She climbed out of the broken window as fast as she could, scraping her arm on the broken glass. She could now feel the blood dripping down the back of her triceps. If the beast chasing her didn’t smell her, she was sure other wild animals would.
It was pitch black and the lights on her car were no longer illuminating her surroundings. With her disorientation from the crash, she really wasn’t sure which direction the road was. She looked to the sky for something to guide her. There was a partial cloud covering, making it hard to see where the stars were. Mage did her best and ran in the direction she hypothesized the road might be.
She prayed to every god and begged her spirit guides to help her. She prayed that a car would come along in time to help her get away. As she ran, she could hear the footsteps behind her, approaching and gaining in speed.
Mage couldn’t run as fast as she could drive. She knew she didn’t stand a chance. That wasn’t about to stop her from pumping her legs as fast as she could push them. She couldn’t pump her arms in the same rhythm. One was broken and the other was torn open. She tried to hold them across her body, which was probably slowing her down. It certainly didn’t help her balance any.
The long dress she wore got caught under her left foot when she went to step forward, and she tumbled down to the ground.
Mage rolled over onto her back with her pen and tire gage in her hands. She was out of breath, panting, her heartbeat pounding like a bass drum in her ears.
In the still of the night, it was easy to hear him coming. As he stalked in closer to her, she saw his glowing yellow eyes turn red. He howled loud into the black sky. Mage pushed backward, trying to get up to a standing position. She made it halfway to her feet before she felt the blow from his paw-like hand. His claws scratched across her face. She went flying into the air, but not without managing to slash at his arm.
When she came down, her head landed on a rock. She felt and heard the crack. The beast approached her and pawed at her. She felt the hot, wet blood spilling from the side of her head as the beast’s teeth started to sink into her skin.
And then everything went black.
Chapter 7
Kasha was glad that her shift at the campus bookstore was a short one and the last shift she would have to work. There were no volunteers; almost everyone was scheduled, so things ran smoothly and efficiently. Students were in and out with cash in hand, ready for all the parties before summer break was official.
The store clerks decided they would head over to Campus Pi to share a few pizzas to commiserate and celebrate the end of year. Most of them were graduating so this was probably the last time they would work or hang out with each other.
“Kasha, are you going to your friend’s party tonight?” one of her coworkers asked her.
“Teresina’s party? Yeah. She’s one of my housemates. I kind of have to go.”
“She’s very peppy. Is she always like that?”
“Yes, I don’t think I’ve ever seen her without a smile plastered across her face.”
“It’s nice to see that. Some of the girls on campus are so cranky, either because they are snobs or mope around in their own misery.” The girl took two giant bites of her folded slice of pizza.
“Yeah, well, not everyone has it so good, and others are just not ready to take the time to seek peace in their hearts. I try to smile at people who look like they’re having a rough day. There’s a lot of power behind a simple smile. You’d be surprised how far that little bit of positive energy can travel.”
“I’m sure that’s true. You’re such an old soul, Kasha, anyone ever tell you that?”
“No.” Kasha blushed and giggled a little bit, not sure how to take the comment.
“It’s good. You have a good vibe. You seem enlightened beyond your years.” She pushed up her glasses and slurped her soda through a white-and-red striped straw that matched the booths they were sitting in.
“Thanks. Maybe for you to notice, you’re more enlightened than you think.” The two of them started laughing and in sync, both said, “Professor Marks.”
The two girls realized they had the same professor. He only taught one class, The Psychological Aspects of Spirituality.
“How did we not know we took the same class? It would have been fun to share notes. It was by far my favorite class.” Kasha knew she needed to wrap up the lunch and get back home to finish her packing.
“Me too!” The girl slid the crust of her pizza across the excessive amount of sprinkled condiments that remained on her plate.
Kasha finished up her slice and helped to clear the table. They all exchanged emails and shared a few hugs. Most would be empty promises of keeping in touch. It sounded nice to Kasha, but since they hadn’t socialized outside of work all this time, she found it unlikely that any of them would keep in touch.
“Maybe I’ll see you guys tonight at the pub. I’m not sure how old you all are, but it’s eighteen to get in for the girls. I’ll be there around ten.” She waved and headed out the door to get back to the house.
When Kasha got back to the house, it was filled with boxes, bags, and laundry baskets full of stuff. All of her housemates were graduating, so nothing was staying. The television was still hooked up and on, even though no one was in the room watching it. Looking around the house left a bittersweet taste in her mouth.
She ran up to her room to see if Jean was packing or starting to get ready. Kasha was no fashionista, but Jean was all about the glam. If anyone looked at her, they would never know that most of her time was spent with her nose in a book. Since freshman year, she was always done up. Even if they stayed in their dorm room, studying, her hair was done and makeup was in place.
Kasha wasn’t sure they would click when she first met Jean. On first impression, they would seem to be opposites, but mentally they were totally in sync. When they weren’t studying, they would stay up late talking about the universe, astrology, spirituality, and boys, of course. They loved to use the magic eight ball and joke about how cool it would be if they could actually see into the future.
They took almost all of the same classes and when they weren’t working, they were together. Kasha took a moment and realized she was never really alone at all in all four years at college. There were times she did things with other people, but never alone.
It warmed her heart to know she had been lucky to have made the friendship and sad she didn’t know if they would ever see each other again. Jean’s parents sent her a plane ticket to go back to Pennsylvania and told her to ship what she needed home and toss the rest.
Before she got to her room, she ran into Teresina, literally, almost knocking her down at the top of the stairs.
“Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry.” Kasha steadied herself and grabbed Teresina’s arms to make sure she was okay. “I wasn’t paying attention.”
“That’s okay. Why are you in such a hurry?” Teresina asked.
“I’m just glad to be back from my last shift at work—”
“How awesome was yesterday?” Teresina cut her off. “I had a blast. I wish I’d gotten a job there. I can’t believe I missed out on such a cool time. At least I can put it on my résumé now.” Her teeth seemed to twinkle as her lips widened.
“I enjoyed working there. It helped me be able to pay for my books.” She started to inch her way toward her room. “I think the crew from the store will be at the pub tonight. They thought you were great.”
“Aw, isn’t that nice? Tonight is gonna be crazy insane. I hope you’re ready to have a blast.”
“You know what? I am ready to have some fun,” Kasha said. “I might even let Jean get me all spiffy.”
“That would be fabulous. I know at least one hottie that is supposed to be there. I have to run, last minute details and all.”
Kasha had to laugh. Teresina was one of a kind if nothing else.
Upon her entry into their shared room, the sight before her wasn’t at all what she expected to walk into. Jean had almost ev
ery last bit of the room packed—even Kasha’s belongings. Kasha couldn’t believe it. She had only been gone a few hours. There were hours, if not a day or two, left of packing to finish for the two of them.
“There you are,” Jean said from behind Kasha. “I’ve been waiting for you.”
“It hardly looks like you’ve been waiting. How did you get all of this done so fast?” Kasha asked.
“Magic,” was her only reply.
“Sure would appear that way. I hope you left us something out to wear for the next few days.”
“I did something better than that. I went shopping.”
“Shopping? How did you have time to do any shopping?” Kasha couldn’t imagine how Jean could have had a minute to do anything with how much she had accomplished in their room.
“I did and I got us each some new digs for tonight. I know you don’t like to get too fancy, but I thought this was a special occasion. Want to see what I got ya?” Jeans eyes lit up and she scurried over to the closet.
Jean pulled out an army-green tie-dyed halter-top tank with an om symbol emblazoned on the front in tiny rhinestones.
“I know it is a little bit flashy for you, but when I saw it, I thought it would make you happy. I left out a pair of jeans for you and I got you a pair of shoes to tie the outfit together.”
“I’m speechless, and I love the shirt. I can manage to rock it tonight. I’m going to go shower and set my hair in some rollers. I might even put on something more than mascara.”
“Ooh, fancy. I like. You can thank me for finishing packing by making sure we have a cab for the ride home tonight. I have a feeling we won’t be wanting to make the walk.”
“I don’t know how you talked me into wearing these shoes.” Kasha held on to Jean’s arm as they walked down the street.
There were plenty of street lamps along the way to keep them from walking in the dark. There were a lot of people out on the streets, more than usual. Even though there were still a few cars breaking the speed limit, most people were walking. It was a night for drinking.
“Well, you look hot. Don’t get me wrong, Kash, you are a stunning beauty, but tonight you look like a sexy rock and roll chick.” Jean’s over-glossed lips perked up.
“That might be true, but you know I never wear heels. When the weather is right, my burkes are the ticket.” Kasha felt funny walking in the heels, but loved that they were still her, just glammed up.
“I tried to pick out something that would suit you. They’re a dark forest green to match all your earth tone clothing. I love how they have a boot look, but the open toe and the high spiky heel can’t help but scream sexy. Besides, they look great paired with that awesome necklace you’ve been wearing all semester.”
“I’m not sure who I’m screaming sexy to. I’ve been on two bad dates in four years.” Kasha touched the pendant on her neck and realized she forgot she was going to switch it out to the moonstone necklace Gram had made her.
“Not everyone needs to get fucked up and sleep with the football team when they go to college. It’s okay. I respect that you don’t settle for just any guy. That says a lot about your inner strengths.”
“Thanks, Jean.” Kasha gave her a little squeeze. “I’m glad we’re almost there. These shoes are going to make me turn into a pumpkin at midnight.”
“Then we better hurry and make the best of these two hours!” Jean giggled, grabbed Kasha by the arm, and started to run. “Sometimes it’s easier to run in heels than it is to walk,” she shouted between breaths.
They rounded the corner to Main Street and could see the line stretched past several storefronts.
“The entire school must be here. How are we going to get in?” Kasha wondered out loud.
“Come on, don’t you know how this works? The hottest girls get in first. Look at us.” She chuckled a little. “And your best friend Terri told me we are on a list, all housemates first.”
Once inside, Teresina spotted them even though there was barely any standing room. Kasha could see her blond hair and blue eyes coming at her with waving arms.
“Hey, guys, can you believe this?”
“Yeah, you really managed to throw the biggest party this college has ever seen!” Jean shouted over the music.
“The promoter helped me. He set up two bands and a DJ. This party almost makes me want to stay for another year. Come on, let’s get a drink together.”
The three girls made there way over to the bar. One of the bands was playing on the small stage in the far corner. The music was an extreme mix of metal and electronic beats. Kasha couldn’t decide if she liked it or not. She did, however, notice how it created an intense upbeat vibe in the place.
“What can I get you, ladies?” the bartender asked them. The girls just stood there gawking at him for a minute. His large arms were covered in tattoos, his head bald, and face was clean-shaven to match. His eyes were bright and his smile was intoxicating.
“Three shots of silver tequila!” Kasha broke the awkward silence.
“You got it. Anything to chase it down?” he asked while the clear spirit streamed into three rocks glasses.
“I’ll have a water. How about you guys?” Kasha asked.
“I’ll have a long island iced tea. Whatever they want, just put it on my tab,” Teresina instructed him.
“Sure, doll. Who are you?”
“Teresina, I’m hosting the party tonight.” She winked at him and he laughed.
The girls slammed the shots.
“Let’s do it again!” Teresina was on a mission. “I told you I’m getting you drunk tonight.”
“Two shots of tequila might just do the trick,” Kasha said. “Let’s do it. I’m going to miss you girls when I go back home.”
Three shots later, the girls were in the middle of the dance floor, laughing and bouncing to the music. The tequila went down fast and the effects were quick. Kasha had a major case of the sillies. She loved to dance and with the liquor coursing through her veins, her inhibitions were lower than ever before.
“So where is this hot promoter guy you’ve been nonstop talking about?” Kasha asked Teresina.
Teresina looked around the bar while she was still bopping around to the music. “He’s even better looking than Rebecca said. He’s tall and has the coolest black hair.”
“Does he go to school here?” Jean asked her.
“No, I don’t know where he’s from. The only problem is that I’m not sure if he’s old enough to drink.” Teresina twisted her lips and crossed her eyes.
“Oh, well, he doesn’t need to drink for us to check out his butt,” Jean teased over the music.
The music was loud; everyone was having a good time. Kasha saw some of her friends from the campus store across the crowd and waved. They were friendly, but even at the bookstore they had their own little clique that stuck together. Kasha wondered if all those people outside in that line managed to squeeze their way into the bar; it sure felt like they did. She didn’t realize just how many people she’d never even seen before that night that must have gone to her school.
Even on a tiny scale, the world was so big. It was a wonder how anyone found his or her way to like-minded friends or lovers. Kasha wasn’t a social butterfly. She was kind and respected other people, but she never really let anyone in. Jean had been the closest to someone she could call a friend. With all the moving over the years with her grandmother, the four short years at college would prove to be just another move. So she didn’t make it a priority to get close to anyone.
Jean and Kasha meshed in a way that their time was spent in the same space; it didn’t always mean it was spent connecting and building a friendship. Teresina tried as hard as she could to get close to Kasha, but Kasha kept herself busy enough with her studies, her campus jobs, and volunteer tutoring that she always had an excuse not to engage in things.
Kasha looked around and soaked in the energy. Everyone was celebrating the end of one stage of life and excited about the be
ginning of new opportunities that lay ahead. Kasha had no idea what she was going to do after she got back home. She knew she still had time to figure things out, and Gram would never force her in any direction.
The group of guys dancing next to them were hooting and bear hugging. They were a burly group of guys that Kasha didn’t recognize, but she overheard the mention of graduation so she assumed they were from her class. They probably belonged to one of the fraternities that she managed not to get involved in.
One of the guys threw his arms up with a full beer in hand. The wet yeasty brew splashed out of the plastic cup all over Teresina’s arm. The rage that flashed in her eyes caught Kasha by surprise. Never once in all the four years that she knew her had she ever seen anything but a borderline annoyed smile on her face.
She grabbed the guy by the arm with a grip that didn’t match that of a twenty-two-year-old girl. The guy stopped dead in his tracks and his face went flat, lacking the happy-go-lucky vibe he was displaying seconds before.
Teresina looked over at Kasha and Jean, who both stopped dancing in shock at what they were witnessing. She suddenly smeared that smile back on her face and released the guy’s arm.
“You really should be more careful. How about I buy you guys another round of beers?” Teresina’s rage disappeared as quickly as it came.
The guys looked at her in disbelief and cautiously accepted her offer. She walked them over to the bar and told the bartender to put a round on her tab.
“That was crazy. What just happened?” Kasha asked Jean.
“I don’t know, but I think it would be best to not even mention it. Maybe we should get another drink too.”
“Okay, one more. We need to call a cab before everyone else in here has the same idea. Don’t let me forget it’s starting to get late.”
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