Destiny
By Rae Brandt
Copyright by Rae Brandt 2011
Published at Smashwords
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Dedication
I want to thank my daughter for always nagging me and making me promise that when I was done with one of my stories that I would send it in.
Chapter 1
“Hay, Gia. What are you doing tonight?” Ashley was running up to me in the school parking lot.
“I have a five page paper due on Monday.” She caught up with me. I gave her a stern look knowing something was coming.
“We only have one month till we graduate. You are already in at Columbia with a full scholarship. Stop and smell the roses.” She inhaled deeply through her nose as we weaved our way through the cars. “You know the weird guy that moved into the Masters ranch? He is throwing a big party tonight.” She had that pleading look on her face.
She knew that I didn’t like people judging other people. And that look I hated it also. It was the look she gets when trouble follows. I have to be careful with what I say next, she just might start pouting.
“He is not weird. He just has a few select friends he hangs out with.” I replied stopping by my blue ford escape.
“A few, they all moved to town the same time he did. Rumor has it that they are all family. But who cares it’s a party!” Ashley grabbed my arm like she couldn’t contain herself. She was smiling.
“Fine but if I get a grade lower than an A, it’s your fault. I will leave when I want to; no begging.” I mean it to. Ashley was always saying five more minutes which turned into an hour or two later.
“Fine, deal.” She had a mischief smile on her face.
“I mean it. I will grab you by your blond hair and drag you home.” I pointed my finger at her.
“I know. Pick me up at eight, mom.” Ashley walked away laughing.
Mom, she likes to call me that. Is it wrong to be responsible? No it is not. We have been best friends since eighth grade when she moved here. That’s how long I have been keeping her out of trouble. Ashley is five three and looks like one of the Olson twins with bigger boobs. She maybe blond but has a brain, when she wants to use it. Every guy wants to date her but she has a boyfriend and no one wants to mess with him.
She is dating Shaun the football captain. Shaun is your everyday cute, athletic type that every girl drools over, but me. He is tall, built, dark hair and brown eyes, with flawless skin. They have been dating for about two years now. He gets her into most of her trouble. I go along to keep her on the strait. I wish she would just drop him. She is smart but likes to have too much fun. And Shaun knows how to have fun.
I, on the other hand, haven’t really dated. Not that I can’t get a date when I want to, I just choose not to date. I am five, five and have brown hair that hits my shoulders. I have a tan because I like to be outside. I have a lot of boys ask me but haven’t found ‘the one’ yet, as my grandmother would say. I haven’t really felt the need to date in all reality.
Besides, the boys around here are not that great. They want one thing and one thing only. Although, Dustan has caught my eye a time or two. Those brown eyes of his sometimes look yellow. He is a loner. I wonder why he is throwing a party.
Dustan and some other kids moved here with their families at the beginning of this year. He doesn’t talk to that many people, except the children from the families that moved here. I have seen him in his swim trunks in gym class so I know he is built. You can tell that he worked out. He is about six feet, long shaggy brown hair; his body looked like someone chiseled it out of stone. He was a little tanner than I am but I haven’t seen any tan lines. So he must be an outside person. It’s the mysterious that probably draws me to him. It will be nice to see his home anyway. But again, curiosity killed the cat.
I got home and my mom was singing in the kitchen. I walked through the kitchen door and began to laugh. There was my mom singing “Little white church” and pouring brownie mix into a pan. She owns a bakery in town. My mom doesn’t look her age. Her hair is longer than mine is, and she had some laugh lines. But she could probably pass as my sister. Except her eyes are brown and mine are blue.
“Gia how was your day?” She looked away from the pan and smiled at me.
“Fine, Ashley pushed me into going to a party tonight.” I sat my books down on the table.
“Really who is having it tonight? Do you want to take some brownies?” She bent down to put the pan into the oven. My mom wasn’t worried about the party because we live in a small town and everyone knows everyone. That’s why when the Anderson’s and the others that followed are the talk of the town.
“No brownies. It’s at the old Masters ranch.” I took a seat at the table and started playing with the binding on one of the books.
“Ooh. Out in the middle of nowhere, with the mysterious Anderson clan.” She leaned on the counter and crossed her arms.
“Mom, they are people just like us. God, hasn’t anyone found anything else to talk about?” I rolled my eyes in discuss.
“I know. Susan works at my shop. She is one of them that moved here last September. If it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t have more time to be at home.” She laughed.
“I’m going to go up and finish my paper before the party.” I got up from my seat.
“Ok. Promise me you will have fun. I worry about you sometimes. The all work and no play thing.” She turned to check on the brownies.
“I will mom.” Then I walked out of the kitchen. She always thought that I was too responsible.
It was about seven when I finished my paper on “Myths through the Ages”. I wrote about werewolves and vampires. It was in now and I thought my teacher would like how I disproved the myths. I saved my work on the flash drive and my computer and decided to get ready for the party. What to wear is the question?
I don’t want to wear anything that said, 'come get me now' or anything that said, 'stay away'. After all Dustan will be there and I don’t want him to think I am a slut or a slob. I settled on a pair of jeans and an ocean blue spaghetti strap cotton shirt with my matching sweat jacket. The blue brought out the color of my eyes. I brushed my hair and put a little makeup on. I stood in front of my mirror and assessed myself. I look good. I thought to myself.
“Gia, can you come here for a moment?” My mom’s voice yelled up from the kitchen.
“What do you need mom.” I poked my head in through the door.
“I wanted to let you know that the Anderson’s are good people. They knew your father.” She gave me a look of concern. She didn’t like to talk about him.
“Really, how?” I entered the kitchen all the way.
“Well, Hendrick was your father’s boss. They were as close as brothers were. When your father died last year Hendrick decided to move his base of operation here. He owns a private security company of sorts.” There was a shadow of sadness on her face. She always got that when she talked about my dad.
“Why didn’t you tell me this before?” I was taken aback with the information. And why have I not met them before?
“I didn’t want anything to do with him after what happened with your father. But if I could trust anyone with your safety, it would be him. While you are out there, be careful. Now go and have fun.” She waved her hand to shoo me away. Why would she worry about my safety if she trusted them with it?
“But mom.” I protested wanting to know more.
“I said go.” She smiled at me while still waiving her hand.
I was still stunned when I walked out the front door. My mom and dad knew the Anderson’s and I knew nothing. I really need to go to this party and find out what I can. Why didn’t Dustan say anything about it? Does he even know?
I arrived at Ashley’s house and honked the horn for her to come out. She came walking out in a pair of jeans and a low cut shirt. The black boots with heels added another inch to her height. She was wearing a jean jacket to match. Yep Shaun will be all over her tonight.
“Hay, are you ready for some fun?” She got in and fastened her seat belt.
“No, but getting information I am.” I pulled away from the curb.
“What information?”
“Well it seems that my parents knew Dustan’s.”
“What? No way!” She replied shockingly. “How?”
“My dad must have worked for his security business. My mom said they were like brothers. But why haven’t I met him or his family before now?”
“I don’t know but this night is going to be great. A party and a mystery.” Her smile grew wider.
Chapter 2
We pulled into the long gravel driveway. Trees surrounded the whole length. The old Masters ranch was out in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the woods. If you weren’t careful you could miss the entrance. It’s a two story stone house; three times the size of mine. It looked like only a few lights were on. Where were all the cars? I pulled up and parked next to a blue truck. There are a couple of other cars but not enough for a party. If this is a joke that Shaun is pulling I am going to kick his ass.
“Where is everyone?” I looked around and didn’t see anyone.
“I don’t know but this is where Shaun said it was.” Ashley slipped out of the car door.
“Ya, I think Shaun is playing a joke on you.” He did like to do things that he thought was funny but really weren’t.
“Well, let’s just go and knock on the door and see.”
“I don’t know showing up uninvited is not right.” I stopped at the door.
“Ring the doorbell.” Ashley whispered eyes wide and gesturing toward the doorbell.
Just then the door opened and a girl was standing there. I think her name is Sara, Dustan’s sister. She is a sophomore. She had a big smile on her face. Where Dustan was gorgeous and big, she was the complete opposite of him. She is petite with long brown hair and lavender eyes. She is as white as snow, but beautiful.
“May I help you?” She had a curious look on her face.
“Is there a party here tonight?” Ashley was standing with her hands on her hips.
“No. But some of us were getting ready to watch a movie.” Sara leaned on the door looking at us with a smile.
“Oh, sorry to disturb you.” I replied
“You are Gia and Ashley right?” She stood up strait.
“Yes, like I said sorry.” I turned to leave.
“Well you guys could join us if you want.” She opened the door wider.
“What movie are you watching?” Ashley asked grabbing my arm to stop me from leaving.
“It’s the new one staring Jack Snider.” Sara’s smile got wider.
“That’s not even at the movies yet.” Shrieked Ashley as she pulled me into the house.
“My dad’s company was the security detailed at the location shoot. They sent him a copy.” She shut the door behind us.
The house looked very old inside. Off to the left was a staircase made of dark woodwork. The floor was made of some type of stone. There is a hallway straight ahead, a door to the left of us and a set of doors to the right all made of the same wood as the stairs. It was dark inside but not too dark to see. The furniture looked old.
“They can’t come in.” Stated a voice from down the dark hall.
“Yes they can. I invited them.” Sara replied louder back.
“We don’t invite outsiders remember.” He stated firmly.
“I don’t care. They are my friends and you are being rude.” She yelled back.
“Maybe we should go. We don’t want to get you into any trouble.” I turned toward the door.
“That would be the smart thing to do. Now leave.” Came the voice again with a growl.
And that is when it happened. I was getting mad. I stopped with my hand inches from the door. I do not like being told what to do and I don’t like rude people. How dare some stranger presume I would do what they wanted me to do? I turned with a smile on my face to look at Sara.
“Sara you are very kind to invite us to watch a movie. We would love to stay.” I took off my jacket.
I heard a thud come from down the hall like something fell and hit the floor. Then I heard footsteps, a door open and there he was Dustan Anderson. The quiet, keep to his group, six feet of gorgeous, was walking down the hall toward us. He had on a pair of blue carpenter jeans and a black T-shirt that hugged his muscles. He had a black and silver belt on and was barefoot. He looked very threatening. But I was mad and nothing scared me.
“I said to leave.” He stated stopping a foot in front of me.
“Sara lets step back this is going to be good. Gia doesn’t get mad often but when she does watch out.” Ashley said softly. I didn’t have to look at Ashley to know that she was smiling. She liked to see me mad. I heard Ashley and Sara stepped back a little.
“I don’t take orders from no one. And your sister so kindly invited us.” It was soft but demanding.
“Yes, well, I am the oldest and I say you can’t stay.” He crossed his arms in front of that gorgeous chest. He had a remote in his right hand.
“You are a bully. You expect people to do whatever you say and I do what I want to do.” I stepped around him.
“What are you doing?” He turned to look at me.
“Come on Sara or we will miss the movie if we stay here arguing with the baboon.” I walked away toward where he had come from hoping that it was the right way. Or else it would diminish my exit. I was following the smell of his cologne. I always had a good sense of smell.
Sara and Ashley followed suit. I knew he was starring after us. I could feel the anger coming off of him from my defiance. I was smiling wide at telling him off. It made me feel good. Who was he to tell me what to do? I don’t let things bother me much but he was just rude.
When we walked into the room there was a big screen TV with the movie on pause. I looked around and the rest of the clan was here staring at us as we entered. There was a couch on the left and right. Two lazy boys were right in front of us. Two coffee tables were in front of the couches filled with snacks. There were ten kids total of all ages. Most of them I have seen at school. They were all over the room sitting or standing. But all eyes were on us.
“We can sit on the couch.” Sara guided us to the one on the right where no one was.
“Are you going to be ok when we leave?” I whispered to her so no one would hear.
“Of course she will be. I’m not a wild animal.” Dustan just entered the room.
“That remains to be seen.” I said even softer.
He just rolled his eyes like he heard me. He pushed play to start the movie. I sat back with my arms across my chest. I was still mad. What was his problem didn’t his mom teach him any manners? He keeps glancing at me like he was trying to figure out a tough math problem.
At the end of the movie Dustan and the others left the room. Only Sara, Ashley, and I were left. I was thankful he didn’t say anything because I was still mad and plus I love the smell of his cologne. I wonder what he was wearing. I caught him looking at me a couple of times during the movie. Like I was about to do something. He is such an arrogant prick.
“That was a great movie Sara. Thank you for letting us crash your party.” Ashley seemed to really like Sara.
“You are welcome. You didn’t crash anything. We get together just about every Friday night to watch a movie.” She laughed.
“I think your brother would disagree on that. I don’t think he likes us very much. Is he always that rude?” I was looking at the door to make sure he didn’t come back.
“Dustan is very nice. He just has a lot of responsibility when our father is away.” She whispered.
“I’ll have to take your word for it.” I added a disbelieving laugh.
“Hay, Gia and I are having a sleep over tomorrow night at her house would you like to come. It’s nothing big we do it every Saturday night. It’s our woman’s night. I would like it if you came.” Ashley was exited at the thought.
“Really, that sounds like fun.” Sara had a smile as wide as the Nile.
“We lay around in our pj’s eating junk food, talking, and watching movies, besides her mom can cook.” Ashley was laughing at the thought.
“As long as, your brother doesn’t come.” It was a joke.
“He will be busy tomorrow night so it’s a date. Would you like a tour?” She got up off the couch not sensing the joke. My jokes are never funny.
“Sure I have always wondered what the house looked like on the inside. No one dared come here when old man Masters was here. Besides I need to use the bathroom.” Ashley followed Sara out of the room.
We followed her out and each used the bathroom in the hallway. I noticed that Mr. Anderson liked to collect antiques. Mythical antiques with a werewolf theme. Paintings of them lined the hallway where family pictures would usually be. I didn’t notice them before because the light was not on. He also liked antique silver swards. Just then I heard a howl come from the floor below us.
“What was that?” I looked at Sara with wide eyes.
“Oh, that’s our dog. He doesn’t like a lot of people being around so we put him in the basement.” She looked a little too nervous.
“Wow, did you hear that? It sounded like a wolf. I hear them sometimes in the woods outside of my house.” Ashley was coming out of the bathroom.
“No wolf. A dog, that don’t like a crowd. It’s in the basement. And it sounds huge.” I laughed.
“Well then you should get along with it. Gia don’t like a crowed either.” Ashley whispered toward Sara.
“Hay I am right here. I don’t mind crowds. I just don’t like a bunch of people going crazy drinking and partying.” I am all for having fun if everyone knows their limits.
“Such a party pooper.” Ashley whispered again to Sara.
“I like to have fun. I just don’t see the point in going overboard like some people.” We followed Sara down the hallway to the stairs.
“That is true. She keeps me from making a fool of myself. I thank God for her.” Ashley made a dramatic scene with her hand over her forehead.
“Well I have my brother to do that for me. He takes his job very seriously.” Sara was leading us up the stairs.
“Job? What would that be?” Ashley looked like she wanted more information.
“Well, as a leader. While dad is away he is”
“I think you have said enough and it’s late. They should leave Sara.” Dustan came out of a room cutting Sara off.
It must be his bedroom. He shut the door so we couldn’t get a look inside. He was wearing just a pair of pajama pants. The others must have left. There must be another set of stairs because we didn’t see them go out the front door while Ashley was in the bathroom. God he looked good.
“You can see them tomorrow when you go to stay the night. Now show them to the door, Please.” He asked nicely. He might have manners after all. How did he know we invited her to stay?
“Fine.” She said with a pout and turned to us to show us out.
When we got into the car I looked up to the window that would have been his. I saw his silhouette standing at the window. He was making sure we left. God what an arrogant man he was. How did he hear us talk about the sleepover? He was nowhere around us. I started the car and pulled out to go down the long drive.
“Man, Dustan can be a jackass but he is hot.” Ashley blurted out when we reached the road.
“What are you talking about?” Great now she thinks Dustan is hot.
“You can’t tell me you didn’t notice. He was standing there in just a pair of pajama pants. He has a six pack and then some.” She was literally drooling over him.
“You have Shaun. You shouldn’t be drooling over anyone. Anyway Shaun is built too.” I laughed at her.
“It doesn’t hurt to look. Dustan is way more built than Shaun is. The others looked just about as good. They must all work out a lot.” She was laughing with me.
“Whatever. Let’s get you home before you wet yourself.” I was shaking my head.
I did notice Dustan. Why was that? He made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. I could feel the dominance and strength pouring off of him. It was what I felt when I was around my father but stronger. I have always been able to get a good sense of what a person was like without even talking to them. I called it women’s intuition. Like I can feel and describe the energy coming from them. Mom said I got it from my father. Dustan, I sensed was a nice guy but could be dangerous. Why is that I wonder? I still think that he is rude.
“I think that I need to call Shaun when I get home and put him through the ringer. I had a nice time but that was just mean of him to do.” We turned down her street.
“You do that and tell him that when I see him I will do the same.” As my car pull up along the curb.