Never Forgotten (Never Forgotten Series) (13 page)

The alarm blared, jarring me from a pleasant dream about Evan and our date last Saturday. He’d surprised me by taking me to a fancy restaurant. Our table overlooked the water. It was wonderfully romantic. I wished I was back there now.

Blurry eyed, I reached out to hit snooze, cursed, and sat up. I might as well get going. It was the first day of school after all. I hated the process of figuring out where my classes were and who was in them. Today was no exception. In fact, it was worse. A new school in a new country—how much more nerve-wracking could you get?

Over the weekend, Katie had combed through my closet and helped me pick out the perfect outfit for the first day. I dressed, turning in front of the mirror and admitting she had a good eye. The dark green blouse complemented my eyes, turning them almost aqua. My waist looked tiny in the black pants, and my new boots, well, they were sexy as hell. I loved them. My hair wasn’t quite as bouncy as it had been when it was first cut, but it would do

I glanced at my bedroom clock—fifteen minutes until Katie picked me up. Enough time for breakfast at least.

I was pleased to see that Grandma Mary made waffles and bacon, and a steaming plate of both was set out for me.

“Thanks, Grandma Mary!” When I smiled at her, I realized she really did feel like my grandmother now.

“Syrup, Meara?” My mom passed me the bottle before I replied. I forgot about the name dilemma and focused on my breakfast instead. Mom watched me eat and sipped her coffee.

“Are you nervous?” she asked.

“A little.”

“First day jitters.” Mom smiled. “You’ll be fine.”

***

“Are you nervous?” Katie asked when I met her on the porch. “You look nervous.”

“I am,” I admitted. “A little.”

“It’ll be okay,” she said. “I can’t imagine high school here is all that different than anywhere else. Besides, you met several of my friends over the summer. I’ll introduce you to the rest. I’m sure you’ll get along just famously. We love you.”

She gave me a hug, and I felt a little better.

When we arrived at school, the parking lot was almost full. I could see kids hanging out in groups across the campus. Katie waved at one or two people and honked at a few more. I was getting the impression she was popular, not that it surprised me.

When I received my class list about three weeks ago, Katie compared it to hers. We shared the same lunch hour, and we had first period together. At least I could follow her to our class, and then I would be on my own until lunchtime. I had studied the campus map they mailed out with the paperwork. It didn’t look too complicated.

As soon as we entered the building, Jen ran over to us. Her black hair, which had been past her shoulders this summer, was freshly cut into a chin-length bob.

“Katie!” She hugged Katie enthusiastically and then turned to me, smiling warmly. “Good to see you again, Meara. Welcome to Halifax High.”

“Thanks,” I said. “Great haircut.”

Jen patted her hair self-consciously. “You like it?”

“Super cute,” Katie confirmed.

Jen started to fill us in on the latest gossip. Since I didn’t know anyone, it didn’t matter too much to me. I trailed slightly behind them as we walked, half listening and half taking in my surroundings. Jen stopped, and I caught myself just before I plowed into her back.

“I’m so rude,” she said. “I’m sorry, Meara. I don’t mean to ignore you. This must be hard for you, being new and all.”

I shook my head. “It’s okay. I’m just trying to get my bearings, you know?”

“Right.” She nodded. A look of disgust crossed her face, and I wondered what I had done when she added, “I wouldn’t know anything about that since I’ve been here my whole life.”

“Before I came to Canada, I spent my whole life in Wisconsin. Let me tell you, it’s not any more exciting.”

“I guess,” she said. “I wouldn’t mind hearing about somewhere else…”

“Maybe later,” I said quickly. Or, maybe never, I thought. As if I wanted my new friends to realize how absolutely, terribly boring my life had been before I came here.

“I better go,” Jen said. “I’ve got science first period. It’s down the other hall.”

We said goodbye to Jen, and Katie led me further down the hall. When we reached the end, she gestured to a door on the right side.

“Here’s our class. Do you want to go first or should I?”

“You,” I said. I felt like a coward, but she was the one who knew people here.

What if I sat by the most annoying kid in school? Or the one who tried to cheat? No, better that she found a seat first. She’d know where to go.

Katie waved to a few boys in the back before walking to the far side of the room and sitting about halfway. She motioned to the seat in front of her. I quickly took it.

Mr. Murphy started as soon as the bell rang. He introduced himself and provided a high-level outline of what we would cover this year. One of the Shakespeare plays we were going to read, Hamlet, I had already covered my sophomore year. Everything else would be new. Perfect. I liked to read, but I didn’t care to re-read.

I made it through my morning classes with no major mishaps. Valerie, another friend of Katie’s that I had met at the Canada Day festival, was in my Biology class. It helped to have a friendly face nearby, and I was feeling more confident by the time lunch rolled around.

Katie was partially standing and waving to me when I came into the cafeteria. I was glad she had been looking out—most of the tables were already full. I would’ve been lost if I hadn’t seen her. She scooted over to make room for me, and I sat down next to her.

“How’s it going?” she said, handing me a Diet Coke and a bag of chips. “I stopped at the vending machine for you. I forgot to mention that you do not want to eat the hot lunch here. If you can, avoid it at all costs. Oh…” She dug in her backpack and pulled out an apple. “This is for you, too.”

“Thanks, Mom.” I grinned at her, and she laughed.

“How’re things going?” Jen asked as she took a seat across from me.

“Good,” I said. “Val’s in my Biology class.”

Jen nodded at the lunch line. “She’s coming. She’s getting hot lunch.”

“I can’t believe she likes that stuff,” Katie said.

“I know,” Jen replied. They both shuddered, which made me laugh.

“C’mon,” I said. “It can’t be that bad.”

“Just you wait,” Jen whispered, leaning across the table. “Here she comes now.”

Valerie sat down next to Jen. I had to admit, the lunch didn’t look too appetizing.

“What’s for lunch today?” Jen asked.

“Can’t you tell?” Val frowned at her before digging her fork into her food and taking a bite. “Mmmm. It’s meatloaf. Yummy.” She looked at my chips and apple. “That’s all you’re eating?”

“I’m not hungry,” I said, and it was true. I bit the apple and avoided looking at Val’s meal while I chewed.

Jen, Katie, and Val launched into a fresh batch of school gossip. Not knowing anyone yet, I wasn’t really interested and studied the lunchroom instead. It was funny how you could be in a totally different country and be reminded so much of home. The faces were all different, but other than that, it could have been a high school anywhere. From what I could tell, there were the same cliques and groups here that were at my high school back in Cedarburg. Actually, I found that comforting. At least I knew what I was getting into.

“Meara?” Katie was looking at me funny. Great. How long had she been calling my name? “Are you okay?”

“Sure,” I said. “Just thinking about how similar Halifax is to Cedarburg.”

Katie’s expression turned smug, and I remembered her words in the car this morning. “Told you so. See, Meara, you’ll fit in fine here.”

“Uh huh.” I was not entirely convinced. I threw away what was left of my lunch. Nerves usually worked as an excellent appetite suppressant for me. It was the only time I couldn’t eat.

“What do you have now?” Katie asked.

I glanced at my schedule, since I had already forgotten. After I looked, I wished I hadn’t. “Ugh. Gym class.”

“Me, too!” Val said, coming over to stand next to me. “I’ll walk with you.”

“Great. See you later, Katie. Jen.”

They waved and walked away. Val and I started toward the gymnasium.

“Do you play sports?” she asked. She walked with a natural grace. No wonder she was on Katie’s volleyball team.

“Not really,” I said. “I played a bit in grade school, but I wasn’t good.”

She frowned. “That’s too bad. We could’ve used another strong setter on our team.”

“Katie already tried to recruit me.”

She flashed me a grin. “Figures.”

After gym, I had history and psychology. The rest of the day passed quickly. As far as first days of school went, I chalked this one up as a success. Katie was right. Her friends were great, and I was confident that I would soon be calling at least some of them my friends, too.

"Ms. Quinn, what is your answer?”

I felt my face go hot. Busted. I’d just sent Evan a text, and I had no idea what Mr. Hersh asked me. Thankfully, I’d managed to slide my phone into the pocket of my jeans before he caught me.

“Could you repeat the question?”

Mr. Hersh looked at me over the top of his glasses. “Pay attention, young lady.” His eyes scanned the room before landing on the brunette in the front row. “Simone, did you hear the question?”

“Yes, Mr. Hersh.” Simone turned and gave me a smug smile before answering. “World War II ended in 1945.”

I slid lower in my chair, grateful that the class had turned their attention away from me. My phone vibrated in my pocket, but I didn’t dare look at it.

The bell rang. Finally! School was over.

I walked back to my locker and threw my books in, grateful that I finished my homework in study hall. At least I didn’t have to worry about that this weekend. I was a little sad that Evan wasn’t coming home. I hadn’t seen him for over a week.

My phone vibrated. I pulled it out, only then remembering the text I received during History class. The first was Katie.
TGIF!
She was probably already in the gym since she had volleyball practice tonight. There was a big volleyball tournament tomorrow. “It’s last-minute prep,” Katie told me on the way into school. “Coach insists, although we’re totally ready.”

My heart sped up when I read the second text, which was from Evan.
I’m out front.

I grabbed my jacket and bag, slamming my locker closed. He was here! I hurried to the main door, but made myself slow down as I pushed it open. I didn’t want to appear too eager. He leaned on his car, surrounded by a group of people. I recognized a guy from my science class, but the rest were strangers. I saw the moment that he noticed me—his eyes lit up, and his attention focused entirely on me. The rest of the group turned to look where he was staring. Embarrassed again, I felt my face heat up.

“Hi Meara,” the guy said as I approached. I waved and hoped it wasn’t obvious that I couldn’t remember his name. He turned to Evan. “Catch you later.”

“Sounds good, Max,” Evan said. Ah, right. Max Spencer. Max left, and the others followed. He was on the hockey team, if I remembered correctly.

“I didn’t mean to scare off your friends,” I said. Evan laughed and pulled me into his arms.

“I’m glad you did. Now I have you all to myself.” He kissed me. I shivered slightly and leaned into him. Breathing in his cologne, I rested my head on his shoulder. I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed him.

“How was the first week?” he asked.

“Not bad,” I admitted, stepping back to give us some room. I didn’t want to make a scene. “It exceeded my expectations.”

“Meara,” he said, shaking his head. “You could have tripped in the lunchroom on Monday, dropped all of your books in front of everyone on Wednesday, and slammed your fingers in your locker today, and that would have exceeded your expectations. When they’re that low, there is nowhere to go but up.”

“True,” I said. “But I didn’t trip or drop my books or slam my fingers.”

He took my left hand and kissed the tips of my fingers, then pretended to inspect them. “You’re right. They look fine to me.”

“I’m thrilled you’re here, but where’s my mom?” Mom told me this morning she was planning to pick me up after her appointment. She knew Katie wouldn’t be done with practice until much later.

“I think her appointment ended early. She called and asked if I could pick you up.”

“That’s weird. She’s never done early.”

“Maybe she’s getting better?”

“Maybe.” I didn’t believe it. This morning, her face was ridiculously pale, and her hair seemed to thin before my eyes. Just two days ago, she’d started covering her head with a scarf when she went out.

Evan opened the car door. “You ready?”

“Are you sure this is okay? I know you’re busy with school…”

“Get in, Meara. I wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to see you. I’ll study first thing tomorrow. I promise.”

The car was warm and smelled like Evan’s cologne—clean and sporty. I loved that smell.

“Are you hungry?” he asked as he pulled out and merged into the “get me the hell out of here, it’s Friday” traffic.

“Antonio’s?” I suggested. A few weeks ago, he took me to his favorite pizza restaurant in Halifax. It was near campus and super yummy. I’d been craving it ever since.

“Antonio’s it is.”

Twenty minutes later, a hot, steaming pizza was placed between us. It smelled amazing, but I knew better than to try and bite into a slice right away. I burnt my mouth the first time. I slid a piece onto my plate to cool and sipped my Diet Coke instead.

“Can you show me around after?” I asked. “You know, since we’re so close to campus?”

“Sure. We can take a walk. You can see my dorm room, too.” I raised my eyebrow at him, and he lifted his hands in defense. “What? I have a roommate. Chances are that he’ll be there.”

I laughed. “I’m just teasing you.”

“Just for that…” He reached over and took my cooled slice, taking a huge bite.

“Evan!”

“What? It’s good. Why don’t you have some?”

I rolled my eyes, but couldn’t help smiling. The pizza had cooled a bit, and I was able to eat the first slice I took. The cheesy tomato perfection melted in my mouth. It didn’t take long for us to finish the whole thing.

Our waitress brought the check and placed it on the table. I reached out, but Evan covered my hand before I could take it.

“I’ve got it.”

“You don’t have to—you’re not working anymore.”

“Meara, I can pay for it. Let me treat you.”

Okay.” I relented, looking into his puppy dog eyes. “Thank you.”

“Anytime.” He pulled out his wallet and paid before sliding out of the booth to stand next to me. When I stood, he took my hand. “We’ll just leave the car here. Campus is literally two blocks away.”

As we walked, Evan pointed out the coffee shop where he got breakfast, the bookstore, which carried university sweatshirts, and even the Laundromat, although he admitted that he rarely used it. He brought his clothes home.

“You make your mom wash your clothes?”

“She likes to do it. She insists.”

“Yeah, right.” I gave him a little nudge, and he laughed.

“Okay, so maybe she doesn’t like it,” he admitted.

“I’m sure she’s got enough laundry with the inn and all…”

“You’re right.” He sighed dramatically. “I suppose I could do my own laundry.” He stopped and motioned in front of us. “We’re here.”

If I hadn’t been caught up in teasing Evan, I would have noticed that the rows of neat shops had ended at the start of a beautiful, green space. Neatly trimmed hedges and tall trees lined several paths, which led up to classic, brick buildings.

“It’s beautiful,” I said.

“It’s not bad.” He tugged my hand. “C’mon, I’ll show you the science building.”

We took the path on the right and passed several buildings. The air was cooling, but comfortable, and many windows were open. Between the movie posters I could see on the walls, and the various songs I could hear blaring from within, I knew these had to be dorms.

“Do you live in one of these?” I asked.

Evan didn’t even glance up at them. “No, I live on the other side of campus. These are for upperclassmen.”

“Oh.”

Evan stopped in front of a long building. It looked more modern that the others we passed. I guessed it was built at least fifty years later.

“Is this the science building?”

“This is it,” he said. “Want to go inside?”

“It’s open?”

“Night classes. It will be open until nine or so.”

I stared at the building. I wasn’t sure I was comfortable going inside. “Will we get in trouble?”

“Why would we get in trouble?” He tugged at my hand. “C’mon, Meara. We won’t stay long.”

As we walked up the stairs, I felt a prickle on the back of my neck. It was the most curious feeling, like someone was watching me. On one hand, I wanted to turn around and see who it was. On the other, I was scared. I’d never had that feeling before. It creeped me out. Curiosity won. I turned around.

A man stood near a tree in the middle of the green space. I couldn’t make out his features. He was tall, and his hair was light. He nodded his head, turned, and walked away. The feeling vanished.

“Do you know him?” Evan asked, and I startled. For a moment, I forgot he was there.

“No, I thought maybe you did.” I looked up at Evan, and he shook his head.

“Never seen him before.” Evan opened the door. “I’ll show you the lab first.”

Evan was like a kid in a candy shop. He was so excited about everything in the building. Science was not my favorite subject, but it was hard not to get caught in his enthusiasm. He was so focused, so passionate about what he believed in. I thought about how it felt when he turned that same focus on me. My face grew hot.

“Are you okay?” Evan asked.

“Fine,” I blurted. “Where are we going next?”

“Do you want to see the animals?”

“Animals? Like classroom pets?”

He grinned at me. “Kind of. We keep them for observation. Most are retired zoo or circus performers.”

“What kind of animals?”

“You’ll see…”

We walked down an empty corridor and through the door at the end. It was a staircase, and Evan led me down. The air took on an unusual smell, and I heard splashing.

“Is there a pool in here?”

“Of sorts.” Evan opened the door. “Ta da! Our pets.”

The lights were dimmed, but I could clearly make out the large tank of water and the animals swimming inside. “Seals?”

“And sea lions. We have some pretty cool aquariums, too. In the room back there.” He pointed to the back corner. “Do you want to get closer? We can climb on the platform.”

The door Evan had just pointed at burst open. “Excuse me, but no one is allowed in here after hours.” A nervous-looking man approached us. When he saw Evan, he relaxed. “Oh, Mr. Mitchell. It’s just you.”

“Hi, Professor Nolan. Sorry, I was just showing my girlfriend, Meara, the animals. We’ll go now.”

“No problem. Take your time.” He smiled at me and nodded at Evan before going back the way he came. I was impressed. A teacher had never given me that kind of respect.

“Wow. Mister Mitchell. Very impressive,” I whispered to him.

“Very funny,” he whispered back. He put his hands on my lower back and guided me to the stairs.

“I have a part-time job here, you know, caring for the animals.” He spoke quietly next to my ear. “Professor Nolan heads the research program. He’s a pretty cool guy. Nervous, but he knows his stuff”

The stairs that lead to the top of the tank were covered in wide strips of non-slip material.

“Are we going to get wet?” I asked.

“I don’t think so,” Evan said.

Great, I thought. I didn’t feel like spending the night in wet clothes.

The platform was sturdy and dry. It was actually much higher than the surface of the tank. A ladder led down about three feet to another platform below, where the seals and sea lions could come out and rest.

“Do you want to go down?” Evan asked.

I looked down. Pools of water scattered across the platform. “Looks kinda wet.”

Evan laughed. “We can stay here.”

We sat on the edge of the platform. It didn’t take long for the animals to notice us. They started to jump and spin as if they were performing. Then, one by one, they came onto the platform below us. Soon, they were barking.

“They like you,” Evan said.

“Why…What…?” Then I remembered that he said he worked here. I shoved his arm playfully. “Right. You feed them, don’t you?”

He laughed. “Yes, I do. It’s past their dinnertime, but we can give them a snack.”

“Do we have to go down there?”

“No, we’ll just toss it over.” He walked to a cooler at the back of the platform, picked up a bucket near it, and filled it. He brought it back over. “Frozen fish. They love it.”