A New Hope (The Second Chance Series Book 2) (14 page)

“Karla,” Elliot said loudly when she walked into the house. “I had an awesome day today.”

The irritation Karla had been carrying around all day instantly evaporated at his words. “I am so glad Elliot. Do you like school here?”

“I do.” He said enthusiastically. “Guess what.”

“What?” Karla asked in a cheerful voice. Elliot’s happiness was contagious.

“I have two friends who are identical twins. They just moved here from Phoenix.”

At his words her stomach dropped. “Really?” She asked. “What are their names?” She really hoped these weren’t Trevor’s younger sisters, but she was pretty sure they were.

“Malinda and Madison Carpenter.” He said brightly and Karla’s slight hope was dashed. “They have two older brothers, who are twins, and two younger brothers, who aren’t twins.”

“That’s great Elliot.” Karla said, searching for a way to change the topic. She couldn’t tell him that she’d met his friends’ older brothers.

“Karla, I have some homework I’m going to need help with. Can you help me?” Elliot asked hesitantly.

“Of course I can. We’ll get yours right now and I’ll do mine after we’re finished.”

“Are you sure? I’m sure you have more than me.”

“Probably, but mine is easy so we’ll get yours finished first.”

“If you’re sure.” Elliot told her and walked into the kitchen. He already had his backpack open and his book laid out on the table.

“I’m sure.” Karla said with a smile. “What do you have to do?”

“I have math, which I can do myself, and some Language Arts. I have to read the passages and answer questions about them.”

“Alright. Let’s get that done and then I’ll do my Pre-Cal and Chem homework while you do your math. Sound good?”

“Thanks Karla. You’re the best big sister a guy could ask for.”

Karla laughed and sat beside Elliot at the table. As she helped him with his homework she thought to herself,
I hope he still feels like that after I tell him about my run in with Travis and Trevor.

As soon as they both were finished with their homework Leslie was ready for them to clear and set the table. As they worked together Leslie watched them. They were so different in some ways and in others they were so alike. Both were strong willed and stubborn and both had big hearts that could be easily broken. Leslie knew that if they ever teamed up her and Andrew would be in trouble because together those two would be unstoppable.

When Andrew walked in he stopped beside her and watched them with her. “We have a couple of pretty terrific kids.” He said and kissed the top of her head.

“Yes we do. Something is bothering Karla, but I can’t quite figure out what it is. She came straight in and started helping Elliot with his homework then did her own, but she hasn’t really talked much.”

“We’ll talk to her after dinner. Maybe it’s just the stress of starting a new school year.”

“I hope you’re right.” Leslie answered and walked to the table. “I hope you’re all hungry. I made a special meal to celebrate the first day of school.”

They all grinned as Leslie pulled a roast with potatoes, carrots and onions out of the oven and placed it on the table. Then she placed a bowl of broccoli and cheese on the table and they all dug in.

After dinner Elliot and Andrew went out back and Karla helped Leslie clean up the kitchen. “What’s the matter Karla” Leslie asked as they loaded the dishwasher.

Karla sighed deeply and looked at Leslie. “Figured you’d pick up on it. There are a couple of new guys at school. They just moved here from Phoenix.”

“Elliot met two girls today who just moved here from Phoenix.” Leslie said with an intrigued expression.

“Yeah, he told me. That’s the problem. Travis and Trevor Carpenter are Malinda and Madison Carpenter’s older brothers. Travis is alright, but there’s something off with Trevor. He gives me the creeps.”

“Malinda and Madison are Elliot’s new friends right?” Leslie asked, putting the pieces together.

“Yes, and I’m afraid if I tell Elliot that I have an issue with one of their brothers he’ll get upset with me.”

“Honey, you’re a pretty astute judge of character and if this boy gives you the creeps then maybe you should stay away from him.”

“That was my original plan, but with Elliot being friends with his sisters I don’t think that’s an option any longer.”

“It’ll all work out sweetie. I know you’re worried about Elliot being upset, but you have to tell him.”

“Tell me what?” Elliot said from behind them.

“Hey Elliot. Didn’t hear you come in. I’ll leave and let you and Karla talk.” Leslie told him then turned back to Karla. “You can do this. You can do anything.”

When Leslie walked out of the kitchen Karla took a deep breath and looked at Elliot. He was standing there with a confused expression on his face and she couldn’t help but smile a little. “Let’s sit and we’ll talk.” She said and walked to the table.

Once Elliot was seated she told him about meeting his friends’ brothers and the impression she got from Trevor. When he smiled a little she was relieved.

“Malinda told me one of her brothers was really weird. He’s really into the theater and thinks everything in life is a play he’s acting in. I probably won’t like him either, but I do like Malinda and Madison. They’re really cool.”

“Elliot, you never cease to amaze me. Thank you for understanding. I love you, little brother.”

Elliot’s face lit up at her words. “I love you too, big sister.”

The rest of the week was uneventful. Karla had a couple more run-ins with Trevor, but she wasn’t going to let him get to her. When Saturday came Karla and Elliot were both excited. It was Elliot’s birthday party day and Malinda and Madison, as well as a few of his other new friends, were coming over.

When Karla walked downstairs she was greeted by the smell of chocolate chip pancakes, bacon and warm maple syrup, Elliot’s favorite breakfast. “Leslie, I am glad we don’t eat like this every morning.” She said with a smile.

“Me too, sweetie.” Leslie grinned back.

Andrew walked in just in time to hear what Karla said. “Even if we did you two would still be the two most beautiful ladies on earth.” He said and both of them busted out laughing at him.

As they sat and ate the conversation shifted to the events of the day. They were planning a backyard party like the one they had for Karla and Elliot was excited about it. After breakfast they went outside to get everything set up. The party started at twelve and they had a lot to do.

At 11:45 the doorbell rang and Elliot ran to answer it. Malinda and Madison stood there with identical smiles and he grinned. “Hey.”

“Happy birthday, Elliot.” Malinda said with a bright smile as they walked in. Before Elliot could close the door two teenage boys walked in behind his friends.

“These are our brothers, Travis and Trevor.” Madison told him. “Mom wouldn’t let us come without them.” She went on to explain.

Elliot’s thoughts instantly jumped to Karla. He wanted his friends here, but he wanted his sister happy too. Before he could say anything Karla walked out of the kitchen. “Elliot, who was at the door?”

“Karla? What are you doing here?” Trevor asked, surprised by her sudden appearance.

“I live here.” She responded, caught off guard by him and Travis being in her house. She knew Elliot had invited Madison and Malinda, but she hadn’t expected their brothers to come too.

“Well isn’t this a pleasant surprise.” He said with a grin.

Karla didn’t like the look on his face or the tone of his voice, but she didn’t say anything. Today was about Elliot and she would do what she had to do to make this special for him.

“The party is in the backyard.” Elliot told the girls as the doorbell rang again. “I’ll be back there in a minute.”

When he opened the door he sighed in relief. Conner and Callie were standing there and he knew Karla would be alright now. “Hey guys. Welcome to the party.” He greeted them with a smile.

“Hey, little bro.” Callie said and reached out to ruffle his hair. When he ducked away she started laughing, but when she spotted Travis and Trevor her laughter instantly died.

‘What are you two doing here?” Conner asked as he walked over and wrapped an arm around Karla’s waist.

“Our sisters were invited and mom wouldn’t let them come without us. We’d thought we’d be stuck here with a bunch of twelve and thirteen year olds. I’m glad we were wrong.” Travis answered with a smile. He didn’t pick up on Conner’s tone, but Trevor did and it made him smile wickedly. He loved that his mere presence was getting under Conner’s skin.

“The party is in the backyard guys. If you’ll just follow us we’ll show you the way.” Callie said, she’d picked up on Conner’s uneasiness too.

They started through the house when the doorbell rang again. “I’ll get it Elliot.” Karla said. “You show them where the party is.”

He nodded, knowing she needed a minute, and led Travis and Trevor to the back yard.      

Once they were gone she took a deep breath and opened the door. She smiled at the red-haired boy standing there. “Hello. The party is in the back yard.” She said and he walked past her in the direction she pointed. Once he was gone she turned to Conner.

“I had no idea they were coming.” She said in a small voice. “If I had known I would have told you.”

“Hey,” Conner said and wrapped his arms around her. “It’s okay. I know you didn’t know and I know you dislike him as much as I do. We’ll deal with him being here because today is about Elliot. He’s officially a teenager today.”

Karla stood on her tip-toes and brushed her lips against Conner’s just as the doorbell rang again. Karla, Conner and Callie stayed in the front of the house until all the guests, including Rylee, had arrived then they headed to the back yard. Conner was right, today was Elliot’s day and she could deal with Trevor for a few hours if it meant Elliot had a good day.

Karla did her best to ignore Trevor as she played games with Elliot and his friends, but his constant staring, or observing as he called it, was starting to get on her nerves and by the time they sat down to eat she had lost all aspects of the happiness she’d woke up with that morning.

“Are you okay?” Elliot asked as he sat beside her.

“Yep. I’m just fine.” She answered and plastered on a fake smile.

“It’s just a couple more hours, sis.” He said, trying to sooth her a little. He could tell she was on edge.

“Elliot, I promise I’m fine. You just enjoy the rest of your day.” She told him with a more genuine smile. “I think I’m going to go inside for a bit and cool off. It’s pretty hot out here.”

He nodded to her and she went inside and straight up to her room. Once in her room she locked the door and collapsed on the bed. She knew she only had a few minutes before Conner came looking for her, but she needed a little time alone.

Five minutes later someone knocked on her door. She sighed deeply, walked to the door and flipped the lock. “Come in, Conner.” She said as she sat back on her bed. When the door opened and Trevor walked in she stood up quickly. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to find you. Conner is busy keeping my sisters entertained so he won’t be coming up here any time soon.”

“Trevor, I don’t know what your problem is, but I think we should go back downstairs and talk about it.” Karla said and started walking toward the door.

“Oh no.” He said slyly and grabbed her around the waist. “I think this should be done privately.”

“Trevor, what do you want from me?”

“I want you and me to go on a date.”

“Never going to happen. I have a boyfriend, whom I adore, and I would never do anything to hurt him. So back off please.”

“I won’t give up on going out with you. I want you to give me a chance.”

“Trevor, listen well because I’m only going to say this once. I have the best boyfriend in the world. He would do anything for me and I would do anything for him. Do you see this necklace I’m wearing? Since you observe me so much you’ve probably noticed that I never take it off. Wanna know why? Conner gave it to me for my birthday. It’s a promise necklace and I honor that promise. My heart belongs to Conner. I have loved him from the moment I met him and I know he feels the same way so please, just let it go.”

“Okay. I’ll let it go for now. I’m not agreeing to let it go forever though. I think you and I would be perfect together.”

“I disagree. Conner and I are perfect together.”

“What’s going on in here?” Conner asked from the doorway.

“Conner, we were just talking about you. I was telling Trevor about my necklace.” Karla told him.

“I heard most of the conversation.” Conner said and glared at Trevor. “Leave Karla alone, Trevor. I think she made it perfectly clear that she doesn’t like you like that.”

“She did, for now anyway, but feelings change. See you to downstairs.” Trevor said and walked out the door.

“I’m sorry Conner. I left the party because of him and came up here. I only opened my door because I thought it was you knocking on it.” Karla apologized and looked at the floor.

“Karla, look at me please.” Conner said and when she looked up he caressed her cheek with his fingers.  “I heard most of what was said, including the part where you told him that you have loved me from the moment we met.”

“It’s true. I have loved you for that long. I was just too scared to tell you, or anyone else.”

“Same here.” Conner said as he looked in her eyes. “I want to kiss you Karla, really kiss you, but I don’t want to scare you.”

“Conner, I know you would never hurt me.” She said and stood on her tip-toes. When she pressed her lips to his he cupped her face in his hands and slowly parted his lips. He brushed his tongue across her lips and when she parted them slightly he slid his tongue between them. He tasted her for a moment before breaking the kiss and looking into her eyes.

“Are you okay?” He asked her.

“I’m better than okay. I love you, Conner.”

“I love you, too, Karla.”

They stood there for a moment, just staring into each other’s eyes before Karla broke eye contact and said, “I think we should get back downstairs before Andrew comes looking for us. He’ll freak if he sees us alone in my room.”

Conner laughed, grabbed her hand and pulled her from the room. When they made it to the backyard Karla noticed that Trevor was gone, but Travis and their sisters were still there. She smiled and hoped he had taken her words to heart because she truly did love Conner and no one was going to come between them.   

The rest of the party passed quickly. Andrew and Leslie got Elliot the game console he had mentioned wanting and Karla got him a gift card for some games. She also promised to go to the mall with him so he could pick out the games he wanted. His friends all got him gift cards too and he was already making out a mental list of the games he wanted.

Once everyone was gone Karla, Elliot, Andrew and Leslie cleaned up and went to bed. As Karla laid in her bed she thought back to the kiss she shared with Conner and remembered the way it had made her feel. She had never felt anything like that before and it scared and excited her at the same time. She had always wondered if, after everything she had been through, she could feel something like that. Now she knew she could and that made her smile as she drifted off to sleep.