Emerge: The Awakening

by Melissa A. Craven

  “Go have fun, honey, but please be careful. And no texting and driving! It’s a stupid way to die!”

  <><><>

  “What’s with all the fuss?” Allie dropped to the lawn beside Vince during their morning break. “Everyone’s extra interested in me today.” She scarfed a pack of crackers in record time. She was starving, her head was pounding, and she couldn’t give a flying crap about her party tonight.

  “You’re cute when you’re grumpy,” he laughed.

  “I told you guys, she doesn’t like surprises,” Aidan said.

  “Cheers to that.” Sometimes it was astonishing how well he understood her.

  “We’ll tell you if you stop with the moaning and groaning.” Chloe rolled her eyes.

  “I promise.”

  “We’re just going dancing.” Aidan winked.

  “Dancing? I could get on board with dancing. But why is everyone so excited? Did you invite the whole friggin’ school?”

  “Just meet us at Aidan’s later this afternoon and we’ll get you ready,” Chloe sighed patiently.

  “Why do I feel like you guys are trying to distract me?”

  “Trust me, Lex, I planned this party, and who knows you better than me?”

  “Hey!” Vince frowned, affronted by the insinuation that he did not know Allie as well as Aidan.

  “Sure man,” he scoffed.

  “Does the jerky behavior take work or is it some kind of gift?” she growled. Allie was getting annoyed with the ever increasing boy drama.

  <><><>

  “Chloe, you made this?” Allie admired the cute shimmery green dress. It was super short with a banded bottom and draped off one shoulder with a pretty rhinestone detail.

  “I’m afraid I didn’t think about hiding your burns.”

  “It’s okay. I’ve decided to embrace them proudly. I’m just a little worried about that off the shoulder thing. It’s a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen.”

  “We’ll tape you in. Don’t worry,” Sasha said.

  The girls spent the afternoon getting ready and Allie finally relented and let Chloe attempt to tame her unruly hair.

  “Such a pretty shade of red,” she sighed wistfully, carefully pinning her curls.

  “Ouch!”

  “Did I stab you?”

  “No, it’s this stupid headache.”

  “You have a headache already?”

  Allie didn’t miss the sharp looks that passed between the girls as Chloe stammered, “I mean…the music hasn’t even started yet and you already have a headache?”

  “I’ll be fine.”

  “Time to go, girls!” Aidan banged loudly on the door. “It can’t be difficult to make her pretty! She was already hot!”

  “Alright already!” She rolled her eyes, stalking to the door.

  “Whoa, nice dress.” He gave her a lingering once over.

  “I trust you remembered to invite Vince?”

  “Keep your hair on, Red, he’ll meet us there.”

  “You would plan a night of dancing when you know very well my date doesn’t dance.”

  “This is your night, and you love to dance.”

  “And with whom will I be dancing?” She arched her brow.

  “Me, of course,” he said arrogantly.

  <><><>

  “Happy birthday!” Graham presented her with a small, plastic card as she and her friends headed down West Sixth Street after dinner with their families.

  “College I.D?”

  “Enough to get you in. Just don’t try to order a drink.”

  “First stop is the Velvet Dog.” Aidan ducked down a dark alley, leading them to the secluded club entrance.

  “I know you hate dancing, but you’re going to have to suck it up tonight.” Allie grinned as she and Vince made their way to the dance floor.

  “Well, I suppose I could manage a dance or two for the birthday girl,” he sighed reluctantly. “Just don’t judge me too harshly.”

  “Happy birthday!” Allie turned to find the girls’ basketball team beaming at her.

  She and her friends were just getting started when Aidan announced it was time to go.

  “What? We just got here!”

  “This is a mobile party.” He steered her out the door. “We’re going to Liquid for live music.”

  “Vin! We’re leaving!”

  “Let’s stay at this one longer than five seconds?” Sasha grumbled as she and Quinn darted into the club just around the corner on Lakeside Avenue. Allie found more of their school friends waited to greet her there.

  “Something told me you’d do better with friends in small doses.” Aidan winked, drifting off to dance with one of her teammates.

  “Can I kidnap the birthday girl?” Vince pointed to a secluded alcove with dim lights and comfortable looking seats.

  “Yes, please.” She was eager for some alone time.

  “Sorry, I know all this isn't your thing.”

  “Don’t worry about me, this is your night.” He leaned in for a kiss.

  “Ahem...sorry to bother you,” Chloe whispered loudly, “but we need the birthday girl. Aidan’s about to join the band.”

  “Thanks, we’ll be there in a sec,” he said, removing a white satin bag from his pocket.

  Allie tugged on the black cord to find a simple silver chain with tiny barbed studs that gave it a hint of a harder edge. “Oh Vin! It’s perfect!” She clasped the bracelet around her wrist. She knew he couldn’t afford anything extravagant, but she was thrilled by the gesture.

  “It’s not much, but when I found this dainty little barbed thing, I immediately thought of you and that sarcastic mouth of yours,” he said wryly.

  “Sarcasm? Me?”

  “Come on, Allie. I’m sure McBrien’s dying to show off for you.”

  They headed back to the party where Aidan was taking the stage with the band, and to her delight, he had his violin.

  He played furiously, covering some of her favorite songs. He had the whole club cheering, but Allie groaned when she recognized a slow, mellow version of U2’s With or Without you.

  “Asshat!” Vince shook his head at Aidan’s audacity.

  Allie felt a stab of regret as the song hit a nerve. It was time to put a stop to the boy drama, but she didn’t want to face that tonight.

  He pushes too damn hard! She adored him, but she knew she could never be the girl he wanted. Everything would be so much easier if he could just be happy as friends.

  He began a different melody she didn’t recognize and suspected it was something he composed himself. It was slow and broody and she knew he was talking to her.

  It seemed like every Cliffton student came by to wish her a happy birthday, but no one lingered, thanks to Aidan’s careful instructions.

  “One more stop, Lex!” He ushered them from the club and several blocks over to Midnight Hour on Superior Avenue for food and music.

  “Care to try again?” Vince asked, and they eagerly slipped off for some privacy.

  “That’s a killer dress, Allie.” He pulled her close, planting a kiss just below her ear.

  “Mmmm, thanks,” she murmured as his lips trailed along her jaw and she turned to meet his kiss.

  “Oops, sorry!” Chloe winced. “We’re going to miss the last boat if we don’t hurry.”

  “Alright, we’ll be right there.” Allie leaned back into his embrace.

  “I think she's been paid to chaperone.”

  <><><>

  CHAPTER

  NINE

  “Dude, the shoes are killing me!” Allie giggled as she made her way up the stairs.

  “You were drooling over those damn things just last week!” Vince reached down to take them off her feet.

  “Yeah, because they’re awesome—Oh, that’s nice.” She wiggled her toes. “They’re so much more comfortable in the box.”

  “You’re sleeping in McBrien’s room?” He frowned. “Bet he loves that.” He followed her into the messy bedroom.
<
br />   “He’s certainly not going to be here.” She flipped on the music and the room filled with Aidan’s favorite late night songs. “We’re doing some early morning birthday thing they’ve been all secretive about.”

  “Well, if I had a chance to get my sheets smelling like you, I’d offer you my bed too. You always smell incredible.”

  “No more interruptions?” she asked when he locked the door behind them.

  “Nope.” He moved to capture her mouth in a slow, lazy kiss. “I’ve been trying to do that all night. You look smoking hot in that dress, if I’ve failed to mention it.”

  “Thanks, but I have to get this thing off. It’s killing me.”

  “Seriously? There’s not much to it.” He nipped at her earlobe.

  “The only thing holding this dress up is tape and prayer.”

  “Well, I’d be ever so glad to help you out of it.” He grinned.

  “Nice try.”

  “Had to give it a shot.”

  She closed her eyes, rubbing her temples absently.

  “Headache?”

  “Yeah, it’s the pins.”

  “Alright, let’s get you out of that dress and those pins out of your hair. I promise I’ll behave.”

  “Fine.” She gestured with a twirl of her finger for him to turn around.

  With Vince’s back to her, she quickly slipped into a silky black tank and her favorite worn jeans. Then she slipped back into his arms and he held her close as she titled her head up to meet his kiss. Allie’s heart raced as his lips moved slowly with hers.

  Vince pulled away, carefully running his hands down the length of her arms. He frowned at the nude bandages still covering the worst of her burns.

  She flinched. For a moment, she’d forgotten about them.

  “You’re gorgeous, Allie. Scars and all, inside and out. Don’t ever forget that. Besides, they make you look bad ass.” He grinned. “Now, let’s take care of those pins.” He sat down in the chair by the bed and pulled her onto his lap. She felt a surge of guilt. It felt so wrong to be with him like this—in Aidan’s domain—listening to his music.

  She moaned when he pulled the first sharp pin from her hair and ran his fingers through her curls, hunting for the next one. She melted against his chest, enjoying the easy intimacy they shared.

  “Mmmm, that feels nice,” she sighed drowsily, curling up against him.

  “Better?”

  “Much, thanks.” She felt his warm hands slide up the back of her shirt and enjoyed his deep growl of appreciation at the softness of her skin.

  “Allie?” Sasha called. “You up here?”

  “I’m going to start throwing punches,” Vince said.

  Allie scrambled up to unlock the door.

  “Sorry to interrupt, but we need you downstairs for your real party.”

  “My real party? Where were you during all the club hopping ridiculousness?” She zipped her Cliffton basketball hoody over her tank.

  “Time for presents and cupcakes!”

  “I never say no to a cupcake,” Allie said as they joined the others in the living room. She sorted through her presents, shocked and amused by the expensive Marchesa bag stuffed with a package of toasted coconut from Kayla, who was still in the hospital but in good humor.

  “This one next.” Graham tossed her a small package.

  Allie read the card from the boys and her parents. “You guys! My gift from you was the party!”

  She tore the wrapping paper off and scowled. “Funny, you’re giving me the phone I’ve been looking for all freaking day? I thought I lost it.”

  “Lex, I picked your pocket earlier so we could pass your phone around for everyone to take pictures and add their favorite music to your Spotify.”

  “Quinn and I added some cool features I’ll show you later,” Graham said.

  “Aw, that’s an awesome gift!”

  “Alright, this one’s from Chloe and I,” Sasha said.

  With a huge smile, Chloe passed her a long rectangular package that covered most of the coffee table. Allie tugged at the ribbon and stared at the white box with the iconic black label, looking at the girls before she peeked.

  “You. Did. Not!” She shook her head. “Jimmy Choo boots?”

  “You maybe want to take the lid off so you can see them?” Sasha giggled.

  “In a minute. I’m trying to think of a reason for you to take them back.”

  “Well you better stop trying because we bought them on sale and they are non-refundable-Allie-sized-boots.” Chloe smiled.

  “I hoped you’d say something like that.” She grinned, pulling on the gorgeous black boots.

  “How are shoes better than a pimped out iPhone?” Graham asked.

  “Girls and shoes, man.” Quinn shrugged.

  “Well, she looks hot. Other than that, I got nothing,” Vince said.

  “Oh, honey! These are Jimmy Choo boots.” She pointed at her feet as if the boys were slow.

  “Yeah, we don’t get it, Lex.” Aidan winked.

  “Dude, stop winking at my girlfriend,” Vince growled irritably.

  Allie rolled her eyes and reached for another cupcake. She settled back with the people she loved, realizing she was happier in that moment than she’d ever been. She was finally right where she belonged.

  “Ouch.” She flinched, reaching to rub her temple.

  “Time for the birthday girl to get some sleep.” Aidan sounded apprehensive as he checked the time.

  “Yeah, I suppose I should get going.” Vince yawned.

  “I’ll walk you out,” Allie said.

  They stepped into the cool night, walking hand in hand toward his car, a seventy-six Dodge Challenger that totally complemented her Impala.

  “Happy birthday, Allie.” He pulled her close and she inhaled the scent of him.

  “Thank you for my bracelet, it’s my favorite.”

  “Well, it’s no iPhone or Jimmy boots…or achingly sweet Impalas I’m itching to drive.”

  “Jealous?” She tilted her head back with a grin.

  “Absolutely green with envy.”

  “Alright you two,” Chloe called, “time for the birthday girl to get some rest.”

  “Chloe, you could hire yourself out as highly effective birth control,” Vince said.

  <><><>

  CHAPTER

  TEN

  “Stupid headache.” Allie crept into the bathroom in search of an Excedrin, but found not so much as an aspirin—or any other medication for that matter. No half-empty bottle of antibiotics, no expired prescriptions, not even an old box of Band Aids. Nothing.

  Weird.

  Before she thought about what she was doing, Allie had her bag packed, eager to crawl into her own bed. She hastily scrawled a note to Aidan before she stepped into the hall. It was the middle of the night, but she heard voices.

  “Stop pacing! You’re driving me nuts!” Sasha snapped.

  “Allie, what are you doing?” Aidan gaped as she made her way down the stairs.

  “I don’t feel well. I-I just need to go home.” She felt dizzy, like she might faint. She took another step and a blinding light split her skull. Allie tumbled down the stairs with a blood-curdling scream. Aidan flew to her side as she clutched her head in agony.

  “H-hos-pital!” Something was terribly wrong. She’d never experienced pain like this.

  “You’ve got to be kidding me, Alexis Ann! Do you do everything the hard way?” He scooped her up like a rag doll. “You need to trust me, hospitals aren’t going to help.” His face grew blurry and his voice distant.

  “Aidan, I—” Her words came out with a strangled choke. A spasm ripped through her body, stealing her breath.

  I have to get out of here! She needed fresh air. Needed to clear her head. To think. She struggled out of his arms and shakily rose to her feet. The room swirled as nausea threatened to overwhelm her. She stumbled for the door. The wind whipped her hair around her face. The sky was an eerie red with strange clou
ds. The ominous storm she’d dreaded was closing in on her.

  “Allie! Stay with me!” Aidan’s voice echoed weirdly. She felt the sting of his slap to her cheek. Then she was running, her heart pounding in her chest. Allie stumbled along the path through the woods—their favorite running trail, where they first met. The gusting wind stirred the trees, but did nothing to alleviate the burning fever blazing hot inside her core.

  It’s a nightmare. I’m back in Aidan’s warm bed having a scary dream. She tried convincing herself with a pinch. Nothing. She was still running. He pursued her, but she couldn’t control the anxiety rising within her. She feared what would happen when he caught her. She heard his voice. Naeemah’s too.

  “Allie!” She sounded faint. “I heard her scream. It’s started so early and with such a vengeance.”

  “She’s fallen into the trance already,” Aidan said.

  “I had hoped she would sleep through the beginning at least. I suppose it is fortunate she has fallen so soon. She will think she dreams. It will be a long day. Are you certain you can do this for her, son?”

  “I can handle it.”

  “She must let it happen, and then she must fight for control.”

  “I know.”

  Allie lifted her tear-streaked face to the sky but couldn’t feel the wind on her face. Gripped in terror, she couldn’t think, couldn’t react. She wasn’t alone. Someone chased her. The sensation was familiar. Just like the morning she met Aidan. He pursued her now, but this time she saw his face and it frightened her. He was a stranger. His friendly brown eyes were cold and hard, with a shifting golden light reflected in their depths. She heard a scream—possibly her own, but didn’t recall making the sound. She ran faster as the perversion of Aidan closed in on her. The lake at her right, and the dense forest at her left, she had no escape as the storm closed in on her.

  The spike of pain drove into her skull and she stumbled to the ground, spewing the contents of her stomach. Early morning fog swirled around her, hiding her from sight. Allie’s hands fisted in the rich soil. It called to her somehow. A burst of sunlight shone through the clouds and it lifted her soul. Her body churned and shifted, but the pain of it held her rooted where she crouched. Tilting her face to the sky, the sun warmed her and gave her the strength to face him. He would find her soon and she would be ready. The storm wouldn’t hold back much longer.