Stolen Dreams - Heather M. Borger (classic novels for teens TXT) 📗

this was just something else she was noticing for the first time.

Brock was surprisingly quiet as they headed out. It concerned Skye.

“You don’t usually have bad days at work. Anything you want to talk about?”

They were on their way. She had to at least go to the mainland with him now. Brock decided to tell her about her father.

“Your dad is on his way back to the island.”

“That’s good news. Isn’t it?”

“Typically, yes. But, he left before we cleared him.”

“Does it matter that much?”

Brock looked at Skye, “He’s at least three days from the next closest dock and the weather service isn’t predicting three full days of good weather.”

“What are you saying?”

Brock couldn’t tell her what he was really trying to say. He lied. “I guess he may need to dock again and he may not be back for a long time.”

“You’re lying to me. He’s in trouble, isn’t he?”

“He’s stubborn. But normally, he’s at least cautious. I don’t know why he left the dock, but the way my dad and Rafe were talking, your dad seems to think he’ll be fine getting back. They’re just not as certain.”

Skye became frightened. “What do you think?”

“I think a lot of things need to fall into place for everything to be okay.” Brock motioned for Skye to sit down next to him. “I’ll keep you informed. You’ll know everything that’s going on the instant we do, okay?”

Skye nodded.

Their ride to the mainland was quiet. Brock was the first to break the uncomfortable silence. “I see the mainland. How about you make sure everything is ready down below and as soon as we dock I can get you out of here. I know a great little bar that’s close.”

Skye smiled and stood to head down below.

“Skye?”

She turned to face him again.

“I meant it. You don’t need to worry about being kept out of the loop with this one. I promise you.”

“Thanks. I believe you.”

He heard her say the words, but wasn’t convinced that she believed him. These were the types of things that were never shared with anyone else on the island. Rafe believed there was no reason to stress and panic everyone. Even those most involved - like family members. Rafe had been upset with Brock for saying anything at all to Skye earlier today. However, Brock didn’t believe Skye should be kept out of this. It wasn’t fair to expect her to wait for Rafe to explain things to her. Brock decided that later tonight he would talk to her about exactly what was so wrong with her father’s decision to leave the dock already. She had to know how grim her father’s situation appeared to be.


After securing the boat, Brock jumped out and took Skye’s hand to help her up onto the dock. She wasn’t smiling. Then again, he hadn’t really seen a genuine smile last more than a few seconds in days.

“You gonna be okay going out tonight?”

“Yeah, why?”

“I don’t know. You don’t look happy.”

“I can’t say that I feel happy. Which is exactly why I think it will be good to forget my worries tonight. Are you sure you want to deal with me?”

Brock grinned. “I’m sure. Let’s go.”

Brock lead the way as Skye followed, close behind. The last thing she wanted was to get lost on the mainland after dark. He had been right, the bar wasn’t far from the dock. As they walked inside, Skye marveled at the atmosphere. She rarely came to the mainland and had never been inside the bar. Smokey clouds hung thick in the air and neon lights illuminated the hardwood floor and tabletops. Loud music resonated from a live band on the stage at the front of the bar. A large gathering of dancers crowded the small dance floor. Skye grabbed on to Brock’s arm and allowed herself to be pulled along.

Brock noticed her hesitation and pointed to a nearby table. “Sit. I’ll get you a drink.”

“Thanks.”

Brock focused on keeping the conversation away from the island, Billy, or Skye’s appointment in the morning. That didn’t leave much, however, and by the time he was going for their third round of drinks, he wondered if he should just suggest they go back to the boat and get some sleep.

Skye sat quietly, trying to take in all the stimulation surrounding her.

“Hi. You look lonely.”

Skye looked up and noticed an unfamiliar grin widen into a broad smile.

Wanting to be polite, she forced a smile, “No, not lonely. I’m just waiting for my friend to get back.”

“Mind if I join you? I’m Chase.”

He held out a hand and Skye shook it. “Skye. Nice to meet you.”

“Yeah, same here. You don’t look familiar, are you vacationing?”

She was surprised that she stood out so much that she appeared to be a vacationer. Shaking her head, she answered, “No. I live on the research island. I’m not usually on the mainland, though.”

‘Fresh meat.’

Chase smiled kindly. “So what brings you and your friend here tonight? Is she from the island as well?”

“Yeah, um, he’s from the island, too.”

‘Shit. He’s from the island, too.’

“So, you’re not interested in spending the night with me, I guess.”

“You’re more than welcome to join us. Brock won’t mind.”

Chase was confused. “So, he’s just a friend who won’t mind if I join you?”

Skye grinned at his apparent interest, “Yes. He’s just a friend; and, no, he won’t mind you joining us.”

‘Well, this is getting better.’

“Will he mind if I want to take you home tonight?"

Skye blushed, “I don’t think so. Coming to the mainland to relax was his idea, after all.”

“Are you sure he doesn’t have plans for you tonight?"

“I’m quite sure he doesn’t have plans for me tonight. That is, except to help me feel better.”

“You’ve not been feeling well?” Chase’s interest in her well-being was invigorating and Skye’s pulse raced.

“It’s been a rough few days on the island. But, I feel better than I expected being here tonight."

“Good.” Chase looked around. “Where’s your friend? I’d like to take you for a walk if you’re interested.”

Skye smiled apprehensively, “I’d love to go for a walk. Let me call him.”

She dialed Brock’s number; he answered quickly, “Hey, what’s up. I’m coming as fast as I can. This place is insane tonight.”

“No problem, I was just wondering if you’d mind if I took off and went for a walk?”

Brock’s delayed response made Skye wonder if she had been wrong. Maybe he’d be hurt that she wasn’t spending the evening with him. “No. That’s fine. If you give me five minutes, I can be back and I’ll go with you.”

“I was hoping to go now and meet you back at the boat later.”

No response from Brock’s end of the line could be heard.

“Brock? Do you mind?”

“No. Sorry.” He had been caught off guard by her strange request. “Go ahead. I’ll meet you back at the boat.”

“Thanks, Brock. You’re the best!”

“Everything okay, Skye? This isn’t like you.”

“Yeah. Everything’s fine. Thanks again, see you later.”

“Bye.” he answered softly. He knew she had ended the call by the time he spoke. Concerned, he decided to go back to the boat early so he would be there when she returned.


Relieved that Brock seemed okay with her request, Skye smiled at Chase. “Okay, where to?”

As she turned to leave Chase’s hand brushed the small of Skye’s back and lingered while he lead her toward the door. “I have the best little place in mind. Your island troubles will be mere memories when I’m through with you.”

As Chase lead her through town, Skye’s interest grew. Then, he approached a tall apartment building, and she suddenly felt her heart race.

He seemed to read her apprehensive sideways glance immediately, “Would you rather go somewhere else? We didn’t have to come back to my place.”

He seemed sincere in his offer and Skye relaxed, “No. This is fine.”

Chase lead her through the door and up a single flight of stairs to his apartment. Once inside, he gently closed the door and leaned into Skye, pulling her close and holding her tight as his tongue began tracing the length of her neck in search of her surrendering mouth. He had been right, all her island troubles seemed to melt away.

Six

“Where the hell have you been? I’ve been worried sick about you!”

Skye knew Brock would be upset, but this was outrageous.

“I stayed with Chase last night. Sorry.”

“Did you forget how to use your phone? I’ve been calling you every half hour since one o’clock this morning! And, who’s Chase?”

Skye pulled her phone out of her back pocket and noticed twelve missed calls. “Sorry, I must not have heard it ringing.”

“You still haven’t told me who Chase is!”

Shrugging her shoulders, Skye maintained her nonchalant attitude, “He’s someone I met at the bar last night.”

“You spent the entire night with someone you met at the bar! Are you crazy? Do you have some stupid death wish?”

“Brock, stop it! You’re being ridiculous.”

“I’m being ridiculous? Are you serious? What was going on inside your head last night?”

Skye hesitated before answering his harsh question.

“You want to know what was going on inside my head? Do you, really? Well, let me tell you! For the first time in almost a week I felt alive last night. I wasn’t waiting for test results, or thinking about the island, or worrying about my dad. I forgot that I had skin cancer and just decided to live my life! You know, because at least I’m alive to enjoy life right now. I can’t go on pretending I’m going to live forever and I’ll always have tomorrow to do something great. I had fun last night, so don’t try to make me feel guilty about it because you had to sit here alone. It’s not like you’ll ever want more from me than my undying friendship.”

Brock recoiled at her accusation. “That’s not fair, Skye.”

“It’s not fair for you to judge my decisions either. Reckless and crazy, or not, I need to move on with my life.”

“You need to think before you act. You don’t know anyone here. I never should have allowed you to leave the bar last night.”

“Stop trying to make my