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CHAPTER ONE

 

CHAPTER 1
FACES FROM THE PAST

 

 

Saturday 
February 11, 2023 
4:00 PM 
 

  IT HAS BEEN THIRTEEN YEARS SINCE CALLIE GOMEZ STEPPED FOOT IN BEACON HILLS. The last time she had been in her hometown was the day that her now-late father, Ricardo Gomez, finished helping her back up the U-Haul with everything she owned, not wanting her anywhere near the press when the investigation of their mines began. As the sun set on the horizon, her mother drove by the town sign and she never returned, spending the following years in a new home, surrounded by unfamiliar faces in Los Angeles, California.

  For so long, she had been homesick. She had longed to walk the hallways of her old school, to hang out with her friends and see her boyfriend again. She longed for family dinners and to watch football games with her dad on the flat-screen. To fall asleep in her old bedroom and wake up in the home that she had taken her first steps in as a child. But as the woman drove through her hometown, passing by places that held fond memories, she couldn't help but feel like she would rather be anywhere else.

  Callie may have been born and raised in Beacon Hills until she was sixteen, but she no longer considered the place her home. Now the town served only as a reminder of the many things that she had lost. It turned that love and longing she felt into a rightful bitterness over the passing years. She wouldn't be in town long, though. All she had to do was make arrangements for her father's wake and sign the papers to sell the mines. It would take her a few days, less than a week (or at least she hoped) and then she would never have to see Beacon Hills again.

  When Callie arrived at the mines, she took a moment to take in her surroundings. They were exactly how she remembered them. Dirt instead of grass, stacks of wood, metal shafts, mining carts, people dressed in mining suits roaming the area as they worked to keep a roof over their head and food on their table. Memories of her childhood began to resurface, bringing a faint smile to her lips.

  With a sigh, she blinked those bittersweet memories away and approached the entrance. It didn't take her long to find who she was looking for.

  Tom Gajos has been the manager of the Gomez Mines since before she was born, and even long before her parents ever met. The man had been the one to call her when her father suffered a heart attack at work and died, and even helped her make a few of the arrangements for her father's wake over the phone. Tom had been nothing but kind to her the past few days — and all her life, really, as the man was practically her unofficial godfather. However, as the man made his way over to her now, Callie could tell that he wasn't at all ecstatic to see her. But it's not like she was expecting him to roll out the welcome mat or anything. Not after what she said to him.

  Two days ago, Callie had called to tell Tom that she was coming back to Beacon Hills not only to make the final arrangements for her father's wake, but to sell the Gomez Mines that he has put his blood, sweat and tears into running for her family over the years. She felt bad for selling the mines and doing this to the man she considered family after everything he had done for them, but Callie knew it was something that she had to do.

  "Callie," the man greeted with a nod of his head. "I wasn't expecting you so soon. How was the drive?"

  "It was good," Callie replied awkwardly, unsure what to say. Her body was stiff as she waited for him to unleash his anger on her.

  Tom sighed then, and Callie could tell that his anger was fighting its way to the surface. He stepped forward after a moment and wrapped the woman in a hug, placing his chin on her head with a sigh. "I'm sorry about your old man, Callie. Ric was a good man. The best kind of man. He'll be missed."

  She frowned and buried her face in his mining jacket. It smelt of dirt and smoke, reminding Callie of the way her grandpa and father used to smell before both of them died. Tears stung her eyes. "Thank you, Tom," she replied, stepping away and wiping her face. "He was the best person I ever knew."

  "Have you seen him yet?" Tom asked, referring to her father's body.

  "I just came from the morgue," Callie replied with a nod. "They're going to prepare him for the wake tomorrow and then begin cremation the evening of."

  "If there's anything you need . . ."

  Her lips stretched into a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Tom. I appreciate everything you've done these past few days."

  "Of course," the man smiled. Then he puffed air out of his cheeks, "So you're really going to do it, huh? Sell the mines, I mean."

  Callie ran a hand through her dark hair. "Yeah, I am. And I'm sorry, but—"

  "Your father gave everything to this town, to those mines, and every single person who worked for him," he cut her off. "When the collapse happened, it was devastating. But I don't think anyone except your old man could have cleaned up that kind of mess. And now you're just going to throw that away? After all these years?"

  "You wouldn't understand," Callie sighed.

  "People rely on the money they make here, Callie! These mines mean more to this town than you think!" Tom shouted. When people began to stare, he gently grabbed Callie by the arm and guided her further away from the entrance where they could speak in private. "Everyone here has lost someone, Callie, and they haven't given up on this place. So why are you?"

  "I haven't given up on anything, or anyone," Callie defended. She looked away, eyes skimming over the workers as she scooped her dark hair behind her ear. "I just . . . I can't handle the mines."

  "Then let me take care of them for you," Tom tried, desperate to keep the mines up and going and not torn down and turned into some shopping mall.

  "It's not that simple."

  "If I can't take this place off your hands, maybe I can try to train you in certain area—"

  "I'm not my dad, Tom!" Callie cut him off, sighing in exasperation. "These mines were his life. But they aren't my life and they never will be. My life is waiting for me back in Los Angeles." Her eyes softened and filled with sadness as she stared back at him. "I'm sorry, Tom, but my decision is final."

  He exhaled from his nostrils, his eyes gleaming with disappointment as he shook his head. "One day, Callie. One day you're going to wake up and regret this decision. You'll realize that mining is in your blood, that you made the biggest mistake of your life giving them away and killing everything your family worked for." He wanted to say more, but the approaching footsteps and the sound of his daughter's voice made him grow silent.

  "Oh, my God! Callie!" Mia Gajos squealed, launching herself toward the brunette and wrapping her in a bear hug. "I've missed you so much!"

  Callie chuckled as she hugged back. "I missed you too, Mia."

  Mia stepped away, brushing loose strands of hair behind her ears, before placing her hands on her hips. Callie took in her appearance, finding dirt smudged across her face and all over her mining overalls. Her dark hair was pulled back in a bun, a hard hat on her head, and steel-toed boots covered her feet. Callie didn't realize that Mia had dropped out of school to follow in Tom's footsteps until this very moment. It made her heart tighten, for it only meant that Mia — her childhood best friend — would be one of the many people out of work when Callie signed the papers to sell the mines.

  "I'm so sorry about your dad," Mia frowned, her eyes full of sadness.

  "Thank you," Callie replied. She then nodded toward the girl's outfit. "So, uh, you're a miner now? When did this happen?"

  Mia glanced down at her work clothes with a grin and answered proudly, "Almost two years now."

  Tom wrapped an arm around his daughter's shoulders. "She's been doing excellent work. I couldn't be more proud."

  "Dad," Mia groaned, embarrassed.

  "What? Can't a man be proud of his baby girl for following her old man down the same path?" Tom replied, kissing his daughter on the forehead before looking at Callie.

  When Callie met his gaze, she realized why Tom hadn't told his daughter that she was going to sell the mines. He was so proud of Mia and all the work she has done over the past two years that he didn't want to be the one to ruin her happiness. No, he wanted her to be the one to tell Mia that she was going to lose her job.

  "That's great, Mia," Callie replied, the smile on her face never reaching her eyes, something which only Tom Gajos seemed to notice as he stared back at her.

  "Thanks," Mia replied sheepishly. "So, do you have any plans for dinner tonight?" 

  "None."

  "Great!" Mia exclaimed, the excited smile on her face unwavering and causing the corners of her eyes to crinkle. "I get off at six. How about I drop by your hotel and we grab some dinner together? We can even go to our old spot," she suggested, wiggling her eyebrows.

  A grin crept onto Callie's face at the mention of their spot. She can't even remember the last time she went to The Lunch Box and ordered one of Ernie McEntyre's infamous burgers and milkshakes. "Sounds like a plan. I'm staying at the motel off Maple Boulevard."

 
━━━━━━━━
 

  JUST AS SHE PROMISED, MIA HAD PICKED CALLIE UP WHEN SHE GOT OFF OF WORK, arriving at the motel a little after six-thirty in the evening so they could grab dinner together. They rode in silence toward The Lunch Box with the radio on in the background. Callie wasn't sure what to say, so she kept quiet and tried not to think about how guilty she felt about Mia's soon-to-be unemployment. But Mia, being the closest friend Callie ever had and ever so observant, could read the Gomez girl as if she were an open book.

  "Is something wrong?" Mia grimaced at her own question when she realized how stupid it sounded. "Sorry, dumb question. Of course something is wrong, your dad died. Way to go, Mia," she mumbled under her breath.

  Callie smiled as she turned away from the window to look at her friend. "It's okay, Mia. You don't have to feel bad. I'm just thinking, that's all. Nothing to worry about, though," she lied.

  Mia seemed unconvinced, but she nodded her head anyway. Wanting to change the atmosphere of the car, she leaned forward and turned the dial on her radio, turning it up, a grin tugging at her lips when Bon Jovi's You Give Love A Bad Name filtered through the stereo. It had been their favourite song in high school. They listened to it every time they carpooled.

  Callie, hearing the familiar lyrics, couldn't help but grin. "Oh, my God . . . I haven't heard this song in years!"

  Mia glanced at her with wide eyes. "What? Uh-uh. I refuse to believe that you haven't listened to this song since you moved."

  "I haven't," Callie admitted. "It reminded me too much of this place . . . of you." Of Stiles, she wanted to add, but didn't. Her ex-boyfriend was the very last thing she wanted to talk about. It was hard enough being best friends with his cousin, after all.

  The Gajos girl was touched, of course, but she shook her head in disbelief before leaning forward and turning the dial up even more. She drummed her fingers against the steering wheel, bobbed her head, and belted at the top of her lungs, "OH BABY YOU GIVE LOVE A BAD NAME!"

  Callie felt her heart lighten as she laughed and sang along with Mia. It was like she was in high school again. At least that's what it felt like as she belted out the lyrics to her favourite song with her childhood best friend at the top of her lungs. It felt good to feel that way again.

  When they arrived at The Lunch Box, Mia parked and they both stepped out of the car. With smiles on their faces and their cheeks flushed from all their singing and laughter, the two childhood best friends made their way inside, the bell above their head chiming and alerting the staff of their arrival.

  The owner of the diner, Ernie McEntyre, recognized Calliope Gomez the moment she walked through the door. After all, she had been his most popular customer as a child. Well, she and her three friends. The Marauders, they used to call themselves. He never understood the nickname until Callie explained what it meant.

  The elderly man limped around the counter and approached Callie's booth, eyes crinkled as he smiled. He came to a stop in front of the table and the two girls looked up at him. "Goodness . . . Calliope Gomez. You're a sight for these old eyes. How have you been, kiddo?"

  Callie jumped up from the booth to wrap the kind man in a hug. "Ernie McEntyre, how in the world are you still kicking? What are you, a hundred and eighty now?"

  He laughed. "Same old Callie, I see."

  "Well, almost," she said.

  "Regardless, I'm glad to see you, kiddo. It's been a long time since I've seen your face around here." Ernie flashed her a sad smile as he squeezed her shoulder. "I was so sorry to hear about your Pops."

  "Thank you."

  "Of course," Ernie replied, hand falling to his side. He glanced between the girls as Callie sat back down in the booth. "The usual for you both, I presume?"

  "Please," they replied in unison.

  "And Aubrey's, too," Mia added.

  Ernie nodded and left to place their order, not even bothering to write it down. When it came to the Marauders, he never forgot. They were his favourite customers.

  Callie furrowed her eyebrows as she turned to face her friend "Aubrey is coming?"

  Mia flashed her an innocent smile. "You didn't think that we were going to have dinner alone, did you? Come on, Callie, we were the Marauders back in the day. Or have you forgotten?"

  "I could never forget," Callie said. "I just didn't know Aubrey was still in town, that's all."

  Mia snorted. "Like she'd ever leave. Aubrey Everdeen is a hometown kind of girl. She always has been, always will be." She then leaned closer, gesturing toward the brunette waitress behind the counter. "Oh! You see that waitress over there?"

  Callie followed her gaze and nodded. "Yeah. But what does she have to do with Aubrey?"

  "That's Malia Tate. She's dating our dear friend."

  "Wait—" Callie's eyes widened. "Malia Tate? As in . . ."

  "The girl who was in the car accident and died?" Mia finished for her. "Yeah, that's a long story. You remember Scott McCall, right?"

  Callie frowned upon hearing the familiar name. How could she forget Scott McCall? He was her boyfriend's best friend. The two of them spent every single day together. She swallowed before nodding her head, "Of course."

  "Figured you might," Mia replied. "Anyway, he and Stiles found her in the woods one day. I'm not sure if she was just wandering the woods the entire time, or if someone had taken her in, but Sheriff Stilinski brought her home after she was found. She was reunited with her dad and everything."

  "Holy shit . . ."

  "Yeah, it was the talk of the town for weeks," Mia went on. "The entire school wouldn't stop staring at the poor girl when she came back. But Stiles and Scott were there for her. Helped her adjust to high school and all that. They became good friends. We all did."

  Hearing her ex-boyfriend's name made longing fill her suddenly racing heart. Callie hadn't heard that name in such a long time. She wondered if Stiles was still in town but couldn't seem to build up the courage to ask.

  "That was nice of them," Callie replied. Then, much to her relief, none other than Aubrey Everdeen herself appeared before them. She looked away from Mia and a smile stretched across her face at the sight of the girl who had been part of their friend group throughout middle school and early high school. She jumped up from the booth, wrapping her in a hug. "It's good to see you, Aubrey."

  "It's good to see you, too," Aubrey replied while smiling. "And I'm sorry about your dad."

  Callie didn't say anything in response and just held onto her friend. When they finally separated, Callie held the girl at arms length and smiled. "You look amazing, as always. And so does your little waitress over there. Picked a good one, I see."

  "Well, I have taste," Aubrey replied as she flung her dark, pink-streaked hair over her shoulder. They laughed, collapsing into the booth.

  "Look at us," Mia grinned, "the Marauders are back together again."

  "Not all of us," Callie pointed out. "I'm surprised you didn't invite Joel."

  "I did," Mia said. "But, he had to work, unfortunately."

  "It's been way too long," Aubrey sighed as she stared at her friends.

  Callie glanced between them. "I know, and I'm sorry for losing contact with you both for a little while. That was never my intention. I just . . . got invested in work."

  "What is it you do now?" Aubrey asked, curious about what her childhood friend was doing these days.

  "I'm a homicide detective in Los Angeles."

  Aubrey raised a brow in surprise. "No shit."

  Callie chuckled. "It it really that surprising?"

  "I mean . . . yeah," Aubrey replied. "We always thought that you would be in the mining business like your family. But a homicide detective? That's . . ."

  "Fucking amazing," Mia finished.

  "Yeah," Aubrey agreed.

  "Being a detective is a good job for someone like you, Cal," Mia told her.

  "What do you mean?" Callie asked with furrowed brows.

  Mia shrugged as she leaned back in the booth. "You've always had such a good heart. You're strong, never took shit from anyone. And you always helped kids that were being bullied. Seems fitting, if you ask me."

  Aubrey nodded in agreement. "It's true. You were like the unofficial Hall Monitor in school." A smirk crept onto her face. "Didn't you give that dick Jackson Whittemore a bloodied nose once?"

  Callie chuckled. "He deserved it!"

  "He did," Mia agreed. "And he only got worse in high school. I was so relieved when he left."

  "Where'd he go?" Callie asked.

  "To London," Aubrey replied. "I think."

  "He dumped Lydia Martin, and the following year, he was just gone," Mia explained.

  "That's . . ."

  "Weird?" Aubrey finished for her. "Yeah, it was. But you don't hear me complaining. I'm just glad he's not here anymore. If he stayed a moment longer, I would've given him worse than a bloodied nose."

  "I don't doubt it," Callie smirked.

  "Order up!"

  All three of them looked up as Malia Tate approached the table carrying a tray. She placed a plate and chocolate milkshake in front of each of them before leaning down to peck Aubrey on the cheek. The Everdeen girl smiled up at her girlfriend and squeezed her hand before turning toward Callie so she could introduce them to each other.

  "Mal, this is my friend, Callie Gomez," Aubrey said with a gesture of her hand. "Callie, this is my girlfriend, Malia Tate."

  "It's nice to meet you," Callie said with a friendly smile as she reached across the booth to shake the brunette's hand.

  "Likewise," Malia said with an awkward smile, as though she was uncomfortable meeting new people. She then dropped her girlfriend's hand and stepped away. "I better get back to work. See you later."

  Callie and Mia shared a smirk when they noticed their friend staring at her girlfriend in admiration, watching as she walked away.

  "Seems like someone got bitten by the lovebug," Callie sang, nudging Aubrey with her arm.

  "Mm-hmm," Mia agreed, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

  Aubrey rolled her eyes and her cheeks flushed as she turned back around in her seat. "Yeah, yeah, go on and make fun all you want. But you can't blame me for staring."

  "I'm happy for you, Bree," Callie said as she wrapped the girl in a quick side hug.

  "We both are," Mia smiled.

  "Thanks."

  "You're welcome."

  They then dug into their food and sipped on their chocolate milkshakes. The three of them stayed there for hours, just catching up on lost time and reminiscing about the good old days. They even ordered a second milkshake and a slice of pie as time went on. Callie learned that Mia was single, but always ready to mingle, and that Aubrey now worked down at her father's auto repair shop in town. For a while, as her heart lightened with the joy of being in the company of her two friends again, Callie Gomez seemed to forget the real reason that she was in town.

 

a/n: well there you have it! the first chapter has arrived! i hope all of you enjoyed the little taste of callie and the relationships she used to have with mia, aubrey, and ernie mcentyre. next chapter will be one of the first murders and the one following that will be her reunion with stiles hehe!

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