4 Waxing & Waning

by Amanda M. Lee

  “No.”

  “What are you doing then?”

  “Standing guard.” I couldn’t see his face, but Rafael’s voice sounded like he was offended.

  “From what?”

  “Sheldon.”

  “Sheldon isn’t a threat,” I said. “Creepy guys who sneak in your bedroom and watch you sleep are a threat.”

  “I’m not watching you sleep.”

  “Really? What are you watching? You’re facing my bed.”

  “Well … I have to guard you.”

  “I can’t sleep knowing you’re in here,” I said. “It freaks me out. Go home.”

  “What if Sheldon comes back?”

  “He won’t.”

  “You need protection.”

  “Okay,” I said, frustration getting the better of me. “I don’t care what pop culture says. Anyone, whether they’re a vampire or a regular person, watching a woman sleep borders on crazy.”

  “I’m your protector,” Rafael argued.

  “I’m my protector,” I said. “I put up with you skulking in the yard because … well, I can’t really stop you. This, though? This is over the line.”

  “That guy in that movie does it and the heroine loves it,” Rafael said.

  “What movie?” He was trying my patience.

  “That vampire movie,” Rafael said. “The one where they all sparkle.”

  “Yeah, well, those movies also had a heroine who went to bed for six months because the guy she’d been dating for two weeks dumped her. That’s not me.”

  “You are tiresome,” he grumbled.

  “And you’re freaking me out.”

  “Fine. I’ll leave.”

  “Great. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  Rafael paused, his hand on the door handle. “If you think this is freaky, why did that movie make so much money?”

  “I have no idea.”

  “HOW ARE you feeling?”

  It was the next morning, and Kelsey looked a little green as she rested her head against the cold laminate of the dining room table. I felt inexplicably invigorated.

  “Why did you let me drink so much?” Kelsey complained.

  “I didn’t even see you when you were drinking,” I said. “How could I have stopped you?”

  “It’s easier blaming you than myself,” Kelsey admitted.

  “What do you remember?”

  Kelsey wrinkled her nose. “Um, well, I remember beer.”

  “There was definitely beer.”

  “I remember Aric and his skank girlfriend showing up.”

  “She’s definitely a skank.”

  “I remember you hitting her.”

  “She definitely deserved it.”

  “Everything else is kind of a blur,” Kelsey admitted.

  “There wasn’t much else,” I conceded. “Did you throw up?”

  “Oh, yeah.”

  “Did you drink some water?”

  “Yeah. I threw that up, too.”

  “Do you want me to cook you something?”

  “Nope,” Kelsey said. “I want to try and make it a few hours without hurling.”

  I smirked. “Okay.”

  “What’s up?” Paris asked, popping into the room. “Oh, man, how are you feeling?”

  “Do you have to talk so loud?” Kelsey complained.

  “I’ll try to keep your hangover in mind,” Paris said, pushing Kelsey’s bedraggled hair away from her face. “You don’t look so good, honey.”

  “I feel like I’ve been reincarnated as a hairball,” Kelsey said. “One of those ones that lives in the drain for six months until it has to be sucked out with a plunger.”

  “You look like it, too,” Paris said.

  “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome.” Paris scooted around Kelsey’s limp figure and settled in a chair. “Well, last night was fun.”

  “I had fun,” I said.

  “You did?”

  “Hey, I got to punch Caitlyn,” I said. “Then I got a new nickname. What’s not to love?”

  “You’re grading the night on a curve, right?”

  “Probably.”

  “Well, I’ve got some news,” Paris said.

  I waited.

  “My mom managed to match up the amulet from one of our books.”

  I stiffened. “Am I going to hate this or love this?”

  “I don’t know,” Paris admitted. “I figure information is good, and no one knows we have the amulet, so I’m counting that as win.”

  She had a point. “What is it?”

  “It’s a resurrection stone,” Paris said.

  I leaned back in my chair. “I’m still waiting for the good part. What is the resurrection stone?”

  “It’s pretty rare,” Paris said. “It’s worth a lot of money on the right circuit.”

  “You want to sell it?” That didn’t sound right.

  “No,” Paris said. “That would be bad.”

  “Okay, lay it on me,” I said. “What is a resurrection stone?”

  “I don’t know everything,” Paris cautioned. “I’m going to do some research. I should have some more information after our break.”

  I raised my eyebrows.

  “What I do know is that it’s big.”

  “Of course it is,” I said. “I don’t know how to do things if they’re small. And, yes, I realize that sounds dirty now that I’ve said it.”

  “It’s Egyptian,” Paris said, ignoring my double entendre. “Some people say it was cursed by Cleopatra herself. Although, other people seem to think it’s Greek. I’m not sure if that matters.”

  “I would assume a resurrection stone is supposed to bring the dead back to life,” I said. “That clearly didn’t work for Cleopatra.”

  “A resurrection stone, in theory, can bring an army back from the dead,” Paris said. “It’s not just for one person.”

  I furrowed my brow. “Why would the wolves want one?”

  “I don’t know.”

  I chewed on my bottom lip. “Why would the Academy want it?”

  “Maybe they want to stop someone else from using it,” Paris suggested.

  “Why?”

  “I don’t know,” Paris said, her voice jumping an octave. “I can’t know everything.”

  “I’m confused,” I admitted. “Can a resurrection stone bring anyone back?”

  Paris shrugged. “I don’t know.”

  “I mean, are we talking zombies here? Are we talking ghosts? Or are we talking about … curing vampires?”

  Paris’ face was awash with indecision. “I don’t know.”

  Crap. Things just kept getting more and more convoluted. There was no way I could walk away now – no matter how much the idea might entice me.

  This was a whole new level to the game – and we were winning. I think.

  Twenty

  The rest of the semester flew by. Finals were a pain – but they were easier than they had been in the past. Now that I was taking classes that actually piqued my interest – Oceanography and the never-ending study of tidal patterns notwithstanding – things were simplifying themselves.

  Well, at least on the academic front.

  My personal life was still a mess. We’re not dwelling on that, though. Yeah, sure, a vampire thinks watching me sleep is fine – and the werewolf I used to date has a total wench as a girlfriend – but these are not the things I’m focusing on. What? I’m not. Oh, shut up.

  Professor Blake was still acting cagey. He promised he would have more information when I returned from Christmas break, but I wasn’t holding my breath. I was lying to him; he was lying to me. It was like a carousel that never stopped. He was just one of the creepy ducks on the carousel that gave me nightmares. And, no, I’m not bitter.

  “I can’t believe we’re finally having a party.”

  I was sitting on the couch, flipping through the channels, when Tally descended from the second floor. She looked like she was going to a disco bar instead of a house p
arty.

  “We’ve had several parties,” I said. “And I can’t tell you how excited I am for this one.”

  “Has the keg arrived?”

  None of us were twenty-one yet, so we’d had to cajole the new fixture in our lives, Scott, into paying for the keg. He was out with Paris right now securing it. “Nope.”

  “What are you doing?”

  “Debating the meaning of life.”

  Tally pursed her lips. She was wearing a cropped top, her toned midriff on display for the masses to enjoy, and her hair was perfect. I still couldn’t figure out how one person could wear so much makeup. “Is that a joke?”

  “I’m watching Duck Dynasty,” I replied. “What do you think?”

  “Is that a joke?”

  She’s so slow sometimes. “Do you need something?”

  “Where is Kristy?”

  I had no idea. The only time I spent with the girl involved sitting on the floor in front of the television playing euchre. She was surprisingly adept when it came to card games. “In her room?”

  “Is that what you’re wearing?”

  I glanced down at my simple V-neck and jeans and shrugged. “I wasn’t aware it was a fashion show.”

  “I didn’t say it was a fashion show,” she said.

  “We should probably have told everyone else,” I said. “What if someone wears polyester?”

  “You’re so difficult,” Tally said, shuddering at the thought of polyester. “I don’t understand why you have to be so harsh.”

  I sighed. “I’m not harsh. I’m sarcastic.”

  “Is there a difference?”

  “I’m probably not the person to ask.” Why was she still talking to me?

  Thankfully, the front door opened and Paris and Scott made their way into the house – each holding the handle of a keg.

  “Yay,” Tally said, clapping her hands. “I was so worried you wouldn’t make it.”

  “Where would they have gone?” I asked.

  Tally ignored me. “Let’s put the keg in the basement.”

  Scott winked at me. He was still cute. “Lead the way.”

  “SPADES ALONE.”

  Scott smiled, laying his hand face down on the floor. Apparently I’m the freaky girl who plays euchre at parties now. I’m fine with it. No, really.

  Once I claimed all five tricks and won the game, I got to my feet. “I need another beer.”

  Scott nodded. “I’ll be here when you get back.”

  I liked him. Not in the way he wanted – at least I didn’t think so – but he was calming. When did playing euchre at a party instead of actually partying become my favorite way of celebrating? That was a sobering question.

  There were too many people in the house. I’m not claustrophobic, but I’m not a fan of crowds either. After filling my beer, I decided to make a quick stop in the bathroom before rejoining the euchre circle. Scott had promised to keep my spot safe – so I wasn’t worried.

  There were two bathrooms in the house. The one upstairs was a full bathroom, the one downstairs only had a toilet and sink. Since no one was waiting outside, I opted for the half bath on the main floor.

  The handle wouldn’t turn – which meant someone was inside. After waiting three minutes – and not hearing a sound on the other side – I knocked.

  There was no answer.

  I waited a little while longer and then knocked again. This time, I heard a noise. “I’m busy.”

  Those aren’t the words you want to hear in a bathroom at a party. “Is everything okay?”

  “I’m busy.”

  “You already said that.”

  “Well, things haven’t changed.”

  I frowned. “I have to pee.”

  “So?”

  “So, you’re in the bathroom.”

  “Oh, that would explain the sink.”

  Sometimes, there are no words. “Can I come in?”

  I waited, finally relaxing my shoulders when I heard the lock disengage on the other side of the door. I pushed it open, sucking in a breath when I took in the scene inside.

  The girl standing in the small room was tall – like ridiculously tall. What is it with tall college girls these days? They should be outlawed.

  Her long, blonde hair fell to her waist – and clearly came from a bottle. Her eyes were blue, her top barely covering her breasts it was cropped so high. Her arms were stretched to the sides – her palms resting against both walls – and her legs were spread over the toilet.

  Thankfully, she was wearing jeans and didn’t seem to be doing anything untoward.

  “Um, what’s going on?”

  “I’m doing yoga,” she replied.

  “In the bathroom?”

  “Where would you suggest I do it?”

  “At your home,” I said. “The bathroom is not the place for yoga.”

  “Says you.”

  I rolled my eyes. She appeared drunk – but I had a feeling something else was going on. “I have to pee.”

  “So? Go.”

  “I prefer to do that alone.”

  “Then maybe you should have picked another bathroom,” the girl challenged.

  “This is my house,” I said. “Get out.”

  “No.”

  Part of me hated her. Part of me admired her moxie. I raised my eyebrows. “Fine.”

  I pushed into the room, nudging her to the side with my hip as I closed the door behind me. I engaged the lock and pulled down my pants.

  “What are you doing?”

  “This is a bathroom,” I said. “I’m doing what comes naturally.”

  When I was done, I pushed the girl out of my way again so I could wash my hands. She pressed herself against the wall and watched me. “You’re funny,” she said as I dried my hands on the towel hanging from the rack on the wall.

  “I do standup on Thursdays.”

  “I can see that.”

  I turned, focusing my eyes on her finally. “What are you on?”

  “I’m not on anything.”

  “The pupils of your eyes are dilated,” I said. “That’s not a beer high.”

  “I may have dropped some acid,” the girl conceded.

  Acid? Was someone selling acid at this party? I didn’t often draw lines – but that was one I would consider drawing.

  “What’s your name?” I asked.

  “Danielle.”

  “What are you doing in here?”

  “I was doing yoga,” she said. “Now I’m swimming.”

  I glanced around again. “There’s no water.”

  “Yes, there is.”

  “No, there’s not.”

  “Your mind is limited,” Danielle said. “You just can’t see it.”

  “And you can?”

  “I’m a dolphin. Of course I can.”

  Oh, good. “You’re a dolphin?”

  The girl pointed to the ring in her bellybutton. “See.”

  I hunkered down and took a better look. The silver ring in her stomach did have a dolphin charm. “Okay, you’re a dolphin.”

  “I’m swimming.”

  “You are,” I agreed, reaching for the door handle.

  “Do you want to swim with me?”

  “I’m a shark,” I said. “Sharks eat dolphins.”

  Danielle scowled. “You’re evil.”

  “You have no idea.” I pushed open the door and stepped out into the living room, sucking in a deep breath when the stagnant air I’d been breathing dissipated. I paused. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m a dolphin. I’m part of nature’s magic.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “I’m swimming.”

  “I see.” I rolled my eyes as I met Scott’s curious gaze. He was standing a few feet away watching me.

  “Is everything okay?”

  “She thinks she’s a dolphin.”

  Scott peered around me. “Okay.”

  “She dropped acid.”

  “Ah, that would explain it. Are you ready to play som
e more?”

  I was about to agree, but something stopped me. “I’m not sure.”

  “Do you want to deal with her?” Scott asked sagely.

  “Do I want to? No. Do I feel the need to? Yeah.”

  Scott smirked. “Come find me when you’re done.”

  “You got it.”

  I turned back to Danielle, who was contorting her body into a position that shouldn’t have been possible given the nature of the human body. “Hey, dolphin, do you want to go swimming?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Where does your pod live?”

  “Out in the ocean,” Danielle replied.

  “Do you want to swim there?”

  Danielle cocked her head to the side, considering. “Yes.”

  “Well, let’s go,” I said. “I’m going to follow you in the boat to make sure you get there safely.”

  “Cool.”

  I followed Danielle out of the house, fighting the urge to keep up a running commentary as she swam down the sidewalk. Her moves were jerky. I swallowed the urge to laugh every time she “surfaced for air.”

  I had no idea if Danielle knew where she was going – but I was hopeful. At a certain point, I realized I’d lost track of where we were.

  “Crap,” I muttered. “Hey, dolphin, where are we?”

  “The Pacific.”

  “Oh, good. Do you live in the Pacific?”

  “Yes.”

  Well, that was encouraging. “How close are we to your home?”

  Danielle pointed to the house on the corner. “So close.”

  Thank the ocean mammal. “Let’s reunite you with your pod.”

  “Oh, yes.” Danielle climbed the stairs to the house.

  “Please tell me you have a key.”

  “I … .”

  I swung around, sensing the presence of invaders before seeing them. I found myself flying through the air before I could focus on the people behind me, landing in the adjacent yard.

  It took me a second to regain my bearings. There were two figures descending on Danielle, and I wasn’t close enough to stop them. They were vampires, I knew that. I didn’t recognize either of them.

  “Hey!”

  Danielle screamed when a pair of fangs descended into her neck. A second pair joined the first.

  “Hey!”

  The vampires ignored me.

  “Sonofabitch.” I raced toward them, my hands catching fire as I moved. I paused when I saw the green light emanating from them, my mind struggling to grasp what was happening. “What the hell?”