Shadow Heights

by E. N. Goeking

  “I think I’ve seen you around. My name is Jaden.” With booming confidence, he reached his right hand out for mine and I turned to grab it, his eyes holding firm to my face. His brash intensity suddenly softened.

  “Mina,” I replied.

  “Mina,” he repeated back with a smile, “I like that. You must be new around here.”

  “Yeah. How did you know?”

  “Well, I thought I knew all the pretty girls in town but your face escapes me.” I was thankful that I had my sunglasses on so he didn’t catch my exaggerated eye roll. I also liked to conceal myself to others so I was always wearing them.

  “Um, thanks. Sorry, I’m not very good with compliments.” I wanted to look away but his eyes were staring intently into mine like a cop trying to make me crack under pressure. “Well, it was nice meeting you. Maybe I’ll see you around.”

  “I’m sure you will,” he said with a wink. I swallowed and began breathing faster, shallower breaths. I tried to compose myself on my stroll back to the car. That was better than I thought. At least I know his name now—Jaden. And what was that shock I felt when our hands touched? I could still feel it minutes later, tingling the outer edge of my hand.

  His voice was so masculine and virile, unlike Greg’s who was weak in comparison. I kept replaying the scene in my head—the way he looked, his smell, his smile, and his strong hands. I couldn’t resist smiling while I relived the moment, my heart rolling in somersaults.

  I drove back home with my windows rolled down and music up as loud as my ears could stand it. My head was spinning from happy thoughts. It felt like I was flying and my body was weightless, only the seat belt I had latched over me held me down.

  When I arrived back home, my mood quickly changed by the lack of stimulation I had available to me inside. It wasn’t even noon yet and I had nothing to do. I decided to help my parents out by doing the dishes, vacuuming, and dusting the furniture. God, I must be bored.

  I felt hunger pangs setting in after shoving the vacuum into its closet so I grabbed myself a frozen dinner for lunch and nuked it. It was barely edible but I was so hungry that I didn’t care. After I ate, I told myself I wasn’t going to stay indoors another day.

  I decided to grab my smoke and a book. I drove around in the country by myself and partook in a little pick-me-up. A few minutes later, I found myself at Laenzar Woods of all places, the park near my house. I decided to pull in because I had wanted to go there since we moved. I walked over to a nearby tree and heard commotion coming from the water. A group of guys were horsing around in the lake, dunking each other without warning. I would much rather be in a pool with cleaner water but they were guys. I didn’t see any girls going in that sludge.

  I sat down on the ground and leaned my back against the tall willow tree behind me, feeling the warmth of the summer sun against my pale skin as it weaved through the leaves. I glanced back over at the group of half-naked guys standing waist deep in the water and a head slowly popped out of the wake, rising to the surface like a shark.

  I took a quick intake of breath as I recognized him, slightly disturbed that we kept running into each other and slightly intrigued that the universe was steering us in the same direction. He flipped his long wet hair back, flinging water droplets into the air and I hoped this wasn’t an illusion, some fantasy my mind concocted just to torment me.

  Panic and an irresistible lust shot through me at the same instant. I gawked at his toned form, the rolling droplets of water sliding down his abs. I didn’t want him to think I was following him so I moved to the opposite side of the tree where I would be invisible to wandering eyes. I opened my latest sci-fi novel and started to read, hoping for any sort of distraction. If it wasn’t for the friends I had back in my hometown, I would’ve spent most of my time at the library or bookstore but here I had no excuse.

  I heard some commotion coming from the water and someone yelled profanities at another—typical male behavior. I fought the urge to look over as I recognized one of the brazen voices to be his. I wanted so badly to watch Jaden step out of the lake and see the water drip from his hair and body but I couldn’t. Instead, I pretended to read while I listened with tuneful ears to their conversation. Unfortunately, I could barely make out a word. Sometime later laughter broke out in a rolling wave of high and low octaves.

  “Where are you going?” someone shouted over the rest.

  “None of your business.” A couple chuckles sounded.

  I knew that voice. It was Jaden’s. I cowered into my book but like a homing beacon, I could sense him heading in my direction and I grew anxious over our potential encounter. He kept his back to me and his long mane clung to his shoulders, tangled and wet from the water. His lofty shadow shrouded me in darkness while he stared ahead at the fading sunlight.

  Without warning, he took off into a barreling run across the grass, his body blurring in his movements and I watched his every step with eager eyes. When he had gained enough momentum, he leapt off his feet and sprung into a double flip in the air. His hair spun around him, forming a black circle around his body and time seemed to stop for a moment. As fast as his body was traveling, I was astonished to see that he landed so cleanly on his feet. He had perfect poise and balance like a gymnast.

  Woah. How did he do that? I was impressed. He turned around and started running back toward his friends and I heard them giving him praise from afar. I looked back at my book and pretended to be deeply engrossed in the words but as he ran by me, he suddenly stopped and turned. I could feel his stare like a needle pulsing into my flesh but I refused to greet it. I didn’t want him to think I had been watching him.

  Here came those never-ending butterflies that frequented my stomach whenever he was near. I tried to steady my breathing and remain calm. A thud shook the ground beneath us and I didn't have to look over to know he was there. I could smell the lake water on his skin and the tobacco burning from his cigarette, which both masked the sweetness I had smelled hours before. I finally succumbed to temptation, peaking out of the corner of my eye, and saw that he was eagerly waiting to speak with me.

  “Are you following me?” he asked. Slightly embarrassed, I was quick to defend myself.

  “No, I promise.” He flashed me a full smile showing all of his teeth and laughed to ease my tension. “I don’t know why we keep running into each other.”

  “So, did you like that?”

  “What?” I tried to play dumb while his eyes glimmered before me.

  “You didn’t see?”

  “The flip?” He nodded back. “How could I not? How often do you see someone take off into a dead sprint and flip in the air so gracefully?”

  “I was hoping to get your attention.”

  “You were?” He nodded. I couldn't believe he actually sought my attention. Was I dreaming? I secretly wanted to pinch myself to be sure. “Well, then I’d say you were successful in your goal.”

  “That’s all I get?” His blossoming smile faded.

  “I’m afraid so.” I laughed softly but this seemed to crush his ego so I hurried to think of a compliment to bring it back. “How did you get your body to spin so fast? I’ve never seen anyone do a double flip off the ground like that.”

  “Years of practice.” He took the last drag from his cigarette and flicked it a few feet away. I was amazed by his performance for I had never expected him to be so personable. He always seemed so intimidating. His eyes searched my face while he spoke. “I saw your car over there and was hoping to see you. I figured this would be a good opening for me.”

  “Why would you need a good opening if we already met this morning?”

  “Our meeting this morning was...accidental. You bumped into me and you seemed so nervous,” he said and I blushed at his remark. I wish you hadn’t noticed.

  “You just took me by surprise is all and to be honest...you do sort of make me nervous.” My eyes danced to his and back to my book in a quick movement, and he let out a beastly laugh.


  “I’m sorry. I have that effect on people. I think it’s the eyes.” It’s more than your eyes.

  “I think you’re right.” I looked back at his friends and they all looked bored, their faces hanging low like the clouds.

  “I like scaring people but I hope I don’t scare you.” My eyes drifted back to his and they were like crystals reflecting a vibrant blue light.

  “Not at all,” I answered quickly, finding it hard to look away. “Your eyes are very striking by the way.” His left cheek rose into a smile.

  “Will you do me a favor?”

  “I guess.” I bit the inside of my cheek, wondering what he could possibly want.

  “Will you take off your glasses? I have yet to see your eyes.” With slight hesitation, I pulled them off and set them on the grass at my feet. He looked at me with deep interest while his hand stroked the hair on his chin. “I didn’t think you could be any more beautiful but I find myself wrong again about you. Why do you insist on hiding them?”

  Feeling invaded, I turned away from him. It felt like he was staring into my soul, if there was such a thing and I didn’t like him seeing me so clearly. His hand reached out as if to touch me but he stopped himself, resting it back on his leg.

  “No reason. They’re just sensitive to the sun.”

  “Every time I've seen you, your eyes have been covered. I felt like you were trying to hide something and now I can see that you were.” Silence came again and I struggled to find a question before he got up and walked away. How was I supposed to reply to that? I had never once heard anyone speak the way he did.

  “So, have you lived here all your life?”

  “Unfortunately, yes. I guess I didn’t formally introduce myself. I’m Jaden Laenzar.”

  “Laenzar,” I muttered, nearly speechless, “as in the founding family?”

  “Yes. I'm surprised you did not know this already, the way people like to talk in this town. I figured that was the reason you've been distancing yourself from me.”

  I could feel my cheeks begin to warm yet I remained silent.

  “It isn’t a big deal but my great great-grandfather founded this town. In fact, I used to live in your new house.” I raised an eyebrow.

  “Why don’t you live there now?”

  “It's a long story. I’ll save that tale for another day.”

  “How did you know where I lived?” His eyes scanned toward the sky, spotting our shared residence, perched on top of a grassy hill a short distance away. He moved away the hair from his eyes. It was starting to dry from the sun, curling up at the edges.

  “This is a small town and word travels fast. I heard the house sold a few weeks ago and then there was this new family in town,” he winked, “and I figured that you were part of that family. We don’t usually get newcomers here. Shadow Heights has a lot of history and people are scared off by it.”

  “What is so scary about it?” I pried, being a little curious by this new information.

  “Um...maybe I shouldn’t tell you.” He pulled out a few blades of grass and after playing with them for a moment, flung them into the air. “People in the Heights try not to talk about it. I’ll tell you sometime once you’ve lived here longer than a month.” I crinkled my brow.

  “Hey Jay!” someone yelled. We both turned to see who the source of noise came from and reality set back in. His blonde friend was pointing at his watch, looking anxious to leave. Jaden held up his index finger as a signal to his friend.

  “I noticed that you drive out in the country a lot. Any particular reason?” How does he know so much about me? I don't remember ever seeing him out there on my drives.

  I wasn’t sure how to reply. “I’ve lived in the city so long that I guess I needed a taste of country.” I laughed at myself when the words came out. They sounded so corny but they made him smile and that made the embarrassment worthwhile.

  “I take it that was a lie.”

  “Yeah but I don’t think I can tell you why I drive out there.” His eyes narrowed and he held his hand up to his chin.

  “You are a very secretive person Mina—I’m sorry. I don’t know your last name.” I was shocked he didn't know already.

  “Hunter, Mina Hunter. Actually my full name is Wilhelmina but Mina is what I prefer.”

  “How very Bram Stoker of your parents,” he sneered.

  “Most people think that but it is actually a family name.”

  “Anyway, I thought I knew why you were out there but I can understand your need to be secretive. Although, let me say, I can smell a certain aroma coming off your clothes.” I pulled my shirt up to my nose, worried that I was emitting an unpleasant odor.

  “What aroma are you referring to?” Was it that obvious to him that I was a smoker?

  “Oh, I think you know. I have a very acute sense of smell.”

  “Okay, well say that I do. What is it to you?”

  “Well maybe we could do that together sometime. If you would agree?”

  I didn't even have to think about a response as it spilled from my mouth, “Okay.”

  “Come on dude!” I heard someone yell.

  “Well, you better go. I think they want to leave.”

  “Yeah, Ryan has to be at work in a half hour. I hope to see you again, Miss Hunter.”

  “Most likely. It seems like we always end up at the same place. You better stop following me.” He stood up and looked down at me, his eyes surveying my expression.

  “I thought you were the one following me.” He chuckled. He hesitated for a minute and then extended his hand. Our hands stayed together for longer than a normal handshake and I felt our electricity sparking together, tickling me under the surface.

  After hearing a car engine sputter to life, he took off toward his friends. I lifted my hand up to my nose and inhaled his rich scent, trying to contain my enthusiasm about what had just taken place. But as excited as I was, I still found him intimidating. He had such confidence and charm and far more knowledge of the world than I did. I knew the capacity of my mind was nothing in comparison to his.

  Chapter Six

  Two weeks would pass before Jaden Laenzar and I crossed paths again and our next encounter was as unexpected as the others. I was meeting my dad for lunch, sort of a private celebration before I started school. I pulled into a spot downtown and walked over to the city office to meet him. Like the rest of town, the building was remarkable in design and it looked newly remodeled, very mainstream. After finding my way to his office, I waited for him to finish up a meeting, which his secretary assured me would only be a moment.

  While I replayed a song on my MP3 player, laughter broke out near his office door. I sat up quickly as it opened. Much to my surprise, Jaden was the gentleman walking out with my dad, dressed in a dark dress shirt and black slacks, looking sexier than ever with that top button unbuttoned. My dad seemed quite pleased with Jaden, looking happier than he had in weeks but maybe he was just kissing his ass, his favorite motto being the customer is always right. They shook hands in a brisk fashion and my dad then took notice of me.

  “Mina? I didn’t know you were here.” Jaden’s body quickly turned and his warm smile welcomed me in. I nearly melted on the spot. “I’d like you to meet someone.”

  I stood up to speak before he started making introductions. “We’ve actually already met.”

  His smile lowered, “You have?”

  “Yes,” Jaden intervened. “I had the pleasure of meeting your daughter earlier this month.” He was very eloquent with his words, being polite at every turn. “If you don’t mind me saying, she is quite the exquisite young lady, sir.” This clever remark not only pleased my father but it was pleasing to me as well. No one had ever called me that before and I could see myself falling deeper into my web of feelings for him.

  “Did you decide on a restaurant?” my dad asked, placing a folder of documents on his secretary’s desk.

  “If I can suggest one,” Jaden interrupted once again, “Armando’s i
s the best Italian in the area if that’s your taste.” I nodded at his suggestion. Pasta was my favorite and I was starving. Jaden’s cell phone began to ring and after saying goodbye, excused himself from our group. I sighed internally for I wished I could’ve spoken to him longer.

  “All right. Let’s go get some grub. I’m starving.” He took my arm and led me into the hallway. My dad’s jolly behavior was raising my suspicions. Why was he so doting to Jaden and welcoming toward a stranger? He had never been that way with any of my friends or boys I had introduced him to.

  While lunch at Armando’s was as delicious as Jaden insisted, it was kind of unsettling. There was unexplained tension in the air between us and I didn’t know what was bringing it on. Besides work, my dad barely spoke about anything else and I filled in the gaps with my own stresses about school which he was certain would go away as soon as my classes started. He hugged me goodbye and hurried back to the office. It was only two o’clock and I was already feeling tired, probably from all the heavy pasta I had just gorged, but I also hadn’t had a good night’s sleep all week. My dreams were becoming too real and I never woke up feeling rested.

  A giant coffee cup waving on a flag near the end of the block tempted me, something to give me a little pep. I was not a big coffee drinker by any means but the urge to go there was impossible to contain. After stepping inside, my nose was infiltrated with robust smells of roasted beans and scalded milk from the cappuccino machines with undertones of chocolate.

  While waiting my turn in line, I scanned over their long list of choices. I decided on an iced latte with a shot of vanilla flavoring. It was too hot to be drinking steaming liquids. I paid for my beverage and looked around the room while they prepared it. The place was decorated in antique styling, all wood floors and walls with old oil canvasses nailed to them. They offered free Wi-Fi and most people were sitting at tables perusing the internet on their laptops while drinking their expensive gourmet brew.