by L. L. Wright
“So you really couldn’t lie, like, at all?”
“Nope, not even a little bit,” Emmie shook her head, smiling to herself at the detail her best friend had picked out of the story.
17
Emmeline
"Did you rearrange your drawers?" Lisa called over the sound of the blow-dryer.
"Yeah, it was one of my summer projects. Socks are under the bed now," Emmie said, poking her head out of the bathroom door where she was finishing styling her hair to perfection with a thick round brush. When her hair was finished, she grabbed the makeup kit out of the vanity drawer and dusted her face with mineral powder, finishing with eyeliner and a few coats of mascara. The pain from the night before had vanished in the night, and while she was now aware of the weight of the demonic blood flowing through her body, she felt different than she had before her trip to the hall of truth. Something changed while I was there, and on one hand not knowing what scares me, but on the other, I feel better than I have for a long time, and I’ll take it.
"Em, is this one of those protection bracelets you made after you found out you were a witch?" Lisa asked, leaning against the open bathroom door. She held up her hand to show a woven blue bracelet with a small metal charm draped over her finger.
"Yep, I think that's the only one left. I kept losing them, I guess my double knots weren't very good.”
“Do you mind if I wear it,” Lisa asked.
“Nope, it's all yours, but I’m not sure if they ever really did much. I was like ten and I knew less than nothing about magic,” Emmie shrugged. “Wait a sec. What do you need protection from?”
“I...It’s probably nothing, but I haven't been sleeping well, and I’ve just felt off. I know your mom says there isn’t anyone else like you guys left, but what if she's wrong?” Oh, she's definitely wrong. Or lying, Emmie thought about the alternate possibility for the first time. She took the bracelet from Lisa and wrapped it around her wrist twice before securing it with a double knot.
“I’ve had a few years to work on my knots,” Emmie joked. “If you think something witchy is going on you should stay here for a while. I don’t know what I would do if anything happened to you because of my secrets. But, let’s keep this between us. I'm not ready to ask my mom about this stuff just yet.” I need to learn more on my own before I confront her about my demon blood. Does she know where our powers come from or is she as in the dark as I am? That's the question I need to answer.
For the first time, Emmie and Lisa walked into West Creek Highschool together. The normalcy of the moment wasn’t lost on Emmie as she glanced at her best friend, laughing uncontrollably at a joke they had heard on T.v the night before. They stopped at the lobby coffee cart and Lisa ordered two lattes. While they waited, she continued to insist that the play on words from the late show was the funniest thing she had heard. End of story. Emmie giggled and shook her head.
“It was so bad. I have a pretty cheesy sense of humor and I didn’t even smile. So. Bad.”
Lisa’s eyes widened and she nodded her head at Emmie.
“Don’t look, but Collin and Leo just walked through the door,” she said quietly. “He’s got some nerve. You’d think he’d be embarrassed to see you or afraid that you told someone.”
Emmie sighed, “Don’t look at them. Just let them pass,” she said.
She put up a strong front, but her stomach was in knots over the whole thing, what do I say if Collin tries to talk to me, do I ignore him, or call him out about Saturday night? Leo's his best friend, does he know what kind of person Collin is? Her mind swirled chaotically, weighing the options in front of her until the girl behind the coffee cart interrupted her thoughts by handing her a hot to-go cup.
“Emmie,” Leo called just as Lisa grabbed her arm and pulled her down the hallway. Emmie peeked over her shoulder briefly and her stomach plummeted at the broken look on Leo's face.
“It’s for the best,” Lisa whispered, pulling her in for a side hug. “You have enough going on without worrying about toxic jocks trying to take advantage of you.” I know she’s right, but that doesn't make it easier to shut out someone I was starting to have feelings for.
Emmie sipped her latte as she walked toward the class she was dreading the most. She knew it would be awkward to deal with Collin a few hours from now, but sitting next to Leo for an hour would be complete torture. The only saving grace of this whole mess was the lingering effects of her visit to the hall of truth. Chamille said that when I crossed the angelic boundary, via the back door, as she put it, that my demon blood was basically checked like an oversized suitcase. I can feel it inside me, it’s like a dark shadow pulsing through my veins, but it must be dormant or something because I haven't felt this relaxed and free since I learned about my powers five years ago.
The classroom was nearly empty as she made her way to the back of the room, taking the same seat she had the week before. Emmie pulled out her phone and opened the text she felt buzz through her bag a moment ago.
Mom: Sorry I missed you this morning, This week is going to be hectic. Will you be ok if I stay in the city for a few days? I'm going to be working around the clock and there is a hotel close to the office.
Emmie: Don't worry about me, Lisa is going to stay over a few nights anyway.
Mom: Glad to hear you two have patched things up. Call me if you need anything.
"Can we talk?" Leo stood beside her desk wearing the same pained expression she saw in the lobby.
Emmie nodded in response and slid her phone into the pouch in her bag as Leo sat down at the desk beside hers. It should be a crime to look that good in a t-shirt, on a Monday nonetheless, she thought, stealing a quick glance at his perfect upper body on display under yet another snug-fitting cotton tee.
"Collin told me what happened on Saturday. Well, he told me what he thinks happened on Saturday and I think you misunderstood what you saw." What the hell? Is he actually serious right now?
“I get that he’s your best friend, but he poured something into my drink. I think anyone with half a brain understands where that was going,” Emmie hissed.
“I know how it looks, but just hear me out. Collin has a really weird sense of humor, and he said that you told him a gross fact about holy water so he added some to your drink as a prank. It was really immature and a total jerk move, but I swear he was not trying to drug you,” Leo said quietly. In a really weird messed up way that makes sense, I guess, Emmie thought to herself. But it doesn’t change what happened afterward, what I learned about myself. I was afraid to let someone in before when I thought I was a witch with magical control issues, and now I know it was a mistake. I’m a demon, and if it weren’t for the angel blood balancing out the evil, I would be a soulless monster. Who's to say someday the evil won't outweigh the good...I could be a walking time bomb.
“That’s good to know. I mean, it’s gross and super weird, but I guess it’s better than the alternative,” Emmie said, keeping her voice cool and controlled.
“Trust me, he learned his lesson. His pranking days are in the past,” Leo smiled. “So I see you already have a coffee this morning, do you want something different next period?”
“Uh, actually, I kind of feel like I need some space. I just have so much school work, plus I’m trying to spend more time with my best friend, and my mom is crazy busy at work so I’m picking up the slack at home,” she rambled on, hoping he would take the hint.
“Oh. Yeah, I completely understand,” Leo said, running a hand through his hair and turning around in his chair. It’s for the best, Emmie told herself as her chest tightened every time she stole a glance in her periphery.
18
Emmeline
They arrived at the school's main parking lot by the football field at quarter to seven and Emmie spotted Jenny standing in line to buy tickets to the game.
“There she is,” Emmie said, pointing across the parking lot. She can’t be all bad if Lisa likes her. Without my magical anxiety to weigh m
e down maybe I should give her a clean slate.
“Bye Mom,” Lisa said, as they climbed out of the car and walked toward the ticket booth.
“Call me when you girls need a ride home,” Mrs. Murphy said through the open passenger door.
“I will, Mom,” Lisa said before she slammed the door.
After a quiet week, all thanks to her unexpected trip to the hall of truth, Emmie had given in to Lisa’s pleas to join her at the homecoming football party on Friday night. Without the threat of magic popping out of her fingers every time her emotional gauge changed Emmie found it easier to socialize and harder to find excuses to stay home. She was actually looking forward to her first football game, and not even Jenny could put a damper on her newfound state of mind.
They bought their tickets and as the game whistle blew the three girls climbed the bleachers to find seats towards the top.
“We need a really good view,” Jenny insisted, as they passed several empty seats before settling in to watch the game. Emmie searched for Leo down on the field. No matter how many times she reminded herself that she was the one that had ended things, and it was in everyone's best interest, she couldn’t help but miss his gorgeous eyes and that crooked smile. She sat back on the bleachers, thankful that Jenny had dragged her all the way to the top where she could sulk with a railing behind her.
By halftime, Emmie had pushed away the frustration she felt about her demon status and the weight it carried in her life. She reminded herself that Chamille and the other angels wanted to solve the mystery of her demon blood just as much as she did, they’re angels, they have to be the good guys in all of this, right? They’ll figure something out, and if they don’t I will, even if it means confronting my mother. When the crowd started cheering loudly Emmie looked up from her phone to see a West Creek running back storm into the endzone. Their team was now up by 6 points and everyone on the home side was cheering. The stands were full of energy, making it easier to escape her earlier funk. Jenny went to get soft pretzels and popcorn while she and Lisa saved their seats and watched the halftime show. The band played as the cheerleaders danced, flipped and spun to the beat, putting on a surprisingly great performance. The second half of the game was more dramatic than the first. The other team managed to make a comeback and the game was tied until the last 2 minutes when the West Creek Warriors scored a touchdown and won the game. The crowd erupted with cheers, shouting and chanting the school's anthem. I should really make a point of learning that if I’m going to come to these things, Emmie told herself, making a mental note to add it to her weeknight agenda. The energy was contagious and it was impossible not to cheer and sing along with the crowd. Emmie made a second mental note to learn a few proper football terms before attending the next game. Everyone around her had been talking about fumbles and turnovers and there were even a few arguments about whether passes had been clean catches or interceptions. But with the speed the players moved at and Emmie’s complete lack of sports knowledge, it was hard to tell what anyone was referring to.
When the game ended Emmie made her way down the bleachers with Lisa and Jenny. Jenny insisted that they step into the bathrooms to “freshen up” before heading around the field toward the woods where the party was supposed to be. Emmie rolled her eyes and checked her phone as she leaned against the wall outside the restrooms. If Jenny wants to apply another layer of makeup before hiking through the woods that's her business, Emmie thought, wishing the girls would just hurry up. When Jenny and Lisa finally made their way out of the bathroom the football field was nearly empty, everyone else had already started the trek towards the party. Rumors had been flying around the school all week about kegs and other alcohol being brought in by a few ex-West Creek Warriors who attended the community college. Emmie hadn’t really made up her mind one way or another about drinking. I’m not going to be fighting the crowd for a drink, but maybe I should just try a beer to get it out of the way. Isn’t that what high school parties are all about anyway? She pondered, as they walked through the woods. After a while she started to hear faint music in the distance, her heart began to race and she felt her breathing become shallow as the reality set in. I'm really doing this, I’m going to my first big party. I should definitely have a drink, I don’t want to stand out or seem weird, she told herself. But what if alcohol triggers my powers? Everything has been so normal this week, I don’t want to ruin this... I don’t even know how alcohol would affect me on a normal day, let alone after my trip to the hall of truth. I could just get a drink and not drink it, no one will notice, right? But what if someone does? she sighed, weighing her options.
After what felt like an hour of hiking through the cold dark woods Emmie noticed a light ahead. She heard the hooting and hollering of at least a hundred rowdy teenagers and the loud bass of a familiar hip hop song. As they stepped out of the woods Emmie noticed that the scene before her was different than what she had expected. The clearing was brighter than she had imagined, lit from edge to edge by several massive bonfires. The largest sat in the center with smaller fires scattered on either side. The three girls stood for a few moments taking everything in. Emmie noticed her senses working overtime as her eyes took in the sight of the jumping and flickering flames and her nose picked up the scent of the dusty clearing, the smoke from the fire and the alcohol being poured nearby. She took a deep breath and wondered if heightened senses were an effect of her inhuman blood that had gone unnoticed before. So this is a real party, Emmie thought as her eyes scanned the crowd, looking for one face in particular, but coming up empty.
“So now what?” she asked, turning towards Jenny and Lisa. “What do we do first?”
Jenny and Lisa exchanged uncertain looks before turning to Emmie and shrugging.
“Let's get a drink,” Jenny finally suggested enthusiastically.
“I don't know,” Emmie replied, still feeling unsure about drinking. The fear of getting caught and being grounded forever, along with the possibility of a magical meltdown had her leaning against the idea.
“We don't have to drink them,” Lisa suggested in a whisper, seeming unsure herself. “We’ll get the drinks and mingle and hang out, and just not actually drink them” she repeated the plan with more certainty, turning toward Emmie for reassurance.
“Speak for yourself,” Jenny said, already eyeing up the kegs.
Emmie nodded “Ok. Let's do it” she agreed. What am I so worried about anyway, all things demonic have been way under the radar all week.
They made their way over to the nearest keg where there was an older looking guy sitting at a card table with a large stack of red and blue plastic cups. He must be one of the college students who bought the beer, Emmie assumed.
“How many?” he asked, eyeing the girls up.
“Three,” Jenny said, taking a step closer to the table.
“I usually charge $5 each, but I'll give you girls a deal. $10 for all three,” the guy said.
Jenny turned to Emmie and Lisa, giving them a smile and a wink while holding out her hand for their money.
“I didn’t know there would be a charge, I don’t have any money,” Lisa whispered a little too loudly.
“The beer is free, honey. The cash covers a little fee I like to call the you look 21 to me,” he said with a chuckle.
Emmie sighed, “charming,” she mumbled, rolling her eyes as she rummaged in her crossover bag. She grabbed a $10 bill out of her wallet and handed it to Jenny who passed it to the guy at the table. He stuffed it into his pocket and filled three cups, sliding them to the edge of the table as he finished.
They all muttered a quick thanks as they grabbed their cups and walked towards the closest fire. Emmie sat down on one of the large logs that looked as though they had been moved into place just for this occasion. Who took the time to set all of this up, she wondered, looking around for her friends. She noticed them standing on the other side of the fire, talking to a group of boys from the football team. After a few minutes absorbing the wa
rmth from the flickering flames she sighed and looked down at her full cup. This is not exactly how I imagined tonight going, she admitted, looking around at everyone else having a good time, drinking and partying. This is kind of lame. She took a deep breath and raised the cup to her mouth, scrunching up her nose at the smell of the amber liquid. What have I really got to lose, she thought, tipping the cup back until the cold beer touched her lips
“I don't think you really want to do that,” a familiar voice spoke from behind her. Emmie turned to confirm what her heart already knew as it began to race in her chest. Leo stood behind her, surrounded by the warm glow of the flames.
19
Leo
Leo watched from the tree line as Emmie and her friends made their way into the thick of the party. Since the day he had met Emmeline Clark he knew he needed to get to know her. There was something that set this one girl apart from the others, something he hadn’t known at the time, but that now made perfect sense. As the days passed his mind became full of forgotten images and distant sounds. His dreams had been more vivid than he could ever recall before, he could feel things, smell, and taste as if he were there. He dreamt of places he hadn’t thought of in decades, but they felt as close to him as the very town he lived in. And her face, he thought. I see her face everywhere. Every time I close my eyes I see her smiling, laughing. When I dream I can feel her next to me, feel her fingers tracing the skin on my chest. I turn my head and see her laying beside me. It’s all so real, but then I wake up and she’s gone. Is this what it feels like to lose your mind, he wondered, you obsess over something, someone until you can't tell the difference between dreams and reality? He hadn't confided in anyone, not Collin, and definitely not The Faction and the elders about the strange things happening in his mind. They would tell me the same thing I’m already beginning to fear. I’m losing my grip on reality. Something in the back of his mind told him that Emmie held the key to all of this. If the angel blood in her veins came from Hailey then I know she holds the answers, even if she doesn’t realize it, he reassured himself as he watched her from the tree line, waiting for the perfect moment. I just have to figure out what to do next.