DESTINY ROAD PAPERBACK
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DESTINY ROADDestiny Road is a story of decisions and consequence. It is a real life journey that changes the life of the main character, Jessica, in ways she couldn't imagine.
Brought up without a father, at 16 Jessica meets him for the first time. Before she has a chance to get to know him, her mother whisks her away to a new town. Leaving her life-long friends behind and starting at a new school is more than Jessica can cope with. Being threatened on her first day at her new school doesn't help at all. She struggles to fit in and begins to question her life. And then she is faced with a huge decision – a chance to go back to her old life – but it comes at a cost. Follow Jessica's journey as she struggles to find the right path and deals with the trauma of a new life, her first relationship and growing up. Read the first chapter below. Go to the author's page to learn more about her. Paperback also available from The Nile Bookshop: www.thenile.com.au James Bennett library suppliers: www.bennett.com.au eBook available on Amazon, Smashwords and many online stores. SELECT THIS LINK TO READ A REVIEW DESTINY ROAD eBOOK $5.99 |
Chapter 1
First Day
‘You look like this chick I wanna bash.’
A girl of similar age stares in my direction. A look of amusement settles as she leans casually against the metal shelter. Plum coloured curls are pulled sharply off her face with no chance of escape. The palms of her hands thump against her thighs repeatedly. Da-dump, da-dump, da-dump. She stares at me without blinking. A hint of a smirk pulls at the corner of her lips. Movement around the bus stop freezes as those nearby notices the tension in the air. The conversations abruptly end as everyone turns to look at me.
Heat rises up my neck as I turn around, hoping she is talking to someone else. I’m desperate to know it’s not me this stranger I’ve never laid eyes on, wants to beat up. My insides sink as I discover what I already knew to be true. Some leaves scatter as a breeze bursts past but there is nobody behind me. Swirling back to face my antagonist, I realise no one is within a two metre radius. Like ants, they’ve scuttled away from the danger point. Pressure builds in my body like a slingshot straining to ping. My legs feel like they will collapse at any moment.
It suddenly dawns on me that no-one has ever threatened me before. At no time have I ever had to defend myself from bodily harm. Sure I’ve had a few disagreements with others, but nothing life threatening. The most heated argument I ever got into was when Veronica Litchen accused me of stealing her precious souvenir from an overseas holiday. She screamed obscenities at me I had never heard before. That was in the sixth grade. It turned up later in the front pocket of her school bag. I didn’t put it there. I hadn’t laid eyes on the stupid snow globe she’d bought in to show. To this day, I don’t know who took it and let me take the blame. Veronica’s anger was nothing compared to the waves of contempt rolling off this girl. Who does this psycho think she is?
Fear builds rapidly within, but I manage to keep my voice even. ‘Do you mean me?’ I manage a smile as if it is all just a bad joke that I am prepared to go along with.
She looks incredulous that I could misinterpret her accusation. ‘Yeah,’ she sneers. ‘I mean you.’
I quickly scan the crowd for a hint of support, but all gazes drop just before they meet mine. Some of the other students wear red and blue clothes, the same as me. A white stripe runs between the two colours like a barricade. The uniform might be the only thing we have in common. None of these strangers cares enough to become involved. They’re probably relieved she is not threatening them. Happy that their bus stop tormentor will
overlook them for a day to focus on me.
I force my mind back to the danger at hand. ‘Oh. Sorry about that …’ I laugh nervously.‘Must be the twin I’ve never
met.’
Standing like a survivor on a desert island I realise I am completely alone. Suddenly, the cause of my accelerated heart rate pushes off her leaning post and steps toward me. My heart plummets as I notice our polo shirts match. She manages to fill hers out better than me though. With arms folded across her stomach, she grips the sides of her top as if trying to hold herself back. My hands tremble slightly but I stand my ground. Every fibre in my body is screaming to run, but I don’t move my feet. I don’t think they would work even if I tried. With clenching fists, I try to anticipate her moves. Is she a scratcher or a slapper? By the look of her she probably thumps. As if it matters, I’ve never had to protect myself so don’t know what to do. But I am sure not getting beaten up without trying to protect myself somehow.
‘Aww, leave her alone, will ya,’ a lone voice calls out cutting through the air like a knife. He throws me a look of support as he rolls his eyes towards the girl. Either he is very brave or just plain stupid because he doesn’t seem concerned about what’s taking place. His slim body stands uneven and it looks like a strong wind might blow him off balance. One hand is shoved in his pocket, while the other flicks a tennis ball into the air. ‘It’s not her, so leave the chick alone.’
The girl stares at him for a moment, undecided. He looks back with a bored expression and shakes his head at her. With a snort, she turns back to me and smirks. ‘Don’t worry, I ain’t gonna thump you.’ She throws her head back with laughter. ‘I just meant you look like her, not I thought you were her.’
I’m not convinced by this explanation and my fists remain balled up. I swallow and look from her to the brave soul who interjected on my behalf.
She shakes her head and cackles with laughter. ‘That probably was a bit harsh on your first day.’ She smiles, except it doesn’t reach her eyes. ‘Sorry.’
My fingers slowly straighten as relief floods my body.
‘That’s okay, happens all the time.’ I dismiss the comment with a wave and hope that’s the end.
It’s not like I am going to take her up on the challenge for a fight. I’ve never been in one before and I sure don’t plan on starting now. She turns away and returns to rest against the shelter. I look over at the guy who stuck up for me but he’s already talking to someone else. The atmosphere surrounding the meeting point lightens and a hushed chatter begins again. Some kids peek my way, probably to check I’m not being pummelled. Or secretly hoping I will make a move on the girl.
Fortunately, brakes squeal to alert us of the arrival of the school bus. Gravel crunches as those from Whitford Secondary College move toward the door. I pick up my bag, take a deep breath, and follow. Like sheep, we shuffle after each other. With a short wait and three shaky steps, I am on board flashing a new bus pass at the driver. The old guy takes no notice. He must have seen a million before. We probably all look the same to him anyway. I try to calm my pounding heart and move down the aisle. My palms are still sweating from the butch thing at the bus stop. This is a great start to a new place. I’m not even at school yet and I’m making enemies already. What sort
of place have we moved to? It’s not as though my last school was the best but I liked it. At least I knew people there. What I wouldn’t give to be getting on that bus with the people I know. I can almost see Dempsey and Claire saving a seat for me.
Dempsey didn’t actually go to school with us. Her mum works in the office at another high school, which is over from ours. But she still caught the bus with us occasionally. The three of us went through primary school together. We actually became best friends in the first week and have been that way ever since. Dempsey pushed an older kid over because he was poking sticks at Claire while she hung on the monkey bars. He knocked Dempsey to the
ground and was about to hit her, so I threw a ball at his head. It made his nose bleed. We’ve been inseparable ever since. Besides, we all live within walking distance of each other and hang out on weekends. Correction – lived close and could hang out on weekends. Now I will be lucky to see them once or twice a year. We cried bucket loads when I told them I was moving away.
I swallow a lump as I look down the aisle and see a collection of unfamiliar faces staring back. I try to ignore the nudges and muffled whispers. It feels like one of those dreams where you walk naked down the main street. Except you don’t know you’re exposed and everyone else does. I slump into the first available space and move across to look out the window. A puff of air expels as I’m bounced roughly from the seat. The boxing queen from
the bus stop sits down beside me. Great, this morning keeps getting better and better. I really should have taken Ally up on her offer to drive me on my first day. But I refuse to give my mother the satisfaction by accepting a lift. I
might have agreed to this move, but the whole thing was her idea, not mine. I was lounging on the floor at our old house when she dropped the bombshell.
‘Hey Jessy, what would you think about a change of scenery?’
‘What like a holiday?’ I had sat up hopeful, thinking how good it would be. I was already planning to do nothing but listen to music and soak up some sunshine. Mum interrupted my short daydream with a crushing blow.
‘I was thinking of something more permanent.’
A red neon sign flashed in my mind. Warning! Stop listening now.
‘My boss has asked if I would like to create a new store.’ Mum twisted her ring, a nervous trait I seem to have picked up from her. That should have been the biggest tip off that something was up.
‘Actually he asked me if I want to buy into the business. This would be my first solo effort.’
Mum’s boss leaves everything up to her. She runs his business. So long as Chris is making money, and there are no major problems for him to deal with, he’s happy. He already has three shops scattered around the tourist hot spots on the coast. His boutiques cater for the unique individual – no two designs look the same.
‘So, how does moving interstate sound?’
‘Interstate! Are you crazy?’
‘It can be a trial. If it doesn’t work out we can just move back.’
Mum’s face looked like someone about to circle the winning numbers of the ten million dollar lotto draw. Her dream was about to come true. Mine was going to be shattered.
***
‘So, what’s your name?’ The butch one interrupts my thoughts.
‘Jessica or Jessy. Sometimes people call me J.J.’
‘Well, which one is it?’ She adjusts herself so she is leaning towards me with legs crossed.
‘Jessy is fine.’
‘Hi Jessy, I’m Mandy. That’s it, just Mandy.’
‘Mandy. Right, hi.’
‘I’m Sam.’ A hand comes over the back of the chair.
I reach around to shake it and discover it is the person who stuck up for me earlier. The surprise must have shown on my face because he grins broadly.
‘Hope my feral sister didn’t scare ya too much. She ain’t as tough as she thinks.’
He tries to duck but not in time to avoid Mandy’s slap across the head.
I should have realised they were related. His hair is just as thick with curls, but a light brown shade and in need of a wash. Up close, I can tell he is a bit younger than me, but I get a friendly vibe. Besides, he already defended me so he must be okay.
‘I didn’t mean to frighten you. But you do look like this chick I hate. I would love to smash her.’ Mandy smirks, probably picturing herself doing just that.
‘Why? What did she do?’
‘She stole my boyfriend. Me and him were really close.’ She raises her eyebrows with a grin and I catch her meaning. I may not be experienced in that department, but it’s not hard to figure out what she is implying. ‘Then this summer a skinny thing with long legs comes along and he doesn’t even bother to call…’
Mandy continues with her story. I try to relax into my seat, confident I am no longer a target. I nod when necessary and try to look interested. It’s a bit hard to be sympathetic though. Only ten minutes ago, I was in her firing line. I attempt to keep up with the story so I stay on Mandy’s good side. It can’t hurt to be friendly with her.
Suddenly a burning sensation fills my nostrils. I look out the window and smack my hand over my mouth. The most disgusting stench catches in my throat. It makes me want to vomit. ‘What is that smell?’
‘It’s the abattoirs. Don’t worry you’ll get used to it.’ Mandy laughs. ‘It’s not as bad in winter.’
I look around the bus and see that I am the only one with such a severe reaction. The rest of them must be immune to it.
‘Uggh, it’s gross!’ I squeeze my nostrils tight to stop the gagging reflex.
Sam and Mandy laugh at me like it’s the funniest thing they’ve seen.
‘I’ll bring some eucalyptus oil tomorrow for you to put on,’ says Sam.
I look at him confused.
‘Like they do in the T.V shows when they find a dead body.’
‘Does that really work?’
‘You’ll find out tomorrow!’
I laugh but it comes out sounding more like a hiccup.
Mandy continues with her story, not bothered by the obscene odour permeating the bus. I glance out the window as we pass the cement building used for killing animals. There are plenty of enclosures to hold the stock, but the yards are empty. Along the side wall are wooden doors with numbers above them. Each pen leads to one of several solid doors. There is no bloodshed taking place so early, and yet I hear a distant wail. A shudder runs up my spine. I’m not a vegetarian and have no problem with eating meat.
But today I sympathise with the fate of the animals killed for our burgers. I imagine them jammed inside the enclosures, watching as the one before them is led off. Then finally, it’s their turn and there is nothing they
can do about it. No amount of bleating will stop their destiny. Today I feel just like a lamb being led to slaughter. I didn’t choose this path. It was chosen for me. Only, unlike the animals, my future is undecided. It can still
change it if I choose.
First Day
‘You look like this chick I wanna bash.’
A girl of similar age stares in my direction. A look of amusement settles as she leans casually against the metal shelter. Plum coloured curls are pulled sharply off her face with no chance of escape. The palms of her hands thump against her thighs repeatedly. Da-dump, da-dump, da-dump. She stares at me without blinking. A hint of a smirk pulls at the corner of her lips. Movement around the bus stop freezes as those nearby notices the tension in the air. The conversations abruptly end as everyone turns to look at me.
Heat rises up my neck as I turn around, hoping she is talking to someone else. I’m desperate to know it’s not me this stranger I’ve never laid eyes on, wants to beat up. My insides sink as I discover what I already knew to be true. Some leaves scatter as a breeze bursts past but there is nobody behind me. Swirling back to face my antagonist, I realise no one is within a two metre radius. Like ants, they’ve scuttled away from the danger point. Pressure builds in my body like a slingshot straining to ping. My legs feel like they will collapse at any moment.
It suddenly dawns on me that no-one has ever threatened me before. At no time have I ever had to defend myself from bodily harm. Sure I’ve had a few disagreements with others, but nothing life threatening. The most heated argument I ever got into was when Veronica Litchen accused me of stealing her precious souvenir from an overseas holiday. She screamed obscenities at me I had never heard before. That was in the sixth grade. It turned up later in the front pocket of her school bag. I didn’t put it there. I hadn’t laid eyes on the stupid snow globe she’d bought in to show. To this day, I don’t know who took it and let me take the blame. Veronica’s anger was nothing compared to the waves of contempt rolling off this girl. Who does this psycho think she is?
Fear builds rapidly within, but I manage to keep my voice even. ‘Do you mean me?’ I manage a smile as if it is all just a bad joke that I am prepared to go along with.
She looks incredulous that I could misinterpret her accusation. ‘Yeah,’ she sneers. ‘I mean you.’
I quickly scan the crowd for a hint of support, but all gazes drop just before they meet mine. Some of the other students wear red and blue clothes, the same as me. A white stripe runs between the two colours like a barricade. The uniform might be the only thing we have in common. None of these strangers cares enough to become involved. They’re probably relieved she is not threatening them. Happy that their bus stop tormentor will
overlook them for a day to focus on me.
I force my mind back to the danger at hand. ‘Oh. Sorry about that …’ I laugh nervously.‘Must be the twin I’ve never
met.’
Standing like a survivor on a desert island I realise I am completely alone. Suddenly, the cause of my accelerated heart rate pushes off her leaning post and steps toward me. My heart plummets as I notice our polo shirts match. She manages to fill hers out better than me though. With arms folded across her stomach, she grips the sides of her top as if trying to hold herself back. My hands tremble slightly but I stand my ground. Every fibre in my body is screaming to run, but I don’t move my feet. I don’t think they would work even if I tried. With clenching fists, I try to anticipate her moves. Is she a scratcher or a slapper? By the look of her she probably thumps. As if it matters, I’ve never had to protect myself so don’t know what to do. But I am sure not getting beaten up without trying to protect myself somehow.
‘Aww, leave her alone, will ya,’ a lone voice calls out cutting through the air like a knife. He throws me a look of support as he rolls his eyes towards the girl. Either he is very brave or just plain stupid because he doesn’t seem concerned about what’s taking place. His slim body stands uneven and it looks like a strong wind might blow him off balance. One hand is shoved in his pocket, while the other flicks a tennis ball into the air. ‘It’s not her, so leave the chick alone.’
The girl stares at him for a moment, undecided. He looks back with a bored expression and shakes his head at her. With a snort, she turns back to me and smirks. ‘Don’t worry, I ain’t gonna thump you.’ She throws her head back with laughter. ‘I just meant you look like her, not I thought you were her.’
I’m not convinced by this explanation and my fists remain balled up. I swallow and look from her to the brave soul who interjected on my behalf.
She shakes her head and cackles with laughter. ‘That probably was a bit harsh on your first day.’ She smiles, except it doesn’t reach her eyes. ‘Sorry.’
My fingers slowly straighten as relief floods my body.
‘That’s okay, happens all the time.’ I dismiss the comment with a wave and hope that’s the end.
It’s not like I am going to take her up on the challenge for a fight. I’ve never been in one before and I sure don’t plan on starting now. She turns away and returns to rest against the shelter. I look over at the guy who stuck up for me but he’s already talking to someone else. The atmosphere surrounding the meeting point lightens and a hushed chatter begins again. Some kids peek my way, probably to check I’m not being pummelled. Or secretly hoping I will make a move on the girl.
Fortunately, brakes squeal to alert us of the arrival of the school bus. Gravel crunches as those from Whitford Secondary College move toward the door. I pick up my bag, take a deep breath, and follow. Like sheep, we shuffle after each other. With a short wait and three shaky steps, I am on board flashing a new bus pass at the driver. The old guy takes no notice. He must have seen a million before. We probably all look the same to him anyway. I try to calm my pounding heart and move down the aisle. My palms are still sweating from the butch thing at the bus stop. This is a great start to a new place. I’m not even at school yet and I’m making enemies already. What sort
of place have we moved to? It’s not as though my last school was the best but I liked it. At least I knew people there. What I wouldn’t give to be getting on that bus with the people I know. I can almost see Dempsey and Claire saving a seat for me.
Dempsey didn’t actually go to school with us. Her mum works in the office at another high school, which is over from ours. But she still caught the bus with us occasionally. The three of us went through primary school together. We actually became best friends in the first week and have been that way ever since. Dempsey pushed an older kid over because he was poking sticks at Claire while she hung on the monkey bars. He knocked Dempsey to the
ground and was about to hit her, so I threw a ball at his head. It made his nose bleed. We’ve been inseparable ever since. Besides, we all live within walking distance of each other and hang out on weekends. Correction – lived close and could hang out on weekends. Now I will be lucky to see them once or twice a year. We cried bucket loads when I told them I was moving away.
I swallow a lump as I look down the aisle and see a collection of unfamiliar faces staring back. I try to ignore the nudges and muffled whispers. It feels like one of those dreams where you walk naked down the main street. Except you don’t know you’re exposed and everyone else does. I slump into the first available space and move across to look out the window. A puff of air expels as I’m bounced roughly from the seat. The boxing queen from
the bus stop sits down beside me. Great, this morning keeps getting better and better. I really should have taken Ally up on her offer to drive me on my first day. But I refuse to give my mother the satisfaction by accepting a lift. I
might have agreed to this move, but the whole thing was her idea, not mine. I was lounging on the floor at our old house when she dropped the bombshell.
‘Hey Jessy, what would you think about a change of scenery?’
‘What like a holiday?’ I had sat up hopeful, thinking how good it would be. I was already planning to do nothing but listen to music and soak up some sunshine. Mum interrupted my short daydream with a crushing blow.
‘I was thinking of something more permanent.’
A red neon sign flashed in my mind. Warning! Stop listening now.
‘My boss has asked if I would like to create a new store.’ Mum twisted her ring, a nervous trait I seem to have picked up from her. That should have been the biggest tip off that something was up.
‘Actually he asked me if I want to buy into the business. This would be my first solo effort.’
Mum’s boss leaves everything up to her. She runs his business. So long as Chris is making money, and there are no major problems for him to deal with, he’s happy. He already has three shops scattered around the tourist hot spots on the coast. His boutiques cater for the unique individual – no two designs look the same.
‘So, how does moving interstate sound?’
‘Interstate! Are you crazy?’
‘It can be a trial. If it doesn’t work out we can just move back.’
Mum’s face looked like someone about to circle the winning numbers of the ten million dollar lotto draw. Her dream was about to come true. Mine was going to be shattered.
***
‘So, what’s your name?’ The butch one interrupts my thoughts.
‘Jessica or Jessy. Sometimes people call me J.J.’
‘Well, which one is it?’ She adjusts herself so she is leaning towards me with legs crossed.
‘Jessy is fine.’
‘Hi Jessy, I’m Mandy. That’s it, just Mandy.’
‘Mandy. Right, hi.’
‘I’m Sam.’ A hand comes over the back of the chair.
I reach around to shake it and discover it is the person who stuck up for me earlier. The surprise must have shown on my face because he grins broadly.
‘Hope my feral sister didn’t scare ya too much. She ain’t as tough as she thinks.’
He tries to duck but not in time to avoid Mandy’s slap across the head.
I should have realised they were related. His hair is just as thick with curls, but a light brown shade and in need of a wash. Up close, I can tell he is a bit younger than me, but I get a friendly vibe. Besides, he already defended me so he must be okay.
‘I didn’t mean to frighten you. But you do look like this chick I hate. I would love to smash her.’ Mandy smirks, probably picturing herself doing just that.
‘Why? What did she do?’
‘She stole my boyfriend. Me and him were really close.’ She raises her eyebrows with a grin and I catch her meaning. I may not be experienced in that department, but it’s not hard to figure out what she is implying. ‘Then this summer a skinny thing with long legs comes along and he doesn’t even bother to call…’
Mandy continues with her story. I try to relax into my seat, confident I am no longer a target. I nod when necessary and try to look interested. It’s a bit hard to be sympathetic though. Only ten minutes ago, I was in her firing line. I attempt to keep up with the story so I stay on Mandy’s good side. It can’t hurt to be friendly with her.
Suddenly a burning sensation fills my nostrils. I look out the window and smack my hand over my mouth. The most disgusting stench catches in my throat. It makes me want to vomit. ‘What is that smell?’
‘It’s the abattoirs. Don’t worry you’ll get used to it.’ Mandy laughs. ‘It’s not as bad in winter.’
I look around the bus and see that I am the only one with such a severe reaction. The rest of them must be immune to it.
‘Uggh, it’s gross!’ I squeeze my nostrils tight to stop the gagging reflex.
Sam and Mandy laugh at me like it’s the funniest thing they’ve seen.
‘I’ll bring some eucalyptus oil tomorrow for you to put on,’ says Sam.
I look at him confused.
‘Like they do in the T.V shows when they find a dead body.’
‘Does that really work?’
‘You’ll find out tomorrow!’
I laugh but it comes out sounding more like a hiccup.
Mandy continues with her story, not bothered by the obscene odour permeating the bus. I glance out the window as we pass the cement building used for killing animals. There are plenty of enclosures to hold the stock, but the yards are empty. Along the side wall are wooden doors with numbers above them. Each pen leads to one of several solid doors. There is no bloodshed taking place so early, and yet I hear a distant wail. A shudder runs up my spine. I’m not a vegetarian and have no problem with eating meat.
But today I sympathise with the fate of the animals killed for our burgers. I imagine them jammed inside the enclosures, watching as the one before them is led off. Then finally, it’s their turn and there is nothing they
can do about it. No amount of bleating will stop their destiny. Today I feel just like a lamb being led to slaughter. I didn’t choose this path. It was chosen for me. Only, unlike the animals, my future is undecided. It can still
change it if I choose.