by Hmonroe
“Yuppier. Has Jared said nothing about me?”
“Sorry, man,” Jared sarcastically said. “It must have slipped my mind,”
“Yeah I bet. You just wanted to keep this lovely lady to yourself.”
“You’re right, you’ve got me.”
“Hey Steve, the karaoke is open. Go sing for us.” His friend Meg yelled over to get his attention. His other friend cheered him on until his name chanted over and over between our two tables.
“Steve! Steve! Steve!”
“All right, all right!”
Clapping and shouting encouraged him further. Jared and I finished up our food as Steve sang.
“You ready to go?” Jared asked.
I plugged my ears from the terrible singing and started to laugh. “Yeah I’m ready. Next time you see Steve, tell him he needs singing lessons.”
“No kidding!”
We got up, grabbed our jackets, and waved good-bye to our new friends. Jared turned and gave Steve a thumbs-up and a “good job” expression. As we exited the restaurant doors we both burst out laughing.
“Do you really think he thinks he’s good?” I asked as Jared opened the truck door for me.
“Knowing Steve, he definitely thinks he’s the best.”
***
That night I slept very little. My mind was not only on the stranger, but also on my grandmother’s life story. Her story crossed my mind from time to time, but I kept getting vague answers from my father. History interested me, and for the most part I knew my genealogy and many stories. Most of the time I put the unknown behind me and moved on, but I wanted to give it one more try.
While sitting on my bed in the morning light, I reached for my phone to call my parents.
“Hi honey,” Mom said. “You’re up early this morning.”
“Yeah, it’s a bit early, but I couldn’t sleep.”
“Is everything OK? School is still going well, isn’t it?”
“Oh yeah, school is great. Jared and I went out last night for dinner and hung out with really fun people.” Thinking about Steve singing almost made laugh over again. “How is Dad?”
“He’s good. He is just trying to stay busy with work, and the yard.”
“Yard work.” Dad was outside daily working on the yard, fixing the fences that surrounded our land, moving rocks, and trimming trees. It was his fixation. “Well, if I can possibly pull him away, I would love to talk to him.”
“Of course. Let me get him. Love you.”
“Love you too, Mom.” While waiting I looked over to see if Gretchen was awake. Deciding I better not disturb her further, I went to the front room and walked out to the balcony.
“Hi,” Dad’s deep voice sounded.
“Hey Dad. What did I tell you about doing so much yard work? You know you can take a break.”
“There’s never time for breaks, Leah. How are you doing?”
“Fine, but something’s been on my mind. Can you please tell me more about Great-great-grandma’s story? The one where she gets banned from her hometown and moved to Pagoda.”
Silence came over the phone. “Dad?”
“I’m here, Leah. Maybe next time you come home we can sit down and talk about her. Talking over the phone doesn’t do Grandma justice.”
“But Dad, every time I bring her up we never get to talk about it.”
“I know, dear, but the time will come and I’ll tell you everything. Like I said, next time you come home we’ll have a nice talk, OK?” Another pause came over the phone. “We’ll make it a family get-together. Luke and Leon will come over too.”
My brothers, Luke and Leon, were busy in their own lives, but it wasn’t a surprise that they would drop everything to come for family. Luke was in college getting his general education and had changed his major at least three times. Leon was already done with school and worked in a luxurious hotel as the manager. Both were far from home, but not too far that they couldn’t come home when they wanted. In fact, coming home for Mother’s cooking was a tradition.
“OK, it’s just really bothering me.”
“I know. Your grandmother would be very proud of you for all the interest you have in her life. You and she are very much alike. I promise we will dive into her story next time.”
“Fine,” I huffed in defeat once again.
“All right. Did you want to talk to Mom again?”
“No, it’s OK. I’ll call again soon.”
“Is everything else OK?”
“Perfect.” I didn’t mean to sound sarcastic, but considering all the unanswered questions about Grandma, the stranger, and the attacker, it felt fitting.
“OK, Leah. Be safe. We love you.”
“I will. Love you too. Bye.”
“Bye.”
CHAPTER FIVE
The student center contained the lunchroom, bookstore, offices, and the mail room. But tonight it held the ballroom tryouts. It was a large circular building with rooms on the outside and stairs that led to a big open floor in the middle.
In my orange and yellow salsa costume and my three-inch heels, I walked out of the restroom. I spotted Jared leaning against a pillar next to the dance floor. He wore black pants and an orange and yellow glittery vest that exposed his chest.
Jared didn’t see me start descending the stairs, so I sneakily inched my way closer to surprise him. He was engrossed in a paper he held in his hands. His brow furrowed, and his fingers massaged his temples. I looked down at the letter and put my hand on his shoulder.
He jumped, crinkled up the letter in one fluid motion, and stuffed it in his pocket. “I didn’t see you there.”
“Obviously. What were you reading?”
“Nothing. Just a letter from Mom.”
“Is something wrong? You looked so worried.”
“Wrong? No nothing’s wrong.” He put his arm around my shoulder and started to walk. “Let’s go sign up and get our numbers.”
I racked my brain to pull out anything on the paper I saw so briefly, but it wasn’t enough to know what the letter stated. Sparks, weak, stronger, and Almont were the only four words I noticed. The word Sparks was nothing to me. Weak and stronger were words that could mean many different things. Almont, did he mean Almont, Colorado?
Jared said it was nothing, so that’s what it would be, nothing. Who was I to judge? I had lied to Jared. He didn’t ask me for further explanation then, and I would do the same now.
“Lucky number seven.” Jared pinned the number on my back and I did the same for him. “Are you nervous?” Jared asked.
“No, not at all.”
***
Couple after couple had their turn until they called number seven an hour later. I wasn’t nervous until then. There were so many beautiful and technical dancers before us, and the judges were so subtle.
“Relax, you’ll be great.” Jared squeezed my hand as we paraded our way onto the floor.
I put on a fake smile and walked to the middle. Jared nodded to the judge who had our music, and within minutes we danced flawlessly our well-rehearsed routine.
“Thank you,” the middle judge said. “The list of the team will be posted Monday morning here on the billboard. Next, number 8.”
“We did it!” Dance was my adrenaline rush. “We didn’t even mess up once.”
“It was perfect. You’re amazing.”
“I’m just so happy. What do you want to do next?”
Jared looked down. “Well, that’s the problem: I’m not sure what I should do. Steve and Mark wanted to look at trig homework tonight. I guess I’m the nerd that needs to help them.”
“Didn’t you tell them about our night?”
“Yes, of course I did, but tomorrow Steve is heading home because of a death in his family, and Mark would rather do it with Steve so they can work together later. They’re way behind in class.”
“Oh, I see.”
“I’m sorry. Maybe I’ll just call Steve and tell him I’m not coming.”
“No, no, that’s OK.” I tried to smile. “Go, he needs your help. Plus if he’s going home to support his family, that’s important. I understand. You should go.”
“Are you sure?”
“Definitely.”
“I’ll go get changed, then, but I’ll call you tomorrow?” He looked straight into my eyes.
“Yes, that’s fine.”
“OK. Love ya.” He kissed me good-bye.
***
After Jared left I didn’t feel like sticking around anymore, so with a quick change of my shoes, I headed home. My coat and my bag were the only things keeping me warm from the night air.
I should have asked Jared to walk me home. He had rushed to leave, and I hadn’t thought about the loneliness of the dark. The lights from campus started to fade, and fear started to creep up my body. After what happened a week ago, it was reason enough not to take any chances. Knowing I was almost home, I argued with myself whether to keep going or to walk all the way back. You’re almost home now. It’ll take longer to go back than to just keep going. You should go back. Why risk it? Going against my fear, I kept my legs moving forward. In a fast movement, I was lifted from my feet and swooshed into a dark corner of trees. Just before a scream could erupt, a hand covered my mouth. A face came inches from mine with his finger up to his lips.
“Shhhh.”
My eyes bulged. It was him, the green-eyed stranger. He slowly released his hand, being cautious I wouldn’t scream. We sat on the grass, staying close. He held me so we were inches apart. My heartbeat was out of control, and my hands were shaking.
Footsteps started up the sidewalk; the noise caught my attention. I pushed away from the stranger gently and turned to see who was coming. He pulled me back and slowly came close to my ear.
“Please don’t move.”
A shiver ran down my body, and from the glow of his eyes I knew he noticed. He took off his coat and placed it over my bare legs. Gratefully, I took the coat, but instead of listening to him I turned to get a better look at the oncoming footsteps.
Gasp! I covered my mouth this time. The attacker paced back and forth.
“Did you find her?” a static voice sounded.
He raised a handheld radio to his mouth. “No, not yet. Are you sure she was walking this way?”
“Yes. I was told that’s the direction she would take.”
“Well, like usual, you have failed me. I don’t know why I ask such incompetent people to help me.”
“We’re sorry, boss. But don’t worry, we’ll get her.”
He mumbled in anger and stormed off.
I turned then to the man that saved me again. “They’re after me . . . ”
He smiled and held my gaze a second longer. “Yes, but I won’t let them have you.”
Our chemistry flowed between us.
“Thank you.” I was either in shock, scared, or speechless.
“You’re welcome.” He smiled even bigger.
“Who are you?”
He looked away, got up, and helped me stand to my feet. “Max.” He held out his hand.
I had never met anyone like him. Of course, I only lived in a small town, so the number of people was limited.
He saw my hesitation, but waited patiently. I slowly raised my hand and placed it in his. “Leah.”
He nodded. “I’ll walk you home.”
“That would be very nice.”
He picked up his coat and my bag, put his hand on my back, and guided me to the sidewalk. I felt safe with Max, but that safeness made me skeptical. Who was he really? And why did he help me? My heart beat faster than it should. Breathless feelings invaded my whole body, and being next to him was a rush that I had never felt before. Being attracted to someone was one thing, but I was drawn to him. The more we met the more this feeling grew, and this time I needed to know why before he disappeared again.
His hand still rested on my back, but when I glanced up at him he looked so serious. He looked behind us and all directions, making sure we were still alone. His posture remained as firm as a board. My folded arms felt stiff and my muscles were still tense. I reached over with one hand slowly and touched his side. He covered my hand with his. His touch sent a burning feeling though me,
“Are you OK?” He looked down at me with concern.
“Why did you save me?”
A low growl vibrated his throat, which made me pull my hand away. “It’s my job.”
Job? “I don’t understand.”
He pulled me to a stop to look at me. “I know. I was hired to protect you. I’m a bodyguard. The problem is, I’m supposed to be discreet about it.” He let his hand fall to the side, but I only felt absence. “Only helping you when you need it, then leaving. Walking you home or even speaking to you are against the regulations of this assignment.”
“Who hired you? I didn’t know I needed protection.”
“I’ve said too much already. I can’t tell you who hired me. I should go . . . I shouldn’t be here.”
“Wait. Why can’t I tell anyone about you or the attacks?”
“It’s another rule of the assignment. The more people that know, the more people that are in danger. This is a one-man operation and that’s all I know.” He ran his hand through his hair. “Here, I’ll walk you home but I am afraid that’s where we say good-bye. You won’t see me or hear me ever again unless I am needed.”
“OK.” I looked down, trying to hide my disappointment. I didn’t want to have feelings for Max or to have a bodyguard, but I did have feelings and I was just his assignment.
Max came close to me and raised my chin with his fist. “Don’t worry, I will always be around, and I will always know when you’re in danger.”
“How?” I whispered.
“I just will. Now let’s get you home so you can stop shivering.”
Yes I was shivering, but it wasn’t from the cold.
CHAPTER SIX
Our good-bye that night felt like I lost my best friend. It didn’t make sense how I felt, and my brain couldn’t understand the intense pull Max had over my heart. There was no use in telling him how my body reacted to him, or how my soul recognized him as someone important. How could you tell someone whom you know so little about that you want to see them again? Plus, I was his job and only an assignment. He told me he couldn’t see me again. If that wasn’t hint enough, I don’t know what was. It was for the best, anyway; I had a boyfriend.
Weeks had passed since that night, and sometimes I wondered if everything that had happened that night, including Max, was a dream. It was strange, but even though we’d barely spoken and I couldn’t remember all the details of his face, something in my soul ached for him. I tried to hide the yearning behind homework and friends, but there was no getting rid of it. Jared and I made the cut for the ballroom team, so three days a week our team met for practice. Because dance was my favorite enjoyment, it helped my mind stay focused on college life.
“Are you still doing homework?” Melissa asked. The kitchen table turned into my favorite place to bury into work. “The last couple weeks, if you’re not with Jared you’re here for hours reading and writing. You need to get out more, hang with the girls. There’s a stag dance going on at campus. You should come. What is Jared doing right now?”
“He’s with the ballroom coach. She asked him to stay after and be the male dancer for a high school team she teaches.”
“Aw, he must be good at what he does then.”
“He always has been an amazing dancer.”
“So let him do his thing, and you come with us. Gretchen, Tracy, and Summer are all going.”
I opened my book again. “I don’t know.”
“You need to get out of these books. Now, go get ready.” Melissa stood and pulled my arm up.
“OK, OK. I’ll go.”
***
Walking into the dance with my friends sent a whole new feeling through me. The music pumping and the other students’ energy rejuvenated my outlook
of the night. This was my element.
“Go girl! I told you you would have fun,” Melissa yelled over the DJ’s music.
I nodded at her and continued dancing my heart out.
“I’m going to get a drink,” I yelled.
They followed me to the water fountain, agreeing they too were thirsty. I took my turn but then waited. Where we stood was above the rest of the dancers. Every corner of the floor was packed, even the spot we once stood. I scanned the crowed, but stopped when I saw him. Max stood at the far corner across from me, arms folded, glancing over the crowd.
“Hey, Leah!” Melissa spun me around. “What’s up? You look like you just saw a ghost.”
I turned briefly to where Max stood, but he had already vanished.
“I thought I saw someone.”
“Let’s go hit the floor again. Tracy said she’s going to get a big circle going so you can show off in the middle.”
“Ha ha, very funny. I won’t be doing that.” I followed her until my phone vibrated in my pocket. “You go ahead. I’m going to step outside to take this call.”
She waved me on while I took my phone out to see Jared calling.
“Hi! Let me walk outside so I can hear you better.” I went through the double doors and into the night air. “OK, I’m good now. How was teaching for the night?”
“It was actually pretty fun. I may be helping out again next week. So where are you anyway?”
“At the student center. There’s a dance going on tonight, and Melissa convinced me to go. She’s calling it girls night out.”
“Girls night out? Well, knowing Melissa I better not get in the middle of that one.”
“Smart man. But we’ll get together tomorrow.”
“That sounds like a plan, cutie. Call you then.”
“K, bye.”
I spun around to go back into the dance while looking down at my phone to end the call.
“Miss me?” a frightful voice said.
I looked up instantly to see my attacker. He grabbed me around the waist and threw me over his shoulder. My phone dropped from my hand while I struggled. I started to scream and kick, but in return he reached back and pulled my hair so I had to look directly into his eyes.