“Good morning or is it good night?” Uncle Dane said, anger in his voice. When he realized how filthy I was, his harshness vanished.
“It’s been a really long night.”
“Is everything okay? Where have you been? We have been worried sick; you never answered your phone, never called. Why would you do that knowing how much we worry about you?” he pried.
Auntie Steph stood, giving me the once over. “Shanntal, did something happen?”
“I’m alright. We were at the beach all day, hiding in caves. Guess that’s why I’m dirty. I also ran into an old boyfriend and it caused some friction with Jayce, that’s all.” I tried downplaying the ordeal.
“Old boyfriend? Here?” Uncle Dane gave me a doubtful look and Auntie Steph placed her hands on her hips.
“Yeah, I haven’t seen him in years.”
“How did he find you at the beach?” she interrogated.
“We just ran into each other.”
“Do I know him?” asked Uncle Dane.
“I doubt it.”
“Try me.” He wouldn’t let it go.
“It happened a long time ago. It’s nothing. His name’s Daray and honestly, I’d forgotten all about him.”
Auntie Steph made a weird face and Uncle Dane began acting strangely. “Go get some sleep kiddo, we’ll talk later.” He turned to Auntie Steph, making a face I shouldn’t have seen.
I was too tired and stressed to argue or pry. I knew he wasn’t behaving as he usually did. I wanted to know why and if they immortal too, but instead I simply walked over and gave them each a kiss on the cheek. “Good night, good day… whatever. I’ll see you guys in a while.” I walked into my room and closed the door behind me. My mind wandered for a minute before I flopped down on the bed. I didn’t bother pulling back the covers or even changing my clothes. I was too exhausted and passed out right where I laid down.
Another Chance
~ Chapter Five ~
I awoke from my slumber to realize I never took the short nap as originally planned. My room was now quite dark. I pulled back the curtains to see that the sun had begun to set; I’d slept the entire day away. My long brown hair felt like a giant mess of tangles. I tugged on a strand of hair highlighted blonde, but found it now had more of a grey tinge. My clothes were covered with lingering dust and dirt, a constant reminder of the previous day’s adventures. Of all the things I’d ever forgotten, why couldn’t yesterday be one of them? I had just found happiness and was finally coming to terms with my new life. I had accepted everything that had happened, no matter how unfair it was. Why did this new inner peace have to come with such a hefty price?
Jayce had willingly shared everything about his world with me. Was this why he told me? Had he known all along that I was an immortal?
Bits and pieces from my past with Daray resurfaced. I paid attention for a brief while, but everything I saw happened so long ago and nothing was like that anymore. I didn’t have my family with me and didn’t really know Daray. Soon, I found the memories wearing on my patience; I wanted to live in the moment, not the past.
I cleared the thoughts from my head, got up from bed and headed straight for the shower. Stripping out of my filthy clothes, I kicked them over to the corner and watched as a small dust cloud rose up and landed back down on the pile of fabric. Shaking my head with disgust, I stood in front of the mirror and looked at my face: smeared dirt on my cheek, eye make-up half way down my face. Now, I understood why Uncle Dane seemed worried when I saw him last. I was a sad sight, matching an equally horrible day.
I’d have to chat with him later and let him know everything was okay and try to explain what was going on. Then I thought about it… what was I going to do? Blurt out, hey guess what, I’m immortal! Like he’d ever believe me, even if I were telling the truth. He’d figure I was having a breakdown and would probably want to lock me up in a loony bin. Perhaps, this was better left unmentioned.
I turned on the shower; warm water flowed while steam leaked out from behind the curtain as I climbed in. The water stung my arm. I looked at the wound; it wasn’t nearly as bad as I’d thought. The wolf basically scratched me and I was healing quickly, a perk of being immortal, I assumed. As I enjoyed the rejuvenating warmth, I found myself wishing it would wash away my sorrows with all the filthy dirt. I got so wrapped up in my thoughts that I didn’t bother washing my hair until the hot shower water ran out.
Jayce and I were never going to be the same. The realization almost broke me into pieces. I felt ashamed and couldn’t get over how badly I’d treated him. It wasn’t right. I cared deeply about him, I’d fallen head over heels and he meant everything to me. How could I do this? I pushed the thoughts from my head. Imagining his pain was too much. Why did Daray have such control over me? How could he make me turn away from the people I loved and cared about? Why couldn’t I resist his magnetism? I let out a sigh. I had to face the facts, Daray was in the picture and like it or not, he wasn’t going anywhere.
Overwhelmed, I sunk into a ball on the bathroom floor wondering how to choose between the two of them. Why had Daray come back into my life after all this time? What did he really want with me? Was it possible he loved me that much? And, why had Jayce just entered my life? Why couldn’t I have met him sooner? Did he love me as much as I loved him? I fought with myself over and over again.
For some unexplainable reason, something inside made me feel obligated to give Daray another chance. I supposed it boiled down to the history we’d once shared and how he saved me from dying; because of this, he’d get his chance. He seemed different, like his entire being had changed, and it wasn’t just the subtle differences in his face. He’d become almost sinister. I really didn’t care for the intoxicating feeling that came over me every time he was around; it felt like a spell. I’d have to find a way of keeping better control over myself. I fantasized about what life would be with him. I remembered such a gentle man, caring, thoughtful and considerate. He didn’t show any of this on the surface; instead he seemed more dangerous, perhaps even wicked. I hoped to be strong enough to bring the gentle man back to life.
To be fair to everyone, I knew what had to be done. I needed to get to know Daray better and then I’d be in a position to decide who was best for me. Jayce was all the things I wanted, but Daray was my past, which made me feel close to him. However, people changed, especially over a hundred years, and if we were to have any sort of a future and move past this, I needed to know the person Daray was now. It was settled. I’d give Daray another chance and somehow make it up to Jayce. There wasn’t any reason why we couldn’t remain friends. Selfish, but I needed Jayce in my life. He understood me like nobody else and I couldn’t give that up.
I picked myself up off the floor and shook off the remaining insecurity and self-pity. I got dressed in black tank top and some black jeans. Ran a brush through my hair and applied some eyeliner and mascara. I didn’t bother with too much make-up because this time, the boys were going to have to impress me, not the other way around.
A knock sounded at the front door. I wasn’t expecting anyone. The only one who’d come to get me lately was Jayce and I knew all too well, that wasn’t happening today. I waited for someone to get it. Another knock. I walked into the common room to find I was home alone. I answered the door.
“Hey, you guys,” I said, happily surprised. I moved out of the way, letting my giant protectors and gorgeous purple-eyed friend in. Garrison and Kaleb did a walk-through around the entire house, checking top to bottom, making sure everything was safe. Layla and I ignored them as we said our hellos.
“Layla, I can’t believe you’re here,” I said hugging her. “Feels like we haven’t seen each other in forever.” We’d grown close, spending every day of the past few months together. When I hadn’t seen her for forty-eight hours, it felt more like weeks rather than days. “Where’s Terran and Meriel?”
“They couldn’t come… you know how it is.” She seemed distant.
“Is everything okay?”
“Jayce explained everything. He wanted me to let you know, he’ll be staying away for a while, in order to make things easier. He also mentioned that you and Daray were once engaged?” She shook her head in disbelief. “Jayce loves you, but he wants you to be true… to yourself.”
The message was direct and to the point. Jayce wasn’t coming around anytime soon, I’d figured that out before she even finished her statement. Layla was the messenger. It was the reason she’d come, not for me, but for him.
“Yeah, weird or what? Who would’ve thought?” I snorted. “I don’t think Jayce saw that twist coming.” I tried making light of the situation. This was extremely difficult for me as well. I already missed Jayce. I’d never meant to hurt him and wanted to take it back more than anything. If I had some kind of superpower that could’ve changed the outcome of all this, I would’ve used it a long time ago.
“Super weird,” Layla said, sounding friendlier. “What else has been going on with you?”
We went into the living room and sat side by side on the couch so we could catch up. She was my friend and I couldn’t be mad at her because she was the messenger. It was actually easier to hear this news from her, because I knew she cared about us both.
Garrison walked out of the kitchen, heading over to us with a big smile. Suddenly his eyes shifted towards the front door, his smile faded. “Lover boy’s almost here.”
I was confused. Last night, this morning, however you looked at it, my protectors left me alone with Jayce. They didn’t sense any danger when I was with him, meaning I was truly safe around Jayce. I’d always felt it. So this must’ve meant that Daray was coming. Everything progressively became more complicated. I wanted, needed a simpler time, a time that didn’t make me feel at ends with myself.
I looked over at Layla, who sported a serious expression. “I’ll be staying with you through the duration of this. I’ll assist any way I can, even if it’s just to talk or listen. I’m here for you… I can’t imagine how difficult this must be.”
“Thanks Layla. I’m glad to know I’ve got a true friend. I appreciate…” I stopped myself when Garrison and Kaleb assumed their fighting stance in the front hallway. I couldn’t remember what I’d been saying; my heart pounded so hard I thought it was going to beat out of my chest. I was scared and didn’t want a repeat of the last run in. A wave of panic consumed me.
The doorknob slowly turned, letting out a small squeaking sound as it rotated. All eyes remained focused on the door. It began to creep open, and as it opened, the sound of two familiar voices spoke — Auntie Steph and Uncle Dane were home.
I let out a sigh of relief. Kaleb and Garrison raced over to join me and Layla on the couch. My friends made a diversion by chatting about random things and giggling. I smiled, even though this brought up more questions. Why didn’t they want to alarm anyone that danger was close? Wasn’t it better to know so we’d have a chance to defend ourselves? Who was going to attack? My sweaty hands trembled. I took a deep breath in, let it out slowly and felt my anxiety ease. I looked down, my hands were now steady.
Uncle Dane came over to greet our group nestled in the living room. Auntie Steph smiled as she walked by with loaded arms full of groceries.
“Layla, always a pleasure, my dear,” Uncle Dane said, giving her a wink.
“Danier,” she acknowledged.
“Garrison and Kaleb. Been a long time. Good to see you boys,” Uncle Dane said, patting them on their bulky shoulders. “Shanntal, glad to see you’re keeping such good company these days.” He looked me squarely in the eye.
I looked back dumbfounded, completely confused. How did he know everyone’s names?
“A word?” He gestured towards my room.
I got up off the couch without hesitating and followed him. We stood alone in my bedroom. The door slightly closed, not all the way, but enough to give us some privacy.
“Am I missing something?” I asked.
“Everything’s starting to come back, isn’t it? I see you remember who you are now.”
“Who I am? Don’t you mean what I am?” I shot back. “You knew about this? Why didn’t you tell me?” I said, my voice getting louder. “After everything that’s happened to me in the past twenty-four hours, let alone the past year, how could you have kept this from me?”
“Past twenty-four hours? What happened?” he yelled back.
“Oh, never mind, you wouldn’t understand.”
“Please, calm down. I understand more than you think. We were only trying to protect you.”
“Protect me? From what?”
“From him. We didn’t want Daray to finish what he started. He accidently created you, it’s a fluke you’re still alive. He may fluff the story up and act like he saved you, but it’s not the case. You were dead. Something happened and that’s what saved you. Nothing he did. You must understand that he isn’t the same man you once knew. He isn’t human; he’s nothing but dark and evil. No good can or will ever come from him.” Uncle Dane walked over to my dresser and tugged on a latch, which opened a secret panel. He reached in and pulled out a long scroll of paper, then turned around and placed it in my hands. “This lists all the lives Daray’s taken over this past century. Our family took great care in hiding you from him. Garrison and Kaleb have come and gone from our lives over the years. Whenever Daray was close enough to find you, they’d come. When he lost track and you were safe, they’d leave.”
I stood, my world spinning too quickly for me. I wanted nothing more than for it to slow down. I fought back the feeling that urged me to break down. I was strong and wasn’t going to fall to pieces like the last time I received bad news.
I threw down the scroll. I didn’t want to look at it. I wanted no part of this. Enough was enough. “All the lives he took? What about the life taken from him, or from me for that matter? Let’s get one thing straight; it is because of Daray that I’m still here! You should take a minute to remember that. Remember it’s because of him that I never died. He saved me!” I shouted, waving my arms like a total lunatic. Tears spilled down my face. I couldn’t fight them back.
I was hurt, betrayed, my whole life was nothing as I believed it to be. Daray was the only one who hadn’t hidden the truth from me. He wanted me to remember and helped me do so. I wiped my eyes, turned around, grabbed the knob, yanked the door open as hard as I could and stormed out of the room. I heard a thud as the door hit the wall and was pretty sure I’d just made a dent. Too late, couldn’t take back what was already done.
I headed hastily towards the front door and rushed so no one could talk me out of leaving. Uncle Dane was right behind me. “Shanntal, we did what we thought was best. I’m sorry. Please… please don’t go.”
I ignored him and acted like I was alone because that’s how I felt. I ignored everyone’s pleas and concentrated on tying my shoes. Then I rushed out of the house without so much as a word and darted down the dark street, slipping on my jacket as I ran. I heard my steps hitting the ground and noticed they weren’t alone. Glancing back to see who was there, I saw Garrison and Kaleb trailing behind.
I was too angry to appreciate their loyalty. I turned and yelled at the top of my lungs, “Just go away. Leave me alone! I don’t need you.” I kept going as fast as I could, hoping to put some distance between us. The night air was cold, but it didn’t stop me. I was burning hot from the rage consuming me. My whole life had been nothing except one big lie. My past either never existed in the first place or I’d forgotten it.
I decided to go with Daray. I knew he was close because Kaleb and Garrison said he was near. “Daray, come get me, take me away from this. I want to be with you, like we were before.” Tears streamed full force down my cheeks. “I want it to be the way it was. I want to go back.” I needed security and I remembered what life was like for us before. I had to accept that Daray was different from my memories, but he was still the man I used to love. He’d been my everything. More memories of our tim
e together flowed, making my urge to see him even stronger. I pushed myself harder, coming up with the strength to run faster.
My legs burned and needed a break from running. I leaned against a light post, trying to catch my breath. I closed my eyes for a minute and oddly, all I could see was Jayce. Was this a sign that I should be with him? I tried connecting, he’d be able to comfort me and make me see the light of this situation. Nothing… I felt nothing at all. He’d completely cut off our connection.
Frustrated, I opened my eyes. Daray stood under the streetlight looking devious and mysterious in his black overcoat. I’d never heard any footsteps letting me know he’d arrived. He stalked as silent as a shadow. I panicked and backed away. This was a mistake, I loved Jayce, I was supposed to be with him and never should’ve come here.
The familiar intoxication took over as Daray moved in closer. I helplessly wrapped my arms around his neck, letting him run his fingers over my cheek. Suddenly, my mindset completely changed and I was happy he’d found me.
Escaped the Night Page 10