Page 1 of See You in Your Dreams

one

Ash

My rideshare’s car doorslams shut behind me like a thunderclap. The sound perfectly encapsulates the storm of emotions roiling through me as I heft my suitcase and take in where I’ll be living for the next year.

My aunt’s house is small—far tinier than my grandparents’ mansion up in Maine. The faded brick exterior appears just as sad and neglected as the rest of Banton I’d glimpsed during my long ride from the airport. Exactly what I expected when I found out I’d be coming to this small town in the Midwest.

An unreasonable number of garden gnomes grimace at me as I trudge up the stone path to a sagging porch where a dozen wind chimes made of metal, wood, glass, and God knows what else tinkle merrily in a light breeze.

I already loathe this place.

Just one year,I tell myself as I set down my suitcase and knock on the front door.Then, you’ll be free to disappear.

“Hang on,” a cheerful voice calls. “Be right there!”

That turns out to be a lie. I shift my feet while I wait and spy a pair of passing kids about my age gawking at me from the sidewalk. A quick glare has them averting their eyes as they hurry past.

Good.

With any luck, they’ll spread the word to the rest of my new school to leave me the hell alone. It’s better that way. For everyone.

The door bursts open to reveal a heavyset woman draped in a sequined dress, her hair pulled back and mostly hidden beneath a sheer scarf. Before I can react, she drags me into an embrace. I stiffen, barely resisting the urge to shove her away.

“Ashton!” Aunt Claudette squeals, squeezing tighter. “It’s good to see you!”

Doubtful. I have hazy memories of her and Mom laughing while stringing beads into makeshift jewelry, but I haven’t seen her in years—not since Mom’s funeral. If she’d really cared, she’s had plenty of opportunities to prove it before now. I don’t call her on it, though. Banton’s bad enough. If my aunt turns me away like my grandparents did, who knows where I’ll end up next.

“It’s Ash,” I say as I disentangle myself from the many necklaces jangling around her throat. Belatedly, I add, “Thanks for letting me stay with you.”

A broad smile splits her face. “Of course, Ashto—I mean,Ash. I can’t tell you how thrilled I was when your grandparents asked if you could live here for your senior year. I’m sure we’ll have a blast together!”

I shrug.

“Well, come on in,” she says, stepping back from the doorway. She starts to turn, then pauses and looks back, squinting at the driveway. “Hold on. Where’s the rest of your stuff?” I hold up my suitcase, and her eyes widen. “That can’t beeverything?”

“Everything I need. The Ellingtons are going to ship the rest. It should arrive within a couple weeks.” Not that I care about most of that crap anyway. I’ve long since learned the importance of remaining self-sufficient.

“Well, all right then.” Frowning slightly, she resumes walking into the house. I reluctantly follow, lugging my suitcase behind me.

We emerge into a narrow hall lined with paintings of brightly colored geometric shapes. There’s a cramped kitchen with an attached dining nook to the left and a tiny bathroom on the right.

The hall dead-ends in the living room. More shapes adorn the walls there, along with dangling crystals and shelves full of odd knickknacks I can’t place. A narrow staircase in back ascends to the second floor, where I assume the bedrooms must be.

Aunt Claudette hovers uncertainly in the middle of the living room. “Would you like some tea? I’ve got iced or hot. Or maybe a snack?” I shake my head, and she settles onto a settee. “Well, in that case, make yourself at home.”

I eye the staircase wistfully before trudging over to a high-backed chair instead. Best to put some effort in now so I leave a good first impression.

Clearly, I made the right choice because Aunt Claudette beams at me. “I want you to be comfortable here, Ash. I know it’s going to be an adjustment, but I think you’ll grow to love Banton. It’s small, but it’s got a lot to offer.”

Yeah, right.I opt for a diplomatic shrug and sneak another glance at the stairs. My aunt doesn’t seem to notice.

She smiles at me with a fondness that has to be faked. “I see you’re a man of few words. That’s okay. Your father was, too.” Her good humor dampens slightly when I stiffen like I always do at the mention of my parents. “I know things haven’t been the easiest for you, Ash. Your dad’s illness, then what happened with your mom, and now this recent business at your old school…”

Tension grips me. What exactly did my grandparents tell her? Not the whole truth—the Ellingtons would never admitthatto anyone. But what about Harvey? Or that awful night?

Aunt Claudette must catch my clenched jaw because she makes a soothing gesture. “Don’t worry, I won’t pry. Whatever happened isyourstory to tell if or when you feel up to it. Either way, Banton is the perfect place for a fresh start. I’m certain you’ll make some new friends in no time.”

“Yeah. Sure.”