Spiralling Out of the Shadow (The Spiralling Trilogy) (24 page)
Read Spiralling Out of the Shadow (The Spiralling Trilogy) Online
Authors: Michelle Dennis Evans
When I had woken that morning, the first thing I did was check my
email. Not something I usually did, so I don’t know what I was expecting or hoping for. But when a message came through from Danny, a smile ignited my face and my eyes were glued to the screen. I hit print as I read the email over and over. I couldn’t wait to show it to Steph tomorrow.
Dear Tabbie,
I hope you did well in your exams. I did way be
tter than I expected in mine. I’m looking forward to stretching year twelve over two years. But now that I’m here, I can’t imagine leaving. I’m already thinking about staying longer.
I have a
confession. Truth is, I’m in love with you and had to run away from the country to control myself. I wanted so badly to start dating you right now but I had a feeling it would lead us down a path that we both aren’t quite ready for.
I
’m sorry I completely lost my voice that first time I met you. All I can say is … it must have been love at first sight. You were amazing the way you looked after everyone who was drinking and out of control. Anything could have happened to Janet, but you were there to look after her.
Then when I saw you at the pool
... again, I couldn’t speak. All I could do was gawk at you like a complete knob. When you fell, I wanted to dive in and save you, but you’re so capable and elegant in everything you do, you didn’t need me to fish you out.
The way you brought your friends with you to youth group when you started coming, you seemed to really care about them
. And the way you took them home when they weren’t having fun. I was praying that they’d want to come back so you would find it easier to stay, but you kept coming anyway and I wanted to congratulate you for your courage. It’s not easy coming into a bunch of high school kids and not knowing anyone. And then when you started coming to the beach, it was almost enough to admire you from a distance until we were both old enough to date without rushing into some crazy teenage romance.
Your bea
uty far surpasses anyone else I’ve ever seen. You don’t seem to know that you are beautiful and that makes you even more attractive.
The way you set up the movie date for Suzie and Joey was
completely out of this world. I’ve never known anyone to do so many selfless acts for their friends. At that movie night, I nearly said something, but I was sure you still saw me as that complete knob.
And then at the funeral you took the time to think of Joe
y and got him to call me. I can’t imagine the grief you would have been dealing with yourself.
I thought you had absolutely no interest in
me when you went out with Rhett. I’m so sorry you went through with that date. After he told me what happened, I wanted punch his lights out. I hope you shoved him really hard. I told him to never go near you again.
The day you came to the beach with your sprained ankle gave me a chance to do something for you, just like you are always going out of your way to help others. But when I picked you up, the surge that
went through my body was almost too much. It was good the water was cold that day—I sure needed it to cool off.
I guess I didn
’t get it right with Anna. She didn’t seem to get the message. I tried to push her away, but the more I said no, the more she seemed to think I’d change my mind. The one thing I didn’t mind about Anna hanging around was that I could see more of you.
I know I’
ve got an ocean of courage between us, and I don’t know how much longer I would have held out if I was still in the country. I also know you may very well reject me, but I’m hoping you might think about it.
All I am asking is that we get to know each other a little more over email or maybe even Skype. And we can see where it leads.
Yours
Danny
.
‘I don’t know, love.’
‘Yes, Mum
. I know I’d be taking a risk, but Steph is worth it. She’s tried so hard the last few months to get her life back in order but she just needs someone to walk with her for a while.’
‘Has she asked you to move in?’
‘No.’
‘But what about school.’
‘Mum, now you are just repeating yourself. I’m nearly eighteen—’
‘Not for another year and a half,’ Francine said.
‘It’s just over a year away now.’ I’d counted. ‘I could move out without your blessing, but I’d rather not.’
‘What do you think ... Tom?’
I looked from Mum to Dad. I could just move out, but I’d never gone against them before.
‘I know
you’re always wanting to help your friends, but don’t you think this is going to the extreme?’ Dad asked.
‘No, she needs someone. Her parents seem to be happy to let her drift, but I know she can get past this.’
‘It’s barely been a month,’ Mum said.
‘Ye
ah, two months of grief, rehab, and addiction counselling.’ I knew Steph still had a long way to go. ‘She needs some support.’
‘We’ve asked her to move back here.’ Dad scratched his head. ‘Why move in with her?’
‘She won’t move here, especially not with her extra baggage. She feels really bad about how she treated everyone.’
‘You really want to move out of home?’
‘Yes.’
‘Guess we can’t really stop you.’ Dad wrapped his arms around me. ‘You have to remember, while you
’re such a caring best friend, you mustn’t let your friends take over and stop you from living your life.’
‘That’s right love.’ Mum rubbed my back. ‘And if you ever need to come and stay a couple of nights to study, please tell us you’ll come home.’
‘I will. Thanks, Mum.’ I hugged them both at the same time. ‘Thanks, Dad.’
Blinkers – what horses wear to stop seeing behind and to the sides
Chooks – chickens
Dobbed her in – tell on someone ... tattletale.
Doona – duvet bed cover
Eisteddfod – competition of a particular performance dance or musical.
Incy
- tiny
Maths – is what Australians shorten mathematics to.
Red frogs – candy or jelly lolly in the shape of a frog that is red. It’s also the name of an awesome organisation who are present at school leavers week (Schoolies) and university parties.
Servo – service station where you buy fuel
Vegemite – a dark coloured salty brewer’s yeast spread similar to Marmite
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Thank you…
To my daughters, my son and my husband – you bring joy and laughter into everyday
, I am so thankful we are family.
I am also thankful to my parents who first recognised my gift for writing back in my early primary years when I chose to write dialogue for my spelling sentences.
Thank you to Roald Dahl who ignited my passion for reading.
A huge thank-you to all of my critique partners and beta readers - some who stayed with me right through the novel and some who helped me with just a few pages - you are all appreciated, and I am scared if I start naming you that I would miss one.
I mustn’t forget my local cheer squad and my online friends, your support is welcomed and appreciated and I hope to meet you all in real life one day!
And above all I am thankful to my creator, the giver of life, the one who showers me with crazy favour and ridiculous grace.
Cause…
I am passionate about seeing girls and women pick up the pieces and move forward in life after major upheaval and one of my favourite local organisations that help to facilitate this is the Soul Centre. A portion of sales from Spiralling Out Of The Shadow will go towards providing programs for women and girls on the Gold Coast.
Also by Michelle Dennis Evans
Spiralling Out of Control
Book 1 in the Spiralling Trilogy
Life Inspired
A beautiful collection of poems.
