“I think your new car is really pretty and you deserve it.” She beamed and seemed to glow once I approved. We walked into the office and went our separate ways. She to her office and I to do my rounds. I read the little notes on our residents and one was a little disturbing to me. Mr. Grey has been very hostile and bitter lately. I was sad to read this. I knew that I hadn’t really spent much time with him. He was delicate, he needed companionship. Gordon, the other caretaker, wrote that Mr. Grey told him he hated him and only wanted me to help him. Oh, that was harsh. I felt sad for Gordon, who was a pretty nice guy, but then at the same time he was not attentive like me. Gordon’s residents usually like to talk. And he does not. Mr. Grey needed a companion so he would be my first stop today. I knocked on his door and it took him a while before he finally answered.
“Oh, well look who it is. Where have you been? You call yourself a caretaker? Hmm you don’t take very good care of me. You’re never here. And when you are its only for a couple hours. Why?” He said in the grumpiest of tones.
“Well good morning to you too.” I walked into the apartment. It smelled of rotten food. I almost threw up all over his filthy carpet.
“What is going on in here? Your carpet is a mess and it smells like something died in here.”
“I asked my questions first. I will answer you after you answer me. Well, go ahead.” He stood there with his arms crossed trying to be intimidating. I wasn’t going to fall for his antics. He didn’t scare me
“I have only been working four hours a shift because I have been having some personal issues.” I made sure to make personal sound more pronounced. “And I do take care of you. You’re my favorite resident. If you don’t try to get along with the others you are going to be miserable. So, now it’s your turn.” I covered my nose from the awful smell.
“Well I don’t like the others so I told them I don’t need their help. Really, I need help, but just your help though. You’re the only pleasant one here. I hate the others.” He walked away and sat on the sofa.
I laughed without him seeing me. Actually it was kind of flattering that he liked me best but his place definitely needed some attention. Even though he said he didn’t need help, the other caretakers need to help anyway. I put on my rubber gloves and started cleaning. His trash was full to the brim and the carpet just needed a good vacuum. After thirty minutes of cleaning I told him I had other residents to help but I wanted him to go to movie night tonight. He nodded and I left so that I could do my other rounds. I had to clean for Mrs. Stonefield and Mr. Carson. It was now noon and I saw Mr. Grey feeding the birds in the courtyard. I sat with him again. It was like a little getaway to be with him. He was quiet and I needed that. I leaned on the bench and closed my eyes. I could tell that Mr. Grey liked my company. He just sat there still and quiet even after he ran out of bread.
“Avery.”
I jumped. I must have dosed off. I looked around and Mr. Grey was still sitting there saying nothing. He had dosed off as well. I was unsure of who had said it. There was no one there but the two of us.
I saw purple feathers by the ladies bathroom so I got up from the bench. Mr. Grey did not stir. I entered the room not knowing which Angel I would encounter. I looked around but I saw no one. Then there, sitting on the sink, was Ianni with purple feathers now. They were so pretty with her fiery red hair. I knew I had to tell her how mad I was that she had let me down. She didn’t come when I needed her the most.
“Oh, here you are. Where were you last night? You know I really needed you.” I started to cry. It was all coming back to me. I felt so abandoned and alone. I wished that I never knew about her because I had started to rely on her a lot more than I should. She hopped down from the sink and came towards me. She looked sad and sorrowful.
“Avery, I can’t even begin to explain how sorry I am. I wanted to help but I couldn’t. I’m forbidden to step in and help when it comes to the Dark Guides. It’s the law. Trust me, I wanted to break it. I wanted to be the one to help you but if I did there would be extreme circumstances.” The pain in her face made me believe that she truly could not help me. She bit down on her lip, it made her angelic face look more human.
“Why me?” What a selfish thing for me to ask except it was all I felt at the time. Selfish, scared and naïve. I was in the dark as to what was going on with my life. I needed answers.
“You are depressed, sad, confused, everything they look for in a human. They thrive on those times in your life when you need help. They trick humans into believing that they can actually help you. You can be so weakened by their lies that you will say yes. And then they do the unthinkable.” She turned away. I thought I saw tears but when she faced me once more I saw only glistening eyes.
“They kill you and take over your soul.”
“Kill you? He said that actors and actresses are so famous because of him. Do they only kill who they want? I don’t understand.” I started to pace. Now I was even more fearful.
“Look at me Avery.” She stopped me and turned my face to hers. “Those people are a shell. They kill them and steal their bodies to use for themselves. Do you ever wonder why some people, famous, rich or whatever, are nice and perfect one minute and crazy the next? It’s because they use their bodies. And they don’t stay in the same one all the time. They share. It’s like they pass them around. One Dark Guide will be one person for a few weeks and then someone else will use that person’s shell for the next week. It is the only way that they can be “human”. They are trying to get you now and that’s why you need to make up your mind and choose who you want. Get back to the normal you.”
I nodded. She was right, I had to make a choice. Although I thought I had, and then Landon had to come save me. It made me confused all over again.
“So what happens to that person’s soul?” I was scared to know the answer.
“We both know what happens to them. Their soul serves a Dark being.” I swallowed because I felt terrified. I did not want to know much more than I already did.
“How do I get rid of this Dedrick? It was hard enough to say no once, I don’t think I have the strength to do it again.” I could feel the tears starting to well up in my eyes.
“Avery, do not feel guilty for that. Saying no to a Dark Guide is not easy. They have very strong powers that are hard to deny. Listen carefully; your mother can help you. I must go, but be careful and stay strong.”
“Wait, one more question. Dedrick mentioned a Watcher. What is that?” I needed to know so desperately.
“A Watcher is sort of you Guard. He is watching you and trying to keep you safe, as much as possible, but He cannot help you all the time. The Dark Guides are strong, it will be hard for your Watcher to defeat them. That is why it will take you and all your strength. Dedrick wants to be human; it’s all he ever wanted. You are all he ever wanted. He will stop at nothing. Just know that you are not alone. We are with you no matter what. We are trying to help.”
It was so hard for me to believe that the dark side was so strong and heavens angels could not defeat them.
“Aren’t you stronger Ianni, you are an Angel? Is my Watcher here now? I just can’t see him right?” I felt like I was ambushing her with questions.
“No silly, he walks amongst the humans, he blends in but he is not going to tell you he is your Guard. Unlike me. They are not like that. You will never know him like you know me.” She stopped suddenly and her eyes got wide.
“Someone is coming I have to go.” As soon as she said it, she disappeared. The bathroom door swung open. It was Rachel with her sour face.
“What are you doing in here, this isn’t the staff bathroom.”
“I could ask you the same thing Rachel.” I had taken enough of her crap. I was in a pissed off mood now and I didn’t have the strength to try and be nice.
I pushed past her and went back to escort Mr. Grey to his apartment. He was already gone so I finished my rounds and before I knew it my shift was over.
Once
I got home Dallas was no longer there. He had left a note telling me he went to his house to get his stuff and he would meet me back here in time for the party. I plopped myself down on the couch and was alone with my thoughts. I was not going to let Dedrick win. I would talk to Justin and see if he could actually be the key to my mother’s answers. I had to do this to save myself from Dedrick. I sat and stared out my window watching the bay and all its inhabitants.
A few hours later Dallas came back. I answered the door and he looked so handsome. He was dressed in dark Jeans and a crisp navy blue polo. I noticed a bag in his hand that came from a little boutique that I had passed many times. I had never shopped there because it was very pricey. He handed it to me and stepped in.
“For you, a little present,” he said.
I blushed. No one had ever gotten me a gift from a place like that. I tore through the tissue paper and inside was a gorgeous vintage cocktail dress wrapped so nicely I didn’t want to open it. It was sleeveless and made of silk chiffon and lace overlay. It was an off white color with a beaded waistline. I lifted it up to get a better look. It was perfect for tonight. Not at all what I would pick out for myself, but that was because I had no style. What a nice thought to get me something. He must have known my nerves were on edge, and that my clothes suck.
“Go on, try it on.” He ushered me into my room. I closed the door and he stood outside. I could hear him lean on the door. I slipped the dress on, being careful to not tear anything. It was a perfect fit. I stood in front of my full-length mirror and I just stared at this person. I had never, ever, thought of myself as pretty. Being with Dallas made me feel that way. I really thought about it and realized that this was the only life that I wasn’t pretty. All the lives before I was more than pretty, I was model material, but this go around I was a plain and simple woman.
“So, there is something I have to tell you,” Dallas said from the other side of the door.
“Bad news or good news?” I asked. Hoping it wasn’t bad news.
“Well that all depends. I went to see Landon before coming here. I decided to not fight with him. He is my cousin, and he is like the brother I never had. Avery, he is a mess. He feels terrible for what happened.” I leaned on the door listening. I felt terrible too.
“Well, I think he just wants to be normal. He has had a tough life. Ever since he was a child he always spoke of this woman named Claire. We all thought she was his imaginary friend but, he said she was his wife in a past life.”
I just listened hoping that Landon didn’t indulge in any information tonight.
He continued, “Although we totally don’t know what to think, my family has always tried to help. So anyhow I invited him to come with us tonight. He can’t be alone, he looks horrible. I just want to help him.” I opened the door and he almost fell on top of me.
“Oops, sorry,” I said as I stabilized him. He laughed and stared at me in the dress.
“Wow you look ravishing.”
“I have never been called ravishing before. Now don’t change the subject. What did he say? Is he going?” I wasn’t mad just frustrated. I thought I could try to get over him and now he was going to be with us all night long. Now I knew that he was feeling so terrible I felt terrible. And the pain in my heart started to ache for him. I wanted him to feel better too.
“Well I think he needs to meet new people and this is one of the best ways for him to do that,” he answered.
He stood staring at me with his gorgeous eyes. I felt like I could melt from his stare. He was very convincing. I nodded and put my best dress shoes on. I let my hair stay down and just brushed it out nicely. I put a bit of mascara and lipstick on and was done. We walked down the stairs to Landon’s new apartment, just one floor down. Not only did he now live in my apartment building, he was right beneath me. Dallas knocked and Landon swung the door open. He stood there not trying to look at me but still I could see he was. He was so cute. I bit my lip trying my hardest to not think that way about him.
“Let’s hit the road,” Dallas said.
On the way to the party was the most awkward drive I had ever encountered. I sat in the passenger’s seat of Dallas’ truck and Landon in the back. There were not too many words said between the three of us, except about the beautiful weather we had been having. Here I was still stuck on who was right for me as I held Dallas’ hand and smelled Landon’s sweet scent from behind me.
We arrived at the house a little late. I knew Kerri would not care. It was like me to be late. Usually I skip all together but when I do go to parties I come late. I have a hard time getting ready and getting out of the car. I hate parties. I hate the music, the loud people and most of all the fact that I don’t fit in.
This party was huge. A little get together this was not. All of the friends Kerri had, and it seemed all of Justin’s too, packed the small house. Kerri’s house was simple and sweet, the perfect little home for a bachelorette or for a small family just starting out. I know she would love to fill the two extra rooms with little babies. And she just might get that if Justin is her Mr. Perfect.
I saw Kerri standing with Justin and a few of our co-workers when she waved to me. She looked so cute in a new dress as well. Justin smiled and waved too. He looked cute with a pair of jeans and a nice twill blazer. I took Dallas’ hand and walked over to them. Landon dispersed and started to mingle. Just like a single hot guy would do when he was lonely. I tried to shake the feelings away and put on my best smile.
“Well Dallas are you going to be doing our bartending tonight?” Kerri asked with a smile.
“Sorry kiddo I am off tonight but if you need that perfect drink you know I can help you out. By the way I’m Dallas, you must be Justin.” They both shook hands.
“You know Dallas, I do need that perfect drink. So do you mind?” Kerri whined. She had a way of whining when she wanted something. Not something that bothered me, I was used to it. “Av, you can stay and get to know Justin. I will get you a drink too.”
“Um, thanks. I think,” I replied. So this was it the moment of truth, the chance I had to ask him if he could reconnect me with my very dead mother. I know I will look really stupid but if she was going to help me I had to do it. I leaned in and opened my mouth to ask this strange request.
Before I could he said, “Yes I will help you. You don’t even need to ask. I knew you were coming here so I have already contacted her and she is waiting.”
Chills ran through me as he led me through the crowded party to one of the vacant back rooms. There sat two chairs and a small table. No magic crystal ball or tarot cards, just a plain setting. It was a little less intimidating. The room was dim and his blonde hair looked faded. He had a nice smile that was trusting. He laid his hands on the table across from me.
“Avery, take my hands. Time is short and she has all the answers.”
So I did just that and I closed my eyes.
Chapter 14
Close Again
Some time went by and I waited for something to happen. All that happened, though, was me thinking about how sweaty Justin’s hands were. I opened one eye and scanned his face. He really was cute. His blonde hair was spiky and messy like he had just rolled out of bed. He looked a lot older than Kerri. I wondered how much older. I shut my eyes again, still nothing.
“I am thirty-five,” he blurted out, “And my hands are sweaty because it’s hot as hell in here.” He stood up and opened a window. A nice cool breeze blew in and it really cooled things off, although my nerves were still on edge. I should have been in shock that this man read my thoughts, but after everything, I was sort of used to it. He grabbed my hands again and we closed our eyes.
“Think of her. That is what I want you to do. Don’t think about me, or how cute I am. Think of your mom.” I scoffed at his little comment and I did as I was told. I pictured her and only her. I thought of how she looked, how she smiled. Her hair was a lot like mine and her eyes were the same bluish gray. I felt hot air and smelled gas from
a stove. It almost sickened me. Then I smelled something sweet. Cookies. I opened my eyes and I was in my old house. The kitchen where my mom died. She was standing in her apron pulling cookies from the oven. She looked happy. She looked alive. I reached out for her. And she reached back. We touched and I cried. Harder than ever before. My mom was here. I was touching my dead mother. She hugged me and patted my back.
“You are so beautiful. Look at you.” She pulled away to examine me.
“I am not beautiful it’s the dress. It has that effect.” I was embarrassed. She had always told me how pretty I looked but I never believed her. We embraced again. I looked around for Justin but he was not here.
“It’s just us honey. You and me again baking cookies. I thought you would like this memory. Not of me dying, of course, but you so loved to bake with me. So this is what I came up with. Are you comfortable?” She asked.
How could I not be? I was with my mommy. She handed me a cookie and led me to our dining room table. It was still the same. My seat was covered in stickers from when I was a child. Any time I would get stickers I would always decorate my kitchen chair. My mom did not care. She thought of it as self-expression. We sat and I stared at her. She looked so real. I could not stop looking.
“It’s really you. I don’t know what to think right now.” My voice was raspy. She tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear. It was still shiny and alive just like before.
“Well I have some answers for you. So let’s get to it. We don’t have much time.” She leaned forward and looked at me so seriously.
The Many Lives of Avery Snow Page 12