by Mandi Oyster
Chapter 13
Coming Clean
The door squeaked when I opened it. The state of our dorm threw me off. Samantha’s backpack seemed to have spewed its contents across the floor. I entered, careful not to step on anything.
Samantha turned from the computer. “Sorry about the mess.” Her eyes were huge, and she talked faster than I’d ever heard her. “I’ve got a history report due, and I’m not done.”
Knowing Samantha, she probably had at least three or four days until it had to be turned in. “How much caffeine have you had?”
“Too much I think.” She spun her chair in circles. “The sugar probably didn’t help either.”
I couldn’t help but laugh.
“How was your lesson?”
I told her about my run-in with Cassandra and her groupies.
“I don’t know why you let her bother you so much.” Samantha cocked her head to the side. “I’m sure it’s hard for you, but you need to realize you are better than they are. Don’t let yourself sink to their level.”
I moved her things off Cookie Monster and sat. “I’m not better than anybody.” I swiveled the chair from side to side to avoid her eyes. I didn’t want her to see my insecurity. “I tell myself ‘don’t let them bother you, just ignore them’, but I can’t seem to accomplish that. Hopefully, with time.”
“Yeah, I hope so, too.” Samantha turned back to her homework. “I gotta get this done.”
Cody arrived moments before the pizza did. The aroma filled the small dorm room. My stomach growled in anticipation of supper. I thought it would be better to wait until we had eaten to broach the subject of the prophecy.
“Have you decided yet, or still on the fence?” Cody asked me before eating half his slice in one bite.
Decided. Decided what? Did he know I’d been thinking about the prophecy, trying to figure out if it could possibly be real? “Uh … what?”
“Major.” Cody pointed a second piece of pizza at me. “You said you might have a better idea after starting classes.”
Geesh, Dacia. You can be so stupid sometimes. I doubt he’s given any thought to the prophecy. “Fence,” I answered. “Part of me wants to be an English teacher. Part of me wants to be a writer, and an even bigger part of me has no clue what to do. How are you supposed to know what you want to be for the rest of your life? What if I change my mind?”
“I’ve always wanted to be a teacher.” Samantha’s voice had slowed down some, but it still sounded higher and faster than normal. “I don’t think I’ll change my mind, but who knows?”
“What’re you gonna teach?” Cody asked.
“Kindergarten or first grade. I want to teach young impressionable kids. What about you?”
“History teacher and basketball coach.”
“What happened to being a cop?” I asked.
“Not ready to give up basketball.” He pointed at my pizza. “Gonna eat that?”
“Go ahead.” I held my hands out palms up. “It looks like I’m the only one who can’t figure out what to be when I grow up.”
“So, how was your lesson?” Cody asked.
“I’m glad you asked. Sarah wanted me to see if you would walk back from my lessons with me from now on. When it was over today, I ran into Cassandra and friends.” I explained everything that had happened.
Anger flashed across Cody’s face and his eyes narrowed. “What’s her problem? She’s been that way since the first day of classes, before you used your powers.”
“I’ve been thinking.”
“That’s good.” Cody gave me his typical response.
“Villains always have a title.”
Cody looked at me like I was nuts.
“Nightshade sounds all menacing, but really it’s just another way of saying potato or tomato, so I was thinking about calling Cassandra and her buddies the Rotten Tomatoes or the Potato Heads.”
“I like it.” Samantha bobbed her head up and down. “Potato Heads is perfect.”
Cody sat his hand on mine. My belly tingled in response. You can’t keep thinking about him like this.
“I’ll walk with you.”
“What?” I asked.
“To your lessons.” Cody’s lips lifted into a lopsided grin. “I’ll walk with you.”
“Thanks.” I sat there for a moment and took in a big gulp of air. “You guys are going to think I’m nuts. But, I need to talk to someone about this.”
That got their attention. Their gazes held mine, and Cody asked, “What, Dacia?”
“I don’t know where to begin,” I couldn’t help but pause. How am I supposed to tell them I believe in a ludicrous prophecy? I put my head in my hands.
Cody got up and sat on the arm of my chair. “You can tell me anything.” He put his arm around my shoulders.
Samantha nodded in agreement.
Just say it. “I think the prophecy is real!” I winced as soon as I finished saying it, knowing full well they were going to erupt into hysterics, but they didn’t.
Cody’s arm slumped down on my shoulder a little bit, and they both stared at me. Samantha’s mouth formed a perfect “o”.
I waited for one of them to say something, anything at all, but they just sat there. “Hey, guys, snap out of it.”
Samantha responded first. “Sorry. That wasn’t what I expected to hear. I was under the impression you hadn’t considered believing it.”
I twisted my hands together. “For a long time, I didn’t, but, these never-ending nightmares are making me realize there is a possibility the prophecy could be real—maybe they are premonitions.” The thought terrified me. Sarah dead. The world on fire. If they were premonitions, the outlook was bleak.
“I wondered if you would ever tell me what your nightmares are about.” She picked up our pizza plates and threw them away. “Every time I wake you up, I expect you to say something, but you pass them off nonchalantly, like everyone wakes up screaming every night.”
“Nightmares? Still?” Cody asked. “Why haven’t you told me? If I have to, I’ll start sleeping here.” He pointed at the chair we were sitting on.
An uncontrollable laugh escaped me. I fought to stop, but that just made me laugh harder.
“You think I’m joking!”
“No. I was picturing Marcy checking in on us and finding you here. Dean Aspen would be able to hear her screams all the way over in her office.” The laughter that followed loosened some of the tension in my shoulders.
“Come on, Dacia,” Samantha said, “don’t get off the subject. Tell us about your dreams.”
A peculiar feeling enveloped me. My breathing became heavy and forced. I felt like a python had coiled itself around me in an attempt to squeeze the life out of me, stifling the scream that clawed its way up my throat. Panic consumed me as the invisible coils tightened. Then as quickly as the feeling came, it vanished. When the feeling went away, my muscles ached.
“You okay?” Cody pulled me against him.
I closed my eyes and let him hold me for longer than I should have. He felt warm and safe. “Yeah.” I took a few deep breaths. “Every muscle in my body stiffened up. It was almost like when you’re in a speeding car that slams on the brakes, and at the same time, I felt like the wind had been knocked out of me.”
Their faces softened. “Are you sure you’re all right?” Samantha asked. “If it’s that difficult for you to tell us about your dreams or if you would rather not, we understand. You don’t have to.”
I thought about my newest dream. Charred bodies littering the ground. Screaming students burning alive. I couldn’t talk about it. I couldn’t believe that would happen.
“No.” I looked into Samantha’s doe eyes. “I told Cody and Sarah about my nightmare at a le
sson. I should’ve told you a long time ago,” I said, still fighting to regulate my breathing.
My mind whirred. I wanted somebody who had been through all of this to talk to, someone who could help me understand what was happening and who might be able to explain what I needed to do. I didn’t know how to deal with this on my own.
Cody and Samantha watched me, making me feel even more uneasy. I knew they were worried about me. However, I didn’t want them to treat me any differently, and I was afraid the more they witnessed stuff like this happening to me, the more they would want to stay away from me.
“It’s okay.” Cody’s voice was soft and soothing.
I nodded. “Well, here goes.” I told Samantha about my nightmares. When I got to the part about finding Sarah’s body, I clutched the arms of the chair and forced the words out of my mouth.
Samantha gasped and covered her mouth.
Cody pulled me closer. “It’s not real, just a dream.”
“That’s the problem,” I said, the panic apparent in my voice now. “I’m afraid it’s more than a dream. I’m scared it’s going to happen.”
I hadn’t planned to let them know how upset I was about the dreams, but now they did. Every time I thought about my nightmares they seemed even more real to me, and talking about them made them even more vivid.
I raked my hand through my hair and asked, “So do you guys think I’m a lunatic for believing in a prophecy?”
With narrowed eyes, Samantha asked, “How can you think we’re so shallow?”
Before I could answer her, Cody moved his arm from around my shoulders and folded them over his chest. “You know I’m here no matter what.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. It’s just … I think I’m harebrained for believing in it.” My head fell into my hands, and I whispered, “I hope to God it’s not true.”
“Well,” Samantha said, “I for one think it’s about time.”
My eyebrows pulled down. I couldn’t have heard her right, could I? “What?”
“You have powers.” She lifted her hands palms up. “Magic. Magic doesn’t exist. Why would you have it if not to serve some purpose?”
Samantha was right. It was stupid for me to believe that my powers were a fluke. Obviously, they were given to me for a reason, but did it have to be to fight a demon? Couldn’t there be another explanation? “What if I can’t do it?”
Cody put his arm back around my shoulder, and the three of us sat in silence.
We were brought back into reality by a knock on the door. “What?” Samantha hollered.
“It’s time for Cody to leave,” responded the hushed voice of Marcy Cicada. “You do realize this is not a coed dorm, don’t you?”
Cody responded, “You’d never let us forget.”
“You better get going,” Samantha said.
He gave me a quick hug before getting off the chair and walking to the door. “Don’t forget we’re here for you.”
“Thanks.” I felt chilled without him beside me.
“If you need me, I’ll be here.” He winked at us as he opened the door.
Standing in our doorway with her hands on her hips, Marcy scowled at us. It was funny to see her scolding Cody. Her head leaned as far back as it could go in her attempt to look him in the eyes. Her dirty blonde ponytails bounced up and down as she said, “I wish the three of you could learn to tell time. I can’t believe how often I have to come down here and kick you out of their room. You could be a little more courteous and learn to leave on your own. By now, I’d think you would be old enough not to have a babysitter!”
“Oh, Marcy, if you weren’t watching over us,” Cody began, “you wouldn’t know what to do with yourself.” Before he shut the door, he leaned his head back in the room. “Sleep good. Sweet dreams.”
Chapter 14
Fairies And Unicorns
Cody and I walked across campus. Birds sang. Couples walked hand in hand, several students tossed footballs or Frisbees, while others seemed content with enjoying the crisp mountain air. I wanted a life like that. Instead, I was being chaperoned to a lesson where I’d learn to defeat a demon … hopefully.
“Thanks for walking over here with Dacia,” Sarah said to Cody as we walked in.
Cody smiled down at me. “No problem. I like to pretend I’m Dacia’s knight-in-shining-armor.”
“It’s more like my knight-in-faded-denim.” I chuckled.
“Yeah.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “No armor.” He turned toward the door. “When do you want me back?”
“It’ll be at least a couple hours,” Sarah responded.
“All right. Call if you need me sooner.” The door closed behind him.
“You know, Dacia, you’re lucky to have him as a friend.”
“Yeah, I’ve known that since we met. Sometimes I think he’s my guardian angel. There have been lots of times I wouldn’t have known what to do without him,” as I told her this, I looked at the door, hoping he’d come back to help me through my lesson. I knew with him around I could do anything. “You know, I’m surprised he hasn’t gotten sick of me yet. He’s always coming to my rescue for one thing or another. One of these days, he’s going to decide I’m not worth the hassle.”
Sarah led the way over to the couches. “From what I’ve seen, I don’t think that will be an issue.” Her voice sounded amused.
We sat down, and she launched into the relaxation techniques without asking me any questions. I was surprised she didn’t ask if I had been having any more dreams but, maybe she figured after our conversation Thursday, I’d offer up any information without being asked.
I pictured myself sitting on the rock staring off at the reflection of the mountain. The only images in my mind were visions of utter tranquility. I was so in tune with the scene I smelled the scent of pine blowing on the wind. I heard the birds chirping and the rhythmic splashing of water on the rocks. Off in the distance, a fish jumped out of the lake. I looked up when I heard the splash but only saw ripples growing larger as they neared shore.
“You are completely relaxed now.” Sarah’s voice whispered on the wind. “Now I want you to pick up one of the rocks next to you. I want you to imagine this rock represents all of your ill will toward Cassandra. Throw it as far out in the water as you can.”
I pictured myself hurling the rock through the air. As it landed in the water, I pictured Cassandra’s face on it.
Sarah’s voice blew in on the breeze again, “Now I want you to bring yourself back here.”
I didn’t want to leave and have to face reality again, but I pictured myself getting off the rock and going back to Sarah’s office. Blinking back the light, I opened my eyes.
“Cassandra came to my office yesterday.” Sarah resituated herself on the couch.
I narrowed my eyes and prepared to defend myself. I hadn’t had any confrontations with her recently, and I wasn’t about to accept blame for one. “What did she say now?”
“She told me all about her new boyfriend.”
My head snapped back. Why would I care about Cassandra and her boyfriend? “Oh.”
Sarah pulled the creases out of her slacks. “He’s blond, tall and athletic. I can’t help but wonder if it’s Cody? Has he said anything?”
My stomach tightened, and my heartbeat quickened. Cody and Cassandra? It wasn’t possible, was it? “No.” My voice sounded shrill. “He hasn’t.”
She shrugged like it didn’t matter one way or another. “You might want to ask him.”
The room spun. Bile rose into my mouth. “Yeah, I’ll do that.” He wouldn’t do that to me. He’s told her off for me before.
“If the two of them are a couple, maybe she’ll quit antagonizing you.” She shrugged. “Cody wouldn’t want the two of you fighting
.”
I took a deep breath and forced myself to stay calm. Cody would never. This is a test. Just breathe. There wasn’t even a slight movement in the books.
“Wow, Dacia, you’re doing so well!” The corner of her mouth lifted into a lopsided smile.
“Maybe—” I stood and walked over to the window “—but in the long run, what good will this do? I have no idea how to go about defeating something that isn’t even human. I’m not sure why I was picked to fulfill the prophecy.” I studied my shoes. “It should’ve been some gladiator type or macho man, not me.” I turned to face her. I could feel the desperation in my eyes. “Look at me! How am I supposed to defeat a giant monster?”
“I know this is hard.” Sarah walked toward me. “All I can do is tell you I will be here to help you. It’s not much, but it’s the best I can offer.”
My mind filled with the vision of her dead body lying on the ground in front of me. “I …” I closed my eyes, and Phlox University erupted into flames. “I can’t keep you, Samantha and Cody safe. I can’t do this on my own. I can’t win.” I held my head in my hands.
Sarah rubbed my shoulder. “Maybe your desire to protect those closest to you is why you were chosen to fulfill the prophecy. It seems to be one of your greatest strengths.”
“I don’t know.” I sighed. “What if my dreams are premonitions?”
“They may or may not come true, but if something does happen to me, you need to remember why you’re here, and you need to defeat Nefarious.”
The somber air reminded me of a funeral. After my earlier victory, I didn’t want to end my lesson like this. “One of the first times I came here you told me about creatures beyond my imagination. What were you talking about?”
A bark of laughter escaped from Sarah. “With everything you have been through, I’m surprised you remember that.”
“Well, curiosity killed the cat.”