Page 43 of Shadows Within

“Dad?” No answer. I throw the covers off and run downstairs. He’s not here. I rush out to the garage.

“God damn. Piece of shit.” I spot Dad as he wipes his forehead off with an oily rag.

“Jesus Dad, what was that?”

“Sorry, did I wake you? The damn wheel well fell off.” He has a car up on the lift, the same car that Callum exposed and explored my body on. I fight back a smirk.

“I was just worried that something happened to you, that’s all.” I reach over and pat his back. “Be careful, old man.”

“I’m not that old Scarlett, I had you when I was twenty- one.” I roll my eyes— if I had a dollar for every time he’s used that excuse.

“I’m aware, Dad.”

“You have class this morning?” He throws the rag on the bench and reaches up into the car.

“No, I’m going to have a few rounds with Ricco then Sophia and I are going shopping.”

“Oh? What for? Do you have money?” He’s always a caretaker at heart.

“I don’t need money Dad, jeez. I’m an adult. And it’s just some event, I think it’s a party?” He looks over at me, his eyes squint. Like he’s trying to figure out what I’m thinking.

“Youthinkit’s a party? You don’t know what you’re doing?”

“Well, I think it’s a party. I don’t fully know yet.” I deflect. Callum didn’t clarify on the nature of this party when I asked him last night.

“Okay, well, have fun shopping for the maybe party. Tell Ricco I said hi.” He raises his eyebrows, shakes his head, and slightly laughs.

I run back inside and get ready for the gym. I throw my sports bra and shorts on, with sweatpants over top. Winter is almost here. While sunny days are still warm, the nights are brisk.

I snatch my school bag off my desk chair and take it with my gym bag downstairs. I pour some coffee and yell bye to Dad before leaving for the day.

Once I’m at the gym, I head over to my locker and follow my usual routine. Ricco waves at me from the ring— he’s with another boxer. I wave back and gesture for him to stay. I can hit the bag today. A part of me feels slightly selfish for always taking up too much of his time.

I start toward a small area with different bags and find the one that I prefer. As I walk toward it, Ricco comes over.

“Hey Scar.” He walks to the bag with me. “Up for some sparring today?”

“You’re busy, and I don’t have much time, so I was just going to hit the bag a bit and call it a day.”

“Alright, let me know if you change your mind. He’s just leaving.” His head motions toward the guy in the ring.

He looks familiar, about six feet tall, and sandy hair. A chill runs down my back, making me shiver. I can’t pinpoint where I’ve seen him before.

“Thanks Ricco, you’re the best.” I tap his shoulder. “But turn up the heat, it’s freezing in here.”

“No Scarlett, you’re not working hard enough. Get moving.” He walks away.

I laugh and look back at the ring. The guy is gone. At first, I find it strange that he left so quickly, but Ricco did say that he was done his lesson.I’m overthinking this.

I hit the bag, over and over. Today, I need to push—for something deeper, something within. I don’t need an outlet—I need a spark.

After almost half an hour on the bag, I’m exhausted. My body aches but it doesn’t stop me from thinking about our plans later. I call Sophia to let her know I’m ready for her to get me, then I quickly shower and get dressed.

I meet her outside, her red car pulls up, the country music is blaring.

I open the passenger door, and she moves her bag from the seat. I climb inside and put my seat belt on as she turns on to Main Street.

“Well, do you have any dresses in mind or are you going to see what you find?”