by Cici Wickens
“The garlic sauce is amazing!” Jen answered, closing her eyes as if to enunciate the effect.
“Yeah, it’s really good.” The guys agreed. They had all ordered gargantuan burgers and were trying to see who could eat them the fastest. Blaze was winning by a longshot, even though he had been the one to protest it at first, and Thomas had a good thirty pounds on him in size.
“It’s nothing compared to Charley’s cooking, but—” I feel a sharp pain in my stomach. “But it’s still delicious.” I manage to finish. I continue to chew, thinking that the brief pain will pass. It doesn’t, and instead escalates into a hot flash. “I need to go to the restroom, I’ll be right back.” I mutter, trying my best to appear normal.
I splash water onto my face to cool down a little. I stare at my reflection for a second, and then blink. Startled, I blink again. I grab a napkin and dab it against my face to dry it, heart racing. I could’ve sworn that there were blue markings on my cheek.
I hear a light rap on the bathroom door and barely manage to smother my yelp of fright.
“J-just drying my hands.” I call shakily. I open the door and take a startled step back.
It’s a guy.
He’s a little on the tallish side, and he’s got curly brown hair. His eyes were nearly black. I let out a breath when I see that he works here at the restaurant. His nametag has Sammy typed on it.
“Um, hi…Sammy.” I step out of the women’s bathroom and point behind me. “Did you need to clean the bathroom or something?”
He seized my arm and pulled me through the door of a storage room before I can make a sound. It happens so fast that I stand there, stunned, for a full three seconds.
I shove him off me. He stumbled into a couple of half-empty shelves. “Dude, what’s your problem?” I demand breathlessly.
“My problem?” He countered. “I have been trying to discuss important matters with you, but you continue to ignore me!”
“Wait, what?” I ask dubiously. “I don’t even know who you are!”
Sammy pinched the bridge of his nose. “I need to speak with you about the token. You will be receiving it tonight, along with your abilities. We are running out of time.”
I know that my eyebrows have probably shot up to my hairline by now. “How do you know about that?” The token? Abilities? That’s the same nonsense Janelle was sputtering the other day. I create a wider space between us and size him up. The hairs on my neck stand on end. “Who are you?”
“I was sent to find you and take you—”
“Take me? Take me where?” I question.
He stared at me for a long moment, frustration written all over his face. “Stop interrupting me.” He bit out.
I take another step back. My phone vibrates in my back pocket. I quickly take it out and read the message: Everything ok? U didn’t fall in did u? It’s from Minerva.
“Um, I’ve got to go.” I say nervously, edging around him and in the direction of the door, which looks so far away now. “My friends are worried about me.”
Sammy extended his hand to me. “Come with me. Right now. We can handle this in a civilized manner and no one need be harmed.”
I slap his hand away. “Are you threatening me?”
“I am merely telling you your options.” He retorted, a small smirk on his face.
“Doesn’t seem like much of a choice…” I feel the doorknob pressing into my back. I swallow. If I could just—
“I would not try that if I were you. I am faster than you think.” Sammy muttered, going deadly still. His entire body was relaxed, and yet the tension in the air was palpable.
I meet his eyes, and my heart skips a beat. His gaze was so intense that I feel as though I might disappear. He was not one to be reckoned with. I shift my feet into a more solid position as a plan comes to mind. I can barely think over the sound of my erratic heartbeat.
I reach a hand behind my back. He watched me, waiting to see what I’ll do. I focus on not allowing my legs to lock up. Is this really happening right now? Focus, Iris. Focus. I feign twisting the door knob, and he falls for it.
I stand over him while he rolls around on the ground, veins in his forehead straining, and hands clutching his groin. I had brought up my leg at the last moment and kicked him right where it counts.
I clench and unclench my fists, shaking with adrenaline and fear. “Who in the world do you think you are threatening me like that?!” I yell at him. I struggle to suppress the urge to kick him in the face while he’s down.
Yanking open the door, I hit him in the lower back with it in the process. He lets out another grunt. “You better stay away from me, you creep.” I growl at him and slam the door behind me.
Our waiter comes by pushing a cart with dirty glasses and plates. She briefly glanced at me and says, “They’re waiting on you. Everyone’s finished, and your dad has already paid the bill.”
Swallowing, I pull her to the side and whisper, “One of the waiters here—Sammy—just attacked me.”
She looked confused. “We don’t have anyone here by that name, dear.” She told me.
I lead her to the storage room. “He’s in here…” I trail off upon opening the door. He’s gone. The only person in the room is some older man. “He was just here.” I say with a shake of my head.
She laughed. “You didn’t get a hold of the wine, did you? I’ve got to get back to work. Have a good night.”
Did I just imagine it? I take a few weary breaths, calming myself to some extent. I hastily wipe the sweat from my brow with trembling hands.
I begin walking back towards everyone, making an effort to wear a mask of aloofness. I can’t keep my hands from shaking, so I put them behind my back. I think I’m going crazy. It had felt so real.
Minerva strode over to me, her long legs gaining ground much faster than mine ever could. “What happened, girl? You missed your dinner! Are you feeling alright? You were gone for like half an hour!” Minerva exclaimed worriedly.
I thought it had been only a few minutes at most…
“Are you gonna’ answer my question, or just stare off into space? You’re shaking, Iris! What’s up?” Minerva folded her arms.
“Shhh!” I pull her over to the side, away from everyone else. I don’t want to worry them about something that I don’t even understand. I glance around suspiciously before whispering, “I was attacked by a guy in the storage closet.”
Minerva’s voice grew skeptic, “You were attacked…by a guy…in a storage closet? Are we talking harassment or attempted murder?”
“We’re talking harassment, or maybe kidnap.”
“Oh my gosh. You’re for real, Iris? Why didn’t you scream? Why haven’t you told your dad?”
I grab her by the shoulders. “Lower your voice!”
“Tell me everything that happened! Right now! And give me a good reason not to tell your dad about this while you’re at it!” Minerva demanded. “This is serious, and scary, Iris. We need to tell someone.”
“Trust me Minerva, I know that it’s serious and scary.” I snap. “I just experienced it. And I’m not even sure it really happened. I’ll explain everything when we get home and we can talk in private.”
“Okay, sorry. I’m just worried about you.” Minerva muttered.
I stride past her and up to my dad. “Can everyone spend the night?” There’s some things that need to be discussed amongst us. It’s time that I tell everyone about why I transferred. I was keeping too much from them, and I was just adding one secret onto another. Eventually, it’d catch up with me.
“Uh, I guess. But the guys will sleep downstairs in the spare room. And they all need to ask their parents.” He replied, looking at each one of them.
“Thanks so much.” I say and give my dad a kiss on the cheek. “This is the best birthday ever!” I hope I am the only one who hears the falsity in my voice.
“Anything for my little girl.” My dad responded, hugging me tightly.
Everybody sat
just as before, and we began the ride home. I was still tense, and I think that everyone noticed. I could sense that they were wondering why I asked if they could stay over.
“Home sweet home.” My father yelled upfront after a while.
“Whose car is that parked outside?” Minerva asked.
My heart skips a beat, and for some crazy reason I thought that Sammy was at my house, waiting to kidnap me. But then I feel stupid. I look out the window for myself and groan. “That’s Keisha…I think my dad is going out with her. Why is she here?” I whine.
“Do you not like her or something?” Minerva asked.
“No, it’s just…my...mom and dad...ju-just” I can’t seem to get the words out. “They just split up.” I finally manage. This is all too much. Just get it over with, I scold myself. Ron and Thomas both give me a look, knowing the truth.
“Well, perhaps they’re just friends.” Jen proposed.
“That’s what I thought at first, but I’m not so sure anymore.” I mutter.
“Siblings?” Minerva added another possibility.
I consider that option but quickly sweep it under the rug saying, “No, my dad doesn’t have any siblings.”
I signal them to hush when I see my dad coming around to open the door for us. “Why is she here, dad?” I bite out each word like they’re something bitter.
“She just wanted to give you something for your birthday.” He stated matter-of-factly, though there was a hint of sadness in his voice. I can feel Minerva’s eyes on me. She was probably thinking Keisha was going to give me the token. I inwardly sigh, frustrated that Minerva was still playing on the nonsense that her mother spoke of.
While everyone else was busy walking towards my house, Minerva and I hung back. But before I got a chance to speak she called her brother over.
“Wait, what are you doing?” I ask incredulously.
“Don’t worry. He’s like us. I told him everything.” She stated like there was nothing to worry about. I needed to have a little chat with her about keeping secrets. I have to admit I was a little angry. She had no business telling someone about all this without consulting me first. It was my imaginary burden to carry. I wonder who else she told. Hopefully no one.
“So, what are you supposed to be?” I ask once he reached us.
“A Shifter.” Blaze said shortly, not elaborating any further.
I want to roll my eyes. “And what exactly do you change into? A wolf?”
“Can we please get on topic?” Minerva interrupted.
Folding my arms, I turn to her. “Come on. This is ridiculous. We don’t have to discuss anything. I just want to go inside and hang out with everyone else.” Anger starts to burn inside me. I want to rip my hair out. It’s not funny anymore.
“Mom said that there’s someone named Cato who might be willing to train you.” Minerva spoke as if she didn’t hear me.
I let out a frustrated sigh. “Minerva, listen. I don’t really believe any of this. I don’t believe in anything more out of this world than ghosts, and maybe Leprechauns. Faeries and Prophets and Seers?” I laugh bitterly. “And now you’re trying to tell me that your brother is a Shifter? If you want me to believe this, then he’s gonna’ have to do a demonstration.” I look pointedly at Blaze.
Minerva looked uncomfortable. She faced her brother, tucking some hair behind her ear.
Blaze was already shaking his head, looking upset with his sister. “No.”
“That’s what I thought.” I remark.
Chapter 26
A Weight Lifted off Her Shoulders
Thomas
Dinner went pretty well, even though Iris wasn’t there for half of it. The food had been great, the place classy. The ride home was tense though. I wondered what was weighing on Iris’s shoulders.
I didn’t really like that they called Blaze back and signaled for us to go ahead inside, I’ll admit that. I mean, what are they trying to hide from us? I could tell that even Ron felt left out. I felt especially bad for Jen.
Blaze has been suspended twice for being in fights, just this year. And he’s got major anger problems. I’m not judging the guy. I’m just saying that of all people to hang back with, Blaze would’ve been my last choice. No doubt Minerva had something to do with it.
I go inside and sit on the couch to watch TV. The place had been remodeled and looked nothing like the house that I had run through as a child. But it was nice. Clean edges. Polished surfaces. Big screen. The whole shebang.
Ron and Jen had taken a liking to each other very fast. It’s actually pretty funny to observe them and helps to improve my sour mood.
I watch as Ron exclaimed, “Yo, this is my favorite movie!”
Jen immediately ran to his side and put a hand on his shoulder. Wow, bold move on her part. “Really? That’s mine too.”
“Well since it’s our favorite, maybe we should watch it together sometime.” He replied, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. Jen immediately blushed.
I just shake my head and laugh. Ron was certainly a character, and Jen was…something. He always had a thing for the strange ones.
Iris’s dad walked by the living room. Jen said she was going to the bathroom, and then disappeared down the hallway.
“Make yourself at home kiddos.” Mr. Hanes looked around. “Where’s Iris? She’s been disappearing all afternoon on me.”
“She’s with the delinquents of our group.” I mutter, not entirely joking.
Mr. Hanes eyebrows shot up into his hairline. “Delinquents? That Blaze kid does give off weird vibes, if you catch my drift.”
Mr. Hanes is my new favorite person. Finally, someone who understands where I’m coming from about Blaze.
“Don’t listen to him sir. Thomas is just butt-hurt because he got left out.” Ron butted in.
I point at Ron, “Hey! This is an A B conversation. C your way out of it.”
Mr. Hanes laughed at us and went on about his way.
“I am not butt-hurt.” I whisper angrily at Ron once Mr. Hanes is out of sight. “And don’t act like it didn’t bother you either.” I jab.
“Yeah well, when we give Iris her present, we’ll be the favorites again.” Ron was confident as always.
“I almost forgot about that.”
Ron moved to the same couch I’m on. “I didn’t. It’s been jabbing me in my side all day.” He pulled the small wrapped box from his jacket pocket and shook it.
We came across that thing by pure chance yesterday while looking for a gift for Iris. “I can’t believe we were able to find this in that old boutique shop. I hope she likes it.” I say.
“Course she will. Nobody else got her anything.”
Iris walked into the living room looking pissed. She collapsed into the seat between us, letting out a heavy sigh. “What’s that?” She sat up straighter.
Ron handed her the box. “It’s from me and Thomas.”
“Happy birthday.” I say.
“I told you guys not to get me anything!” She admonished, but I could see the excitement in her eyes.
I try to take it back. “Well, then—”
She pulled it closer to herself. “No, I want it now! You already gave it to me! You can’t take it back!”
Blaze and Minerva come up behind us. “And what might that be?” Minerva inquired.
“Not the token.” Iris snapped.
Me and Ron look at each other. What is she talking about?
“Open it up.” Ron said.
Iris gingerly untied the bow and tore into the wrapping paper. She lifted the lid of the box off and sharply inhaled. “It’s beautiful!” She gushed, hugging us both. “Thank you guys so much!”
Blaze snickered from behind. “You two got her a rock?” He said mockingly. He doesn’t talk much, but when he does, it always seemed to be an insult.
Ron gave Blaze a dark look. He was usually a mediator, but I could tell that Blaze was getting on his nerves.
“It’s a gemstone!” Iris defended
with a murderous look on her face. “And it’s absolutely stunning.” She gently picked it up and rubbed her fingers over its smooth surface.
Jen finally comes back. “I still can’t get over how beautiful your house is!” She said in awe.
“Thanks, but it’s not as beautiful as this stone.”
“Oh man.” Blaze muttered.
Jen came closer, pushing her glasses up. “That’s a blue topaz!”
“Really?” Iris asked.
“Yeah. In the old days, they were thought to cure madness.” Jen said.
Ron and I look at each other again. That’s not exactly what we were going for.
“Great choice guys.” Blaze said grandly, patting us both on the shoulders a little too hard. I shove him off. He walked over to the other couch and made himself comfortable.
Jen goes on, “It was also thought to strengthen the mind and increase wisdom. Not to mention, it can be very calming. It was a great choice you two.”
I smirk at Blaze from across the room. That’s more like it.
“That’s amazing!” Iris exclaimed. “And it’s blue like water. It’s perfect. I’ll treasure this forever. It’ll be my good luck charm. I love it.” She rambled.
Minerva folded her arms. “Hey, I thought we weren’t supposed to bring gifts.”
“We just wanted to go above and beyond.” I say.
Ron and I knuckle bump. Minerva narrowed her eyes at me. I’ll admit, she had a killer glare. But so did Lola.
The smile left Iris’s face as she said, “Okay everyone. On a more serious note…I feel like I need to get this off my chest. Which is one of the reasons I asked for you all to come over.”
Minerva and Jen took a seat, and Blaze sat up. All eyes were on her.
“Thomas and Ron already know about this, but I want to tell the rest of you why I transferred.” She didn’t take her eyes off the stone. “I transferred because…I transferred because…my mom died. My mom and dad didn’t split up, she died. Well actually, she took her own life.”
Jen rushed over to Iris and knelt in front of her. She took Iris’s hands in hers. “I’m so sorry.” Jen told her. Iris’s eyes had filled with tears.