Reveal (Cryptid Tales)

by Brina Courtney

  “No problem. Graceful fall by the way, you didn’t hurt yourself did you?” He smiles at me and I roll my eyes at him.

  “No I’m good, thanks.” As I tear my eyes away from his chiseled tan face, I can see my mom standing behind him beaming. She’s giving me those knowing eyes, like she likes this boy, and I’m lucky she hasn’t killed me yet. Mom’s super into karma so she probably thinks me falling on my ass in front of Hugh is because she tried to wake me up and I wouldn’t move. Nice one universe.

  I stand up slowly noticing my butt hurts and I still have a shoe in my hand. I remove my hand from Hugh’s and I slip the flat on my foot while leaning on the railing. “So I see you’ve been talking to my mom.”

  Mom chimes in, “Well since you didn’t get up the ten times I called you, I figured you just wanted us to hang out. Hugh is in my freshman Psych class. We were just discussing the Order of the Solar Temple and the impacts that mass suicides have on our society.” Mom had that gleam in her eye, the one that says she could talk about the crazies all day.

  “Well that’s super interesting, but Hugh and I really should get going.”

  Mom raises an eyebrow, “And where is it exactly that you’re going?”

  “I, uh, well…” I stammer. To be honest, I have absolutely no idea where we’re going. I don’t even know how Hugh knew where I lived.

  Luckily for me Hugh saves the day, yet again. “We’re going out to lunch at the coffee shop on campus. I thought it would be good to sit outside since it’s actually kinda warm out today.”

  “Yep, the coffee shop.” I add though I’m disappointed, at least we have a destination.

  Mom sighs, “Well have fun. Do you have any homework Shay?”

  “Nah Mom, I finished it yesterday at work.”

  I hear a noise upstairs, “But I know that Chad does!” I hear a lot more shuffling in the upstairs hallway and laugh to myself, serves him right for listening in.

  “Ah, well yes then. Have fun you two! It appears I have some parenting to do.” She grabs her coffee mug and makes her way up the stairs. As Hugh walks over to the door, she winks at me over her shoulder. I smile and shake my head as I grab my jacket and walk through the front door that Hugh is holding open for me.

  As we get into his yellow pickup I finally notice what he’s wearing. My seat creaks as I sit down and I observe his boot cut jeans and a black sweater that makes him look like he’s in his mid twenties, and hot, very, very hot.

  We begin the short drive to the college. Hugh drives slowly; putting down his window slightly by hand crank to breathe in what is finally fresh spring air.

  “It’s nice today isn’t it?” I offer, hoping to start up conversation.

  “Yeah, it’s beautiful outside. Makes me miss home though. I’m going back there next week for spring break.”

  “Oh to Texas?”

  “Yeah, it’s going to be great, home cooked meals, I don’t have to do my wash, and best part is no classes.” He quickly adds, “I really like your mom’s though, so don’t tell her I said that OK?”

  “No problem, you’re almost done with freshmen year, I can bet you’re getting burnt out. Did you understand the solution to the last problem you texted me?” We’re speaking so fluidly like nothing even happened last night. For now I’m happy to ignore it.

  Hugh looks lost in thought. “Oh yeah, the problem, it was easy once you explained it. Thanks for that.”

  We pull into a metered spot in front of the old brick building the coffee shop sits in. He turns off the truck and as I go to get out he grabs my arm.

  “Shay, wait. I need to tell you something.”

  Oh great probably that we have to watch out for dogs or something equally ridiculous.

  But instead all he says is, “I’m sorry.”

  “Sorry for what?” Now I’m even more confused.

  “For springing everything on you last night. I wanted to get together again after that night at the store, but I didn’t know how to start the subject with you. And Jeremy told me how you would be coming to find him soon so I just waited. I only hear his whispers so it’s hard for me to understand him sometimes. I had to see if for myself to believe that you really are one of us. I’m sorry I couldn’t trust you before. I really am. I get it if you’re angry with me.”

  He looks at me with those puppy dog eyes and I can hardly stand it. I totally trust him, everything about him screams loyal and honest. He is easily the best person I have ever met.

  “Hugh, I’m not angry. If anything I’m relieved. At least I know I’m not alone anymore, which is all I’ve ever really wanted.”

  I smile at him and he squeezes my hand, we’re in this together now, I can feel it.

  We spend the next several hours chatting at the cafe. I love hearing about Texas and how Hugh grew up on a reservation. He talks about another group in Kentucky that they visit often, but besides them, they really don’t know any other tribes. They shy away from other clans to maintain their secret.

  When he notices it’s getting dark Hugh says we should head back to my house. He wants to make a good impression on my mom, it’s cute.

  Mom greets us on the porch claiming that she’s out due to the nice weather, but I know she’s just out here waiting for us.

  When Hugh leaves he shakes her hand, I can tell she’s really going to like him by the relaxed expression on her face.

  “I’ll call you later Shay. Good night.” He gives me a quick kiss on the cheek before walking away. When I turn towards Mom I’m practically bouncing with excitement.

  Mom grins, “Looks like you’ve got yourself a boyfriend.”

  My lips can hardly contain my teeth I’m smiling so wide and I say, “I think I do.”

  Chapter 16

  Days pass and for the most part I spend them with Hugh. We hang out at his apartment or go for runs together. His apartment is small, just a two bedroom with a living room and kitchen. There’s not a lot of furniture and nothing hangs on the walls, but it’s in a great old building with exposed brick walls so it stills feels cozy.

  Hugh even visits me at work and does homework. It’s just nice to have a companion, someone to be with. I feel like this is what I’ve been waiting for, for as long as I can remember.

  On Sunday morning he picks me up super early.

  “So I thought we’d take a road trip.” He says smiling at me.

  “A road trip? But I thought we were going to the college.” I am so confused, is this some sort of test?

  Now he looks uncertain. “Shay, did you check your texts this morning?”

  “No, sorry I guess I left my phone in my wristlet last night.” I open the wristlet and check my cell. I have two unread texts.

  Get ready for an adventure- Hugh Hmm.. Save!

  I know you’re not scheduled to work today but what are you doing tonight?- Liv I’ll have to text her back later today.

  “Well I’ve seen it now, so what’s the plan?”

  He smiles while keeping his eyes the road. “We’re going to see my parents.”

  Well this is moving fast, meeting the parents so soon, I’m suddenly regretting wearing my favorite band t-shirt. “Oh, nice, they’re in town?”

  “No.”

  “Well then where are we meeting them?”

  He pauses at first, almost for effect, and then he says one simple word. “Texas.”

  “WHAT?!?” I can’t believe this, I feel like I’m being kidnapped. Super hot captor, but I’m his hostage nonetheless.

  “Shay,” Hugh says calmly, “you have off this week for Spring Break right?”

  “Yeah I guess I do, but what about my mom and Chad? I have to tell them! And I didn’t even pack anything.”

  He points to a black bag behind his seat. “Has everything we need in it.”

  “Doubt it, and you still didn’t answer the question about my mom.” I say almost accusingly.

  “We’ll call her when we get there. Trust me, she’ll be cool with it.”

>   “Oh and you know this because, what, you’ve taken her class?” He knows nothing about her; she’s going to flip out.

  “Not because I know her, because my parents do.”

  “Hugh, what are you talking about?” I don’t understand any of this and I’m getting tired of all the mystery.

  He looks at me, almost nervous about my reaction, he obviously thought I would be OK with all of this. “Everything will be explained when we arrive I promise,” he says and squeezes my hand.

  I cross my arms, “fine” is all I can say. He smiles, apparently my anger is amusing to him.

  We don’t speak much on the drive and I drift in and out of sleep. Occasionally I look over at him, he’s focused on his driving but I can tell his mind is somewhere else.

  “How long has it been since you’ve seen your parents?” I finally ask when the silence is starting to kill me.

  “A while,” is all he says eyes still on the road. It’s dark and he’s focused on the rear lights of the car in front of us.

  “Did you bring the frame?”

  “The what?” he asks startled out of his thoughts.

  “The frame that you got your mom for her birthday? Remember, that day in the shop?”

  Realization dawns on his face, “Oh yeah, I have it. She’s going to love it.”

  He turns off at an exit. We pull into a motel parking lot.

  “I’m going to check us in here, look OK to you?” he says.

  I gaze out the window at the basic looking motel. The neon lights shine vacancy. It’s nothing special but it’ll do.

  “I don’t really think the hostage gets a choice in the matter, do you?” I shake my head; I am going to be in so much trouble.

  “Yeah I guess you’re right,” he says with a smile and moves towards the motel office where a neon sign informs us there are rooms available.

  I sit in the truck waiting noticing how cold it’s becoming, I put on the gloves that are still in my jacket pocket and I pull out my cell. I immediately dial Liv’s number and fill her in.

  As Hugh approaches the truck dangling our new room keys I finish the conversation.

  “Just call my mom and tell her I’m with you but my cell’s dead.” I tell her desperately trying to finish before Hugh gets back to me.

  “And what if she wants to talk to you?” Liv asks accusingly.

  “Tell her I’m in the bathroom or shower, that I’ll call her later.”

  “OK but you better give me all the dish when this is over. I’m dying over here.”

  I laugh, she always wants the gossip. “Thanks Liv, gotta go bye!” I hang up the phone just as Hugh opens the passenger’s side door.

  “My lady,” he says as he extends his arm showing me the way.

  “Thank you sir,” I respond as I take his other hand in mine. For a moment we look at each other and I can feel that spark, but just as quickly he lets go and it dies away.

  The hotel is fairly old, but renovated. When we walk into room 702 there are two queen beds, “I guess that solves that problem then,” I whisper to myself.

  “What?” Hugh asks.

  “Nothing,” I reply as I head to the bathroom to relieve myself. We stopped at a diner hours ago and I should have taken the opportunity then. I notice the bedspreads are a deep burgundy as I pass. They look comfortable enough. The bathroom matches the burgundy décor and there’s fake flowers sitting on top of the toilet. It’s not the Ritz Carlton, but it’ll do for the night.

  When I walk out of the bathroom Hugh is sitting on the bed closest to the door. I peel back the sheets of the other queen and am disgusted by the sight I find.

  “Ugh! Look at these sheets! They’re so gross!” The white hotel sheets have yellow stains all over the lower part of them.

  Hugh laughs, “Looks like someone got lucky in here last night.”

  I throw what looks to be a clean pillow at him. “You’re sick.”

  He catches it and laughs. “You wouldn’t think so if it was you who was in that bed last night.”

  “Gross, no way. I am not like that.” Wait for the right guy, Mom always reminds me.

  He looks surprised. “Oh I mean, I would have thought…” Suddenly Mr. Smarty Pants is stumbling all over his words.

  I shrug, “Haven’t met the right person yet I guess. You?”

  “Can you keep a secret?”

  I cross my heart with my pointer finger like Liv and I used to do as kids.

  He nods, “I’ve still got my V card. Probably the only freshman on campus that does though.” Red fills his dark cheeks, it’s almost unnoticeable but in the harsh hotel light I can just barely see it.

  I try to make him feel better and say, “College is just a breeding ground for STDs. You’re probably better off anyway.” Geez when did I start sounding so much like my mom?

  I stand there next to the bed sheets still in hand when Hugh makes a suggestion.

  “Why don’t you sleep in this bed with me? It looks clean. They neglected to use both apparently.” He pats the empty space next to him and shuts off the TV.

  I climb under the covers without even taking my jeans off. I just want to be close to him now. He turns off the light and snuggles in. We lay there for a moment in silence.

  “Hugh?” I ask after a few minutes to see if he’s still awake.

  “Yeah Shay?”

  “Did you always know you were a cryptid?”

  “Yeah. It’s just part of who you are when you grow up in the tribe.”

  I turn over to look at him. My head magically bumps into his. He stretches his arm out so I can fit in the crook of his neck. It’s the most wonderful feeling in the world. We lay there and I can hear the clock on the bed side table tick. Minutes pass slowly and I breathe in his fresh scent.

  “Hugh?”

  “Yeah Shay?” He mumbles this time, obviously dozing off.

  I take the opportunity of his only half listening to tell him the thing I’ve wanted to say since the moment we met.

  I lift my head up to whisper into his ear three small words. “I love you.”

  I can hear his heavy breathing but I don’t care. At least I told him, even if for now it’s only one sided.

  In my dreams I see Wendy with her dad. They’re arguing about something terrible. He blames her for her mother’s death. I can’t imagine blaming a child for something so horrible. He shakes his finger in her face and she lifts her hands. He flies back against a wall in their house, which looks brand new again. It’s almost as if she can control him. I can always feel the energy coming off of her, something I have never felt from any other ghost. As I start to think about this, I hear someone calling my name.

  Hugh is shaking my shoulder, “Shay c’mon, get up. We’ve gotta get going.”

  “Huh?” is all I can manage out while I open my eyes. I must have terrible bed head because one of my hands is stuck in my hair. I try to smooth it down as I sit up.

  He smiles at me. He’s already showered and is in fresh clothes. He smells like Lavender. I love that smell, reminds me of spring.

  He reiterates, “We’ve got to get moving. I figured you’d want to stop for breakfast then move onto my parents’ place. Reminder my mom has to call yours.”

  I had forgotten about that, maybe Liv could cover for me for a few days? I doubt it but it might work.

  I make my way to the bathroom and brush my teeth using the hotel amenities. There’s even a comb for me to pull through my hair.

  We leave quickly thereafter. Hugh drops off the keys in the office and we hit the road. We make a quick stop at the drive-thru of McDonalds to get some coffee and egg sandwiches.

  As we continue to drive I realize that Hugh mentioned his parents being friends with my Dad. “Hugh, why didn’t you just tell me where we were going? I could have planned for it better.”

  His eyes shift to me, but his face remains forward. “I didn’t think you would come. I know this whole situation freaks you out and maybe you wouldn’t want to
meet more people like me,” he corrects himself, “us.”

  I see his point, but I have to disagree. “I would have come. It would have been nice to come on my own, not because you kidnapped me,” I point out.