In My Veins

by Madden, C. A.

  Before James or I could even say anything, she grabbed my hand and led me to the living room where everyone was.

  “Karina! Hi!” Chris waved. I was glad to see a familiar face amongst the not so familiar ones. I said hi to him as James finally caught up to me. I briefly noticed his dad go the other direction and he didn’t seem happy at all. He put his arm around my waist giving me some comfort and bringing my attention back to him.

  “Introduce her to everyone Jamie dear.” his mother said sweetly. James introduced me to his family. He was almost more nervous that I was as everyone said hello.

  I met his two younger sisters, Jenny and Ellie. Jenny was about my age and she was really sweet. She took me in quickly as she complimented my shoes. But Ellie, his teenage sister, didn’t seem to like me as much. They both resembled James a lot, but Jenny had dark blonde hair. I met some of his cousins and his aunt and uncle who seemed to be in love almost as much as his parents were.

  And lastly, his cousin David, the reason why we were there. He had long blond hair, slightly below his ears and it was slightly styled back. But what stood out the most was his piercing blue eyes. They were almost electric blue.

  He kept staring at me. Like really staring at me and not even trying to hide it. I felt so uncomfortable that I found myself pressing into James’s side.

  We were sitting in the living room and talking about things like jobs and how David enjoyed New York. He said he didn’t find what he was looking for and came back a while ago. His family was clearly mad at him for barely telling them now. But it seemed like something David didn’t want to talk about.

  I could feel David’s eyes on me the whole time. I looked at him to see if I was just being paranoid but I was right--- he was staring at me. I started feeling uncomfortable and nervous. He smirked and I felt even more uncomfortable.

  James’s arm that was loosely around my waist was suddenly tight. I looked up at him and he was glaring at David. He must have noticed. There was something different about James as he looked at his cousin. I couldn’t figure it out but his eyes were different. Almost possessive. If I didn’t know him I would probably be scared of him too but I felt safe in his arms.

  I scooted closer to him liking the comfort I was getting from him. Not sure why I even needed to feel safe from his cousin. He smiled and kissed the top of my head before our attention went back to Jenny as she told us about one of her clients. I should have known she had a job that involved beauty, she was so pretty and put together effortlessly.

  I skimmed over everyone and felt like I was being watched again. I figured it was David but he wasn’t the only one staring at me. Almost everyone was at one point. He was just the only one being creepy about it. Ellie looked as if she was threating me with her eyes. Chris looked almost apologetic as he looked at me.

  When James finally seemed to de-tense and start talking to Chris about work, Jenny grabbed my hand and took me to the backyard to help with the barbeque preparations. James glanced back and looked worried as Jenny took me away from him but I smiled at him letting him know it was okay. I had to let him know he could stop worrying so much.

  The backyard was just as beautiful as the rest of the house that I had seen so far. There was a large pool that looked cool and inviting. The view of the mountains, that seemed to be the backdrop everywhere in California, was even more gorgeous from their yard.

  “So I think you and my brother look really cute together. He said you guys have been dating for a while. How did you two meet?” She said staring at me as we wrapped up the corn for the grill.

  “Um... yeah. We met at Lotus Dragon.” I said awkwardly.

  “Oh love that place!”

  “Me too. We should go together one of these days.” I suggested hoping to get on at least one person’s good side. As nice as she was I still felt like I was being watched by his entire family. I know it was because I was the new outsider being brought for approval but it felt like something else. It was like that weird feeling someone knows something you don’t know.

  James’s father was getting the grill ready as his mom brought the marinated meat. His father avoided any eye contact with me as he passed us again to go inside. I saw Ellie making a salad and I decided to ask her if she needed help.

  “Ellie... do you need help?”

  She glared at me before rolling her eyes and ignoring me.

  “Don’t worry about her. Teenagers.” Jenny whispered. I had a feeling it was more than that but decided to let it go when I felt James’s strong arms around my waist. Jenny grinned at the sight before deciding to pull Ellie with her and leave us alone.

  I instantly felt more at ease being alone with James. “How are you holding up?” He said resting his chin on my shoulder.

  “Great.” I lied.

  He looked at me and raised his brow as if he knew I was lying, “You’re lying.”

  “I’m not lying.” I lied again nervously. I was never a good liar and was even worse with James. James could even figure out tiny lies. I hated lying.

  He smiled, “Sorry if anyone’s being weird with you.”

  “Everything’s fine babe, don’t worry.” I said and rested the back of my head on his hard chest.

  The dinner was no different than the living room. I had a moment of wondering why I wanted to even meet his family so badly. But then James interlocked our fingers together under the table and I remembered why.

  “So how long have you two been dating? James had not mentioned anything.” His creepy cousin David asked with a smirk.

  I felt James tense up at his question. “It’s not my fault you went to New York and lost complete touch with your family. You were back in L.A. how long before you decided to let us know?” He said through his teeth.

  David scoffed and glanced at me. “I was thinking about waiting for summer to pass in California before coming back. It’s just too hot here, you know? I’d always be thirsty. I don’t know how you can handle the heat cuz’.” He raised his eyebrows, “I mean, aren’t you always...thirsty? I’m parched just sitting here.” he said and looked at me.

  James practically growled at him and looked like he was ready to attack while everyone else looked at their plates awkwardly.

  “David.” James’s uncle warned him making him put his attention back on his food.

  By the time James and I were walking back to his car he was so distant I didn’t think he even knew I was still with him. Regret was etched in his face and I felt so bad. I didn’t blame him though. That was beyond awkward. But not as bad as he made it seem it would be.

  He opened the door for me as usual, but he didn’t look at me in my eyes. It was almost as if he was avoiding looking at me.

  His sister and cousin definitely didn’t like me but his mom and Jenny seemed like they did. Maybe they were the one’s who’s opinions stood out to him tonight?

  Chapter Six

  His eyes were glued to the road as he drove us back. I grabbed his free hand to get his attention but it didn’t work. I squeezed it a little in my second attempt and he finally looked at me with a smile that completely melted my heart. He was sad.

  He looked back at the road avoiding the fact that I wanted to talk to him. “Your family was nice.” Not counting two members.

  He smiled, “I’m sorry it was so awkward. I hope tonight didn’t change things between us. It was a disaster…”

  “James... it was the first time they were meeting me. They were probably just testing me. I wouldn’t expect them to like me right away.” I smiled trying to soothe his worry. I wasn’t going to leave him because he has a creepy cousin and his sister hates me. And possibly his father too, but I won’t be quick to judge on him.

  “So... you’re not running away yet?” He said only half joking, but I could hear the true question in his voice.

  “Of course not. I don’t like running. You’re stuck with me.” I winked.

  I intertwined our fingers together again and looked at them linked toget
her. I wondered what was up with him that he was so insecure about our relationship and so sure that it was going to end one day. Someone as hot and rich as him should not be worried about the girl leaving. Unless he had a reason for his concern.

  “I’ll take your word for that.” he quietly said and continued driving.

  That following Monday I had a horrible headache. Probably from the stress of meeting his family that weekend. Or maybe it was from still not being able to sleep. I just kept thinking and thinking about the previous day. And although we did our usual night chat on the phone, he seemed quieter than usual.

  I decided to stop by Daniel’s coffee shop during my lunch break and grab an espresso and food to get some brownie points with his friend. I figured if I couldn’t totally win with his family I could at least win with his friends.

  I was about to approach the café when I saw a familiar car parked in front of it. I smirked knowing it was Tiffany. I walked up to it and knocked on her window making her jump, “What are you doing?”

  “Getting coffee!” she said mischievously while getting out of the car.

  “Traveled this far for a cup of coffee?”

  “I really liked his latte...” She said nervously. I smirked knowing that was a lie. Yeah his lattes were great, but with gas prices, they weren’t that great. She glared at me. “Hey. Just because you found your lover boy and completely forget about me and your work out buddies doesn’t give you---” she stopped herself, “I don’t know where I’m going with this. I’m not even going to deny it. Does my hair look okay? How about my makeup?”

  “Looks great.” I smiled and dragged her in the coffee shop with me.

  “Are you sure?” She whispered.

  “You look gorgeous.”

  I purposely came at that time because I knew it would not be super busy. Morning people already had their cup and the afternoon crowd wasn’t here yet.

  “Oh, hey ladies. What can I do for you two?” he asked us both. I noticed his face light up from seeing Tiffany.

  “Espresso please with as many shots possible.” I quickly said needing a caffeine boost. Both Tiffany and Daniel looked surprised at my order and I shrugged it off.

  “So... Why all the caffeine?” Daniel asked as he worked on our drinks.

  “Haven’t been sleeping well lately. I’m starting to get a huge headache because of it and getting sleepy now. Maybe the caffeine will help.” I said with a forced smile hoping that would detour any questions about meeting James’s family. Plus I needed more brownie points with him. Look like a happy girlfriend and have approving boyfriend friends.

  “Meeting the family was that bad?” he asked. I bit my lip to prevent myself from venting. “James mentioned you were meeting his family yesterday. He was nervous…”

  “Oh...” I said and noticed that Tiffany stopped staring at Daniel to start staring at me. I guess I forgot to mention I was meeting his family.

  “Don’t be hard on him if it didn’t go well. He likes you a lot, and his family can be a little.... intimidating.” He said as he placed our prepared coffee on the counter.

  Intimidating doesn’t even begin to describe it. I nodded as I grabbed the coffee. “Thanks Daniel.”

  We marched over to the same table we sat at last time.“So...spill. What happened?” Tiffany asked before she took a sip of her coffee.

  “Well... his family seems like they would be nice. But his younger sister hates me already. And his cousin, the reason why they were having a barbeque, was super creepy.”

  “Creepy? How so?”

  “I don’t know...”

  “Was it how he looked?”

  “No. Definitely not… he was cute in his own way. Good looks definitely run in his family. I’m just not comfortable around him...”

  “Maybe he was having naughty thoughts about you.” she said.

  “How the hell would that make me freaked out by him? I can’t hear his thoughts.”

  “Hey you never know. You are hot. And girls can feel that sort of thing. Kind of like when a creepy old guy is staring. You just know.” She went on and I could only shake my head, “Maybe you felt the vibe and you were creped out by it.”

  I rolled my eyes as a response, “He’s not a creepy old guy. He just doesn’t like me. I think he doesn’t like James either so it could just be my association with him.”

  She shrugged. “Now what about his sister, why does she hate you?”

  “Well...his oldest sister Jenny liked me. She said Ellie’s going through a teenager phase and is over protective of his big brother.”

  She nodded, “Makes sense, give it time Kar, they’ll love you soon enough.” She smiled. “Think about it, if you had a sister. Wouldn’t she be protective of you at first?”

  “I guess...”

  After a long day at work, I stayed in my office doing some last minute touches on the marketing plan I was working on for Adela Français. The extra caffeine from earlier was starting to wear off and I had to re-read the report over and over again to make sure it was perfect.

  I re-read every paragraph making sure a single period wasn’t out of place. I had to get the promotion. I wasn’t even sure if I wanted the promotion for the promotion anymore or if I was competing with Jennifer. Probably a little of both.

  I looked outside the window and realized how dark it was. “I guess I should probably head out now.” I mumbled to myself. I always hated the dark and was kind of a baby when it came to it. Regretfully shutting off my computer and packing up my stuff in my purse I knew I was going to have to eventually make my way out in the scary dark parking lot.

  I stood at the glass door separating me from the dark outside world. I considered calling James to hear his voice while I walk to my car. But then realized how much of a baby I’d be if I actually did that.

  But after five minutes of still not moving and practically having a heart attack when the janitor came out of the elevator I decided it would be best if I did call him. I got my phone out of my purse and dialed his number as fast as I could.

  “Hey beautiful.” He said after the second ring.

  “Hey... are you busy? I didn’t even look at the time when I called...but could you stay on the phone with me for a moment?”

  “Of course...it’s never a bad time for you.”

  I giggled, “You’re so cute.”

  “Again with the cute. How many times do I have to tell you that cute isn’t exactly what a boyfriend wants to hear baby.” he said, his deep phone voice giving me butterflies.

  “Sorry. What did I say last time? Oh that’s right, I meant to say you’re manly and hot.”

  He laughed and acted offended, “Now you’re mocking me. But I don’t think you said hot last time…”

  “Tough.” I smirked.

  I was quiet as I walked down the mostly empty parking lot. I had never realized how big it was till now. I made a vow to myself that I would park in the company garage rather than the lot. Even though that’s just as creepy.

  Or maybe I should leave at six like everyone else. No more over achieving. Screw beating Jennifer at the promotion. At least I’d stay alive.

  “What’s wrong baby? You’re so quiet.” He asked sounding worried.

  “I’m just walking in the parking lot and it’s creepy. I’m kind of scared” I admitted getting more paranoid as I said it out loud.

  “Why are you scared?”

  “As much as I love the night. It creeps me out. My friend in high school, her grandma used to say the ‘devil’s friends come out to play at night’ and she would never let us out late when we hung out. Ever since then I’ve been paranoid.” I admitted but laughed at myself for being such a baby.

  “I’ll protect you.” I could almost hear his smile.

  “Now you’re the one mocking me.” I mumbled not being able to fight off my smile either.

  “Never.”

  “Well you’re---” I stopped mid-sentence when I saw a figure next to my car. My heart dropped t
o my stomach as if I went on a roller-coaster. Just as I stopped the figure vanished.

  “Karina?” He asked almost panicked.

  “Yeah...” I was barely able to get my voice out. That had to be my imagination. I had to just be imagining things from my lack of sleep.

  “Why did you stop talking?”

  “I...” I saw it again, next to another car on the other side of the parking lot. My eyes shot around the parking lot trying to catch the figure again but every time I had a glimpse it was further from the other and only seconds long.

  “Karina, talk to me!” he almost yelled.

  “I keep seeing... something. I think there is more than one…” I whispered.

  I could hear shuffling on his line as if he was standing up or if he dropped something, “What are you seeing, can you describe it? Is it a person?”

  “It looks like a person... it was by my car at first and then the other side of the parking lot in seconds. There has to be more. They keep practically vanishing and showing up in opposite ends.” I said trying to hide my fear, but failed miserably as my voice shook. “It has to be my imagination…right?”

  “Are you near any buildings with people? Could you go there? I’ll come pick you up.”

  “I’m in the middle of the parking lot...” I wasn’t hiding my panic anymore. I felt like something bad was going to happen. A gut feeling was telling me that it wasn’t my lack of sleep and something told me that James knew it too. Someone was with me.

  Just as I was about to say something to James, I felt something hit my hand making me drop my phone.

  Whoever it was grabbed my wrist, spun me around, and was suddenly grabbing both my wrists. I was about to scream when my own voice wouldn’t come out from the shock of his face.

  He had to be wearing a costume of some sort. He looked like a monster. The fact that it’s not Halloween and he is wearing that mask only sent my panic into overdrive. But it wasn’t some measly dark ski mask in order to hide attention. He had jet black hair and bright red eyes. Something about him was so familiar but I couldn’t figure out if I knew him or had heard of him.