Bound in Blood 1 Clandestine

by Nicole Rae

  Emily went to check his room but it was empty. The bed was still made. In fact, she could tell it was still made from when she had done it forever ago. She got tired of seeing an unused bed looking rumpled and recently vacated. Emily’s mom always kept the bed made neatly every day without fail. The crisp clean sheets had to be tucked in tight and the decorative pillows in perfect position.

  The only sign of Sam living in the room was his dirty clothes strewn about on the floor. His Romeos lay tossed by the bedside table. She highly doubted Sam sat there to take them off. He never let so much as a fingertip touch that bed, at least not that she ever saw. She knew why this was so she didn’t need to ask. It was of course because it was the bed he shared with her mother once upon a time. Even if she had wanted to talk to Sam, he wasn’t exactly an open book. In his world, things are better off unsaid.

  She was still really tired, she guessed she should just go back to bed. The whole way back to her room, Emily’s mind raced thinking of how she had gotten back to her house. It wasn’t reasonable to assume that she had gotten herself home, tucked herself into bed, and just forgotten about it. The night after the first run in, the memories had been repressed, or temporarily erased. In a weird way, she wished these memories would disappear too. At least then, the mental stress that pressed on every corner of her brain would melt away.

  When she curled up under the sheets she shivered but not from the cold. Luke’s green and red eyes burned in Emily’s memory like flames engulfing all they touched imprinting themselves forever.

  Those eyes were something out of a scifi movie. She’s never even seen something like that in scary movies. She cringed, remembering how petrified she was in the beginning, but how quickly his spell caused her to long for him. When ruby borders emeralds, may their prey heed the warning. The words from her dream,scrolled through her mind. Maybe that’s why she had dreamed of Alexander and that beautiful place? Her imagination ran wild with the mark Luke’s eyes had left on her.

  Alexander didn’t seem like a dream a nd neither did that place, she had felt completely aware and in control. He said that Emily was there in spirit and it did really hurt when she had pinched her arm. She looked at her arm and was not surprised to see the small bruise on her skin. The only part that remotely seemed dreamlike, was when everything faded away to darkness.

  What else had Alexander said?Evil doesn’t merely stay hidden within the shadows. She guessed the evil hidden in the shadow, referred to Luke and her attacker from the other night. However, they came out in the dark, which meant that in a way, they were still shadowed. Luke had followed her under the street light and didn’t seem to mind the cars driving, witnessing their little meeting. As Emily toyed with ridiculous theories, she slowly felt herself giving into unconsciousness, until she was left with what she hoped would be a peaceful sleep.

  CHAPTER 8 The next day at work seemed to pass in a blur. Emily spent the morning running the register and helping customers. She knew the inventory at Blake’s backwards and forwards, it was a fairly mindless task. No matter what she did though, her mind was still stuck on last night. She tried to ignore it, but it just kept slipping back in.

  In a matter of just a few days she had been attacked twice. The attacks themselves were bad enough. Though the monsters who delivered the attacks, were what plagued her the most. There was just something so different about them. The one called Luke,didn’t even try and hurt her. Granted, he probably would have, if it hadn’t been for whatever was in that alley. Both times they put her under some kind of spell. That couldn’t be what actually happened, there was no such thing as magic, was there? Either way, there was something very wrong with this picture. Every time she closed her eyes, glowing red eyes burned behind her lids. It was as though they were imprinted there with the sole purpose of torturing her.

  The other ginormous problem was that more of the residents seemed to be lost to the pod people too. Well, maybe the numbers hadn’t necessarily increased. More of them were coming out to be counted, that’s all. They were like Lakeview’s personal version of Stepford wives or something. Most didn’t even purchase anything. They just seem to wander around the store aimlessly. They were talking more today, despite the underlying fear that still lingered behind their put on facades. Well, she guessed she shouldn’t say they were talking, per say. It was more like the freaky pod people spoke in hushed whispers to each other and no one else. They kept scanning the room every few minutes. It was like they were expecting something bad to happen.

  When they caught her eyeing them from behind the counter, the huddle would disperse like scared little mice that were being hunted. When Emily would ask them if they needed something, they smiled quickly and just walked out of the store without saying anything. What was that? It wasn’t like she smelled. Whether she was distracted or not, Emily knew she had been pleasant. The group acted as though they had been caught doing something embarrassing. That was the type of reaction that had been going on all day and she almost couldn’t help but take it personally.

  Unfortunately, Lucy wasn’t in today. She was supposed to be according to the schedule. Hopefully she wasn’t sick or something. Emily wished desperately that her friend had been there. She wanted to confide in her about everything that had been happening. Trusting Lucy was as easy as breathing. Plus, she wouldn’t think Emily’s theories were insane like everyone else surely would. That knowledge was comforting. Lucy thrived on weird. She loved all things unexplainable or impossible.

  A book slammed down on the counter, interrupting her reverie making her jump. “Hey I’ve been standing here forever. You think you might return to this planet long enough to ring me up?” The guy’s voice was sarcastic and his expression was extremely annoyed.

  Man, how long had he been there, she thought. Her face flushed with hot embarrassment. “Oh sorry, guess I’m sort of out of it today. “ Emily grabbed his book so she could scan it. As she did the title caught her eye, Supernatural Hunters. Huh? She had never seen that book before. Oh well, she thought as she flipped it over for the bar code.

  “There’s no tag on this. Was it in science fiction or paranormal?” Emily gazed up at the guys face expectantly. He couldn’t have been much older than her, if at all. She thought he looked familiar but couldn't place him or his name.

  “Neither. I was looking for my mom and found it in the self-help section. Fate brought me what I wanted.” He smiled a crooked smile that gave him an air of arrogant, boyish charm.

  George trudged out of the back room, eyed the customer with money in his hand and instantly softened. “Is there a problem?” His question was directed at the man but his glare was definitely meant for Emily.

  “Hey , George this guy wants this book.” Emily held up the novel as evidence.“There is no tag and it’s not in the computer. I’ve never seen it before.”

  Before she started to hand him the book, he shrugged it away. “No matter, just punch it in the computer and charge the suggested price.” He moved passed her and around the counter. “I’ve got to go. Emily you’ll need to close up and I won’t be in tomorrow.” Without a second glance, he was gone. There hadn't been enough time for Emily to point out that tomorrow was supposed to be her day off.

  Man, he was a hurry she thought, as she watched him disappear out the door. It wasn’t like George to not have time to worry about what a customer is charged. She figured he would take the lack of tag as a golden opportunity to mark up the price. If nothing else, he should have lectured Emily on the fact that the book wasn’t marked. Normally he would take great satisfaction in such activities.

  Sensing the annoyance in the other guy’s posture , she quickly punched in the book and searched for a price to charge. There wasn’t one, so she put in a logical price for a book of its size and genre and then slipped it into a bag. “Here ya go. Sorry about all the trouble.” She smiled warmly trying to soften the tension.

  He dropped a bill on the counter and when Emily tried to get his change, he
told her to keep it. He appraised her for a moment, smiled and then left the counter without another word. When he got to the door he paused with his hand on the knob and turned and looked back at Emily. She matched his stare with one of her own. They seemed locked into a contest for what seemed like forever. Then, the door flew open startling her staring partner back a few steps, immediately breaking them from their trance. A customer stood just within the doorway, looking impatient. They got around each other leaving the door way empty and the bell still ringing announcing the new comer.

  Why was that guy watching her like that? The look he gave her wasn’t an admiring one. Even though she didn’t have much experience in that department, she knew what it looked like when a guy was into a girl. He had looked like he was trying to delve into the deepest contents ofher brain. It wasn’t frightening or anything. He just seemed curious. Emily wondered idly if he was new in town. He didn’t look like one of the construction workers that were working on the new developments. Really she didn’t think he could have been far from her age.

  Lakeview was a small hole in the wall town, which no one really cared about. People Emily’s age didn’t usually come flocking into town voluntarily. It’s not like the community college was a treasure. They strived to follow the policy of mediocre education, at rock bottom prices. Even if the price lured student’s, community colleges were a dime a dozen, they wouldn’t need to come to Lakeview.

  The guy was definitely good looking, in a shaggy sort of way. He wore a white T-shirt with faded jeans that rode low on his hips. They were the kind that was supposed to be that way. He wasn’t like the gang banger wanna-be’s that like to show off half their assets and oversized boxers. He had a casual demeanor that still radiated determination. In other words, he was a walking contradiction. On one hand, he appeared to be a gentle giant, and on the other, seemed like a sarcastic pain in the butt. Like he didn’t have a care in the world, yet displayed an obvious impatience and distaste for everything.

  It wasn ’t very common for her to take such a strong notice of a guy like that. Emily had never really had a boyfriend before. She didn’t have time nor the desire to put up with the drama a guy in her life would bring. Even still, she knew what her type was. Even if she didn’t plan on dating there was no harm in admiring the merchandise. It’s not that she didn’t want a boyfriend. She had always wanted to be kissed and feel the security of someone’s strong arms around her. Feelings like that would only get her in trouble though. Getting out of Lakeview was imperative and a boyfriend would only complicate the plans that have been made since her mother died.

  Not to mention that her beast of a father would have to sit at home and clean his gun all night. Sam wouldn’t stop there. He would have no fear in using that gun to get his point across. He didn’t even really like Emily to bring regular friends home, but a boyfriend? Yeah right! That would be like giving the poor guy a death warrant before he even walked into the door. Maybe throwing him to a pack of wolves would be a better analogy.

  There had been boys that had shown interest in Emily, the feeling was just never mutual. Most of the bottom feeder boys that went to the high school with her weren’t worth anyone’s time. The college didn’t seem to produce a wide selection of winners either. It wasn’t that Emily was a snob or anything, because she wasn’t. Certain standards were just necessary for survival.

  The rest of the day was slow. She decided to close up early, no one would even notice anyway. She had now had two run-ins with jerk guys after dark. Emilywasn’t about to give an open invitation for a third. Besides, it wasn’t too early. The worst George would do was doc her pay. As much as she needed the money she could live without it.

  The decision was already made, even while she was still contemplating. Unconsciously making preparations, she had already shut down the register and turned off most of the lights. She grabbed her backpack and keys. Not giving herself time to second guess calling someone for a ride, she headed out to the street alone.

  Emily thought about calling a friend to see if they wanted to go to a movie later. An estrogen rush would probably be just what the doctor ordered. It didn’t really even matter what the activity was. Emily was just really over all the drama that had been going on lately. Since she had been going to college, she had lost touch with a lot of her friends. Some of them did go to the local college too but they weren’t really in the same classes. Working didn’t leave time for a social life either. Especially, since she had started picking up extra shifts.

  If she was being completely honest with herself, she didn’t really have close friends in high school either. There were acquaintances that she spoke to at school, but never after the school day was done. Lucy was really the closest thing Emily had to a real friend and that was saying something. The two of them rarely got to see each other anymore. Emily had always had other priorities in her choice of after school activities. Luce was always busy with her various blind studies and her martial arts training.

  To anyone else it may have seemed odd that her blind friend was a black belt, but Emily just always thought it was super cool. Itreally helped heighten Lucy’s senses to epic proportions. Also, who better to learn to defend themselves than the blind community? After all, they were practically walking targets. Her friend wasn’t a victim though and never would be.

  The party scene wasn’t really Emily’s cup of tea either. Alcohol and her DNA didn’t seem to mesh well, judging by her father’s life. She never wanted to take the chance she would be susceptible. That lifestyle wasn’t good for anyone and that was doubly true for her. There were more important things to worry about. Most of the kids from her high school and a lot who now go to college with her were on a drink now study later game plan. Most of the people that chose Lakeview Community college to further their education,weren’t planning to transfer to more prominent Universities.

  Emily reached into her pocket and grabbed her cell phone. She looked up Lucy’s number in the contact list and hit send. Maybe Luce wasn’t sick and would feel like hanging out. Plus she really wanted to talk to her about all the drama trauma going on lately.

  “Hey Em what’s up?” Lucy’s vo ice sounded cheerful as always.

  “I closed the shop early and wanted to hang out. I really need to talk to you Luce,it’s kinda important.”

  “Awww…I’m not in town. I came back early so I could get going on studying up for finals. I’ll be back in a few days though. What’s wrong Em?” Lucy sounded concerned by Emily’s request.

  Recognizing her friend’s concern, Emily tried to eliminate any false note to her voice before speaking. “Oh, nothing. I just miss you is all. We haven’t hung out much lately, youknow?”

  Lucy didn’t buy it. “Sure, whatever you say Em. How about I call you tonight? We can talk more about whatever it is you can’t tell me now,k?”

  “Sure sure,sounds good,” Emily sighed. There was no point in arguing. Lucy had always been able to read Emily like a book.

  “If you don’t call or text I’m calling you.” Lucy scolded in her mom voice.

  Emily sighed again, “Alright I get it. I promise I’ll talk to you later. There is stuff Ineed to talk to you about.” Emily stressed the last sentence, hopefully conveying the necessity of their talk. Everything was pressing down on her shoulders like the weight of a grand piano.

  “K good. I’ll be waitingfor your call babe so don’t bail on me,” Lucy scolded again. This time though, it was obvious that she was returning to her perky self.

  “Alright mom I’ll talk to you later.” Emily laughed.

  When Emily hung up she felt better about the situation. She hadn’t actually told Lucy what was going on, but at least it was out that she needed to. She shoved her phone back in her pocket and finished locking up the store. Even if Lucy didn’t have any answers, she would probably be able to help her figure everything out.

  Luckily, when she started home there were still people out on the sidewalks, all along Main Street. Emily hear
d whistling and looked in the direction of the sound. It was coming from outside Flora’s Flowers next door. Flora was outside watering her hanging plants outside her shop. Emily smiled as she recognized the tune Zippidy Doo Da coming from the shop owners lips. No matter the season people could always count on a jungle of plants or flowers outside the middle aged woman’s store. The scent from the hanging plants was totally intoxicating. Emily took in a deep breath letting the smell envelop her senses. The light breeze rustled the plants branches and the spray from the hose misted Emily’s face. Despite the breeze the cool water felt nice.

  Flora smiled and waved when she saw Emily watching. She was the nicest woman and a serious expert at her craft. Her thumb was the greenest in town. She could turn a simple flower arrangement into a masterpiece worthy of appearance in a magazine. Emily always wondered why she didn’t take her business to a bigger city where she could make better money.

  On the other side of George’s place, was a comic book store. All in all, it seemed to do pretty good business with the kids. The owner of the store was a young guy that had taken over when his father died. Emily had never really been into comics although, to each his own right? Even though they were supposedly graphic novels,she personally didn’t buy it. It just didn’t seem logical that something with brightly colored pictures and word bubbles could be called novels.

  There was a dog across the street digging at the insides of a box left outside the bakery. Maybe there were discarded pastries inside. Emily couldn’t help but giggle. The pretty retriever was pawing at the box savagely. As she got closer she could see its pink studded collar so she obviously had a home. She hadn't seen her before and Emily hoped the dog wasn’t lost. She debated crossing the street so she could check her tag. If the dog lived on her way she could take her back to her owners. The animal shelter would already be closed for the night. If it was a stray there was always her house. At least the pup would have somewhere to sleep for the night. Sam wouldn’t notice anyway. As long as Emily kept her in the bedroom and tried to keep the barkingdown to a minimum it wouldn’t be too big of a deal.