by Graham, J A
His vision blurred, and then amicably sharpened. He yelled out his pain as his shoulder slash screamed, begging to be released from its bandaged prison.
“Christian? Chris! What’s happening?!”
Tanitha’s voice broke through the fog that surrounded his mind, making it lift and draw back. He was suddenly drained of all his energy and he crumpled to the ground, supporting his splitting head. He looked up after a minute’s composure and Tanitha was there, standing over him.
“What’s wrong?” She asked him worriedly. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
Christian slowly shook his head, his brain hurting with even this slight movement.
“Who knows, Tanitha. Maybe I have. Maybe I have.”
Tanitha walked home from school with Christian plaguing her mind. Even though her mother usually drove her to school, Tanitha preferred walking home. It usually took the best part of an hour but it always gave Tanitha time to think. And it seemed she had a lot of that to do. What really happened to Christian out there? He had said it was just a simple headache, but a small migraine wouldn’t have even done that. And what did she really feel about Christian?
Nothing. Absolutely nothing at all. She reminded herself. Christian was a friend, nothing more.
Walking up to the building that Tanitha called home, she was worried to find the front door wide open. She struggled to gain some sense. Her mother mustn’t of shut it properly on her way back inside. She quickened her pace and, though she tried to stop it, worry creased her brow. Bursting into her bedroom, she arrived to find the whole thing trashed. Sorsa howled, jumping wildly at the window, and Sadie was inconsolable, pacing up and down like a rabid creature. She knew something was wrong, terribly wrong. That’s when she heard the sobbing of her mother. Before the noise of the two dogs had smothered it, and prevented Tanitha from hearing.
Tanitha ran from her own room. She burst into her mother’s bedroom and took in the sight of her mother crying. The corner bunk lay empty, and it looked so cold like a coffin. Tanitha wrapped her arms around her mother. She calmed her mother enough for her to speak.
“What happened? Where’s Tabby?”
“She’s dead, Tanitha.” Dinah wailed. Tanitha’s eyes widened with shock and her lower lip quivered but she couldn’t cry in front of her mother. She merely buried her face in her mother’s shaking shoulder and blocked out the tears.
After a while, Dinah stopped crying and her sobs became hiccups. Finally she gave one last lingering look towards Tabitha’s bed.
“My baby girl is dead.” She whispered with finality.
That night, Tanitha lay awake. Her eyes were flooded with unspoken tears. The dogs, sensing her mood, were edgy as well, and Sorsa nudged her hand, and licked the fingertips. Tanitha trailed a hand through the red and white fur, working out some of the knots which riddled the fur. Her eyes were drawn over to Sadie. The black and white female was sitting underneath the window, staring intently at the moon. Her body was frozen solid, and she seemed to be in a trance.
“Sadie…” Tanitha called to the dog. This renewed Sorsa’s effort to lick Tanitha’s hand, and Tanitha pulled it back under the covers. Tears filled her eyes once more. They were so kind, so loving, so faithful. She didn’t know what she would have become by now without her dogs by her side.
Sadie flinched at her name, but didn’t move. Tanitha tried again, and Sadie looked over her shoulder reluctantly, staring at Tanitha with soulful dark eyes.
“Come on, girl.”
Finally, the Border Collie left her post slowly, all the time looking back. A whimper bubbled in her throat, and Tanitha petted her head.
“What’s gotten into your lately, girl?”
But Sadie wasn’t paying any attention to her.
Tanitha wasn’t exactly overjoyed when Cameron showed up on her doorstep on Friday night. She wasn’t even ready for him as she still wasn’t sure if she wanted to go or not. Tabitha’s memory was still fresh in her mind but she knew that an outing away from all the mourning would be good for her.
Dinah suddenly appeared in the doorway and leaned against the doorframe. She sniffed slightly, her petite nose wrinkling.
“How long has it been since you last cleaned up your room?”
“Not long. Maybe a few years.”
Dinah chucked a stray article of clothing at her daughter, grinning. It was good to see her mother smiling again. Dinah’s voice had a squeaky note, as if she had a sore throat.
“Get out of town.”
Tanitha grinned back before continuing on her search for something to wear. Dinah took a drag at the cigarette that never seemed to be removed from her mouth, except to take another puff.
“If smells like something’s keeled over and died in here.”
“Knowing my luck, something probably has.”
She may have no money or decent clothing but Tanitha was glad of the stable relationship she held with her mother. She was able to laugh and joke and talk about anything with Dinah and not feel ashamed, like most kids her age did. Dinah was more like a friend than a mother and Tanitha was thankful for that. The two dogs crowded on her mother, and Dinah smiled, petting each of the dogs in turn. At least, for now, Sadie had seemed to have snapped out of her trance.
“So, you’re finally going out and getting a life.”
Tanitha turned to her mum.
“Not really, more like dragged out.” As she said this, she started to get changed.
“Come on. It won’t be that bad. It will do you good.”
Tanitha rolled her eyes in mock exasperation.
“Anyway, there’s a nice guy waiting for you out front.”
Tanitha’s eyes and mouth flew open and she grabbed her jacket and hurried to the front door. Dinah waved to her departing back.
“Have fun!” She called out after her daughter. Tanitha blew her a kiss before going through the cracked door and Dinah leaned against the wall heavily, exhaling smoke in wispy tendrils. She dabbed at the tears in her eyes.
“My baby’s growing up so fast.”
Chapter Six
Tanitha shut the door quietly then turned to Cameron. She crossed her arms and stood there, looking at him, tapping her foot impatiently. Her chin lurched forward stubbornly, her head tilted up slightly due to Cameron’s height.
“So, you showed up.” She said simply.
“Why shouldn’t I?” He looked her up and down. “You look…ravishing.”
Tanitha blushed. She had only thrown on a denim skirt and her favourite black halter neck. She took in Cameron. Now he was the looker. Cargo pants from Calvin Klein, a black top with a single stripe of white and leather loafers. His hair was neatly done, if it could be said, in messy spikes, a change from his usual curtains, and he was looking every bit the arrogant jock. He held out his hand and she accepted it rather unsteadily, as he led her down to a four-wheel drive. Seleena and Christian were already there. Tanitha should have guessed they would have all been going together, for Seleena was Cameron’s best friend.
“Well, Cam.” Seleena said. “You and your date ready?”
Tanitha knew that Seleena said that just to make a point.
“I’m not his date.” Tanitha said but Seleena either didn’t hear or chose not to.
“Chris, you ready?”
Christian nodded solemnly and watched carefully as Tanitha got into the front seat. Tanitha caught a glimpse of him in the rear view mirror. His messy hair was brushed smooth and gelled down, Tanitha noticed with relief, and he nearly rivalled Cameron for looks. Even though Christian was looking downright handsome, though, it was obvious who had the most money out of the two. Cameron’s t-shirt alone probably cost twice as much as Christian’s entire outfit. But Tanitha didn’t mind. She liked Christian for who he was, not how he looked, and wouldn’t have changed him for the world.
They pulled out of the driveway, and Tanitha was glad that the darkness covered all the flaws of the rickety old building. Then she gasped in
horror. Was she turning into one of them, she thought, looking at Cameron and Seleena? Just another ordinary person with no sense of individuality?
No, she told herself firmly. The party was just this once.
She blushed as she saw her feet tapping in time to the music that was thumping out of the stereo. The radio itself was a rather impressive little number, illuminated and looking very pretty. She pointed at a dazzling display of bars and lines.
“Could you tell me what that does?” Tanitha asked curiously. Cameron shook his head lightly, his gaze still on the road in front of her.
“No.” He smirked. Tanitha looked disappointed.
“Why not?”
He turned to look at her with a laughing smile, his eyes dancing and exuding their natural confidence.
“Because it’s a secret.” He grinned. Tanitha caught on and folded her arms.
“Bull, it’s because you don’t know.”
Cameron laughed, his voice holding a whimsical quality.
“That too.”
Tanitha sat in silence as the mp3 player shuffled and a new song rolled. Tanitha tried to stop herself from moving to the bass beat but she couldn’t help it. The tune itself was just as catchy. Cameron smiled when she saw her.
“You like that, huh?”
Tanitha couldn’t do anything but grin back so Cameron reached over to turn the volume up. His hand brushed Tanitha’s bare leg lightly on the way. Tanitha stiffened and froze, gritting her teeth. Cameron merely laughed at the reaction.
“Oh, lighten up, will ya? We’re here to have fun. Am I right or am I right?”
“Yeah…I guess.”
Tanitha looked into the rear view mirror, hoping to snatch a glimpse of Christian, and as she did so he looked up at the exact same time. Their eyes met and lingered for a second, emerald green on slate grey eyes. Tanitha finally looked down to the hands resting on her lap, her soft curls hiding her embarrassment. She could hear Christian chatting easily to Seleena now and wasn’t sure whether he was looking at her or not. She decided the safest thing to do was to concentrate on the road ahead of her.
The car’s suspension carried it smoothly over all the bumps and potholes in the road. Tanitha found it a welcome change to their own car’s shot ones. The very quietness of the engine surprised Tanitha; it was almost like a cat’s purr to the roar of a lion. A sick lion at that. And Cameron was a much better driver than her own mother…She peeked a look at his face and, even in the harsh light of the street lamps, he still somehow managed to stay handsome. Tanitha hated the effect it had on her beating heart. He smiled at her, spying her stare out of the corner of his eye and, surprising herself, Tanitha managed a shy smile back.
Christian glared at the two enjoying themselves up the front and sighed as Seleena loaded his head with senseless prattle. Tanitha was unusually quiet, Christian could see, and he knew it was because of Cameron. And Christian didn’t blame Tanitha. He knew Cameron had that effect on people. He’d probably had it since he was born. Christian would have killed for talent like that. It wouldn’t be long before Tanitha would be lapping at the tainted milk he offered. Christian felt a stab of jealousy and pushed it aside, forcing his distracted eyes back on Seleena, who had now sidled up extremely close to him. The door handle dug into his hip as he tried to move away unsuccessfully.
Tanitha flashed Seleena a warning look almost instinctively as she caught the blonde’s movement closer to Christian. She then scolded herself for doing so. She focused her attention on her ‘date’, smiling so sweetly it could have been fake.
“So, where is this party being held?”
“Oh, at our place. No parents so it should be fun.”
“You don’t live with your parents?”
“Nah, me and Cheyne moved out as soon as I turned sixteen.” Tanitha got a shock at this information. She thought he was sixteen, with his little boy looks. “Always hated the ‘rents, eh?”
Tanitha shook her head slowly. She wouldn’t have been able to stand being away from her mother at such an early age. Her mother needed protection, and needed to be looked after. She was too vulnerable to be left alone.
“So, how old are you?” Tanitha asked, changing the subject quickly.
“All of eighteen.”
“But I thought you were sixth form.”
Cameron laughed, flashing his teeth in a godsend smile to die for.
“I am. They held me back a year. Not that I mind. Gives me more time to play what I love best. Rugby.”
Tanitha giggled nervously. But beneath her exterior, she rolled her eyes. Another sports-crazed jock that wouldn’t get anywhere.
“And you? You’re fifth form right? And how old are you?”
Tanitha blushed. She cursed herself for being so damn smart.
“I’m fourteen. Fifteen next month.”
Cameron’s eyebrow arched but he didn’t say anything. A serious soberness drifted over his once mocking features.
“Bit young, aren’t you?”
Tanitha squirmed uncomfortably. This was one of the many reasons she’d always avoided conversation with peers her own age, if she could. Thankfully Christian noticed her dilemma and butted in, with the trace of a faint smile on her face. Tanitha sank deeper into the plushness of the seat, thankful for the reprieve. Christian knew that he had just saved her backside and he’d probably use it to his advantage later on.
“Decent sounds in here, ain’t there?”
Cameron smiled once again, all previous thoughts vanishing with his cheeky grin.
“Yeah. Should do. Cost me almost as much as the car did.”
As the two guys were talking, Tanitha’s gaze curiously flickered from one to the other. And when they started talking about horsepower and car parts, she tuned out completely, unsure of what each technological term meant. Instead she just looked, from Cameron to Christian and back again. She jumped, her face colouring, as Seleena wrapped her arms around the headrest of her chair.
“Both yummy, eh?”
Tanitha didn’t say anything as Seleena whispered into her ear, though she couldn’t help but agree. They were both extremely good looking for their age. She felt proud to know both of them.
When the car pulled to a halt, Tanitha was edgy, wide-eyed with excitement. Already music was thumping the walls of the building, and she could swear she saw it vibrating. The house was quaint, but obviously one which cost a lot of money. The yacht and Mazda MX5 convertible outside only confirmed this fact. Cameron caught her staring and pointed to the deep blue convertible.
“That’s the car I gave my brother for his fifteenth birthday.” He said, pleased with himself. “He loves that car. If he had to choose between his favourite brother and the car, at least I’d know that there would be no rust on it.”
“Is this party for his birthday?” Tanitha asked, combining the newness of the car with Cameron’s statement.
“Nah, this is the weekend-after-his-birthday party.”
Tanitha walked up to the car hypnotically. She would kill to have a car like this. Cameron was beside her but she took no notice of him. All her attention was on the amazing car. The numberplates, she noted, proudly displayed the letters Cheyne. She pointed at the plates.
“Is that so he won’t lose it in the parking lot?” She smiled, managing to gather her wits enough to form a joke.
“Ha ha, very funny.” Obviously Cameron had caught her look of longing. “Take a look inside if you want.”
Tanitha’s heart leapt and she opened the unlocked driver’s side door. She gracefully climbed in, and was greeted by the cool freshness of leather. Her fingers trailed lovingly over the upholstery and she whispered breathlessly, “Wow, it’s beautiful.”
Cameron leaned across from the passenger side and brushed her face with his fingers, making her look up in shock.
“Not as beautiful as you.” He said, his sapphire eyes sparkling. He leaned forward more to kiss her but Tanitha was immediately out of the car.
�
��Um…they’re probably expecting us. We’d better go.”
Cameron shrugged, unfazed by the rejection.
“Whatever you say.”
He got out, shutting the door lightly, and Tanitha followed him into the house. She was relieved and a little embarrassed about wedeling her way out of that sticky situation. She just wasn’t ready for him. She’d never had a boyfriend before and wasn’t sure she wanted one now. She’d wait till she was ready.
Chapter Seven
All eyes were drawn towards the door as Tanitha and Cameron walked through it. Tanitha drew in a breath and held it. Would they accept her as a member of their society? It was funny; she had never cared before what impression she made. Now she was hoping she’d make it good.
Cameron walked up to Cheyne. Cheyne smiled at him smugly and Tanitha snuck a good look at him. He was exactly like his brother, same style of hair, facial features, clothing and certain arrogance. The only differences were where Cameron was raven, Cheyne was blonde, where Cameron had sapphire, Cheyne had hazel. Cheyne was much shorter than Cameron was and a lot stockier. Tanitha knew that they’d been on the same rugby team, the first fifteen, last year, but that was all she had known about the brothers.
Cheyne slapped Cameron on the back and Cameron wrapped him into a brotherly hug. She noticed Cheyne’s shoes, a bright red and white, unlike any sneakers she’d seen before.
“Enjoy the ride?”
“Yeah, I’ll have to make it a habit.”
Cameron’s voice was lighter than his younger brother’s was and much more musical and interesting to listen to.
The sound of tinkling glass met Tanitha’s ears and she winced. The expensive stained glass lay scattered over the floor, a drunkard standing in the center of it all. Cheyne stormed over angrily.
“Drunk already, huh? Get out!”
The person he’d confronted looked shocked but his face quickly clouded with envious anger.
“Yeah, so what? What you gonna do about it?”
Cheyne’s face looked like a storm about to break. He stepped forward, looking the guy directly in the eyes. His body was squared aggressively to the troublemaker.