by West, Shay
“No. I am not sure I want to be alone, actually.” Alex gave them a lopsided grin. She did not want to isolate herself the way she had when Catelyn ruined her birthday. Her friends had forgiven her atrocious behavior that day. Alex was not sure they would do so a second time.
“We just started a scary movie. That should take your mind off things.” Paul said with a smirk. He knew how much scary movies frightened Alex. She would spend the entire movie holding a pillow to her face.
Alex sat between Amy and Jennifer, glad of their support. She felt closer to Amy at this moment, knowing that she had gone through the same thing. She knew it had probably been harder for Amy because she had been very close to her father. Kind of hard to miss someone who was never around to begin with.
Alex tried to force thoughts of her father from her mind and try to enjoy the evening. Or at least pretend to the extent that her friends wouldn’t be uncomfortable. Paul kept everyone laughing by making jokes at really inappropriate times during the movie. Alex even managed to watch a few scenes before retreating behind her pillow.
Her friends left after the movie, ending the party a little early. But Alex was glad. She was exhausted and she wanted to check on her mother. Her mom had not looked that bad when Gary left on the Harley.
Alex offered to help clean up but Karen and C.C. told her they had it all under control. She thanked them both for the awesome evening and went to check on her mom.
Alex was relieved to find her mom fast asleep on the couch. She covered her with a blanket and went in search of her own bed.
As she brushed her teeth, the image in the mirror shifted. Alex kept her eyes glued to the mirror. Jennifer had told her to pay close attention so that they could try to get as much information as possible.
This time, the girl’s face was a flawless olive tone, with exotic eyes and high cheekbones. She wore a white dress that bared her shoulders and she wore a blood red flower in her raven hair. Behind her, Alex could see a wooden window with the shutters thrown open, and through it, a man riding a snow-white horse.
Alex blinked and the image was gone. She hurried to her room, heart thumping from excitement as much as from fear, and sent a text message to Jennifer about what she saw. Jennifer texted back almost immediately, saying she would be over in the morning.
Alex lay in bed, wondering who the exotic beauty was and what sort of trouble she would soon be in.
CHAPTER 20
“TELL ME EVERYTHING you remember.” Jennifer had a pen and paper ready to jot down notes.
She had been true to her word, knocking on the door of the guesthouse at around 8:30 in the morning.
Jennifer was wide-awake and ready to start sleuthing. Alex had had a terrible night, her sleep plagued by nightmares and worry for her mom. Her jaw creaked as she yawned.
“The woman was olive-skinned and had very dark hair and eyes.”
“What did the room look like?”
“A room with an open window! I didn’t really pay much attention to the room, just the woman.”
“Well, a dark-haired girl and an open window isn’t going to help us figure out when and where she lives,” Jennifer said, as if stating the obvious to someone who was too thick to get it.
“Maybe I’ll see her again before I get taken away.”
“And maybe you won’t. So think. Or else you could be flying blind here with no way of knowing what could happen.”
“I did fine before without knowing anything,” Alex grumbled. She was tired and cranky.
“Come on, Alex! How else am I supposed to help?”
Alex gave her a dirty look and closed her eyes, trying to picture it in her mind. “I think the room was made of brick or something. It didn’t look like wood. And the window didn’t have glass, only large wooden shutters that were open. And they were faded red.”
“See? That’s something. Keep going,” Jennifer said, writing on her yellow legal pad.
“There was a man doing some sort of work with a horse. But it looked different than regular riding. More like prancing.”
Jennifer grinned and typed furiously at the computer. “You mean something like this?” She turned the laptop around.
Alex watched the short video for only a few seconds. “Sort of, yeah.”
“It’s called dressage. My family went to the Cavalia show in Denver and they did all sorts of cool stuff. I remember reading on their website about the dressage and how it’s tied to ancient Europe. You should look it up sometime. Since you are into history and all that.” Jennifer winked. “What did the horse look like?”
“It was white with a tiny bit of grey on the rump.”
Jennifer tapped away at the keyboard. “It could have been an Andalusian.”
Alex piped up. “They’re also called Pure Spanish Breed. Did they have those in the horse show?”
“They had quite a few actually. They were so gorgeous! Their handler got them to do all these tricks and ride in complex formations.”
Alex closed her eyes, trying to remember anything else that would help them identify the time period and place where the girl lived. “Are they found everywhere or only in Europe?”
“I have no idea.”
Alex did some searching on the internet and found the practice of dressage and Andalusian horses was practiced all over Europe, South America, and even parts of Asia. “This doesn’t really narrow it down. I wish I could hear the other girl speak. That would certainly help.”
“It must be weird to hear yourself talking in different accents.” Jennifer giggled.
“Totally weird! I wish I could bring back that knowledge and speak in funky accents here.”
Jennifer giggled. “And give little miss Snotty Pants more reason to tease you?”
“Good point.”
“I can’t stay long. I have to babysit this afternoon,” Jennifer screwed up her face. “If anything else...you know...happens, text me.”
Alex walked Jennifer to the front gate to meet her mom, who was coming to pick her up. When they drove off, she realized she didn’t have anything to do. Her aunt and mother were at the store and C.C. was out with friends. It was too cold to go for a hike and she didn’t have any homework.
After clicking through all of the TV channels with not a single thing worth watching, Alex finally decided to begin reading some of those books she had gotten for her birthday. She lost herself in the stories of the past until her aunt and mother returned from the store.
Alex studied her mom, wondering how she was doing. Patricia looked tired, but she gave her daughter a small smile, well aware of Alex’s scrutiny. Alex felt a surge of anger at Gary (she refused to call the man father ever again) for sending the divorce papers during the holiday. Especially since they hadn’t heard from him since he left.
Alex also hated the man for leaving them with nothing. He was the one that insisted on Patricia staying home and he had to know how difficult it would be for her to find work. How could he leave without giving us some money first? She knew the divorce agreement stated that he would be sending them money each month, but it would have been nice to have some before they had been forced to sell all of their stuff and move across the state.
Little Miss Home Wrecker probably needed some special surgery. Alex did not know for sure that Gary had left them to be with the woman her mother had seen him with, but she would not put it past him. She just did not understand how he could just leave and not miss them at all. Even though she hated him with every fiber of her being, she also missed him. Gary could be funny, after he had had a few beers. Despite everything, he was the only father she had ever known.
“I could use some help tomorrow, Alex, if you’re interested,” Karen said.
“Sure.” She didn’t have anything else to do and she could use the money. She excused herself after dinner and read about the history of Vlad the Impaler. The story was gruesome but she felt a twisted compulsion to continue turning the pages. God, I hope I don’t get transported back t
o Transylvania.
As she got ready for bed, Alex was disappointed that the dark-haired girl did not make another appearance, and she was surprised that she felt that way. I should be glad. It means that I won’t have to travel yet. She thought Jennifer was right. If they could figure out what time and where she lived, Alex could arm herself with present historical knowledge to try to help her.
CHAPTER 21
ALEX WAS SURPRISED to find herself looking forward to the end of the Christmas break. She missed the routine of school and having something to fill her days. She worked almost every day for her aunt, which helped make the time go by faster, but she missed her friends and filling her brain with knowledge.
Alex had always been a stellar student, winning various awards in most of the subjects she studied. She had participated in spelling bees and trivia contests in both elementary and junior high school. Patricia had proudly displayed her ribbons and trophies on the top of the bookshelf in the family room.
But she excelled at history. Her teachers had often told her it was as if she had a photographic memory when it came to memorizing important events in the past. She could remember dates, people, and places as soon as she heard them. Her sixth grade teacher called her a walking set of Encyclopedia Britannica.
Gary had always told her she should focus her brain on something that would lead to a career. He thought history was a waste of time and she would be better served going to college to learn a useful skill, like becoming a nurse or doctor. Alex would screw up her face and tell him she had no interest in becoming a nurse or doctor and having to touch people’s body fluids or to deal with blood and vomit all day. She would much rather be the head curator of a large museum, wandering the halls and gazing at the exhibits she would help to bring in, enjoying the peace and quiet.
It appeared Gary had been dead wrong in his assessment of how useful her obsession with history would be.
Alex and Jennifer made plans to meet in the library before lunch. It was one of the few places they could meet and not be overheard. Alex had suggested they go for a walk outside but Jennifer had put up such a fuss about it being too cold that Alex had come up with an indoor alternative.
“Did you see her again?” Jennifer whispered. They were sitting at a table in the furthest corner of the library.
“No. I tried to make her appear in the mirror last night but it didn’t work.”
Jennifer giggled. “Maybe you need to spin in a circle three times and say ‘murder’ backwards.”
Alex rolled her eyes. “Very funny.”
“Or maybe you have to say ‘Mirror, mirror on the wall, show me the one I must save’.” Jennifer’s face turned red trying to hold in her laughter.
“Can’t you even try to take this seriously?” Alex asked, one eyebrow raised.
“I’m sorry, you’re right.” Jennifer tried to stifle her giggles.
Alex sighed loudly. “Maybe I’ll see her again today. A part of me wants this whole thing to just go away, and yet another part wants to help her if she’s in trouble.”
“I wish I could go with you when you get taken away,” Jennifer said, wistfully.
The bell rang and the girls hurried to the first of their afternoon classes. Alex shoved her morning class books in her locker and grabbed those she would need for the rest of the day. She shut her locker and found Catelyn standing there, glaring at her.
“Didn’t I warn you to stay the hell away from Beau?” Catelyn’s face was red with fury and her fists were balled up at her sides. She slowly advanced on Alex.
Alex began backing down the hallway, hoping a teacher would find them and intervene.
“Did you think I wouldn’t know that he was meeting you?”
“What are you talking about? I am not meeting anyone.”
“Don’t lie to me, you little bitch! He told me he was meeting you and that’s why he had to cancel our dinner date,” Catelyn said.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. I haven’t seen Beau since before the break. I only saw him in English this morning and he didn’t even talk to me. You were sitting there the whole time!” Alex was becoming angry at the false accusations. She was getting sick of taking abuse from this mean-spirited girl and just wanted to be left alone.
For a split second, Catelyn’s face clouded with doubt. Alex took advantage of her silence. “If he claims he’s meeting me, then he’s a damn liar. You can follow me if you want. The only ‘meeting’ I have is working for my aunt two nights this week. Other than that, I’ll be at my house.”
“You better not be lying to me.” Catelyn spun and walked away.
Alex hurried to class, already a few minutes late. Her history teacher stopped the lecture about Spanish conquistadors while she took her seat, and Alex wanted to crawl under her desk and disappear. All eyes were on her and she could hear the students snickering.
When Alex confronted Beau about what Catelyn had said, he confessed that he had used her as an excuse to get out of a dinner date with Catelyn. He said the girl was becoming too clingy and needy and he just needed a break, but didn’t know how to tell her.
Alex pinched the bridge of her nose. “Do you understand that she hates my guts? And you lying to her about hanging out with me is causing issues! She wanted to beat me up earlier because of you!”
“Sorry. I won’t do it again, I promise. Now, how about helping me with this crappy mitosis stuff?” He flashed Alex his most winning smile and she sighed, exasperated.
Why do these two insist on making my life a living hell?
CHAPTER 22
IT WAS TWO WEEKS before the girl made another appearance in the mirror. Alex felt increasing levels of anxiety at her continued absence. She wondered if perhaps the girl had already succumbed to danger or if perhaps the danger would never manifest itself and Alex wouldn’t be needed. That thought made her feel both sad and grateful. She didn’t understand the strange dichotomy of emotions. I should be glad if this whole thing is over! Maybe I can be normal and worry about stuff everyone else worries about.
The exotic girl made her appearance in the mirror in the school restroom. Alex was too frightened and excited to turn her head to make certain that the only other person in the restroom was still in the stall. She won’t be there for long. Alex tried to focus on the image so she could try to see something that would indicate when and where this girl lived.
She looked different this time. Instead of her raven locks flowing freely about her face, they were pulled back in a most peculiar fashion. Her hair was parted down the middle and pulled tight down over her ears, coming together in the back in either a braid or ponytail. She was wearing a dress of red covered in gold stitching.
What’s wrong with the sleeves?
Both Alex and the girl moved forward, each trying to see more of each other in the mirror. The strange girl backed up slowly, crossing herself and kissing the crucifix that hung around her neck.
It looks like her sleeves are tied onto the rest of the dress! Alex felt a thrill of excitement.
Just then, the other girl came out of the stall and hurried off to class. Alex turned back to the mirror and found her own face staring back at her. She was disappointed but she thought she might have enough information to figure out what time period this girl lived in.
She washed her hands and decided to break her mother’s rule about not using the phone during school hours. She sent a quick text to Jennifer asking if she could meet at lunch again. Jennifer’s affirmative reply came immediately. Alex hurriedly turned off the phone, feeling guilty at breaking her mom’s rule. I hope she doesn’t find out and take it away from me!
The morning seemed to drag on. Alex fidgeted, full of nervous energy. When the bell rang before lunch, she ran to her locker, ignoring the strange looks she got. She grabbed her lunch and jogged to the library. She met Jennifer half way down the hall.
“Did you see her again?” Jennifer beamed.
“Yes, in the restroom right before seco
nd period. I think I might know when she lives. We need to get to a computer.”
“Where are you two running off to?” Amy’s voice came from directly behind them
Alex bit her lip. Not now! She turned, trying to look nonchalant. “I need to look something up on the computer real quick.”
“Oh,” Amy frowned. “Are you still planning on coming to tryouts?”
Alex groaned. She had completely forgotten about agreeing to come with Amy while she tried out for the school play. Amy had tried to talk her into reading for a part, but Alex had refused.
Amy had begged and pleaded, even threatened but Alex refused to consider the idea. But she had promised to accompany Amy for her tryout. She even volunteered Jennifer to come and lend her support as well.
“You guys forgot didn’t you?” Amy’s voice filled with hurt.
It was too late to lie. “I guess we sorta did. But I only need a second to look this stuff up and then we’ll meet you down there. You said you were one of the last ones to read your lines, right?”
“Second to last actually,” Amy mumbled.
“Perfect! So we’ll just run in here and do our thing and meet you at the theater.” Alex left before Amy could protest.
“I feel so terrible! How could we forget?” Jennifer said as they walked quickly to an empty computer.
“We have other things on our minds I guess. We need to hurry with this so we can get to the theater,” Alex said as she began typing furiously. As she worked, she filled Jennifer in on the woman’s manner of dress and hairstyle.
“The hairstyle was popular in the late fifteenth century and early sixteenth century. So was the manner of dress. Look here,” Alex pointed out the ties on the sleeve of a dress she had found doing a Google search. “Women would tie their sleeves onto the bodice and then take their chemise and pull it through the space making this poofy look. The girl I saw hadn’t done the poofy thing yet so the ties were very easy to see.”