For Blood & Glory

by Cassandra Hendricks

  Sefira shook her head, unable to quite formulate words to kindly describe how much better Nora looked. “Wow Nora, you look…so…so—”

  “I know.” Nora grinned. Her braces were gone and now she had the teeth of a game show host—straight, pearly whites all around. “It was time for a change.”

  “She’s killin’ it, ain’t she? We’re gonna have to beat the guys off tonight,” Zada replied, pretending to swing a bat.

  “Yeah,” was all Sefira could think of to say. I hope Celeste doesn’t reconsider when she sees Nora. She shut the door behind them and ushered them both into the living room. “Ladies, this is Sky. She’s my friend at Eisenhower.”

  “Nice to meet you guys,” said Sky, standing up.

  “You two look like cutie pies,” Nora eyes crinkled as she complimented Sefira and Sky.

  “Yeah, those costumes are on point,” added Zada, studying Sefira’s outfit a little closer. When her eyes settled on Sefira’s arm, Zada’s face scrunched. “You might want to ax the basket though.”

  Sefira laughed. “You don’t like the basket?” she asked, lifting the small whicker accessory in the air.

  “Uh—” Zada pursed her lips, nodding no.

  They all shared a laugh as Celeste emerged. “Hello, hello.” Her jovial voice filled the room. “Don’t you guys look adorable.” Clasping her hands together, she scanned their outfits, then stopped. Her face pinched as she tilted her head. “Nora?”

  “Hi, Ms. Carrington, yep it’s me.” Throwing an exaggerated hand on her hip, she posed as if she’d just lost 75 pounds.

  “You’re so…grown-up looking.”

  “Time stops for no man,” Zada interjected, nodding.

  “You’re certainly right about that,” said Celeste, crossing her arms over her t-shirt. “Well, all of you look beautiful, and I’m sure you’ll have a fun time. Nora, you’re going to look out for my baby, right?”

  “Of course,” she replied, placing an arm around Sefira. “Everything will be fine.”

  “Okay, well you guys better get going because the sooner you leave, the sooner you’ll be back.” She turned to Sefira, reached for her hand and placed a cold, rectangular object in it. “Sefira, this is for you. I think it’s about time we’ve ushered you into the 21st century.”

  “What is that? A phone?” Zada’s brows arched.

  “Thanks Mom.” Sefira wrapped her arms around her mother, squeezing her tight. “Yes! This is awesome.” She pulled away studying the thin, sleek device.

  “It’s already good to go. The case isn’t cute, but it’s sturdy. All you have to do is set up your password.”

  Randall walked downstairs. He wasn’t dressed in his usual jeans and shirt. Instead he paired an expensive looking sweatshirt with distressed jeans and brand-new kicks. Admittedly, his hair always looked nice and today he looked like he had a fresh cut with lines etched in. In Randall’s world, he was dressed up and in theirs—he looked handsome.

  “Hey Randall,” Zada yelled.

  He quickly glanced over his shoulder while making his way toward the kitchen. “What’s up?”

  “You heading out?” Celeste asked.

  “Yep,” Randall answered. Cupboards closed followed by the sound of rustling bags. Chips in hand, he emerged from the kitchen, walked over to the stairs and leaned against the stairwell wall.

  He’s trying to look cute. Really? If I’d known a couple of attractive women could tame the beast, I would’ve invited them over a long time ago. Where are you guys going?”

  “Party at SCU,” said Zada.

  “Really?” He looked over at his mom. “You’re letting her go to that?”

  Ah, there’s the Randall I know.

  “Yes, I am,” answered her mother, with a ‘no more questions’ look.

  He studied the girls. “Wait.” Crumpling his bag of chips, he straightened up and leaned forward, brows knitted. “Nora, is that you?”

  “Randall—” Sefira tried to cut him off, unsure of what he might say.

  Nora giggled. “It’s okay, I get that question a lot.” She turned to Randall, flipping her hair back. “Yeah, it’s me.”

  “Wow.” His eyes widened. “You look—you look so….”

  “Fine,” said Zada. “Say it with me, F-I-N-E!” That was the first time Sefira had seen Randall blush in recent memory. He waved them off and went back in the kitchen as Zada yelled. “And what do we look like? Chopped liver?” They all shared a laugh. “Alright ladies.” She threw a hand in the air. “Let’s hit it. Good seeing you Mrs. Carrington.”

  “Likewise. Have a good time.” Sefira glanced back to see Celeste smiling as she watched them laugh and talk their way out the door.

  “It is freegin’ icy out here,” said Zada, clutching her arms, stamping her silver heels against the cobbled pavement. “I thought it was warmer in LA.”

  “Hey, I never said it was tutu warm. Let’s just go back and get your jacket, Zada, don’t be so hard-headed.” With her body-hugging nursing outfit and overdone make-up, Nora may not have looked the part of a mom chastising her wild-child but she sure sounded like one.

  Zada placed a hand on the hip of her beaded black tutu and rolled her neck. “And let a jacket douse this fire?” Laughing she slapped Sefira’s hand while Nora smirked, shaking her head.

  Sefira thought Zada looked splendid in her glittery outfit and make-up. They all did—herself included. Sefira didn’t go so far as to wear heels—she glanced briefly at her black and white-striped Converse. But she did opt for make-up. When she looked in the mirror earlier that evening and saw how the eyeliner and mascara played up her large cat-like eyes, and how the red lipstick accentuated her already full lips, she decided she might try make-up a little more often. Just—a less dramatic version.

  Rubbing her arms, Sefira tried to control her shivering. Zada was right, it was cold. It felt at least 10 degrees cooler here than in Diamond Bar. It wouldn’t have been so bad if they were moving, but a half-hour had passed, and they were still standing in the middle of a line that snaked further than their eyes could see. A cool breeze ruffled their costumes, bringing with it echoes of bass from the closed, iron doors and windows of Rakor Hall. “How long do you think it’ll take to get in?”

  “Hm.” Sky’s hair fell sideways as she poked her head around the side of the line. “It might take a minute. The line isn’t moving.”

  Nora craned as well, then turned to the girls. “I’m gonna see if I can expedite things.” The long locks on her auburn wig swayed as she turned on her heel. “Time to turn on the charm.” Straightening her posture, she sashayed down the cobblestone pathway towards the front of the line.

  Nora has pull with security? The girls exchanged glances.

  “Go, hottie,” Zada yelled.

  With time on their hands, Sefira studied the campus. She wasn’t sure what she had imagined college to look like, but it was certainly far bigger and more foreboding than she had anticipated. Wrought iron lampposts and benches lined well-trodden cobblestone paths that snaked endlessly through the university grounds. Rustic red and brown brick buildings appeared as old, distinguished pillars of wisdom carefully erected within the confines of a well-manicured campus. People of all shades and sizes milled about, some obviously dressed for the party while others strolled around for other reasons. Sefira couldn’t help but feel like a 5th grader that accidentally stumbled upon a junior high campus. Apparently, Sky felt the same way.

  “Everybody looks so old and mature,” Sky whispered.

  A car approached on the adjacent street with two shirtless guys in Scream masks hanging outside the passenger-side window. They raised beers in the air and yelled something unintelligible as they drove by.

  “Well, maybe just old.” Sky corrected herself. They all chuckled.

  “Ooh. Cutie, 2 o’clock,” Zada whispered.

  The girls discreetly turned in the direction of four guys engaged in conversation. One of them caught their glance and nudged the guy i
n a soldier’s uniform whose animated gestures suggested he was doing most of the talking. All of them looked over at the girls and beamed. Zada returned a smile and winked.

  “Zada, really,” uttered a slightly embarrassed Sefira as she and Sky turned to smile in a different direction.

  “What? They’re cute,” said Zada. “And they’re obviously interested. Here they come now.”

  Sefira felt nervous exhilaration as a slender guy in fatigues led the group in their direction.

  “We couldn’t help but notice the fineness radiating from this direction. I’m Vince,” said the soldier, a handsome, copper-skinned boy with a slim build and angular features. He extended his hand to each one of the girls. “And this is Todd, Draco, and Micah.” The guys nodded and smiled.

  “Hey, I’m Zada and this is Sky and Sefira.” She gestured toward them.

  “You are the hottest swan I’ve ever seen,” said Micah, an imposing figure dressed in a frayed-looking Frankenstein costume. Already tall, the clunky three-inch black boots he sported were wholly unnecessary and as he leaned in to compliment her friend, the seams on his poor blazer screamed for mercy.

  “Thank you.” Zada batted her glittery false eyelashes and pretended to blush.

  “I can’t imagine what could be better than hangin’ with three cuties on a Saturday night,” said Todd. His youthful face and endearing smile were evident even through the zombie-inspired make-up.

  “How 'bout four?” said Nora, who had just returned from chatting with security.

  “You right, you right. What’s up, shorty?” Todd leaned over and hugged Nora, as did all the rest of the guys. The girls exchanged glances again.

  “You boys tryin’ to hit on my girls?” Nora playfully shoved Todd.

  “Yeah,” Micah interjected. They shared a laugh.

  “Please tell me you ladies are single,” Draco teased, his fake pirate beard rippling under the breeze.

  “If I could just be the big bad wolf tonight, I’d be happy.” Vince shot Sefira a sly grin.

  Sky surprised her. “Play your cards right and we’ll see,” she said, folding her arms.

  Draco narrowed his heavily inked eyes inching closer to Sky. “I like the sound of that.”

  “Alright, boys, keep your tongues in your mouths, we’ll see you inside. Ladies, time to go.” Nora linked arms with the girls and led them towards the front of the line.

  “Hey,” Vince brushed his fingers lightly over Sefira’s palm, whispering as she passed. “Save me a dance?”

  Sefira simply smiled, slightly uncomfortable with all the attention. As soon as the boys were out of earshot, a gaggle of giggles erupted between them as their shoes clacked their way down the cobblestone path toward their destination. When they finally reached the front of the line, Nora glanced over at two burly security guards flanking the entrance and tossed a finger in the air. In turn, each guard grabbed a doorknob and tugged at the heavy metal double doors, revealing a short corridor. Strong bass pulsed down the walls and reverberated against the smooth tile floors of the dimly lit hallway. A few students lingered, and all were costumed. Shoes clacking, the girls maneuvered around a pink Power Ranger exchanging numbers with Batman, through a couple of Witches clutching their sides and bellies as they laughed uncontrollably and past a clown sobbing in the corner. The sight of her put a little bit of a damper on Sefira’s festive mood and she probably would have investigated further had SpongeBob not been there to rub her back. Finally, they reached a small door on the right. Nora and Sky did the honors, pulling back another set of double-doors.

  Sefira had been to a few parties, but nothing like this. As the doors flung open, her ears were immediately bombarded by hard bass and hypnotic rhythms streaming from the outer echelons of the room. There were so many people out on the dance floor that the temperature spiked 10 degrees upon entering. Her nose wrinkled as the room smelled like a blend of sweat and candy. Zada was right. A jacket was completely superfluous once inside. They could barely walk through the room without bumping into another partygoer. As they walked, Nora strained to overcome the music with her admonishments. “Congratulations, ladies. Welcome to your first official college party. Three things you should know: beware of boys, don’t go anywhere alone, and above all, have fun. I’ll be on the dance floor if you need me. Let me know when you’re about to leave so I can say goodbye.” She held up two fingers and disappeared into the crowd. Zada tucked her chin and raised an eyebrow. “Okay.” They surveyed the room together and for the first time in recent memory, Zada looked slightly anxious.

  “It’s packed so let’s stay together.” Sefira said, struggling to overcome the volume in the room.

  “Well, well. We meet again.” The girls turned around to see Micah, Vince and Draco. Micah was already dancing his way up to Zada and took her hands without uttering a single word.

  The uncertainty on Zada’s face melted. “Time to get turnt,” she yelled as they danced their way into the din on the dance floor.

  So much for sticking together.

  “You guys wanna dance?” Vince asked Sefira.

  The girls looked at one another for approval, they both responded. “Sure.”

  The maniacal music intensified as an even faster song blended seamlessly into and ultimately replaced the old one. Sefira’s heart pounded nervously as she slipped her fingers between Vince’s and headed for the floor. Sky and Draco were close behind. As they weaved through the crowd she scanned the room. Pulsing white strobe lights zig-zagged in and out of the crowded dance floor causing fluid movements to appear stilted and robotic. Sefira was so busy taking it all in that her shoulder bumped squarely into the shoulder of a girl dressed in a short French masquerade outfit.

  “Watch it,” the masked girl hissed.

  “Oh, sorry,” Sefira replied. The girl glared back at her as she passed, staring at her a little longer than necessary.

  “Whatever,” Sefira muttered.

  As they sifted through the crowd, Sky nudged Sefira’s elbow and pointed across the room. “Look, somebody’s having a good time.” Zada was off in the corner with her new admirer and it looked like they were having a playful dance-off.

  “They’re perfect for one another,” said Sefira. Zada wasn’t the only one having a good time. Slightly to her left was another girl dressed in an iridescent black cat-suit dancing feverishly to the beat. Every dip of her shoulder and twist of her wrist oozed confidence. Hips swaying, she twirled, flipping her long, electric pink wig, enraptured by the music. Apparently her tall, curly-haired dance partner didn’t mind. The guy was dressed as a security guard and he seemed to take the role a little bit too seriously, surveying her moves more than anything else. It made sense, though. Even from afar Sefira could see that the long, slender girl was attractive. She paused, staring. There was something about the girl that caught her attention and it wasn’t her beauty or her fabulous moves. When she looked at her, there was this warmth—an inexplicable tingling that ran down her neck to her toes. It was somewhat similar to what she felt at the mall, only stronger and despite her best efforts to avert her attention, she found herself transfixed.

  Vince finally found an empty space on the floor. Hands still clasped, he turned around and leaned into her ear, disrupting her trance. “Did I mention how beautiful you are?”

  “No,” answered Sefira, flipping her hair over her shoulder. She wasn’t completely paying attention, but it didn’t seem to bother Vince.

  “I’m sure you hear it all the time. As soon as I saw you I knew I wanted to get to know you better. You know, I’m a pre-law major.”

  “What?”

  “I’m pre-law.”

  “Okay?”

  “I plan to get my law degree here too. I’ll be making six figures in no time.”

  Sefira wrinkled her nose and nodded as if to say, “Just shut up and dance.”

  Vince wasn’t completely clueless. He took the cue.

  A popular song pumped through the speakers, and the
crowd went wild. Sefira was a bit slow to start. Admittedly, she hadn’t been to too many school dances and dancing wasn’t exactly her forte. But Sky encouraged her to let loose, grabbing her tentative hands, forcing leadened legs to move and twirl about. Soon, the nervous girl who entered the hall was gone and replaced by someone who swayed and wiggled her hips to vibrant music and hypnotic beats. Vince turned out to be a dance buff as he took some time to show off a few moves with Draco.

  As Sefira twirled, slipping into exuberance, her eyes danced. Powder-faced clowns, dancing ballerinas, presidents, burglars, kings, super heroes—all of these faces melted into a single ribbon of lines and color—that is, until she inadvertently stumbled past two large cat-like eyes staring back at her. In that moment, she felt a surge of energy strike her core. It churned in her gut, burning like bitter bile, spreading up her throat, down her legs and to the tips of her toes and fingers. The heat flashed through her so suddenly, her mind had a difficult time grappling with what was happening. Thoughts of an allergic reaction were briefly entertained, but they were quickly eclipsed when she realized the sensation transcended her physical being, manifesting itself into the world around her. Whatever this—energy was, it was growing; swelling like an invisible tsunami and toppling everything in its path. Air was first to bend the knee. She could feel it thickening, becoming so viscous she could wade through. Sound fell victim too. The music she was dancing feverishly to seconds ago began to drag to the point of sounding twisted and grotesquely inhuman. Most devastating of all, was the toll this powerful tide took upon everyone else. Like the music, people slowed until everything and everyone ceased moving and silence filled the room.