Descendant

by LJ Amodeo

  “Beth, you are not like everyone else. You are unique. Extraordinary,” she whispered tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “Love and accept who you are.” Her words had me wondering if Freddie told her about our conversation. But knowing Freddie, he’d given me his word and he’d keep it till our last breath.

  “Oh, Sweetie, I’m sorry your date ended the way it did,” she said, stroking my hair.

  “What do you mean ended the way it did? What happened, Mom? Did Michael say something? I. . .I knew it. He’ll probably never want to see me again.” I sat up feeling weak and sickened by the events that transpired the night before.

  “That’s not true, Beth. He helped you into the house. You were not yourself last night. So pale, you had us both worried. I called Dr. Miller, and he prescribed a stronger medication. Michael picked it up for me this morning from the pharmacy. Here” She extended her hand, holding a small yellow capsule in her palm. “Take this, eat your breakfast, and drink your tea. Be sure to eat, Beth, please. You’re getting too thin,” she said, stroking my face before leaving my room.

  The sour taste of bile remained in my mouth. I put the capsule down on the breakfast tray and went into the bathroom to brush my teeth. I looked into the mirror. My skin was ashen, almost gray. Dark purplish circles beneath my sagging eyes now replaced my once youthful glow, making me appear forever exhausted. I splashed icy water on my face, but the aftermath of the headache still burned in my temples, beating slowly behind my eyes. Faded, blackish bruises marked my arms where syringes punctured my skin weekly to draw blood during frequent visits to Dr. Miller’s office. I returned to my bed, placing the breakfast tray on the bench seat. I held the small, yellow combatant between my fingers, shoving the capsule down my throat and washing it down with tepid tea. I took a small bite of the buttered toast but was too nauseous to finish it. Prince began growling, curling his lip up disparagingly at something in my room. His behavior becoming more peculiar than before. “Shut up, Prince! You’re giving me a fucking headache!” I wailed, using the forbidden “F” word for the second time in my life.

  The phone rang. I reached over my bed for the receiver.

  “Hello!” I grumbled.

  “Hey, morning sunshine. Aren’t you in a chipper mood.” Sam bellowed into the phone. “Hey.” I replied feebly.

  “How you doing? You were supposed to call me after your date with that guy of yours. I haven’t heard from you. What happened? Was he a no show?” she chimed, while Prince barked uncontrollably at the phone.

  “Hold on a sec, Sam––Prince! Get the hell out of my room, now!” I shouted, slamming the door shut on my dog. “Sorry about that—I’m all right. I had another episode last night, and now I have this lingering headache.” I cleared my throat.

  “Maybe it’s that irritating mutt causing all your headaches! Every time I call, all he seems to do is bark! Yap, yap, yap, yap. Didn’t you ever train him to heel?”

  “He was never like this, Sam. I don’t know what’s wrong with him. Maybe he’s getting too old and is bothered by noises, sort of like my grandmother, who makes us sit in the dark, whispering everything we say to each other when we pay her a visit.” I tried to giggle, but it hurt too much.

  “Well, that explains it! Now I know who you take after. Miss Barrels of Laughter!” She laughed over the receiver. It was too painful to laugh.

  “Anyway, the reason I’m calling is because a few of us are heading to the lake. It’s a beautiful day, and I was wondering if you wanted to come along.”

  “Thanks Sam, but I’m not feeling well.”

  “Are you sure you’re not up for it? I’m picking up Freddie, the maggot, in an hour, so I’ll be passing your house on the way. What do you say? Are you in? Pleeeeease.” Her voice floated playfully.

  I hesitated, wondering if Michael would call, in hopes that we’d make plans again, but based on my unusual behavior last night, he was most likely freaked out and wouldn’t want to see me again. Therefore, I stewed over Sam’s invitation for a bit. Although, I wasn’t up for an outing, I felt I owed it to my friends. “Um. Sure. Pick me up. I’ll get ready,” I muttered.

  “Yay! See you in an hour.” She hung up the phone.

  I put on a pair of jeans and a turtleneck sweater, pulling back my hair. I glossed my lips, trying to add color to my pale face and cheeks, without much improvement. Mom, sat in the den half asleep, attempting to watch the news. “Mom. I’m going to the lake with Freddie and Samantha.” Prince traced my every step with a growl. Mom’s expression changed from sleepy to troubled.

  “Are you sure you’re feeling well enough, Beth? Do you really want to go out with your friends after last night?”

  “I don’t know. I do want to go, but I was hoping Michael—” Mom abruptly cut my response time short, as my voice trailed off.

  “Now Beth, don’t get all hung up over a boy you just met. Michael is a charming boy, I like him and all, but you spent all day with him yesterday. Freddie has been your friend since childhood. You can’t just forget him now that someone new has come into your life. It’s simply not right. If you are not up to going out, then stay home, but do not stay home because you’re hoping to hear from Michael. You and I both know that Freddie cares very much for you. He always has. Don’t be a disappointment to him or yourself. Stay true to your friend, Beth.” She said, tugging on my jacket zipper.

  “I know, I know.” I rolled my eyes trying to avoid her virtuous talks.

  “Now, get some fresh air. If you start feeling sick again, call me. I don’t have any plans today. I can always come pick you up.” She said, leading me toward the door.

  Outside, the purr of an engine vibrated as music played loudly from Sam’s car. Prince, barked unremittingly out the front window. Freddie was shouting my name above the music.

  “BETHY! Let’s go girl! Com’ on! You’re wasting a perfectly good day! Time is a wasting! Hi, Grace!” Freddie shouted, waving to my mom.

  Honk, Honk.He pressed down on the horn.

  “See you later, Mom.” I kissed her, as I walked out to Freddie’s one-man mayhem.

  Samantha beamed her wide smile as I walked toward her car. Her dark-velvety hair shimmered in deep hues of red, while her powdery skin glistened in the sunlight. She greeted me then turned her jade eyes at my maniacal dog, who suddenly heeled, whimpering like an injured animal in pain. Freddie sat in the front passenger seat fussing with the radio.

  “Hey Beth, did you purposely ignore my calls this week. Where’ve you been?” He interrogated me as he searched his IPod for music.

  “Elizabeth. You’re looking better than I expected!” Sam interrupted, regarding my appearance.

  “Hey, guys. Sorry I haven’t called. I’ve . . .umm, I’ve been busy.”

  “I’ll say!” Sam smirked.

  “Busy?” Freddie snapped. “No class means we party all the time. . . ” He sang wildly.

  I giggled weakly at his banter, and I kind of missed it, too.

  At Rushford Lake, several others from school gathered with coolers and lounging chairs. Sophie was there, of course, with her sidekicks, Matt and Kate. Some minutes later, Annie and Jordan joined her group. Freddie pulled out some lawn chairs from the back of Sam’s Land Rover, as I helped Sam unload a large Styrofoam cooler. We set up camp facing the lake. Even in midwinter, the lake was spectacular.

  I grabbed a fleece throw from my backpack. Although, the sun was warm against my skin, the light winds coming off the lake were bitter cold. I envisioned Michael at the lake, wishing he were here wrapping his arms around me for warmth, instead of this old blanket.

  “Elizabeth!” A familiar, but malignant voice called to me.

  “Hey, Sophie.” I squinted against the rays of the bright sun behind her.

  “You’re just the person I was looking for. God only knows how long I’ve been trying to get your number,” she smiled fallaciously. Annie trailed behind her.

  “Hi, Annie.” I acknowledged Sophie’s clone with an insi
gnificant nod.

  “Hey, Beth. I see you’re feeling better. Heard you were dying,” she said unenthusiastically.

  “No, it was nothing like that.” I responded apathetically.

  “Obviously.” Annie said, snapping her gum.

  Sophie waved her hand dismissing Annie’s inquiries about my health, immediately silencing her. “I know it’s a bit soon, but I am planning a Valentine’s Day party at my house in a couple of weeks. I was wondering if you and yourfriend Sam would come.”

  “I can only answer for myself. As for Sam, you’ll have to ask her. I can’t make that decision for her, if that’s what you’re asking me to do, Sophie.”

  “I’m not asking you to do anything, Elizabeth, but in case yourfriend hasn’t mentioned it to you, we did travel in the same circles, attending many of the same events. It surprises me that she hasn’t approached me, being that we practically grew up together. Maybe, she doesn’t remember me. I am a beautiful woman now.” She fluttered her lashes.

  “Oh, you’d be surprised at what Sam remembers.” I replied straight-faced, finally glad to be giving it back to Sophie.

  In her usual narcissistic way, Sophie, discarded my comment as she continued to speak, “Anyhow, I’ve already asked Freddie, and he’s coming with most of the soccer team. I just need to know if Samantha is coming—and you, of course.” She fabricated openly, making it clear to me that my invitation to her party was exclusively for Samantha.

  I glanced at Sam, who was busy flirting with Matt, the captain of the lacrosse team. Matt was hard to miss with his all American smile and good looks. He was a tough stick to bend yet, Sam already had him wrapped around her finger. I had to know her secret. “Sure, I’ll be there,” I replied, “And, I’ll talk to Sam.”

  Sophie clapped her hands in her formal prep rally spirit kind of way, “Yay! I’m so excited about my party!” she squealed to Annie, as they rudely dismissed me and headed back to their circle of friends.

  “We only have three weeks to plan this, so we need to get started ASAP! Let’s hope theloser can’t make it, but Sam can!” I heard Sophie say, as she assigned a list of chores for her protégé, Annie, to do in preparations for the grand festivities. Annie nodded obediently.

  I returned to sit beside Freddie, who bobbed his head with loud music streaming through his iPod. I nudged his arm to get his attention. Still swaying to the music, he pulled out one headphone from his ear, “What’s up, Babe?” he bantered.

  “Are you going to Sophie’s shindig?” I asked Freddie.

  “Shindig? What the . . . ha-ha-ha-ha! Girl, you’ve been hanging out with your granny way too long!” he laughed uncontrollably.

  “Seriously Freddie! Are you going to her party?”

  “I already told her I’m going. The guys from the team are going, too. You’re coming, right?”

  “I’m not sure, yet.”

  “Com’ on, Beth. How bad could it be? If she bothers you, let me know. Me and the boys will trash her house!” He bounced his brows playfully. I smiled, knowing Freddie always had my back.

  “What are you listening to?” I asked. He shoved the small ear piece into my canal.

  “The Pet Shop Boys? Aren’t they a bit before our time?” I teased.

  “No such thing as time when it comes to great music. It’s timeless, Beth.” He answered, pushing the headset back into his ear, while playing the air-drums and belching out some awkward notes of the 80‘s hit, “Everywhere I’m going toooooo........”

  It was difficult not to laugh at Freddie’s whimsical ways, let alone his off-key singing. Sam watched us from a distance. Her eyes scoured each group of teens that huddled around camp fires, beneath blankets or beside beer kegs. By the looks of her stares, she was up to something. Her glare turned even colder, more frightening when she spotted Sophie. The long black strands of her hair floated eerily about her face, as she slowly made her way toward me, briefly throwing vicious sideward glances at Sophie, then at me. Had Matt said something to her that twisted her mood? I hoped not. I gripped the edge of the chair, preparing for Sam to strike her venomous words as she’d done before, wondering who or what had ignited her rage this time. Sam took a seat beside me. We sat silently for some time, staring at nothing in particular. I bit my lip, chewing over what was going through her mind, but dared not ask. When she was ready to talk, I’d listen. We kept our eyes on the lake. Every movement she made in her seat, extruded her scent; analogous to freshly cut grass or exposed earth. It wasn’t alluring, yet it wasn’t repelling either. The other teens were deep in conversations and laughter, but not us. I occasionally stole a glance at her, stirring to know what her problem was.

  I rubbed my hands together to thaw out the chill in my fingers. I hadn’t noticed the blue thin veins, beneath the pale skin on Sam’s hand before. I couldn’t help but stare at their unnatural appearance.That’s strange,I thought, tearing my eyes away from her hands and back to the lake. The sun reflected on the still waters, epitomizing the long and colorless linear shadows of the black maples. From the far end of the lake, something skidded across the water. Rising from my seat, I took a step closer to the lake. I looked around to see if any others had seen it, too. No one paid any attention to the lake or me, except for Sam. Again, the apparition appeared. I gasped. Slowly, it rose above the water, other shadows emerged from the lake as well. One by one. Spirits in all forms floated under a canopy of trees in a bloodcurdling lyrical. I stepped back.

  “Now that you have our full attention, tell me about your date. . .with that thing.” She spoke with a rankled voice, glowering smugly at something in the lake.

  “Michael,” I mumbled, correcting her. I nervously cleared my throat and sat down again, still staring at the lake. The shadows were gone.

  “Whatever . . . do you like him?” she stared at me deploringly. “Is he everything you dreamed he’d be?” Again, she turned her attention to the still waters.

  “He’s. . .yes, I like him.” I answered civilly, trying my hardest not to sound irritated or nervous about what I had experienced moments earlier. I sensed Sam’s hostility but didn’t care. I wouldn’t let her intimidate me. Not Sam, not the images, or Sophie. I’ve been bullied and abused enough times in my life. Soon, I’d graduate and leave for college. Who knew if I’d ever see either of them again. It was apparent that Sam disliked Michael, so I gathered enough nerve to face her, hoping that as my friend, she’d at least have the decency to be truthful.

  “Sam?” I reached out to touch her hand. As I did, another harrowing affliction ruptured in my chest, burning through my lungs, piercing my skull. I stared at Sam whose mystical green eyes, now blanched in comparison to her skin, morbidly similar to the pale face in Buffalo and the perv in the library. This time, however, it was I, who couldn’t help but stare at her, pulling my hand away from her. Flinching at the pain I momentarily squeezed my eyes shut, but when I opened them, Sam sat tranquilly, in her skin silky once more, watching the black raven gliding above the pine trees. Her eyes––green, followed the winged animal in the afternoon sunlit skies. Another sign. The raven. The blackbird seemed to be everywhere I was, including my visions with my dead father. Meanwhile, Sam sat as calmly as can be.

  “What the hell, Sam. Why does this happen every time I touch you,” I stuttered, rubbing the aftermath that had settled in my hand and wrist. Sam, continued to watch the raven soar high above our heads. A twisted smirk on her lips.

  She rolled her eyes toward the sky, while her voice remained flat, but less callous. “It’s probably the cold air.” She signaled toward the sky, making small circular movements with her finger. “Creates static.” She stated, coolly.

  Sam was difficult. At times, it was hard work being in her company. I didn’t think I had the strength to continue on her temperamental roller coaster ride. It was draining. Draining me to a point that nothing more than a pale faced girl stared back at in the mirror every morning. I wanted so badly to tell her that I couldn’t handle our friendship any
more. To tell her to go to hell, but I couldn’t. I didn’t have it in me to be mean, selfish, or insensitive, like Sophie. Or Sam, for that matter. I swore I’d never become that kind of human being. Sam was my friend, and friends just don’t do that. I’d have to suck it up or confront her, no matter how much it burned me to do so.

  “Listen, Sam. Whatever it is you have to say to me, say it. No more secrets. Agreed?” I finally said, breaking the silence between us.

  “No more secrets,” she replied halfheartedly, while her thoughts floated elsewhere.

  “Then tell me why you’re so pissed off all the time. What’s bugging you?” I asked, with a half-smile on my face, letting her know that the truth would sit well with me. Sam turned to face me with a smirk on her lips. Her eyes suddenly danced with a thought.

  “No more secrets, huh?” She raised her brows. I nodded. “Then let’s start with your boyfriend. I’m so glad you said that. It’s been tormenting me, as your friend, to keep this from you, but your lover boy has a dirty little secret.” She snickered at me. “What?” My mouth dropped open.

  “That’s why I get all mental when he’s around, Beth. It hurts me to have to tell you this, but I think you ought to know. It has been eating at me, Beth. That’s why I’ve been such a bitch lately. I––I just didn’t know how to tell you.” She lowered her voice almost pouting. I remained appalled at her words.More games? Bring it on! “Really, Sam? Dirty little secret like Sophie’s dirty secret? How much did you pay to get this dirt on Michael? Two hundred? Three hundred? How much, Sam?” I snapped.

  “Elizabeth, I couldn’t give a shit about him, but we’re supposed to be friends, right? It’s my obligation to look out for you in case that asshole decides to book on you after he gets what he wants from you. There’s rumor going around, you know.” Her words wouldn’t register in my brain. Rumors? What sort of rumors? About me? About Michael?

  “Try to do good, and this is the thanks I get! You wanted the truth, and I gave it to you. I thought you trusted me, Beth? I would never lie to you.” She whispered, as she looked at me through her long lashes, biting her lip. “But as for your friend, Michael, he’s the liar with a dark past, like that blonde parasite, over there. Watch out for his kind. I know them all too well.” With that said, Sam put on her sunglasses, reclined in her chair, and relaxed with an impious smirk on her face. I remained speechless. Mad as hell, but speechless.