Echoes of You

by Margaret McHeyzer

  “You okay?” Dylan asks.

  Zhen lays down and puts his head on my stomach. “I don’t like him, Dylan.”

  “I know.”

  “I’ll talk to her tonight.”

  “I think that’s the best thing.”

  “But I’m worried. And a part of me wants to follow them to the movie to make sure she’s safe. I’ve got a bad feeling. A real bad feeling.”

  “This is difficult, because you don’t want to alienate her so she won’t tell you anything. I think you need to give her space, and talk to her when she gets home tonight.”

  Dylan’s right, I can’t bombard her when Preston is near. I need to approach this cautiously. “I know. Maybe I should talk to Mom and Dad too.”

  “You don’t want to betray her trust. You two are really tight, right?”

  “Aha,” I mutter.

  “Unless you have something really concrete, I wouldn’t spill anything to your parents yet. You don’t want them worrying if there’s nothing to worry about. Just talk to her. I’m sure you’ll both sort through this.”

  Zhen’s face is over mine, and he’s panting. Drool falls on my face. “Zhen, did you really have to slobber on me?” Zhen wags his tail. His entire body moves when he’s happy and wags his tail. “Alright, boy.” Sitting up, I don’t want to leave. “What’ll you cook for me on Thursday night?”

  “What do you want?”

  “I’ll get my PA to email you a list of my do’s and don’t’s. And I only drink Evian water, chilled at a precise sixty-four point four degrees. It must contain three round ice cubes, not melted, and must be in a tall, blue glass.”

  Dylan laughs. “I’ll get on to that right away. Does one also require twenty feet of red carpet?”

  “Don’t be ridiculous,” I humorously play.

  “Phew, here I thought you might be difficult.”

  “Twenty feet is way too long. Fifteen will do.” He laughs, and quickly slides his arm around my waist, rolling me over so I’m on top of him. He stares into my eyes, and lifts his head to kiss me. “I have dog slobber.”

  “And I picked up dog poo.”

  “You win.” I lean down, his head relaxes on the picnic blanket, and I place a gentle kiss on his lips. He snakes his hand up to the back of my head, and entwines his fingers into my hair. He deepens the kiss. It’s not an elicit take it behind closed door kiss, more like a Disney movie kiss. Quite a bit more than a peck, but not quite carnal.

  “I like kissing you,” he mutters against my lips.

  “I like you kissing me,” I reply. Placing my head to his chest, I can hear the regular rhythm of his heartbeat. He draws lazy circles on my back. “I think I really like you,” I admit.

  I feel him chuckle. “That’s a good thing, because I wouldn’t be too impressed if you went around kissing random guys.”

  “So I shouldn’t tell you about the guy I kissed yesterday? Or how about the guy I kissed three days ago? Oh, there was that other guy who…” I don’t get a chance to finish my sentence, because his hands go from my back to my waist. He finds every ticklish spot I have, and keeps going until I’m laughing so hard I swear the other picnic goers would be looking. “Stop…” I try to say through gales of laughter.

  “How many guys have you been kissing?” he teases as he continues his deadly assault on me.

  “Heaps,” I manage to say. He keeps tickling. I’m laughing so much, that Zhen decides to join in and climb on top of us both, trying to nip at us. Zorro looks at us, and turns back to sleeping on his side. He doesn’t care. “Don’t…stop.”

  “Don’t stop? Oh, okay.” He flips us, so he’s over me. Zhen is now play barking. He stops tickling, and I calm down. My cheeks hurt from laughing so much. “Now, about those guys.”

  “I promise, I haven’t been kissing random guys.”

  He ducks his head down, plants a big kiss on my lips, then jumps up to his feet. “That’s all I wanted.” He holds his hand out, and I grab on to it. “I’ve got a project I have to finish up, and if I stay any longer, I won’t get it done. Do you want to come back to my apartment?”

  I look at Zhen and Zorro, and I know they wouldn’t like it. “I’d better not.”

  Dylan picks the picnic blanket up, and shakes it out. “It’s an open invitation. Any time you want, you’re officially invited.”

  He takes the basket, and I clip on Zhen’s and Zorro’s leashes. We walk back to our cars. “Apart from Preston, I enjoyed today. Actually, I’m glad Preston was here. It showed me the kind of man he is. He’s arrogant, and selfish, and I don’t like the way he looks at my sister.”

  “If you need anything, you can call me, okay?”

  “I will.”

  We get to our cars, and I open the back door. Both boys jump in, and sit. I open the trunk, so Dylan can place the picnic basket in. He walks around to me, and blankets me in a hug, close to his body. I feel him kiss the top of my head. “You’re so short. What are you, five foot nothing?” he laughs.

  “I’m five-foot-six. I’m not that short. You’re just freakishly tall. What are you, eight feet?” I put on a deep voice, mimicking, and teasing him.

  “No, I’m six-foot-four.”

  “Freak.”

  “Short-ass,” he counters instantly.

  “I’m not short!”

  He laughs, and bends to give me a kiss. “Okay, you’re not short. But I have to go.”

  “I know. Message me later?”

  “You better believe it.” He steps away, and I already miss him. He walks backward toward his car. “In case you’re wondering, I’m etching every detail of you in my mind.”

  Oh, how beautiful. I don’t want him to go at all. But he has to. “Bye.” I get in my car, and drive away, refusing to look at him. I can’t torture myself like this. I like hanging out with Dylan, but he has work to do.

  At least today taught me a few things.

  Biggest thing was that Preston isn’t a good fit for Tina.

  I’ll talk to her tonight when she gets home. I’m worried for her; my stomach gurgles with concern. Turning onto the main road leading to my home, I get a quick glimpse of something that’s dirty white. That bunny. It startles me. Pulling over to the side of the road, I blink a few times, and look around. “What was that?” I say aloud to myself. It was there, vivid in my mind. I take several deep breaths, and calm myself.

  What is it with this damn bunny?

  Ten comes and goes.

  Eleven comes and goes.

  Midnight comes and goes.

  I send a text to Tina. What time will you be home?

  I anxiously wait with my phone in my hand. Pacing in my room, I’m worried about her. Something isn’t right. Why hasn’t she texted me back? Zhen sits beside my bed, watching me circle my bedroom floor.

  My stomach churns with uneasiness, and my skin is covered in fine goosebumps. This isn’t like Tina. She always replies to my texts. The turmoil within tightens, coiling tighter, ready to snap and strike.

  I look at my phone and it unlocks with facial recognition. I tap on the green phone icon, and hit favorites. Tina’s number is third on my list, beneath Mom and Dad. I dial her number. It rings out.

  Crap.

  I dial it again.

  It rings out.

  I don’t have Preston’s number, or I’d be calling him too.

  I dial for the third time. This time, Tina answers. “For fuck’s sake, Molly. What do you want?”

  “Are you on your way home?”

  “You don’t have to check up on me. Mom and Dad trust me; why can’t you?” she snaps angrily.

  “I do trust you. I was just worried. I thought you may have gotten into an accident or something.”

  “I’m fine.” She’s short with me. She doesn’t say anything else. “Is that it?”

  “When do you think you’ll be home?”

  “I’ll be home in time to help you with the dogs, okay?”

  Man, she’s so angry at me. I hate this. I ha
ve to fix it. “Just…I’m sorry. Be safe, okay? Call me if you need anything.”

  “Whatever.” She hangs up on me.

  I walk over to my bed, and sit on the edge. Zhen moves and places his head on my lap. A tear trickles down my cheek, and I try to hold in the hurt and sorrow. I can’t believe she hung up on me.

  Wiping away my tears, I stand and head into the bathroom. Turning on the light, I look at my reflection. I’ve got dark circles beneath my eyes, and my skin looks blotchy. I turn on the faucet, and splash water on my face.

  “Okay, stay awake until she gets home, then talk to her,” I say to the girl with sad eyes in the reflection. Turning off the light, I head back to bed, and lay down. I like falling asleep to meditations, but I don’t put one on, because I want to stay awake for when Tina comes home.

  I drop my arm, and feel for Zhen. He’s right there, almost like he knows I need him.

  “It’s time.”

  “Time for what?” I ask.

  He slumps his shoulders and looks down at the floor. “We can’t keep doing this. You know what has to happen. Here.” He holds the stupid, ugly rabbit by its ears and thrusts it out to me. “Take it.”

  My throat tightens, as panic claws its way through my veins. “No, I’m not doing this,” I say, as if I know what this all means.

  The boy-man steps closer. “This is why you’re here. It’s your role, your job. We all have to protect her. It’s the only reason why we’re here. All of us,” he says through a clenched jaw.

  “I’m not doing this anymore.”

  “I’m sorry, Neve, but you have to.”

  “Molly, don’t take the rabbit,” Dylan appears beside my bed.

  “She has to. If she doesn’t, we can’t protect her.”

  “Who are you protecting?” I ask looking between Dylan and the boy in the white t-shirt. “Who are you? Why are you here?”

  The boy steps forward as he moves closer to my bed, ignoring Dylan. “You know who I am, and you know why I’m here. Take the rabbit, please.” He holds it out again. He looks defeated.

  “No, don’t,” Dylan begs.

  I reach for the rabbit, my fingers only an inch away.

  “What the hell is your problem, Molly?” Tina’s angry voice startles me awake. “Do you know how embarrassing it is to have your sister check up on you?”

  “You’re home,” I say still trying to wake up and decipher the dream I had. That rabbit was back, and I think Dylan was here, too. Wait, was he?

  “I told you I was coming home. I can’t believe you and what you did. Do you know what Preston said? He said you must be bored and you have nothing better to do than to meddle in my business.” Her footsteps are heavy as she walks out of my room. Tina slams the door to her room, making me startle. I hope she didn’t wake Mom and Dad.

  I tiptoe out of my room, and look in the direction of our parent’s room. I wait a few moments, expecting them to come out. But they don’t. I head to Tina’s room, and knock on the door. “Tina.”

  “No, go away. I’m pissed off at you so bad. I can’t even look at you.”

  “Tina, let me in!” I try the door handle, but she’s locked it from the inside. “Tina,” I call again in a low voice, loud enough for her to hear, but not loud enough to wake Mom and Dad.

  “Go away.”

  “Fine, I’m going to wake Mom and Dad. Maybe they can get you to open your door.” I turn to find Zhen sitting outside my door. I take two steps, and hear the door opening.

  “I’m already angry at you. Do you want to make it worse?” she snaps.

  “No, I don’t. But I want to talk to you.”

  She crosses her arms in front of her chest, but steps aside. Phew, at least she’s allowing me into her room. I head in, Zhen’s right behind me. “Go back to bed, boy.” Zhen turns, and walks into my room. “Can I sit?” I ask.

  “Knock yourself out.” Tina’s still standing by her door, looking down at her fingernails. “What was so important that you had to keep calling like that?”

  “I wanted to talk to you about Preston.”

  “Ugh.” Tina rolls her eyes and shakes her head. “He was right,” she mumbles.

  “Right? About what?”

  “That you’re bored, and have nothing better to do.”

  “That’s not true. He gives me a bad feeling, Tina. The way he talks and acts, he’s really… I don’t know how to describe him. It’s like he’s possessive, or trying to control you.’

  “I’m not an idiot, Molly. I can judge people for myself.’

  “You asked me to let you know what I thought. And I’m not saying you’re an idiot. I just want you to be careful, okay.”

  “There’s the patronizing bullshit you always get away with. You’ve got this sweet and innocent thing down pat, don’t you? I’m having fun, Molly, and I suggest you do the same thing.”

  “Tina, I’m worried. Preston creeps me out. The way he talks, how he interacted with me today, it’s not right.”

  “Oh, and Dylan is the perfect guy, right? He was patronizing Preston. Did you hear how he was talking to him? And what’s with the best chicken he’s ever eaten? It wasn’t that good; even Preston said he’s eaten better.”

  “Huh,” I say as I stand. “Well, it appears you and Preston now share the same opinions. Careful, Tina. Next thing you know, he’ll be telling you that I can’t love you like a real sister and only he understands you. Classic move from a predator. Isolation, then control.”

  “You have no idea what you’re talking about. Now, get out.” She points out the door.

  I stop in front of her as I leave her room. “This is exactly what he wants, for us to fight and drift apart. But is it what you want?” I don’t give her a chance to respond. I leave before she can say a word.

  Walking into my room, I find Zhen asleep on my bed. He’s on his back, his legs up in the air. “Zhen,” I say as I try to slide into bed. He moves over, making room for me.

  I lay in bed awake, going over everything that just happened.

  I need to get sleep. I’m tired, but I don’t think I can. The nightmare and Tina’s anger have left me shaken. Preston isn’t a good guy. I know it. I’ve read plenty of books, watched enough real-life documentaries to know how a predator works. Isolation, manipulation, then total control. Images of Preston’s judgmental face when Tina reached for more food flashes through my mind. I can’t shake the bad feeling I have. I have to try and talk her out of pursuing any kind of serious relationship with him.

  My eyelids become heavy, and before I know it, Preston is the last thing on my mind.

  My hands tremble as I reach for the buzzer on the outside of the building. I hope Dylan doesn’t expect anything from me tonight. My nerves are dancing. In my head, I suspect that something has to happen, regardless of the fact Dylan keeps telling he’ll take it slow. I believe him, I do. But I’m also conflicted as to how slow I’m going to be for him.

  I press the buzzer and wait.

  “You’re right on time. I’ll meet you down stairs.”

  “Okay,” I reply through the intercom. The door buzzes, and I walk into the foyer. Ahead of me are two elevators side-by-side. On the left wall is a door that has a sign which reads ‘stairs,’ there’s also a hallway that runs the length of the building with two apartments. To the right, there’s another hallway, again with two apartments.

  One of the elevators descends. When it reaches the ground floor, the doors open and I catch my first glimpse of the beautiful man, Dylan. He’s leaning against the hand railing wearing loose fitting jeans, and a green t-shirt. His dirty blond hair is combed back neatly. He is truly stunning, so much so, he takes my breath away. “Wow,” I whisper.

  He pushes off the hand railing and walks toward me. “Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.” He sweeps me up in a hug, and gives me a kiss on the lips. “You have no idea how much I missed you. Just the thought of us spending this time together kept me going through all those boring meetings.”

>   “Believe it or not, I missed you too.” I wrap my arm around his waist as he presses the button to wait for the elevator. God, he smells so good.

  “I hope you’re hungry. I’ve been cooking since I returned from the airport. I’ve made an Indian curry for you. I hope you like it spicy.”

  “A curry?” Not what I was expecting at all.

  “A chicken curry.” I grimace and groan.

  Dylan looks at me, as the elevator doors open. “What? You don’t have to eat it if you don’t want to. I can order pizza.”

  “Did I forget to tell you, I’m vegan.”

  “Oh shit. Really?”

  I can’t hold the smile in. “Nah, just messing with you. I don’t think I’ve ever had a spicy curry before. That’s really weird. Why’d you pick a curry to make?”

  “Well, when I was younger my Dad and I used to try all kinds of foods. It was like a bonding time for us. And my Dad had never had a curry before, obviously neither had I. There used to be a small family-run curry restaurant in the town where we were living, and we thought we’d give it a try. It was always busy. I mean you could go there on any day of the week, and there’d be a half hour wait. Dad and I went knowing nothing about curry, but being really excited to try something new.”

  “How old were you?” The doors open on the third level, and Dylan grabs onto my hand as we walk down the hallway.

  “I was about ten, I think. Anyway, Dad ordered a chicken vindaloo, and I ordered butter chicken. Bear in mind, neither of us had ever had a curry.”

  “What happened?” Dylan reaches into his pocket and grabs his keys, before unlocking his front door. He opens the door, and I’m assaulted with unfamiliar, but delicious smells. Of course, I can identify the scents of garlic and fried onion, but the other odors, I have no idea. If I’m being honest, it smells amazing in here. “Yum,” I say as I close my eyes and inhale deeply.

  “Dad had no idea his chicken vindaloo is one of the hottest curries. Not the hottest, but up there. He scooped up a huge serving, and shoved it in his mouth. His face went red, he had snot coming out of nose, and his eyes were watering. But he loved it. Loved it so much, he asked for it every time we went back.”