by W. J. May
“What the –”
Grace’s little Smartcar stopped within inches of my feet.
“Need a lift?” The fuzzy dice still swung from her crazy driving.
“You’re nuts!” I pounded my chest, trying to restart my heart.
She chuckled and grinned. “You’re fine. I stopped in plenty of time.” She revved the sewing machine engine. “You heading somewhere or all finished?”
I opened the passenger door and got in. “I started a part-time job today.”
“At The Eclectic Bookstore?”
“Yeah, how’d you know?”
“I saw you leave the store and swung the car around. Ready for tonight?”
“Sure. Just need to grab my stuff.”
We drove to my place. Once there, she played with the car keys and glanced towards the house.
“I’ll just run in and grab my stuff.” I opened the passenger door and tossed my backpack in the back. I dashed inside, thankful Jim and Sally weren’t home to question me. I left a note on the fridge: “Sleeping at a new classmate’s. Text my cell if you need me.” Throwing my already packed bag over my shoulder, I was out again in less than three minutes.
Grace leaned across the seat and swung the car door open for me. I tossed my bag with my backpack and then jumped in. “Ready.”
“Awesome. Let’s get outta here.”
At her house we went straight to her room. Grace ran down and grabbed a fruit tray so we could snack, chill on her bed and listen to music.
“I wonder what the weather’s supposed to be like tonight.” I glanced out the window toward the clear blue sky.
Grace jumped off the bed and strolled to the closet. “Cloudy by the lake. It’ll be cool, but I’ve got the perfect scarf for you.”
“Do you know the forecast after the weekend?” I joked.
“It’ll be nice, not too sunny, typical weather for the beginning of September.”
“Thanks, weather woman.” I laughed. “Didn’t know you were such of fan.”
She smiled. “I like to be able to coordinate my outfits to match the temperature outside.” Making a face, she tossed a scarf at me.
“Fair enough. Where’s the rest of your family?” I tried not to sound like I cared if her brother was home.
“Caleb and Michael are probably working, and Sarah’s getting some groceries. She’s very excited you’re sleeping over.”
“What does Caleb do?” Rob banks? The house was freakin’ huge.
“He’s…uh…He’s head of a big, important company…uh…dealing with medical stuff.” She disappeared back into the closet.
At least the guy had a job. I had no intention of prying as I knew the feeling too well. “What’re you wearing tonight?” The perfect question to entertain Grace.
“I went shopping today. Got an amethyst colored top and black skinny jeans.” She came out dressed in new clothes. Her pants enveloped her toned legs and the top was glued to her skin in all the right places. Even the color of the fabric made her skin glow. I wished I could look like that. An outfit hung neatly over her arm. “Here’s yours.”
“I took the clothes held out to me, catching the price on a silver tank top and awesome matching black half-jacket. It was over a hundred bucks. I’d have to work three weeks to afford it. “You bought me stuff? I thought I was just going to borrow something to wear. I’ll have to pay you back.”
“You won’t. It’s a gift and it’d be rude if you didn’t accept it.” The corners of her mouth twitched like a playful kitten’s and her eyes sparkled.
“That’s not the point.” I didn’t know how to explain I didn’t want hand outs.
“Please. I wanted to.” She signed. “I promise I won’t do it again.”
Far from an expert in gift receiving, I did know what to do or say.
My silence must have been an okay for her. She grinned. “Just check the sizes and ignore the prices tags.”
I slipped on the pants and top, somehow not surprised she’d guessed my size perfectly.
“Full-length mirrors in the closet.” She followed close behind as I went to the mirrors. “Hey, cool birthmark.” She lightly touched the bottom corner of my left scapula. “It looks like some kinda shape.”
I’d never paid much attention to it. As a kid I wondered if my birthmother noticed it when, or if, she ever held me. I reached behind, pulling the top’s strap to try and cover it. “It’s in one of those awkward spots. I can’t really see it.” I stared at my strange, but pretty, reflection in the mirror.
“You look great.” Grace beamed from behind me in the mirror’s reflection.
I’d personally never bought something in this style, but Grace had taste. The outfit made my long skinny arms and legs look muscular and sexy. Turning sideways, I checked to see how the pants fit my butt. I actually had one in them. “I owe you big time.”
I searched the mirror for her face. Focussing past her, my breath caught as I noticed Michael behind her, leaning against the closet doorframe. He’d slipped quietly into the room unnoticed. He stared at me in the mirror, his eyes bright, but his expression closed off when his gaze met mine.
He cleared his throat. “You, uh, you’re…pretty.”
“Oh no you don’t!” Grace shouted at him, waving her hands wildly in his direction. “She’s coming out with me tonight. If you want to hang out with Rouge, you ask her out when she’s available. After tonight, I don’t think that’s going to be for a very long time. You might as well get in line!”
Michael frowned, deep lines etched in his forehead. They quickly disappeared when he smirked. “No probs. Caleb asked me to drop you two off and pick you up.”
Why? The strange, secretive look that passed between them kept me silent.
Grace leaned forward and pulled the price tags off of my clothes. “Caleb just worries.” She turned to Michael. “If you’re driving, you aren’t planning on staying, are you?”
“Not really.” His eyes flitted back and forth as he looked at Grace. “Just let me know should you need me.”
Was I somehow missing part of the conversation?
“Fine, then.” Grace cleared her throat. “Shall we go?”
Outside, we walked single file toward the parked cars. Grace climbed into the back of a Mustang and pulled the seat back so I had no choice but to sit in the front.
I scowled at her. I was nervous and had no skills around guys. I’d be better hiding out in the back, listening and pretending to participate in the conversation.
Michael must have caught my expression because he chuckled as he got into the driver’s seat. Nervous, I plopped down in the seat beside him and fumbled with the seat belt. He reached over and took it from me to click it in. I let out a small gasp as our hands touched. His hand went from ice cold to searing hot.
A current of hot and cold seared up my arm, all the way to my shoulder. My free hand instinctly went to my shoulder. I rubbed it. The weirdest hot and cold sensations assaulted my palm.
Grace chattered the entire ride out to the park. I kept trying to listen, but Michael’s close proximity made it impossible to concentrate.
“Rouge?” Grace tapped my shoulder, making me jump. “Are you going to get out or just stay in the car?”
I glanced out the window. We’d parked along a line of trees with a sandy beach off to the right. “Sorry.” I fumbled with the catch in my seat belt, trying to get out as fast as I could, heat burning my face and neck.
Michael got out and held his seat back forward so Grace could crawl out, their heads bent close, talking quietly. His face was etched with concern, but I couldn’t miss Grace mutter, “I can take care of myself -- and Rouge.”
Michael set his lips in a thin line. “Fine. Have fun.” He jumped into the Mustang and sped away.
“Everything all right?” Too bad they fought. I wouldn’t have minded trying to talk to him, or simply having him near would’ve been fine with me.
“We’re good.” Grace pulled on
my jacket and pointed toward the noise on the beach. “Michael’s a little, um, overprotective. Caleb’s made him that way. Michael worries way too much about me, and it’s obvious he doesn’t want you to get hurt either. He likes you. He just won’t admit it yet.”
“What?” I stopped walking and put my hand on her forearm. My heart skipped every other beat.
“He’s my brother. Trust me, he likes you.” She rolled her eyes. “The look on his face was priceless when he walked into my room. You’re definitely going to make some first impressions this evening too.”
I’d rather hang out by the shadows. However, if Michael might be interested, I think could handle a little spotlight. My face scorched. “You sure about Mi—”
“Positive.” Grace laughed. “Come on. Let me introduce you to our senior class, and I’ll point out the cute boys. We might as well make Michael jealous while we’re here.”
We made our way through the parked cars towards the music. Someone had attached huge stereo speakers to a pickup backed onto the sand. Outdoor lawn torches, which also seemed to keep the bugs at bay, were set up to maximize lighting the area. Lawn chairs lay scattered around the fire pit and small groups were all over the place.
“So, which one of these cliques is yours?” I wished I’d just worn a sweatshirt and no makeup.
“I kind of float around. We've lived here three years, and I still kind of feel like the new girl.”
Definitely a popular girl. Grace had no idea what being the new girl actually meant.
Skipping the pathway, we climbed over large boulders and jumped the three foot drop onto the beach. Somehow, Grace had gotten her shoes off before we landed, her feet barely making an impression in the sand. My Mary Janes filled instantly with the cool particles, but I chose to keep them on.
“Heads up!”
A football flew in our direction. I ducked out of the way while Grace caught it with one hand, not even pausing in her stride. A cute, dark-haired, athletic-looking boy came jogging up.
“Nice catch, G!” He skidded to a stop. “Whoa, wait a moment. Who’s the new hot-chick?”
“Simon, your ball.” Grace tossed the football expertly. “This is Rouge.”
Simon bowed dramatically. “Welcome to Port Q High’s unofficial before-school-starts official party night.” He held out his hand.
“Hey.” This guy babbled like a girl back at my old high school who drank Red Bull all the time.
“Let me introduce you to the rest of the gangstas.” He grabbed Grace’s and my hands, pulling us over to the group of guys waiting for the football. “This is Tommy, Damon, Sean and Jake.” Except for one, all were similar build to Simon. The other guy was absolutely huge with these dark, almost black eyes. He seemed to be shooting daggers at Grace.
I stepped close to Grace. “What’s with the big guy?”
“He’s interested. I’m not.” She rubbed her forehead with the back of her hand, making an “L” shape with her fingers. “Loser,” she whispered.
Simon stuck close by me, trying his best to entertain. Twenty minutes later, I needed space to breathe. I tried to catch Grace’s attention, but she was chatting away with Sean or Jake, I couldn’t remember which one. “Bathroom break. Where are they?”
“Up the hill. Over there.” He pointed in the direction. “Do you see the line of trees? Just follow them and where the one big tree is, they’re just behind there. See a few people heading back? I can take you.”
“No!” I’d rather die. “Uh, no thanks, I’m pretty sure I can find my way.” I stood and made a beeline for the trees. Glancing back, Grace stood by Simon, blocking my view of him. Quickly sneaking into the forest, I figured I had about four minutes before Simon came looking for me.
Simon was nice but a little overbearing. He seemed the long-term kind of guy. I planned on bolting after graduation. Now, Michael, he might be an interesting short-term thing. I scoffed. Who was I kidding?
The thick grass and leaves muffled the music and noise from the beach, making it peaceful. I walked farther into the trees. Enjoying the moment, I leaned back against a large oak tree, closing my eyes.
The cicadas, crickets and every other insect around me abruptly went quiet. A strange, hushed silence. The hairs on the nape of my neck rose. Holding my breath, I strained to hear something, anything, around me. Opening my eyes, I stared into the forest. Eyes not adjusted to the dark, I couldn’t make anything out but trees and shadows.
My heart hammered over-adrenalized and fight or flight screamed. Stumbling, I suddenly couldn’t remember the way back to the beach. Muffled music seemed to come from all around. Placing the sound grew impossible. The blood rushing in my ears made it even harder to concentrate.
Swallowing hard, I took a tentative step forward and froze. In front of me, a pair of large amber-yellow eyes with obscenely black pupils shone crystal-clear in the dark. A low, guttural growl escaped from the darkness. Hot putrid breath slid across my face. I nearly gagged.
Whatever the freakin’ thing was, it was mammoth. I couldn’t find an outline of its body, just a shadow. Terrified, I was positive if I screamed the thing would jump out and attack me before I could get the sound out.
“Crap, crap, crap…” Body still frozen, I looked left to right and tried not to move my head. Hadn’t Grace said she could take care of both of us? “Grace…Michael?” I whispered. Shuffling slightly around the tree, my eyes never left the spot where the wicked monster stood. Tears of fear ran down my cheeks when I bumped into the rough bark of the tree behind me.
This is it. There was nothing I could do. I’d walked straight into this den of death. Realizing the certainty, I exhaled a slow breath, willing my heart to calm. I began to hear and think more clearly. Someone called my name. The monster’s eyes shifted slightly, as if it too listened.
I managed a hoarse whisper, “Over here.”
A snarl filled the air and the yellow-eyed beast disappeared too fast for anything that size. Suddenly, Michael appeared, lifting me like a feather and cradling me tight against him. His hot chest, cool breath and husky scent distracted me from the terror behind us. In seconds, we were out of the forest, in the lightened area by the bathrooms. Grace came rushing over.
“What the heck happened?” Her brows crushed together and chest rose with fell in quick bursts.
Too soon, Michael set me down on the grass carefully, like a flower that might break.
The horrible eyes wouldn’t clear from my memory. “I, um, I, damn it! Sorry. Just give me a sec.” I pressed my hands on my knees, bending over and trying to fill my lungs with the air I’d forgotten to breathe. “I stepped into the edge of the trees to give myself a break…from Simon. Everything went all voodoo quiet, a-and this huge thing with funky eyes showed up!” I shivered, looking behind them to the trees and darkness. It had happened, right?
“Stay here. I’m going to have a look.” Michael disappeared into the forest.
I reached out. “You can’t –” I sputtered, but Grace held me back. “He can’t go in there. It isn’t safe.”
She pressed a finger to her lips. “Shh…It’s all right. Michael’s going to see if he can catch it.” She gripped my hand.
“Catch it? Are you crazy?” My voice rose and I pulled away. “I couldn’t tell where the thing ended or where the shadows began.”
Michael emerged from the tree line.
Relief flooded through my veins. Shaking his head, he looked ticked.
He grabbed our elbows and started to steer us towards the parked cars. “Time to go, ladies. This party’s over.” He turned to Grace, whispering, but I caught everything. “It’s gone…caught the scent but it took off as soon as it heard us.” His pace picked up.
Grace jumped in the backseat. Michael patiently, but not looking so patient, helped me into the front and clicked my seat belt in.
We pulled out of the parking area.
“Wait! The rest of the kids. Someone needs to warn them.”
“It w
on’t be back.”
“You don’t know that for sure.”
“Positive.” Michael’s curt reply stopped me from asking again.
I didn’t argue. For some reason, I believed him. We drove the rest of the way in silence.
Parking the Mustang with the same annoyingly-crazy driving skills as Grace, Michael shoved the car into park. As he ripped the keys out of the ignition, he glanced into his rear-view mirror. “I need to talk to Caleb. Take Rouge inside. Get her something sugary to drink. It’ll take the edge off.”
“I’m fine.”
“You’re in shock. Head to Grace’s room. I’ll come up later when I’m finished.” His fingers raked through his hair, he gave me a quick smile and then he ran into the house.
Grace and I made our way at a much slower pace into the house and up the stairs. I struggled into a pair of jogging pants and a tank top, my body too numb to function properly. Dropping onto the bed, I lay on my back, dazed.
“I’ll grab you something to drink.” She slipped out the door.
I thought about the creature and curled up on my side, hugging my knees. My heart thumped hard and fast again my chest. “What kinda creature were you?” I mumbled to myself. Something escaped from the zoo? A wild animal from the mountains? I kept seeing the weird, amber-yellow eyes flash against the white walls. They continued to stay there, except set against blackness.
Popping my eyes open, I forced them to blink and focus. I’d fallen asleep. The lights were still on in the room, but the house was quiet. Glancing at my watch, it was after two. I crawled out of bed to find Grace.
As I walked out of the room, Michael came up the stairs.
“You should get some more sleep.” The concern on his face made me melt a tiny bit.
“Is everything okay?” I was paranoid I might wake someone. “I hope I didn’t cause any problems?”
He smiled and turned me gently back towards the bedroom. Dazed, I crawled back into bed and watched him sit down on the edge. My gaze followed the outline of his body. I didn’t realize he’d spoken. “I’m sorry. Can you repeat that one more time?” I whispered.