Death of a Waterfall

“Are the balloons really necessary, Mom?”

Her mother, dressed in a pencil skirt and sky-high heels—the most ridiculous outfit for college move-in day—maneuvered around the tiny dorm room carrying an ostentatious purple vase filled with white roses. Large foil balloons in the shapes of hearts that read “Congratulations,” “We love you,” and “Good luck” were tied to the rim. She set them on the desk that stood at the foot of the single bed. “They give the room color, don’t ya think?”

Teghan dropped her face into her hands and shook her head in disbelief. “Paint will give the room color,” she mumbled.

“Don’t talk back to your mother,” her father said as he entered the room, arms full of luggage. “Besides, you can’t paint the walls.” He piled her suitcases on the bed. “This is it?” Rob looked around the sardine can of a room. “Well, this is just unacceptable. I’m going to the student housing office.” He pointed his finger at the luggage. “Don’t unpack a thing until I get back.”

“Dad! Don’t!” Teghan rushed toward him.

“Don’t be ridiculous. I won’t allow you to live in these conditions.”

“Your father’s right, sweetie. It doesn’t look as though this carpet has had a proper cleaning in years.” Her mother, Rachel, scrunched her face in disgust.

“I agree. This room sucks and it’s ugly, but causing a scene at the housing department isn’t going to change anything,” Teghan said.

“Trevor! Get in here,” Rob shouted, sticking his head out the door.

“Oh God,” Teghan groaned. She’d begged her brother to stay home.

“Now stop it, Teghan. Your brother wanted to be here for this,” Rachel said. “He’s leaving for Rygard on Monday. You should be happy he wants to share this day with you.” Tears welled up in her eyes. “It’s too bad your sister couldn’t be here, too.”

“Mom, don’t cry.” Teghan gave her mother a hug.

“I refuse to participate in a group hug.” Trevor walked into the room and whistled. “Bitchin’ room, sis.”

“Watch your mouth, boy,” Rob scolded him.

“Sorry.” Trevor frowned.

Teghan broke free from her mother’s death-grip hug and glanced around. There were far too many people in her small room. Claustrophobia set in, and she moved toward the door.

“Where’s that person? You know, the resident assistant?” Rob asked.

Trevor laughed. “It’s called the resident advisor.”

Rob walked toward the door. He had that certain gait about him again—the one where he’d tuck his hands into his pockets, purse his lips, and purposefully step harder than necessary, making it sound like he was stomping—which meant only one thing: he was displeased and intent on getting results. She cringed.

“Dad, please.” She stood in the doorway in a feeble attempt to block his path. “I know this room isn’t the greatest, but it’s temporary.”

“This isn’t fit for a dog to live in, let alone my daughter.” He pushed past Teghan and into the hallway.

Rachel had composed herself and was beginning to unpack. She started with the smallest suitcase, which contained Teghan’s bras and panties. “Mom!” Teghan grabbed her black lace panties from her mother’s hand and shoved them back in the suitcase.

“I was just trying to help,” Rachel said. “Why don’t we just leave this stuff for later? These walls are so drab. Let’s go shopping and get some wall hangings.”

Trevor laughed.

Teghan glared at him. All she wanted to do was be left alone. And then she heard her father’s voice from down the hall. “What do you mean this is a co-ed dorm? I specifically asked for an all-girls dorm. How did this happen?” Seconds later, Rob came back to the room. “Trevor, start taking Teghan’s stuff back down to the car.”

Her eyes widened, and horror struck her speechless for a moment. “Dad!”

“There is no way I’m letting you live in a co-ed dorm. You can stay at home until I find you a suitable apartment nearby.” He shoved his hands in his pockets, his bushy eyebrows raising a fraction of an inch, daring her to argue. But she knew better.

“Hey, Mr. J,” Annabelle said, walking into the room with her father close behind. Her wild, fiery red hair was piled on top of her head in a messy bun.

“Annabelle.” Rob nodded at her. “Good to see you.” He turned to Annabelle’s father. “Did you know this was a co-ed dorm?”

“It is?” Annabelle asked with fake surprise.

“Annie,” Teghan whispered through clenched teeth.

“What?” Annabelle mouthed the word with a shrug.

“Am I taking these to the car or what?” Trevor asked. He had his arms full of luggage.

“Yes,” Rob said.

“No,” Teghan said as she resumed her position, blocking the door.

“What?” Annabelle asked.

“Honey.” Rachel put her hand on Rob’s arm. “Don’t overreact.”

“Dad,” Teghan said in the sternest voice she could muster. She tucked her hair behind her ear. “I’m not living at home. I’m staying right here. Annabelle and I have been planning this for years. Plus, you’ve already paid the housing fee. Do you really want to throw away your money like that?”

Rob stared at his daughter for a moment. “Put the bags down, Trevor.”

She grinned. Hitting him in the wallet always worked. “Thank you, Daddy!” She gave her father a big hug.

“There are rules, Teghan,” he said.

There are always rules. She refrained from rolling her eyes.

“Absolutely no boys in this room.” Rob pointed at her. “And if there are any problems with any of the boys around here, you come to me. That RA is an idiot and wouldn’t know—”

“Knock, knock.” The words interrupted Rob’s tirade.

The entire room went silent as they turned to look at the guy standing in the open door holding a bouquet of pink and purple lilies. His brown eyes sparkled, and his wavy, dirty-blonde hair was neatly combed. A thin mustache and goatee framed his smiling lips.

Teghan’s stomach clenched at the sight of him. It had been months since she’d seen him. She swallowed hard. “Alex, what are you doing here?”

“It’s moving day. I wouldn’t miss this for the world,” Alex said. “Here.”

She folded her arms over her chest and refused to take the flowers. “How did you know where to find me?”

“Don’t be rude, Teghan.” Rachel pushed past her and took the flowers from Alex. “It’s great to see you again, honey. How are you?” She gave him a one-armed hug.

“I’m okay,” he said, keeping his eyes on Teghan.

“Answer my question, Alex.” Teghan shifted her weight. She’d wondered a lot about when she’d see him again, about what she’d say, and how she’d feel—she never dreamed it would happen in front of an audience like this.

“I told Trevor to invite him,” Rob said. “He’s like family. He belongs here.”

Trevor walked up next to his sister, patted her on the shoulder, and said, “Geez, sis, I didn’t know you were sleeping with family. That’s called incest and it’s wrong.”

Teghan sighed. “Not funny.”

“Hey.” Trevor gave Alex a fist bump. “Been a long time. I thought maybe you’d disappeared for good.”

“Nah.” Alex shook his head.

“Glad you’re back, man. Things just haven’t been the same without you,” Trevor said.

How could her brother act like everything was okay? She wasn’t the only one Alex had cut out of his life for the past few months. Had Trevor forgotten that Alex had bailed on him, too? Unless Trevor still blamed her for what had happened. Figures.

“We need to talk.” Teghan ushered Alex into the hallway and closed the door behind her. “You can’t just show up here like this. We’re not together anymore.”

“I know,” he said, leaning against the wall.

“Then why are you here?”

“Trevor invited me.” He smirked, and for the briefest moment, she forgot why she’d broken up with him. “And I never turn down a Jacobs family invitation.”

“I don’t care if God himself invited you. You shouldn’t be here.”

His smile vanished. “I miss you, Teghan.”

“Don’t.” She held up her shaking hand to stop him from saying more. Tears stung her eyes. “If you think you can just show up here with flowers and everything is going to be all right, you’re crazy.”

“Things are far from right.” He straightened to his full six-foot height. “If things were right, we’d be together.”

“Stop it! If you care about me so much, why did you disappear, huh? You take off to who the hell knows where. You don’t text me. Not even a call or an email to let me know you were okay.”

“You broke up with me, Teghan!” He raised his voice, and his brow furrowed. “Being near you wasn’t an option. I needed to get away.”

“You’re so selfish.”

“I’m selfish?” He laughed. “You’ve got a lot of nerve. Tell me again why we broke up. Oh, that’s right.” He snapped his fingers. “You wanted to be single for college.”

She flinched at his harsh words. “That’s not why, and you know it.” Well, that was part of it, but she wasn’t about to rehash their break-up conversation. The constant replay in her mind was enough.

He hung his head. “After dating for three and a half years and best friends for most of our lives, I just don’t understand why you feel the need to experience college without me.” Alex looked up at her, his eyes sad. “We should be doing this together, Teghan. Me, you, Annie, and Trevor. That’s how it’s supposed to be.”

Teghan stared at him. “That’s how it used to be. But that’s not how it is now. Face it; we’re not in high school anymore.”

“I shouldn’t have come here,” he admitted, a pouty look on his face.

“Don’t be like that.” Teghan crossed her arms over her chest.

“Like what?” He stepped closer, and his familiar scent settled over her. She took a deep breath. “Hurt? Pissed off? Frustrated? So damn heartbroken I don’t want to breathe?”

“Alex,” she whispered. The tears she’d kept locked at the brims of her eyes spilled free. The truth was she missed him a lot more than she’d realized. But saying so would be leading him on, and she couldn’t do that. She wouldn’t do that.

“Oh, man, Teghan. Don’t cry.” Alex hugged her. “You know I hate it when you cry.”

Teghan sniffled, but kept her arms at her sides. Regardless of how comfortable his arms felt, she wasn’t going to get sucked back in. “You should go,” she whispered.

“I’m not leaving until we fix this.”

“Fix what?” Teghan pushed him away. “There’s nothing to fix, Alex. We’re over.”

“Well, why can’t we try to be friends?”

“Now really isn’t the time to be making jokes.”

He scowled. “Just because you decided you don’t want me in your life doesn’t mean they don’t.” He pointed to her closed door. “Those people in there are my friends. They are family to me. You have no right to take that away.”

Teghan’s mouth hung open in surprise. This wasn’t the Alex she knew. What had happened to him the past few months to cause him to lash out at her? Sure, a broken heart would make a person do strange things, but Alex was the most level-headed guy she’d ever known. Her throat constricted with the threat of more tears.

“I can’t do this.” She turned to walk away.

“Teghan!”

The commotion in the hallway stilled briefly. Teghan looked around, embarrassment coloring her face. “Go home, Alex.”

She headed for the closest exit, unable to get outside fast enough. Teghan closed her eyes and inhaled the scent of freshly cut grass and pine trees. It was a perfect August day. Well, almost perfect. She took a few deep breaths, wiped the tears from her face, and walked down the steps of her residence hall.

The res halls were positioned in a half moon on the west side of campus. In the center was a lush patch of green grass, wooden benches, Monterey pine trees, and bright yellow and white flowers. She’d give Alex enough time to say good-bye and leave. Then she’d go back to her room.

All the benches were taken. Teghan sighed in frustration when she realized that the only empty seat was next to a super hottie. Great! First cute college guy I meet and I look like hell. She sat beside him.

“Having a bad day?”

The most amazing pair of green eyes greeted her. She tucked her hair behind her ear and licked her dry lips. “You have no idea.”

“It can’t be that bad.” He smiled, showing off the dimple in his left cheek. “I’m Donnie.” He extended his hand.

“Teghan.” She gave his hand a weak shake.

Her gaze moved from his large hands up his muscular arms, across his solid chest, and landed on his face. A light breeze tousled his dark brown hair, causing it to become disheveled. A mixture of scents washed over her—cologne, fresh air, and soap. Odd but enticing.

“This campus is huge,” he said.

“Yeah, it’ll be a small miracle if I don’t get lost going to my first class.” She laughed nervously and twisted her hands in her lap. “Are one of these your residence hall?” She nodded at the brick buildings that surrounded them.

“Oh, no.” He shook his head. “I don’t go here. I’m waiting for a friend.”

“Oh.” Disappointment settled over her. So much for possibly having a class with him or running into him again. With a sigh, she stood. “It was nice to meet you, Donnie.” She hesitated. There was no way Alex would be gone yet, but sitting here next to Donnie wasn’t something she wanted to do any longer, either. Getting into a new relationship now was a bad idea, and even if she were considering it, she wasn’t going to waste her time with a guy who didn’t even go to the same college. “I really should get back to the crazy party.” She hooked her thumb over her shoulder.

“Stay sane.” He flashed his dimple-laden smile, and she smiled in return.

“I’ll try.” Her heart raced as she walked back toward her res hall. Teghan paused at the door and looked over her shoulder. Donnie was still sitting on the bench, watching her. He smiled. She considered going back and asking for his number. Maybe dating a guy who wasn’t local was exactly what she needed—no strings attached. But then she remembered all the unfinished business she had with Alex and decided against it.

She smiled back at him.

Moving day wasn’t a total disaster after all.

After some creative convincing—or rather demands made by her father—Teghan had no choice but to have dinner with the family. Apparently it was some ridiculous college tradition.

“I’m so glad you and Annabelle decided to join us,” Rachel said as they each took a seat at the large, round table inside Romero’s Italian Restaurant.

Romero’s was the fanciest restaurant in Hayden Falls with a strict dress code—no blue jeans, no sneakers, no hats, and a jacket required for all men. However, Rob had called ahead and reserved a private dining room in the back. He’d also managed to convince the management, via a very generous gratuity, to allow him some leniency on the dress code.

“So, why did we get a table for eight when there are only six of us here?” Teghan asked.

“I invited Alex to join us,” Rob said.

“Seriously?” Teghan groaned. “You do remember I broke up with him, right? Besides, Alex only makes seven.”

“Dumbest thing you’ve ever done, too.” Rob snapped his cloth napkin and then draped it across his lap. “Alex is a good boy, and he would’ve made a nice addition to this family.”

“I’m only twenty, Dad. Stop trying to marry me off.” She was positive if she’d decided to skip college and get married to Alex instead, her father would’ve been fine with it. Sure, Alex was a great guy, but she would never understand why her father liked Alex as much as he did.

“Be nice, Teegy.” Trevor smirked.

She glared at him. “Don’t call me that.” She turned back to her father.

“Stop being so dramatic, Teghan. I’m not trying to marry you off,” Rob said. “And Alex mentioned that his roommate would be coming along.”

She didn’t have the ambition to argue with him. Instead, she faked a smile and turned her attention to Annabelle. The two hadn’t had a chance to talk at all today. Teghan lowered her voice to a whisper. “So, I met a guy today.”

“You did? When?” Annabelle whispered.

“When I left the res hall after arguing with Alex.” Teghan paused and looked around the table, pleased to see everyone was immersed in private conversations. “Annie.” She sucked in a sharp breath and shook her head. “He was so friggin’ hot! His eyes were so brown, and his smile…he has this dimple that you could just dive into.”

Annabelle’s eyes widened. “Did you get his number?”

“No.” She frowned “Why not?”

Teghan shrugged. “I don’t know. Alex?”

Patting her on the arm, Annabelle said, “We’ll talk about this later?”

Teghan nodded before turning in her chair and staring, first at the door, and then about the room. Grand arched windows, and the scene beyond, were painted in a breathtaking “trick of the eye” style. Adding to the effect, tables on either side of the door supported short, fat, bronze vases with sunflowers spilling over the rims. The scene was so realistic that she squinted from the Mediterranean light and could almost smell the water. Sailboats floated in the water, birds fluttered through the air, and mountains loomed over stucco and brick villas. She became lost in the fantasy of observing it all from a lofty Italian villa. She had to consciously remind herself that it was just a very elaborate painting.

“You feeling all right, Teghan?” her mother asked.

“Yeah, just tired. It’s been a long day,” she said, bringing her attention back to the table. Maybe she would ask her father to send her to Italy for winter break. He had promised to let her go anywhere she wanted as long as she got a 3.8 GPA or higher during her first semester of college. It wasn’t a promise she was going to let him out of either.

“The fun is about to begin,” Trevor said, tucking his cell phone in his pocket.

Teghan gave him a dirty look. “What?”

“Alex is on his way in.” Trevor grinned.

“Wonderful,” Teghan said.

Teghan picked up the menu and flipped through it. She didn’t know why she was bothering to look at it. She always got the chicken Alfredo with broccoli when she went there and the odds were good that tonight would be no different. Folding it closed she set it down and looked up. She blinked several times. It had to be a hallucination brought on by the stress of the day. There was no way he was coming toward her. She reached over and clutched Annabelle, her nails digging into the soft flesh of her friend’s arm.

“Ouch,” Annabelle said, prying Teghan’s fingers away. “What was that for?”

“It’s him.”

“Who?”

“That guy.” Teghan’s eyes were focused straight ahead.

“Hey, everyone,” Alex said. “I’d like you to meet my roommate, Donnie Marks.” Alex made a quick introduction to everyone at the table before taking the seat next to Trevor.

“The guy you met is Alex’s roommate?” Annabelle whispered.

She groaned. “Oh, God. Please tell me this isn’t happening.”

Teghan flashed Alex a wry smile, wondering what he was up to. Was he trying to prove his delusional theory that they could be friends? It was never going to happen. There was no way Alex would be able to handle it. Hell, she didn’t know if she could handle it. Hallelujah, the truth will set you free!

Teghan tucked her hair behind her ear as Donnie sat down next to her. He smelled more inviting now than he had before.

“Hello, again,” he said, smiling at her.

“Hi.”

“Small world, huh?”

“That’s an understatement,” Teghan said.

“I already ordered drinks for you and your roommate, Alex,” Rob said as the waitress entered the room. “Okay, let’s order.”

In sequence, they each placed their order. When it came around to Teghan, she said, “I’m fine, thanks.”

“What? Don’t be ridiculous.” Her father glared at her before turning his attention to the waitress. “Bring her the chicken Alfredo with a side of broccoli.”

“Daddy, I’m really not that hungry,” Teghan protested. Truth was she had a phobia about eating in front of people she didn’t know. And she knew squat about Donnie.

“That sounds good. I’ll have the same,” Donnie said. Once the waitress left the table and the multiple conversations resumed, Donnie leaned over and whispered, “I’m not really hungry either, but it’s rude to watch people eat.”

Teghan smiled.

“I figure we can take a bite or two then just push the rest of the food around our plates and make it look like we’re eating.”

“Thanks,” she said with a smile. She was grateful for his conspiratorial attitude. Not many people, other than Trevor, really understood how she felt when it came to dealing with her family.

“Okay, so tell me again who are all these people?” he asked with a laugh.

“Well, the guy Alex is talking to, that’s Trevor. He’s my brother and Alex’s best friend. Sitting next to Trevor are my parents, and next to them is Brian, Annabelle’s father, and then Annabelle is right here.”

“Annabelle is Alex’s ex?”

Teghan stared at him. Was he serious? She avoided his probing gaze. “If you’re Alex’s roommate, why were you at HFU today?”

“Alex’s car wouldn’t start. He needed a ride. Said he had something important to do for his ex.”

“That was nice of you,” she said.

Donnie shrugged. “He offered me free food. How could I refuse?”

Teghan laughed. “I think you got a bad deal considering the company.” She inclined her head slightly toward the opposite side of the table and grinned.

“I think the company is absolutely fine,” he said, his eyes sweeping downward over Teghan’s body and back again, landing on her eyes.

She sipped her water, hoping the icy coldness would freeze her rapid heartbeat and cool her heated flesh. “Give it time,” Teghan said as she listened to her father drone on about his recent trip to Comic Con. It was hard to ignore, considering how loud and animated he was.

“Sounds like it was one hell of a trip,” Brian said once Rob stopped to take a breath.

“It definitely was,” Rob said.

Rachel huffed. “Maybe for you,” she said. “The leather from that Catwoman costume chafed my skin.”

“But you looked damn sexy, especially when you started to snap that whip.” Rob leaned over and gave his wife a kiss on the cheek.

“Oh, so gross,” Teghan said, making a face.

Trevor flung his head back and laughed.

“Only you would find that funny, Trevor,” Teghan said. Her face became warm as she searched for a way to escape.

“You’re on your own next year,” Rachel said, with a sweet smile.

Trevor laughed harder. He folded his arms over his stomach and put his head on the table. “I’m sorry,” he breathed. “I was just picturing Dad dressed in tights and a cape with a big R written across his chest.”

“You’re an idiot, Trev.” God! Why did her family go out of their way to embarrass her? Maybe she could slip out of her chair unnoticed and hide under the table.

“Personally, I think it’d be fun to go,” Alex said.

“My uncle used to go to Comic Con every year,” Donnie said. “Although he preferred to dress like Spiderman.”

Teghan cupped her hand over her mouth. She was surrounded by geeks. And if she wasn’t so totally embarrassed by the entire situation, she might be able to see the humor in it. Maybe.

Rob glared across the table at Trevor. “That’s enough,” he said.

“Sorry, Dad,” Trevor said.

Rob turned to Alex. “You’re welcome to go with me next year, Alex. You too, Brian.”

Before either answered, their food arrived. Teghan didn’t speak much during dinner. She was too focused on eating and getting the hell out of there. Every so often she’d glance and catch Alex looking at her. He would smile and wink. Each time, she’d quickly look away.

She set her fork down and sat back in her chair. Then she caught her brother’s eye. He had that look that was pure mischief. Trevor curled up the corner of his mouth, winked at Teghan and slowly turned towards Alex.

“Alex, you should come hang out this weekend,” Trevor said. “You can crash at the house.”

“That’s a great idea,” Rob said, loudly clapping his hands together. “And you can stay for Sunday dinner, too.”

Alex cleared his throat and looked at Teghan. “You okay with that?”

The table fell silent. Teghan felt a heat wave pulse through her body and erupt on her face as she searched for an answer that would satisfy him without hurting his feelings. “Uh, sure.”

She wiped her mouth with a napkin. Teghan wanted there to be no doubts in Alex’s mind that hanging out with Trevor was in no way a date with her or an agreement to be friends. “Annie and I are going to be busy this weekend anyway.”

“Oh yeah? Doing what?” Trevor asked as he propped his elbows on the table.

“Trevor,” Rachel said. “Get your elbows off the table.”

Teghan grit her teeth as Trevor dropped his elbows from the table. She could always count on him to make an awkward situation unbearable. “We’re going to check out a sorority party.”

“I’m not spending thousands of dollars for college so you can party,” Rob said.

“Dad,” Teghan sighed and shook her head. “You can’t expect me to live in that dorm forever.”

“We’ll talk about this later,” he said before excusing himself from the table.

“What about you, man?” Trevor asked Donnie. “We gonna see you this weekend, too?”

Teghan watched as Donnie looked to Alex for an answer. She could tell from the scowl on Alex’s face that he wasn’t happy with the idea.

“I’ve got no other plans,” Donnie finally said.

“Sounds like a good time to me.” Trevor grinned.

***

Two cannoli and an hour later, they were finally leaving. Teghan said a quick goodbye to her parents and Trevor, and Annabelle’s father before leaving with Annabelle. Alex and Donnie followed them out of the restaurant. They stopped in front of Teghan’s car.

“I think it’d be best if I didn’t hang out with you this weekend,” Teghan said to Alex. “Have fun with Trevor though. He’s really missed you.” She opened the driver’s side door and started to climb in.

“Teghan, wait,” Alex said, grabbing her elbow. “It doesn’t have to be this way.”

She broke free from his grip. “Yes, it does. I’m sorry.” Teghan turned toward Donnie. A knot formed in her stomach when she saw the realization in his eyes. “It was nice meeting you.”

Teghan climbed into her car and slammed the door before he could respond. She rested her head on the steering wheel and closed her eyes. The entire day had been a disaster. She was thankful for the silence in her head.

The sound of Annabelle’s door shutting had Teghan sitting up and starting the engine. She waved to Donnie and Alex before driving away.

“You okay?” Annabelle asked her.

“Just tired,” Teghan said. “You?”

“I’m sure I’m just tired too.”

“That’s not what I meant,” Teghan said softly.

Annabelle wiped a single tear from her face. “Today was harder than I thought it’d be,” she admitted.

“Oh, Annie.” Julie, Annabelle’s mother had been killed by a drunk driver a year after they’d moved to Hayden Falls. That was seven years ago. Teghan pulled over, put the car in park, leaned across the seat and gave Annabelle a hug. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.” Annabelle straightened and wiped her tears. “It just seems like so much has changed lately.”

“No kidding.” Teghan put the Jeep in gear and pulled back onto the road.

“Do me a favor, Teghan?”

“Anything.”

“Try to make things better with Alex.”

Teghan frowned. “That’s easier said than done.”

“Please? For me?”

“Why is this so important to you?”

“Because it is. I miss how close we all used to be and I can’t stand the thought of losing that. It feels like my family is falling apart again, and I don’t know if I can survive it a second time.”

Teghan looked over at Annabelle and sighed. Annabelle had been one of the few people who had supported Teghan’s decision to break up with Alex, and God knows Teghan hadn’t made it easy on her. Causing her friend any more pain was the last thing she wanted to do.

“Okay,” Teghan said. “I’ll talk to him this weekend.”