Veracity: The Veracity Diaries

by E. M. Bernal

  “Hey girl I’m going to take off. See you tonight?” Melissa interrupted my text with Unity.

  “Yes!” I said excitedly.

  We waved each other bye while the cop waved back to us at the same time. They both drove off and I went back inside, pretending that none of that just happened, including my dream.

  PARTY TIME

  Diary 7

  When I got back inside the house, I was relieved. I plopped down on the couch, leaning my head against the arm to catch my breath, but abruptly popped it back up because I thought of the time. It was 5:30 PM, and I promised to meet them at the theatre around seven. Even though I didn’t have much time to clean my car, I was determined to make it look presentable before leaving, so I forced myself off the couch to get it done.

  I turned on my Bluetooth and Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd came blasting out of the car stereo. The good old days, I remembered. Alone in my room, I would drown out my parents when they argued. But this time it was for the greater good - to clean my car. It was tedious, but I got it done! Can you believe it??? My car is shiny, like brand new, and it only took me 20 minutes, making me realize how lazy I have been.

  After my shower, I put on a dark pair of jeans, my favorite new boots, a sexy red dressy-top, covered with a dark blue jean jacket. My hair was model-straight, and I was proud of how I looked in the mirror, but not without a mental note, reminding myself not to be conceited.

  It was time to go.

  ******

  Moonlight theatre was breath taking and a sight for sore eyes. I stared at the front entrance for a bit when I got out of my car, admiring the architecture. MOON LIGHT THEATRE was in bright and dark neon lights, like Las Vegas style, flashing in cursive form. It looked magical in some ways, or maybe medieval. It was created with shiny dark beautiful wood, crafted with expensive taste.

  Everybody was standing in the front talking to each other, waiting for us to all to gather. Sam and Molly were making out right in front of me as I walked up towards the entrance. But, the rest of the group was by the ticket stand.

  “Hey Guys…!” I attempted to get them to stop tongue lashing in front me.

  “Hey, City…finally made it out with the gang, I see!” Molly said while grabbing Sam’s hand to walk over to the ticket stand. I followed.

  Over to the right of the ticket booth was Drexy standing with Logan and his date. I step back and decided to wait, looking for Melissa instead. I finally spotted her. She was standing behind Cullan and his date was on the other side, drowned in her phone. I walked over to her, but Drexy found an excuse to make her way towards us. She looked at me up-and-down as usual with a smirk as her attempt to be nice. And, this time I decided to do the same.

  “Hey Drexy, you look good.” I complimented her.

  “THANKSS…” Drexy tilted her head with a sarcastic hiss, but I didn’t let her finish it. I went to purchase my ticket instead.

  “Hey! Let’s all head inside!” Melissa announced once the group was closer together and everyone had their tickets. We all followed towards the entrance, but me and Melissa were the last ones behind. Sam and Molly bolted to the concession stand and I nudged Melissa to follow. I wanted popcorn. I was curious about the dates that were with Logan and Cullan, and I wanted to ask quietly.

  “Who are they?” I asked when we finally got to the counter with Melissa.

  “O, some girls on the squad. They are Drexy’s friends.”

  “Drexy is on the squad too?” I wasn’t surprised but had to ask.

  “Hum.. huh...” Melissa said with a hint of annoyance.

  We both looked at the counter guy to order. He stared at us like he never seen two girls before.

  “Here is your change.” He put out his hand to transfer the money to Melissa’s.

  “Anything else?” The counter guy said with anticipation.

  “No.” I responded abruptly, trying to get him to take his eyes off of Melissa.

  We both made a silly giggle. Melissa grabbed my arm while holding her soda in the other. “Let’s go…”

  “So, question. I hear this place is haunted.” I jokingly asked.

  “Portland has a lot of places that are haunted.” Melissa answered with a non-interested tone.

  “What…What is that all about?” I became curious more than before.

  “There’s a ton of stories…Ghost hauntings in different places. Witches and warlock stuff too. They’re just silly tales. Sometimes the lights flicker, or some bright light appears out of nowhere. Or, some girl has superhuman powers. A book drops. It’s just stuff to scare people. Don’t listen to that mumbo jumbo.” Melissa once again blew it off. I decided to doo the same..

  The entrance doors were 8 ft tall, made of lacquer wood and had black iron cast handles. This place looked old but new and extravagant. I wondered what it was before it was a theater. The doors were held open on their own and walked right in.

  The movie began. And, as horror films do, it was boring and annoying. The name of the movie was silly too. STAB. I think it was supposed to be based on a true story, but I still had no interest.

  “So, has Ethan called?” I whispered to Melissa out of boredom.

  “Yeah…I told him we were heading out tonight. He just said to be careful.” She responded but didn’t look in my direction. I figured my next attempt to kill my boredom was to head to the restroom even though I didn’t have to go. I debated in my head for a while, but I couldn’t fight it any longer.

  “Hey…” I shrugged Melissa, whispering in her ear. “I’m going to go to the bathroom…” She nodded her head uninterested and continued to watch the movie. The movie still had 20-30 minutes left and I wondered if I could stay in a stall for that long.

  The hallway was dim and empty. But God… this place was beautiful. The lighting was something out of a romantic movie. It had chandeliers and red curtains with carpets that were decorated it perfectly. It must have been here for centuries. It was very majestic.

  After circling a few times. I finally asked one of the employees who was passing by for directions. He smiled and directed me without saying a word. To my surprise it was right behind me. That was strange, considering it seemed that I was in that same spot one circle ago. As I approached, a flickering light was out in the small hallway entrance, catty corner to the door, which made it a bit darker but well enough that I could still see. Creepy though. Two doors faced each other across the pathway, one FEMALE and the other MALE. As I approached the door for the women’s, a shadow of a male was leaning against the corner. He stood at least 6’1 or so, had dark brown hair with beautiful green eyes. He was dressed casually with a flannel and jeans. He had a lean build with a strong jaw. I must say, he was stunning, so much that I knew I was instantly enamored by him, but not in a Robert kind of way, because I took a deep breath when I saw him. Something I’ve never instantly felt before without a doubt. I didn’t say anything because I was sure he was waiting on someone. I glanced almost twice before I went into the bathroom.

  When I came out, he was still standing there. Almost frozen in time. I was compelled to smile at him even though I’m shy. He finally looked at me, but with an intense stare that glared in my eyes. It was odd, but mysterious at the same time. In fact, I thought I was going to get murdered, but I pushed the thought off. I had to make a choice to make a move and force every shy bone in my body to become outgoing, even if it was just to get his name.

  Our eyes remained locked. Say something, say something… I kept begging myself. I went in a little closer, which was very unlike me.

  “Helloo…” Words finally left my mouth with a stutter.Oddly, he looks away with confusion and stayed silent, which made me more anxious.

  “Do I know you?” I tried a different approach. His eyes met mine again. “Is there something wrong?” I said with a tone of demand. I was trying not to be rude, but I felt lost in time, trying to force him to speak.

  “Are you talking to me?” He responded softly but with an utterly co
nfused look on his face.

  “What do you mean? Of course…” This encounter was becoming weirder, but I became intrigued.

  “You can see me?” He quickly questioned with concern.

  “Of course, I can. You’re standing right here…” I pointed with my hand in his direction with confidence. I didn’t know what was happening, but I was determined to find out. Was he crazy? What does that mean? Can I see him??? That was a weird question. I wanted to walk away but I couldn’t because right then, this situation began to feel like dejavu.

  “I can’t believe this.” He said out of nowhere.

  “Are you ok? Is everything all right?” I asked out of concern, but I wondered if he was harmless.

  “Yeah, I’m fine.” He finally answered. He went silent but stayed staring at me. I didn’t want it to get strange again, so I intervened.

  “Do I know you?” I asked.

  “Are you in my dimension?” He answered with a question.

  “Dimension??? I’m sorry, I’m confused. What is a dimension???” I asked and started wondering if English was his first language. But, he didn’t answer quick enough.

  “What are you talking about? I asked.

  “Oh my god..” He said, avoiding the question.

  I thought he finally recognized me. I waited on the explanation.

  “What is your name?” He asked.

  “Veracity, but you can call me City.”

  “Nice to meet you, I’m Ren.” He answered as if the strange encounter hadn’t just taken place. I pulled out my hand to offer a handshake, considering that was a thing around here, but for some reason he pulled back.

  “You are absolutely beautiful, and you do seem familiar. But, I don’t know you. Well… I don’t think so anyway…” He finally said, avoiding any more confusion.” Again, he locked his eyes in and out of mine, seconds apart. He came closer to my face, but it was obvious at the same time he didn’t want me to touch him.

  “Why are you acting so strange?” I asked with confusion still staggering over me.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t know, I can’t explain what I’m feeling right now.” He responded, implementing more confusion.

  We had a vibe going on, and it was definitely a sexual attraction, but why so familiar? I thought.

  “Well, I’m from Denver, where are you from?” I tried to break the ice between us again.

  “I’m from here.” He confirmed.

  “Do you go to Henry Cotter by any chance?” I asked.

  “No, but I used to.”

  “Oh… how old are you?” I asked, guessing he graduated, even though we looked similar in age.

  “I’m 18.” He answered.

  “So, what college do you go to then?”

  Ren hesitated but finally answered. “I don’t…What movie are you watching here?” He changed the subject.

  I guess a whole 20 minutes went by because Melissa called out to me from behind.

  “Hey! There you are. What happened to you?” Melissa said flustered.

  I looked over, breaking the connection from Ren.

  “I started talking to Ren, and I guess I lost track of time.” I answered.

  “Ren? Ren who?” Melissa asked, looking befuddled. I turned to introduce him, but he was gone, also leaving me dumbfounded.

  How did he disappear so quickly? I said in my mind.

  “Ah, he was right here just a minute ago.” I answered her.

  “Are you okay?” She grabbed my shoulders.

  “Yeah I’m fine. He was right here.” I tried to reaffirm. But she still looked at me as if I was crazy. She curled her arm undermine to walk me out. I kept looking around to see if I could see him, but, nothing.

  “Come on let’s go, we are all heading to the garden. We have to get some stuff to drink and eat.” Melissa finally changed her tone, and the subject.

  “I don’t drink, Melissa.” I confirmed again, thinking she forgot.

  “Well… you can still have fun with us right?” She made it clear it didn’t matter.

  I decided to leave my car at the theatre and head out in Logan’s Hummer along with the gang. In the ride over to the convenient store, I was thinking about Ren. Who was he, why did he disappear? Will I ever see him again? That was the strangest encounter I ever had but the most compelling and exciting one ever. Way deeper than with Robert. I admit I felt curious about Robert when we met but not like this. I was drawn to Ren and I had no clue why. It was not because he was attractive, because Robert is just as good-looking, but because I know I was supposed to meet Ren and I have no idea why I know that.

  ******

  When we arrived at the famous garden, it was breathtaking. I could tell why everyone wanted to go there. The front entrance had a gate that was carved out of stone with beautiful iron rails that dignified an elegant look with a gothic trend that had bronze and silver lining. It engraved a title, The Menon Garden in dark smoky beautiful Algerian font. There were flowers that were red, blue, pink with black seed like dots in the center, glazing from the stars in the sky. The flowers created an art form of pictures with a fully grown radium yellow-leafed tree that had a large round funny shaped bark. It was like a cool dream.

  Kids from school were everywhere, laughing and talking. I couldn’t see the lake that the kids talked about right away, but it didn’t matter. I was so captivated by the landscaping and sculptures that were made out of beautiful polished granite in all colors and designs. The gazebos and benches were made from rock stone in different formations that the kids were sitting on or leaning against. Some were like shaped like hobbit houses. The benches almost looked medieval. The trees had strong branches with perfect leaves that were unusually green. Many of the stones had graffiti, but it didn’t look trashy, the signatures look like art. I felt the need to touch each brick up close.

  Melissa was running around with the crowd and I guess she didn’t realize I wondered off until she saw me alone reading the words on one of the gazebos.

  “Hey, what ya doing?” Melissa startled me from behind.

  “Do people from school do this?” I asked pointing to the stones on the walls.

  “Ya… Logan or Sam should have stone scraper pens so we can get yours on there.” Melissa winks.

  “Really?”

  “Ya, it’s tradition… But, for now, let’s go enjoy… we’ll come back.” Melissa put her arm around me to take me away. It was getting loud. Everyone was drinking and there were some pizza boxes that were emptying pretty quick. Two or three guys, including Cullan were setting up the Bluetooth speakers throughout the garden to sync them. And, the music started to emerge.

  Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars came on and most of the girls started throwing their hands in the air “wooing” and dancing to the music. Some of the guys joined in. I must admit they all could dance as well as they dressed.

  Melissa grabbed my arm. “Let’s go dance!”

  “Girl, I can’t dance… you go….” I tried to slowly back away, but she was not taking no for an answer. In my mind I knew I needed to be more outgoing, but it was still hard to do. She finally convinced me, and I allowed her to pull me in. Cullan immediately came up from behind and started dancing with me. I turned around to face him to comply. I had to admit I was having a good time, but one of his girlfriends pulled him away very quickly.

  “Excuse me!” She said mad as hell.

  “Sorry…” He said to me while waving his hands dramatically in the air. It looked like he was playing charades to make it more dramatic, but his girl walked off when he promptly chased her. That is exactly why I don’t drink, I thought. People forget they have a date when they have had too much. I rolled my eyes.

  After a couple of songs, I was exhausted, but Melissa looks like she could keep going for hours. I signaled her that I was going to go find a seat. When she nodded okay, I remembered I saw a cooler with some water and soda earlier, I think I’ll go on the hunt for that. I finally found one away from the beer and booze coolers. There
was plenty to choose from, but I still just grabbed a water and started looking for a bench. I sat next to a large tree with carved bushes with exceptionally bright purple flowers that were defiantly rare in matter. I smiled and took a sip of my water to stare at the magnificent surroundings. There was an amazing energy here I could not explain. I was sitting away from the crowded area when I realized the garden went further behind me from the light that faded from the trees and moon down a path. There were others from school who were making out or talking in this private area around me, but not too close. They were trying to find some privacy too, I guess.

  I eventually realized there were more flowers that were bright enough to follow into the darkness. They were flowing down one edge of a dirt road that led somewhere. I got curious but it looked too scary to walk alone. I leaned over to see more clearly but suddenly I could sense someone next to me. When I turned around, Ren suddenly from the theatre was sitting 10 inches away.

  “O, shit!” I jumped halfway off the bench with the beat of my heart. I grabbed my chest to try to hold it.

  “I’m sorry, sorry… so…sorry.” He tried to calm me down.

  “Are you crazy, you could have given me a heart attack…” I scolded him for a split second as I tried to catch my breath.

  “Oh my God, where did you come from?” I demanded.

  Was this guy was stocking me? But, with the same intense thought, I was glad he was there. I kept a blank face because I couldn’t let him know I wanted to see him again, so, I acted upset instead.