Free Lane (Made From Stone Book 1) by T Saint John Page A

back up with his emaciated figure still looming in the beam of my headlights, his eyes continue gazing at me like I’m the meal he so desperately needs to make him healthy again. I turn with a spray of gravel and speed out of the parking lot with only one thought on my mind. Get the hell out of here!  
    Hands shaking, I drive as fast as I can to Olivia's but my mind is going faster. That guy was scary. He had a look in his eyes that made me feel like packing my bags and leaving the motel for good. When I get to Olivia's, she’s sitting on her porch. I walk up the two concrete steps to her porch, still shaken from my encounter.
    "Hey! Everything all right? You look like you've seen a ghost," she questions with a concerned look on her face. She can obviously tell I'm scared shitless.
    "Yes. I will be. There’s this creep who moved in at the motel. He just really freaks me out is all."
    "Did something happen?” She asks concerned.
    "No. Well, he watches me a lot. The way he looks at me… it’s like he could eat me, it's weird. But it'll be ok. Usually people don't stay there long." I shrug it off, trying to change the subject. It's the truth, most people only come to cheat on their wives or get high. They never stay more than a few days I remind myself, hopefully.
    "Just be careful, Mallory. Do you have mace?"
    I can't help but smile at the note of concern in her voice; it reminds me that I’m not as alone as I feel sometimes. "No. But I'm sure he'll be gone tomorrow." I don't want to talk about it anymore so I ask, "How was prom? I didn't see you the entire night!"
    "I know, I'm so sorry! I saw Sam sitting alone and I've been in love with him since the third grade. I didn't think he'd say yes when I asked him to dance. But I'm so glad he did!" she says cryptically, almost dancing in place as she tries to hide her excitement.
    "Did he kiss you?" I question as a huge smile crosses her face.
    "He did and it was amazing!" She bounces in her seat with excitement. I can't help but be a little jealous.

Lane
    I'm headed to school, taking my time, secretly hoping to avoid Jill. She didn't take the break up well at all. I don't know why. I've made it crystal clear that we weren't exclusive from day one. She kept insisting I tell her who the other girl was. I kept insisting there was no one, but Jill’s smart.
    How could I explain that I can’t be in a relationship because a student holds every bit of my attention? What sucks is knowing Mallory can never be mine. She couldn't go with me to Hansons to meet my family and have a few drinks. She still has to go to college, and she isn't exactly a lady. She shows her goods for just a few dollars and it makes me damn near violent to think about what she would do for more than a few dollars. I can't exactly blame her. I mean, I was lucky enough to have two parents who loved me. I can't imagine what she goes through on a daily basis, so I'm trying hard to not judge her based on her lifestyle.
    Pulling into the parking lot, I turn off my Jeep and take a couple of deep breaths before getting out. I glance at my watch and realize I've wasted more time than I thought I had. I have just a few minutes to get into class, so I take off running. Shit! Mallory is a distraction. Good thing the school year is almost over.
    When I get into the school, the halls are almost empty. I stop walking when I see Mallory and Olivia hugging by her locker. Mallory looks almost scared and it leaves me wanting answers. Worried something has happened, I start walking toward them when I see Olivia take out a brown paper sack and pass it quickly to Mallory. It's wadded up but you can tell something oval shaped is inside, almost like a pill bottle. Mallory takes a quick peek and closes it quickly, shoving it into her locker. I know Mallory needs money, but to have drugs on school property? I stalk towards them, pissed.
    "Give me that bag. NOW!" I demand and both girls jump in surprise at the angry tone of my voice.