. I couldn’t be sure, but I was almost certain it was him.
“Buckle up,” Ace said, a scowl crossing his lips.
He floored the gas and I flew back in my seat, barely able to catch my breath. Maylee giggled from the front as we drove down the small roads.
My heart pounded with the anticipation of excitement as I allowed the breeze to flow through my hair. The smell of summer was exhilarating and I couldn’t remember the last time I had felt so free. Back in Salem, our summers were spent boating or walking around the historical parts of town. It was in the summer that most of the tourists would stay home or go to the southern states beaches. People flocked from all over the country to visit the historical town of Salem-- hoping to get a glimpse of even the tiniest feeling of what life was like when witches weren’t just creatures from fairy tales. Here in Kentucky, I discovered that quiet and low key was the way of life. I sort of liked it.
“I thought we could go get lunch at this cute diner on Main Street,” Maylee said, turning in her seat and looking at me over her bare shoulder. She was dressed to kill in a cute halter top and short jean shorts, the ends ragged and ripped.
“That sounds good,” I almost yelled, as the sounds of the engine and wind almost drowned out my voice.
“We totally need to go shopping, too. I am sure you want to decorate your new room and get clothes for school,” Maylee continued, a wide smile over her face.
“Sure,” I replied. I hadn’t ever had someone to be so kind to me so fast, it was almost surreal.
“Chill out, Maylee,” Ace said, his hands tightening around the steering wheel.
Playfully slapping Ace on the arm, Maylee glared at him. “You are no fun, Ace,” Maylee argued. I loved how she never let her get him down. Even though it was clear that he tried to boss her around, Maylee obviously had her own personality.
We drove a little further until we were out of the country and back in town. The large courthouse came into view, looming over the smaller buildings around it.
Ace turned onto the main drive and then parked in a small parking space along the sidewalk. This was very different from the main roads in Salem. Traffic was light here and everyone seemed to be just enjoying their afternoon.
We all got out of the car and the humidity instantly struck me. Fanning myself, I followed the siblings into a small diner called J’s Place.
Opening the glass door, Ace held it open as the cool, air-conditioned diner greeted us. Looking around, I admired the exposed red brick walls and small, wooden chairs and tables scattered around the room. At the back, a counter held a display case with delicious sandwiches and desserts.
I followed Ace and Maylee up to the counter, and we all placed an order of turkey sandwiches, sweet tea, and fresh baked chocolate chip cookies. Taking a seat by one of the large, glass windows overlooking the street, we all began to eat.
A few people around us glanced our way and I felt their stares on me. At first, I assumed they were looking at me-- the new girl, but upon further watching, it was clear it wasn’t me they were looking at. It was Maylee and Ace.
Sipping her tea, Maylee noticed me glancing around at the other patrons. Waving her hand, she gave them all a nasty smirk before turning back to me. “Don’t worry about them. They all think we are weird,” Maylee laughed.
Her words struck me as odd. Maylee seemed perfectly normal, why would anyone think she is weird? Now Ace, I could totally understand him. He was brooding and menacing looking and his car could be heard from miles away.
“Why are they staring at us?” I asked, leaning in and lowering my voice.
Not picking up on my que, Maylee continued to talk loudly. “Ace and I live with our older cousins. People think we are strange because we moved into town a few years ago and have always kept to ourselves. I guess in small towns, people want to get to know everyone.” She shrugged as she bit into her sandwich.
I understood where she was coming from, but there was still a question on my mind. “Where are your parents?” I asked, hoping I wasn’t being too intrusive.
“They died a few years ago,” Maylee said, her cheerful demeanor dimming.
I didn’t ask her any more questions. It was clear this was a sensitive topic that she didn’t want to discuss.
Ace gave Maylee a knowing look and they both smiled a little, sharing a secret moment only two siblings who had experienced loss would understand.
“So, I was thinking of exploring more parts of town,” I stated, trying to break the now awkward silence.
“Make sure to bring someone with you,” Ace stated, his eyes staring outside.
I almost laughed at this. Nicholasville seemed like the safest little town ever. I hardly expected to find any trouble around here. “I think I will be fine. I lived in a big city, I can protect myself,” I replied.
And, it was true. My parents had put me in self=defense classes at a young age. My mom was always on edge and never allowed me to go anywhere without my pepper spray and knowledge of how to fight off a bad guy-- or bad spirit in her case.
“Don’t let the charm of this town fool you. There is danger lurking everywhere, even right here in small town USA,” Ace growled out, winking.
Maylee gasped and gave him a strange glance as I just stared at him. Was he being serious?
We finished eating and then Ace stood up, signaling to us he was ready to leave.
We drove back to my house in silence, only the low rumble of the radio filling the space. When they dropped me off, Maylee waved and promised to see me soon.
As they drove away, I couldn’t help but wonder what was so dangerous about this place. As luck would have it, I knew that in my life, nothing was out of the realm of possibilities.
Chapter Four
Grave News
L
izzie, are you home?”
I heard my name being called from outside my bedroom window. It was a nice afternoon and I had opened my windows to expel some of the chemicals my mom had been spraying as she cleaned the house. Walking to my window, I leaned out and smiled as I saw Maylee standing on my driveway.
“Hey,” I called out, waving to her.
Seeing me, a smile beamed across her face. “Hey, want to hang out?” she asked.
“Sure,” I responded. ”Give me a minute to get down there,” I said, before turning and giving myself a quick glance in the mirror.
Back in Salem, I had a few friends, but I never found myself getting close to very many people. The secrets that lurked in my life always made me nervous to let people in. Possibly, it was my mom's fault. Like me, she had been a bit of a loner until she met my dad and Aunt Lucy.