Dead Girl Dancing

by Linda Joy Singleton

  Well, why not now?

  A surge of hope sent me flying off the bed, causing a meow of complaint from Kitty Calico, who skittered out of my way as I hurried out of the room.

  I searched all over until I finally found a phone (one of those old fashioned ones with a dial, if you can believe it!) perched on a shelf in the bathroom. I called the familiar number (making a mental note to leave money to pay for the call). Then I crossed my fingers on both hands, hoping that Alyce’s mother had already left for work.

  The finger-crossing worked!

  “Who is this?” Alyce asked in such a sharp tone that I felt hurt until I remembered she wouldn’t recognize my voice. Well, duh. I was still getting used to it myself.

  “It’s me!” I yipped with joy.

  “And you are … ?”

  “—thrilled to finally talk to you!” I said in an excited rush. “I’m so glad you’re there, although I wish you were here or that I was there with you, whatever works, just so we could talk together, even if it meant hanging out at gross graveyards so you can take more ‘Morbidity’ pictures for your photo journal.”

  Silence, then a gasp. “Amber?”

  “Yeah, it’s really me.”

  “But you sound so … so not you.”

  “I swear, underneath this college girl’s body, I’m the same BFF that once dressed up like a vampire, dripped fake blood from my fake fangs and pretended to bite Dustin so you could take a picture for your collection.”

  “The photo turned out great. Ohmygod … Amber.” Her voice cracked.

  “Exactly,” I said, delighted to be called by my real name. “You won’t believe everything that’s been going on.”

  “I know a little from Dustin, and he also told me what Eli said. I want to hear everything, but I can’t talk here.” She was whispering. “Wait while I go to my room so Mom can’t hear.”

  “She’s home? I thought she’d be at work.”

  “No … she called in sick.” I heard the sound of a door shutting and then Alyce added, “I’m in my room now so we can talk freely. Where are you?”

  “Venice Beach. At the crappo condo.” I laughed wryly. “I’m here alone except for a calico cat. I don’t know her name but she slept with me last night. Not that I was really able to sleep after a completely insane day. How much did Dustin tell you?”

  “Only that your grandmother switched you into Eli’s sister’s body and you’re in Venice Beach for spring break. Is that true?”

  “As ridiculous as it sounds—yes.” I proceeded to explain, not leaving out even the most embarrassing details like waking up wearing a guy’s shirt, puking in a parking lot and strutting on stage for the wet T-shirt contest. I was always completely honest with Alyce, just like she was with me.

  And in true Alyce form, she simply listened.

  “Then last night Cola told me Grammy is pulling me off the mission,” I griped. “How can she do that to me? My grandmother is more protective on the other side than she was when she was alive. She says it’s too dangerous for me to stay in Sharayah’s body. But it’s more than that. I’ve failed her by losing the GEM—that’s the instruction manual. And now I’m going to fail Sharayah, too. I really blew it this time, Alyce.”

  “You did your best. Sometimes things just don’t work out.”

  “But I could make it work if I had more time.” I sighed. “What am I going to do?”

  “Come home,” she said simply.

  “Believe me—I want to!”

  “Then do it.”

  “I can’t go back as a failure.” I groaned, twisting the phone cord through my fingers. “If I can convince Grammy to let me stay for the audition, everything will work out. Sharayah is the most incredible singer—better than any of those American Idols. Kelly Clarkson would be envious! Sharayah could be even more famous than her, unless she misses this big chance. If only Eli would show up with the GEM, then I could contact Grammy directly. Have you heard anything from Eli?”

  “Why would your boyfriend call me?”

  “I don’t know … I guess I’m just worried because he hasn’t called me back. Of course he might have tried by now, only I won’t know until I see Sadie again. And I have no idea how to find her or Mauve. And what’s bothering me the most is not hearing from Eli.” The phone cord was now wrapped so tight that it was starting to cut off circulation. I unwound it, my hand free, but my heart still tied up in knots. “I just don’t know what to do. Alyce, what do you think?”

  I waited for her encouragement, but there was a long pause.

  “I think you should come home now. But you don’t seem to care what I say,” she finally said, in a sharp, very un-BFF tone.

  “Of course I care.”

  “You don’t act like it.”

  “What’s this about, Alyce?” I asked.

  “Nothing,” she snapped, in a way that definitely meant “something.”

  “Alyce, are you mad because last time, when I was in Leah’s body, I didn’t immediately tell you I wasn’t dead? I’ve already explained that.”

  “Why does everything have to be about you?” Her hostility shocked me. Whenever I got too dramatic, she would tell me to cut it out and call me her nickname, “Dramber.” But that was always done with a smile and good-natured teasing.

  This time there was no teasing in her tone.

  “I can’t believe you said that,” I told her, stung.

  “That’s because it never occurs to you that other people might have problems, too.”

  “Like you?” I asked, trying desperately to understand why she seemed so angry. “Is something wrong?”

  “If it was, would you notice?” she retorted.

  “Of course I would.”

  “Yet when I told you mom missed work you didn’t even ask why. You never think about what I’m going through. A week ago I thought you were dead—do you have any idea how awful that was? I went around like a zombie, not able to sleep or eat or talk to anyone because you were the only one I wanted to talk to and you weren’t here.” Her voice cracked. “When we finally got to talk, I had to pretend like I hadn’t gone through hell for a few days. But before we can have a real talk, you leave again and it’s Dustin—not you—who tells me you’ve switched bodies.”

  “I called,” I tried to explain. “Your mother said you were unavailable.”

  “But you called Eli first—a guy you’ve only just met—rather than me.”

  I couldn’t argue because she was right. “I’m sorry.”

  “You’re always sorry. I should be used to that by now and not expect any more. But lately I’ve felt so alone. ”

  “I can’t read your mind. I had no idea you were upset.”

  “You don’t pay attention.” She made a soft sound like a sob. Alyce, crying? But she was the toughest person I knew, and never cried.

  “I’m paying attention now. Talk to me, Alyce.”

  “I can’t … not over the phone. Come home ASAP.”

  “Grammy plans to switch me back today,” I admitted. “But I want her to wait until tomorrow so I can go to the audition. I can’t just quit on Sharayah when I’m so close to giving her chance at stardom. All I need is one more day.”

  “Sure, help her. Isn’t that what you expect me to say?”

  “I don’t expect you to say anything but the truth.”

  “You don’t want to hear the truth. I don’t even know why you bothered to call me.” Her voice broke. “Just go … go have fun with new friends.”

  “Mauve and Sadie? That’s ridiculous! I barely know them and they have no idea who I really am.”

  “Yet you’re all having a great time together—dancing, flirting, hanging out on the beach. It’s so interesting to hear you go on and on and on about them. Thanks for sharing.”

  “Alyce, don’t! You’re my only BFF and I’d rather be with you than anyone else. You know that.”

  “Do I?” Alyce asked quietly.

  “I might be dense sometimes, but I
never stop caring. I’ll be home tomorrow—I promise. Then we’ll have one of our Double A’s talks. Just the two of us, like always.”

  “Yeah. Like always.”

  But the way she said “always” sounded like an accusation.

  And before I could say anything else—even good-bye—she hung up.

  Only the heartbreak Sharayah had felt when Gabe tied her hands and called her a “fool” came close to the hurt I was feeling. Alyce and I’d had arguments before, but we’d always kept talking until we worked things out. Never—not once in all the years of our friendship—had she hung up on me.

  I called Alyce back, but she didn’t pick up. On purpose, I was sure, which hurt even more. How had this all happened? What sin had I committed to deserve so much anger? I thought back over the last week: that awful moment when I’d woken up in the first wrong body, terrified and unable to contact anyone. But I hadn’t been the only one who’d suffered. I’d been so wrapped up in my own misery that I hadn’t thought much about what my friends were going through. During that awful week, Alyce thought I was dying and visited my body in the hospital every day. She’d been a loyal friend, while what had I done for her? Let her think I was dead.

  No wonder she was so angry.

  I sucked at being a BFF.

  And the only thing I could think of to make this up to her was to come home today.

  I really, really hated quitting on Sharayah—but Alyce was my best friend ever and came first. She needed me.

  Decision made.

  Walking back into the bedroom, I plopped my suitcase on the bed. I found a tie-dyed T-shirt and slipped it over jeans. Then I packed yesterday’s dirty clothes in a side pouch and got ready to leave.

  Mentally, I went through a checklist of my options.

  There was no point in trying to contact Sadie and Mauve. I’d just leave them a note explaining I had to go home for a family emergency. I wouldn’t be lying. Alyce was closer than family to me.

  I’d use Sharayah’s money and take a taxi to the airport, then catch the first plane home. If everything worked out, I’d be with Alyce by this afternoon. Then we’d talk and I’d find out what was really bothering her. While I knew she was upset about my being temporarily dead, I doubted that was the core problem. No, it was something deeper … and I’d help her get through whatever it was.

  The cat mewed, jumping off the bed to rub against my legs.

  “Bye, Kitty Calico,” I said softly.

  Then I grabbed my suitcase and rolled it out of the room.

  In the kitchen, I found a pen on a counter but no paper for a “good-bye” note, so I ripped off a square of paper towel. I wrote a short good-bye to Sadie and Mauve, apologizing for cutting my vacation short and promising to explain later. (Not the truth, of course, but something close enough to satisfy them.)

  When I reached the living room, I sorted through a thick pile of phone books (a few so old they were dated back to the last millennium) and thumbed through the yellow pages for “taxi.” The dispatcher said a taxi would arrive in thirty minutes. I picked up my suitcase and, with a heavy sigh, reached for the door and opened it …

  And was startled by someone walking up the porch steps.

  Eli had arrived.

  “You!” I shrieked, dropping my suitcase with a thud on the hardwood floor.

  “Amber? Is it you?” He tilted his head uncertainly.

  “Yes! It’s me … and it’s you … here! I can’t believe it! I’ve never been happier to see anyone!”

  Rushing at him, I opened my arms, ready to show exactly how much I missed him—but instead of opening his arms for me, he folded them across his chest, his expression repulsed like I had lice or smelled bad.

  “No,” he said firmly. “I can’t touch you.”

  “Why not?” I demanded, stung.

  “Because I can’t.” He frowned. “Amber, any touching would be wrong. You’re not you anymore.”

  “Of course I am. So what if I look different?”

  “You’re more than different. You look like my sister. You are my sister.”

  “Damn. I forgot about that.” I glanced down at myself. “So I guess kissing is out.”

  “So far out the idea just left the planet. Sorry, but that’s just how I feel. It’s not that I don’t want to … well, you know.”

  “It’s okay. I understand.” I was smiling a little because he seemed so disappointed. It was cute how he was so serious, frowning as if all the problems of the world had been dropped on his shoulders. He really did care about me.

  Picking up my suitcase, Eli walked me into the house and shut the door behind us. He stared at me, then slowly smiled. “I think it would be okay if we shook hands,” he said.

  “Are you sure that’s allowed?”

  He nodded. “Platonically.”

  “Of course,” I agreed as I held out my hand.

  The casual shake felt far from casual and rocked my emotions. Eli must have felt some of that rocking, too, because as if in silent agreement we immediately dropped hands and stepped back. I glanced everywhere except at him, noticing a loose spring on the couch, a broken TV that had been turned into a planter with green vines dangling among loose wires, and a light switch on the wall that had been transformed into modern art by an abstract painter.

  When I found the courage to lift my eyes, Eli was staring at my suitcase with a puzzled expression. “Are you going somewhere?”

  I nodded. “I was going to the airport to fly home.”

  “Why? Aren’t you supposed to stay here for spring break?”

  “Change of plans: my mission is over.”

  “That’s great! My family will be so relieved when Sharayah returns and everything is back to normal.”

  “I hope so,” I said, guiltily because nothing had been solved and I had no idea how Sharayah would act when she resumed her life. But Eli seemed so happy, I didn’t want to worry him.

  “I’m glad this is ending for other reasons, too,” Eli added, biting his lower lip as he met my gaze. “I look at you and see my sister—which is really messed up. Once you’re not her anymore, we can do more than shake hands. Oh, I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. Geez, I’m not that kind of guy.”

  “I know exactly what kind of guy you are—my kind.” I lightly touched his arm. “And when this is all over I’d love to go out with you.”

  “It’s a date,” he said, nodding.

  I nodded, too, feeling tingly all over. I really, really wanted to kiss him.

  But I could wait.

  “I don’t understand why you’re going to the airport.” Eli rubbed his chin, giving me a puzzled look.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Won’t the body change happen wherever you are? So why not leave Sharayah here to enjoy her vacation?”

  “I have to get home ASAP so I can talk to Alyce. She needs me today. And since I don’t know exactly when the change will happen, I’m flying home immediately. A taxi will be here soon.”

  “Cancel it,” Eli said firmly.

  “I can’t.” My throat tightened as I remembered Alyce’s accusations. “I have to fix things with Alyce.”

  “Still, you don’t need a taxi to get to the airport. I can drive you.”

  “You’d do that for me?”

  “I drove all the way here, didn’t I?”

  “Yes.” I met his gaze. “You did.”

  He met my gaze with such honesty that I trusted him completely.

  After I cancelled the taxi, we cleared a space on the couch and sat down to talk. The house was quiet, without even the scamper of kitty feet.

  “Interesting place you’re staying in.” Eli’s lips curled with amusement as he gestured at the mismatched furniture, boxes and other oddities scattered around the room. “Not exactly a five-star hotel.”

  “More like a no-star hovel. But it came with a cat, so I can’t complain.”

  “I didn’t know you liked cats.”

  “We have one at
home, part Siamese and all attitude. And I love dogs, too,” I said fondly, thinking of Cola.

  “Cats, dogs … I’m a fan of almost all animals,” he said.

  “Almost? What animals don’t you like?”

  “Well … it’s kind of embarrassing to admit.”

  I pantomimed zipping my lips. “I won’t tell. What?”

  “Birds—they freak me out. My grandpa had this mean parrot once that bit my ear. I was only four, but that kind of pain you don’t forget. I still have a scar right here,” he added, pointing to his left ear.

  I leaned closer to look at the tiny jagged white scar on his ear lobe, aware of the few inches between us and careful not to accidentally caress him with his sister’s hands. It was safe to talk about animals and not about what was really on our minds.

  But it was time to get serious.

  “Eli, did you bring it?” I asked quietly.

  He knew exactly what I meant and reached into his coat pocket. “Here,” he said, handing me a small book.

  I took my GEM, frowning a little because now that I finally had it there was no need to use it. My mission was over—whether I wanted it to be or not. Still, it felt good to hold my tiny link to the other side.

  “Thanks for bringing it all this way,” I told Eli.

  “I said I would—although getting here hasn’t been easy.”

  “I wondered why you didn’t call me back.”

  “Sorry,” he said sheepishly. “I wanted to but I couldn’t. Remember the girl from the dorm I told you about who was helping me?”

  How could I forget? Gritting my teeth I said, “Yeah. Katelyn.”

  “Well it turns out we have the same cell phone model—and she took mine by mistake. So I didn’t get your message with your address until she realized the mistake and called me. By then, I had other problems. Dad was mad that I hadn’t returned right home with the car he loaned me, and he ordered me to ‘haul my ass home or else.’”

  “Did you go home?”

  “You bet—no one defies Dad. I’d already disappointed him by refusing to work at the car lot and I didn’t want to make things worse. Besides, going home gave me a chance to talk to Mom. She’s been so worried about Sharayah.”