Ella Frank - Veiled Innocence

Sometimes it isnt until a book is complete that you truly know whom it is meant for. This book has constantly surprised me, and this dedication is no different.

Veiled Innocence is dedicated to someone who is brutally honest, hard-working, and dedicated to the craft of writing. She constantly reminds me of why I love to do what I do, and this book would not have seen the light of day without her.

Candace Wood, youre irreplaceable.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Xx Ella

Drifting out into the field, a sense of familiarity hits me. Every time, the dream is the same. It never changes, never deviates. Not even onceever.

Clasping Daniels small hand in my own, I cautiously regard the path we will take, knowing this is the only way. Ahead of us, as far as the eye can see, are miles and miles of fields, blanketed in flowers of the deepest blues and purples.

The colors, vibrant and loud, call to me, beckoning me closerthough I know what fate they hold, I cannot change our course. We are bound to this path, as I am forever trapped by my decision that led us here.

Squeezing his warm fingers in my palm, I manage a small smile at the trusting face turned up to me.

I know this dream. I dont want to be here.

Turning my back on such trust, I desperately seek a way outa way to escape the world I have been sucked back into, but I know its no use.

Youre late again, Addy.

His voice is exactly as I remembercheerful, sweet, and a little high-pitched. Looking down, I find the same blue eyes I possess peering back at me.

Dads gonna be so mad at you.

Shh, we wont be late, I promise, pulling Daniels arm up so I can see his watch. As always, it has stopped at 3:17 p.m. Damn it.

Oooo, you cussed.

Daniel I warn, knowing we have no time.

I can hear it as its chasing me.

Tick, tick, tock.

The watch I was given for my fifteenth birthday methodically keeps time as the second hand ticks around the face.

Tick, tick, tock.

I hear it. I memorize it.

Come on. If we hurry well make it. We still have time.

As I step forward, a breeze brushes my cheek, making the hair on my arms rise as though someone has stepped on my grave.

No, Addy, he tells me and tugs his hand from mine. Times up.

It only takes a second for our connection to be severed. I turn to him, and I know hes right. His time has stopped. Its not my grave that has been stepped on.

Before I can reach him, the flowers around us wilt, shriveling into the ground, and as he disappears with them, everything before me fades to black.

All Im left with is darkness, a car horns insistent blast, the counting of the crosswalkand the ticking of a clock

Present

Tick, tick, tock. Tick, tick

Addison?

Tock.

Pulled from one nightmare and thrust firmly into another, I try to focus on the man sitting across from me in the stark temporary office.

Jesus, I know these sessions are tedious, but this is the first time Ive fallen asleep. Ive known Doc ever since Danielwell, for three years, and now hes been brought here. To help me, save meheal me.

Tick, tick, tock.

Addison? Im going to ask you again.

Hes concerned. Theyre all concerned by what happened, but its too late.

Tick, tick

Remember, anything you say in here, stays right here.

Tock.

They think that Im sick, that Imdamaged.

When did you last see Mr. McKendrick?

I tell him nothing. I never will. Not about this.

Its okay to talk about it, Addison. No one is here to judge.

Thats not true.

Ever since I was admitted, Docs changed. He doesnt see me like he use to. So he would probably be surprised to know that Im judging him.

We just need to know. Where did you last see Mr. McKendrick?

Tick, tickYou dont have anything to be ashamed offuck!

I hate interruptions. He knows that. Plus, I wouldnt be sitting here if he didnt think I should be ashamed.

Okay, Addison.

I wish hed stop saying my name like that. It reminds me of

Well try this again tomorrow.

And we will. That hes not lying about. But I no longer care.

What do I have left? Nothing.

Hes gone. Im alone, and all I can hear istick, tick

Past

.

I looked at the watch strapped to my wrist before turning my head to Brandon.

Hurry, I urged as he pulled me down hard on his lap. With a groan, I craned my neck back, gasping into the tight interior of my car.

What the hell, Addy? I just got inside you.

Straddling his legs, I ceased grinding against him.

Well if you hadnt been late I started, but he cut me off by sitting up in the passenger seat and connecting his mouth to mine.

Quit bitching, would you?

I pulled my head back, twisting my fingers tightly through his brown hair.

Fuck! That hurts.

You know how I am about this kind of stuff, I reminded him.

Its the first day back. No ones gonna care if youre five minutes late.

Ill care. I hate being late.

With a rough flex of his hips, he shoved himself deeper inside me.

I guess he was rightI was poor little Addy, after all. Plus, I hadnt had sex in months since my mother had planned my entire summer vacation down to the very last detail.

Brandon grunted as he moved once again, and I glanced at my watch, nasty habit thatTick, tick, tock.

I was lategreat, as if I wasnt anxious enough. This was just what I needed on the first day of my senior year. Then again, it wasnt like any of my teachers would mention it. They wouldnt dare.

Inspecting myself in the restroom mirror, I was careful to make sure that my lip-gloss was perfect. My hair fell in soft waves I had painstakingly curled that morning, and after my earlier activities with Brandon, my clothes were all back where they should be.

Raising my chin, I studied my reflection.

Narrowing my gaze, I pouted my lips. Doc was always spouting something or other about inner beauty being important, but Id once heard a quote from Marilyn Monroe that said, Boys think girls are like books. If the cover doesn't catch their eye, they won't bother to read what's inside. In my opinion, she had a much more accurate take on these kinds of things. So, as usual, I was careful to make sure that this cover was extra eye-catching.

I peeked at my timekeeper faithfully guarding me and followed the second hand as it made its rounds. I wished it would hurry up and get to the twelve, because then Id feel right about leaving. Instead, I was held in place in front of the mirrorby invisible chains.

Tick, tick, tock.

First day on the job, and already I wanted out.

I scrawled my name across the chalkboard like the responsible teacher I was expected to be. Unfortunately, the smell of the chalk and the scrape of it along the board did nothing to make me feel responsible; it just made me want to leave.