Between

by Ting, Mary

  I flashed a smile. “Now, that I like.” I snatched it out of Kristina’s hand as Kristina’s eyes followed the direction of the shoe, going straight to my feet. “Hmmm…I don’t need another pair of heels, but these are so pretty,” I commented. “I love the bling on them. So shiny.”

  “Hey…I thought we were shopping for me,” Kristina pouted and smiled. “We can have the same pair of shoes.”

  I gave a guilty smile when I looked at the price tag. “Nope…I can’t afford it right now. Plus, I already have a pair of high heels. They’re simple, but they will do. Anyway, you can’t even see my shoes. Try them on–they’re gorgeous! Maybe someday.” I let out a heavy wistful sigh.

  Kristina headed to the sales lady. “Size 7 please.”

  “I’ll be right back,” Vickie said, then she was gone, into the storage room.

  Without warning, my hands felt like they were on fire. Though it wasn’t painful, the heat enveloping them was extremely uncomfortable. As I pressed the palms of my hands together, I hoped it would feel better, but it didn’t.

  “Claudia, are you okay? Do I need to get help?” Kristina asked, panicking.

  “I’ll be okay…give me a second,” I mumbled, barely making out the words as I plunked onto the nearest chair and leaned over.

  “Claudia, why is your necklace black?”

  I didn’t feel the vibration from the necklace because I was slouched forward. Oh no, oh no, not now, I thought, feeling petrified. “We gotta go.” I gripped onto the first thing I could placed my hand on, Kristina’s left arm. Pulling her towards the door, I didn’t take time to explain. Right as we reached it, the metal bars came crashing down and scraped my sweater. Heaving in shock by what could have happened and what had happened, I stood there for a brief second to gather myself and turned swiftly. My back against the metal bars, I examined the room.

  “What the hell is going on?” Kristina grunted, feeling bewildered.

  There was no time to explain. The shoes started rattling on the shelves. It started from the back of the room and rippled toward us, getting louder by the seconds.

  “Oh my God!!!” Kristina bellowed. “It’s an earthquake! We gotta hide somewhere. But where?”

  I grabbed Kristina and headed towards the cash register I’d spotted earlier. The counter was tall enough to give us just enough shielding from the shoes I knew would be flying towards us. Panting, we ducked down, thinking we were safe, but the counter started shaking too.

  “Where’s the sales lady when you really need one?” Kristina ranted. “She’s probably left the building. She didn’t care about us trapped in here. She just took off!”

  “It’s okay, Kristina. I’ll get us out of here, alive.” I felt horrible. This was my fight, not Kristina’s. If something were to happen to her, I would never forgive myself. When the rattling stopped, I peered to the right, looking for any exit sign.

  Thinking all was safe, I motioned my hand to tell Kristina to wait. As I slowly stood up, sliding my back against the wall to steady my shaky legs, I realized how cold it was. When I breathed heavily from fear, I saw the cold mist puff out of my mouth. Then I knew it had just begun. With Kristina still on the floor, I snapped my head toward the voice that had just called out my name.

  “Claudia, we meet again.”

  It was Vickie, but her voice was not her own; it was a man’s voice that was very familiar.

  Kristina pulled herself up and saw Vicki. “Thanks a lot for leaving us behind. We were scared out of our minds. Isn’t there a policy where you are supposed to take us with you in case of emergency? You really ought to find out. I mean who leaves their customer behind and just hides in the back? We could have been…”

  Kristina didn’t get the chance to finish her words. Vickie was quite annoyed with her rambling. “Enough,” Vickie said with her manly voice.

  “What the heck?” Kristina blinked twice, wondering if she’d heard correctly. She jiggled her ears, but by the time she registered that something wasn’t right, shoes were flying towards us.

  Kristina had no clue one was flying straight for her head. At that moment, I knew she couldn’t duck fast enough; I’d have to move Kristina and me out of the way. Instinctively, something inside me guided my hands to block the black high heeled shoes from hitting Kristina on the head. Instead of impacting on the palm of my hand, they flew away before they ever touched me. I felt the heat again, but this time it didn’t feel uncomfortable, it felt warm and comforting as I whole heartedly welcomed it. Shocked by what had happened I tried again. The more I tried, the better I was at it.

  Suddenly, the shoes started coming faster and faster. Knowing I couldn’t handle the numbers of shoes flying toward us, I grabbed Kristina and started to run between the racks of shoes.

  “You can run, but you can’t hide!”

  Where are the watchers? I thought.

  As if he could hear my thoughts, he answered. “It’s just you, your friend and me tonight. Your other friends were sent away. We should have lots of fun. Do you like this one?” A pair went darting straight for us.

  We safely ducked. “What is she or he or whatever it is?” Kristina asked, flabbergasted.

  I didn’t answer. What could I say? I was trying to figure a way to distract him, in hopes to run towards the storage room, though I didn’t have a clue what was in there besides shoes. I was hoping there would be another way out. Then suddenly, Kristina started rambling, but I was only half listening.

  “Things like this don’t exist in real life. Am I dreaming? I bet if I start walking, those shoes won’t even hit me. They would go right through me. I am dreaming and you’re in my dream, protecting me. By the way, you’re my hero,” Kristina reasoned.

  Kristina stood up so quickly that I didn’t realize she was standing. She was incredulous to see Vickie with wings, gliding towards us. Just as I tried to pull her down, a boot hit her on the head, knocking her out cold.

  Trembling, I held Kristina in my arms; knowing we were defeated, I surrendered. Unexpected tears streamed down my cheeks, and I felt hopeless. Where were the watchers, venators and the alkins? Then I recalled Vickie’s words saying the watchers were sent away. But why?

  “Looks like your friend is tired of shopping.”

  “Please…don’t hurt my friend. I’ll go with you,” I pleaded.

  “How noble of you,” Vickie smirked.

  “Are you Nicholas?”

  “Yes,” he said proudly. “I am Nicholas Cain, grandson of Cain. When Aliah takes your soul, I will have my own flesh back. I’m tired of hopping from body to body. Mortal bodies are weak and useless. Now…you can drop her and come to me; or shall I lift her up?”

  “No. I’ll…”

  I stopped speaking when Nicholas eyes filled with rage.

  “Claudia, stay right there,” Michael commanded.

  Michael’s voice came from behind me. As relief rushed through me, I desperately wanted to turn to see him, but I did as told. I closed my eyes, shielded Kristina’s body with mine, exhaled deeply and got ready for a battle. But it didn’t happen. When I opened my eyes, Nicholas disappeared with a defeated look.

  Before I got to blink, I was safely tucked inside Michael’s wings. A small beam of light glowed around us as he held me tenderly and every fiber of my being tingled in relaxation. Lost in his embrace, my quivering stopped, but I didn’t want to let go.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  It was the night before the Valentine’s dance. I felt nervous and excited as if thousands of butterflies were fluttering inside me, ready to burst. Tossing and turning, I tried to find ways to calm my nerves so I could get a restful sleep. I even tried meditating; watching a bit of television and reading a book, but it didn’t work. Finally, I fell asleep, but images of Gamma flashed throughout the night, waking me up with tears in my eyes. Though I hardly slept, I was so eager for the night that I was wide awake.

  Startled by my cell phone, I reached over and answered. “Hey Patty.”

/>   “Good morning sleepy head. You’re awake. I was going to leave a message.”

  “What time is it?”

  “It’s almost nine. You ready to spend the day with me?” Patty asked.

  “Sure,” I said with a smile. “I feel so lazy this morning, but I’m so happy to spend some time together. I haven’t seen you in months.”

  “It hasn’t been that long,” Patty giggled, knowing I was exaggerating. “Well, I can’t wait to make you over and see you in that gorgeous dress. I’m so glad we both took the day off. I really need a break from work. I’m coming over with some coffee.”

  “Thanks. Don’t forget hazel nut, soy milk with whipped cream.”

  “Yeah, yeah, I know. You don’t drink real coffee. You might as well drink sugar water,” Patty teased. “See you in a bit.”

  Patty and I spent the afternoon catching up. We chatted about my mom and how long she had been gone, but the conversation was mostly about Andrew and Patty’s friends. Patty hinted several times she’d never gotten to meet Michael. I reminded her she would meet him tonight. But from our conversations, I knew she thought he sounded too good to be true.

  The day was nearly over and it was getting close to the time when Michael would pick me up. I carefully placed my dress on the bed and pulled out my black high heels. The heels were wearing thin, but I knew no one could tell since my dress covered my shoes.

  “I thought you went shoe shopping?” Patty asked, focusing her eyes on the tips of the heels.

  If only you knew, I thought, thinking of that dreadful shoe shopping experience. “Yeah…I thought I’d wear this pair one last time,” I shrugged.

  Patty must have gotten a weird vibe from me or realized she made me feel uncomfortable. “Don’t worry. You won’t be able to see them. I wore mine till you couldn’t see the heels anymore.” She laughed out loud. “Let’s do your hair and makeup first.”

  After the makeup was done and my hair was curled; I put on my clear crystal earrings and slipped into my dress. Though Michael had seen me in this dress before, the dress he bought for me for Christmas, I wanted to wear it again. To me, it was the most perfect dress, one that I planned on keeping forever, for sentimental reasons.

  “Wow, you look…amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look this good.” Patty smiled from ear to ear, eyes beaming with delight.

  “It’s your magic touch, Patty,” I said sheepishly.

  “I love your crystal earrings. They go so well with your butterfly crystal necklace. Your taste is improving,” she teased. “I always see you with the necklace. You never take it off, do you?”

  “Michael gave it to me. It means a lot to me.”

  “Of course it does. I didn’t mean anything bad.”

  “I know, don’t be silly.”

  “Oh, before I forget, I brought the purse that you wanted to borrow.”

  It was rectangular, silver with some sparkles; perfect for a night out purse. “Thanks, I’ll take good care of it.” I placed some items in Patty’s purse. Then I slipped into my heels, just in time to hear the door bell chime. As if lightning had struck right in front of us, we froze. My heart thumped so fast, I couldn’t breathe.

  “Breathe,” Patty advised, but I was completely swallowed up by excitement and was already heading towards the door.

  “Whoa, you’re not supposed to get the door. I’ll get it.” Patty stepped in front of me. “Besides, I want to say hello to this mysterious Michael first. I’ve waited like forever,” she arched her brows.

  Patty held the door knob, leisurely waiting. I shook my legs and my hands, like an impatient child, motioning her to open the door.

  Patty held her hand up. “Patience, you don’t want to seem eager.” Then she finally opened the door.

  “Hello…Mich…ael,” Patty muttered, peering up at a tall handsome man in a dark navy suit, and became completely speechless. She knew he would be good looking from my description, but I guess seeing him with her own eyes blew her away.

  “Hello, Patty,” Michael said, smiling and chuckling. “Are you going to let me in?”

  “Ahhh…what…ummm…you know my name?”

  I tugged Patty by her shirt and moved her aside. I appeared in Michael’s line of vision and gave him the same dumbfounded look Patty had just given. “Michael, you look…great.” I smiled like a school girl.

  “You look beautiful as always,” he said and leaned in for a kiss with one hand behind his back.

  I felt warm on my cheeks and I wondered why his left hand was behind him.

  “I bought these for you.” He placed a bouquet of red roses in front of me.

  Surprised, I lit up with a huge smile and took them from him. “These are beautiful! Thank you.”

  “Here, I’ll put them in a vase for you,” Patty suggested.

  I was happy that Patty got to meet Michael, something she’d wanted to do for a long time.

  “Shall we get going?” Michael suggested. “Davin is waiting. I told him to stay in the limo. This is my special time with you. I wanted to see you first and present you with the roses, by myself. I’m selfish when it comes to you.”

  Patty just dropped her jaw.

  “You got us a limo?!?!” I exclaimed. “Let’s go then.” I turned to Patty. There was no need to exchange words. Patty got the hint.

  “I’m leaving with you. I mean…I’m leaving now… not with you. You know what I mean.” She held me tightly. “Have the best time of your life. And don’t behave,” she giggled.

  The three of us walked out the door. The white stretch limo was perfect. I had seen them many times before and dreamt about being in one, but never thought I would actually get to ride in one. Eagerly I walked toward it as Patty got in her car and drove off.

  Davin opened the door. “Hello there, pretty lady.”

  “You look handsome, Davin,” I smiled. Davin wore a navy suit too.

  Davin blushed. “Uhhh…thanks.” Then he moved aside for me after a hug was given and he told me how beautiful I looked. There was plenty of space inside, but Davin insisted he needed to sit next to me, so I sat between the boys.

  Davin couldn’t stop touching everything inside. He pressed the windows up and down and even turned on the music. He mostly dug the small compartment that stored ice cubes and wine. He kept on changing channels as he become fascinated with the small television until Michael got irritated and asked him to stop. When he realized there was a sun roof, he got overly excited and made Michael and me stick our heads out with him as he waved to everyone he saw. The wind was too much for me to handle, not wanting to ruin my hair, so we sat down comfortably on the black leather seat as we headed for Kristina’s house.

  After a fantastic dinner, the four of us stepped out of the limo with our arms linked around our dates. Though the Valentine’s dance was at our school gym, one could not tell that it was. What a transformation, I thought, thinking of two occasions; the fire and the decoration committee. But seeing the way the lights hung and the fake candles that burned, reminded me of a particular decorating committee. I first set my eyes on the red, pink and white balloons floating, filling the ceiling like clouds. Then my line of vision followed the streams of hearts attached to ribbons that curled as they dangled from the ceiling. Situated in the center of the tables that were covered by white linen, were red and pink roses that fragranced the room. Fake candles glistened and flickered to the sound of the music. How enchanting, I thought.

  “Wow! They’ve really out did it this time,” Kristina said, marveling at the ambiance.

  “They had a little help,” Davin whispered to me and winked.

  I smiled as brightly at the lights. “I knew it,” I squealed softly from excitement.

  After greeting our friends, taking couple’s pictures and finding our seats, Davin and Kristina headed to the dance floor while I rested contentedly in Michael’s arms. When I glanced around the room, I spotted Ryan with his date. I didn’t recognize her, but I didn’t care. I was j
ust happy that I could feel at ease around him like before, as if nothing had happened.

  “I can’t believe you’re here with me at my school dance,” I expressed.

  “I can’t believe it myself…meaning…the school dance and not you. I mean, I want to be with you,” he chuckled.

  “I just want to sit here with you, hold you, and enjoy this event,” I said, snuggling up to him even more.

  “Me too, but you’re kind of heavy,” he teased.

  “What?” I turned only to have him tickle me, and then pull me to the dance floor next to Davin and Kristina. “Are we going to create memories or what?”

  On cue, the DJ announced: “This song is dedicated to Claudia from Michael. At last, I found you.”

  The “awwws” and “oh, how sweets” were heard around us as my face became slightly warm.

  Michael pulled me close, folding my hands onto his chest, and started to sing with the music in my ears. “At last…my love has come along.” It was the same song he’d sung to me up in the clouds.

  I embraced his words and swayed to the music with him. The song was an old song, but I didn’t mind. The lyrics were beautiful and perfect. Many artists had sung this song, but it couldn’t compare to the way Michael sang it. His angelic, flawless voice could melt any soul.

  After the song ended, the DJ played a faster tune. Michael and I were about to walk off the dance floor when Davin gripped both of us. “Nuh uh. Both of you stay right here and dance.”

  Michael looked at me, asking me what I wanted with his eyes. Then Davin gave a pouty face and I could not refuse. The four of us danced till midnight, having the time of our lives.

  Losing Patrick and unable to deal with his feelings for Claudia, Austin escaped to Black Velvet. Inside Black Velvet, he knew he could pretend to be human, pretend to be someone else. He headed straight for the bar. The bartender recognized him from several weeks before.

  “What can I get you?” he said nervously. His body tensed up, avoiding eye contact. “There hasn’t been any sign of them.” His voice was low.