Baby Gone Bye Read online

  Who the hell cared? But every time Gabe looked at Birdie, he realized his feelings didn’t matter. So he kept his head down and plowed through the rest of the week. By Friday, the daily routine became easier. The baby, comforted by the schedule, slept the night through, allowing Gabe to recover from his sleep deprivation. Except for Biggie, Gabe steered clear of his so-called friends.

  When Friday night arrived, Gabe dashed through the slashing rain toward Abby’s house. Carefully folded in his back pocket were three pages of hand-written notes about the night of the party. For this, he owed thanks to Biggie, his one and only non effed-up friend.

  Birdie was down for the night. Papi, in a rare offer, said he would be happy to babysit and practically pushed Gabe out of the house. Abby must have been watching for him because the door flew open before Gabe could raise a hand to knock.

  “Didn’t think you’d show up,” Abby said, stepping back so he could enter the foyer. “But here you are, eh?”

  The Templetons’ house was laid out almost exactly like Gabe’s. The stairs to the upper story were straight ahead. Hall to the right led to the kitchen and family room. Turn left and you’d end up in the living room.

  Abby spun on her heel and turned left. “Living room okay with you?”

  But Gabe was frozen in his tracks, unable to speak or believe what he was seeing. Instead of her usual baggy clothes and ponytail, Abby wore skinny jeans and a V-neck hot pink sweater. She’d apparently straightened her curly light-brown hair. It hung in a silken sheath across her shoulders, glinting golden in the lamplight. Abby Templeton was one hot chick. Mesmerized, Gabe stumbled along behind her, barely resisting the urge to slip his arms around her waist, pull that curvy little butt up tight against his body and bury his face in her fragrant hair.

  Easy boy. Once again you’re thinking with the little head, not the big one. Papi’s voice.

  “You look different tonight,” Gabe croaked.

  Abby stopped and turned to face him. She shrugged. “No big deal. Sometimes I change it up. You know, it’s a girl thing.”

  Gabe smiled. “I like it.”

  A long silence followed. Gabe stepped close and touched a strand of hair that had fallen across one of Abby’s cheeks. Her eyes widened and she inhaled sharply. Gabe stared at her mouth. Oh, how he’d love to nibble on that pouty lower lip.

  An overhead light flashed on, illuminating the two.

  “Hey, you didn’t bring the baby. I wanted to see the little cutie.” Luanne Templeton popped into view behind her daughter.

  Startled, Gabe leapt backward, slipped on a throw rug and landed on his butt. Abby pinched her lips together to hold back her laughter and offered him a hand.

  Face burning with embarrassment and guilt about what he wanted to do to Luanne’s daughter, Gabe ignored the helping hand and scrambled to his feet. “Oh, hi there, Miz Templeton. Birdie’s asleep. My dad’s babysitting.”

  Luanne folded her arms across her chest, her bemused gaze darting back and forth between Gabe and Abby. Gabe had the feeling she knew exactly what he’d intended. Time for a diversion.

  “So, how does this hypnotism thing work?” Gabe said, using his most winning smile.

  Luanne headed into the darkened living room. “Follow me. All will be explained.”

  The only light in the room was provided by a cluster of candles on a coffee table set in front of a white couch lined with colorful pillows. A ceiling fan circled lazily, its subtle breeze stirring the candles’ flames. A spicy scent wafted from a bowl of potpourri on the end table next to the couch.

  “Have a seat, Gabe. I think you’ll find the couch quite comfortable,” Luanne said. “Did you bring the notes?”

  Gabe dug the papers out of his back pocket and handed them to Luanne, taking care to avoid her eyes. She nodded and left the room.

  Feeling apprehensive, Gabe plopped down on the couch and studied the candles. Five votive candles formed a perfect star. In the exact center of the star, a tall pillar candle burned. The dancing flame, caught by the overhead fan, flickered to and fro, its shadow reaching out to touch all five points of the star. Gabe drew a deep breath and let it out. A sense of calm stole through his body.

  “Gabe?” Abby said. “Do you want me to stay or go?”

  Gabe thought about what he’d written and grimaced. Did he want Abby hearing all that crap? His lips curled in a rueful smile. “It’s not exactly a state secret. You and I are probably the only two people in school who don’t know what went down that night. Besides, you already know about the rest of the story.”

  Abby sat cross-legged on the floor next to the coffee table.

  After a long moment of silence ticked by, Gabe said, “So, what happens next?”

  “Mom’s reading your notes. Then, she’ll put you under and help you remember what happened that night.”

  Gabe stiffened. “Put me under?” Even to his own ears, Gabe’s voice held a note of panic.

  Abby giggled. “Sorry, wrong choice of words. It’s not like you’re having surgery. She’ll help you relax. That’s all.”

  Feeling a bit foolish, Gabe sank back into the pillows. “Oh.”

  Luanne sauntered back into the room and sat in the overstuffed chair next to the couch. “Alrighty then, let’s get started.”

  Gabe scrunched forward and placed his elbows on his knees. “Do you want to ask me anything, you know, about what I wrote?”

  Luanne gave him a sweet smile. “I think I grasp the situation. Now, lean back, take a couple of deep breaths, close your eyes, and we’ll start. Please trust me, Gabe. I want to help you.”

  Gabe shut his eyes, although his eyelids fluttered as if they had a mind of their own. He willed his tensed-up muscles to uncoil and sucked in a lungful of air.

  “Keep your eyes closed and open your mouth.” Luanne’s words were spoken directly into his left ear.

  Gabe jerked in surprise but did as he was told. Two drops of liquid touched his tongue. A sharp minty flavor zinged through his nervous system. Suddenly, he felt alive as never before, his body tingling with anticipation.

  Luanne’s voice was low and soothing. “Keep breathing deeply. With your eyes closed, engage your other four senses. Feel the softness of the pillows pressing into your body. Breathe in the scent of cinnamon and cloves. Listen to the gentle whirr of the fan blades as they spin overhead. Savor the taste of mint oil as it travels through every cell in your body.”

  Did he want this to work? Of course he did. Gabe released the tension from his body and allowed Luanne to guide him. He sank into the cushions. He sniffed the fragrant air. He listened. He tasted. Through it all, he breathed deeply, filling his lungs with air. Letting it out.

  “Good,” Luanne murmured. “Now, open your eyes and look at the candles. Pick one and stare into the flame. Become one with the flame. Keep breathing deeply. Your body is relaxed. Your eyelids are drooping. In fact, you can barely keep them open.”

  The tall pillar candle drew Gabe in. He gazed at the flame, watched it flicker and dance. His arms and legs felt as heavy as logs. His mind seemed to float from his body.

  Luanne’s voice sounded far away. “Go ahead and close your eyes. You’re in a safe place. A good place. Open your mind to events of the past. The memories will enlighten you and allow you to keep your daughter safe. You’re a good person. You’re doing the right thing. In remembering the past, you will see the truth. Now, I will count to ten and you will release the barrier that has stolen away your past.”

  He’d just summoned his mind back into his body when he heard Luanne begin to speak. “Listen carefully, Gabe. It’s Labor Day weekend. Everybody’s bummed because school is starting soon. Not tonight, though. Tonight’s the last big party of the summer. You’re with Heather, one of the prettiest girls in your class. It’s dark when you arrive at Kevin’s but it
still feels like a summer night. You’re wearing khaki shorts and a white tank top. Heather looks hot in low-riding jeans, flip-flops, and a pale blue midriff shirt that doesn’t quite reach her jeans. A smooth swath of tan, bare skin is exposed between shirt and jeans. As you follow her into Kevin’s house, you notice the butterfly tattoo, peeking out of her jeans, the sight of which . . .”

  As Luanne’s calm recital of the facts, totally without judgment, washed over him, Gabe allowed his forsaken memories to waken and stir, shake off the dust of shame, and invite him back for another look. To live the moment in real time.

  Chapter Eleven

  KEVIN’S DRIVEWAY was jammed with cars that spilled out along the side of the road. He’d assured everyone there was no danger of parental intervention since said parents were currently cruising in the Mediterranean. Kevin’s dad had sold his software company to one of the giants for a small fortune. Money was no problem. Hence, the McMansion surrounded by dense woods. The closest neighbor was a mile away. Perfect setting for a rowdy teenage party, although Kevin did have his rules.

  When Gabe and Heather reached the front door, she didn’t bother knocking. Instead, she charged through the door and headed toward the noise emanating from Kevin’s backyard. Grinning, Gabe followed her. He’d just gotten an up-close and personal view of Heather’s new tattoo. He knew it was recent because it was still red around the edges. Heather now had a tramp stamp. The mark boded well for Gabe’s night. Yeah, this was a first date. But, it was possible the butterfly tattoo unfurling its frilly wings from the tight-fitting jeans cupping Heather’s cute little ass could translate to . . . score!

  Gabe and Heather walked through the sliding glass door into the backyard and were greeted by raucous cheers, hugs, and eighteen ounce solo cups of draft beer poured from one of the two kegs sitting side by side against the back wall of the house. The pungent smell of marijuana floated on the night air.

  A sheet of white poster paper was tacked to the wall next to the kegs.

  Kev’s Rules: 1. Don’t trash the house. 2. No barfing in the pool. 3. Hook-ups okay, but take it upstairs. 4. Stay out of the parent’s bedroom. 5. Fall asleep at your own risk.

  Heather scanned the list, rolled her eyes and said, “As if.”

  After a dainty sip of beer, she squeezed Gabe’s hand and joined a group of her besties who were, no doubt, critiquing the outfit of every female at the party. Gabe nodded at David Bigelow and his wrestler buddies who were sipping soft drinks. Nice guys but total straight arrows. Gabe chugged his beer and re-filled his cup before joining Kevin and his buddies.

  “Hey, Kev. Great party, man. School Tuesday. That sucks.”

  Kevin grinned. “Look at it this way, dude. Whole new crop of freshman girls who think it’s cool to hook up with senior guys.”

  “Speaking of which,” Gabe scanned the crowd, “who’s the Goth girl? One of the new crop?

  Kevin shrugged. “Never saw her before. Said she was somebody’s cousin. Can’t remember whose. I figured one more chick around couldn’t hurt, ya know? She’s a little weird though.”

  “The Goth thing?”

  “No, not that,” Kev said. “It’s like she’s looking for somebody. She’s checked out every guy at the party. But not in a girly way, if you know what I mean. She doesn’t flirt or joke around. She just stares.” Kev jabbed Gabe with an elbow. “Actually, she’s totally checking you out. Right now.”

  Gabe turned slowly toward the girl standing at the edge of the crowd, feeling the weight of her stare. Despite the warm evening, she wore a dark hooded sweatshirt, the hood pulled up to cover her head. Her thin body was clad in jeans that were faded and ragged at the knees and not in a fashionable way. Oversized black high-topped sneakers completed the outfit. A long strand of dyed coal-black hair fell across one pale cheek. A small silver hoop pierced her left nostril. But it was the girl’s eyes that grabbed Gabe’s attention. The palest shade of blue and heavily lined with black, her eyes were huge and unblinking. And, as Kev had said, fixed directly on Gabe.

  Unable to look away from the girl’s piercing gaze, Gabe heard Kevin say, “Drink up, boy, here she comes.”

  Gabe downed his second beer of the night and poured a third, welcoming the buzz. He watched the girl walking toward him. It was as if an invisible string was pulling her along. When she passed the gaggle of girls Heather had joined, they fell silent and gave her a thorough visual scanning. Clearly, they were bursting with their need to dish the dirt.

  The girl’s gaze never wavered as she plowed through the crowd toward Gabe.

  “Dude, that chick never blinks,” Gabe whispered to Kevin.

  Kev slugged him in the arm. “I think she’s in looove.” He drew the word out to make sure Gabe understood the sarcasm.

  She didn’t stop until she was toe-to-toe with Gabe, invading his personal space. “Gabriel?”

  Startled, Gabe took a step backward and bumped into the keg. “Gabe,” he said. “Just Gabe.”

  “Gabriel,” the girl repeated. She put a hand on Gabe’s arm before turning her startling blue-eyed gaze on Kevin. “I need to talk to him. Alone. Because, you see, he’s the one. I know he is.”

  Kevin hooted with laughter. “Told ya, Gabe. The girl’s in looove.”

  The disdain in Kev’s attitude irritated Gabe. This girl, this kid, she looked like a pathetic little waif. A wave of pity swept over him. He shot Kev a warning look. “Back off, man.”

  Kev lifted his hands. “Hey, no problem.”

  “Come with me.” The girl tugged on Gabe’s arm.

  Gabe didn’t budge. “First tell me your name.”

  “It’s Elizabeth. You can call me Lizzie if you want.”

  “Okay, Lizzie. Can we make this fast? I’m here with another girl, and she doesn’t look too happy right now.”

  Gabe was more than aware that he and Lizzie had captured the undivided attention of Heather and her friends. Heather was glaring at him through slitted eyes. Her girlfriends were whispering tidbits of information in her ears.

  Lizzie’s grip tightened on his arm. Her eyes flashed with anger. “The hell with her. This is important.”

  Oh great, now I’ve got two girls mad at me, Gabe thought, but allowed Lizzie to drag him over to an unoccupied bench away from the crowd. None too gently, she pushed him down on the bench and stood in front of him.

  “Here’s the deal. It’s my sixteenth birthday. I’ve never done it and I want to do it with you. Right now. Tonight. Got it?”

  Gabe’s mouth fell open. He set his beer down. When he could speak, he sputtered, “But, but . . .”

  Lizzie’s head drooped and she stared at the ground. “I know I’m not as pretty as your girlfriend, but . . .”

  “She’s not my girlfriend.”

  She lifted her head and the corner of her mouth twitched in an almost smile. “Good. So will you do it? My van’s parked out front.”

  Gabe’s mind was spinning and not just from the alcohol he’d consumed. Girls—at least the girls he knew—didn’t just march up to a guy and ask him to do that. At least not without a lot of giggling and flirting and wanting to be exclusive. Not only that, she was a virgin for God’s sake—or at least that what she’d claimed. What the hell was her story?

  “Why me?” He stood and gazed down at her. “And how did you know my name?”

  After an impatient sigh, Lizzie said, “None of that matters. All that matters is that you’re the one. Look, I’m not going to beg, but I need your answer. Now.”

  Gabe’s mouth opened and closed like a gasping guppy as he searched for the correct response. At some level, he was aware that he and Lizzie were no longer alone. Three of Heather’s friends had moved in and formed a semi-circle around the pair. One of the girls said, “I hope you’re happy. Heather’s over there crying her eyes out. You just embarrassed her
in front of everybody.”

  “VW bus.” Lizzie murmured. “Gray primer. Parked along the side of the road.” She darted between the girls and headed for the gate that led to the front yard.

  Gabe watched her go, still unable to form a complete sentence.

  Another girl chimed in, “Well? Are you going to fix it or not?”

  Stop thinking about that pathetic little chick and focus on the hot one, Dummy. “Yeah, okay, I’ll try to fix it.”

  One of the girls waved Heather over. Before backing away, all three of them shot dirty looks at Gabe and assured Heather they would be close by if she needed them.

  Heather was making a high-pitched sniveling sound, but Gabe thought her eyes looked pretty dry for someone who, according to her friends, had been sobbing.

  “Look, Heather, I’m sorry about that. I’ve never seen that girl before in my entire life.”

  “But she’s so weird-looking,” Heather squeaked. “Why did you let her drag you around? Everybody was like, who is that girl, Heather? What does she want with Gabe? I didn’t know what to say. It was just sooo embarrassing.”

  Gabe sighed. Now he understood. It was all about Lizzie looking weird and the embarrassment it had caused Heather.

  “Heather,” he began. “I felt sorry for her. I think she’s had a rough time. She wanted to talk to me, and the least I could do was listen. Guess what? Not everything is about you.”

  Heather’s head snapped up. Her hands flew to her hips. “What?” she screeched. “How dare you! You’re the one who screwed up, and you’re blaming me? You know what? I think you should go find your new slutty girlfriend, and I’ll catch another ride home.”

  The crowd had drawn closer, pulled in by Heather’s angry words.