Star-Crossed

Read Star-Crossed for Free Online Page B

Book: Read Star-Crossed for Free Online
Authors: Luna Lacour
Tags: Romance, Literature & Fiction, Contemporary, Contemporary Fiction
dad, he makes clothes and stuff, right?” Tyler rambled. “Kirsten & Laurent or something. Who's Kirsten?”
    If I had a cigarette, I would have taken a long drag and then exhaled the smoke slowly. Only I didn't smoke, because it ruined your skin – and I guess I just never found it an attractive habit.
    “My mother,” I answered. Tyler nodded for a solid minute; his brow furrowed as he balled up the plastic wrap of his devoured sandwich and tossed it into the trash-bin. “But she's history, so don't ask.”
    “Oh. Well, I'm sorry. That really sucks.”
    “Don't be sorry. I'm not.”
    Tyler pressed his lips together, straightening his tie that was horribly wrinkled. His shirt, too, was tucked in poorly and unevenly ironed.
    “It's just a tragic thing, you know,” he paused. “Losing a parent.”
    He talked a bit longer about school, and how that morning someone had written a note on which was scrawled, in bold lettering, FUCK YOU – and left it in his locker. Only then could I see the hint of loathe, just like me, start to seethe; it barely broke the surface of his skin. But unlike mine which was a constant simmer, his quickly evaporated. Tyler Dawson wore his affections like a lovingly patched-up sweater; worn ragged but still entirely beloved.
    I felt an internal twinge, and was thankful when the bell finally rang. Tyler stood, brushing off his pants and looking down at me with another subtle sigh of awe.
    “So you're auditioning for the play?” I asked lightly.
    “Yeah,” he said. “I'm insanely excited about it, actually. I know I might come off as a little awkward, but hell. I figure it's worth a shot. Are you?”
    “No, no,” I told him. “I'm going to see if there's maybe something involving scenery that I can help with, though. In the event that Mr. Tennant is in need of the assistance.”
    “I see,” he said quietly, his eyes grazing over my legs as I stood. “Well, he seems cool. I think he'll make a good director. Plus, he's not old or anything. Kids respond more to youthful appearances.”
    “Do they?” I offered. “He seems like an interesting enough guy.”
    “I think he lives nearby, too.” Tyler said. “I saw him leave his apartment this morning while I was stuck in traffic. He walked here.”
    Tyler had no idea, of course, how this kind of information would actually interest me. So much so that I actually regretted watching him turn to leave, ending the discussion right then and there. Hanging open like a gushing wound with no tourniquet in sight. I needed closure.
    I needed help. In more ways than one.
    “Have I heard of the building?” I asked. From a distance, Tyler paused only to shrug with a weight that gave me a silent answer.
    “Probably not,” he said. “It's not your kind of dwelling. It's a crumbling joint right by the park.”
    Then he was gone, and with some brief jogging of my memory, I immediately knew where it was that Mr. Tennant lived.
    After final bell, I left Marius to go home solo.
    “Why?” he demanded.
    “None of your business,” I told him.
    “Fine,” he said. “But you're finding your own ride home.”
    Watching Marius disappear from sight, I took a walk around the corner, to the park. I watched from a faraway spot beside a well-shaded Maple tree as Mr. Tennant, suitcase in tow, walked up the steps and into the old apartment building.
    Shame came flooding like a syringe shot straight into the vein, mixed with an undeniable thrill. I was both the stalker and spy.
    When I returned home, the house was quiet. Neither Vivian nor my father was around. They had gone out for drinks.
    I took the elevator up to the third floor, not wanting to walk. My legs felt like a wooden doll's - easily detachable and ready to fall off.
    As the doors opened, I was met with the distinct sound of faint moans coming from the direction of Marius' room. I treaded carefully; each footstep light as I approached the doorway. But the door was open enough that I could still see

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