by Sean Hayden
"Yes. It's about damn time you asked, too." She laughed and leaned forward. Her arms closed around my back as she kissed me. Of course my parents chose that exact moment to walk through the front door.
"Connor!" My mom sounded like she'd caught us naked.
"Connor?" My father sounded surprised. "Connor!" He changed his tone after Mom elbowed him in the ribs.
"Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan. It's my fault. Connor finally asked me out and I kissed him.”
I found my parents reaction a little irritating. If I had said it, they would have duct-taped me to the radiator in my room. When Jessie said it, my mom started squealing and jumping up and down like a little girl. She ran for the couch, bowled me out of the way, and grabbed Jessie's hands in hers. She pulled Jessie off the couch and hugged her like she was part of the family. I looked over at Dad and he gave me a thumbs up.
"Hey, Dad. Would you call Mr. James and let him know you and Mom are home to supervise the evil boy and his innocent daughter? He was worried about leaving the two of us unattended. I told him we had child safety latches on all the cabinets and outlets, but he didn't believe me."
"Connor Sullivan! You show Mr. James some respect. He could be your father-in-law one day. Twenty years from now."
"I was kidding, Mom. I didn't say that."
"Sure," Dad said and gave me another thumbs up.
"He didn't Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan. He was very polite. He even used the word sir."
Mom beamed. Dad looked a little disappointed. I rolled my eyes. "You want to go out on the back porch, Jess?" I wanted to ask if she wanted to hang out in my room, but I didn't want the rents to have a seizure.
"Sure," she said and held out her hand. I quickly grabbed it and led her out the back door to the wrought iron patio set. I helped her in one of the ancient chairs and pulled mine over next to her. As I sat, I reached down and held her hand. Hers tightened over mine. I sat there and thought back to the happiest times of my life. This one topped those by several orders of magnitude.
"It's cold," Jessie said.
"You want another jacket?"
"I'd rather sit in your lap and have you put your arms around me. Would your parents flip?"
"Probably, but I don't care. Not even a little."
She quickly stood up and felt around her. She grabbed the arms of my chair and used them to guide herself into my lap nestling her face in my neck. That order of magnitude thing I had been thinking about earlier rose a few more notches. Now I knew what heaven must be like.
That thought made me shift in my seat a little. Jessie felt me beneath her. "What's wrong? Are your parents freaking?"
"No," I said and looked back at the door to make sure they weren't spying on us. I thought I caught Dad's smile, but I couldn't be sure. "I just remembered, we need to work on our costumes."
"Oh, I have mine already. Don't tell anybody, but I've been an angel every Halloween for as long as I can remember. My dad sort of insists."
"Sweet. It fits you perfectly."
"Dork," she said but giggled.
"Your dork," I said and smiled. I liked the sound of that. Jessie must have too because she snuggled in closer and let out a little sigh.
We sat and I watched the stars in silence for a little while. Then Jessie's lips found my neck and she started planting gentle kisses. I started stroking her hand. She brought it up to my face and started feeling. I knew blind people use their hands to feel people's faces to see what they looked like. Jessie started at my eyebrows and forehead and started caressing everywhere.
"You're handsome," she whispered.
"You are the most beautiful girl I've ever seen." She smiled but seemed sad at the same time. "What's the matter, Jess?"
"I accepted being blind a long time ago, but I really, really want to see you right now."
"Trust me, you'd be disappointed."
"Connor, I hate to break it to you, but you could have glowing red eyes and horns and I'd still think you were gorgeous."
I nearly dropped her off my lap. "Huh?"
"Relax! Sheesh, I was kidding. Sort of. You would make a handsome devil though."
I realized she was teasing and relaxed. She snuggled back in closer than before and I forgot all about it. I wish she could see me, too. She wasn't dating the handsomest kid in school and she deserved to know that. I mean, I was good looking in my true form, but my human form still left a little to be desired. I wished there was some way she could see me…
It hit me. I could return her sight. All it would take is a bit of magic. And one hefty price tag. The more I thought about it the worse the feeling in my stomach grew. What about her soul? Would it be worth it? Could I take that chance?
Maybe you don't have to…
Huh?
Maybe she doesn't have to give up her soul. Maybe you could just grant her wish…
I'd never had a conversation with myself. I didn't like it. But the possibility of healing Jessie, of making her whole, made me a little giddy. I thought about asking Clarisse first, but then thought better of the idea. Maybe it was a violation of the Fallen to give out free wishes. If I just did it, I could claim ignorance later…
I remembered how it felt to turn the one kid into a vampire. I tried to do the same to Jessie. The magic wouldn't come. I could feel it inside me, but it seemed to be waiting for something. I knew exactly what it wanted. I just didn't think I could do it.
"I wish there were some way I could make you better," I whispered to Jessie.
She turned and looked up at me. I saw the single tear rolling down her cheek and my heart sank further. "I know, baby. Thank you." She leaned in and planted a soft kiss on my lips.
"If I could, I'd sell my soul to make you better," I said and meant it.
"That's about the only thing I wouldn't be willing to trade for it. Your soul is safe. Mine on the other hand…"
"Don't tell me you'd give your soul to be able to see."
"Absolutely not. To see you, maybe…"
A single tear rolled down my cheek. I couldn't stand it. I had the power to give her exactly what she wanted. I just couldn't do it. I wrapped my arms around her and held her tight. "Would you freak out if I told you something?"
"You better not be dumping me. If it's that, I might."
"Ha! That is something you never need worry about."
She settled back against my chest. "Good. So what is it you want to tell me?"
"I think I lo– I mean I think I lo– Jessie, I lo–" I couldn't do it. The word wouldn't leave my lips. I knew how I felt and I didn't have one doubt in my mind. Now if I could just get my lips to cooperate…
"Connor Sullivan, are you trying to tell me that you loathe me?"
I gasped. "No! I'm trying to say–"
"You like me?" I could hear the playfulness in her voice.
I sighed. "Is that okay?"
"It's better than okay. It's perfect. And in case you were wondering…I like you, too."
She sat up and turned around in my lap. She threw her arms around my head and kissed me again. I could get very used to this.
"Mom says knock it off and come eat dinner," Caelyn's disgusted voice broke our kiss. I tried to ignore it, but Jessie pulled away.
Chapter 21
I thought about having T-shirts made. Hi, my name is Connor and my parents are junkies. I'd come down from my room to grab a glass of milk before bed and there they sat. Every night at eleven o'clock they glued themselves to the front of the television to watch the news. I stood behind them at the kitchen, pouring my milk and shaking my head in shame.
I picked up the glass to down the contents when I saw a brand spanking new package of Halloween Oreos sitting on top of the microwave. Oh, baby. Where have you been all my life?
I ran over to the microwave and tore into the bag like it had a winning lottery ticket hidden inside. I grabbed five cookies between my thumb and index finger and practically drooled all the way back to my milk. I set four down and dunked one in m
y glass. I waited the required one full minute before pulling it out and biting into its savory sweet gooey goodness.
I knew something was wrong when the cookie hit my tongue. It didn't burn, but it numbed the front of it. I chewed for a moment and started to swallow. My toes curled and forced a series of violent muscle spasms from my ankles, up my legs, through my pelvis, up my torso, and finally through my stomach. I leaned over and threw up my chewed up cookie and milk.
Son of a bitch! I can't even eat Oreos anymore! I knew it wasn't the cookies causing the violent reaction. It was the milk. I could still eat Oreos but who does that without dunking? Never been a fan of the twist, lick, and eat. I'm a dunker. I tossed the other four cookies down the garbage disposal and poured the milk in behind it. I tried not to cry.
"Everything okay, honey?" I looked up to see my mom staring at me from the other side of the couch.
"Yeah. I've been having a problem with milk. It doesn't seem to want to go down right."
"Huh. You're Uncle John is lactose intolerant. Maybe you are, too.
"Just my luck," I said and my eyes focused on the television. "What happened?"
"Another kid was killed by that wild animal," Dad said.
I walked around the kitchen counter. "Turn it up?"
My dad thumbed the volume control on the remote. The reporter actually looked sad. "This is the third brutal killing of a young female in the area. The Sheriff's Office has been canvassing the surrounding woodland areas for sign of the bear, but no tracks have been found as of yet. People are urged to use caution and stay indoors when possible."
The image flashed over to EMT's wheeling a zippered body bag on a stretcher into the coroner's wagon. "Wildlife experts are unsure if it is a bear attack, however. Claw and fang marks are consistent with a smaller bear, but no parts of the body were consumed. It would be highly unusual for a predatory animal to kill and not consume its victim unless it was defending itself. Sheriff's are also telling us that massive blood loss from the victims was evident, but no signs of blood at the scene were found. With WPTP channel Seven News, this is Juan Rico."
The news switched to a story about seven people winning the Power Ball. I stared at the TV and had a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Three female teens killed. By an animal? I think the wildlife experts are right. If an animal had done it, there would be pieces missing. If it wasn't an animal, then what the hell was it?
My father hit the mute button and said, "One thing about living in Santa Carla I never could stomach, all the damn vampires."
I recognized the quote. My parents had their list of favorite movies. Most of them involved vampires. I remembered the one he quoted and laughed. Until the word vampire echoed in my head. Oh, shit.
"Good night. I'm going to bed."
"Good night, honey," Mom said
"Night, kiddo." Dad smiled and waved without looking.
I took the stairs three at a time. As soon as I was in my room I locked the door, opened the window, and stepped out onto the roof. Without even thinking about it, I spread my wings and launched myself into the night sky. I concentrated on Clarisse. I got a flash of her on her Harley on her way to grant somebody's wish. I flew as fast as I could.
* * *
I looked down and saw the bike pulling to a stop outside a house not too far from my own. I dropped out of the sky and landed in front of her without showing off at all. My legs absorbed most of the impact. I stepped out of the two Sketcher shaped holes in the pavement and gave her a grim look.
"Worm? What are you doing here?"
"Houston, we have a problem."
"What are you talking about?"
"Is there someplace we can talk?"
"I don't have time right now. We'll talk on the way to school tomorrow,” she said and made to walk around me. I grabbed her arm as she tried to pass me.
"We can't wait that long. Please, Clarisse. It's serious."
"So talk. What's the matter?"
I took a deep breath before I started. "Have you heard about the girls who were killed? Two of them went to our school?"
"Briefly. The one's attacked by a bear?"
"No. They weren't. They were attacked by a vampire."
"No they weren't, Connor. I can promise you that. If any of the humans who are changed by us breaks the rules, we are the first to know. None of mine killed those girls. You've only made one. Did you feel it?"
"Feel what?"
Clarisse sighed and seemed to think about it for a moment. "Remember when you felt Brett light the candle and burn the contract?"
I nodded. "Yes."
"It's like that but stronger. The moment he killed anybody, you would have felt it like a blow to your heart. I would have too because I was there at his making. Trust me, he hasn't killed anybody."
"But what if he did?"
"He didn't."
"Clarisse, bear with me. What would happen if he did?"
"Then it would be your responsibility to call the Reapers. They would come for him and take his soul."
"Just like that?"
"Just like that. So don't worry about it. Okay?"
"I'll try not to. It's just weird. All the girls were supposedly attacked by a wild animal, but none of them were eaten. Just drained of blood."
"That is weird. But trust me, if it were Brett, you would know."
"Okay. Thanks. See you tomorrow."
"Bye, worm."
Chapter 22
The school day passed without much of anything happening. The third victim of the bear attacks didn't go to our school. Even still, the grief counselors had their hands full. Everyone seemed sullen and depressed. I wasn’t too happy either. Something just wasn’t right about the whole thing. I bought the bear story about as much as I believed my sister could suddenly develop redeeming qualities.
The only thing saving the day was the fact Jessie was coming over to my house again for dinner and to change for the dance tonight. If it weren’t for that I might have just skipped going to school.
I waited outside the girl's bathroom while Jess did whatever it was girls do in there. A few people smirked at me as they passed but other than that everybody pretty much left me alone. Until the vampire twins showed up.
I nearly jumped out of my pants when they snuck up behind me and Jenny whispered, “Hi, Connor,” in my ear.
I spun and nearly attacked. “Don’t do that!”
“You should have been paying more attention. Especially to us, silly.”
It suddenly hit me. I was looking at two vampires. Not two human girls. “Why aren’t you wearing your human disguises?”
They looked at me and then at each other. “We are. You feeling okay?”
I blinked twice to clear my head. If I concentrated really hard I could see them just as they'd always been over their vampiric forms. “Sorry, it’s getting harder to see.”
“Why?” Beth looked confused.
“Long story. Let’s just say I’m getting used to things again.”
“Wait a minute…You have parents. You have a sister. You’re not one of the Fallen! What did you wish for?”
I scrambled to get them to keep their voices down. “I’ll tell you later, I promise. Keep your voices down.”
“Just answer one question, are you one of the Fallen?”
“I am now.”
“You suck! Why didn’t we think to wish for that?” Jenny shrugged at Beth’s question.
“I suck? You’re the vampires.”
“Har har har, Connor. If I could take it back I would. It’s not easy being a vampire. The movies make it look so glamorous.”
“Look at the bright side, at least you don’t sparkle.”
My joke earned me a hiss. I looked around at the students in the hall passing us. They didn’t notice. “We’re clouding their minds, Connor. Quit being so paranoid.”
“Ah, that explains it. We need to talk. Maybe we can help each other out.”
“I like the sound of th
at.” Beth stepped closer and ran her finger down the front of my shirt. I heard her sharp nail catch the fabric a few times. When I looked down, sure enough, there was a line running from my collar down almost to my jeans. “Why don’t you dance with us tonight?”
“Because I’m going to the dance with Jessie. We’ll work together, but that’s it.”
“Are you sure?”
“Quite sure.”
“Your loss,” they both said and walked away. They even looked over their shoulder at me at the same moment. Creepy.
“Are you ready?”
I turned and saw Jessie standing behind me. “Whenever you are, Jess. Let’s go. It’s not exactly a short walk to my house and it’s getting colder.”
“I don’t mind. You can keep me warm.”
It amazed me how warm I felt right then and there. We walked outside and instead of holding her hand, I put my arm around her. She moved closer and leaned while she walked. I smiled. Until we heard the horn honk behind us. Without looking I knew we were being followed by a little pink bug.
“You kids need a ride?” Clarisse’s voice rang out into the afternoon. I made a shooing motion behind my back, but she ignored me. “Connor, do you and your little friend want a ride? It’s cold outside!”
I sighed and Jessie started to giggle. “Is that Claire?”
“Oh, you sensed the presence of evil, huh?”
“Come on, Connor. She can’t be that bad. Plus, she’s right. It is cold out here.”
“Okay, but you’re riding up front.”
“Well, duh. I don’t trust her with your manly body.” Jessie turned. “Is that you, Claire?” Apparently she was going to ham it up for Clarisse.
“Yes it is. The one and only. Come on, hop in!”
Jessie pulled my hand and I led her to the passenger’s side of the bug. “Hold on, Jess. Let me get in the back.” I flipped the seat forward and slid easily into the back seat. From the outside the bug looked like a shoebox. Its interior never ceased to amaze me.
“Hi, worm.”
“Hi, Claire. Thanks for the ride.” I stuck my tongue out at her. Yes, I know it was childish, but so was she.