by Cici Wickens
I park the car and lean back in my seat for a few seconds. Minerva was in the passenger seat. Blaze sat in back. They had insisted we go to the movies tonight. I would’ve preferred to be training, but they wouldn’t take no for an answer this time.
I can hear the soft scratching of Minerva’s jeans against the seat as she shifted toward me. I feel her eyes on me but don’t turn to look at her. Blaze is watching me too. “Are you all right, Iris? We’re all worried about you. Your grades are slipping, and you never have time to hang out with us anymore. This is the first time in weeks we’ve hung out outside of school.” Minerva finally spoke.
A sigh seeps from my lips. “I don’t have time to hang out anymore.”
“You can’t make time for your friends?” Minerva yelled.
I clench my jaw and say nothing.
“Answer me Iris!” She balled her fists in her lap.
They will never understand you.
The voice weaved throughout my mind, until something within me snapped. I slam my hand on the steering wheel, causing her to jump. “Am I alright? Can I make time for you guys?” I laugh bitterly. “Have you forgotten about everything that’s happened? Someone—” I hesitate. I hadn’t told them about that night with Zola. It was too real. “I’m supposed to kill a woman that I’ve never even met in person before. And then I’m supposed to rule over a kingdom in another dimension, forgetting about all the plans I had, that I wanted, for my future, since it was written in some dusty old book!” I yank the token from my neck and hold it out, “And it’s all because of this watch! But you want me to make the time to go to the movies? I need every second to train so that I can take Valencia and Caesar down. So that I can have a chance of having any future. And what happens if I fail? Do you realize how selfish you sound? There’s more at stake than just our friendship here, there are lives.”
“Selfish?” Minerva shouted, tears filling her eyes. “We’re just trying to be here for you! We’re trying to help you Iris. All of this pressure and stress isn’t good for you. We’re worried.”
Blaze put a hand on his sister’s shoulder. “Let her be Minerva. Let’s just go inside, watch the movie, and cool down.”
“Yeah, let’s do that.” I mutter, shoving open my door. The warm night air did little to calm my nerves as we walked into the brightly-lit theater. The smell of popcorn and hotdogs seemed even more repulsive than usual with the mood I was in.
“So, what are we going for?” Blaze asked. “There are no scary movies playing, so it’s either going to be a comedy or that movie documenting World War II.”
Neither Minerva or me answers.
Blaze sighed. “Well I don’t think the documentary’s going to be the best choice because of all the killing. Don’t want to encourage anything…let’s do this one.” I don’t look at the one he pointed to.
Once we find our way into the small room we notice that there are barely any seats. I stand on my tip-toes to peer over a tall guy in front of us, trying to scope out three in a row. No matter what kind of mood I was in, no one liked to sit apart from their group in a theater. Blaze said he spotted two empty seats in the back and started leading us forward.
“But there’s only two.” I say in confusion.
Minerva smirked. “You’ll see.” She seemed to realize we were still mad at each other and scowled.
I cross my arms and follow him.
We quickly make our way to the seats. “Travis, move your ass.” Blaze said to the guy in the third one. “We need an extra seat. There’s one down there for you.”
Travis looked between us. “Oh, I see you got the new girl with you.”
“She’s been here since the beginning of the semester, so she’s not new anymore.” Blaze said slowly, trying to keep his patience. “Now move your ass dude. You know you don’t want to test me.”
Travis pushed the hood of his jacket from his head and looked up at Blaze in defiance. “You don’t hold authority over me anymore, bro. You lost that right when you ditched us for them.”
Blaze roughly grabbed him by the collar of his jacket. “Shut up.” He snarled.
I step back in fright, nearly able to feel the anger rolling off him.
Minerva pushed Blaze away from him. “Calm down Blaze.” She said firmly. “Travis, will you please give us this seat?”
Travis stood up and straightened his jacket, rattled. “All you had to do was ask nicely.” He shouldered past Blaze after giving him a final glare.
“What was that about?” I ask shakily.
The tenseness of Blaze’s shoulders and the raging in his eyes dissipate in an instant. “Oh, he’s just one of my old buddies. An idiot as you can see.” Blaze rolled his eyes.
I swallow, unnerved by the sudden change of attitude. Minerva made herself comfortable. She appeared to be used to Blaze acting that way. “Ooh it’s still warm.” Minerva snuggled into the seat with her shoulders.
✽ ✽ ✽
I feel like none of us really watched the movie, and by the time it’s over, I regret the way I spoke to Minerva earlier. I hadn’t meant to hurt her feelings. But I had been keeping it inside for so long that I hadn’t been able to hold my tongue. I nudge her in the side as we walk towards my car. “I’m sorry.”
She shook her head. “I’m the one who should be apologizing. You were right. It was selfish of me to ask you to hang out, considering the circumstances.”
“No, you’re right. I’ve been focusing so much on training that I’ve started to lose sight of what’s important to me. You guys are important to me, and probably the only thing keeping me sane.” I admit.
Blaze smirked at the two of us and remarked, “That didn’t take long.”
Minerva kicked him in the shin. “Oh hush.”
✽ ✽ ✽
After dropping Minerva and Blaze off at their house, I made my way home and sat down to eat dinner with my dad. “Dad, how are you so calm about all of this?” I ask him.
My dad glanced up at me. “Well…most kids leave the house and start their own lives elsewhere when they turn eighteen. At least that’s what I keep telling myself.”
“Yeah, but this is going to be dangerous. And I’ll be in another dimension.” I say.
“I know that you have it in you.”
“Even to kill someone?” I counter.
“When the time comes, you’ll know what to do. You’ll be ready.” My dad stated with finality.
“I love you dad.” I smile at him.
“I love you too.” He said with a chuckle. “Oh, and the Whites are coming over for dinner this Saturday. They’ll be staying in the guest rooms. No point in them wasting money on a hotel when we have all these extra bedrooms. Besides, it takes a lot of gas to drive up here as it is. I’m sure Cam knows that better than anyone.”
I raise my eyebrows. “That’ll be nice.” I haven’t seen Cam since Valentine’s Day. And the last time I saw Frank and Suzanne was the morning of my mom’s funeral. It’ll be good to see them again.
“Yeah, we all have a lot of catching up to do.” My dad said with a nod. “I’m looking forward to it.”
Chapter 47
Bumping Elbows
Iris
It was around six when the doorbell tolled.
“Iris, can you get the that?” My father yelled from the dining room. He was making sure everything was in place at the table.
I put on my best smile and open the door. “Hi, Mr. and Mrs. White. Hey Cam!” I greet.
I can tell that Mrs. White’s tendency to always dress like a million dollars hadn’t changed. Her blonde hair was blown out and she wore a red skin-tight dress.
Mr. White brought me into a tight hug. “It’s so nice to see you again Iris! You’ve grown since the last time we’ve seen you!”
Not really, I think to myself.
Cam took in my attire. “You look nice.”
“Thanks.” I say, giving him a small grin. I had chosen to wear a simple light pink dress for the occasion.<
br />
After a few more exchanges, I lead them into the dining room.
“Hey Frank, nice to see you again!” My dad said cheerfully, while pulling him into a manly hug. “Suzanne, you’re getting prettier every day.” He turned to Cam, “It’s good to see you man, how’s school going?”
I shake my head at my dad’s attempt to talk cool.
“I decided to drop out.” He said casually.
I can tell from Frank and Suzanne’s facial expressions that this is the first time they’d heard about his decision. “Always cracking a joke.” Frank muttered, clapping his son on the back.
Neither me or my father miss the look he gave Cam. He’ll be in for it when they get back home. I want to smack myself in the forehead. He could’ve delivered that bombshell a lot better.
My dad, sensing the awkward tension, brought his hands together and said a teensy bit too enthusiastically, “Well, dinner is prepared, take your seats.”
Frank and Suzanne sat in front of me. My dad, being the host, sat at the end. Cam sat beside me. Suzanne inspected the sparkling silverware and the glistening chandelier. “Your home is lovely.” She gushed. “Jasmine would’ve loved it here.”
“She would’ve, wouldn’t she?” My dad asked with a faint smile. “Let’s eat up.”
We all begin filling our plates. Well, all except Suzanne that is. She put small serving sizes on her plate. Huh, I think. I look down at my plate, wondering if I should’ve done the same. Nah.
I keep bumping elbows with Cam, and I can feel him grinning. I finally have enough and scoot towards my father some. Cam looked at our parents, seeing they weren’t paying attention, and scooted closer to me, making the distance the same as before.
“You just love to aggravate me, don’t you?” I ask in a low voice, suppressing the urge to grin.
Cam shrugged. “It’s entertaining.”
Another elbow in the bicep. “Stop it!” I say with a laugh.
“You don’t tell me what to do.” He remarked with a smirk.
“Iris, why don’t you show Cam around?” My dad asked me once we were finished eating. “I have some things I need to discuss with Frank and Suzanne.” In other words, time for the adult talk.
“Sure thing. Come on Cam.” I smile because I get to order him around.
He rolled his eyes but stood up and left the room with me.
“There are five bedrooms in the house in total.” I explain as we walk around. “Two of which are spares. Two of which are occupied by my dad and I. And the last one, my dad is having remodeled. There is a personal bathroom in each room, and a spare one downstairs.”
“Okay, so where am I crashing tonight?”
“You will be sleeping in the spare next to my dad’s room. Your parents will be sleeping upstairs.” I say.
“You do know my mom’s not going to set a foot on those stairs, right?” He asked me.
“Why?”
“She will vomit everywhere. She doesn’t like heights…at all.” He got a faraway look in his eyes, as if recalling a vivid memory.
“Okay, so you will sleep upstairs.”
“Come on.” I say and motion behind me. “Let me show you the library. It’s pretty awesome.”
We talked in the library for a few hours about our fonder memories and my ideas for the room my dad was remodeling. We also caught up on everything that had happened in the past several weeks. Of course, I wasn’t able to tell him about the Supernatural aspects of my life. It was a relaxing conversation though, and I found myself smiling and laughing a lot during it.
As we chatted and grew more comfortable with each other, I began to wonder if I should reveal the secrets I’ve been harboring to him tomorrow with everyone else. After that night at the movies with Blaze and Minerva at the beginning of the week, I had decided to tell my friends everything. But he hadn’t been a part of my original plan. I feel bad for forgetting about him. He always seemed to remember me when it counted.
I yawn. “I think it’s time for me to hit the hay.”
“Same here.” He said and gave me his signature smile. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
Chapter 48
No More Secrets
Iris
“Good morning.” Cam greeted before taking a big bite of
his blueberry pancakes. Charley had arranged a buffet-style spread along the table for this morning’s breakfast.
“Morning.” I sit down across from him and grab a couple sticks of seaweed. “Where’s the parents?”
“Already up and moving around. I think your dad is showing them the maze or something…I wasn’t paying attention.” He said.
“Hm.” I mumble while chewing.
Cam met my eyes from across the table. “I’ve been meaning to ask you about how you healed so fast that day. You know, when you scraped your elbow.”
I choke on the water I am sipping. “That?” I cough some more to buy me some time. Couldn’t he wait to ask this for another couple hours? I don’t want to explain it twice, and I’d feel wrong telling him the truth before my friends. “That was so long ago. And I don’t always have the best memory.”
He raised his eyebrow at me, not buying my excuse. “You can’t remember any of it?”
I sigh. “Listen, I’ll tell you in a little bit. There’s somewhere I’d like you to come with me, and you’ll know everything then.”
“Where?” He pried.
“I have practice with a friend at a lake down the road. I invited a few others too.” I respond.
Cam leaned back in his chair and studied me for a long moment. “Alright.” He finally said, running a hand through his dark hair in resolve. “Looking forward to it.”
“Me too.” I admit. I’m tired of having to dodge the truth.
Cam and I finished up our breakfast and told our parents that we would be gone for a couple hours. I chose for us to drive my car instead of taking his truck.
“I wish you would’ve let me drive.” Cam murmured, observing the scenery from the passenger seat.
I laugh. “No way. I don’t like people driving my car.”
“I feel like it should be the other way around though.”
I roll my eyes at him. “I didn’t realize you were so sexist.”
“It’s not that. I’m just trying to be chivalrous. My mom always puts up a big fuss about it.” He defended.
“Well, maybe next time then.” I say and pull over. I recognize Trace’s car and Thomas’s truck. The others would probably be here in a few more minutes.
Cam sat up in his seat. “This it?” He looked through the dense woods, where you could barely see splotches of water.
“Yep.” I unbuckle my seatbelt and take a deep breath to calm my nerves. “Let’s go.”
“Wait a sec.” Cam ordered and exited the car. I watch as he trotted over to my side and opened my door for me. “There.”
I feel my cheeks warm. “Thanks.”
We walked down the trail before coming to the clearing that had become so familiar to me over the weeks. Trace and Thomas were chatting but came to greet us when we came into their line of view.
“Cam, this is Trace.” I introduce.
“Coach Trace.” He corrected, holding out his hand for a shake.
“Hey man, what’s up?” Cam shook his hand firmly.
“Just living.” Trace answered. “Trying not to let Iris drive me crazy. I’m surprised I lasted this long.”
“I know how that is.” Cam agreed.
I shake my head as they shared a laugh. I can see that they’ll get along swell. “Ha, ha. Very funny.”
Thomas pulled me to the side. “What is this about? I know you told us all to meet her a few days ago, but why?” He asked worriedly. “What are you training for? Is everything alright? Are you going into the military or something?”
“You’ll see once everyone gets here.” I tell him, shaking my head at the last question. I guess I am preparing for war though.
It was Trace’
s turn to motion me over away from the others. “Are you sure you want to go through with this?” He asked, face serious. “I mean, I’m all for you telling your friends the truth about what you are. But once you put it out there, there’s no coming back from it.”
I nod my head. “I’m sure. Trust me, you’ll want this as much as them. There’s some things I haven’t told you either. Are you still alright with me doing this? I’ll be exposing you in the process.”
“I know, but I trust your judgement.” Confusion appeared on his face whenever he fully comprehended what I had said. “Wait, what? You’ve been keeping stuff from me too?” He didn’t sound very happy about it.
I wince. “Yeah. I had to make sure I could trust you first.”
“And here I thought we both trusted each other. You certainly fooled me.”
I give him a look. “Come on, please don’t be mad. I do trust you, but this…I haven’t even been sure how to deal with it.”
“Whatever. The rest of them are here.” Trace walked past me.
I squeeze my eyes shut tight, feeling like I betrayed him. He’d been so trusting of me this entire time, and I had only given him bits of the truth. Are the others going to react this way? My heart aches from just thinking it. Maybe I shouldn’t—
“Find anything interesting over here?”
I jump. I hadn’t heard him come up behind me, like usual. I lift my shoulders, tears pricking my eyes. Cam’s eyes softened when he saw my face. He pulled me into a hug. “Whatever you’re keeping from everyone is weighing you down Iris. You need to get this off your chest.” He murmured.
“I don’t want them to hate me.” I answer honestly and bury my face into his shirt.
“Hating you would be impossible, for anyone. Trust me.” He said.
I wipe the tears from my eyes, trying to get myself together. “I hope so.”