Forest of the Forbidden Read online

  “It probably worked,” I said. Melody had to be the prettiest girl in Beaver Creek. With her blond hair, curves, and dazzling smile, she’d always been popular with the guys in school. If she set her sights on someone at the club, chances were that they’d be putty in her hands.

  “Boys in bands are trouble,” she replied. “Obviously, this just proves it.”

  “She’s not exactly an angel either, mom. She’s probably in bed with him right now.”

  “Chelsey!”

  I shrugged. “What? You know it’s true.”

  She sighed. “I know. I just don’t want to think about your cousin having sex.”

  I crawled back under my covers. “I know, but I wouldn’t worry too much about Melody, mom. If she was crushing on the singer, chances are she’s with him and not thinking about Aunt Jody right now.”

  “You’re probably right. She is eighteen.”

  I yawned again. “Just go back to bed, mom. I’m sure she’ll be home in a couple of hours, puking and getting bawled out by Aunt Jody.”

  Chuckling, she touched my shoulder. “I’m just glad that you’re responsible and don’t give me or your father problems like that.”

  I closed my eyes and smiled. “You’re welcome. Now let me sleep so I can get on with my humdrum life.”

  “It’s not humdrum,” she protested. “You’re preparing for the future.”

  I opened up one eye. “Mom, it’s boring. All I do is take tests and study, so that I can take more tests. It’s kind of lame.”

  “You really think so? I don’t know, I’d love to go back to my college years,” she replied wistfully. “It’s where I met your father, you know.”

  I’d heard the story many times. My mom had played hard-to-get and my dad had pursued her relentlessly, until she’d finally agreed to go out with him. Five years later, they eloped in Hawaii, after she became pregnant with me. “I know.”

  “Just hang in there, Chelsey. We’re proud of you and it’s going to pay off someday. Plus, if you’re going to be a Forensic Investigator, your life will eventually be anything but plain and boring.”

  “Yeah, I’m sure.”

  “Well, I’ll let you get back to bed,” she said, squeezing my foot through the blanket.

  “Make sure I’m up before seven,” I called out as she walked out of my bedroom.

  She turned around. “I will. I won’t be able to sleep until I hear from Jody.”

  After she closed my bedroom door, I thought about Melody. Growing up, we’d been close, even though she had always been a little bossy. Even at a young age, she’d always known exactly what she’d wanted and used everything she could to get her way. Chances were, my cousin had gotten her way again tonight, and was getting her freak on with that singer she’d been lusting after. I had to admit, part of me was a little envious.

  * * *

  Chapter Two

  Chelsey

  When my alarm went off a couple of hours later, I dragged myself out of bed and took a hot shower. Wiping the steam from the mirror, I glanced at my reflection – pale skin, long auburn hair, and hazel eyes. I thought I was pretty average, except for the fact that I was barely five-feet and had a hard time finding shoes that fit, because my feet were so small. I wore a size three and had a heck of a time shopping for shoes that didn’t light up or feature a pink pony.

  After I slipped on a blue Henley and khakis, I grabbed a brush and pulled my hair up into a ponytail. When I was finished in the bathroom, I grabbed my backpack and headed downstairs to the kitchen.

  “Good morning,” said my mom, who was sitting at the counter, drinking coffee behind her laptop.

  “Morning,” I said, opening up the refrigerator. I cleared my throat. “Heard anything from Aunt Jody yet?”

  “She hasn’t heard from your cousin yet.”

  I pulled the orange juice out and glanced at her. There were shadows under her eyes and she looked worn out. She’d obviously been up the entire night. “Well, it’s still pretty early.”

  She removed her reading glasses and rubbed the bridge of her nose. “Yeah, I know.”

  “Don’t worry, she’ll show up,” I said, pouring myself a glass of juice.

  “I hope so. You know, it’s dangerous out there in the world, especially for women. A guy could slip something into your drink, follow you home, rape –”

  “Yes, I know,” I cut in. I knew I was being snippy, but I’d already heard it many times before. My mom was a court reporter, and after hearing so many horrible cases, she was a little paranoid. “You don’t have to tell me. I’m one of the last people you need to worry about.”

  She reached over the counter and squeezed my hand. “Chelsey,” she said, staring into my eyes. “I’ll always worry about you. I’m your mother and you’re a pretty girl. There are a lot of bad people in this world.” She sighed. “I just want you to be safe.”

  “I know. I get it, mom,” I said as she released my hand. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful that you worry about me. But, I’m not Melody, okay? I’m responsible and certainly not stupid.”

  “You don’t have to be stupid to be a victim,” she replied. “But making the right decisions can certainly help lessen your chance of becoming one.”

  I put my glass into the sink and picked up my backpack. “That’s why you don’t have to worry about me. I always make the right decisions.”

  “Right,” she said, her hazel eyes sparkling. “Joking aside, I am very proud of you, honey. Just keep doing what you’re doing.”

  “I will,” I replied as I walked out of the kitchen. “See you when I get home.”

  “Bye, honey.”

  ***

  The day seemed to drag, and by the time I was finished with my biology class, I couldn’t wait to get home. It was Friday and I had a weekend to do four days of homework, but I was used to it and didn’t really care. I was going to take a night off and go to a movie with a friend of mine, Susan. I hadn’t seen her in over two weeks, my brain was mush, and I desperately needed some time away from all things “school.”

  “Hey,” I said, walking into the house. I dropped my backpack next to the front door.

  Both of my parents looked up and I could tell from their expressions that something was wrong.

  “What is it?” I asked, surprised that my dad was home so early. Being a bankruptcy lawyer, I never saw him walk in the door earlier than seven.

  “Your cousin is still missing,” he said, putting an arm around my mom’s shoulder. “She hasn’t returned anyone’s calls and Jody is frantic.”

  I frowned. “Where is Aunt Jody?”

  My mom, who was also clearly upset, looked up. “She’s at home. Grandma is with her.”

  “Oh.”

  Sighing, she stood up and stretched her arms above her head. “Your dad and I are heading over there, too, pretty soon. Would you like to come with?”

  “Uh, sure,” I replied. “I have to call Susan, though. We were going to see a movie tonight, but I’ll definitely cancel.”

  “No, don’t cancel,” she said. “You should still go with her. You haven’t gotten out in a while and a movie would be good. Besides, we don’t even know for sure if she’s really missing.”

  “Are you sure?” I asked, still thinking that Melody was just being Melody – selfish and irresponsible.

  “Your mother is right,” said my dad, running a hand through his short hair, which was the same color as mine. “This might be nothing to worry about. Chances are that she’ll walk through her front door any minute.”

  I glanced at my mother again. “Are you sure? I don’t have to go.”

  “Yes. We’ll call you if there really is a problem,” replied my mom.

  “Okay,” I replied, a little relieved. I really didn’t want to be there when Melody got home and was hollered at. She’d probably blame me for her getting into trouble.

  Dad looked at his watch. “We should get going. There’s a hockey game I’d like to watch at four. I
f we’re lucky, we’ll make it there before the game starts.”

  My mom’s eyes widened. “Richard!”

  He grinned sheepishly. “Sorry, Mary. Hey, it gives me something to do while you guys wait for her to come home.”

  “And if she doesn’t?” asked my mom, folding her arms across her chest.

  “I know, I’ll TiVo it,” he said, walking toward the stairs leading to the family room.

  My mom smirked and shook her head. “I don’t know what he’d do without cable,” she replied, turning back to me.

  “No doubt.”

  “There’s some leftover lasagna from last night in the refrigerator,” she said, picking up her purse from the coffee table. “Unless you’re going to grab a bite to eat before the movie?”

  “No. We’ll just eat popcorn.”

  “Okay.” She opened up the closet and took out her camel-colored Uggs. “I’ll text you when she comes home, or,” she frowned, “if we find out that she really is missing.”

  “I’m sure she’ll be fine. It’s Melody, mom.”

  “I know.” She zipped up her boots and then walked over to me. “Have fun at the movies,” she said, kissing the top of my head.

  “I will. Look at you in those heeled boots,” I grinned. “You must be five-two now.”

  My lack of height came from my mother.

  “You think so?” she replied, staring down at them.

  My dad walked back upstairs. “Oh, I like those, Mary,” he said, wiggling his eyebrows. “Are they new?”

  “No, I just never wear them.”

  “They’re cute,” I said.

  “Cute? They’re sexy. You can wear them in the bed any time you want,” he teased.

  “Oh, my God,” I groaned. “You’re gross.”

  He laughed and grabbed his car keys from the credenza. “Lock the door when you leave, Pumpkin.”

  “I will.”

  He turned to me and his face became serious. “Watch yourselves. I’m pretty sure this thing with Melody is nothing to be concerned about, but you and Susan are both good-looking, young girls and... well, there are monsters out there.”

  “Yes,” I replied, trying not to roll my eyes. As far as I was concerned, both of them were way too overprotective.

  He put his hands on my shoulders and squeezed. “Honey, I know you’re tired of the same old spiel, but you know, being a prosecutor I’ve come face-to-face with some real dirt-bags. The absolute scum of the earth. The worst part is that there are so many out there who have yet to be caught.” His forehead wrinkled. “I just worry about you.”

  “Oh, I’ll be fine,” I replied, smiling up at him. “You know me.”

  He released my shoulders. “I know I’d beat the living tar out of anyone who ever hurt you. Anyway, just always be aware of your surroundings and make sure you never run out of gas again.”

  I shuddered, remembering that freaky night. “I guarantee that will never happen again.”

  He chuckled. “I bet.”

  A year ago, I’d run out of gas around ten o’clock at night, on a deserted freeway. I’d forgotten my cell phone at home, and had ended up walking to the nearest gas station. The road had been dark and spooky, and I’d almost felt like someone had been watching me from the woods. By the time I’d gotten to the station, I’d just called my dad to come and pick me up, too terrified to walk back alone with a canister of gasoline.

  “Richard,” said my mother, staring at her watch. “We should get going. I told Jody we’d be there in an hour and... that was over an hour ago.”

  “Fine. Can we pick up some tacos along the way?” he asked. “I haven’t eaten since noon.”

  “There’s no time. I can always order a pizza or something when we get there.” She turned to me. “Chelsey, have fun tonight, and don’t worry about your cousin.”

  “Okay.”

  “Maybe I should go with Chelsey and Susan,” said my dad. “Check out the movie theater. Make sure Melody isn’t hiding out there?”

  She pushed him toward the door. “Would you just stop already?” she said, shaking her head. “You’re coming with me.”

  He looked at me over his shoulder and smirked. “I had to try.”

  “I know.”

  “Maybe you should try harder at being more sympathetic to my sister,” said mom.

  He closed the door before I could hear his response, which I knew would probably make her laugh. I was one of the very few and fortunate who had parents that bickered, but lovingly and forgivingly. I couldn’t say that about many of my friends’ parents or even Aunt Jody. She’d been divorced for ten years after being cheated on, and hadn’t had much luck dating. From what my mom said, her ex-husband had been reckless and out-of-control. He liked to drink, party, and live on the edge, and, obviously, his daughter was hell bent on following in his footsteps.

  * * *

  Chapter Three

  Chelsey

  After they left, I went upstairs and slipped into a pair of blue jeans, with a thin, cream-colored V-neck sweater. It was near the end of October and the nights were getting frosty. I didn’t mind, though, I loved winter and couldn’t wait for the first big snowfall to hit. My parents owned snowmobiles, and there was nothing better than whipping across freshly powdered fields at night, with the stars twinkling above your helmet. It was such a blast that I’d already decided school wasn’t going to deter me from going out this year. Even if I had to stay up both Friday and Saturday nights, cramming and studying, I’d make time for our Sunday snowmobile excursions. I wouldn’t miss them for anything.

  I took out my ponytail, and straightened it with a flat iron. When I was finished, my hair hung just past my shoulders and looked almost as silky as the models did in those hair commercials. Nodding in approval, I grabbed a tube of mascara just as my cell phone rang.

  “Hi,” said Susan. “You almost ready?”

  “Yeah. What movie should we see?” I asked, holding the phone against my shoulder as I applied the ebony color to my eyelashes.

  “I was thinking about that new superhero one. That guy is so hot.”

  “The blonde guy with the hammer?” I asked, thinking that he could definitely get my mind off of Melody.

  “Hell yeah.”

  I laughed. “What time is the movie showing?”

  “Seven-twenty. You don’t mind driving over here, do you? My brakes are acting up. I’m going to bring it in tomorrow morning before work and see what’s wrong.”

  Susan was my age and used to live across the street. She’d moved to Shore Lake in the eleventh grade, which was about twenty miles from Beaver Creek, but we’d remained good friends. “That’s fine,” I answered, making a mental note to check my gas situation.

  “Cool.” She sighed. “I’m just so glad someone switched with me tonight. I really didn’t feel like working three late shifts in a row.”

  Susan was a waitress at Ruth’s Diner. I’d only been there a handful of times, but the food was great and the portions were monstrous. Needless to say, they were always busy. “Hmm... I wonder if I should try and get a job there,” I said. “I could really use the money. Maybe even a couple of hours a week?”

  “I could talk to Rosie,” she replied. “I’m sure she’d hire you.”

  “Wait, didn’t she just hire that girl, Nikki, recently?” I asked, biting off a hangnail. “I suppose she’s not looking for anyone else, if that’s the case.”

  “She was hired during the summer, but I’m telling you, we could still use the help. She’s always short-staffed.”

  “That would be really cool. I’d only need a few hours a week and... we’d get to see each other more.”

  “Exactly.”

  So, what’s Nikki like?” I asked. “She nice?”

  “Very, and her brother, Nathan, he’s kind of a spaz, but adorable.”

  I raised my eyebrows. “I didn’t know you had a thing for her brother.”

  “Actually, I forgot to mention it, but we went out a co
uple of times during the summer. It didn’t really go anywhere. He works so many hours at that marina across the street. Anyway, I heard he’s been hanging out with that girl, Celeste.”

  An image of a redhead with perfect skin, a perfect smile, and a perfect body flashed through my head. From what Susan had told me last year, she was also a perfect bitch. “Isn’t her dad the town’s sheriff?”

  “Yes. You know, he and Celeste are both kind of weird. She’s actually friends with those guys who used to come in at night and just stare at the other customers, creeping them out. Remember I told you about them? The guys who Amy had said were vampires.”

  I chuckled. “Vampires?”

  “Don’t laugh,” she said, sounding serious. “Amy’s ex, Ethan, was part of that group. God, he freaked the hell out of me. I’m just happy he hasn’t been coming around lately.”

  “I still can’t believe that Amy killed herself.”

  “Well, you know how I feel about all of that,” she replied.

  I did. Amy Kreger had supposedly committed suicide, but Susan, on the other hand, thought that Ethan had something to do with it. “I know. Let’s hope you’re wrong, and that she really did just kill herself. Didn’t you go out with one of Ethan’s friends?”

  “Yeah, Drake. The guy from Australia.” She sighed. “I still don’t know what happened to him. He just kind of vanished, too.”

  “Hmm... he didn’t call you or anything?”

  “Nope.”

  I’d never met Drake, but had heard about what a hottie he’d been.

  “Oh, and get this... before Ethan disappeared, he started hitting on Nikki.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Yeah.”

  “What did she do?”

  “Well, Nikki was seeing this other guy, Duncan, and I think she blew off Ethan. They’re not together anymore though, either.”

  “Nikki and Duncan?”

  “Right. She told me that they weren’t even on speaking terms. You know, now that I think about it, their breakup may have had something to do with Ethan.” She paused. “Damn, I want to ask her, but I don’t want to look too nosy.”