Decay

by J. F. Jenkins

  There was a lot about the Alturan war she didn't understand. The alien who had found her and unlocked her powers, went by the name of Nehihe. He was kind, gentle, and overall even tempered. For the most part, he did his best to explain things the best he could. His tribe, the yellow tribe, was attacked by the green and blue tribes. The yellow tribe by nature loathed violence, so they were at a disadvantage for war and allied with the purple and red tribes. Some day she would learn the real names of the nations of Altura, but for the time being she would stick to the colors for simplicity’s sake.

  The nations had decided to fight their war on Earth, to stop the turmoil it was causing on their home planet. Not something she approved of, and she could tell that Nehihe agreed. But that was part of the reason she had been recruited, why many of her peers had been. Nia hated the idea of such a wonderful group of people being picked on. It reminded her all too much of her own situation.

  Dallas touched her face with one of his cold fingers, brushing away a tear she hadn't even realized she’d shed. “They don't matter. If they don't love you for who you are, they don't matter.”

  She pulled away so she could dry her eyes and face. While she appreciated and desired his affection, having him touch her was still unnerving. His skin was still so cold, and the smell of decay still present. It wasn't as bad as when she'd first brought him back from the dead. The process of decomposing was stopped for the time being, but if she couldn't find a way to keep reversing the after effects of death, she'd lose him. Her powers weren't strong enough on her own.

  Forcing a smile on her face, Nia reached into her coat pockets and pulled out a scissors. “I came over to give you a haircut.”

  “I appreciate it. Think you can make a miracle from this disaster? Not like I'm vain or anything, but even I know bad when I see it.” Dallas pointed at his hair which existed on his head in sporadic patches. For the most part, it was intact in dirty tufts, but there were places where it had completely fallen out.

  Taking out a comb as well, she stood behind him, and carefully began to move the comb through his hair. If she tugged too hard on the knots, she might end up pulling his hair out. Then she began to work on making what remained on his head, all an even length.

  “I may have found a way to make you come back all the way,” she whispered. “The other day I was out and about and noticed a squirrel that got hit by a car. Poor guy was suffering on the side of the road. What was weird though, was I could feel his energy or whatever. Like it was pulling at my heart, begging for me to put it out of its misery. So I touched it, and I did as it asked.”

  “You touched a squashed squirrel?”

  “I'm touching you, and you're a lot more gross than a road kill rodent.”

  “Meanie. I look a lot nicer than road kill!”

  Nia laughed, and so did he. “Will you let me get to my point?” Dallas nodded, and she continued. “When I touched it, I was able to take away its life energy just like I can give dead things life energy. Reverse the effect, and it made me feel stronger. So I think if I used the life energy of something else, it'll help bring you back. Then I won't get so tired from using my powers on you.”

  “Something tells me it'll take a lot of squirrels to bring a person back.”

  “Maybe I could use another person,” she whispered.

  He shook his head. “You're not killing someone else to bring me back.”

  “I'd make sure they volunteered for the position. I'm not a selfish, heartless murderess. Though there are a number of criminals on this planet that we could do without. I mean, I could find an evil drug lord and do the world some justice.”

  Dallas put a hand over hers to stop her from combing his hair. He then turned to face her, and his dark eyes met her gaze. “You're sweet, but I don't think anyone would ever do such a thing.”

  She smirked. “Your old BFF might.”

  “Orlando has a lot going on, and I don't want him to take my place.”

  He deserves to. But Nia held her tongue. There was a lot she didn't understand about the relationship between the two teen boys. She hoped someday Dallas trusted her enough to elaborate some more. For the most part, Orlando Holmes seemed like an okay enough guy. He was clearly a bit selfish, but most rich kids were. Dallas had a bit of the same brat-like qualities on occasion, so it must come with the territory. Orlando liked to be aloof and pushed her away. She'd break down his walls and earn his trust – for Dallas.

  Instead of talking about it more, she gave his shoulder a squeeze. “I got you some new clothes. Now you don't have to wear the same ol' boring suit. That style is so two years ago anyway.”

  “Ha,” he said. “But I'd like something not so stiff. My sense of feeling is slowly starting to come back. Rough isn't doing good things to my skin either.”

  Nia handed him a pair of jeans, a T-shirt, and sweatshirt. Not the warmest thing to wear during the winter, but he didn't have a sense of temperature at the moment. “Give it a try. If you like it, I can get more for you later. I should go now.” She'd spent a good deal of time there already. If she didn't hurry back, her parents might have a meltdown.

  “It's probably late, but thank you for the visit. It makes things a lot less lonely and boring. You know, since I'm stuck waiting in here.”

  “Not for much longer, I promise.” She reached into her bag and grabbed a couple of thick fantasy novels. “To help keep you occupied until I return. Next time I'll work on putting you back together some more. I'm just so tired.”

  “Don't worry about it,” he said. “Death has nothing but all the time in the world.”

  Nia knew he was right, but she was never one to be patient. Reluctantly, she left the mausoleum and locked it again. No one from the cemetery staff would be visiting him, and certainly not anyone from his family. Sad for him, but it worked out well in the end. Then he didn't have to get back into his coffin and wait for her in the dark. Nor would she have to struggle with moving the marble slab resting over it again. That had taken hours to get off the first time. She'd rather not repeat the experience.

  Soon, I won't have to worry about any of it. He'll be back, and Orlando is going to help me do it whether he wants to or not.

  Chapter Three

  Cadence watched JD button up his shirt, admiring the way its soft brown color brought out a glow in his hazel eyes. As much as she would have loved to admire his bare chest all day, she knew he also had to return back home. He had a curfew, and even though they were still in the last remaining days of winter vacation, he had family obligations to fulfill in the morning.

  Once he was clothed, he leaned over to where she was lying in bed, and gave her a firm kiss. “I'll call you when I get home. I'm not quite ready to say goodbye to you just yet. Maybe I can even come back tomorrow after dinner.”

  “I'd like that,” she said softly. The words “I love you” lingered at the tip of her tongue, wanting to be said, but she couldn't quite make herself actually say them. Instead, all she did was smile and continue to watch him intently. Part of her knew she should climb out of bed, make herself decent, and walk him out the door. It would be considered the polite thing to do, but she couldn't bring herself to do that either.

  He gave her one last kiss. “Okay, good, because I'd like that too. There's only five more days until school starts again, and I want to make the most of them. It could be even less of a break depending on if Alan decides he wants us to go back to work soon. You never know when he's going to pop in.”

  “No, we don't.” She could feel her cheeks growing warm at that thought. What would Alan think if he had teleported into her bedroom thirty minutes ago? He might have had a meltdown on the spot. She certainly would have wanted to die of embarrassment.

  JD laughed. “You're funny. Anyway, I'll call you.” And then he walked out the door.

  She laid back in bed with a heavy sigh, pulling the covers over her head so she could further linger in her privacy. There was something comforting about hiding under he
r bed sheets. It reminded her of the old days when she'd build blanket forts with her father on his days off. She kicked the bedspread up into the air and smiled as she watched it float down over her.

  What would her father think of her? Would he be proud of her? What would he think of JD? He never got to meet him. She and JD hadn't been friends when her father was still alive. I'm pretty sure Daddy would love him just as much as I do. Though he probably wouldn't be too into the idea of us dating at the level we are. Her father was old fashioned, her mother not so much. Cadence was pretty sure her mother knew what was going on between her and her...she wasn't sure what to call JD...boyfriend? He'd never officially asked her out, so it didn't feel right to call him that. Whatever he was, her mother knew everything and approved of them dating, even if Cadence hadn't said anything about him yet.

  Life couldn't get any better. Wait, that's not quite right. It could be better. She decided, after taking a moment to reflect on all of the circumstances in her life at that moment. Alan and the war on Altura were the most pressing things going on. Being recruited by the red tribe, she, JD, his sister Angela, and Orlando, had all gone on a few crazy adventures already. Cadence liked it, even if they were a little scary sometimes – especially for her, since she didn't have super powers to protect herself with.

  Cadence's gift from Altura had been knowledge. Her book smarts far surpassed anyone she'd ever met. She went from being the school ditz to school genius overnight. Daddy would probably be disappointed in that, but I'm sure he's glad that I'm making the most of my opportunities now. He always told me to never settle for less than I could achieve. She sighed heavily and rolled onto her stomach, her head popping out from the covers so she could look at the clock. I should probably get up and help Mom with dinner.

  When she left her room, she'd expected to find her mother in the kitchen already cooking, instead she was alone in the house. Cadence decided to get to work anyway. If her mother wasn't home yet, that usually meant she was caught in traffic or taking extra special care of one of her patients.

  Pasta sounded good to Cadence, so she grabbed a pot and turned on the stove. The water had just started to boil when her mother entered their apartment.

  “Hey Mom,” Cadence greeted as she poured spaghetti noodles into the pot of boiling water. She turned down the heat on the stove before leaving her post long enough to give her mother a hug.

  Her mother sighed as if in contentment before letting go to hang up her purse and coat in the closet. “Solo tonight? I thought JD would be here keeping you company until I came home, like usual.”

  “He said he had to be back before dinner. Something about family time and it being one of the few nights everyone is home. And if his mom is doing something big for the meal, he'll have to watch the little ones,” Cadence said.

  “I see. That's all right. We haven't had a girls’ only night for a whole week.”

  “A week? How scandalous!” She mock gasped.

  Her mother started to get drinks ready for them both. The woman seemed to always know just what Cadence wanted and when she wanted it. That particular evening, she had wanted something light and sweet, and her mother poured them each one of her famous “lady cocktails.” She mixed a little lime juice with some cran-cherry juice and soda water.

  “We haven't gotten to talk much since Christmas,” her mother said. “I feel awful about it. Hopefully the staffing situation at work will be resolved soon. While the money is nice, working overtime is starting to get exhausting.”

  “It's okay, Mom, I promise.” Cadence resumed cooking, while her mother set the table.

  Having her mother work all of the time wasn't easy, but it was something she accepted a long time ago. When her father died, money became even more tight than it already was, and she was the only family member who worked in the house. Cadence was forbidden to work because of how much trouble school gave her. Maybe now that I can get my grades up, she'll change her mind. Even if it's only for the summer, or a weekend job. Every little bit helps. Though she didn't know what sort of an effect a job would have on working with Alan. If JD can balance babysitting in his free time, along with school, and helping with the war on Altura, then I can do the same with a part-time job.

  She drained the noodles, put some red sauce over them, and then dished the pasta into a bowl for each of them. “You can make up the lost time to me tomorrow. JD is doing some family stuff during the day, so I certainly don't have any plans. Maybe we can go somewhere before you leave for work? You have a night shift tomorrow, right?”

  “I do. Will JD be staying over again?” her mother asked.

  “I don't know,” Cadence said and tried her hardest to not let the comment make her cheeks flush with heat. She shouldn't have been embarrassed. She was an adult now, and if she couldn't talk to her mother about her relationship with JD, who could she talk to?

  With a slow nod, her mother sprinkled some Parmesan cheese over her noodles. “It makes me happy to see you two finally dating. I was wondering how long it would take for him to be your boyfriend.”

  Cadence could no longer stop the warmth from spreading to her face. She only hoped it wasn't too obvious, but that statement did leave her feeling flustered. “He's not my boyfriend. I mean, we're dating...I think? But he hasn't asked me to be his girlfriend, or to be his steady relationship for that matter.”

  “Oh,” her mother said a bit too casually. Cadence could hear the disappointment in her low tone of voice.

  “I guess I assumed since...”

  “Since he's spending the night? Sleeping in your bed? Sleeping with you?” Her mother's voice became sharp. Why was she getting angry?

  Cadence stirred her dinner, no longer hungry. “It's complicated, Mom.” It's too complicated. You'd never understand, Mom. Since we had a near death experience, and I realized I couldn't live without him. Since he told me he was interested in me and had been for a long time now. Since we've been best friends for five, almost six years. Since he'd know better than to do anything to hurt me like that. She held her tongue because Cadence couldn't get into those kinds of details with her mother. She couldn't talk about how the Alutra war was changing her relationships – especially when it came to JD. He was a different person just as much as she was. They'd both matured a lot. His old noncommittal ways were in the past, she was sure of it.

  Her mother's face softened. The hard lines of her frown were no more, and she even smiled softly. “I'm just trying to understand honey. How many times have you lamented to me in the past over his dating behavior? And how you didn't have respect for a girl who could so easily succumb to his charms.”

  “They're different,” she insisted. “And he made sure to tell them flat out that it was only just a fun fling for him. Everyone knows he doesn't do the dating thing.” Cadence gasped slightly when she heard what she was saying, and then quickly corrected herself. “Didn't do the dating thing, I mean.” I'm different. I have to be.

  “You know I love him just as much as you do. He's sweet, and nice, and he’s been a good friend to you. I'm only looking out for both of your best interests here,” her mother explained.

  “I know, and you should know that I wouldn't do anything stupid. I know what I'm doing.” She sat up, trying to look more confident in her words than she felt. Her mother's words were a harsh reminder of the reality that was JD's dating history. The guy did get around, there was no doubt about it. But he'd reassured her and put her at ease. He would say the words she needed to hear. JD had changed. She'd make sure of it, if he hadn't yet.

  Her mother's smile brightened. “It's part of my job to worry about you. You've never dated before. While I could lecture you about how you're choosing to go about your relationship, I won't. What's done is done, and I'm glad he makes you happy. Just protect yourself.”

  “I am,” she said.

  “Not just your body but your heart, honey. Sex complicates a relationship. It changes everything between two people. You can't take it back.
”

  “I know.” Cadence was on the verge of seething. Why does she keep trying to rain on my parade? Desperate, she changed the subject. “Did I tell you I got an A on my final exam?”

  For the rest of the meal, they made small talk. Disappointing, because Cadence had been hoping for a chance to gush about her new budding relationship with her best friend. Instead, she had shied away from the subject because of her mom’s disapproval. She'd never be able to talk deeply about JD again with her mother. Not if all she was going to get were lectures. It's like she doesn't trust me.

  Her cellphone rang as soon as she finished washing the dishes. Relief washed over her when she saw JD's name on the caller ID. Without a word, she took the phone back to her bedroom so she could talk without her mother watching her every move. She didn't need any eavesdropping.

  “Hey,” she said, smiling.

  “Hey babe!” he greeted. “Sorry it took so long to call you. We haven't even eaten yet. Mom is taking forever, and I'm starving, but I wanted to talk to you before it got to be too late. I know how much you like your late night showers, and early bedtimes.”

  “I don't go to bed that early!”

  He scoffed quietly. “You're asleep by ten any time I'm there.”

  “That's a normal bed time.”

  “Not for a teenager.”

  “I can stay up later if I need to,” she mumbled.