Shadow Heights

by E. N. Goeking

  “You saw his temper Mina. What if he hurts you?” I rolled my eyes at him. “I’m not joking around.”

  “I’ll be fine. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself.”

  “I know. You’re the toughest girl I know, tougher than me probably.” We both laughed because it was actually true. “I’m going to be worried about you all the time now. How am I supposed to relax knowing that you’re dating a sociopath?” I rested my hand on his shoulder.

  “Don’t worry. He’s not a sociopath Greg. He’s really very sweet.” He stared up at the sky and I laid my head on his arm, leaning into him.

  “I’m beginning to believe your moving here was a bad idea.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Greg and I finished our bottle of wine while watching the latest sci-fi movie in the living room. Nothing like an array of aliens to distract your mind. Unfortunately for me, though, the movie wasn't much of a distraction to Greg's paranoia. He lay down comfortably with his head in my lap, which felt a little awkward after what just happened, but kept on with his words.

  “So, what’s this guy’s story?” I refused to look down at him.

  “He’s a really private person. To be honest, I don’t know much about him except that he used to live in this house and is frightened by being inside.”

  He shot up from my lap and stared back at me. “He lived here?”

  “Yeah. He’s the one that confirmed my suspicions about this house being haunted.” He ran his hand through his hair and scooted to the edge of the couch. I could see his brain working its magic.

  “Maybe he’s fucked up from it.”

  “I don’t think that’s why he’s like that. Something else happened to him here but I don’t know what. He won't tell me.”

  “Maybe I’ll Google him,” he said with a laugh. “What’s his last name?”

  “Laenzar. His family actually founded this place.” His brown eyes widened. I could tell his mind was going crazy with theories. “Greg—don’t start.” He rolled his eyes and smirked. I saw lights flash through the window so I got up and looked out. It was my dad’s car and they were home from their date.

  “Oh Christ. Is he back for more?” he divulged in a panic.

  “No, Greg. It's my parents.” He sat up straight and fixed himself but I didn’t know why. I sat back on the couch next to him while my parents headed up the stairs. They were surprised to see him but they were, however, happy to see that we were downstairs sitting spaciously apart on the couch and not in my room lying comfortably in my bed.

  My dad chatted with him while I zoned into the movie that was playing on the television screen. Greg brought up Jaden midway through their conversation and I had to physically stop Greg from telling him the full details about what happened. I didn’t want them taking away the one reason for my recent happiness. My dad’s positive feelings for Jaden shifted to bad, shooting me looks of apparent disappointment and hoping that I would end things right then and there.

  He interrogated me about Jaden and I told him the little details, such as where he lived and how he treated me. He didn’t seem comforted with the fact that Greg was bothered by him and it angered me that he trusted Greg’s opinion over mine.

  During our argument, my mom came downstairs in a nightgown, hoping to entice my dad upstairs, which worked like a charm. Good. That’ll keep him busy.

  It was awkward when Greg said goodbye. He was worried about my safety and didn’t want to leave but I insisted on his departure.

  “Call me if anything happens.” I nodded. “Be careful Mina.”

  “I will.” I kissed him lightly on the cheek.

  “I really wish you wouldn't see this guy anymore.” I was getting very frustrated by his perseverance. “I'm begging you Mina. I don't care if you date somebody else just not this guy. He gave me a weird vibe.”

  “How do you know that isn't your jealousy talking to you?”

  “All right but if something happens to you, I did warn you.” He opened his car door and got inside. I waved to him through his window and he was gone.

  The alcohol from the wine was flowing through my veins and I didn’t feel shy about voicing my opinion. I stared up at the shrouded house in front of me and all of the lights upstairs were off. I pulled my phone from my pocket and dialed Jaden’s number. He finally answered after a few rings.

  “Mina,” he answered.

  “Can you come over? I need to talk to you.”

  “Right now?” He sounded surprised.

  “Uh-huh. I think my parents are asleep. Would you do that for me?”

  “I’d do anything for you. I’ll see you in a few.” I closed my phone and went inside to grab a couple beers. As I headed into the hallway, I walked up the stairs to listen at my parents’ door. Fortunately, all I could hear was snoring.

  “Whew,” I breathed in relief. I don’t know how I would’ve gone on if I heard animalistic sex noises coming from inside. I hurried back down the stairs and went outside to wait for him.

  His headlights appeared at the end of the drive a couple minutes later and he turned them off as he got closer, probably to keep from alerting my parents of his arrival. He was a very thoughtful person in that regard or maybe he was just good at being sneaky.

  I sat on the top step and waited for him to approach me. He stepped out of the car and strutted over to me, a trademark walk that had been perfected over time to weaken me. It was so dark out that all I could see was the whiteness of his face and arms and it was unsettling to see since I was already seeing ghosts.

  He sat down next to me, stealing the cigarette from my hand and taking a drag.

  “Hey,” I protested. He laughed softly and handed it back. I grabbed one of the beers and handed it to him. “Here.”

  “Thanks.” He twisted the cap off easily with his hand and drank half of it in a few gulps.

  “Why did you do that earlier?” I asked. He stared into the darkness and took another drink from his bottle.

  “I told you I wanted to see for myself and I did. You weren’t going to stop me.” He paused, his tone was hard. “I had to test him. I knew the first time I saw him that he wanted you. It was obvious. I just wish you hadn’t lied to me.” I glanced over but he evaded my eyes.

  “I didn’t lie. You never really asked. You only asked if there was something going on between us, which there clearly isn’t.” He tilted his head as if he was in disagreement and I reached over to touch his arm. “I can’t stop him from having feelings for me, just like he can’t stop me from having feelings for you. Jaden...” His eyes shifted to me and they were dark, only a spot of white could be seen in his pupils.

  “I made my point but I understand your view of the situation.” He was calmer. I drank my beer in defeat.

  “Okay. You made your point but please don’t let it happen again.”

  “All right. I'll be good from now on,” he promised with a smile. I snuggled my body into his while he put his arm around my shoulder. “What are you doing tomorrow?”

  “I think I’ll stay in. I start school on Monday and need to relax.”

  “What time are your classes?”

  “They start at ten and I don’t get done until two.”

  “I have class at eight.” I cringed.

  “I made sure none of my classes were that early.”

  “I don’t mind it.” He stretched and subtly placed his hand around my waist, rubbing his finger on the skin beneath my shirt. His touch created an electric tingle against my flesh.

  “Don’t think you’re off the hook for this yet. I’m still upset about what happened, how you reacted, the way you treated Greg.” His face tensed up as I said Greg’s name.

  “I’m sorry Mina,” he pleaded with his eyes, his jaw tight.

  “He wouldn’t let up about you after you left. He’s worried about my safety now and he even filled my dad in about you. I tried to explain but he wouldn’t listen.”

  “What did he tell him?”

>   “Nothing you don't already know.”

  “Well if someone is discussing my character, I think I should be there to defend myself.”

  “Why does everyone say such unpleasant things about you?” His response was to chuckle.

  “This was what I was trying to explain when we first met. They can't get past the image.” I narrowed my eyes. “I'll always be a Laenzar to them and that title comes with a burden.”

  “I still don't understand because I consider myself fortunate to know you.”

  “I knew you had to be out there somewhere,” he whispered. “I've been dreaming about you my whole life. It's been you in every way. I can't help but want you for myself.” I placed my hand on his leg and the energy surrounding us pulled me closer. We kissed with tenderness while he caressed my face with gentle hands. His mouth moved down my face, massaging my chin and throat. “I love the way you taste, especially here.” He nibbled on my neck near my collar bone.

  The porch light flipped on above us but he didn't seem to notice it or maybe he just didn’t care. I looked behind and saw my mom standing in her night gown, her hand signaling for me to come inside. Her hair was quite disheveled and missing her usual curl.

  “Okay,” I said loudly for her to hear. She didn't seem to be going away so I turned to Jaden. “You should probably go.”

  “Get some sleep.” He took my hand as he stood up, his hand gripped my back and he kissed me passionately once more before walking away, leaving me breathless and weak. I watched him disappear into the darkness and went inside. I rubbed my neck since it was aching from his embrace.

  “Don't let your father catch you outside with that boy,” she said before going upstairs, her eyes showing disapproval. What was the big deal? Did she forget what it was like to be young? I agreed to be more vigilant and followed her up the stairs.

  I woke up late on Sunday, somewhere around one in the afternoon. My head was pounding, begging me for relief so I went to the bathroom to fetch some aspirin as soon as my feet hit the floor but unfortunately, the migraine stayed with me for most of the day.

  I decided that I would stay home. I was starting school the next day and I wanted to go in there clear-headed. I was anxious about starting classes and being around a bunch of people I didn’t know. I gathered my school things together and put them into my army green messenger bag. I made sure I had everything I needed and my schedule was conveniently located in the front pouch for easy access.

  My dad didn't lecture me when I ran into him in the hallway and I was grateful that my mom hadn't informed him of my late-night excursion but what was her motive in doing that?

  Later on that afternoon, I got a hankering for coffee. The one I got at the coffee shop downtown was so good that I couldn't get the taste out of my mind. I also craved a jolt from the caffeine. I told my mom I was leaving and asked if she wanted anything. She didn't seem interested and was busy preparing dinner anyway. She was more distracted than usual but I didn’t mind because that meant she would stay out of my business.

  It was another hot August day as I drove through town. I barely had my window cracked, afraid the stifling heat would find its way in. The streets of downtown were busy but it was a Sunday afternoon. All of the town's elderly were out getting their early bird special at the local restaurants. They always went before five, sticking to a strict regimen of early meals and sleep.

  I parked a few spots away from the front door and walked inside. There were a few others ahead of me so I waited in line. The rich aroma of coffee beans overwhelmed my senses. It was a pleasant scent to me, always enjoying that aisle in a grocery store. I looked over the menu, deciding I wanted to try something different.

  When it was my turn to order, I decided on an English toffee cappuccino. The smell of it drove me wild but I couldn't even sip on it since the temperature was scalding to the touch. I wandered over to my car and unlocked it with a switch.

  “Mina?” a voice asked to the right of me. I turned my head and saw Chad leaning against a building, a cigarette in hand. He was wearing a gray shirt and khaki shorts that came well past his knees. His hair was smooth this time, lacking the usual gel I saw him wear. Even though he wasn't my favorite person, I walked over to say hello. “How's it going?”

  “Lovely,” I answered. I drank a sip from my coffee, trying not to slurp. “What’s up?”

  “Just having a drink in Jeff’s Bar.” He grinned and said, “Jaden's in there.”

  “Good for him.” I replied, looking away. My reaction baffled him and I could see the hope in his eyes that our relationship was on the fritz.

  “Are you mad at him?”

  “I'm not mad but disappointed. He didn't tell you about last night?” He shook his head. “He got into a scuffle with a friend of mine—a guy.” The look on his face was not one of shock.

  “Jaden has a short switch,” he admitted. “I've gotten into it with him more than once.” I chuckled because I could visualize their inevitable battle in my mind. “We're similar in that way, our short tempers. We've rammed heads since grade school.”

  “Why all the competition?” I meddled.

  “I don't know. It's just guy stuff.” I nodded my head. He offered to buy me a drink in the bar but I declined. There was no way I'd pass for twenty-one.

  I was about to walk away when the presence of him surrounded me like a vortex. My attendance in the group must have thrown Jaden for a loop because his expression in seeing me wasn’t one of happiness. In fact, he showed no emotion at all while he dodged my intrusive eyes. In his best effort to ignore me, he lit a cigarette and hid himself in its smoke.

  “Hey Jay,” Chad said, patting him on the stomach and turning his head in a sly way. “I was just talking to your girl here.” Jaden's eyes maneuvered their way to mine for a quick second, a small grin rising from his mouth. “She doesn't seem too pleased with you right now.” I scoffed and smacked him on the arm.

  “I never said that.” My eyes flickered to Jaden but he was still focused on his friend. Ryan stood in a peaceful daze in the background, his eyes as red as cherries. He pulled a cigarette out from behind his ear and lit it up.

  “What's up little Mina?” Ryan asked, walking toward me and patting me on the head.

  “Not much.” He stumbled in his footsteps and nearly fell into me. “Are you having a good time?” He chuckled.

  “I'm always having a good time. What can I say?” He looked around at the city lights, seeming to be mesmerized by their glow. “I'm a happy person.”

  I caught the last words of Jaden's remark to Chad. “...Not this time.” I was curious about his choice of words and I wish I had caught the beginning of them.

  “I'm going in to do a shot,” Chad announced. His eyes proudly glowed while he departed from the group, smirking at me before stepping inside. For the first time, I had an attraction to him even though I was repulsed by his personality.

  “Crazy night last night, huh?” Ryan recounted in an effort to break up the silence.

  “You could say that.” I lifted my cup to my mouth, sipping the strong coffee. It was almost like an espresso in strength. I heard a voice on a microphone inside and Ryan was quick to show enthusiasm. He sucked down the rest of his cigarette and threw it in the overflowing ashtray near the door.

  “I'll see you around. They're doing karaoke and I'm up.” I chuckled as he ran inside. The radiating pulse of Jaden's eyes was too much to ignore as he finally acknowledged my presence. I took a few steps forward and stood next to him by the wall, choosing to lean in the same way.

  “You're awfully quiet, Jay.” His eyes danced to mind, reeling with guilt.

  “I have a lot on my mind.” He tapped his cigarette and the ashes fell to the pavement. Even in a sour mood, he still looked so handsome in the light.

  “I should probably take off anyway.” He seemed indifferent and it was like he was purposefully creating a distance between us which I didn't understand because I thought we had made peace the nigh
t before. “I'll see you around.” As I walked away, his hand skimmed my arm and grasped me with rapid might. I glanced behind my shoulder and met his eyes, perplexed by what he wanted from me but he refused to comfort me with a response.

  I grew irritated by his contradictive behavior so I freed myself from his strong grip and hurried over to my car. Even though I desperately hoped he would come running after me, to show that he cared, he never did and feelings of rejection streamed into me while I watched him stroll back inside without giving me a second look.

  When I got home, Caylie was home from the weekend and my mom was getting ready to serve dinner. We ate at the table—feasting off of dill-smothered red potatoes, fresh green beans, and roasted chicken—and reflected on the upcoming week. My parents seemed to be more excited about me starting school than I was. Caylie was geared up about starting a different high school and meeting new people. It was easy for her to adapt; she could make friends anywhere. I, being her complete opposite, was dreading that part the most.

  Chapter Sixteen

  I woke up at about nine the following morning, the alarm buzzing annoyingly in my ear. I groaned and reached over to turn it off. I rubbed my eyes and stretched as far as my limbs allowed. After hitting the snooze a few times, I jumped out of bed and did my usual morning routine, taking about twenty minutes of my time. I put on some jeans and a black shirt with flip flops to match. I double checked everything in my bag and slung it over my shoulder before stepping out the door.

  I smoked two cigarettes on the way to keep my mind occupied, which didn’t mix well with my stomach. It made my anxiety skyrocket as high levels of nicotine coursed through my veins, creating a new kind of sickness within. I was so nervous that my hands were shaking and I gripped them firmly on the steering wheel for better control.

  Traffic was starting to back up so I reduced my speed. All of the cars ahead of me were turning into the school entrance, therefore causing congestion. Wonderful. I rolled my eyes at the bumper sticker on the car in front of me. Did people still believe that their votes mattered and that the choices between candidates were real? They were all the same, a cloak for the real big brother, giving the public the illusion of choice.