Free Common Ground (The Common Ground Trilogy Book 1) by Barry Chaison Page B

pitch black eyes.
    “Supporting her for what?” he said.
    The spell seemed to break the moment he spoke. I shook off the feeling of weariness that had engulfed me and looked back out to the dusty yard.
    “I don’t feel comfortable talking about this behind her back.”
    “No, supporting her for what?” he asked again, sounding serious.
    “Nothing, I just don’t want to see her get hurt, that’s all.”
    “And you think I’ll hurt her?” he accused. “What makes you think I’d do that?”
    “I…I don’t,” I stuttered. Everything was going way too fast and he was two steps ahead of me.
    “You knew exactly what you were going to say,” he shot back, starting to sound very angry.
    “Look, I’m sorry I said anything at all. I told you I just wanted to be alone. You should just leave,” I begged. An unusual feeling started brewing inside. It was a very powerful anger, more powerful than anything I’d ever felt before.
    “No, please, tell me what you were going to say. Let it fly!”
    “I don’t insult people like you do.”
    “Now I’m really curious. Maybe I should go back inside and find your friend, the big one. I’m sure she’ll tell me after a few drinks...”
    “What do you want from me?” I bellowed, the deep anger finally exploding like a volcano. “You want me to tell you that you’re egotistical, selfish and arrogant? Fine! You are always gloating about yourself, thinking you’re above everyone else. You hurt and insult people, and get joy out of it. What you did to my friend tonight was very rude and you seem to get some type of satisfaction from it. You get a sick thrill from hurting people. That’s why I’m here; to make sure you don’t hurt Annie. I’ve seen it happen way too much. You’re no different than any other guy I’ve met before.” I exhaled. “There, are you happy?”
    I looked over at Liam, and for the first time, felt completely frightened. His eyes had gotten even darker, and I could have sworn a slight shade of red was mixed into the darkness. I stood up immediately; not sure what to expect.
    “You’ve never met anyone like me,” he said quietly into the night.
    “What?” I asked, my eyes wide in fear.
    “Ahem.”
    I spun on the spot and there stood Annie in the doorway of the kitchen, sporting a suspicious look on her face. Her eyes were alternating on Liam and me. Liam was sitting on the stairs with his arms rested on his knees and his back to her and I was standing directly next to him, my eyes still wide open.
    “Oh, there you are!” I said, rushing over to give her a very tight hug. She hugged me back, although somewhat weaker than usual.
    “What’s going on out here? I’ve been looking for you everywhere!” she snapped at Liam.
    Liam quickly jumped up; sporting his patented smile again. Any trace of hatred and anger had been replaced with a calm, peaceful glare.
    “Nothing babe, just saw Zoe out here and wanted to say hi,” he said, putting his arm around her. “She had some great things to say about you!”
    “Oh,” she said, comprehension immediately dawning on her face. “Did she?”
    Her look of skepticism had been replaced with a sweet smile that looked eerily familiar to Marie. She gave me a quick wink and nod.
    “That’s my Zoe,” she said happily. “Now, what does a girl have to do to get a drink around this place?”
    “Right this way,” he said, opening the door to the kitchen as Annie stepped through it. He gave me another odd glance before he followed Annie inside, leaving me frozen on the spot, my mind racing.
     

Chapter 4: Warnings
    “ Happy Birthday to you!” my parents finished singing in unison.
    The younger me was sitting in a large wooden chair, staring at a tasty looking rainbow chip birthday cake, as a large number nine burned slowly down. My parents stood on the other side of the table, arms around each other, smiling proudly down at their only daughter. They encouraged her to make a wish, which led to a