by Garza, Amber
I ran a hand over my face and groaned in frustration. “I’m so confused, Rhiannon.”
“That’s obvious,” she muttered under her breath.
“I just want answers. I wanna know if he’s really my dad and if he is I wanna get to know him.”
“Kenzie, Wesley is a spirit. He’s not your dad.”
“You don’t know that.”
“Yes, I do.”
“He said he’s my dad and I believe him.”
Rhiannon sighed. “Even if he really was your dad when he was alive, he’s now a ghost. Ghosts are dangerous. They linger on this earth for a reason and usually it’s not a good one. You yourself said that your dad probably raped your mom. If he was a bad guy when he was alive you can be sure that he’s a bad spirit.”
“He said he didn’t hurt my mom.”
“Spirits lie all the time.” She placed a hand on my arm. “Look, I can see how much this means to you and I’m not trying to burst your bubble. Really I’m not.”
“Could’ve fooled me.”
“It’s just that you’re letting this spirit in and that’s dangerous. I don’t know if he’s really your dad or not but I do know that you need to be careful.”
13
After rubbing Noxzema into my skin and feeling my pores tingle, I leaned over the bathroom sink. I switched on the faucet, inhaling the strong medicinal smell, and splashed warm water on my face. With my eyes closed, I reached out to grab a towel from the hanger on the door. As I wiped the excess liquid from my face, cool air blew on my neck.
“Don’t listen to her. She doesn’t know what she’s talking about.”
Wesley.
Goosebumps rose on my arm. I dropped the towel, looked up and saw his reflection in the mirror. He stood over my shoulder, wearing the same outfit as the night before. His black eyes bore into mine. I froze.
“She’s telling you lies. You can’t trust her.”
“W-w-who?”
“Rhiannon.”
“You heard our conversation?”
He nodded, a slow smile spreading across his face.
My stomach plummeted. Did he watch me all the time?
“I have to protect you, Kenzie. Liars surround you. People who don’t have your best interest at heart.”
“But you do?”
“Of course I do. Haven’t you ever wondered why Rhiannon’s never introduced you to her friends?”
I nodded.
“It’s because she knows you’re more powerful than her. You have powers she only dreams of. How else would you be able to see me?”
He had a point. Maybe that’s why she was so nervous about the whole thing.
“She’s jealous of you, Kenzie.”
He was so close I could feel his breath on my neck. I shivered because it was so cold. How could he smell like fire but feel like ice?
“I’ve always wanted the best for you,” he said. “You believe me, don’t you?”
I had no idea what to believe anymore, but I was too scared to say that. Instead I nodded.
“Good. You’re a good girl. I knew I could count on you.”
Rarely had someone said that about me. Mom certainly never did. The thought of her brought questions to my mind. I turned toward Wesley but the bathroom was empty. Man, I hated how he could disappear like that. I spun back around and gasped. There he was in the mirror. Quickly I peered over my shoulder. Nope. Gone. I looked back at the mirror. There he was. My blood ran cold.
“How are you doing that?”
Chuckling filled the tiny room. “One day I’ll tell you all my secrets, but not today. First, you have to prove yourself. I have to know I can trust you. You want that, don’t you Kenzie?”
Again, I nodded.
“Good. That’s what I hoped you’d say.”
He vanished. I took a deep breath, slapped my hand over my chest. My heart pounded beneath my fingers tips. When I regained composure I exited the bathroom. Walking down the hallway, I passed Grandma’s room. Her snores slipped under the door. The minute I entered my room, I caught sight of Wesley perched on the edge of my bed. I gasped.
“You’ve got to stop scaring me like that!”
Wesley moved so quickly all I saw was a blur of colors. Before I knew it he was beside me. “Expect the unexpected.”
Before I could contemplate what that meant he was gone again. I spun in circles, peeked in the closet, peered under my bed but the room was empty. Even though I knew doors and windows couldn’t keep him out, I bolted the window shut and closed the blinds anyway. Unnerved, I crawled into bed and pulled the covers up to my chin. I kept my light on and my eyes wide open. All night I stayed up, jumping at every noise. By the time the sunshine spilled into my room, my nerves were frayed, my mind and body weary. I stumbled out of bed and staggered into the kitchen to start a pot of coffee, hoping caffeine would jolt me awake.
Just as the coffee began percolating, Grandma entered. “Someone’s up early.”
I turned to her, my eyes sagging.
“Mackenzie, you don’t look so good. Are you sick?”
I nodded.
“Well, go lie down.”
Shaking my head, I reached for a mug. I was too freaked out to go to sleep. My hand trembled as I dipped it into the cupboard. My fingers closed around a ceramic handle and I yanked it out as cold swept over me.
“Good morning, Kenzie. Sleep well?” Wesley spoke in my ear.
Startled, I jumped backward, dropping the mug. It shattered on the hardwood floor, breaking into a million tiny pieces.
“Are you alright?” Grandma asked.
My gaze darted around the kitchen. He was there. I could feel him even if I couldn’t see him.
“Kenzie?”
Hugging myself, I locked eyes with Grandma. Her brows furrowed in a look of concern.
“I’m okay,” I lied.
Grandma pressed her wrinkly palm to my forehead. “You feel a little warm. Maybe you’re coming down with something.”
Wesley materialized, grinning over Grandma’s shoulder. The room swayed, the walls bending around me. Dizzy, I reached my hand out to grab the countertop. Before I could touch it everything went black.
“Kenzie. Kenzie.”
My eyelids fluttered open. Grandma’s face came into view, fuzzy around the edges. I tasted blood. My head pounded. When I reached up to touch it, I felt pricks of pain on my arm. Bringing my arm close to my eyes I saw little shards of ceramic embedded in my skin.
“I called Dr. Roberts. He’s on his way.”
“Dr. Roberts?” My throat was raw and scratchy.
“Yes, he’s been my doctor and a family friend for years. He’s going to check on you.” She touched my arm. “Let me help you get these out.”
I lay limp like a rag doll as she pulled out the pieces and rubbed my arm with a warm rag.
“Kenzie, what are these?”
I froze, knowing by her tone what she was referring to. Glancing down I saw her pointing at my scars. An icy wind slapped me in the face and Wesley appeared by my side. Panic gripped me. Grandma’s gaze never wavered from mine and I realized that she must not be able to see him.
“Um…nothing.”
“Were you cutting yourself?”
“Don’t tell her. She’ll just be upset,” Wesley whispered in my ear.
“Of course not. I probably just fell or something. Look how clumsy I am.”
The doorbell rang.
“That must be the doctor.” Grandma stood.
“Get outta here!” Wesley nudged me.
“What?”
“They’re gonna hospitalize you.”
“Why?”
“Hello Dr. Roberts. Thanks for coming so quickly,” Grandma said in the other room.
“Hurry!” Wesley pulled me up. “Once she shows him your arms he’ll know what you’ve been doing. He’ll think you’re crazy. Suicidal.”
She’s right in here,” Grandma said, footsteps nearing the kitchen.
“C’mon.” Wesle
y yanked my arm so hard I feared it would come out of its socket. I stood, feeling unsteady on wobbly legs, and he pulled me to the side door. He burst through it and we stumbled out into the yard together. “Move! Move!” Pulling me he fled through the back gate and into the front yard. “Get in the car.”
Panting, I said, “I don’t have the keys.”
“Here.” He shoved the keys to Grandma’s car into the palm of my hand. Spots appeared in my vision as blood rushed through my pounding head. As I hopped into the car I noticed red trickling down my arm. “Turn on the car!” His voice was high pitched and manic.
“I don’t feel so good.”
Wesley’s arm came around me and he turned the key in the ignition. The car roared to life. Shoving me out of the way he sat in the driver’s seat and took off. The car careened down the street. Colors blurred past as we sped away. Peering over at the speedometer I saw that we were going eighty.
“Wesley, slow down!” I screamed.
“You don’t want them catching up to us, do you?”
The more scared I got the more lucid I became. What was I doing? “This is crazy,” I said.
“No. What’s crazy is allowing that old lady to run your life.”
“That’s not what I’m doing,” I snapped.
“No? What do you think would’ve happened if granny’s doctor found out you’re a cutter?”
“I don’t know.” I shrugged. The car was moving faster now. I looked at the speedometer again. “Wesley! Slow down! You’re going one hundred.”
“What’s wrong, Kenzie? Don’t you trust me?” His voice was evil, animal-like.
I turned to look at him and screamed. In the driver’s seat sat the same creature from my dream. He had a large hulking body and he held the steering wheel with sharp claws. He smiled at me revealing pointy fangs and drool dribbled down his reptilian chin.
I cowered against the window. “You’re not my dad, are you?”
“Of course I’m not.” His neck protruded out and his face was mere inches from mine. His breath was hot and rank. “I’m the enemy.”
My heart hammered in my ears and I swallowed hard. Out of the corner of my eye I saw the pole a mere second before we slammed into it.
My eyes popped open and I sprung upright. I was in my room. Flinging off the covers, I examined my arm but it was devoid of cuts from the mug. How odd. I glanced down at my body and saw that I had on the same outfit from last night. The scent of coffee wafted from the kitchen and I could hear Grandma opening and closing cupboards. Had I finally fallen asleep last night? Was it all just a dream?
I hopped out of bed and raced down the hallway to find Grandma buttering a slice of toast. She turned to me and smiled. “Someone’s up early.”
Whoa. Déjà vu.
“Mackenzie, you don’t look so good. Are you sick?”
Shaking my head, I made my way to the cupboard and reached for a mug. Just as my fingers touched one cold swept over me.
Oh no. Not again.
“Good morning, Kenzie. Sleep well?” Wesley spoke in my ear.
I yelped, jumped backwards. The coffee cup teetered from my hand but I caught it before it hit the floor.
“Nice catch,” Wesley said.
“Are you okay, Kenzie?” Grandma asked.
I nodded at Grandma, but then threw an exasperated look to Wesley. “Go away!” I hissed at him under my breath.
“What?” Grandma asked.
Wesley snickered.
“Nothing,” I mumbled. I set the cup down. “Maybe you’re right. I‘m not feeling so great.” Before she could say another word I scurried down the hallway and slipped into my room, closing the door behind me.
“Go away?” Wesley asked in a wounded tone.
“She can’t see you, can she?”
“Who, Granny? Nah. Only you can. You’re special, Kenzie. You can see things others can’t.”
My heart warmed at the compliment. The anger I had felt just moments earlier dissipated. It didn’t matter what Rhiannon said about him. Wesley wasn’t dangerous. I was sure of it.
14
The music blaring through my headphones dulled the thoughts that filled my mind. It allowed me to stop the questions swirling in my head for just a little while. As I sat on the porch hidden in the blanket of night I saw Rhiannon come out of her house. As she locked her door the porch light illuminated her face. Her black hair, kohl lined eyes and blood red lips contrasted her pale face. After she locked the door she raced down her walkway, purse over her shoulder, black shift dress dancing around her white legs.
“Where are you going?” I asked.
“Oh.” She jumped, clearly startled. When she turned to me, her chest heaved with each breath. “I didn’t see you there.”
“I scared you this time, that’s a first.” I walked down the stairs and across the soft grass.
Rhiannon’s eyes widened and she backed away from me like I had two heads.
“What’s going on?”
“Um…nothing.” She swallowed, her neck swelling with the effort. “I…I need to go.”
“What did I tell you? She’s jealous.” Wesley appeared by my side. “She’s going over to her friend’s. She doesn’t want you to know.”
Rhiannon glanced in his direction, terror stricken.
“You can see him, can’t you?”
“Who?”
“Wesley.”
“No, but he’s here isn’t he? I can feel him. Evil is all around.” She shivered. “He’s hidden your aura. It’s like you’re dead too.”
“Ask her where she’s going. Make her tell you,” Wesley prompted.
“You still haven’t told me where you’re going.”
“None of your business.” Rhiannon spun around, raced toward her car.
I chased her. “You’re going out with your friends aren’t you?”
“Please just leave me alone.” Her voice wavered.
“Why haven’t you introduced me to them? You said you would.”
“I don’t know.” She shoved her key into the lock of the driver side door, fumbled with it. Her fingers quivered.
“Its cause you’re jealous of me, isn’t it? Because I have powers you don’t.”
“That’s it,” Wesley said, pleasure in his tone. “That’s my girl.”
My heart swelled with pride at his words.
“I don’t want your powers, Kenzie. You’re scaring me. At least I have control of my powers. You’re letting this spirit control you. Can’t you see what he’s doing to you? You look awful. You’re not acting like yourself. He’s evil, Kenzie.”
“Liar!” Wesley’s eyes darkened.
Rhiannon flinched like someone struck her.
“He’s destroying you. Why can’t you see that? Look at your eyes. They’re black. You look possessed.”
“Shut up! You’ll regret that,” Wesley hissed.
Rhiannon’s body flew backward as if someone had shoved her. She screamed. Her eyes were wide like saucers. Landing with a thud on the pavement, her neck snapped back, her head hit the asphalt. My heart stopped. Rhiannon shrieked and her head whipped from one side to the other like someone slapped her. Red palm prints arose on her cheeks.
“Wesley! What are you doing?”
I looked around but couldn’t see him. He was invisible.
Rhiannon’s screaming heightened, her face turned blue from the exertion. She writhed on the ground. I watched in horror as purple bruises rose on her arms.
“Wesley! Stop it. Please, you’re hurting her.”
Behind me I heard footsteps. “What’s going on?” Isaac ran from his yard.
The door to Grandma’s house opened and she bounded onto the porch and across the lawn just as the screaming ceased. Rhiannon cowered on the ground, twitching. Her gaze darted nervously around like a stray cat. It landed on me and she pointed accusingly.
“She did it!
“Did what?” Isaac asked breathing hard, sweat slicking his forehead. “What
happened?”
“It’s that spirit. The one that possessed her.”
Isaac’s brow furrowed, studying me intently.
Grandma knelt near Rhiannon, studied her wounds. “Are you alright?”
“Yeah, I just need to get away from her.” Rhiannon scrambled to her feet.
Grandma turned to me. “What’s she talking about, Kenzie?”
“I have no idea. She’s the witch, not me.”
“Witch?” Grandma asked.
“Whatever.” Rhiannon rolled her eyes. “Just stay away from me, okay?” She climbed inside her car, turned on the engine and peeled out. As she drove away, I could feel Isaac’s and Grandma’s eyes burning a hole in the side of my face. I caught sight of Wesley hovering at the edge of the lawn. He flashed me an evil grin, causing my stomach to curdle.
“What was that all about?” Isaac asked.
I looked blankly at him, shrugged my shoulders.
“Why would she say that about you?” he persisted.
“I don’t know.”
“So she was just making it up?” he asked incredulous.
“Kenzie,” Grandma cut in. “Now would be a good time to tell the truth. Tell us what’s going on.”
“Oh, I see. So now both of you think I’m the bad guy, is that it?”
“No, honey.” Grandma’s hand rested on my shoulder. “It’s not that at all. But clearly something happened tonight and we’re just trying to understand.”
Bitter tears stung my eyes. “By blaming me?”
Isaac came close, looked deep into my eyes. “Tell me the truth, Kenzie. Have you been dabbling in the supernatural?”
“No.” The lie tasted like poison on my tongue.
Isaac sighed, his eyes betraying his disappointment. I could tell he didn’t believe me, and that hurt more than the accusations ever could.
I knew it was only a matter of time before he came back. I sat on my bed in the dark, my legs bent against my chest.
“It’s about time,” I said bitterly when he appeared.
“Nice to see you too, Kenzie.” Wesley sat on the edge of my bed.
“Why’d you do it?”
“She deserved it.”
I groaned in frustration, and put my head in my hands. Everything was spiraling out of control.
“I’m just protecting you.”