His phone rang and he answered. He began walking away and up the stairs. I followed, but his conversation didn’t end. Not wanting to pry on his privacy, I headed to my end of the hall to my room. I turned on the television.
I found a news station and waited. It didn’t terribly long for the news anchor to get to the stories of the missing women, but long enough. There were approximately nine women missing or dead that were suspected to be related crimes. I was aware of about half that. Where had I been?
“Mercy,” Flynn said with his head popped in the door. “Luke should be here any minute.”
“Yeah,” I said turning my attention back to the television but the anchor had moved on to a new story.
I turned back to Flynn whose damp hair and change of clothes was my clue that he’d showered. He stood in my door with a faded navy hoddie with jeans and Timberlines on. I swear I hated him. No matter what he wore he looked good. The alarm chimed when the door opened.
“He’s here,” Flynn said.
“You left the door unlocked,” I asked incredulously.
He looked at me with that duh expression. “Mercy, if a supernatural being wanted inside, do you honestly think a locked door would hold them back.” He didn’t mention that David had paid a witch to ward his house, because I already knew that.
Imagine my surprise when my ninth grade English teacher little old Mrs. Grimes came to cast spells around the house. Flynn had to tell me more than once not to gape at her. I’d been sworn to secrecy about what she was. Flynn added that we weren’t the only supernatural beings at school. He hadn’t elaborated.
Mrs. Grimes told us that she could only do her best to ward off demons because we were part of that group. We needed to get in and out of the house. So she had amended her spell to include demons that meant us harm. The shocker came when she said she wouldn’t ward against vampires because they would have to request entry into the house anyway. What no one said is that we thought the killer was an incubus. For obvious reason, Mrs. Grimes couldn’t ward against that particular group of demons. So I pursed my lips at Flynn statement because he was right.
“See you later,” he said and ducked out the door.
I heard him say Later Bro then a crack from a hand slap. Luke sauntered in my room wearing a swish muscle shirt and sweat pants. I wondered if he’d come from working out. Nearly reaching out, I almost went to touch his arm muscles. It was very tempting.
“Hey,” he said.
“Hey,” I said back.
“You look tired,” he said.
“Yeah, I sorry you got dragged over here to babysit me,” I said sarcastically. I pulled my knees up to my chest with my arms around my legs.
He walked over and untangled my human pretzel only to wrapped me in his arms. “Like there is any place I rather be,” he said. “Especially when it is sanctioned by your mother.”
“Luke,” I said. He looked down at me. “Your dad was here earlier?”
His arms dropped away from me. He looked perplexed and a bit angry for a moment. Then he walked over to the window and stared out. “Did he say anything?”
“No, he didn’t say a word to me,” I said.
“Figures,” he said. His expression was grim.
As much as I wanted to know, I didn’t ask. I didn’t think it was my business whatever was going on with his family. I figured he’d tell me if he wanted me to know. So I avoided the follow up question and went for a different approach. “So he knows about the missing girls,” I said.
He continued to stare off in the distance and I held back from crossing to him. “I’m sure that’s why he’s in town,” he said.
Inappropriately, I yawned but I couldn’t help it. Lack of sleep gave me no control over to stopping it. He turned around and looked me up and down. “You’re not wearing your favorite pink Juicy sweats,” he said smiling.
I laughed surprised he’d noticed them. “I haven’t yet changed for bed,” I said grinning.
“Do you need some help?” he teased.
“You wish,” I said and then I sauntered to my bathroom. I couldn’t shake the feeling that everyone including Luke was hiding something from me.
Chapter Thirty Five
obfuscate (v.) to render incomprehensible
Blissfully, I had dreamless sleep. Ever since the house had been warded I hadn’t been plagued with voices or crazy dreams. It certainly helped though that Luke had been there with me last night. Nothing untoward happened either. The sun woke me up right before the buzz of my alarm did the deed. What was more shocking was Luke was still sleep beside me. My first thought was that my mother was going to freak if she found out that Luke had slept in my room last night. I jumped out of bed like I’d been lying on hot coals. Unfortunately, my foot caught on the sheet and down I went. Pushing my hair back, I slapped a hand on bed steadying myself to stand. When my face crested over the side of the bed with my hair spilling over my face like a mop, Luke eyed me not yet moving.
When he quirked a smile, I couldn’t help but giggle myself. I fell back on the floor with fits of laughter. Slowly, his voice peaked over the side of the bed to eye me on floor. When I continued to laugh, he shook his head and rolled back over. I was nearly in tears with laughter when I finally was able to walk to the bathroom.
My mother couldn’t be home, I thought to myself before I said morning to Luke closing myself behind the doors before he got up. When I peeked out the bathroom door a short while later, Luke wasn’t in the room. I assumed he gone to another room to use the bathroom to get ready. So I got dressed before heading downstairs.
The shock came once I hit the last stair. I heard my mother voice coming from the direction of the kitchen. Crap, I thought. I didn’t turn instead I squared my shoulders and headed in.
“Good morning, Mom,” I said cheerfully.
“Morning Mercy,” she said eyeing me suspiciously.
She didn’t let on that she was aware of my sleeping arrangements last night. So I did what I always did not knowing what else to do. ”Do you want me to make breakfast?”
“No, I’ve eaten,” she said.
I stood looking at her expectantly. I wasn’t used to her saying no. What should I do now? Understanding my behavior was odd I said, “Do you have any leads yet?” I asked.
“Things are getting,” she began then looked behind me. “Hi Luke,” she said her voice changing to something less than pleasant. “Sleep well,” she added.
The way she said it, I was sure she knew Luke had slept in my room. “Morning,” he said unabashedly. “I slept fine.” I think I nearly choked.
My mom unperturbed turned and poured herself some coffee when Flynn came in the kitchen. He said to Luke, “Hey, you’re still here?” Silently, I winced placing my shaking hands on the counter to steady myself. Flynn eyed me suspiciously. Luke however poured a cup of coffee with practiced steady hands.
Well, now if there was any doubt about Luke’s whereabouts Flynn sure cleared that up. I stood there waiting but my mom’s harsh words never came. I didn’t look at her either. Thankfully, David walked in the kitchen and suddenly in the large space the room felt crowded.
“Good Morning everyone,” David said with his easy nature. He hadn’t known what he walked into. When he kissed my mother on the cheek, I could tell by his facial expression he’d assumed there was a problem. David, the problem solver, figured it out quickly. “When I saw you this morning, I should have warned you that one of the shower nozzles was broken in that room’s bathroom,” David said to Luke.
Flynn checking in, trying to make up for his earlier outburst said, “So that’s where you slept.”
Luke ignored his comment and opted instead to say, “I can drive Mercy to school.”
Flynn nodded, then foraged for food. I wasn’t hungry given my current circumstances. I knew I was in trouble and waited for my mother to yell or ask to speak to me privately. I wasn’t sure she bought David’s story. I was however sure he hadn’t lied but he wasn�
�t stupid either. He had to know that Luke hadn’t slept in that room.
In the meantime, I wasn’t being a good host. Luke had already gotten coffee on his own. But I remembered that Luke had spent much more time in this house than I ever had, so technically he was more like family than a guest to them.
My mom dressed in nurses’ garb moved to David and gave him a kiss with her to go coffee mug still in her hand. “I’m going to be late,” she told him.
Then she came over to me. Putting her free hand on my shoulder she said, “You looked peaceful last night.” My eyes wide flew up to her. She knew. Her words had obfuscated me. Then she said, “Have a Happy Birthday.” She kissed my forehead before walking away.
She nodded at Flynn who nodded back. Then she said pleasantly, “Thanks Luke for last night.”
Clearly, I was still sleep or this was the twilight zone. My mother knew Luke slept in my room last night and she told Luke thank you. No, this couldn’t be happening. I pinched myself and I felt it.
I looked over to David. When our eyes met, looking the part of a CEO in a suit and tie, he said, “Happy Birthday, Mercy.”
He came and gave me a kiss on the cheek. “Luke, I guess we’ll see you tonight,” he said. Luke nodded. Then he spoke to his son. “You’re coming home before you go out right?” he asked.
Flynn said, “Yeah, I said I’ll be here.” Everyone was being so casual. Then it hit me. I must really be in a ton of danger if both my mom and Flynn’s dad were on board with this sleeping arrangement. Did Luke’s parents know what was going on? Luke’s coming and goings didn’t seem a big concern for his parents. His mom didn’t seem to care where Luke spent the night. Did guys have it better than girls, because I was certain that his parents knew.
The front door closed as David and my mom left for work. Luke looked at me. Without David’s comment it was clear he had showered. His hair was damp. He wore jeans and a black graphic tee that said Just Do It of all things. “You’re not going to eat?” he asked.
My mind was still reeling with how ok my mom was acting. She’d been cool when Paul spent over. But usually we’d fallen asleep in the living room and not on purpose. We’d always been watching movies late into the night. But Luke had been in my room and in my bed. This was not a succubus thing. My mom was not that liberal.
“Is everyone crazy?” I asked. Flynn turned to look at me too. “My mom is sanctioning me having sleepovers with Luke.”
Flynn laughed and said, “She didn’t go down without a fight.”
I remembered last night before she left and her words I’m trusting you reverberated in my head.
“So why didn’t anyone tell me. I was obfuscated by her thanking Luke,” I said because Luke’s face was impassive. He’d known when he came over what the deal was.
“And miss your priceless expression,” Flynn said shaking his head. “Luke can’t watch over you from the other side of the house.”
What had my life come too? Somehow none of it seemed real standing in Flynn’s kitchen with two of the hottest guys in school. I slept under one roof with both of them. This was surreal at best.
Flynn then said, “I can’t wait for March.”
Luke and I both turned to him. “Why,” I said confused.
“So you, Webster, can start talking like normal people. Who uses the word, obfuscate?” he said and rolled his eyes.
“Unlike you, I need good score to get in the school of my choice. Using a word every day helps me retain its meaning,” I protested weakly.
They both just stared at me for a moment before breaking into a guffaw of laughter. “By the way, Happy Birthday, Merriam. I should call you that by the way. It is your first name Miss Webster?” Flynn added once he could breathe again. We all just busted out laughing some more.
When I finally got in Luke’s car, I was met with a bouquet of Mylar balloons attached to a gift bag. I had to pull them out of the car, so I could get in. Luke was there in time to take them from my hand. His other hand reached around me under his jacket I wore and drew me close.
I bit my lower lip in anticipation. “Happy Birthday,” he said before his mouth descended to mine.
Had I put the balm on? It was too late to answer that question in advance of the kiss. When our lips pressed together my mind clouded. It rained tiny explosions of light.
He pulled back just in time and I bit my lip again shyly. “Thanks,” I said. Truthfully, with all that was going on I halfway forgot my own birthday. I didn’t think anyone would remember except for maybe my mother with all the things that were going on.
I got in the car and he handed me the gift bag. He closed my door and opened the back door to secure the balloons so he’d be able to see out his rear view mirror. When had he bought the balloons? But then I guess he could have come over with them last night. I held the gift bag not sure what to do. Should I wait or open it? I waited. I didn’t want to seem anxious.
He got behind the wheel and I looked up to see that Flynn hadn’t waited on us. He was already gone. We could have all ridden together but I guess Flynn had other plans right after school.
Turning the car on then looking over at me, Luke said, “Go ahead and open it.” It’s always weird when you open gifts in front of people. What if I didn’t like it? Would I be able to hide my expression?
Maneuvering the car around the drive, we were on the street headed to school before I opened the bag. Inside was a small blue box with white ribbon. I’d seen boxes like this and knew exactly where the present came from. I tugged the silky white ribbon lightly. It loosened then fell away with gently pressure.
Inside, on a small square bed of white cotton like material, was a blue suede bag. I loosened the draw string and pulled out a silver necklace. Dangling from the change was a solid puffed heart with a Return to Tiffany’s heart shaped hang tag behind it. When I touched the charms the hang tag turned and I realized something was on the back. Engraved on the back were five words, ‘My heart belongs to you’.
I turned and smiled to him. I’d never gotten jewelry from a guy before. At a stop light he turned and said, “Do you like it?”
I was almost choked up. “Yes,” I said awed. He smiled and turned back as the light changed. Once we were parked at school, I held my hair as he put it on for me. I barely had time to kiss him before our friends descended around his car.
Maggie was there with a balloon in her hand. Happy Birthdays were said from the group and I don’t think I was ever given this many hugs before. At my locker Maggie beamed with pride because more balloons were tied to the handle.
“Maggs,” I said. “You’re the best.” I hugged her again.
As a rule, I spent the whole day carrying all the balloons including Luke’s with me. By last period I was ready to release them to the sky. I just wasn’t used to all the attention. Underclassmen with dream of grandeur wished me happy birthday with hopes of their own for future popularity. It was weird because I didn’t consider myself popular although I did hang with the elite seniors.
In my previous class, Paul had been there waiting. In his embrace, he whispered, “Happy Birthday,” without Amber’s eyes to watch us. He also gave me a small gift bag that I tucked in my locker on the way to my last class. There wasn’t enough time for me to open it yet.
Miss Gibson was absent from class. For once we had a substitute of the male persuasion. He was really cute. Most of class had been made up of the female students doing everything short of straight up offers to get his attention. I’d managed to limit myself only to a few dignified thumbs up in Maggie’s direction when he turned to write on the chalk board.
After class with school out, Maggie hugged me again and said, “Sorry, I can’t come over tonight.” She thrust a gift bag in my hand. “I’m worried about Brent,” she said. “I’m going over there now. But first open it.”
Brent had been missing days at school here and there. She didn’t explain why she wasn’t hanging out with me on my birthday. I understood what it
was like to have a boyfriend now. I wouldn’t blame her because I would have done the same.
I pried open the bag that had been taped shut at the top. Inside were a short white skirt and a navy scoop tee with the name of the best store in the mall written across it. “Maggie, thanks.” That store wasn’t cheap. I could only hope she’d found it on sale. I hated to think Maggie spent too much on me. Our friendship was more than material things.
“You should wear it tonight,” she said. Then she came closer and touched my necklace. “This is really pretty, Eme. Luke is like an awesome boyfriend, so thoughtful. Have you done the do yet?”
I was taken aback by her question. “No,” I said in shock.
“Eme, you two are totally in love and right for each other. You know you could tell me,” she said.
“Maggs, you will be the first to know if it happens. But honestly, it hasn’t yet,” I said. I started to bite my nails.
“You’re hiding something,” she said.
“Why do you think that?” I asked.
“You’re biting your nails. It’s your tell,” she said.
“My what,” I asked. When something is really bugging you, you bite your nails, but never any other time,” she said.
Damn. I would need to keep that in check. “So basically you’ve gone all the way but the actual do,” she said.
“No,” I said. My hands were in my lap. “And why this utter fascination into my sex life?” I asked.
“It’s just that I see how the two of you look at each other,” she said.
“Yeah, so I should be asking you. Have you and Brent done it yet?”
She looked away for a moment. “No, but I am really considering it. I think if all things are still good, I might on Valentine’s Day. It will be special then.”
Wow, that was a little less than two months away. “Really?” I asked surprised she was ready to make that leap. We really hadn’t been talking much lately.
“I don’t know, Eme. I love him and he’s so sweet,” she said.
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