by A. G. Hobson
Hayden keeps unveiling his dark world to me. I have visited his house a few times only to be treated like an outsider by Gayle and D’Naya; mother dearest and demon sister. His family really disapproves of us being together. They don’t want him dating a measly human. I roll my eyes at the thought of it all.
We have spent so much time together. Every time I stay at his house things get intense before I slow him all the way down. Kissing him is like placing my lips on a wet cloud and inhaling the sweet smell of his breath is the icing on the cake. I want him more than I have ever wanted anything. Ever. I could go there but I always douse the fire before it gets out of hand.
He asked me to go to Florida for a weekend. We stayed at Universal Studios. It was nothing like Florida in the summer. It was less crowded but still a ton a people. We didn’t go to the beach at all. I just walked around like a wild-eyed child. He was a gracious respectable host. It was so sweet and romantic. He didn’t even try to sleep with me. I expected him to but he didn’t. My family never knew that I left Michigan which is what I preferred. I wouldn’t want to assure them that I still have my V-card. I know that he must be super tense since we haven’t had sex at all. I wonder all the time if he is doing it with someone else. Maybe he and Ms. Shannon have… God, I hope not. But she hasn’t given him a break since she fell into his arms the day that Cade died. When I decide to do it, it will be something special. I want to know that he hasn’t cheated with one of the sluts at school, Ms. Shannon. Stacia, or even Mrs. German. Stacia has been trying hard to get to him but he doesn’t pay her any mind. She’s been watching us faithfully. She is not playing about wanting Hayden. She inboxes him on Facebook almost every day asking him out. In one of the messages she offers to give him sexual favors. I was so surprised when he actually showed me. She told him she wouldn’t tell anyone about it if he let it happen. But he didn’t respond. I get the feeling that if he doesn’t stop her from sending them, they will end up coming back to bite him.
The holiday season is here and my parents have safely moved to Paris. They were hesitant but we convinced them that we would be fine and Breeze agreed to come home every weekend, which wasn’t the complete truth, i.e my trip to Florida. I’m spending the weekend with Hayden again this week. My sisters are going to visit our grandparents in Grand Rapids. I passed because Hayden has something special planned for me. My sisters, me and my mother’s mom and dad are supposed to go to Paris to visit our parents for Christmas and stay until after the New Year. Hayden wants to tag along but I’m not sure what my dad would think about him traveling to the other side of the world with me.
As I get ready for school today, I thank God that it’s Friday. This has been one of the roughest weeks for me. Hayden is going back to school after Christmas. He picked up a huge number of hours for his internship and luckily they’ve agreed to accept them being that he overstayed. He has registered for all his final classes and applied for his graduation. He doesn’t plan on coming back because he doesn’t want to keep bringing attention to us.
Each day we’re together, I fall more in love with him. I can’t think about anything else but him. I long to be cuddled in his arms in my bed or his. Going to the movies and snuggling close to him, fulfills a need that I have. I love the smell of his cologne and the scent of whatever his clothes are washed in. The fact that he is a terrifying demonic creature doesn’t even matter. I wonder if one day I’ll have to meet his actual father. That is scary to think about. I try not to think about what he did to Cade. I try not to think about him transforming into what he truly is. Am I fooling myself? Just because I don’t see the monster he is totally still there.
When I get to school, the halls are not as busy as they usually are. I go to my locker and take out my backpack. I place two of my books in and slam it. When I look toward the office, I see Mrs. Northington walking with a beautiful woman with auburn colored hair that flows down her back. She is clearly African American, with caramel colored skin. Her hair has body waves that flow like a river going downstream. She has on a stunning blue wrap dress with a plunging V-neck that hugs her curves, and the curves are to die for. The dress flares at the bottom and flowingly moves as she walks. Her behind is perfectly round and the ties from the dress bounce off of it as she struts. Her long toned legs gracefully causes her hips to sway. She takes one step after the other accenting the most gorgeous Jimmy Choos money can buy. They click against the linoleum echoing through the hall. She walks with confidence as Mrs. Northington points to classrooms, obviously giving her a tour. Her lips are plump dawned with red lipstick, and the rest of her makeup reminds me of a model straight out of a glamorous commercial. She swings her hair each time she turns her head. When Mrs. Northington spots me, she smiles and waves me over.
“Montana Brookes.” She places her hand on my back as I approach. “This is one of our new social workers. Since Cade passed away so tragically, students have been having a hard time coping. The grief counselors helped a lot but we need someone to be here if and when our students need them. This young lady contacted us for a job. She was referred to us by our best student teacher ever, Mr. Alexander.”
“Hayden? Oh okay. Hello.” I extend my hand to greet her.
She looks me square in my eyes. “This is Nija Anderson.”
“Montana Brookes? Okay.” She looks me over. “Hmmm, I’ve heard so much about you. You’re doing a great job with the senior planning. I think the tribute that you’re doing for Cade at Prom will be a wonderful way to honor him. The students should be happy.”
I immediately wonder how this woman knows Hayden. How does she know me? Yes, Mrs. Northington could have filled her in but it’s highly unlikely. Her voice is kind of screechy but extremely seductive. Her eyes are alluring, they slant at the edges and her lashes extend like Jessica Rabbit. She places her hand on her hip and I see a flawless pear-shaped single diamond ring. Her nails are long and red, perfectly manicured. She stares at me with a smirk on her face. It’s almost like she has a secret she is dying to tell. When she catches me staring at her ring she smirks and lifts her finger.
“Oh, beautiful isn’t it? It’s an Alexander family heirloom.”
Wait? Did this bitch just say Alexander family heirloom?
“We were supposed to wait until the holiday, but why wait? Hayden and I are engaged.” She shrugs.
“Oh! That’s amazing.” Mrs. Northington beams. “A lot of young women are going to be sobbing off of this one. Mr. Alexander is quite popular amongst the students and teachers alike.”
“I know. He has always charmed the women he runs into and he always seems to entertain the stragglers. But I am the one he will always come home to.”
“I’m sure. Let’s finish the tour Ms. Anderson.” She cuts her slanted seductive glare from me and tucks her arms into one another as she turns and follows Mrs. Northington.
I literally don’t say one more word. The shock riddles through my body and paralyzes me. I watch as she walks down the hall switching and swaying. Male students and teachers stop and gawk as she passes. I try to hold back the tears but one escapes. I quickly wipe it away. Hayden forgot to tell me that his demon betrothed was freakishly beautiful. How could he want a plain Jane like me when he has that for eternity? I turn and spin on the heel of my left foot and head toward my first class. I take a deep breath to hold my emotions back. He claims to not want to be with her. How could he not want to be with her? Who wouldn’t want to be with her? My inner dilemma plays all the way down the hall to class. When I get to class, I plop into my seat. I pull out my notepad and began doodling. Nija is literally all I can think about. Why is she so fucking gorgeous? All I can see is them making love on his enormous bed. I see him doing to her what he does to me and more, things I won’t allow him to do, she does. I can’t concentrate I don’t even see that Stacia has sat beside me and is watching me.
“You met Nija Anderson, haven’t you? No wonder he won’t give me the time of day. He’s been ignoring my messages and all. Sh
e is hot. Unbelievably hot. Now, I’m convinced that the two of you are only friends. There’s no way he would cheat on her. Especially, since he turned down the opportunity to be with me. But maybe you wanted more. Which would explain why you’re preoccupied today.”
“What?” I frown.
“Tell me you haven’t seen Hayden’s Fiancée.”
“I have. She is very pretty.”
“Pretty? She is fucking beautiful. I would never give another woman that kind of compliment, but who can deny it?”
“Okay Stacia. Are you done?” I say as the teacher wraps up the lecture.
“Awww. You’ll get over him.” She slams her book shut and stands just as the bell rings. “It’s going to be hard for me too since I always get what I want. I know it’s harder for you because you haven’t dated anyone in quite a while. It doesn’t mean no one likes you. It’s just that you’re too ambitious. Settle for one of the football, basketball boys, or even one of the guys in the academic club. Rory McMillian is cute and he likes you. I’ll set it up!” She twirls and stomp toward the door.
Before I can protest, she is gone. I sigh and spot Lydia approaching. I can’t get up fast enough before she gets to me.
“Hey there Montana.” She places her hand on my desk.
I look up at her and stuff my notepad into my backpack. “How many times do I have to tell you I’m sorry before you forgive me? We’ve been friends forever. Surely you and Breeze can find it in your hearts to accept my humblest apology.”
I still don’t respond. “He is gone and I can’t even grieve with one of my best friends. Iyoki is cool and all but I want to talk to you. I miss you terribly Montana.”
“You should have thought about that before you fucked the love of my sister’s life.”
“But technically I did Breeze a favor. He was a no-good cheater. He has a baby for God’s sake!”
I never noticed before but since I’ve been dating Hayden the mention of God causes a tense feeling in my gut.
“I don’t care. You knew how she felt about him and it didn’t stop you. But I don’t know why I was even surprised. You have always been selfish. You always want what Lydia wants and fuck whoever gets in the way.”
“That’s not true, Montana. I was in love with Donelle in eighth grade. You dated him until the summer of ninth. I was jealous as hell because I wanted him so bad, but he was with you.”
I push past her and walk out of class. She quickly follows. “I’m sorry Montana. He was using me and I was too stupid and selfish to see. No guy like Cade has ever paid me any attention. I was flattered that he wanted me, well I thought he did. I never wanted to hurt you or your sister. I know how much she means to you. What can I do to make this better?”
“Nothing! I hate you for hurting my sister and I will never forgive you!” I storm down the hall toward my next class. I’m so sick of these bitches at this school. First Stacia, then her. Iyoki is smart. She left me alone and never spoke to me again. She knows that what they did is unforgivable in my eyes. You hurt my sisters you hurt me.
As I walk toward my class, my eyes feel weird. The hall begins to look smoky. I think I’m going to faint. But everything in the hall including the students disappear.
Chapter 21
I see her slowly coming toward me. I can hear the click of her heels make a pattern of rhythmic taps like I’m being hypnotized. Her hair blows in a nonexistent wind. She begins to whistle a tune I find familiar but can’t put my finger on it. She draws closer and I can see her eyes, slanted and seductive. I stop walking and stand still. I search the area with my eyes. I look behind me then back toward the front.
“I know you know who I am, Montana. You know what I am. But what you don’t know is that I am twice as dangerous as Cam. I can do things he can’t even dream of doing because of his human weakness. But I am going to tell you this once. Stay away from him. I will end you and torture your family for eternity.”
“Why? I’m just a human. I am no real threat. He proposed to you. Obviously.” I say defeated.
She pauses. “You heard me, feeble girl. Stay away from Cam.” Her face distorts and then the beautiful facade is gone. Horns twist from her scalp bursting through her locks, fangs sprout and her skin transforms from its rich brown tone to scaly red like its burnt. Her nails extend and her hair is frazzled. Saliva drips from her fangs and she breathes with a deep growl. My heart races and I take a step back. She leans in and snarls. Suddenly, she takes off toward me. I waste no time turning to run. I drop my things and sprint down the hall. I scream as I rush through the school. I look back and she is galloping my way. My head is heated like a tea pot. I can’t think. When I see the school doors, I hurry toward them.
Before I reach them, the fog dissipates and I see students wide-eyed and alarmed. “Are you okay?” Herschel stops me in my tracks. I look back and the hall is filled again. Nija is nowhere in sight. A girl hands me my backpack.
“You dropped this as you ran pass me. Are you alright? You looked horrified.” I focus and recognize her as Janice Barbour. She is in one of my classes and on the senior committee.
“I’m fine. I thought I saw a rat in the bathroom.”
“Oh God!” She says, “Are you coming to the meeting today? I don’t think Hayden is coming anymore so we’re kind of on our own.”
“Everything is pretty much planned, so we can meet up after the holidays to discuss the senior trip.”
“Well if you change your mind, the new social worker says that she would be more than happy to take his place.”
“Really?” I try to keep my expression even. “Umm… we don’t need her.”
Janice smiles. “I understand. We don’t need her.” She waves and walks back down the hall.
Herschel places his hand on my shoulder. “You sure you're okay? That didn’t look rat terrified. You looked like life in danger terrified.”
“I’m good. I promise.” He pats my back and heads in the opposite direction as Janice.
I guess we weren’t as discreet as we thought. Everyone knows that I like him. So, this is going to be a nightmare. Six and a half months to go and bye bye Westland.”
During my last class, I receive a text. I peek at the phone and it’s from Hayden.
Hey there, beautiful. I’m going to be at your house around 6 to pick you up. I think we have the house to ourselves tonight!
The sight of his words breaks my heart in two.
Hey, I don’t think I should come over tonight. Your fiancée started as our new SW today and I would be lying if I said she doesn’t terrify me. She made it clear that she wants me to stay away and I’m going to oblige. She threatened my family and I believe her. Her demonic form makes you look like a lion cub. I swear I’m tearing up as I write this but we know it would eventually end… right? I love you Hayden and I will always love you. Goodbye.
He doesn’t respond. I keep checking throughout class to see if he will text back but he doesn’t. We just broke up over a text and that’s it. It was great while it lasted and I’m still a fucking virgin…
The bell rings and I slowly pack my things. I sadly stroll to my locker and try three times to open it. For some reason I can’t remember my combination. Finally, the lock pops. I take out two books for homework, place my backpack inside and close it. I slide my purse over my head and adjust it to cross my torso. Everyone is running about to hurry home while I just mosey along. Tears pool and slither down my cheek s as I walk toward the door that leads to the parking lot. I love Hayden so much and I knew one day that I would have to give him up. Why now? I thought we had years, not weeks or months. It doesn’t seem fair. But its poetic justice, I guess. I wipe my tears away as I push at the doors to go to the parking lot. I pause and hold the door with my keys in hand when I hear my name.
“Montana! Wait!” I turn to see Hayden running toward me. “Wait! Please.”
I wipe the rapidly falling tears again. My eyes are blurry and wet. I can barely see him. But when I do, he
is as handsome as usual. He is wearing black, of course. He has on a black short sleeve polo with black Levi’s and black dress boots. His navy pea coat that is flying open as he sprints down the hall. I’m so happy to see him. I stand there, lips parted waiting to see what he has to say. When he gets to me he reaches out. I place my hands on top of his arms and gently push the down to his sides.
“It’s over.” I blurt before he can say anything.
“No. Montana, let’s talk about this.”
“No, Hayden I don’t want trouble with this woman. She has made herself painfully clear.”
“She doesn’t control me.”
“Your father does. I am terrified of what he could do to me and my family. Plus, she has a ring from you. A family heirloom…”
“That ring is from Gayle. I haven’t even laid eyes on Nija.”
“Well… here is your chance to see her now. She’s coming.”
She sashays toward us. There is a fire in her eyes. She is fuming. She stomps up the hall. My heart beats as I remember the way she terrified me in her wicked voodoo dream world.
We now have a small audience watching.
“Cam… why haven’t you accepted my invitation? I wanted to talk to you the way we can talk. Privately.”
“I don’t want to talk Nija. I just want to live my life the way I’m living it.”
“Don’t tell me that you’re not happy to see me…”
“You have a new face.”