Shadow Heights

by E. N. Goeking

  I got up to put the binder on the shelf and I heard footsteps galloping down the stairs. Their sneakers squeaked against the concrete as they made their way into the room.

  “There you are,” Chad’s voice echoed.

  “Hey.” I grabbed another book, this time from 1961. “I need to look something up and I’ll be back up to help.”

  “Why are you down here looking at the old archives?”

  “No reason.” His eyes were still suspicious and I yielded. “All right. I’m doing some research on my house. I need to find out what happened there. Jaden won’t tell me anything, so I’m doing it on my own.” His face was expressionless. “Please don’t tell him.”

  He smiled. “I won’t.” He adjusted his hat, sliding his hand over the top of his hair and putting the cap back on. “Can I help?”

  “Sure. I’ve looked through a few. Just try to find me any articles on the Laenzars or my house when it used to be an orphanage. You might want to check the earlier editions for that, though.” I walked back over to the table and read the headlines under the light. Chad appeared at the table next to me, spreading the pages out all over his table, creating a mess. I laughed silently to myself. After only a few pages I found something interesting. Laenzar boy found outside home after fire—the article was titled.

  A fire broke out late Thursday night, September 25 in the home of our founding family alum, Julien Laenzar. Investigators are still gathering information and inspecting the house for proof of an electrical fire. There is no sign that this case is closing and the cause of the fire is still unknown at this time.

  A new installment has been made known to the Shadow Heights Herald. Witnesses say that the oldest Laenzar child, Joseph age 13, was found outside his home the morning after the fire. We contacted the sheriff’s department but they declined to comment on this new installment of the case. The Shadow Heights Police Department has asked us to supply the photograph of Joseph Laenzar in our chronicle for anyone who can identify him. He has been missing since the morning of September 26. There are no clues as to his whereabouts. If you’ve seen this boy, please contact your local police. We will continue to give you more information as it unfolds in the coming weeks.

  That was why the house was different. It had burned down but why did they build an almost exact replica. Why not build something new? Except for windows and doorframes, my house was the picture perfect image of its predecessor.

  I skimmed my eyes down the page and saw the picture. A chill passed through me and it felt like tiny bugs were crawling over my flesh. It was the same boy from my daydreams and I had been reliving his memories. If this boy is a Laenzar, that means he is a relative of Jaden’s. I had always been under the impression that it was a child from the orphanage.

  Was this his grandfather then? It couldn't be. Maybe I was in denial but I had a hard time believing that. It felt like the more theories I developed, the farther away from reality I went. I started feeling light-headed so I leaned forward in my chair with my head between my legs. Chad’s chair scraped across the concrete and his footsteps soon followed, approaching me at a quickened pace.

  “Are you all right?” He sounded concerned. He grabbed onto my arm and squeezed it.

  “Yeah. I just got a little freaked out. It’s all fitting together. I mean, this boy really existed and I’ve been seeing him in my dreams. I’m not insane after all.” He chuckled.

  “Woah, Mina. Now you’re getting a little crazy. What boy?”

  I looked up at him, my hair falling across my eyes. “Joseph. Go look, that’s his picture.” He stood back up and leaned over the table, scooting the book closer to him for better viewing.

  “Oh man.” He spoke rather loudly and I heard someone shush him from upstairs.

  “What?” I asked and sat up quickly, standing next to him. Our arms bumped together and he glanced my way. He pointed to the picture on the page and cleared his throat roughly.

  “This is Jaden’s Dad.”

  “What?” I said quietly, my mind shutting down for a moment as that thought tried to register. I was staggered at first but then it made perfect sense. I could feel the stress that had been building for weeks wash away from me and it was freeing. Even my shoulders felt looser but then like a boomerang, it came crashing back into me. It hadn’t solved anything at all. Why was Jaden’s father in my dreams? What did he want from me?

  All I could think of was Jaden's grandfather, the man roaming the halls of my home, and how he treated Joseph throughout his life. I could see why he wanted to run away so badly. What had made him so malevolent? Even as a child, he was exhibiting the same sort of behavior. The sadistic expression of humor in the face of death. An evil was living inside of him that was eating away at his morality.

  A pounding in my head took over all other noise and I grabbed hold of the chair to balance me. The helplessness I was feeling made the crying start and the tears flowed quickly. I had been so stressed out over all that happened and this was just the final straw that broke me. I couldn’t believe this boy, who had been taking over my reality, was my boyfriend’s father. It made me wonder if Jaden did come into my life for a reason. He seemed to believe it. Had I met him because I moved into their home or was it a complete coincidence? Was it possible that nothing was random?

  After a few minutes of incessant sobbing, my legs felt a little stronger and I could hold myself up. Unsure of what to do, Chad tried to comfort me in what little way he could. He stroked my hair and held me in his arms, and I was surprised by his gesture since I hadn't expected him to be so compassionate.

  “Do you want me to call Jay?” he asked but I couldn’t answer. Chad took his phone out of his pocket and dialed. I thought of Jaden’s face and the way he looked when he smiled. My thoughts then drifted to the night before. I had finally grasped the extent of my feelings for him. I really was in love with him and now all I wanted to do was express that feeling.

  I couldn't tell him about what I saw, the light bulb of connections I made. I didn’t want to hurt him. He liked to keep the past in the past, refusing to address all that he had repressed. He was so heartbreaking about his family that I didn’t want to give him any more bad news. But I felt obligated to tell him, he needed to know the scope of the situation. It affected us both. A woman’s voice broke my train of thought but her voice was muffled.

  “She’s fine,” Chad answered and I heard the woman’s heels clank against the cement floor as she walked away. I pulled away from his shirt and saw that there were two round circles on it from my tears.

  “I’m so sorry.” He lifted the bottom of his shirt and looked it over.

  “It’s cool,” he said while smiling back at me. “Why don’t you head back upstairs and get our things and I’ll put these away.” I nodded and walked slowly up the stairs to the main floor of the library. I put my things in my bag and slung it over my shoulder. I slipped my sunglasses over my eyes, hoping to cover up any sign of my trauma. Chad was right behind me, grabbing his IPOD and sunglasses from the table.

  “So, are you glad you looked that up?” he asked while we walked outside.

  “I guess. I mean, I didn’t find anything out about the house or why it’s the way it is. I never expected the news I got, though. I can't believe Joseph is Jaden’s father. I need to know what happened to him.” He had obviously escaped the fire while everyone else died inside the house. How did he manage to be so lucky?

  “If it makes you feel better, there's a lot more to Joe than you know. He had a lot of problems as an adult and I guess he's always been like that.” He seemed uneasy with this realization. “It explains a lot about the things he did.” What had Joseph done? I could only begin to wonder.

  Chapter Twenty Six

  Chad stuck close to my side as we entered my dreaded place of residence. I wasn't very eager to make that first step but after Chad shoved me inside, there was no turning back. Staring at the wall where Jaden held my dad brought back the whole scene to my mind wi
th revived freshness. I could remember everything that happened and I wondered if my dad was all right. I saw the way his body jostled from the shocks and how hard he fell to the floor. No one could walk away from that unscathed.

  As I looked around the room, I saw no signs of damage. The lights that had burst the night before now had fresh ones screwed inside and there were no damages to either wall.

  “What’s the matter?” he asked, his eyebrow raised.

  “I don't understand how this is possible,” I said while walking over to a wall sconce near the stairs. “All of the lights burst in here last night but now they’re fine. The same thing happened with my door.” Was it just my imagination?

  He seemed a little uneasy as I ranted about the strange incidents that happened the night before. He placed his hand near my back and guided me into the living room while I continued staring up at the ceiling in marvel.

  “You’re a lot nicer of a guy than I gave you credit for,” I commented, my eyes moving to his. They were a deep brown, like rich coffee at its purest form.

  “I thought you hated me.”

  “Well, frankly, I did but you’ve grown on me over the weeks.” He smiled at my words and relaxed his body on the couch. “Are you hungry?”

  He shrugged his shoulders. “A little.”

  “Do you want me to make you something?” I stood up.

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  “Please, let me. I owe you for today,” I pleaded.

  “Well, if you insist. I won’t turn down free food.” I took his hand and drug him into the kitchen. I opened the pantry and the refrigerator for him to see. He decided on a sandwich. My mom bought some fresh deli meat from the store, so I made him a deli sandwich with all the trimmings. He watched me with interest while I prepared his food and his interest made me nervous but I tried not to let it bother me or reveal that I was aware of it. After I finished his mile-high sandwich, I got a package of wheat crackers down for myself and munched on a few. I wasn’t hungry enough to eat a big meal.

  Chad devoured his sandwich within minutes and commented repeatedly about how good it was. I was pleased that he enjoyed it. I looked at the clock and it was nearly two. I couldn’t believe Jaden wasn't here yet. Where was he? I cleaned up our dishes and went outside to call him. Chad joined me on the porch because I don't think he felt comfortable being inside by himself. Jaden answered after one ring and my heart fluttered when his voice sounded.

  “Mina,” he answered.

  “I thought you were coming over.”

  “I was but you haven’t called. Despite what you now think about me, I don’t have ESP,” he joked, making me chuckle.

  “But Chad said that he called you earlier.”

  “He never called.”

  “Oh really?” I glared up at Chad who was now avoiding my stare. “Well, I’ve been home for a while and your friend's staying with me until you get here. The sooner you come to rescue me the better.”

  “I’m leaving now,” he answered. I hung up the phone and sat down on the step next to Chad. I kept giving him the stare down because I knew he would have to look over at one point.

  “What do you have to say for yourself?” I demanded.

  “I thought I could get some alone time with you. We were having a good time and you didn’t seem to mind my company.” I lit a cigarette and blew the smoke in his direction. He batted it away with his hand.

  “I was but that was when I thought you were a decent guy.”

  “I am.” I scoffed at his reply. I stared out at the trees, their branches dancing with the tempo of the wind, and watched the cars drive by. A small red sports car flew by with added gusto. “Listen, I am a decent guy but I have to keep up appearances. What would people think if they knew what an upstanding gentleman I really was?” We both chuckled and I didn't know if he was lying or being honest. Sometimes the words he said contradicted his personality, leaving me perplexed about whether I liked him or not.

  “All right, you're forgiven.” I glanced his way and he winked. “So...how are we going to do this speech?”

  “Well it’s not due until Thursday.”

  “Yeah but we need to correlate some kind of plan while we’re together. I’ll get some information online and you can do the same; then we’ll scrap the crap and keep the good.”

  “Sounds fair. We’ll meet up next week or this weekend if you want, at a place of your choosing.” His niceness rose suspicion in me, what was he trying to accomplish now?

  “You have my number.” He nodded and took the last drag from his cigarette, flicking it off into the yard. “Despite what just happened, thanks for everything today. I appreciate you being there for me. It was very sweet of you to show me such kindness.”

  His rich eyes turned to mine and their dark brown glimmer was radiating with sunlight. His face moved toward mine and while I inched away, his lips landed flush on my cheek. The kiss alone was awkward enough but the way he moved his lips suggested to me that this wasn't a polite kiss between friends. I glanced up at him with an uncomfortable expression and he grinned as he chuckled a few notes.

  “That’s not funny.” I smacked him across the arm.

  “I’ve never met another girl like you Mina. You're refreshing. I like you.”

  “Thanks but I’m with Jaden,” I replied.

  “I know but I would be a better choice,” he said while I rolled my eyes, “you’d be safer with me. I worry about you.” Great, another person warning me about Jaden. I don’t need two Gregs in my life. I scowled back at him and was ready to pounce when I heard a car heading up the driveway. I was happy to see that dark tinted machine coming to get me. He really was my white knight even though he came in dressed in black.

  He was wearing boot cut jeans and a black shirt, rolled at the forearms. Chad stood up to shake Jaden’s hand when he reached us at the top step. He looked displeased to see his friend sitting so close.

  “You can take off man. I got this covered,” Jaden said, hoping to finesse Chad away.

  “I’ll call you,” Chad replied. I watched him walk down the stairs and Jaden took his spot next to me. He pulled his hair away from his face to see me better. The wind was blowing wildly now and the clouds were beginning to shift in rhythm. I wrapped my arm around his leg and cuddled into the side of his body. He felt warm against me and his scent soothed my nerves.

  “Is something going on with you and Chad?” he asked with complete seriousness. I looked at him in revulsion.

  “Absolutely not. How can you even think that?” He bit the inside of his cheek.

  “Chad and I have always been competitive, especially with girls. I’ve seen the way he is around you and I know it’s starting again.” I rolled my eyes but he continued. “I don’t want you caught in the middle of it. You have enough going on.”

  “That would only happen if I actually pursued his advances, which I’m not.” He looked over at me while continuing to gnaw the side of his cheek.

  “You will but maybe that would be better in the long run. You wouldn’t have to worry about your livelihood with me out of the picture.” I reached my hand over and covered his mouth.

  “I'm not leaving you and I don't think Chad is the person who will steal my heart. His whole persona is a turn off.” He kissed my fingers while my hand was placed at his mouth.

  “Your face is looking better,” he commented.

  “Is it? I haven’t even looked at myself since this morning.”

  “I knew those bruises wouldn’t last long. He can’t inflict as much damage on people as say I can. Taking on a human form allows him to do things that are physical but yet he’s weak.” His words interested me but I was still confused about the whole thing. How did he know so much?

  “Will you go inside with me?” I pleaded using my eyes. He turned around and stared at the house, focusing his attention on the front door. I brought his face back to me and kissed him softly, brushing his lips with my tongue.

  “
You know I can’t resist that.” He stood up and grabbed my hand. He lifted me off my feet and slung me over his shoulder. I shrieked with enthusiasm and he laughed, refusing to set me down. I saw the front door close behind me and he carried me upstairs to my room.

  He dropped me on the bed and I stared back at him, my heart pounding in my chest, my lungs breathing unsteadily. He stared back at me with a devilish grin forming at his mouth. I was expecting him to join me on top of the covers but instead he walked around my room to survey the various things I had lying around. I exhaled in disappointment but was glad there was never pressure to exceed what we were both ready for. I saw him looking at the many little trinkets I had on my dresser, priceless items I had collected over the years and luckily I had nothing too embarrassing.

  “Since it’s Friday, I thought maybe I could stay at your place again tonight.” He looked over at me, in obvious surprise by my suggestion.

  “What will you tell your parents?”

  “I’ll tell them I’m going to Cherry Ridge. You can hide my car in your garage, right?”

  “Yeah but are you sure you want to do that?” He walked over and sat next to me on the bed, stroking my hair with his fingers.

  “I can’t sleep here tonight let alone face my dad. I don’t know how I can look at him the same again.”

  “It wasn’t really him Mina,” he insisted.

  “I know but I can’t get that picture out of my head.” He must have read my body language and knew something was wrong.

  “Did something happen today?” His tone suddenly grew suspicious and I didn’t know how to respond. I didn’t want to bring up his dad, especially while in the house. I’d do it later.

  “I don’t want to talk about it right now. Maybe later.”