• Crush








    By: Beth Holoweiko



    “I will always be here.” He promised
    “To the end?” I asked.
    “To the end.”















    Prologue:


    When you’re in love, you feel nothing else. See nothing else. Nothing at all.
    Its like something is injected into your body to make you permanently numb.
    Its good feeling though, maybe a little scary, only at first.
    But, when your in love with someone that is bad for you, the numbing gets stronger, soon, you hear nothing else. All your desires are directed toward that person.
    He wasn’t good for me and I knew it.
    He held his secrets and I dare not to question them.
    He loves me…
    And I love him as much.

    But, how are you able to love someone who’s deepest darkest secrets can be your own worst enemy.

















    1. At First Sight


    I hate being the new kid when in fact I wasn’t new. I mean I have been living in town for all sixteen years of my life! Being home schooled the whole entire time. For my Sophomore year, I persuaded my Dad, Nate, to finally let me go to school.
    “Dad, I’m mature and smarter then you think! You can’t shelter me my whole life!”
    “I can if I want to.” He whispered to himself. I stared at my Dad while he was looking away from me. He knew that I was staring at him, the stare I give him when I want something badly. Then his light blue eyes, (which I inherited) turn to me and he began, “You promise you won’t fall into temptation or anything like that?”
    “Of course Dad! What did I say? I am mature.” “Temptation is a strong thing you know!”
    I knew, my Dad married at seventeen, soon my Mom had me. Then suddenly, she divorced him and left us. Since then he always says to me, “ You reap what you sow with temptation.’ Because in the end he had his heart broken.
    “I know Dad, I know. So it’s a yes?” He stared deep into my eyes. “Yes, Eden. It’s a yes.”:
    So here I am, driving into high school with my red Dodge Charger. West Side High School, the notorious school for fights and drugs (supposedly). Would I survive my first day? Questions popping into my head as I parked my car. For being such a quiet and small school, why are their so many problems? There is very few students yet so many fights? The news said it is a gang related problem. Yeah, right… in this quiet town? How could there be gangs. Stuck in my little conversation in my head, I somehow was in the main office with schedule in hand.
    “Miss. Eden Dale, we sure pleased to have you at our school.” The little old lady said behind her too big of a desk. I think she told me her name was Mrs. Anderson.
    “I am glad to be here.” I said as I walked out of the office. I look down at my schedule, “Ok, English is first, huh.” I whispered to myself. “Building A.” I looked around me. Oh, I forgot how small this school is, there is only two big buildings and the main office, excluding the small cafeteria and gym. And the big sign, “Building A” is a big help. As I looked around my surrounding area, most eyes were staring at me. Some who were curious and others just checking me out. It is very scary when others look at me. I sometimes wonder if they know I am the District Attorneys daughter. My dad has gotten a lot of people into jail and most likely a lot of these students are related to them. It’s a good thing that most don’t know about me and who my father is. Those who do, which are the rich crowd, know the code in this town. To not tell a secret that can ruin the other rich person’s life. The wealthy in this town definitely know not to tell anyone who’s daughter I am. Thinking over the conversation I had in my head earlier, this town is pretty,… non quiet. With all the fights and problems that I’m not suppose to hear, I guess being trapped in a house for all your life leaves you out on things.
    “Lost?” A pitchy voice asked from behind. I turned around. “Eden, Right?”
    “Uh, yes. No I’m good.” I replied. The short girl trying to be helpful looked liked she needed help herself actually. “Ok, well I am Katy, with a Y.” She gave me a huge grin. “Are you a freshmen too?” She asked pushing me along. “No, I am a Sophomore.”
    “Oh, ok. ? I just overheard a little bit in the office. That’s why I thought you were a freshman like me. So…your first year huh?”
    “Mmhmm.” I sighed, that’s all I need, to have some one to annoy me. “Well Eden, I think …”
    “Your lost?” I interrupted before she finished. “Well, there is that. But I think I’ve found a new friend.” I stopped in my tracks. Great! I was hoping she wouldn’t think that but no she said it.
    I stared at the short red-head and replied as non-sarcastic as can be, “Well now. That is great! I got to go to class, so I will see you later then.”
    “Yeah Eden, see you later!” She yelled since I was already in the crowd of people. The bell ranged while I was talking to her. Ok, so my first class is in the second floor of building A, which again is English. I walked fast, pasting people by to make sure I got to class early for I won’t get a front seat. Thankfully, I was able to get the farthest seat in the farthest row, away from the teacher. I sat down and started listening to my Zune, since I had time to kill. But before I knew it, class was already beginning. I look beside me and some blonde (Cheerleader obviously) was staring at me with bulge eyes, like I was a freak show or something. I probably don’t look like the other girls with my light blue eyes and dark black hair. I am five feet five, which is tall for most girls around here. Though, I’ve never met my mother really, I most likely inherited her Armenian tan and curves. I decided to widen my eyes back at her, then she turned away.
    “Okay class! Pay attention!” Yelled the balding man in the front of the room, the teacher definitely.
    “Time to take attendance!” Mr. Buckley, I believe is his name, announced. So, I decided to open up another conversation in my head to help the time to go by. I started to think what I should wear tomorrow and while I was making up my mind whether to wear pink tomorrow or red, I kept on hearing my name being said, “Eden, Eden, Eden.” “Eden Dale!!”
    “Huh?” I responded confused. Everyone in class burst into a loud laughter. I look around, embarrassed, my cheeks burning into a blush. “Are you here or not Ms. Dale?” Mr. Buckley questioned. “Yes, I’m sorry!” I looked down, to embarrassed to look up again to the laughing students. I waited awhile, then I glanced up again and I began to scan the room, making sure no one was staring at me. Suddenly, my eyes landed on the most beautiful amber eyes that I have ever seen. His face was perfect, everything about him looked perfect. His dark brown hair, his beautiful light colored skin, his masculine face and bone structure. Like I said, perfect. Not realizing it, he was staring back at me with his mouth gaping, his eyes intense. Is there something on my face?
    “Vann Field!” Mr. Buckley yelled. “Here.” The most perfect man said, not turning to face the teacher. Vann…Field is his name?
    “What are you looking at?” The blonde whispered to me, so I turned unwillingly to face her. “What do you mean?” I asked annoyed. She rolled her eyes over toward his direction trying not to make it obvious to the rest.
    “I know you are checking him out, Eden right?”
    “No, I am not.” I whispered harshly back to her. Who does she think she is? Getting into my business. “A word of warning Eden, he is not what you think.”
    “And how would you know that?” Annoyance was more prominent in my tone.
    “Well for one thing, he doesn’t date… at all! I asked him out, at least twice and he said no! No one says no to me!” “I know, how could he do that?” She finally got the sarcasm I was giving her.
    “Well, sorry! Just trying to help out here.” She said back to me. Guilt began to overcome me like it always does. “I know. I am sorry, Carlie, right? I am not into dating as of now, so don’t worry.”
    “Okay. Sorry about my face earlier. I was amazed that the D.A’s daughter was here. I thought he locked you up in your room like twenty-four seven.” Of course Carlie would know about me being his daughter, she is in the rich class I can tell. Still though, not a lot of rich people do know.
    “No, only twenty-three seven. Sorry about my sarcastic responses. I am very stereotypical, I thought you were a snobbish cheerleader looking for some drama.”
    “No, no. Not snobbish maybe just a little bit but I am a dramatic cheerleader!”
    “Well, I got most of it.” I responded. I glanced back over to Vann, who was now looking out the window. “Not what I think”, as if I would have a chance with him.

    The day flew by so quickly and as of now I am entering the lunchroom for some lunch. I got my food, which looked liked it was still alive but smelt dead. I was trying to find a seat but there was no where to sit and I really don’t know any one here. Only Carlie the dramatic cheerleader and Katy the stalking freshman. Yes, stalking. I caught her twice following me and five times at least, staring at me. She is really freaking me out now but thank goodness freshmen have a separate lunch or I would suffer.
    “Hey Eden! Sit by me!” Someone yelled. I look toward the voice to see where it came from, the I saw Carlie waving at me. Well, lunch with her this one day shouldn’t be too bad. I walked over and took the seat next to her and she introduced me to her posse‘. I got most of it, there is Sara, Jake, Nancy, Tom who is Nancy’s brother and Brodie, her “ boy toy” as she called him. “This is Eden you guys, isn’t she gorgeous?”
    I got token back by her comment. I recall on “Mean Girls” when the plastic leader would say something is pretty but actually meant the opposite. I hope it is not like that, I really do not want to be a plastic! “Thank you Carlie.” I said shyly. “Oh Eden. You got to know how beautiful you are silly!” Oh God help me, I won’t be able to take much of this and the peppiness. Then, out of know where an angel of light appeared beside me. Wow, was that was overly done.
    “Eden? Am I correct? Would you mind joining me for lunch with me and my friends? My name is Vann, we have English together.” My eyes felt like they were popping out of my eye socket. “Uh…” I was too surprised to actually answer him. He…was talking…to me? And…asking me to eat lunch…with him? No way! Then reality sucked me out of my thoughts, “Eden, don’t go off into your own world, answer him”, my self conscience was telling me.
    “Yeah! Sure!” I squeaked more then answered, I looked back at Carlie. “Is that okay?” I really didn’t want to be rude, though I should of jumped up and yelled, “Thank you Jesus!” But that would have been to far. “I am not your mother, so go ahead.” Now, I heard the sarcasm in that.
    I then followed Vann to a table full of guys. I stood next to him as he introduce me to them, which made me feel small. He was tall not like a giant but a perfect height. I am only like five feet five he must of been six feet or little more. “Guys,” He announced, “this is Eden from my English class. I just saved her form a tormented death. She was sitting with Carlie’s group.” Shock lit upon there faces and some gasped. “And you… survived?” One asked. “Well, it wasn’t so bad…”
    “Eden…,” Vann interrupted, putting a hand on my shoulder. “Your face said it all. You were suffering over there, so don’t be a martyr. I had to save you.” I looked up to his smirking face, I felt my face blushing. He must of saw it too, when he was staring back at me. He then started turning a bit red himself so he turned away quickly. Okay, there is something wrong with my face!
    “Well, thank you.” I whispered quietly, mostly to myself. “No problem.” He whispered back.
    “Hey V, aren’t ya going to introduce us to her?” Another one asked. “Oh yeah. This one here,” (the one who asked the question) ,“is Bobby.” Now, Bobby looked just as the name sounded. A redneck, a BIG redneck with a John Deer shirt. “And this is Ryan,” (the one who asked about my survival), “ my good friend.” He continued. Ryan wasn’t so bad looking actually, he looks a little rough but not to badly. “Finally, my older brother, Luke.” Vann was definitely cuter then Luke. Luke had a scar across his right eye and had shaggy, greasy light brown hair. Unlike Vann, who had a more cleaner cut look. “Nice to meet you guys!” I grinned while sitting myself down,… next to Vann. How can this be happening? I see the most perfect guy that I have ever seen in my life and suddenly, on the same day, I am eating lunch with him. This is something you will find in those gooey romance books. But happening to me? Eden Dale? To good to be true! Wait, Eden he might just being polite to you, saving you from a mental torture. But wouldn’t any guy, who obviously despises Carlie’s group and noticing my suffering face come and save me? Why was it him?
    “So, Eden. How is school treating you?” Bobby asked with a mouthful of macaroni.
    “Not to bad, I have to admit.” Which was true. “Hey Bobby! Guess what I heard?” Ryan interjected.
    “What man?” Finishing his mouthful, ugh, can’t stand that. “I somewhat heard who is going to our school now. The District Attorney’s kid, can you believe it. I overheard a bit from the rich crowd until they notice me ease dropping. I mean they don’t really know who it is themselves! There is a few Dales coming this year to our school. It could be a guy or some chick I mean. Man, if I met him … or her, …that kid’s father locked up my dad, who didn’t do anything wrong… I can just…” Wow. Should I tell him? Tell the truth? He seems really mad and it might be better to tell him it is me and that I am not so bad of a person. I peeked to Vann beside me and saw him looking at me. Does he know? He stared at me, then closed his eyes and shook his head slightly. He knows and he doesn’t want me say anything.
    “Eden,” Vann whispered in my ear. “Yeah.” I replied. “What is your next class?” Seeming very interested about it. “Uh, Science, I believe.” “And, who is your teacher?” He inquired some more.
    “Mr. Steal, I think.” Why does he want to know? “Good, we have science together. We will walk together then.” I gulped really loudly after that and felt the blush coming on. “Okay…” I gulped again.
    Lunch was over and we walked silently together towards class. Silently! I thought we would at least talk some but I guess not. Then, someone grabbed my wrist and spun me around. Vann had me face to face to him. Except for the one foot or less height difference that kept my face to his chest. I didn’t dare to look up, I was a little scared actually.
    “Eden, we need to talk about something.” He then let go of my wrist, so I forced myself to look up at him finally. He stared at me intensely and lowered his face to me.
    “I know who you are. I know you are the District Attorney’s daughter. That is good for you but you can’t tell no one else. Very few know that you are his daughter and that is good. Those few, as you may already know, know not to tell others. Some sort of code thing, something like that. If you let it be known who you are, either to your friends, my friends, or my brother. Just anyone, you’ll be in a constant danger!” “Why are you telling me this?” I asked backing up some.
    “You are an innocent person. Most kids here do not have good backgrounds at all. Your father has locked away a lot of their friends and family and they are ticked off. I am telling you this as someone who…I just don’t want to see someone like you hurt. I am just going to keep an eye on you, don’t worry, I got your back.”
    “Okay…, what makes me not to worry about you? Obviously, my father has done something to your family since you don’t want me to tell you brother.”
    “Eden, I am not lying to you when I say I got your back, I mean it. So…”
    “You do not know me!” I interrupted loudly. “I can handle myself, I am not a wimp! I am not going to flaunt that I am you-know-who’s-daughter! I am not a idiot. And who do you think you are acting like you know me and that I need your help?!” I turned around and stomped off to class. Where did that anger come from? That wasn’t me. I would have been more like, “Oh! My knight in shining armor!” with googly eyes. Eden what is wrong with you girl? I was at the door of the classroom when the late bell rang. All the seats were taken, except for a table with two empty seats. “I guess we will be sitting together, huh?” A husky voice whispered from behind. I turned me head, it was Vann. I had nothing to say to him so I just walked to my,… our seats. He followed closely behind me. I took my seat and scooted as far away from him as possible. An hour with this guy who actually thinks he knows me. Not too long ago I was mentally worshipping him. In one day I adore a man and now I feel like despising him. Carlie was right, “He is not what I think.” I felt a poke on my arm then a piece of paper slipped under my hand. It was from…him. Might as well read it.

    “Eden,” it read “I am sorry about earlier. I do not know you and we hardly know each other. I don’t know what got into me. Eden, there are things I can’t really explain to you. But just watch your back, ok.”
    I decided to write him back:

    “Vann, it is real nice of you to care but honestly, I am smarter then you think. I have been his daughter for all my life and I can handle myself, really. Oh and by the way, how do you know I am his daughter?”
    I slipped it under his hand. I saw peripherally him reading it and making awkward faces. I waited for him to start writing but he didn’t.

    Only five minutes is left of class and he still didn’t reply back. Then, out nowhere the note was in front of me.
    “The code I quickly mentioned to you about the rich. Well there are some who are willing to break it. For example, Carlie. That is how I know. I am the only one who knows who is not classified as rich. And I will make sure to keep it that way. I am so sorry if I am overwhelming you. But trust me when I say, if someone not good finds out, your life will be in constant chaos. Do you understand?”
    I only had one minute left to reply. I didn’t want to talk to him afterwards face to face. It would feel too awkward for me. So I had only one thing to say to him, I wrote:
    “Why should I trust you?”