When To Fear The Living

by B. L. Brunnemer

  I put my phone in my pocket and got up.

  “Tara! Dinner!” Rory shouted. I went into the kitchen, picked up plates and silverware, then walked back to the table. We were dishing up the Italian food when Tara came downstairs. It was quiet until we started eating.

  “Okay girls, I have news,” Rory began. I looked over to him. His face was relaxed. “Every year, I work nights for a couple weeks to give the night shift officers vacation time. My two weeks start tomorrow.” I blinked at that. Rory was going to be working nights? Tara bit back a smile as he continued. “Now, let me make something clear.” Rory pointed up to the corners of the room. I followed his finger and spotted the cameras and Tara’s smirk disappeared. “I have cameras in the living room and kitchen, which I can access at any time from my phone or laptop in my cruiser.”

  “How long have those been up?” I asked, suddenly suspicious. Rory smirked at me.

  “Since the day after you brought the boys over to study for the first time,” He said unapologetically. I chuckled. He looked back to Tara. “There will be no parties and no sleepovers.” He then looked to me. “The boys can stay, but they need to leave by eight, and no boys upstairs unless I’m here,” He told me in his cop voice. I nodded my agreement. He looked to Tara. “Do we understand?”

  “Yep,” I answered instantly.

  “Yeah,” Tara grumbled before she took a bite.

  “Good,” Rory said, with a satisfied look on his face. We went back to eating. It wasn’t quiet long though. “So, how was the gym, Tara?” Rory asked pointedly, Tara froze. Then she looked at me with cold eyes. Oh, come on.

  “You told him?” She practically yelled, her face turning red.

  “I kind of had to,” I said matter-of-factly. Tara scoffed and slammed her fork down.

  “Lexie did the right thing, Tara,” Rory stated. “This was something I needed to know about. The only question I have is why didn’t you tell me yourself?” Tara went to get up. “Sit your butt back down,” Rory’s voice was hard and sharp. I went still. Tara sat back down, her face storming as she crossed her arms over her chest. I looked down at my plate and pretended I couldn’t hear. “Answer me,” Rory demanded.

  “It’s none of your business,” Tara shot out. Rory dropped his fork to his plate. I examined my dinner carefully. Oh, look, carrots.

  “None of my business? Some boy corners you and you think it’s none of my business?” Rory’s voice had gotten deeper. Okay, time to leave.

  “I’m going to give you two some privacy,” I said quietly as I grabbed my plate and quickly made my exit to the stairs.

  “You are my kid. Anything that happens to you is my business, Tara,” Rory told her, his voice still angry. I climbed the stairs as quietly as I could. Rory’s voice changed. “I expected you to come tell me and you didn’t. Why?”

  “Because...” Tara hedged. I was in the hallway upstairs when Tara continued. “I didn’t think you’d care.” I went still. Huh? I listened in, shamelessly.

  “Of course, I care. You’re my daughter,” Rory’s voice softened, but still was firm. “You and Lexie are the most important people in my life.” I smiled at the warmth in Rory’s voice. I remembered hearing it in Dad’s. Tara scoffed.

  “I’m not important to you. Not since Lexie came around,” Tara grumbled. “Since she’s been here you let her get away with shit I never could.”

  “I treat Lexie differently because she’s gone through a lot,” Rory explained. Tara snorted at that.

  “Oh, please-”

  “Tara-”

  “This is bullshit-”

  “Have you ever had to take your Mother to the ER for a drug overdose?” Rory asked pointedly. I winced, which time was he talking about? The silence was thick for several heartbeats.

  “No,” Tara said quietly.

  “Lexie has. Then she dealt with the doctors, and sat with her until she could take her Mother home. After that, Lexie turned around and went to school,” Rory informed her. My stomach knotted. Tara didn’t need to know that. No one needed to know that stuff. “I treat Lexie like an adult because she has been one for at least two years now. She makes good decisions, and if the day comes where she doesn’t. Then she’ll be grounded just like you.” When Tara didn’t say anything, he continued. “Now, explain to me again why you didn’t tell me?” I slipped into my room and closed the door quietly.

  I sat at my desk and played with my food as memories ran through my mind. I remembered the first time that had happened. I had just come back from working at the gas station when I found her on the floor. I had tried to wake her up but she’d been out cold, her skin had been cold and clammy. I had just cleaned up the vomit on the floor when her breathing had slowed down, her lips began turning blue. That’s when I called an ambulance. I put down my fork and rubbed my hand over my face. By the time I followed the ambulance to the hospital, they had her on oxygen and in treatment. The doctor asked if I wanted Social Services called, since I was sixteen he said he’d leave it up to me. Looking back, I wish I had said yes. Everything spiraled out of control from there. My cell phone rang. It was Ethan.

  “Hey.”

  “Guess what?” Ethan said cheerfully.

  “What?”

  “You don’t have to go to Winter Formal with my dumbass brother,” He announced. I grinned.

  “Oh no!” I said in fake disappointment.

  “I know. Tragic, right?” Ethan said dryly. “He said unless you want to go as a threesome, to raise some eyebrows and create some rumors.” I chuckled.

  “Thanks, Snoopy, I needed that,” I said, smiling. He was quiet for a heartbeat.

  “What’s up, Beautiful?”

  “Just... old memories creeping up,” I hedged.

  “I know all about that,” He said in a soft, smoky voice that I had never heard before. “What memories are bugging you?” I hesitated only a moment.

  “The first time I had to call an ambulance for my Mother,” I admitted. I explained about Tara and what I overheard Rory tell her. Then I told him about finding my Mother, and with everything that came after. “When I got home that night after work, she was already drinking again.”

  “Eso esta jodido,” He muttered.

  “What?”

  “I said, ‘That’s fucked up.’” Ethan explained gently to me.

  “Eso...” I tried to remember the rest

  “Eso esta jodido,” He said clear and slowly.

  “Eso esta jodido,” I tried again.

  “You’ve got it, Beautiful.” His voice sounded like he was smiling.

  “I’ll have to remember that one,” I thought out loud.

  “Keep it up and I’ll have you speaking Spanish in no time,” Ethan offered. I scoffed.

  “Not likely,” I said dryly. He chuckled. “What memories are bugging you?” I asked gently as I went to lay down on my bed. Ethan sighed.

  “How I hurt my back,” He hedged.

  “The car wreck?”

  “Yeah.” Ethan’s voice thickened. My chest tightened at the sound. Miles had told me that a car wreck had killed their little sister Sophia. “I don’t really want to talk about it, Lexie.”

  “Okay,” I said softly. “Just know that if you do, you can call me.” He was quiet for a couple heartbeats.

  “I’ll keep it in mind.”

  “Good. Now, who is Isaac taking to the dance?” I asked. Ethan and I gossiped for another hour before he had to go do dishes. I hung up and took a deep breath. Talking to Ethan had made me feel better. He had his own memories that got to him at times. I looked at the time and sighed then I decided to take the night off. I was tired and the ghosts outside weren’t making it easier to get any sleep. I changed into my pajamas, cuddled with Hades, and read more of the report on Voodoo.

  Chapter 9

  Tuesday

  The next morning, I was on my way out the door when I pulled up short. Thirteen souls stood on the other side of the salt line and every one of them was furious. I took
a deep breath and let it out slowly as they eyed me.

  “I’m close,” I told them quietly. “A couple more days should do it.” They looked at each other, hope filling their faces, the McClains eyed me. Mr. and Mrs. McClain were an odd couple of ghosts. Her blonde hair was up in a French twist, her skirt suit perfectly pressed and her blue eyes were full of arrogance. Mr. McClain was a portly man with a walrus mustache and a bullet through his forehead, put there courtesy of his wife. And yet, here they stood together, trying to bully me.

  “Really?” Mrs. McClain asked doubtfully.

  “Yeah, I’ve been busting my ass for you. Now, cut me some slack,” I told her as I pulled tissues out of my nose and headed for the Blazar. For the first time, I didn’t have to shove them out of the way, they moved on their own. I figured it was progress. I was almost to our usual outside table at school when my nose stopped bleeding, I had just thrown my tissues away when my phone vibrated.

  Secret Admirer: I saw you with tissues this morning, are you getting sick?

  I frowned and mentally went over my steps from the parking lot. I hadn’t really seen anyone. Then again, I wasn’t really paying attention.

  Alexis: Just a nose bleed, happens when it’s dry out.

  Secret Admirer: Are you sure?

  I rolled my eyes.

  Alexis: Yep. How’s your morning going?

  Secret Admirer: Better now that I know you’re okay.

  I blinked at that. That was a little much. I hadn’t even officially met the guy.

  Alexis: Don’t worry about me. I can take care of myself. TTYL

  I put my phone away as I reached the table. Ethan was holding two coffee cups as he walked over.

  “Here Beautiful, figured we could all use a pick me up,” Ethan said as he handed me one.

  “Oh, you’re my hero for the day,” I announced gratefully. The guys chuckled as Zeke turned his head away from the table and coughed a deep nasty cough. I eyed him, his face was still pale and he didn’t look that great. “Zeke, are you feeling alright?” I asked. He nodded.

  “Fine. I just need to wake up.” Zeke’s usually gravelly voice was rough. I kept eyeing him.

  “So, what are we doing with our freedom this afternoon?” Isaac asked grinning.

  “How about a movie at the theater?” I offered, still watching Zeke out of the corner of my eye. A movie wouldn’t be too hard on Zeke right now. Isaac went to object but I caught his eye, looked at Zeke, then back to him. Isaac took another look at Zeke.

  “Sounds good to me,” Isaac agreed instantly. Miles checked his phone and told us what was playing. We debated a good five minutes before deciding on the latest action flick. I thought about something for a few minutes.

  “Do you guys mind if I invite Secret Admirer guy? It’s getting kind of weird to not know who I’m texting at this point.” I asked all of them. They all looked at each other. Asher started rubbing the back of his neck, Miles started tapping his staccato rhythm on his coffee cup, and Ethan started twirling his rings.

  “We’ll all be there so, yeah. Invite the guy,” Isaac said matter-of-factly. The others nodded in agreement. I put my coffee down and pulled out my phone.

  Alexis: My friends and I are going to a movie at one. Want to meet me there?

  I picked up my coffee as I waited for an answer. I didn’t have to wait long.

  Secret Admirer: With your friends? If it was just you, I’d be there. Your friends, though, concern me.

  I rolled my eyes.

  Alexis: If you are ever going to meet me, it’s going to be around them, they’re protective that way.

  Secret Admirer: You’re right, I’ll be there.

  I smiled. About time.

  “He’s in,” I announced. The others nodded then exchanged looks. I ignored it as I sent him the movie and time. The bell rang and we scattered. More State testing, joy.

  As usual, State testing was boring as hell, we all got out of there as fast as we could. Well, everyone but Isaac. He had to go to Mr. Turner and take that periodic element test.

  We were sitting in the back row of the Spring Mountain Cinema and we pretty much had the place to ourselves since it was a weekday, that didn’t bother us a bit. Everyone was talking and jabbering away, well, except Zeke. He was at the other end of the row, holding Riley’s hand again. It was clear by his rigid shoulders that he was uncomfortable, it bothered me. Didn’t Riley see how uncomfortable he was? I shook my head and went back to my conversation with Miles.

  “I heard your leaving town this weekend?” I asked Miles as he took a drink out his soda.

  “Yes, there’s a gaming convention in Seattle that I’m signed up to compete in,” Miles explained.

  “It’s a big tournament, and I’m looking to make it to the semi-finals.” I raised my eyebrows.

  “Wow. Don’t forget to do the tourist thing and take lots of photos for me. I’ve never seen Seattle,” I told him. Miles gave me a small warm smile.

  “I will,” He promised. Miles looked over the back of the chairs to the door of the theater. “He’s a no show?” I sighed and looked at the empty seat next to me.

  “Looks like it,” I admitted. I turned back to Miles. “I mean, I get shy but this is another level that I don’t understand.” Miles offered me his popcorn. I smiled and took a handful.

  “It seems so. Were you... interested in him?” Miles asked gently.

  I shook my head. “No, but he was smart. Someone you could have a good conversation with,” I told him. “If he wants to let fear rule his life, that’s on him. I can’t live that way.” Miles smirked.

  “I’ve noticed that about you,” Miles said, almost under his breath. I raised an eyebrow. “If something scares you, you work through it and get past it.” I looked back at the screen showing ads as my face warmed.

  “I don’t like being afraid,” I admitted, sounding a little defensive.

  “There’s nothing wrong with that Lexie, it was just an observation,” Miles explained softly. Before he could say anything else, Ethan leaned across Miles.

  “Hey Beautiful, did you hear about Darren Cross?” Ethan asked, his eyes sparkling.

  “Hear what?” I asked instantly. For Ethan to be this excited it had to be good.

  “Someone beat the shit out of him,” He announced.

  “What?” I asked, stunned.

  “Yeah, I heard he broke his arm, a couple ribs, and his nose,” Ethan snickered. I leaned forward and looked down the row at Zeke.

  “Zeke, what did you do?” I demanded. Zeke looked down the line to me, frowning.

  “What are you talking about?” He snapped.

  “Did you beat up Darren Cross?”

  “No. If I had, I would have said something,” He shot back. I blinked. Good point.

  “Oh, sorry,” I said before leaning back in my chair. “Did he say who did it?” I asked Ethan.

  “That’s the weird part, he refuses to tell anyone,” Ethan explained.

  “Watch, it was a girl,” I snickered. The boys chuckled as the lights dimmed. “Why wouldn’t he say who beat him up?” I whispered to Miles.

  “Maybe he was threatened.” He took a drink from his soda. The door to the theater opened. I half expected my Secret Admirer to show up, but it was Isaac who took the seat next to me.

  “What I miss?” Isaac asked.

  “Ads. How was the test?” I countered. He winced.

  “I passed, barely,” He admitted. “Mr. Turner said my supply cabinet privileges are revoked, but I can still participate in labs.”

  “Sorry hon,” I whispered. He shrugged as he watched the screen.

  “It’s the least I deserve,” He mumbled. The movie started and I was quiet. I wondered what Isaac meant by that but I pushed the thought out of my head and watched the movie.

  After the movie, we all filed out to the parking lot. Isaac was describing his favorite part of the movie when I spotted my Blazer. There was a bouquet of flowers on my hood and an envelope under the
windshield wiper.

  “What the...?” Ethan’s voice drew everyone’s attention.

  “That’s what I was thinking,” I admitted as I walked up to the Blazer, picked up the envelope and opened it.

  Alexis, I’m sorry I didn’t come in. I bought my ticket and opened the door to see you joking around with your friends. I just couldn’t come in, I’m sorry. – Your Secret Admirer.

  I sighed and shook my head.

  “He showed up, saw all of us, and bailed,” I announced. This was getting ridiculous, and I was getting tired of it. Riley picked up the flowers.

  “At least he got you flowers...” Riley frowned and looked at the stems of the flowers.

  “Wow.”

  “What?” I asked. Riley handed me the flowers.

  “Look on the stems,” She said. I looked at the stems of the bouquet. Surrounding the stems was an emerald ring. The emerald was square and set in a vintage gold band.

  “What the...?” I couldn’t quite grasp this. The guy gave me an expensive ring? I haven’t even really met him.

  “What is it?” Zeke demanded. I handed the bouquet to him.

  “Shit,” Zeke bit out. “He gave her an emerald ring.” The others looked just as stunned as I was.

  “It might not be real,” Isaac offered.

  “Real or not, it looks expensive,” Miles pointed out, his eyebrows drawn down as he examined the ring.

  “Is anyone else getting creeped out too?” I asked the group. Ethan and Isaac nodded. Miles had his thinking face on, Asher was rubbing his neck, and Zeke was running a hand through his hair.

  “It is very strange to get a girl you haven’t introduced yourself to, a ring,” Miles admitted carefully. Riley grabbed the flowers and the ring from Miles then handed them back to me.

  “A little bit,” Riley agreed cautiously. She looked at me. “Maybe the guy is a romantic? I say enjoy it until you know one way or the other.” I gave her a smile.

  “Yeah, you’re probably right,” I agreed, not really believing it. I took the ring and the flowers and put them in the Blazer. Everyone headed home. I couldn't help but check my mirrors the whole way home.