Hidden Monster (The Monsters Among Us Book 1)

by Amanda Strong

  He opened it and rolled his eyes. Mr. Giles, oblivious to our little game, called on Blake. My stomach dropped for him. He hadn’t been following along in his textbook, but he answered the question anyway. Wish school came so easy for me. Forty-five minutes later, class ended, and Blake’s hand landed on my arm. I glanced up from stuffing my books into my bag.

  “What am I to make of this?” He held out the paper.

  “Just what it says, I can’t.”

  “And why not?” We exited the classroom, entering the crowded locker hall. “And don’t say someone else asked you first, because this is a girl’s choice. Besides, I asked you before you even knew about it.”

  “It’s complicated.”

  “Complicated? Dancing with Jen’s going to be complicated!”

  I smiled in spite of myself. At least I knew Blake wasn’t interested in Jen. Too bad she hadn’t picked up on that yet. “Blake, Jen’s my friend, and I’ve learned long ago not to come between a friend and her—”

  “I’m not her man, if that’s what you’re going to say,” he cut in.

  “So why don’t you just tell her no then?” Why make me be the bad guy here?

  “Okay, I will. And then you have to be my date.”

  “No, wait.” I sighed. “That won’t work. She likes you. That means she’ll hate me either way.”

  “Are all girls this ridiculous?” I peeked over to see he was grinning. “Why’s everything got to be so difficult?”

  I glanced around, feeling the gawking eyes.

  “You don’t even know about difficult,” I muttered.

  Blake halted, and a student collided with him from behind. He ignored the cuss words thrown his way, pulling me to the side. Once against the lockers, I stared back at him. Concern filled his eyes, confusing me.

  “I’m so sorry, Sam. Here I’m being coy with you—how are you holding up?”

  “I, uh, I’m fine.”

  “Has today been,” he hesitated, “weird?”

  You win the weird prize, I wanted to say. One minute, I’m ready to slug you, then the next, I want to kiss you madly in some dark corner. “It’s been good and bad.” My stomach rumbled, and we both heard it.

  My face flushed, and he grinned. “You hungry?” he asked.

  “Starving.” Lately, I couldn’t get enough food in. Blake continued walking, and I followed. The cafeteria wasn’t far.

  “So what’s been bad about today?” he asked.

  I glanced over at him and sighed. “Well, for one, I’m not sure what to think of Jeremy.”

  He made a sour face back at me.

  “What was that for?” I asked.

  “You’re talking about the Jeremy that sits with Jen at lunch, right?”

  “Yeah?”

  “And he was your boyfriend, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “Oh, nothing. He’s a total tool, that’s all.”

  I made tsking sound. “He’s not that bad.”

  Blake glanced at me and shrugged. Entering the lunchroom, we parted ways to get food and met up at Jen’s table. I plopped down next to her, and Blake sat across from us. Seeing how Jen beamed back at him, I knew I did the right thing telling him no, as much as it pained me.

  “So? Are you going to be in town or what, Blake?” Jen asked, her lips shining with pink gloss.

  I caught eyes with Blake. There’s your excuse! He ignored my accusing glare and instead made eye contact with Mack, who sat down next to us. I could have sworn something passed between them, and Blake shook his head ever so slightly. Okay, that was weird.

  Blake cleared his throat. “No Jen, I’m not leaving. I can go with you.”

  This is the right thing to do, I reminded myself, trying to ignore the hollowness I felt.

  “Shoot, Sammy.” Mack sighed heavily. “I know you wanted to ask me and all, but I’m already taken.”

  “You are?” I was sort of surprised.

  Mack opened his mouth, but Jeremy brushed against me as he filled the open seat on my right.

  “I know its girl’s choice, but if you don’t have a date, Samantha, I’m free,” Jeremy said.

  Chapter 9

  I clicked my seatbelt in and stared ahead. I knew he was mad at me. When Blake asked if he could give me a ride home, I called my mom to let her know she didn’t have to come get me. As the engine purred to life, Blake flipped the heater off. It was still on high from the morning. Now his car was warm from sitting in the sun all day. It felt good to me, but Blake turned the AC on low. I wasn’t sure what kind of muscle car it was. The black leather interior was comfortable and soft. Even the floor mats were meticulously clean.

  “Is this the Dukes of Hazard car?” I asked, breaking the silence.

  “What? The Dukes’ car was a ’69 Dodge Charger.”

  “Oh, it’s orange like it though.”

  He glanced over and grinned. He didn’t seem mad.

  “Sorry, about Jen and everything,” I admitted.

  “Don’t be. You got your wish. I’ll be forced to wear tights all night. But you do know you owe me, right?” He threw the car into reverse, his feet working the clutch, brake, and gas pedals.

  “Owe you? As I recall, you weren’t completely honest about this whole thing.”

  “I suppose you’re right, but in my defense, it was all an innocent mistake. I started school and didn’t know anyone. And then Jen’s all over me. And she wasn’t bad to look at.”

  I rolled my eyes. “And you flirted shamelessly.”

  “I was nice to her. If she mistook that as flirting, it’s not my fault.”

  “Well, when you look like you do, being nice is flirting.” Oh gosh, did I say that out loud?

  Blake glanced over. “You think I’m good looking?”

  “No! I mean, some girls might, okay, whatever, back to your story,” I stuttered, sinking lower into my seat. I can’t believe I just fed his humongous ego!

  Blake chuckled softly. “So, back to my story. Jen asked me before I’d really gotten to know you. I wouldn’t count meeting you in the woods as a great intro.”

  “Wonder why…”

  He glanced over at me. “I didn’t know about everything then. I thought you were high or something.”

  “What?”

  “Well you were out in the woods barefoot. Looked like you just woke up. You have to admit that wasn’t exactly normal.”

  I felt myself bristle.

  “Come now, don’t get like that. You’re the one who rejected me, remember?” he quipped. I opened my mouth and snapped it shut. When he put it like that, he was sort of right. “So, what are you going to tell the douche?”

  “He’s got a name, you know,” I said. He waited, and I mumbled, “I guess my lame-o excuse of ‘let me ask my parents’ won’t get me far, will it?”

  “Nope. You tried and failed with me with that one.”

  I grimaced. He wasn’t going to let me live this one down, was he? “Well, I’m just not going, that’s all.”

  “Oh no, you aren’t going to weenie out of this. You’re going.”

  “But that means I’m Jeremy’s date.” Blake was quiet. I glanced over, and we locked eyes long enough for my pulse to quicken. Then he stared ahead at the road again. We were on our county road now. I’d be home soon.

  I forced a smile. “It’ll be fun. We’ll be in a group this way.”

  “Yippee.”

  I rubbed my hands against the sides of my jeans and then pointed at the couch. “Want to sit?” It hadn’t taken Jeremy long to show up on my doorstep.

  “Yeah, sure.” Jeremy sat on one end of the sofa, and I sat on the other. Tucking one leg under myself, I turned to face him.

  “I asked your mom if you could go and she said yes,” he announced.

  Dropping my eyes to the cushion between us, I picked at a loose thread I’d found. “Oh. Good.”

  “You don’t have to if you don’t want to. I know the last time we saw each other, it wasn’t so great.”
/>
  I glanced up. “About that, I’m really sorry for what happened. I know you were on the news and everything. I understand why you ended things with us.”

  Jeremy’s gaze shifted to the floor. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize what you went through.” He glanced up at me. “I never told anyone we broke up. They all think we’re still together.”

  I gaped at him. “Wait, what?”

  He rushed on. “I’d hoped, still hope, we can pick up where we left off.”

  I tore my gaze away from his blue eyes, not sure if I was mad or happy. I supposed I still had some feelings for Jeremy, if sweaty palms and a nervous stomach counted. It was strange to think only two months ago, we’d been on this very couch, making out when my parents were away. Yet, even as my face flushed at the memory, I didn’t know if it was the same for me. I didn’t feel the same anymore; I felt afraid.

  I swallowed hard and glanced back at him. He was waiting for an answer. My heartbeat felt irregular. I cleared my throat, needing more time to decide.

  “I can’t promise anything yet. We might have to pretend we’re starting over. I’m not sure if I can—” My words were cut off by him moving closer and his lips landing across mine.

  He kissed me softly and for some reason, I didn’t resist at first. He pulled me closer, his arms wrapping around my back. Memories flooded in. This was familiar to me—the feel of his mouth moving with mine, his hair tickling my skin, and his faint cologne filling me with longing. And then I was falling into a dark place. No, more like tumbling. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t move. No, no, no! Not him! My mind screamed at me. I pulled back abruptly.

  He looked crushed. “Sorry, I thought maybe if you remembered how it felt, that maybe you’d want me again,” he mumbled.

  I did want him. At least, some parts of me wanted him. Other parts were repulsed, and all of me was confused. “Jeremy, it’s not that. It’s just that I’m not ready for anything yet.” I hoped he’d understand and let me go. I was scared he might try kissing me again.

  He did release me and stood up. “Ok, I won’t push you then. I’m happy you’re going with me to the dance.”

  I stared back at him. I am?

  Chapter 10

  “Why did I tell Jeremy that?” I groaned. The day of the dreaded dance had finally arrived and the costume Jeremy bought for me lay on my bed, still in its package. I glared at the model wearing it. There’s no way I can pull this off. When Jeremy had asked me what I wanted to wear, ‘fairy’ had popped out of my mouth. Since my dream of flying, I was obsessed with them.

  “Cool, you’ll look hot in a short—” My glare had him stammering, “Or I mean, nice in a long dress. And I’ll be what… an ogre? What goes with fairy?”

  Nothing, I’d thought, but I offered, “I don’t know, maybe a wizard.”

  Now on my bed was a costume way too skimpy for my liking. Guess everyone wants to be Tinker Bell. I sighed, yanked the gown from the bag, stripped, and slid it on. Glancing at myself in the mirror, I gasped. I could see my bra through the sheer material.

  I stripped, found a white tank top to put under it, and redressed. Not great, but better. Thankfully, the bottom of the skirt had enough layers of tulle and silk not to be see-through. I never wanted to play dress up as a little girl. What made me think I’d want to do it now that I was seventeen? Complete nightmare.

  I snatched the wings next. Once they were secure on my back, I grunted at my reflection. The costume bag read Dragonfly Fairy, but pink gauze stretched around a bent wire hanger hardly captured the strength in the efficacious wings I’d dreamt of. I’m wearing a freaking tutu!

  I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, telling myself to remember my flying dream. It relaxed me. My gown had been soft, my hair like gold silk draping over my skin, and my wings… The memory of flexing those unique muscles between my shoulder blades flared, the sensation of expanding and filling my lungs growing stronger with each breath.

  Something tickled my arm. My eyes popped open to see blonde hair spilling down my shoulders and brushing against my arms. I shrieked and then slapped a hand across my mouth. No way! No way! Holy crap! No way!

  There were feet running up the stairs. “Samantha! Are you OK?” my mom’s voice called out.

  This isn’t possible! I gawked at the long, blue dress covering my body, clutching it just to see if it were real. Soft, silky material slipped between my fingers—it was tangible. All too real. What in the world is happening?

  “Samantha, what’s wrong? Open this door!” my mom commanded as she jiggled the handle.

  When did I lock it? I hustled across the room, my hair bouncing against my lower back. I’m awake… this isn’t a dream! As if answering me, the pair of wings on my back fluttered. Positive I was hallucinating, I threw my door open, hoping my mom would set me straight.

  “Oh, Samantha!” she gasped, the worry melting from her expression. “You look stunning!”

  Holy crap! This is real? My wings flickered, but luckily for me, my mom didn’t notice.

  “Why’d you scream like that?” my mom demanded.

  My mouth opened, ready to blurt out the truth. Freaking out because I’m a fairy, Mom! But instead, I stammered, “Oh… uh… a spider landed on me.”

  “Don’t you ever scream like that unless someone’s coming through your window, do you understand? I about had a heart attack!”

  Poor Mom. My head bobbed up and down. She stayed a few minutes, fussing over my dress, hair, and makeup. She kept asking me how I brought the honey color out in my brown eyes, and where did I get such a real-looking wig. It took all my willpower not to breakdown laughing at the absurdity of it all. Should be asking me how I grew a pair of wings!

  The moment she left the room, I rushed to my mirror. I hardly recognized my own reflection—thick, black lashes, a creamy complexion with rosy undertones in all the right places, which accentuated my cheekbones, my lips pink and fuller than I’d ever remembered them being before, and my neck so long and lean.

  This isn’t me! I wrung my hands together. What should I do? The answer was obvious. I should march downstairs and tell my family everything. Instantly, I saw my mom’s reaction. The hysteria, the phone calls to doctors and specialists. The rumors and strange glares would never end. I couldn’t do it. I needed a minute to compose my thoughts. Maybe the wings would just go away, and no one would ever have to know about it. It was a shot in the dark, but I clung to it like it was my lifeline. One thing for sure, there was no way I was going to the dance now. I have to figure this out. Maybe I can make them go away. I mean, I thought about them and they appeared. Wonder how much I can control them?

  I inhaled deeply while concentrating on the muscles nestled between my blades. Flexing and expanding, my wings fluttered to life, transforming into a blur. I exhaled, and my feet left the carpet.

  “Okay, now stop.” I remained levitated. “Great idea, now I’m stuck up here. Maybe something different will work.” I glanced over my shoulder. “Time to calm down.” I felt ridiculous speaking to the wings like they were some kind of dog, but they responded by slowing.

  Encouraged, I continued, “Calm, calm, time to be calm.” The blur was becoming more distinct. I grinned. “Calm,” I whispered again. Then the silver hum became two iridescent wings, and my feet sunk into the carpet. Yes!

  The doorbell rang, and I shot into the air again. You’ve got to be kidding me! Is this going to happen every time I’m startled? My mom was coming up the stairs. Calm, calm, calm…

  I’d barely landed when my mom gave one knock and opened the door. “Wow, I can’t get over how stunning you look! I wish your sisters were home to see you. Jeremy’s here.”

  “Hey Mom, I don’t think I’m going to go. I’m feeling kind of lousy all of sudden.”

  My mom’s face fell. “Really? Oh Samantha, are you sure? You look so gorgeous in that.”

  “Yeah, I’m just fighting this sore throat.”

  “Well, let me help you take those w
ings off so you can lay down.” She took a step forward. “It’s a shame; I think you’d enjoy yourself tonight.” I froze. My mom’s fingers reached out, touching my wings. “How did you even get these on in the first place? I don’t see any fasteners.”

  “You know what? You’re right, Mom. I think I’ll go,” I blurted, sidestepping out of her reach and bolting from the room. I either go to the dance or be discovered for the freak show I am right now. I decided to risk it. Halloween dance, here I come.

  “Oh good,” I heard my mom exclaim from behind me. “I think you’ll have so much fun.”

  Descending the steps, I saw Jeremy’s jaw drop.

  “Holy cow!” he blurted out from the base of the stairs.

  “Jeremy, I don’t know where you got that, but it’s the most incredible costume. She glows in it!” my mom gushed, following me.

  “I didn’t—”

  I shook my head at him. “He doesn’t remember what website he ordered it off, right?”

  He must have gotten my hint because he closed his mouth and nodded. Wanting to get this night over with as quickly as possible, I grabbed my jacket out of the coat closet.

  “You may want to take your wings off first,” my mom commented.

  My stomach dropped. “They were tough to get on. I’ll just wear it like this till we get there.” I held it in front of me and shoved both my arms through it backwards.

  Just as Jeremy reached for the door handle, it turned, and my sisters walked in. Whatever they were discussing before, they stopped.

  Jocelyn’s eyes widened, and Krista whooped, “Holy he…ck,” she finished for my mom’s benefit. My mom hated curse words, no matter how mild they were.

  I cringed inside, fearing that any moment I’d be found out. All it would take was one loud, unexpected noise and I’d be bumping into the ceiling. I have to get out of here. At least at the dance, it’ll be dark.

  Jocelyn fingered the dress. “Wow, Samantha. Where did you get this? It’s like silky cashmere.”

  Not one for wearing either of those materials, I shrugged my shoulders. “Some store online. I don’t remember the name.”