Unspoken: The Island Series, #2

Chapter 1 – Lina

I walked out of my room to the sound of my mother calling my name. I knew exactly what she wanted, Lina is the spare room clean?

You mean Ky’s room? I rolled my eyes, yes, it was taken care of yesterday.

Great, she’ll be home today.

Something I already knew. I’d been dreading it since the phone call came weeks ago. My mother had always battled with drinking and over the past few years it had become worse. It was a secret my step-father and I kept from Kylee so she would continue with her college plans. Even though I knew my mother was no longer at the top of the stairs I spoke like she was, you know, she’s a big girl. She can handle the truth.

Kylee was the one that held us together while she was still living there but the day she left for school things fell apart. We pretended to be fine during the visits for holidays and vacations but after those it was reality again. My mother was sliding off the band wagon the first fall Kylee was gone and only slide further until she was completely off. It was hell on my step-father and I with four others younger than me; Suzanna, Cole, Michael, and Astley. With Kylee being who she was it left me to step up and care for them while trying to go to school, work and have a social life. It was strenuous and turned out to be too much. I pulled away from the friends I had and focused on work and school. Something that I had to do.

I took a quick peek in Kylee’s room to make sure that it was clean before leaving. Technically I wasn’t due at work for a few hours but I was over dealing with the fakeness of the house. I made my way to the strip in record timing and started down to Surf n Stuff. When I heard someone as I passed Skate Pro, Hey Lina.

Ty was standing there looking as sexy as always, with his unkempt light brown hair sticking in every direction. He was leaning in the doorway of the store and I couldn’t help put look him over quickly. The angle he stood at pulled his shirt tight across him showing off the lean torso underneath. Unfortunately he was off limits being one of Ky’s friends. I smiled at him, Hey Ty, business slow?

At the moment, give it a few days.

Right after graduation, I mocked. It was always a day or two after the high school graduation that tourist season started. Which to everyone not from the island, it was fun, but for us it meant work and annoying people who just got in the way.

Oh yeah, congrats.

Thanks, I called over my shoulder as I jogged off to catch Izzy who was just unlocking the door, I’m here on time.

For once, and you’re not even on the schedule till later. She smiled. Izzy was one of Kylee’s close friends. She had a whirl wind ride for a few years before finally realizing what she wanted in life and that was staying here, let me guess, all hell is breaking loose?

It will soon. I made an early get away.

She still doesn’t know? She stopped to look at me. After Kylee left I took her position at the store. During my time there Izzy and I had grown closer. She was one of the only other people, other than our friend Willow and my best friend, Berkley, to know about my family.

No, they have no intentions of telling her. In truth, I just want to lay it all out and let her know but it’s not my place so the parents say.

Izzy put a hand on my shoulder, Kylee may be a bit flighty but she isn’t completely oblivious. She’ll figure it out.

Yeah, I shrugged, so are you coming to my graduation tomorrow? I asked wanting to change the topic. I hated talking about the way my family was.

Wouldn’t miss it, Reece is coming too.

Nice, where has he been; I haven’t seen him for a couple of days, I said heading to the office to grab the cash drawer.

By the time I walked back out Izzy was tearing down the window display. Without another word I put the drawer in the register and checked the stock. There was something going on but I knew not to push. If she wanted to talk about it she would; if it was really big or bad she’d wait for Willow.

A couple hours passed and in that time we had two customers. The store was fully stocked with a new window display focusing on beach wear. Izzy sat on the back counter with her lap top on her legs while I made sure the money in the cash drawer faced the same way. The door chimed causing us both to look up as Ty walked in. He glanced around making his way to the counter, looks swamped.

Can’t handle the mobs, what’s up? Izzy set the computer aside and hopped down.

I just had a phone call from Isaiah. He and Elias will be home tomorrow.

Kael and Gavin aren’t coming?

They’ll be back sometime over the next couple weeks. Elias took a fall on the vert, busted himself up pretty good.

So why didn’t he call? Izzy sounded more angry than concerned.

Um, possibly something to do with you having turned your phone off three days ago to avoid someone else, Ty said raising his eyebrows. I think it might be time to talk.

Izzy turned away looking at a display of jeans before moving over to them. She rearranged a few before asking, How bad?

Elias, not the worst he’s had but close. And Reece, well he hasn’t been in for a few days if that tells you anything. You know Isaiah is going to have a few things to say.

Izzy turned around glaring at Ty, not right now.

He stepped back, ok, figured you could use an update, he backed away, sorry, he mouthed to me.

Izzy walked back to the lap top getting situated on the counter without a word. Instead of speaking, knowing she just wanted to stew, I went over to adjust the display she’d been fiddling with. After that the day dragged slowly by. It wasn’t until I was in the office signing out that the door chimed followed by a squeal. Kylee had just walked in; she was the only person I knew to make such a sound. I slapped on my happy face and went out to see her. She and Izzy were still hugging when she saw me. She pulled away, wow, look at you Lina. You are most definitely a heart breaker.

Nah, I smiled hugging her, I left that open for you.

Really, you still haven’t given Berkley the time of day?

Ky, he’s my best friend.

And completely head over heels for you.

Not according to the constant string of girlfriends, I stated grabbing my bag, but I have to get going. I was expected at two thirty.

Tell Berk I said hello, Kylee called after me as I walked out, laughing.

The strip was more crowded forcing me to weave around people. At some point Ty appeared, riding along next to me on his skate board. He grinned at me when I glance over, hot date?

Practice, I responded, sidestepping a mother and a flaying child.

Nice, they playing tomorrow? Ty asked not seeming to notice the intrusion.

Yeah, you coming?

To the party, hell yeah, he grinned again. I had to repeat mentally my mantra, Kylee’s friend, to keep my mouth from going slack.

I’ll see you there.

It’s a date.

I glanced quickly to see his mischievous grin. I couldn’t help but smile back, yeah, not likely.

Before I had a chance to get too far I heard the absence of wheels and turned. Ty was still there but one foot was on the ground. He had both hands clutching over his chest where his heart is. When he realized I turned around he spoke, you break it in pieces every time, Lina.

I laughed, it’d be worse if you actually got close, Ty. Just be happy we’re friends. 

I hurried off before he had a chance to respond. It was one thing for me to fantasize about Ty but when he did things like that I couldn’t help but wonder. I wasn’t oblivious to his actions. Ty was a charmer in so many ways. He spent the summers making girls swoon and God knows what else behind closed doors. The guy had more rumors and names tossed around about him that it was difficult to really know the truth. Even back in school, I’d heard his name before I reached the high school but it didn’t stop me from finding him unbearably attractive. If I hadn’t seen him work his magic on other girls I would never notice the difference there between them and how he interacted with me. He flirts like its second nature but he never had made me feel uncomfortable and never took it too far. It was like he knew there was a fine line hidden somewhere that he toes, not daring to cross those boundaries. 

Then again, it could have something to do with my best friend. I wasn’t like most girls who spend their time whispering and giggling with other girls. My time was spent hidden behind a guitar or a surf board, or more precisely at my six foot three best friend, Berkley’s shoulder. He was the child of a Marine and built like a tank. His appearance was enough to send people running or quaking in their shoes. I loved it. Being the way I was, I was given a lot of grief for not being as popular as my sister or as outgoing. The other girls tried getting me out of my shell but they never realized I wasn’t in a shell. I was the way I was because that was me. I liked having a guy to confide in rather than a girl. Girls were always back stabbing and deceiving to get through life. Berkley and I knew there was nothing better than strumming out our cares through the guitar. It was just a bonus that he was so good-looking. He was a brut with the softest heart I knew. While he looked intimidating I knew just by looking in his dark chocolate eyes exactly what he was thinking. His expressions were always guarded but being around each other for so long we could tell what was going on just by a stance.

The music drifted out to meet me a few houses down pulling a smile out of my stressed out self. I walked into the garage greeted by three smiling faces. I set my bag down noticing there was no extra girl sitting there like usual. When they finished the song I raised an eyebrow and asked, Where’s Sarah?

Dumped my sorry ass, Berkley said still smiling.

Wow, I didn’t even get a chance to see if she could hold her liquor, sarcasm dripped off my words. It was the one crappy thing about his endless string of girls. I was always the one to end up taking care of them when they had too much to drink since the guys were usually playing. Or I was sent to find them, usually in compromising positions involving some other guy. Berkley never seemed bothered by the fact that half the girls he’s been with were screwing around and he never broke it off until I would tell him I was done dealing with them. It confused me but I never questioned his way, mainly because it was how Berkley worked. Things always worked out in some way. It was probably the only thing that we had different between us.

Yeah, he said turning to the others, take ten?

I gotta run home for a minute, Lark, the drummer, stated walking out. Brett nodded and went into the house, most likely in search of food.

Berkley stepped closer to me, causing butterflies to appear in my stomach. He had that affect in close proximities and I hated it. Hated that I was that attracted to him and never saw the feeling returned, You want to know Sarah’s reason?

I shrugged trying to play it cool. My attraction was one of my few tightly wrapped secrets, sure.

Are you sure you can handle it? he asked, barely a foot separating us.

I smiled despite myself and looked up at his face. His gaze caught mine trapping it there. I took a breath trying to collect my racing thoughts, if I can handle years of you then I think I can handle a reason for being kicked to the curb.

His expression dropped to a more serious one, you. He waited a moment for a reaction but I stayed silent, lost in his eyes so he continued, she said it wasn’t fair for anyone when I spent all my time watching you.

I tried to think of something to say but my brain failed to work. So I stood there staring at him feeling stupid. I had kept everything locked up under tight surveillance so as not to be put in that exact position but one girl of the long line noticed how he watched me. I knew he did but it had always been in a protective way, at least in my mind. Berkley wouldn’t cross the friend’s line with me, ever. It wasn’t something he wanted to do, at least that’s what I always thought and the reasons why I locked my feelings away. Then suddenly I was angry, or more like pissed off beyond reason and the words that came out didn’t even process until after, don’t start playing on my feelings because you got dumped, you know better than anyone else how much I hate stupid games.

I turned away grabbing my bag and left. Berkley called after me but I was too worked up to stop. I knew if I stayed longer I would have said more words I’d regret once they were out. It was the thing about carrying so many secrets; one slip and the world could come crashing down. It also made it very easy to lose control of my temper and snap which is what I’d done to Berkley. I should have gone back and apologized but shame had already taken over. All I really wanted to do was go home and hide out but with Kylee home I couldn’t do that. Instead I made my way back to the strip. As I passed the skate park I slowed watching them move so freely. Next thing I knew I was climbing the bleachers. At the top I sat down and watched.

Hey stranger, Ty said climbing up to me.

Hi.

What are you doing up here; I thought you were at practice?

I didn’t stay long, I said keeping my eyes on the other skate boarders.

I can tell, you’ve been sitting here since I showed up over an hour ago. What’s up?

Those two words broke the dam inside me and I was unable and unprepared to stop the flood. Tears welled in my eyes as I furiously blinked to keep them back. After a moment I gave up leaning my elbows on my knees and covering my face with my hands. Ty never struck me as a compassionate person considering I’d only ever seen him with the guys or Izzy outside of chasing girls down. So when he wrapped his arm around me and pulled me into his chest I was a little surprised causing the tears to come harder. I took comfort in the fact that he was there instead of running away and even through the roller coaster of emotions I was riding I enjoyed that I was that close to him. He wrapped his other arm around me providing me a little wall to hide behind while I pulled myself together and I couldn’t help but inhale his scent considering I was surrounded by him. It was perfectly him, a hint of ocean, spice and sweat. I took one last deep breath letting it shudder out as I reluctantly pulled back. Ty let his right arm dropped keeping his left around my shoulders. He leaned closer to me, its not easy keeping secrets Lina, sometimes they come out a destroy everything you’ve worked hard to keep together.

I turned my head looking at him as he stood up. When I said nothing he added, It’s kind of like skating, you have to start small and work your way to the vert or you break yourself on the way.

The expression he gave me said he knew I understood so with a shrug he headed down the bleachers. That’s when I found my voice, hey Ty, he stopped to turn around. I smiled faintly, thank you.

Any time, sweetheart.

Surf n Stuff was still slow when I walked back in a few hours later. Izzy was sitting on the back counter again with her lap top. She looked up as I walked in, thought you were at practice.

Cut out, I said dropping my bag on the floor and joining her on the counter.

What’s wrong?

How do you fix your life when for years it’s just been one fat lie? I asked, staring out the window at the coffee shop across the strip.

Izzy handed me the lap top and slid off the counter, don’t move.

I obeyed watching her through the window as she disappeared into the coffee shop. By the time she returned I was watching the video she had pulled up. If my guess was correct it was of Elias’s fall Ty had spoke of that morning. She handed me a coffee, horrendous isn’t it?

That’s why he’s coming home?

Yeah, he broke his arm in two places and some other things but it won’t stop him, nothing does.

I’d of stopped after the first bruise, I admitted.

Are you sure? she smiled, it’s just like life, Lina, you keep going no matter how many times you go down.

So what’s this got to do with my question?

I’ve been in that position, living a lie. It’s not easy to get out of; you just have to start small. Start getting back to the things you enjoy and the people who you know are real. Everything will start to unravel in its own time.

I don’t have real friends to go to though Iz. The words come out quietly.

Berkley and the boys?

Part of the lie, how’s that going to help?

Ah, Izzy said, well you have me and Ty, at least.

Ky’s going to murder me if she finds out I’m friends with him. She used to warn me every day to stay away from all of them.

She’s just going to have to learn he’s changed. He toned down to two girls a week, Izzy said with a straight face but I started laughing.

It’s summer Iz, he can’t handle himself with all the half naked females running around, I stated hoping the bitterness I tasted with the words was unnoticed.

She slid off the counter again, then I’ll just go have a talk with him.

He’s at the park. I wouldn’t bother.

She turned around a grin slowly spreading across her full lips, you’re interested.

I shrugged, internally scolding myself for not watching my words, even if I am, he’s off limits, probably the sole reason for the attraction.

I don’t think so, she said just as the door opened and chimed. We both looked but Izzy reacted by throwing herself at Willow.

I watched them noticing how deep Willow’s tan already was and how much lighter her hair was than when she was home last. I was envious of her traveling but I didn’t let it bother me. Even if I was good enough I couldn’t leave the island when I was needed at the house.  When they finally pulled apart I picked up the lap top, go ahead, I’ll close up.

Izzy walked back to grab her shoes and phone, see, friends, she pointed between us, I owe you one.

The rest of the evening was slow. It always was but normally I’d have someone there. None of my old friends worked, opting for their large weekly allowances. It was one of the reasons I pulled away. Another was how much they truly disgusted me. There wasn’t a single thing about them that was real and I couldn’t understand how they could stand living such lies. I’d been that way before too but I realized what it meant and I didn’t like being that way, I like being the real me better. I didn’t have to work but I liked the freedom it gave me and the fact that the money I earned was mine and mine alone. My parents had no say in how I spent it. As the evening slipped by I thought more about Izzy and our conversation. She had lived a lie for a few years but she moved past it and became a better person. If only my lie was focused solely on me it might be easier. Unfortunately it involved just about every person I held close to me and it wouldn’t just be me drowning if exposed.

The bell chimed on the door. I glanced up at the clock to see I had five minutes left. The person who walked in responded to my time limit, I only need two.

I whipped my head up to see Berkley standing in the middle of the floor looking guilty, what’s up?

Let me see your hands first, he requested causing me to smile even though I was still angry with him.

With my hands up I said, they’re empty you’re safe.

His precaution was warranted. We’d had a few arguments over the years that whatever was in my hand at the time was aimed for him. After being hit with a solid hairbrush in the collarbone he always checked before coming close. He made his way to the counter, I want to apologize for earlier. I shouldn’t have been so forward.

Its fine, Berk, really I overreacted.

That’s my point. I know you are stressed with Ky being home and everything. I should have kept my mouth shut and let things work out.

I hopped up onto the back counter trying my hand at the nonchalant approach, is that the real reason you two split?

He grinned seeing straight through me, she did say it was unfair but it was more for your benefit.

How?

He stuffed his hands into his pockets letting his shoulders fall slightly forward. A gesture I knew too well from him. He didn’t want to explain any more so it had to be truthful and nothing I wanted to hear, do you really want to get into this? I mean you only have two minutes before you close.

I’ve no plans for the night so speak.

She told me it was unfair for you, having to sit back and watch. That I’m an ass because I string you along in hopes that one of these days I’d notice you. That I should be a better man and figure out what I want.

I was dumbstruck. In a way I’d hoped he’d come out and tell me how he felt exactly. Another part of me didn’t want him to in fear of losing my best friend. Unfortunately the first part won out, so what do you want?

He took a deep breath as his eyes met mine, honestly, Lina, I don’t know. I love you, I really do but I don’t want to lose our friendship. It’s hard to make the right decision here. 

My eyes wandered past him out the windows to the strip just as Ty was passing by. I wasn’t a huge believer in fate, barely letting it register in my life, but sometimes it was hard not to see the signs. I turned my attention back to Berkley, so let’s not worry about decisions. If everything else fails we at least know we are friends. I’d rather have my best friend be just that. We know where we stand no matter what.

I’m a lucky guy, if you were anyone else you would never have put up with me or the shit I do to you.

I love you too much to blow you off Berk, besides it’s entertaining, I grinned wickedly thinking of all the girls I’d fed liquor to until they puked.

Evil, he caught on immediately to my thoughts, you can be pure evil some times.

Yup, but evil or not I’m kicking you out so I can close up. I’ll see you tomorrow for graduation, I said walking him to the door and giving him a hug before shoving him out and locking it. I did a half-assed job of cleaning. I wasn’t in the mood to hang around doing my usual spotless closing to dwell on my thoughts. Berkley’s admission was the most painful saving grace I’d ever had. It made going home to my messed up fake family seem easy.

The night air felt refreshing as I made my way to the end of the strip. As I passed Skate Pro I noticed the lights still on and the door propped open. It was odd considering they closed the same time as Surf n Stuff. I moved closer just to be sure that one of the guys was there. A shadow moved past the doorway then reappeared bringing Ty with it, hey, headed home?

Yeah, stopped to see why your door was open.

Couldn’t shut out such a beautiful night, it’s one of the last peaceful ones left.

True, why are you still here though?

Inventory, one of the downfalls of having a job and the fact that I work with one flighty friend and one that’s been MIA for a few days; it’s mandatory that I pick up the slack, he said with a  shrug like it really wasn’t a big deal.

Reece still hasn’t surfaced?

Yes and no, I know where he is but getting him out is proving difficult. I’m hoping with everyone returning he’ll surface.

Well, good luck, I half waved as I stepped back out into the night.

Ty’s voice caught up to me, you walking, Lina?

‘Yeah, car’s dead and they won’t get me a replacement," I shrugged.

If you want to wait, I’ll be done shortly then I can walk with you. 

It’s a long walk Ty, you’d have to do the way back too.

He leaned against the doorframe arms crossed in front of him smiling at me. It was difficult to keep my thoughts from drifting to my Ty related fantasies when he looked at me that way. My heart stuttered in my chest as his voice pulled me back to reality, it’s not that long on a board and I don’t mind.

I shrugged covering for my brief lapse making my way back, if you don’t mind, I guess.

Ty went about his work while I made myself comfortable on the back counter. The inside of Skate Pro wasn’t too different from Surf n Stuff. The counter faced the front windows and door. The major difference I knew about was their back room was more of a workshop than storage. After looking around the store I focused on Ty. He was squatting in front of a shelving unit with a clip board in hand. Even counting wheels I found him unbelievably sexy. I admired the defined contours of his back and the way the muscles coiled and bunched as he shifted around. My voice surprised me as the words slipped out breaking the silence, why don’t you have a girlfriend, Ty?

If he took offence to my question it didn’t show. He wrote on the clipboard then answered, Haven’t found one worth the time yet.

You know, it takes more than one night to get to know someone, maybe you just overlooked her?

He looked over his shoulder at me and grinned, You are a wealth of information, maybe I’ll keep you.

Not tonight, I grinned, despite my heart threatening to jump out of my chest as it slammed against my ribs, or tomorrow. I seem to recall being told I had a date, but damned if I can’t remember who that was.

Ty stood up setting the clipboard on the end of the counter as he moved around it gracefully. He stopped in front of me, and if I recall, he leaned down close to my face leaving an inch or so, you denied that particular person that date, something along the lines of ‘yeah, not likely’.

Going against common sense I leaned forward next to Ty’s ear and whispered, Ssh, he could be near by.

I leaned back to look at his face which was an expression I’d only ever seen playfully from him. Ty looked at me with a deep hungry look in his eyes. I tried not to squirm under the pressure of it considering the close proximity and the fact that he barricaded me with his body on the counter. The sound of a car passing the strip pulled Ty back. He stood up straight, stepping to the side, I think I should walk you home before I do something I can’t take back.

I’ll wait outside, I said getting down after he moved away.

The rush of ocean air cleared my head instantly as I stepped outside. I moved out to the flower box in the middle of the strip and sat down to wait. An inner battle raged within me. I knew if the car hadn’t passed I wouldn’t have turned off so quickly. The other part of me was glad it did. I didn’t want to be another one of Ty’s one nights. Not only would it have torn me up but Kylee would have been furious. Ty walked out locking the door before turning to me, ready?

I can go alone, it’s not a big deal, I said offering him an out.

He shrugged, it’s fine besides I’d worry if I let you do that trek alone.

Ok, figured I’d offer.

Chapter 2 – Ty

The clock read five thirty six when my phone beeped with a message. I grabbed it off the night stand looking at it with tired eyes.

Think you could open for me? Haven’t slept yet, Iz is over.

As much as I didn’t want to I knew Reece needed the time with his girlfriend after the last few days.

Covered but you owe me.

Not that I was going to be getting any more sleep. My mind was racing after the night I’d spent. It was a new feeling I was dealing with. Girls were a complicated thing all together. One I never bothered to understand but Lina, she was different. For some reason I wanted to understand her. From what I could tell it wasn’t going to be an easy task which made me all the more confused. Her best friend was a tank, not someone I wanted to mess with. Watching her since she started at Surf n Stuff I’d discovered she didn’t follow along like so many other girls did. She moved to her own beat, one no one else seemed to hear. I didn’t understand my interest but I also couldn’t seem to cap it. Whenever she was around I wanted to get closer, maybe catch a snippet of that music.

I sat up rubbing a hand down my face and made my way to the shower. When I was fully awake I sat on the edge of my bed looking at the array of photos lining my dresser. Izzy and Willow decided one afternoon that my apartment looked to sparse and unlived so they went on a frenzy digging up pictures from years past and stuck them everywhere. They went to the mainland thrift store shopping for different decorations that they said screamed my name. Some of them I understood but others I just couldn’t see it. It was a nice gesture and I did appreciate them so I dealt with it. After a few weeks I barely noticed. Now and again I’d find myself staring at one of the knick-knacks wondering what they were thinking and laugh. The one that caught my attention as I sat there was a statue of a female made of tarnished metal. The longer I stared the more I started seeing Lina in it. With a hard shake of my head I stood up. That girl was going to be the end of me.

The strip was quiet as I made my way to Skate Pro and got ready to open. It was going to be a quiet day with graduation that evening. Once the doors were opened I sat out on the bench in front of the store waiting for Sam to come in. It was always better when there was someone to at least talk with. Joan opened the coffee shop every morning at six twenty five. It was a weird time but she swore by it. While I contemplated going down to get a coffee the door to Surf n Stuff opened and Lina walked out. My heart skipped a beat at the sight of her and without thinking I started toward her. She had stopped looking out at the beach and by the way she stood perfectly still I could tell she wanted to be out there instead. As I reached her she still hadn’t moved making me wonder if she heard me. I stopped a couple feet away admiring her before speaking, perfect morning, isn’t it?

She didn’t turn to look at me or see who was there instead just answering like she already knew it was me, yeah, I would love to be out there.

Why aren’t you then? I stepped forward to stand at her side.

No board, and I’m working. Her expression was wistful and I ached to touch her.

"Too bad, why are you working, don’t