Divinity: The Gathering: Book One

by Susan Reid

  Truthfully, I wasn’t sure I would be able to drive like this, but I was sure as hell gonna try.

  “Thanks Ms. Lenell.” I said.

  “You’re welcome baby and be safe,” She said hitching my purse and messenger tote around my arm for me.

  “I’ll take those for you,” Officer Cam offered after putting his cap back on just then as if he were about to leave too.

  “I’ve got it; they’re not heavy,” I told him clutching my bags closer to me.

  I moved as fast as I could with the cumbersome crutch towards the front doors; pausing to glance down the dim corridor to the left, and I thought of Ms. Hawthorne upon seeing her door, which remained closed. I was sure Officer Black wasn’t far behind me either.

  I didn’t want to disturb her, but I had to make sure she was okay for myself. I turned and headed towards her room, taking a moment to listen before easing it open and peering inside. The bedside lamp was still on, and she lay sleeping with her head slightly turned. She must have sensed someone opening the door because she stirred and then her small head turned to face me, and she opened her eyes, blinking to focus them on me.

  “It’s just me, I wanted to say goodnight,” I whispered not wanting to come all the way into the room, so she could see my face.

  She reached an arm out to me— wanting me to come to her, and I sighed. I didn’t want to leave her hanging.

  I entered her room and moved to the side of the bed, taking her frail, cool hand, which felt like rubbery latex in mine as she gripped it tight. She was smiling in relief until she saw my face.

  Her brow furrowed in confusion and concern.

  “Yo face…” She whispered as she reached out a shaky hand up to touch my chin.

  I gently stopped her and smiled, as painful as the simple act was to do at the moment. Her mouth fell open, and she looked as if she were about to cry when her eyes traveled to the crutch under my arm.

  “It’s okay. I’m down but not out. It’ll take a lot more than this.” I joked with a smirk knowing she knew what I meant.

  Her eyes widened as she paused for a moment, and tears began to well up.

  “You are s-special. I knew it. Thank you star chil’…he gon’ now, I know he gon’. I can rest now— I know you were an angel when I first saw you,” She said as she began to cry silently and smile at the same time.

  Angel? Far from it but I knew what she meant.

  Her voice and speech had become clearer, and she didn’t struggle with pronunciation as much anymore. A miracle?

  “Yeah, he’s gone…I think,” I smiled, but I doubted it was anything I did.

  “He is. He couldn’t take you…none of ‘em gon’ be able to,” She smiled motherly like and took my hand again to help herself up to a sitting position.

  I helped her and adjusted her pillow behind her.

  “This world is passin’ soon. I have been seein’ them demons since I was a chil’…they took most of my family, friends; a few of my own chil’ren to try an’ get to me, but I wouldn’t let ‘em. You have the same spirit, the same fire I saw ‘fore in an angel. They comin’… a lot more now, so be careful,” She began in a whisper.

  I opened my mouth slightly but didn’t know what to say to that.

  She smiled and patted my cheek gently. Her hand was dry, the flesh thin but soft.

  “I can see it, believe me; it’s there an’ it’s strong. Yo’ aura is like white fire. It’s a weapon,” She said.

  White fire and flames? Where had I seen that before? In my dream last night, that fire had consumed that dark angel, and he was afraid of it.

  I could only nod as I swallowed hard thinking it strange that Ms. Hawthorne, a woman I just met and who could also see the shadow beings that I could, would make that comparison.

  “Neva give in or give up no matta what anyone says or what they do…you already blessed,” She smiled displaying a few missing teeth.

  I returned the genuine smile seeing my grandmother in her face, and I felt my own oncoming tears begin to well-up and take me by surprise.

  She pulled me to her and hugged me, and I hugged her back.

  “I see you soon… whateva happens to come…for you is just the beginnin’. You got to stay strong ‘cause you got a dark one followin’ you now too,” She then said as we broke from the hug, and she stroked my hair with a warm smile.

  I wrinkled my brow in confusion and alarm, “A dark one? Following me too? What do you mean, like a demon?” I asked softly though I could believe that. I guess she could see the shadows that were after me then too obviously.

  I hoped she hadn’t meant like the one that I had been beaten up by though.

  That thought terrified me.

  “You find out soon ‘nough, but I know you be alright…someone is comin’.” She then said as she lay back again and pulled the covers up to her chin.

  I studied her for a moment with curiosity at her and her words. She couldn’t leave me hanging like that. I needed to know more, but I didn’t push her; she was frail and dealing with her own physical pains, and I didn’t want to stress her out after all that just now happened.

  I sighed softly, “Why don’t you want anyone to know you’re speaking?” I asked her then.

  She chuckled, her voice barely a whisper.

  “I don’t speak, not with demons ‘round cause that’s what they do…listen and watch all the time. That’s how come they know…how and when to hurt you. No one believes me anyway, they all think I’m crazy…sickness in the head, but I seen things. Things should nobody see…just like you— so why say anythin’? I’m just waitin’ to go back home, now there I be safe and strong. This ol’ body ain’t doin’ me no good in this worl’ anyway.” She whispered and smiled.

  I nodded in complete understanding and feeling strangely close and connected to Ms. Hawthorne right at this moment.

  Just then the door opened, and Terrie was rolling in new towels with a chart.

  Ms. Hawthorne winked at me as I eyed Terrie to make sure she was a real person.

  “Hey sweetie I thought you had left. Are you gonna be okay?” She asked me, looking down at my ankle.

  “Yeah, I’m on my way out. I was just saying good night to Ms. Hawthorne,” I smiled feeling Ms. Hawthorne give my hand a firm squeeze.

  I smiled again at her as I tucked the blanket over her more securely before I turned to head back towards the door.

  “Well that’s sweet. Hello Ms. Hawthorne, how are we feeling now? Honey, that Officer Black is …wow.” She whispered to me and grinned with raised brows.

  “He’s still out there?” I asked, with the door handle in my grip feeling butterflies dancing in the pit of my stomach at the mere mention of his name again.

  “Yeah, I think he may be waiting for you.” She hinted at me jokingly with a wink.

  I blanched. He wasn’t gonna let me drive myself home, I thought to myself.

  Great.

  “Well, you be careful going home hon,” Terrie smiled as she fussed with clearing off the dying flower petals from the buffet table.

  “I will. Good night.” I replied; relieved as I turned to go, with one last look at Ms. Hawthorne who watched me as I left.

  I didn’t even bother checking to see where officer Cam was; bound for the front doors myself. Once outside the rain slowed to a barely drizzle, and the cold wet air hit me with a faint moldy smell that was probably coming from the lake in the back.

  I hobbled towards my Honda as fast as I could with the crutch and hating the damned thing already. The rain had left behind large puddles of water and mud that formed dark pools along the parking lot and lawn, and I cursed to myself trying to maneuver around possible potholes in disguise. A few cars swished by on the drenched main road in front of the Hospice with headlights cutting through the dark. I hadn’t even checked the time or my phone before I left. It was getting late, and I had early classes. I was sure China had tried to call or text me since I had forgotten to call her.

  Of
ficer Cam’s police cruiser was conveniently parked next to my car. I pressed the key fob to unlock my car and then began to load my stuff into the back seat along with the crutch before opening the drivers’ side door.

  I backed myself into the driver’s seat and eased my injured ankle inside to position over the gas pedal to it test out. I depressed the gas pedal, already feeling the pangs of discomfort shoot up my leg making me grit my teeth and wince.

  No! Officer Black had been right about being incapacitated and unable to drive after all. I couldn’t drive like this! Even so, I was determined and even more determined not to admit I was wrong and needing him to take me back to the University.

  The front doors to the hospice opened and Officer Cam’s tall, built silhouette was outlined in the light coming from inside.

  I turned the key in the ignition, and my car sputtered and… then died.

  “What?” I said incredulously to myself as I turned the key again. The car wouldn’t even turn over this time.

  I’ve only had this car for a year, and I bought it new! It’s never given me problems before.

  I turned the key several more time when a soft knock at the window made me jump and gasp.

  I sighed. This night just couldn’t be happening!

  Maybe I should have listened to China and not come out here after all.

  I paused for a moment before opening the door because apparently, the car window button wouldn’t work either. Officer Cam stood back so I would be able to see him when he spoke without having to break my neck.

  “Sounds like the battery,” He told me. “It can’t be I bought it new, and it’s been working fine. This car isn’t even a year-old.” I informed him.

  “Try your headlights.” He then suggested. I turned the switch for my headlights and no luck there. “You might have left them on when you got here,” He then offered.

  “They’re automatic I don’t have to manually turn them off,” I said getting out of the car with a frustrated sigh, “I don’t suppose you have jumper cables then?” I asked him.

  “It’s against policy actually but I could call a tow truck for you, or maybe you have a friend who can pick you up?” He then suggested.

  I sighed in exhaustion. “No, I don’t wanna bother anyone this late.” I then said pulling out my cell phone to call information for the nearest towing company.

  “The ride back to the university is still good.” He then offered with a smile.

  I paused and thought about all the pros and cons. Despite the return of the static sensation and the unease he gave me. He was a police officer. I just wanted to get back to the apartment, crawl into bed, and forget this nightmare of nights.

  “Okay, let me get my stuff out of the back and—thank you Officer Black.” I resigned as I took my keys, got out, and opened the door to get my things out of the backseat.

  “You’re welcome. Your name is Star, right?” He asked. I hadn’t even asked or expected him to take my purse, hoodie and messenger bag for me to the cruiser as I juggled to position the crutch under my arm, but he did before I could even protest. I hadn’t planned to use the crutch, but I took it with me anyway and limped to the cruiser while he watched me and shook his head at my perseverance.

  I nodded, “Yeah. I’ll call the Tow Company in the morning.” I told him.

  He nodded as he walked over to the driver’s side and started the cruiser up in order to get the inside warmed up. I then moved back around to hold the passenger-side door open for me before I even got the chance to reach for the handle myself. Once I settled into the passenger seat and got comfortable, he exchanged my purse and messenger tote bag for the crutch, which I gladly handed to him. He closed my door and put it into the backseat.

  I‘d never ridden in a police car before, which was a good thing, but I was always curious. I buckled in, admiring all the lighted gadgets and monitors mounted in the dash. The scent of new sweet leather hit my nose along with another scent amid his cologne. It was almost like rain and cinnamon or something. Maybe his laundry detergent, I supposed.

  I leaned back into the seat and sighed deeply internally. I don’t know the significance of today and all that’s happened, but I hoped it wouldn’t get any worse…could it? Better not say that out loud or even think it. I mean, given present eye candy and company maybe what was left of this night wouldn’t be so terrible after all. He climbed into the drivers’ seat, not bothering to buckle up himself, but I didn’t question it, though I found it hypocritical since he was a police officer. I wasn’t surprised at how far back his seat was from the steering wheel to accommodate his legs.

  I scooted closer to the door, hugging my purse and messenger bag to me as he backed up, and we pulled out into traffic, bound for the university. The tickling static sensation that I kept feeling on my skin seemed to be the strongest in here now. I found myself rubbing my arms and the fine hairs beneath my sleeves that had been obviously standing on end in reaction to the sensation, made soft popping crackling sounds as I did.

  Strange.

  Maybe it was from the humidity, and the cold combined I supposed. I listened to the soft squawk of the walkie-talkie as different voices relayed messages back and forth, though apparently having nothing to do with him since he ignored them all.

  “Something wrong?” he asked out of the blue.

  “Huh?” I turned to face him.

  “You keep rubbing your arms, are you cold? I’ll turn the heater up,” He offered, reaching for the heat control dial on the dash board.

  “No, I’m fine.” I shook my head. I probably should have used a thicker hoodie or something for later, but I forgot the thicker one in my car. It was silent for a moment as I stared ahead at the winding, dark ribbon of road and headlights passing us on the opposite side of the roadway.

  “Is this your first year at the university?” He asked.

  I smoothed my unruly curls, affected by the cold, static and humidity. “I’m a sophomore actually.” I said keeping my eyes focused ahead.

  Sprinkles of water continued to dot the windshield, and the wipers made a soft whispery sweep every ten seconds.

  “Are you from here?” He then asked.

  “No.” I replied.

  “Where are you from?” he then asked.

  “Originally or before I started college?” I asked him.

  He smirked. “Both.” He replied.

  I couldn’t help but feel a slight playful smile begin to play across my own lips. “I was born in Jamaica. My mother and her family are native. I moved here for school from Florida,” I told him. “Jamaica? In the Caribbean? I’ve heard that’s a very beautiful place.” He commented. “I suppose.” I shrugged a shoulder.

  “How come you left there?” He then asked.

  “My father was in the military.” I said quickly.

  He nodded in understanding then asked, “What branch?”

  “Army.” I replied.

  It was quiet again for a moment and this time I wanted to ask him some questions before he could even think to ask me anything else about my parents. “So, how long have you been a police officer?” I asked turning to look at him. He must have just gotten out of the academy because he did look young, like in his early twenties.

  I could see him smile via the slight rise of his cheekbone even though it was only his profile that I could make out in the dimness of the car. The shadows obscured most of his features.

  “Not long,” He answered glancing over at me.

  I nodded.

  “What are you majoring in?” He then asked.

  I sighed a little. I didn’t know whether to take his questions as just conversation or being nosy. For some reason, it made me nervous about telling him anything with him being a police officer and all, not that I was guilty of anything per se.

  I really didn’t even know the answer to that personally. I shrugged a shoulder, “At first it had been business administration then …I started just coasting and taking a lot of courses that wo
uld probably never earn me a living and to this day, I still haven’t decided.” I told him.

  He laughed a little at my answer and nodded.

  I smiled.

  “Are you sure you’re alright? To be frank, speaking as a cop that is, in my opinion, your injuries aren’t consistent with running into a door. Unless… it was steel and you were running at about fifty miles an hour; then stuck your foot in yourself and slammed your ankle in it. I mean I’ve heard of some freak accidents before, but yours sounds a little strange to me.” He then said.

  I shifted and looked at him then. He turned to glance at me for a moment.

  “No one hit me if that’s what you’re suggesting. Don’t worry no charges need to be filed or arrests made, trust me.” I told him.

  There was a brief pause.

  “So what really happened then?” He pressed on, and for some reason; it made my heart thump, and I got nervous. Obviously, he was implying that he knew something to the contrary.

  This was how many horror movies started out I thought as my mind got to working. I mean, after all who’s to say he wasn’t the one who hit me? He shows up mysteriously after all that took place anyway.

  “Do you need to file a report or something?” I asked him.

  “No, just my own concerns for your safety.” He replied.

  “It’s okay I’m not being stalked by anyone.” I told him.

  Any actual ‘human being’ that is anyway.

  My cell phone rang and I immediately went to fish it out of my purse, pulling it out and reading the display. It was Joel. I didn’t want to talk to him in here so I’d call or text him later. I let the call go to voicemail.

  “You know you’re awfully stubborn. I’m not trying to pry or suggest anything. I’m only trying to help ensure that you’re okay, not just on the outside I mean,” He then said and that threw me for a surprise. I instantly felt guilty. It was just my nature, something I’ve always maintained because I had to. Get a grip Star, I told myself. He is a cop. It wasn’t like I thumbed a ride and got in with a psychotic looking, greasy stranger.