Girl In The Red Coat

by Gemma Owen-Kendall

  As we approached the front door, he kissed me on the cheek and wish me a good night. I watched him walk away until he was out of sight.

  I tried calling Natalie when I got up to my bedroom, but it just went straight to voicemail. I really hoped she was ok. To see your loved one die right in front of your eyes like that. That wasn’t something that I could imagine I’d handle well. I slumped onto the bed and instantly fell asleep.

  My subconscious took me back to the spirit world. Instead of a wolf waiting for me, it was Dominic. The snow was not falling this time, but it had blanketed the ground. I approached Dominic and hugged him.

  ‘I am so sorry I couldn’t save you.’

  ‘Please, you have nothing to be sorry about. I risked my life to save you all. It was my choice. But listen to me; take care of Natalie for me. She has been through so much with Daniel as it is, and I’m worried she will end up doing something that she will regret.’

  ‘I promise I will take care of her.’

  I wished I could have known him longer. I owed him my life for what he sacrificed to save us all. Then out of the blue a young woman appeared. She had long, wavy, red hair and I sort of recognised her. All her features married up to Florence, my ancestor. Florence held out her hand to Dominic.

  ‘Hello Grace, I have come to take Dominic to a safe place.’

  ‘Florence, is that really you?’

  She smiled and nodded. I could not believe I was finally meeting her! After reading her journal I had wished she was around now. She was outstandingly beautiful, no wondered she had two wolves fall in love with her!

  ‘Thank you for saving my life,’ I told him again.

  He smiled at me. Florence placed her hand on my shoulder.

  ‘Before we go there is something that I need to do with you.’ She leaned her head back and looked up at the sky, a glowing light shone around her and grew to envelop me, too. I felt the same surge take over my body that I had in the gymnasium. Then the light went in to me.

  ‘I have released my full power inside you, Grace. I believe you are ready to be the next Spellcaster. Go back to my journal. It will tell you what you need to do now.

  Then Florence and Dominic walked off together into the distance, then vanished.

  I stood there for a moment, my life had finally changed forever.

  I was not just a normal sixteen-year-old anymore.

  My life would now involve being a spellcaster and escaping from werewolves.

  I woke up with the sun shining bright in my face. I must have been that tired from the night before that I didn’t shut my curtains. I looked down at the floor and saw traces of my torn up red coat, then the events of the night came flooding back to me, what had happened and who I had now become.

  There was a knock on my door, then my gran peered inside. Sitting on the edge of my bed she said, ‘I heard the news about a boy called Dominic. His body was found at the college last night, by a girl called Natalie. The police are treating it as a murder.’

  I knew I should tell her about it, but my head was still too muddled. Then my phone rang. I grabbed it; it was Natalie.

  ‘Sorry Gran, is it ok to take this call?’

  She gave me a little hug and left me to it. Natalie was sobbing, continuously. There were moments when she would curse out Daniel’s name then she would go back to the crying again. I wished I could have helped her ease the heartache she was going through. I had never seen anything like that before in my life. My mum had pretty much given me a sheltered childhood.

  ‘If there is anything you need from me hun just let me know.’

  I ended the call and sat blankly in my bed for most of the day.

  I hadn’t thought about college, and if it would be open the next day. So, Monday morning when I woke up from my dreamless state, I slumped up out of bed and forced myself to get dressed. Gran had kindly offered to take me as she could see I was in no state to walk there by myself. When I got there we learned that the college was shut by the police as forensics were still gathering evidence in the gymnasium. Although my dance class was not going ahead, I snuck to the studio, to see if it would clear my head. I just hoped the room would be empty.

  Chapter 13

  I t was empty and unlit, so I had the space to myself. I changed into my leotard and dancing shoes, then pulled out a notebook and pen. I needed to come up with a whole new routine for the winter show as I would not be having anything to do with Daniel. I was going to do it all solo.

  I was practising different moves for the choreography when, suddenly, the door flung open. I froze in fear but saw it was Ben. I immediately calmed down.

  ‘Hey, nice moves,’ he grinned.

  ‘Thanks. Just trying to come up with something new for the winter show,’ I smiled in return.

  ‘I was watching you for a while at the door, I liked what I saw.’

  I felt bashful. I’d not noticed he’d been there, watching me again, through the same doors he’d stood at during the first time I ever saw him. I was happy he was with me; I needed him around.

  ‘Perhaps you could come and watch the show?’ I suggested.

  He hesitated for a moment. I worried he was having second thoughts about us. Maybe he wanted to go further with me the other night and was upset I’d stopped it from happening. Anxiety started to take over me. I think he could see I was getting worried about something, as he picked me up and hugged me again.

  ‘Of course, I will come and watch your show. I promise to be there for it.’ Those were the words I was longing to hear. I hoped that Ben would become my first proper boyfriend. But for now, I just wanted to take things slowly. Finding out I was a spellcaster, I needed to trust that Ben was my protector and that he didn’t want to enslave me, like Daniel had.

  Ben kissed me gently on the forehead. I told him about Natalie’s phone call and how upset she was. I wanted to tell him about my dream from the other night but I wasn’t sure if the timing was right so that would be a secret I would keep to myself for the time being. I wanted to test myself on my newly inherited gift from Florence, deciding that I would find somewhere secluded after I finished practising my routine to try use my new found gift to its full potential.

  ‘I will leave you to practise then,’ Ben said, nervously. There was something odd about his behaviour towards me. He kissed me again, on the lips this time, then left me to my own devices.

  As I danced, I pushed myself through the emotions from the previous few days. Poor Dominic didn’t deserve to die, especially to protect me. At seventeen he had his whole life ahead of him, starting university in a year in his field of interest which I believe was TV Production. I had no idea what university he set his heart on attending, it is a shame I hadn’t known him for long. Natalie was in love with him and sensing the heartache she must be going through, I clutched hold of my chest and longed to be in the arms of Ben right now.

  Lost in my thoughts and the dance, I hadn’t noticed someone watching me through the fire door. I was alerted to it by a loud tapping coming from that direction. I spotted a shadowy figure, before they disappeared. I glanced through the glass of the door but couldn’t see anyone. I wasn’t surprised. I was almost used to it by now. Of course, I knew who was spying on me. It had to be Daniel. I’d hoped he would lay low after the events of Saturday night.

  I felt like such a fool believing that he actually liked me. Even thinking he actually wanted to go on a date with me. Still, there was something inside of me that I still hoped that nice caring side to him was real, and that maybe I could help him become a good person. My heart longed for Ben, but Daniel I wanted as a friend. Why had my feelings started changing again? Of course, Daniel was still nearby, sensing his torment, my need to be near him. I had no control over myself and what I would do next. My hand slowly lifted towards the handle of the fire door. I had to find Daniel and see for myself that it truly was him loitering close by. As I went to push the handle down, I felt someone tug at my shoulder and move me away.


  ‘Grace! What are you doing? You know those doors are alarmed!’ Miss Hogg had stopped me and broken the trance.

  I came to my senses and just stared at her. Her expression showed a mix of concern and annoyance.

  Even I wasn’t happy with myself. Being in some form of love triangle between two wolves had not been my plan starting college. Especially that one would keep controlling me with his gifted abilities. I just had to find an excuse quickly for my actions. I could feel myself trembling inside.

  ‘Sorry Miss… I was a bit too warm after practising my routine. I needed to catch some air but as I’m not fully dressed, I didn’t want to step out into the corridor. I just didn’t think about the alarm.’ I hoped my little lie was convincing enough to not receive my first warning.

  ‘As there is so much going on right now, I will let this go. But please don’t do this again.’ She gave me a friendly smile, as if to reassure me that she wasn’t really angry. I nodded to show I understood. I saw that she was now looking at the door to the studio; Natalie was there. I was surprised she would be at college, especially after her phone call.

  ‘I think you need to see to your friend. I’d imagine she could do with a hug.’

  I gathered up my belongings, slipped on my Converse trainers and hoped that Natalie couldn’t smell any body odour.

  Chapter 14.

  H er cheeks were tear-stained, and her eyes were red raw. I was still in my leotard, but I didn’t care how much leg I was showing and if anyone would see. I threw my arms around her. For a minute we stayed like that. She seemed so frail compared to the fierce character I’d witnessed on Saturday evening. I could feel the warmth from her red-rosy cheeks onto my shoulder as I cradled her.

  ‘Why are you here, Natalie?’ I asked, trying to sound soothing.

  ‘I just needed to get out the house. I’ve spent too many hours lying in bed just going over and over what happened in my head.’ Her words sounded like it was an effort for her to speak.

  ‘I wish I knew what to say. I’ll try help in any way I can.’ I felt helpless not knowing what to do in this situation. I hadn’t really known her for that long, but I wanted to be there for her and be the friend she needed. She forced a giggle when she saw what I was wearing. Even I felt silly, flashing my bare legs and a bit of bum cheek.

  ‘I’ll go and change in the ladies, shall I?’ I laughed.

  It wasn’t just covering my modesty that I suggested this. I figured that no one would really be around so it would be a good chance for us to talk. But just as I was about to speak, her phone rang. She turned the screen to show me that it was Dominic’s mum. I nodded as encouragement that she should answer it. I stepped into the further cubicle away from her, to give her some privacy, but I could still hear what was being said. Dominic’s mum had phoned to inform Natalie that a funeral had already been arranged for the following week. This felt too soon but I respected that it was their decision. I’d expected that as this was a suspicious death, it’d be longer to wait. Then I heard her phone drop with a clank onto the tiled floor. Flinging open the cubicle door, I saw that she’d collapsed. I knelt down next to her, trying to nudge her awake. I ran out into the corridor and yelled for help. Within moments, Miss Hogg was there.

  ‘Grace, what happened?’

  ‘I don’t know miss, one minute she was on the phone to Dominic’s mum then, after the call ended she passed out. I was in the cubicle getting changed.’

  Miss Hogg grabbed a sweater I’d dropped and formed it into a cushion to gently place under Natalie’s head, whilst checking for a pulse and whether she was still breathing. She moved her into the recovery position as I phoned for an ambulance.

  We didn’t have to wait too long for paramedics to arrive and take her away, Miss Hogg going with her, promising to update me. Perhaps everything had got too much for her. I sat down on the floor of the lady’s toilets, to rest. Out the corner of my eye I noticed a piece of brown cloth. I wondered if Natalie or Miss Hogg had dropped it as it wasn’t mine.. As I knelt down to pick it up, a strong smell infused my nostrils. It was citrus and pine and it was so strong, I got an instant headache and my vision began to go blurry. As I staggered out of the bathroom to get some clearer air, I realised that Natalie must have caught a whiff of this concoction and that’s what caused her to faint. There was no one about to try help me, as I staggered along the corridor. As I made it to the exit, everything went black, again.

  Chapter 15

  I came to in a room unfamiliar to me. It was pitch dark and the ground underneath me was cold. My phone began to ring and as I reached for it, I realised that my wrists had been tied together in front of me.

  ‘Hello?’ I cried out. I yelled again, but still no one replied and no one came to my aid. I moved my feet and, luckily, they had not been tied. Moving slowly into a sitting position, I felt the remnants of the headache still lingering. I reached my right foot out to see if there was anything nearby; the strap to my bag was at the bottom by my feet. As best as I could with my wrists bound together, I searched through my bag for the little pocket torch I always carry with me. I found it and switched it on, moving it about to try to work out where I might be. With the awkwardness of moving a beam around with bound hands, I could Just about make out chairs and that there was a high ceiling. I was in the college auditorium. I presumed that it was Daniel who had put me here, but where was he now?

  ‘Help me!’ I called out as loudly as I could.

  This time someone heard me.

  I heard a door swing open.

  ‘Grace? Grace, is that you down there?’ I instantly recognised that voice.

  ‘Ben! Help me! My wrists have been tied up!’

  He ran down the stairs and climbed up to where I was.

  ‘Oh Grace, I’m sorry I didn’t get to you quick enough – again! I heard what happened to Natalie and had to come and find you.’

  His hair lit up, shining light around us. I was right in the centre of the stage. His nails turned to claws and cut the ropes. They turned back into nails as he flung his arms around me.

  My phone buzzed in my pocket. I reached for it and saw a number flashing across the screen that I didn’t recognise. Then I remembered I was expecting a call from Miss Hogg.

  ‘Hello?’

  ‘Grace, it’s Sharon Hogg. I’m calling to let you know Natalie has come around.’

  A huge sigh of relief came over me knowing Natalie was going to be okay. I’d worried that she’d got a much stronger whiff from that cloth and what that might have done to her.

  ‘Did they say what was wrong with her?’ I asked just out of curiosity.

  ‘The doctor has taken some tests but we’re waiting on the results. She is asking for you, if you could come and see her.’

  As soon as I heard that, I told Miss Hogg I would be right there. I wondered if Ben had snuck in to see Natalie and healed her, but this was not the time to ask about all this. I needed to see my friend first and see if she remembered anything. Ben looked right into my eyes as if he was trying to read what was on my mind.

  ‘I healed her.’

  I was thankful and relieved. But then the feeling of vulnerability that had led me to be caught by Daniel, washed over me.

  Again, he seemed to read my mind. ‘I’m sorry though, I should have been there for you first.’

  ‘Oh no, thank you for saving her.’ I had to make him aware that I did appreciate what he’d done for her. She was my friend.

  ‘C’mon, I’ll give you a ride to the hospital.’

  He helped me onto my feet, checking around my neck. He spotted a purple mark.

  ‘I think Daniel has given you a love bite.’

  I reached for the area and it stung. Shame took over me and I moved my gaze away from Ben. I had been so vulnerable, Daniel could have done whatever he wanted to me. Tears began to fall from my weary eyes.

  ‘I’m so sorry,’ Ben soothed, gently holding me and placing his lips on the area of my neck where the love bit
e was. It soon vanished. Then next he placed his hands over the marks on my wrists from the rope and healed them.

  We held hands and made for the exit. Just as we were about to run up the stairs, all the stage lights came on. Just where we needed to go, Daniel was blocking our way. His eyes were as dark as night.

  ‘Grace, I leave you alone for five minutes and the wolf descends,’ He taunted me.

  ‘Daniel, fuck off,’ yelled Ben, his hair lit up again and his claws were back, ready for whatever Daniel had up his sleeves.

  ‘Give me Grace and I will let you live.’

  I felt a surge going through me and I clenched my fists together. Florence’s gift took over my senses and I struck a fireball right at Daniel. It threw him into the wall, unconscious. Taking deep breathes, I look at my still-clenched fists.

  ‘Grace, we need to get out of here before he comes around,’ Urged Ben.

  He grabbed hold of my arm and we made for the exit; passing Daniel, I heard him murmur. In that moment my legs picked up speed and we sprinted to Ben’s car. I heard Daniel shouting out my name in the distance. I didn’t stop or look back, just carried on running until Ben signalled for us to run towards an orange Ford Focus RS. He reached for his keys from his left jean pocket to unlock the car, I dashed into the passenger side followed close behind Ben into the driver’s seat.

  ‘Buckle up,’ he said as he turned the key and accelerated quickly out of the car park and onto the main road. I looked in the passenger wing mirror and saw Daniel watching us leave, then he transformed into a full black wolf and disappeared out of my eyeline.

  ----------------

  The journey was quiet to begin with, but I had so many questions for Ben.

  ‘Say what you want to ask me.’ Again, it was like he was reading my mind.

  ‘Quit reading my thoughts.’ I snapped, but he just giggled.

  ‘Sorry. One of the many gifts I have. But it only works on you. You just need to skill your spellcaster abilities, so that you can block me from doing it.’