Pushing Limits (Fighting Love #1) - kali cross Page 0,12

you, kiddo, more than you’ll ever know,” she says, as a single tear trickles down her cheek. Her voice is haunting and filled with pain.

What the fuck is that all about?

***

Aunt Patty “went to get some air” after our big blowout. I was thankful, really. I need a rest from the drama of the last two days. While I unpack, I make a mental note of what I need to get to decorate the room. It’s pretty cool. All my other schools wouldn’t let you decorate. In boarding school, they gave you a bulletin board but nothing could go on the walls. I scan the room, getting excited about the blank space.

A soft knock on my door shakes me out of my daydream. “Come in.” I call.

A redheaded girl with Clark Kent style glasses peaks her head in shyly. “Hi, you must be Amber. I don’t mean to disturb you but I’m Karen. I wanted to stick my head in and introduce myself. I live down the hall.”

“Hi, Karen. It’s nice to meet you. Would you like to come in?” I curse inwardly at my lame introduction. I guess old habits die hard…my mom insisted I repeat any new acquaintance’s name to make sure I remember it. I am such a dork.

“Sure.” Karen walks in, plopping onto the bed opposite mine, looking around. “Are you settling in ok?” She smiles as she pushes her glasses up her nose.

“Yeah. I got in today. I’m from Chicago. Where are you from?”

“Ah, another Midwesterner. Cool. I’m from Kansas City.” Spying my only picture, she lifts it from the nightstand and studies it for a moment saying, “Cool picture. Where was it taken?”

Careful to keep my eyes down, I say, “It was taken at a Heart concert I went to over the summer. It was such a blast – they were amazing – Ann Wilson rocks.”

She smiles. “Oh, I love them!”

“Yeah me, too. My girlfriend, Angela, got the tickets as a surprise for my birthday. We rode up early on her motorcycle and spent the entire day at the festival.” I smile sadly, my voice quivering. “It was a great birthday.” Damn it. Don’t’ cry. Don’t cry in front of a total stranger.

“Are you ok?” she asks. Her green eyes fill with concern. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“No, it’s ok. I’m fine.” I flash my best reassuring smile.

“Do you want to talk about it? I have a solid shoulder here,” she says, patting her shoulder with a supportive smile.

“I better finish up here. I still have to get my clothes put away. I’m exhausted.”

“You sure? My Gran always taught me to lend a kind ear to anyone I meet.” Her kind eyes urge me to get whatever is bothering me off my chest.

But, how do I know you won’t spread it all over the dorm? “I guess I’m homesick, that’s all. I’ll shake it off.” I smile.

“Well, it was nice meeting you. I’ll let you get back to it.” She smiles politely. “I’ll see you around.” Pulling the door closed with a slight wave, leaving a soft baby powder scent in her wake.

Staring back down at the picture in my hands, I notice Angela’s happy face for probably the hundredth time, her dark hair curling around her cheeks in perfect tendrils. Her arm tossed casually over my shoulders as she towered over me. Smiles lit our faces. The day was perfect.

Angela knew about my relationship with my family. She knew it was a sure bet, if not a certainty, that my Dad would forget my birthday altogether. My Mom would call late into the night to leave a message on my cell wishing me a happy birthday because of this dinner or that meeting. And that only Arthur and Elise would be home to celebrate with me, as usual. But, she went out of her way to make sure I had the perfect birthday. She was like that….sweet, thoughtful, kind.

Placing the picture back on the nightstand, I sigh. Forcing myself up, I finish unpacking and wish for the millionth time she was here with me.

***

As we walk in to the chancellor’s office, Tommy is walking out. “Hello, Ladies. Here to see Ms. Chadwick?” He’s still in his uniform but sans the shades. His eyes twinkle as he smiles down at me. God, he is smokin’.

“Yeah, I have to get my schedule.” I say, trying to look up into his sparkling blue eyes, and failing miserably. My boot has become a