by Amber Garza
“Are you going to tell me what’s really going on with that boy, Kenzie?” Mom wiped the edge of her lips with a napkin. Sauce coated the side of her finger, but she didn’t even notice.
“Nothing, Mom. We’re just friends.”
“Right. And I’m the Queen of Egypt.”
“Nice to meet you, Queen. Do I need to bow or something in your presence?”
“Very funny, Miss Sass-mouth,” Mom said with an amused smile on her lips. “I know what I see, Kenzie. I’m not as clueless as you think I am.”
“Well, you are about this.”
“I don’t think so.”
I slammed down my fork. “I’m in love with Isaac. Not Tanner. Why doesn’t anyone
believe me?”
Mom held up her hands in surrender, her long painted nails shimmering. “Wow. Sounds like someone’s a little defensive.”
I rolled my eyes, anger rising in me. “I’m not defensive. I just don’t understand why I keep having to explain my feelings for Isaac to everyone.”
“Everyone? Or just yourself?”
Chapter Eleven
Even though it was pretty cold, the quad was still crowded with students. Some sat on the concrete, some on the grass, while others threw a ball back and forth. Rick, Janna, Tanner and I huddled together on the concrete with our lunches spread out by our feet. The grass was a little damp from the sprinklers. I knew that pretty soon it would be too cold to sit out here and we’d have to go back into the cafeteria. Tanner and I weren’t looking forward to having to sit in close proximity to Caleb and his group, so we continued sitting outside as long as we could.
Janna took a bite of her carrot, and it snapped loudly. “That was so fun this weekend.” Flecks of orange spotted her teeth.
“Yeah, it was,” I responded, trying not to look at Tanner. I knew I had acted strange when we left. In fact, everyone wanted to stop and eat on the way home, but I didn’t want to. I’m sure Tanner could tell I wanted to get away from him. He hadn’t mentioned anything but all day I had noticed him giving me speculative looks.
As I chomped down on my peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a funny feeling landed in the pit of my stomach. Chills snaked down my spine. I felt like I was being watched; like a sinister presence surrounded me. Swallowing hard, I glanced around the quad. Walking in a speedy gait only a few feet away, were Haley and Ian. Even though everyone else was shrouded in muted grays, darkness seemed to surround them like a black cloud. I blinked, wondering if I was just seeing things.
As if sensing my eyes on them, Ian turned to me. On his face he wore a grotesque smile. His eyes were black, his pupils large. Gasping, I latched on to Tanner’s arm.
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s him. He’s Ian. I mean, he’s Wesley.”
“What are you talking about? Who is Wesley?”
That’s right. Tanner didn’t know about Wesley. Trembling with fear, I wished that Isaac was there. He would know what to do. Ian turned to me one more time before he and Haley disappeared into the cafeteria, but this time he looked like the same old Ian. However, I knew that what I saw was no figment of my imagination.
“You look like you’ve just seen a ghost,” Janna commented.
“She’s right. Are you okay?” Tanner asked.
I nodded. “Yeah, I just need to call Isaac.”
Janna bit her lip. Rick looked away. Tanner nodded, a terse look on his face.
“Yeah, okay,” Tanner said. “You go ahead and call your boyfriend. I’m sure he’ll be able to help you with whatever has you so upset, even though he’s all the way in California.”
I was too terrified to deal with Tanner’s outburst. Clutching my phone, I turned from the table to find a quiet spot. Unfortunately, Isaac didn’t answer so I left a rambling message and then returned to my friends.
“So, did your boyfriend solve everything?” Tanner asked, his voice laced with sarcasm.
Janna and Rick looked thoroughly uncomfortable.
I forced a lighthearted smile. “No, but it’s fine. I was just over reacting. Sometimes I can be a little dramatic.” I sat down next to them and picked back up my sandwich, even though I was no longer hungry.
“I know why you were so upset,” Janna said, “and I totally don’t blame you.”
“Really?” Had she seen it too?
“Yeah, I know that you and Haley were like bff’s for a long time.”
I nodded, wanting her to continue.
“And I heard that she’s turned into a total party girl. Everyone was talking about how wasted she got at a party over the weekend. Apparently she made a total fool of herself and then threw up all over Caleb’s house.”
My stomach twisted into knots. That didn’t sound at all like Haley. I was convinced more than ever that Ian was evil and he was destroying my best friend. Since I had already defeated a demon once, it was my responsibility to save my friend.
No matter what the cost.
“Hey.” Tanner grabbed my arm as I walked to class after lunch. I turned to him in the crowded hallway, as several shoulders and backpacks bumped me. “You know you can talk to me about anything, right?”
I swallowed hard, and nodded.
“So, you know, if you need to talk to someone about what freaked you out at lunch you can come to me.”
“I know.”
“I mean, I’m sure your boyfriend’s a great guy, but he is really far away. I just want you to know that there’s someone here who cares about you.” His eyes pierced into mine with an intensity so strong I had to look away.
I knew he meant well but his words made me nervous. Squirming out from under his touch and intense stare, I nodded one last time and then joined the crowd hurrying to class.
All through the afternoon, I thought about Tanner and what he said. I did need someone here whom I could trust and talk to about things. Judging by how quickly I turned back to my old habits, I was falling apart without the support of Isaac or Haley. I really had no one. And Tanner did care about me. That was clear. The issue was how much he cared. It was becoming obvious that his feelings were more than just friendship. After our trip to the falls there was no denying that. But even though I knew I should stay away from him, I just couldn’t. He was the only friend I had right now.
If Haley refused to take my calls or talk to me at school, then she left me no choice but to go to her house. It wasn’t like I didn’t know how to get there. I’d practically lived there since seventh grade. When I pulled into her street, with it’s perfectly manicured lawns and tract homes that all resembled each other, I felt a pang of longing. I had always been jealous of Haley for living in such a nice neighborhood. All the houses on my street had overgrown lawns that resembled the dump more than front yards. When I parked my car along the curb, I wished I was here by invitation. I longed to run up to Haley’s room and hang out like we’d done so many times before.
Her parent’s cars weren’t there, but Haley’s blue Honda civic sat idly in the driveway. I hoped she was home and not out with Ian. As I walked up to the house, memories of Haley and I surfaced. I pictured us at twelve, having a water balloon fight on the front lawn. I envisioned us at fourteen, sitting on the front porch lamenting about our first weeks of high school. Glancing up at her window, I remembered being fifteen and trying on dress after dress in her room before we went to our first dance.
I knocked on the door, praying my Haley would answer; not the mean girl she’d turned in to lately. The door swung open a second later. Haley wore a smile on her face and my heart leapt from my chest. Her grin disappeared upon registering who stood on the porch. My stomach dropped. She must have been expecting someone else.
“What are you doing here?” she asked. Behind her I could see the entryway with its shiny wood floors and the sweeping staircase to her left.
“Remember when we used to try to slide down the banister?” I asked now.
“How could I forget? I almost bust my head open.” Haley giggled. The
familiar sound cut to my heart.
“I miss you, Hales.”
She stopped smiling, and leaned against the doorway. “I miss you too, Kenzie.”
I scarcely breathed from excitement.
“The old Kenzie, that is, not the new holier-than-thou one. Let me know when she returns.”
I exhaled. It was too good to be true, anyway. A lady walked along the sidewalk, pushing a baby in a stroller. I wished Haley would let me inside, instead of making me stand on the porch like a salesperson. But judging by the way she stood like a bouncer in the doorway, I could tell that wasn’t going to happen.
“I can’t believe this is coming from you of all people,” I said. “You have always been the good girl and now you’re upset because I am?”
“The difference between you and me is that I never judged you. I always loved you no matter what.”
Wind that brushed the hair from my face, kicked up a leaf near my foot. I caught a whiff of the flowers that lined the porch. “I love you no matter what too.”
Haley crossed her arms over her chest. I noticed her fingernails were short and painted black. Before, she always had them pink. It reminded me how little I knew of her now. Even her eyeliner was darker, her lipstick more bold. “And I accepted all your boyfriends. Speaking of which, what does Mr. Perfect think of you spending all your time with Tanner?”
My cheeks warmed and I stared at my feet, unable to answer the question.
“You’re such a hypocrite,” she said. “You used to hate that about religious people and now you’re exactly like them.”
“I am not.” Anger surfaced.
“No, I’m sure the Bible encourages cheating on your boyfriend.”
“I’m not cheating on Isaac!”
Haley’s eyes widened at my outburst.
A couple jogged on the sidewalk. I lowered my voice. “Tanner and I are just friends.”
Haley chuckled. “Everyone knows you two are together.”
I shook my head. It didn’t matter what she thought. I came here for a purpose and it wasn’t to fight about my relationship with Tanner. Let her think what she wanted.
“Look, I know this isn’t you talking. I understand what’s going on, because I’ve been where you are. That’s why I came here, to help you.” A car rumbled down the quiet street.
Haley pursed her lips. “What are you talking about?”
“I know about Ian. And I know the hold he has on you is strong. I don’t judge you for that. But let me help you. I know how to get rid of him.”
Narrowing her eyes, Haley said, “I don’t want to get rid of Ian.”
It reminded me so much of my conversation with Rhiannon back when I thought Wesley was my dad. Boy, had I been wrong. If I would have listened to Rhiannon it would have saved me a lot of heartache. In fact, not listening to her had almost cost me my life. I loved Haley too much to back down now.
“I saw you and Ian together at lunch today. He turned to me and his face changed. He looked exactly like Wesley.”
Haley’s mouth gaped open in shock. “The demon?”
I nodded. “I know this is hard to hear but I think Wesley is back and he’s after you now.”
“Oh my gosh, Ian was right. You are insane. I mean, when you first came back from California with that far-fetched story of a demon stalking you, I just thought it was your over-active imagination at work. I honestly didn’t believe you, but I didn’t think you were crazy. Now I’m not so sure.”
“I’m not crazy and I didn’t make anything up! It really happened.”
“Right.” Haley rolled her eyes. “I really wish you would stop lying to me. Maybe you need counseling.”
Tears sprang to my eyes. “I don’t need counseling. I just need my best friend to stop being so mean to me and to listen to what I’m saying.” I stepped forward. “I need you, Hales.”
“Look, I still love you, Kenzie. I just don’t know you anymore. You lie to me, you judge me, you make up things about my boyfriend. Get some help and then we’ll talk.”
“Please, Haley, you have to believe me about Ian. If you don’t listen to me about anything else, listen to me about this.”
Haley sighed. “He said you would do this.”
“Who?”
“Ian. He said you would make up stuff about him, and try to make me break up with him. I told him he was wrong; that you weren’t that desperate to break us up. I really thought you’d come around.” She hung her head. “I was hoping that’s why you came here today. Clearly, I was wrong.” She reached out her arm to close the door.
I held up my hand. “Haley, wait.”
Haley shook her head. “I can’t do this anymore, Kenzie. I’m sorry.”
The door slammed in my face and I burst into tears. With my head in my hands, I stood there a moment attempting to collect myself. Footsteps sounded behind me, so I wiped the sloppy tears off my cheeks with the back of my hand. I had no desire to make a fool of myself anymore than I already had. Sniffing, I spun around and ran to my car, keeping my head down. As I approached my car, I felt someone staring at me. I looked around but no one was outside. A car engine roared from across the street. I peered up, and locked eyes with the man in the driver’s seat. My stomach lurched with recognition. Quickly averting his gaze, the man pulled away from the curb and sped down the street.
Confused, I stood on the sidewalk staring after him. What was Drake doing there?
Chapter Twelve
“Mom, why are you sending your boyfriend to spy on me?” I asked the minute I got home from Haley’s.
Mom sat cross-legged in the middle of the family room, her eyes closed and her hands resting on her knees. I had no idea what she was doing but I had bigger issues to worry about at the moment. She opened her eyes, and looked at me bewildered. “What are you talking about? I never sent Drake to spy on you.”
“Then what was he doing across the street from Haley’s.”
She shrugged. “Maybe he lives there.”
I dropped my backpack on the floor, and sat on the edge of the couch. “You don’t know where he lives?”
“Nope.” She shook her head like it was no big deal.
I furrowed my brows. “He’s been to your house but you’ve never been to his. Doesn’t that make you suspicious?”
“Not at all. I’m a lot more trusting than you are, Mackenzie.”
“Mom, have you never watched the news? This guy probably has a family or something.” My mouth dropped. “Oh my gosh, you’re the mistress.”
“I am not.” Mom stood up, and stretched her arms up to the ceiling. “You’re being ridiculous.” She swayed back and forth.
“What the heck are you doing?”
“Yoga. Drake says it will help me relax.”
Drake says. It seemed to be her favorite phrase lately. I was so sick of every person I loved being influenced by a guy.
“But that’s good news that you were at Haley’s.” Mom folded her body in half, and touched her toes with her hands. Her hair almost brushed against the carpet. “Did you two make up?”
“No.” I felt sick when I remembered how awful our conversation had gone.
“What happened?” She stood, her face bright red from all the blood rushing to it.
I shook my head. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Nonsense.” She sat on the couch. “Sit down and tell me all about it. You’ll feel better if you get it out.”
I plopped down beside her, the couch almost swallowing me whole. We really needed new furniture. I wasn’t even sure the couch still had springs.
“I just went over there to warn her about her boyfriend. He’s a bad influence and when she’s with him she’s not herself.”
Mom cocked an eyebrow. “You told her to stay away from her boyfriend? Kenzie, have I taught you nothing?” She tucked an errant strand of hair behind her ear, and clucked her tongue. “You never talk bad about your friend’s boyfriend. If the guy is a loser she’ll figure it out on
her own, but if you speak out against him you’ll lose a friend.”
“But you don’t understand, Mom. This time it’s serious.” I leaned in close. “I think Ian is evil.”
Mom swatted away my words with her long dagger-like fingernails. The scent of hairspray wafted from her hand. “Oh, Kenzie, you and your evil talk. I swear, sending you to your grandma’s was a big mistake.”
“No, it wasn’t.”
“I didn’t send you there so you could become your grandma.”
I bristled. “Grandma’s amazing.”
“Yes, but she’s also always butting into everyone else’s life like she’s the Queen or something. And she uses her religion like a weapon. Now you’re doing the same thing.”
I groaned. There was no use arguing with Mom. She had very strong feelings about religion and she wasn’t at all pleased with my new-found faith. Although, I’d screwed up so much lately, I wasn’t sure I was cut out to be a Christian anyway. I certainly didn’t know how to defend my faith to her. Besides, maybe she was right. Perhaps, I was becoming too judgmental. Hadn’t Haley said the same thing? I wished Isaac was there so I could talk with him. He would know what to do. But oddly enough, he hadn’t answered any of my texts or phone calls that day. I prayed he wasn’t mad at me as well.
It was late at night when Isaac finally called. I almost cried I was so relieved to hear his voice.
“Sorry, I didn’t call earlier. It was a crazy day. After school my mom called to tell me that Dad had been in an accident at work. I rushed to the hospital and I just now got home.”
My stomach dropped. “Is he okay?”
“Yeah, it was just a cut but he did need stitches. We were just worried because it was head injury. Turns out, they look worse than they are. You’d think after so many years of being in construction, Dad would have suffered more injuries but he’s pretty careful. So, Mom and I were just a little freaked.”