Ghost of a Shadow

by Andrea Engel

  “Oh, sorry,” the bumper girl said.

  “It’s okay,” said Sadie. She was disappointed that her dream kiss was interrupted at the climactic point, but it served a purpose: she realized how long she must have been in the bathroom and hurried to get back to Sam.

  “Sorry, Sam. There was a huge line.” She hated not being honest with him. But what’s one more tiny fib when our entire relationship has been built on a lie?

  “You missed the slow song. I was bummed.” He feigned a look of disappointment. “But hopefully they’ll play another one soon.”

  A new song started, a fast pop song Sadie recognized from the radio.

  “Oh, I love this song.” Sam squeezed her hand. “Come on, Annie. Let’s dance.” He pulled her toward the dance floor. They weaved through the crowd and carved out a bit of room for themselves.

  As they danced, he spun her around several times. Sadie kept up with him. Individual decorations became a seamless line of dazzling colors. Faces blurred, but she could make out their smiles.

  “I’m having the best time,” Sam shouted.

  “What?” she yelled, trying to talk over the music.

  Sam stopped dancing and leaned in close to her ear. “I said, ‘I’m having the best time.’”

  Sadie felt tingles all over.

  Sam took her hand and led her to the far side of the gym, where only a handful of students lingered. It was quieter there, and Sadie didn’t need to yell.

  “You weren’t kidding…you really are a good dancer,” Sadie said.

  “I told you.” He twirled her around then dipped her. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

  He pulled her against him and reached up to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear.

  She gazed deep into his eyes and saw whole worlds spinning there. Time slowed down until it stopped. The music and the other kids were gone. Everything disappeared except for Sam and Sadie.

  “I want to see you without your mask, Annie.”

  Time started again and sped up so quickly that a fresh wave of panic slammed into her. Sadie backed up a few inches. She coughed a few times, trying to catch her breath. “But we aren’t supposed to, Sam. We aren’t supposed to do that until later.”

  “Come on.” He placed his hands on her waist and pulled her close. “We can break the rules a little.” He grinned mischievously. “I won’t tell anyone if you don’t.”

  He lifted her mask. The gym and all the students faded away.

  With Sam’s hands now on both sides of her cheeks, she felt dizzy and longed for that kiss.

  He leaned in. She smelled the hint of fresh linen, felt his warmth. Everything slowed down, suspended in time as their lips drew nearer…

  “Sadie? Sadie Myers! What are you doing at our dance? I knew something didn’t seem right!” yelled Dave, who stood just a few feet away.

  Sadie quickly put her mask back on, but it was too late. The damage was done. Within seconds a small crowd had gathered around them.

  Sam stood in front of Sadie, protecting her from the barrage of accusations. “Go away!” he commanded. “Leave Annie alone.”

  “Annie?” Dave laughed in surprise and derision. “Is that what she told you her name was?” He laughed again—more of a cackle this time. “There’s no Annie here. Only that thief, Sadie.”

  “Her name isn’t Sadie,” Sam shouted. Confused, he turned to her. “What’s he talking about? Tell them. Tell them your name’s Annie. Annie Cooper.”

  “Well, my middle name is Annie.” Shaken, Sadie could hardly get the words out. “I tried to tell you…I wanted to tell you.” She looked at Dave then back at Sam. “I was going to tell you when the dance was over, I swear. I just wanted this one night to—”

  Sam took a step back. “You lied to me? All this time…you were lying to me?”

  “It wasn’t really a—”

  Dave stepped in on that one. “Everything you know about her is probably a lie. Not one honest word comes out of that thief’s mouth.”

  “Thief?” Sam said.

  Sadie grabbed Sam’s arm. “Sam, it’s not true,” she managed in a whisper as tears streamed down her face. “It’s not what it looks like.”

  “Come on, Sam. We’ll fill you in.” Dave laid an arm across Sam’s shoulders and led him away. Sam glanced back over his shoulder, his expression thick with disappointment and a sense of betrayal.

  Sam…Sam, come back!

  Tears streaked down her face, soaking the inside of her mask as she headed for the nearest exit.

  “Get out of here, Sadie.”

  “You should have known better, you freak.”

  But the meanest wound came from Melanie, hands down. “Look how far Stupid Sadie has fallen. Who would have thought she would leave her bedroom and dare to join our circle again?”

  “Hey!” a teacher barked at her tormentors. “Knock that nonsense off or you won’t be staying.”

  “Are you okay, Sadie?” asked Mr. Bartholomew.

  Sadie shook her head and bolted through the door. How could I be so stupid? She yanked off her mask and ran to the front of the school, her heels clicking loudly on the linoleum. How could I think I would get away with that? Stupid, stupid. Stupid Sadie. Yep, that name really does fit me.

  She sobbed loudly as she ran home. She ripped the mask to shreds, tossing it into the nearest garbage bin. By the time she reached the house, her feet screamed inside her shoes, and her dress had suffered several small tears. She pushed through the front door and ran down the hall.

  “Sadie? Is that you? Why are you home so early?” asked Mom.

  “It was awful, Mom. I shouldn’t have gone.”

  “Sadie, what happened?”

  She couldn’t answer through her tears. “I met this boy, Sam. I really liked him. I really did, Mom. I was so stupid to think…to think…” Her tears swallowed her words

  “Oh, sweetheart, come here.” Her mother came up to hug her, but Sadie turned away and raced to her bedroom door.

  “I’m here if you need me, honey,” her mother called after her.

  Sadie shook her head and went into her room. She didn’t want comfort. Not from anyone, especially not from her mother. She didn’t deserve it. She closed the door and collapsed onto her bed.

  “I should have saved him for outside of school. I never should have taken him there. Why did I have to be so stupid? How could I ever think it would work?”

  It hurt to breathe. Her chest burst open, and her heart fell to the floor. It rolled a few inches then exploded. “I didn’t even get to explain it to him. I couldn’t get my stupid words out of my stupid mouth.”

  Thirty minutes later, Sadie was all cried out. She crept out of her room and into the bathroom. She cleaned her face and stuffed the dress into the trash. Mom’s going to kill me, but I’ll deal with that later.

  When she reentered her room, she saw a lump in her bed. Huh? Not much surprised her these days, but what she saw under the covers did. It was an opalescent-colored cat. Angelic. She had the softest fur too. This must be Penelope.

  “Hi, sweet Penelope. Thanks for being here with me.” Sadie crawled in as the kitty snuggled up to her. She felt Penelope’s love as she purred her to sleep.

  CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX

  Dancing Blues

  Sadie’s eyes cracked open…just enough to take in the harsh reality of daylight, which immediately closed them again.

  She heard the knock. Penelope jumped up and hid under the bed. Mom poked her head inside. “Sadie? Are you okay? It’s almost two in the afternoon.”

  Sadie groaned and rolled over, turning her back to the door.

  “A letter came for you. I think you’ll be interested to see who sent it.”

  Sadie said nothing.

  “I’ll put it on the night table for you. Why don’t you come downstairs and eat something? Staying in bed all day isn’t good for you.”

  Sadie let out a long sigh. “I don’t really care what’s good for me, Mom.”

/>   “Okay, you have today to feel sorry for yourself, but tomorrow’s a new day.”

  Whatever that means.

  She waited until she heard the door close before looking to see who it was from. Just what I need. To hear from him now of all times. Letter shmetter. She dropped it, and didn’t bother picking it up. Who cares? My life is over.

  Penelope made several attempts to get her up and moving, but Sadie had no desire to do anything other than wallow in self-pity. She didn’t blame Penelope for giving up and leaving, but now she felt completely alone. Last night she was certain she couldn’t possibly feel any worse, but this new slap in the face from Christopher broke new ground, topping her chart of crap.

  Sadie drifted in and out of uneasy consciousness.

  There was a picnic on the crest of a hill. It took a bit of work keeping it balanced. She didn’t recognize anyone there, but a bobcat attempted to bite her feet. Realizing it wasn’t friendly, she quickly got into position with her feet tucked underneath her. Body strong, she used a towel for defense. She rolled it up and held it at arm’s length, lodging it at the back of the creature’s open jaws. The bobcat couldn’t get at her, so it flew into the air, transforming into a vulture. She looked up and saw the detail in the maroon feathers as they came closer. They were tipped with knives. Some stabbed her arm, and she jerked away due to the painful punctures in her skin. The hideous bird flew into the air, reached its peak, and dove back. It tried to stab her again, but the towel shielded her from further damage. The vulture landed and transformed back into a bobcat.

  Sadie shook herself awake. What the heck was that?

  She remembered sleeping this long only one other time in her life. That was when Gramma had died.

  Penelope was next to her again. Sadie knew it was now Sunday morning, and it was time to get back to herself. I’ve done this before. I can do it again. She stepped off the bed and onto the letter. Christopher. She shook her head. Your turn to wait, buddy. Sadie picked up the letter and placed it back on the night table.

  I need a shower. I have to wash away the Sams and Christophers.

  Brushing her teeth, she caught flashes of the dance. Shake it off, she told herself. Then the unmasking. Stop it. Dave’s big, ugly laughing face. Eww, get out of my head! That made her squirm. And of course, Sam. I’ll miss you, Sam. You could have heard me out, though.

  She made herself somewhat presentable and headed to the kitchen, which smelled like vanilla and sweet dough.

  “Sadie, I made waffles with blueberries for you.”

  “Thanks, Mom, but I’m not hungry. I’ll take a granola bar with me. Why don’t you save them for Dad?” Sadie noticed he was out back in the hammock. It’s about time he relaxed.

  “He already ate, but that’s a nice suggestion.” Mom’s spirits seemed lighter. “Are you feeling any better? Did you read your letter? I’m sure that helped.”

  “I’ll be okay. The letter can wait. I’m heading out.”

  Mom’s brow knitted. “Where are you off to?”

  “Just for a walk around the neighborhood. I need some air.”

  “Okay, Sadie. I’ll be here all day if you need me.”

  “Thanks. See you later.”

  Sadie’s legs felt heavy as she slowly walked through imaginary cement toward the only place that might make her feel better: Banyan. She wanted to be comforted in a way only he could provide, with his soothing umbrella of branches surrounding her.

  She arrived and had a mind to turn back when she saw him.

  “Hello, Sadie.”

  “Ugh, not you!” Any hope that the day would bring her some peace disappeared the minute she spied Mr. Felix. “I could have lived my entire life without seeing you again.” Sadie noticed he wore the same attire. “Why are you always in the same navy suit? What’s up with that?”

  “I’m a simple man. I found what worked for me, and I stuck with it,” he explained as he drew closer toward her.

  Sadie, curious as to what his face looked like, didn’t back away. His nose was long with a squared-off end. His teeth were large but proportionate to his mouth. He gave a small smile, outlined by a neatly trimmed goatee, which eased some of the tension. His lilac eyes sparkled. As much as she didn’t trust him, she was drawn to his eyes. They were enchanting.

  Sadie, I think we got off on the wrong foot.” Mr. Felix sat by Banyan’s trunk, speaking in a soft tone.

  Sadie backed up a few steps. “I think we got off the way we were meant to. All I want to do is sit here quietly with Banyan. I’m trying to forget a rough weekend, and you’re in my way.”

  “You might like what I have to tell you.” His voice rose a few notes.

  “That’s not possible.”

  “Give me a couple of minutes, and then I’ll go. I have the answer to your question.” He placed his Fedora on the grass.

  “Okay. You have two minutes.” Sadie folded her arms across her chest and leaned on one leg. She didn’t make eye contact but squinted at the stream beyond.

  “Do you know why this place is so special? Why Banyan chose to take up root here?”

  Sadie stared at him then glanced down at her watch.

  “We overlap the human world at this very spot. You, Sadie, come from a long line of individuals who protect both worlds from harm.”

  “Yeah, right, and how do you propose I do that?”

  “Didn’t you feel drawn here? Didn’t you feel there was a purpose in it? In time you will see.”

  Sadie rolled her eyes and stared at her shoes. His words rattled around in her brain with a hint of truth. She had felt drawn to this place, and though she wasn’t sure of its true purpose, she firmly believed she had been brought here for a reason.

  “For now I will leave you.” Mr. Felix picked up his hat and tipped it toward her. “I respect your time, and mine has run out.”

  Sadie looked up. “Wait, I can spare a few more minutes. Tell me more. How am I supposed to…”

  He was gone.

  “…protect them?” Her hands tightened into fists at her side, and she stomped her foot. “Ooh, that Mr. Felix. He gets me so angry, Banyan.”

  Sadie, you’ll have what you need when you need it. Let’s sit and enjoy our day together.

  Banyan surrounded her with dancing, shimmering leaves.

  Sadie leaned against him and took a deep breath. “You’re right, friend. What would I do without you?”

  CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN

  Slugs

  The dreaded morning had arrived. On Sadie’s way to school, any vestiges of denial faded away. Sitting with Banyan helped her prepare herself as best she could, but she had a few guesses as to what was coming.

  Students in the hallway, including Melanie and her groupies, pointed and laughed. So the Monday fun has begun.

  She drew on yesterday’s peaceful experience with Banyan and made sure to choose a seat close to each of her teachers as she progressed through the day. One more subject to go: US history. Then I’m off to Mystashan. Finally, those longed-for words…

  “Okay. Class dismissed.”

  Sadie took the long way home, avoiding everyone from school.

  An hour and a half later, she finished her homework then headed out. A year ago she’d been closed off to the natural world of her neighborhood. It was all about keeping her head down. Today, however, she looked up as she walked.

  Barnaby seemed chipper as he leapt out of the azaleas. She sensed his glee at her reaction when she jumped back. Their game for the past week or so was that he would ambush her. She wouldn’t know when, but it would be on her way to the Fletcher house. He didn’t always cross with her into Mystashan, but she always appreciated his company.

  Penelope waited for her on the other side of the straime.

  “I’m happy to see you left your room, Sadie.”

  Sadie smiled at the taller woman. “Yeah, about that…Thank you for working so hard to get me out of my funk. I wouldn’t have recovered as quickly without your help.”
/>   Penelope’s long, elegant fingers stroked Sadie’s hair with reassurance as she looked down into her eyes. “I’m here for you, Sadie. I want you to know that. You know you can talk to me about anything, right?”

  “Yes, I know…and thank you. I really hope we can see each other more often—not just when I’m at my worst, I mean. I feel like I owe you one. Is there anything I can do for you?”

  Penelope’s laughter rang light and airy. “You do already, Sadie. You have no idea. You bring more to Mystashan than you realize.”

  “I do?”

  Penelope smiled then kissed Sadie’s forehead.

  Remnants of her conversation with Mr. Felix returned to her thoughts. “Can I ask you a question…a question about Mr. Felix? Do you know him? He told me the oddest things yesterday, and honestly, I don’t feel comfortable around that man. I’m concerned. He said I was—”

  “I want to help you, but you’ll get the most information from Thelo. He and Banyan are the only ones, I believe, who know the full story.”

  “The full story?”

  Penelope nodded. “Come. Thelo is waiting for us as we speak.”

  Sadie decided not to push the issue any further, though she was hungry with curiosity.

  “And here I am.” Thelo materialized in front of them. “How are you, Sadie? How was your day?”

  “Thelo, why is it you either pop in or pop out around the time I’ve asked a question?”

  “Do I? I did not notice.”

  “Yeah, you kind of do. It just happened now. I asked Penelope about Mr. Felix, and she mentioned my importance to Mystashan, something Mr. Felix talked about yesterday.”

  “Leave those questions to me, Sadie. Some topics are not meant to spread too far afield.” He placed a scaled hand on his heart. “Keep important things close.”

  “But…sometimes I don’t know how to ask you or get you to answer. And I don’t want to be too persistent.” Sadie noticed Penelope had done her disappearing thing. However, when Penelope left, it didn’t seem as rude.