The Misadventures of Daria Pigwidgeon

by Amy Lunderman

  Weirdos.

  Riana is front and center, smiling. “Why’d you run off? Not trying to avoid us are you? That’s not nice.”

  I snort. “Whoever told you I was nice lied. Did you want something or you just get off on being a freak?”

  The twins laugh. She glares. I smirk.

  Then she shrugs. “Just wanted to see how you were actually. Dad mentioned what happened the other night. We haven’t heard from you and I was worried.”

  Worried? Riana? My eyes narrow at her.

  “Don’t go giving me that look. I was worried all right? Or you know, curious, if you were still alive and in one piece. It’d be boring around here if you were suddenly offed by someone other than me. Call me sentimental, but I believe in doing the dirty work.”

  I bet.

  There’s my sister I know and loath.

  The twins shove her out of the way at the same time. She barely has time to grunt out a curse before they are both blocking her from my line of sight. They are like two unmovable mountains of protection. It’s oddly sweet. Riana doesn’t see it that way.

  “I was kidding you asshats. Can’t a girl joke around with her baby sister every once and a while. You take everything so seriously. Like some people I won’t mention.”

  Landon scoots closer to me – no smile in sight - looking more serious than the other night. Logan on the other hand gives our sister the full glory of his scary brooding boy glare. His back to me is all tense in preparation of something. That’s when I sense a little extra hate on the back of my tongue. But it’s not directed at me. It’s all for Riana.

  She scowls and takes a step back from the three of us. “Oh I see. You two are team Daria now are you? Well then, isn’t that touching? Too bad all that big brother protectiveness is lost on little old me, like I said, I was kidding.”

  Logan steps forward at the same time Landon moves closer to me. They don’t believe her. Neither do I, but really, this is an odd little show of support. Hate rises around me, pushing toward our sister. My inner Taser flares up in the next heartbeat, and so does fear. Riana’s fear. It spikes like she’s about to throw down, but then it fades as fast as it came. She raises her hands up and backs off. So does my Taser.

  “Fine. Be that way Logan. You can tell her what the rents want and why.” Her eyes narrow down on me over his shoulder. “Be careful who you trust little sister. We’re all nothing more than sheep in wolves clothing. Keep that in mind when choosing who to keep close.”

  With one last look to Logan, she skirts off down the hall and fades into the masses.

  I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. It comes out as a cough.

  Landon gives me a guilty look. “Sorry, I should have controlled that better. But that chick gets to me every time.”

  Oh.

  I wasn’t holding it then, it was holding me. How about that?

  Logan turns back around looking rather grim. He and Landon share a look only they can decipher. I find a home in the alcove that I firmly believe I should never leave again. That actually sounds like a plan to me, especially with what the twins are now saying, as if I’m not even here listening.

  “You believed she was going to do something just then didn’t you?” Landon asks.

  “She always wants to do something, that’s nothing new. I’m just sick of her crap. It’s irritating you know. She’s too cavalier in what she says to her. Father wouldn’t like it. I don’t like it. Plus, it’s kind of fun pissing her off. Call it a bonus.”

  Landon laughs. “That is one heck of a bonus.” He risks a glance at me. “Should we tell her?”

  Logan’s eyes reach mine. Chills roll down my back at his expression. I’m not going to like what he has to say. Do I ever like anything they have to say? No.

  I force myself to move from the wall. “Just spit it out will you? The suspense is likely to kill me before whatever is already trying to.”

  Landon laughs again, but I ignore him and focus on the brother with the answers.

  “We never found anything that night after you and father left. Not a single freaking parasitic trace. I’m rather put out about too. I was hoping for more of a fight.”

  Landon nudges Logan with his shoulder. “You should have seen the pouty face he made after we turned back home. You wouldn’t have though Santa took back all his presents. Priceless.”

  Um…okay?

  “That’s not really a surprise to me guys, as I’m sure whatever IT was followed dad and I when we left.”

  They both go still and fix me with matching looks of horror.

  Oops. Did they not know about that? Secrets all around.

  Logan gets in my personal space in the next instant. “What did you just say?”

  “I said…I’m pretty sure it followed us?” I look behind him to Landon and then back. “Did dad not mention that?”

  “No. He did not. Would you like to elaborate on this bit of news for me?”

  Sweet. Baby. Jesus.

  Me and my big mouth - we all really need to have a freaking sit down and clear the air - seriously. Well, no time like the present I guess. I’m clearing the air here, too bad if no one likes it. I’m doing it. So I do. I tell the twins about the Twilight Zone moment in which the car appears in the middle of the busy road as if out of nowhere. I tell them about how dad had something important to tell me but thought it was best to wait until we were together. I told them how I felt about being kept in the dark. It was apparent they sympathized, since they too, were basically kept in the dark.

  Landon is no longer smiley when I’m finished and Logan is more broody if that’s possible.

  They share another twin look as I wait for them to process what I’ve said. The hallway thins out around us and I know the bell for lunch is bound to ring singling that we’re running out of share time. Then Landon shrugs and offers me a faint smile.

  Logan actually looks guilty when he faces me again. “That explains why father is trying to convince mother that we should leave right away and take you with us. It’s clearly not safe for you. And if the other night is any indication, it won’t be long before it’s not safe for us to merely try to watch out for you. Someone is bound to get hurt or worse.”

  Leave?

  Shock isn’t a strong enough word to describe how I feel. It’s obvious the twins see the impact it has.

  Landon steps up with a smile. “That wouldn’t be so bad right? I mean we’re getting along now. It’s how it should be anyway, us all together. It’s safer that way.”

  Logan sighs. “Don’t push her Landon. It’s too new. Listen Daria, it sucks I know, but it’s for the best in the long run. You should come by the motel tonight. Father wants us to talk. And I’m sure Mother would like to see that you are in fact still in one piece.”

  I stare at them like they’re grown several extra heads, with balloons, and polka dots on them.

  “Will you come tonight?” Logan asks.

  I don’t know. Should I? Do I even have a choice?

  Watching them, I feel a strange sense of finality. I’ve waiting so long to have these boys before me to treat me like they care. Now they are. But for some reason, or maybe too many, I still don’t trust it. In all honesty though, I can’t see another option. They are here and they want to help. Even if that means losing what I have built here…and Chance…I have a right to know the things they’re keeping from me. Whether I leave with them or not?

  I nod. “I’ll meet you guys tonight.”

  Chapter Twenty Four

  Sitting in the passenger seat beside Chance on the way to the motel after school, I really kind of regret my decision on agreeing to meet with my family. I know it has to be done, but it would be stupid on my part not to worry. I can keep telling myself that it doesn’t mean anything that they want to snatch me away. But then I’d be lying to myself. I do that far too often as of late. It’s something I’d like to rectify. And it would be even better if things work out in my favor. Like finally getting
the entire truth and simply just being able to be me.

  I’m not very hopeful.

  “You all right over there Rabbit – anything you’d like to share with the class?”

  I smile despite my mood.

  “Nothing new to share really, I’m just over thinking. Or worrying too much I guess.”

  “Not about what your dad said about me right? You said that wasn’t a problem. Still true right?”

  I take one of his hands in mine. “Yes, you don’t have to worry about that. Or not right now. He didn’t seem fazed, so I’m thinking it won’t be an issue.”

  At least I’m hoping it won’t be an issue. With my family you never know. Not that I’m telling that to Chance.

  He gives me a relived smile. “That’s good. I don’t want to be a problem between all of you. There is too much going on as it is. Any idea on what the big reveal will be? I’m thinking you’re not really demons after all, but really an ancient alien race. And you’re their princess. It’s explains the assassination attempts.”

  I laugh. So hard that tears roll down my cheeks and my stomach knots. It’s nice. “Yeah I’m sure that will be it.”

  He winks at me. “You never know. Anything is possible.”

  True.

  Anything is possible. This is why the rest of the ride is made in silence. Before I know it though, Chance is pulling into the motel parking lot. Normally I’d be sure to be far away from here and sneak in under the cloak of my memory block. But what’s the point? They know about Chance. And I don’t know how well my ability is anyways. It’s easier to just go up to the front door. Saves me time and sore feet. But when Chance puts the car in park and turns in his seat to face me, I wonder if this was such a good idea after all.

  “Daria?” I hesitantly face him. “I want to go in there with you. There’s this feeling that I have and can’t shake. It would make feel better if I could be there with you just in case. Would that be all right?”

  Absolutely not - I don’t care if he asked me by using my real name or not – so not happening.

  “You know how I feel about that. You’re lucky I let you drive me here in the first place. I can rally my waning trust of them like a kite brigade, but when it comes down to it, I still don’t trust them either. I would never put you in danger like that.” I smile apologetically. “So no, I have to do this myself.”

  He nods. “I know. But I had to ask.”

  “I know you did. Thank you for that.”

  “I am waiting in the car for you though.” He smirks as I glare at him. “Don’t even try to convince me out of it rabbit. I’m done leaving you and having you end up getting hurt in the end. Let’s just say it’ll save me a trip if I’m here waiting. Just in case.”

  Hot damn.

  Boy sure does talk pretty.

  Rather than yell at him or talk him down, I decide shocking him with a kiss is the better route. He thinks so too, because it takes a while for us to part. When we do, I feel eyes on us. I turn away and find my father watching us from the motel’s entrance. That’s not in any way awkward.

  “I’ll be back soon. Don’t leave the car.” I tell Chance as I climb out and head for my father.

  I don’t wait for a response. There isn’t one that would make me feel better. It takes no more than a minute to be at my father’s side and even less for him to open the door for me. As I slip inside I catch him waving behind me toward Chance. He chuckles as I stumble over the threshold. An embarrassed blush coats my cheeks as I straighten myself out and continue inside. The door closing at my back makes me flinch, so does my father’s presence that is too close in the narrow hall.

  “You know daughter, it would probably be best if you let your human go. It’s not safe for their kind to be emotionally connected to the likes of us. Things are liable to happen to them. Besides, it wouldn’t be good to let your own emotions cloud your judgment.”

  If only I could let my emotions not get in the way. Maybe then I wouldn’t be here. “Yeah well, I think it would be best if you let that thought process go.”

  He laughs. “If that is what you want. Just be wary Daria. Humans are fickle creatures.”

  I bite my tongue to avoid telling him that he and the rest are more fickle than humans. It’s probably best that I don’t start with fighting before we even reach the room housing the rest of us Pigwidgeons. I’m sure there will more than enough time for that later on. When we reach their room at the end of the hall, I have to jump out of the way as he skirts around me to reach the door first.

  Okay. Not strange at all.

  What’s worse is the way everyone is strategically placed inside once the door is wide open. I seriously have to keep myself from bolting. Even though there isn’t a single ounce of power coming from inside, my inner Taser still sense them as a threat. It rises inside me like a warning for me to run. I tell it to shut the heck up and surprisingly it listens. And what’s more surprising, I didn’t even sense any power from the building on the way here. That’s new.

  I step inside with my father close at my back and face the music.

  To say the next hour is a total bore is even worse than mentioning that it sucked nasty demon breath. Essentially, after getting seated on a recliner facing the lot of them, I recapped with the help of the men of the family about what went down the other night. Mother and Riana acted shocked at all the right moments, a little too shocked if you ask me, but they played the worried family well. Mother even tried to hug me when I mentioned that I was close to giving up before the men arrived. The twins hovered close to me the entire time, that bit was kind of sweet.

  By the time I reached the end, about what happened in the car after, I couldn’t help to pause for dramatic effect. Only there wasn’t any point. The boys must have just been misinformed about the not telling because dad never tried to cut me off and take over. So I told them. I even mentioned the feeling I got when it happened the first time - the whole snapping sensation – this got a shared look around the room. I’m guess they all know why it happened. That makes me the only one in the dark. Nice.

  Then I’m done. So I wait for them to process and fill in the blanks for me. Then I wait some more.

  And wait.

  Then I just can’t take it anymore. “So, who wants to go next in our sharing circle? Because I have to tell you, I’m really tired of hearing myself talk.”

  The twins snicker in unison and move as one to perch on either side of my chair. Riana shakes her head at us. Mother and Father seem be having some sort of silent conversation or argument amongst themselves. It would actually be pretty funny if I didn’t wish they would just start being honest with me. Finally, they both face me wearing similar grave expressions. They must have been fighting over who would get to do the big reveal. Toddlers, I swear.

  Mother won, she always does in the end. “It is most unfortunate that this has happened to you Daria. I wish I could tell you it’s the end, but I think we all know that is not true. I also wish you would have listened to us earlier on and we could have avoided your being hurt. And really, it does go without saying that I find its best we leave while you’re still breathing.”

  Oh that’s nice.

  Before I can tell her what I think of that statement, I’m cut off from dad. “What your mother is so eloquently trying to explain. Is that it’s not safe. That we already know. And from what the boys mentioned, I also know your aware what we want. I have to agree that it is for the best.”

  I laugh. “Yes well, as nice as I think your intentions are, we’ll have to agree to disagree on that for now. I came here for answers. Now either dish or I’m walking out of this room without looking back. You said there was more going on to why I have a nifty stalker, so spit it out already. I’m tired of this dance.”

  Logan tries to cover a laugh with a cough. This makes Landon laugh so hard he falls off the side of the chair. None of it is found funny by the others. I find that kind of funny unto itself. And again I wait for them to just do it
already. I’m about to get up when my father gets a defeated look in his eyes. He turns them on my mother, who was rocking a pretty decent glare in my direction. Clearly all niceties have gone out the window. Bought time, they were going stale anyway.

  “Judith, she has a right to know. We do owe her that much - especially now after all this time – it concerns her now more than ever.”

  She sighs. “Your right darling Greer, but how I wish you weren’t.”

  Her dark eyes catch mine and for the first time I see a little bit of myself in her. We’re both so suborn it’s disgusting. I don’t know how to feel about that.

  “Where should we start then?” She asks without really asking anyone. “Firstly, you should know that there are other’s out there of our kind that have various degrees of power. Secondly, one of the strongest is what’s after you dear daughter. The reason is because of the soul that hides within you, but it’s not what you think. It’s worse, much worse, I’m afraid.”

  She pauses, eyeing me with interest. I guess its good thing I haven’t freaked yet?

  I urge her to continue with an eye roll.

  “Right then, well, here’s what you don’t already know. What we, and many others, are called earth demons. We are the only ones of our kind that have any likeliness to humans. There are different flavors of our kind and all of us are ruled by the Legion in Hell – our leaders. The demons of our kind that dwell below have no corporeal form of their own and only function through shadows and emotion that us earth demons share with them.”

  She stops and glances around the room at the others. That’s when I realize that I’m gripping the now empty armrests of my chair so hard that it’s making a grinding sound. I yank my hands quickly in my lap.

  I nod. “Go on.”

  “Okay. The demons below mostly keep to themselves because they don’t have to do any dirty work. Earth demons take care of them by stiffening human emotions and giving it too them. That’s our function on the surface – feeding our kind below – it’s been this way for a millennium. We all rely on one another to survive. Our kind wouldn’t be here if the Legion hadn’t designed us and visa-versa. But you Daria dear are, for all intents and purposes, an abomination and a blessing to us all.”