Honey Grace Oliva

 victor Ω Ω Ω Ω Ω Ω Ω Ω Ω Ω Ω Ω Ω Ω Copyright © 2014 by Holly Grace All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. Disclaimer: I acknowledge the talent of Benjamin Gibbard who composed “I Will Follow You into the Dark” and sung by Death Cab for Cutie, it is track #5 on the album Plans. © EMI Music Publishing; Dallas Austin and Alecia Moore "Just Like A Pill" track #3 on the album Missundaztood. Arista © ; John Stephens, Toby Gad, Dave Tozer, John Legend “All of Me” Single #3 on the album Love in the Future. GOOD ©, Columbia©. Still for my Sun Without whom I would never have the courage to write. FOREWORD My husband and I recently moved into our starter home in the Campus Housing at the University he works at. He unearthed a box of my writings; short stories, novellas, poetry, unfinished atrociously long epics and ramblings. Some were good, some I cringed at when I read them now, back in the early nineties when fanfictions sites were still unpopular, I imagined and wrote scenarios of what if’s with Buffy and Spike (which to my fervent giddy wish came true at last); Piper, Prue and Phoebe falling in love and battling with demons and other original stories. My sneaky husband read these works and I shyly peeked at him and he told me to publish these written stories so I would not regret it later on. I was a bit apprehensive at first, I asked for a sign from the Universe if I should push through. Then one day a friend from high school contacted me out of the blue wanting to reconnect, our group was really close back then but our friendship fizzled when everyone went each of their own way to college. I wrote this particular story at the renaissance of our friendship; we were in this established Co-Ed Catholic School, it was a turbulent time because a senior just died from a drug overdose and one of our friends were close with his family. Needless to say she was grieving with the lot of them and wanted to have closure, we spent our afternoon finding a place where we could “practice the occult” with our makeshift Ouija Board and borrowed glass from the school cafeteria while everyone is at the symposium in the auditorium for the dangers of drug use. We found the unused part of the school cafeteria that served as a storage room and proceeded to do a séance and contact his spirit. It was scary, I kept on asking if someone moved the glass but nobody answered in affirmation. I was thankful that our School’s Volleyball Coach found us, turned on the lights and never reported us to our Headmistress. I wrote the draft for this story that afternoon just to liberate my fear of what transpired in that room. I would have to say that if anyone attempts to dabble in the occult make sure you really know what you are doing or not do it at all. When we did those things immaturity and grief ruled us, nowadays I only relieve my paranormal curiosity through Harry Potter books and many others that have a similar theme. I promised myself to never experiment with the mystical ever again. To say the least, meeting her again gave me the courage to share this story that was very real to me. I hope you enjoy. Chapter 1 KAT “Mom, my boyfriend and I had sex last night” The mother only nodded and returned to watching her favorite Grey’s Anatomy episode where Mr. McDreamy just got off the shower. “Seriously mom, I’m afraid, what if I get pregnant?” The woman huffed; irritated that she missed three seconds of her show, she slowly and menacingly turned to the culprit. “Jesus H. Christ, Andrew! If you don’t stop this craziness right now I’m gonna take this pickle and shove it up your ass! How many times do I have to tell you, you don’t have the right body parts to make a baby!” “Eww! Veronica that was gross!” Jane chided. “Oh shut up Jane, I know you secretly like my dirty jokes.” My car was filled with hoots and laughter as Veronica recounted a crude joke she overheard last night when she got out buying tampons in the local drugstore. She loves retelling these jokes for their shock appeal while indulging her green wit, we were now used to it though. I am currently parking my car in the town’s one and only mall, my friends and I decided to do a disappearing act and leave school now that the snow’s been cleared on the road. Hello Spring! Finally. I just hope no one catches us; that would be awkward. I can see the school rags’ front page just now “EXTRA! EXTRA! The Inseparable Foursome Caught Cutting Classes!”, man I would be so grounded for life. That would be the baddest of luck of all, being caught on my first try slacking. I never believed in bad luck, or anything supernatural. Sure I’ve watched movies, television shows, read books about it, but I never believed it. Until what happened later on. All that occurred in my life were great so far, all is fine, I can’t ask for anything more. Everything in my life is kind of ho-hum; I wanted something exciting to be inserted somewhere in my dismal existence, a little adventure never hurt someone. I go to school, my family had money, and I have a car, lots of friends and am quite popular. Yup, just like a streamlined straight highway, no bumps, no curves and no dead ends. Until recently. Friends. I only consider three as my closest, though I have a lot. They keep me sane. Between hectic class schedules, demanding teachers and their way out of line boyfriends; they add what little spice that keeps me in my toes. There was never a group more quirky than us in school, all of us were different in our own way but I guess that’s why we are so close. Here’s the rundown. Joan, our resident blonde ice queen, was the untouchable one; boys never make it to first base with her. I know its cliché; she’s blonde, beautiful, smart but very, very gay. Yup, the reason boys never held her interest is because she bats for the other team. Sssh, out of the four of us I’m the only one who knew. This year she wants to slowly tell the others, for her fear of rejection is real. Joan never even told her parents, who were perfectionist trial lawyers and news like this would devastate them, maybe even cause them to disown her, so she hides under her flawless coiffure and dainty summer dresses to throw off the scent. Jane is our golden girl, all bronzed and trim for she run track. She’s the athlete of the group who is also a romantic and too naïve for her own good. She’s too trusting of boys and always gets her heart broken every month, I don’t know how many countless of paper towel rolls she uses just to mop up the tears these heartbreak cause. Good thing that she’s into sports too because of the amount of Pistachio Gelato she consumes during her bouts of heartaches would make any girl as big as a house and for her that would mean social suicide. I told her she’s beautiful either way. She was anorexic a couple of years ago until I forced her to see someone my mom knew who handles this type of disorder from teenaged girls. Now she’s been eating healthy and is staying healthy. Veronica is the crazy red-haired bitch that will cut anyone just to defend us. She is the boy crazy of the group, of course she loves boys like any hot blooded hormone filled teenage girl does, but she’s the one leaving a string of broken hearts all over town unlike Jane. She told us last year that she had shed her virginity the day she turned thirteen to an eighteen year-old guy who worked as a teller in the movie theater to score us some tickets to watch the early screening of Breaking Dawn. When I heard that, I wanted to find that jerk and take him to jail for having sex with a minor but she stopped me, saying she never regretted anything, her virginity was an encumbrance she was gladly free of she said and now every time she’s away from us I get all worried that some boy or man is using her, she always says she can take care of herself though, I never even saw her cry over someone, believing that whenever a guy breaks up with her, she’ll just have to find someone better. Apparently there are plenty of fish in the sea and the world is just one big ocean. Lastly it’s me, Kat. I consider myself as nothing exceptional, I’m the levelheaded one, the nerdy, preppy girl with high aspirations in life, the girl who loves science and math. I thrive in the world of certainties, if it’s not proven or supported by countless substantiated documents or research then it’s not real. Physically, I’m not a slouch they said, with black wavy hair that has a mind of its own and light blue eyes and porcelain skin. I feel like a living replica of Snow White, but I want to be known as the brain of the group, not because of some fairytale princess they compare me to. It’s all just a façade anyway. What’s essential is invisible to the naked eye and I just inserted a line from my favorite children’s book. And I also sound cheesy, so I’ve got to stop. But I digress; we are losing the point here. Our dilemma started one fine Tuesday morning at school after winter break, the sun was shining, everyone wanted out after a long time being cooped up inside with the winter frost. There were times when my enormous brain needed a time to be empty too. To not think about anything and just be. Be a kid. Enjoy. Chill. Relax. So my friends and I decided to play hooky, that’s the extent of my rebelliousness would allow. I’m not one for using drugs, drinking, smoking and sex but an escape from the four corners of our school will be enough for daring little me. We were cutting classes. Slackers that is what we are – just for the day though, so we decided to go to our local mall and bum a smoke or two (totally at Veronica’s insistence) with older guys who frequent the concrete ramps to show their skateboarding skills. That was entirely Veronica’s fault though, a dare if you must. She’s got the balls of steel out of all of us and she’s addicted to nicotine so all that guy hunting was really for her plus she’s crabby when she doesn’t have her daily dose, both of smoke and boys. “Hmm, yum look at those hot boys,” that was Veronica, gesturing over to her chosen flavor of the day, “Dibs on the one in red and white plaid shirt and blue jeans!” Catching the boy’s attention that was also checking Veronica out. We make quite a stir when the four of us walk anywhere and here was no difference. With Joan’s quiet elegance in mid-length flowery summer dress and open-toed wedges, Jane with her slender athletic loveliness in spandex shorts and track team jersey shirt, Veronica’s smoldering magnificence in her cut-off daisy dukes and fitted v-necked green top and mine’s simple shirt and dark blue fitted jeans and ballet flats; we make quite a foursome. Joan was still rolling her eyes at Veronica’s nerve when we saw her sidling to a fairly gross guy with a lip ring and a teardrop tattoo on his left cheek when Jane spotted a newly opened New-Agey Wicca novelty store on the mall’s left side, littered with different kinds of shops partially hidden by fake palm trees. Of course she wants to go in there. All these Charmed witchy stuff intrigues her. Some say her head is in the clouds; Veronica just calls it plain ass dumb. When I refused to leave Veronica in the capable hands of the boys she was with, Jane convinced Joan to go with her. It was about twenty minutes or more when I noticed that they still weren’t back. I got worried, so I cut off Veronica’s flirting, took her by the scruff of her neck if you want an exaggerated picture. It was not unlike how a momma jungle cat transports her kittens, and forced her to come with me. “Hey! I was talking to that cute guy over there! He was about to give me his number!” she protested. “Playtime’s over skank. Let’s go find the others. They’ve not returned yet.” I teased, attempting to be humorous because I don’t want my anxiousness to show. “You mean you lost them? Now that’s a first!” “Hey, I had no choice! Either I watch your slutty ass or go with them to that voodoo store.” I defended. “Ha! Let me guess… Jane.” “Yup, you’ve summarized it accurately. Joan’s with her though, but you know her, her ice melts every time Jane trains those big brown eyes on her.” “Yeah, I’ve wondered about those two. My lesbo-dar is tingling whenever they’re too close.” She said sarcastically, the problem with her is I don’t know if she was being blunt or is just joking. “You’re such a homo! You’re one to talk! You’re just jealous aren’t you? Admit it you have the hots for Joan!” I joked while I tugged her shoulder length red hair, getting Veronica acclimated to the truth might not be as difficult as I thought it would be. “Puh-leaze, I prefer bananas to peanuts, I’m allergic to it.” rolling her eyes. I snickered at her outraged reaction to my teasing. As we neared the shop, I smelled incense burning; it was not unpleasant but isn’t burning incense means driving away bad spirit or cleansing a place? I’m not really sure; this paranormal stuff doesn’t interest me. I also heard a susurration of eerie chanting not unlike the annoying buzzing of bees. It made my skin crawl and goose bumps just popped on my arms. As we entered the shop we saw lighted candles of every color line the four corners. Red incense sticks burn in the altar depicting a decapitated animals’ head, bottles of blood red liquids and other unknown viscous fluids are proudly displayed in clear glass jars are placed under it and an array of unidentifiable wooden, bone, pewter and ivory paraphernalia littered the shop’s display aisle. There were no sign of Joan or Jane anywhere though, now I’m really worried. “Maybe we should start looking for them?” Veronica suggested. “But where? I don’t see them anywhere. Unless there’s a hidden door somewhere here that we didn’t know of.” I countered sarcastically. A door with a rusty hinge opened by an unseen hand directly below where we stood. It screeched a terrifying sound. My rational brain is telling me that this couldn’t be real because we were in a mall. Floors were solid concrete. How come there is a hollow space enough to fit the whole store down, how the heck did that happen? The chanting is louder under there; we looked at each other terrified of what might have happened to our friends. We gingerly tiptoed closer and investigated, the steps going down were pure concrete, cracked and chipped in places so I’m not sure if it’s sound. There was a dim light deeper into the chasm and the chanting was louder below. I silently urged for Veronica to wait upstairs so she can get help if we never come back out. She never got swayed though; she wants to go with me. I know it was a stupid idea to let her come with me but I couldn’t really command her to stay behind, my normal brain functioning must have flew out the window at my anxiousness with my friends safety. And so we went down. Chapter 2 Jane It was never my intention really to harm anyone. I just thought that maybe this would be a great escapade. Diving in to unknown territories. Trying new things. I’m young; I’m allowed to make mistakes aren’t I? To be just stupid for a little while. This series of unfortunate events all started with a prick on a finger. A little drop of blood never harmed anyone, right? I was absolutely, positively wrong. If you thought that above event is kind of fairytaley slash romantic where art thou my prince kind of happening, it’s not. I did find a prince though, but not like the ones you want to bring home to momma. My friend Jo and I went in this strange shop hoping to find an adventure but in the end all it brought me were fright, extreme behavior modification and death. You can say we were cursed. But I’m getting ahead of myself here. Let me take you back to the start. As I was telling you, my friend Jo and I went in this strange shop, selling New Agey-Wiccan Voodoo stuff. I know, not all of these things are bad because it all depends on the person’s views and opinions and how they use this supernatural knowledge. Hey we are two sixteen-year old high school students; cut us some slack for being dumb. I know who wouldn’t make this mistake though. Perfect Kat. It’s always Kat is great, Kat did wonderfully on this and that and Kat is everything. Sometimes I wish for her to just disappear. While on that thought I picked up a weird looking statue. It was an ebony wooden depiction of a man with his tongue sticking out and is covered with needles, nails and piercings. It pricked my finger and blood trickled out from my wound, so much blood for one tiny pierce. I dropped the statue on the floor and it broke in half. It was a lot later when it dawned on me how come a statue of pure ebony wood could break like that. Hearing the commotion and seeing my injury, Joan hurriedly mopped up the blood with a piece of tissue and cooed at my hurt finger. The elderly woman who owned the shop was not too forgiving though. She spit out these unintelligible language, what I only understand was the word “curse”. She ushered us into the inner part of the store. We had no choice but to follow or she might call on the police for breaking her property, it was kinda ancient so maybe it was expensive and maybe not for sale but just for display. I don’t want to go to jail! A trapdoor appeared directly on our path and she forcefully pushed us to go down. She lighted several candles and incense, took a branch of some tree I don’t know about and started whipping us with it while chanting. Of course we didn’t like it. No one had ever raised a hand to me before, it hurt. Joan and I protested for her to stop. We could’ve run, we should’ve run but it was as if an unknown force were stopping us. We couldn’t resist, we just stood there and took the abuse she dished out. I felt like I was floating, my body was not my own anymore. I didn’t know how long I was out. I just heard a commotion; Kat’s voice seemed to be the only one I recognize. Great! Perfect Kat again, to the rescue. I remembered I was held up, helped by someone. Kat’s voice was indignantly admonishing the lady who owned the shop, saying she had no right to hurt us like that. As she ushered us out of that basement, the old lady’s parting words haunted me so. “Be careful girl, NKisi will come for you; he will hunt you to the ends of the earth. I was trying to help, prolong your time with your loved ones. Prepare to say goodbye.” As we left the shop she was still shouting. “You will need my help soon! She will be taken! NKisi chose her!” What I want to know is who chose who? Chapter 3 Joan Everything hurt. There is not an inch of my skin that isn’t burning in pain. Wait until my Dad hears about this, I will personally be there to close that blasted shop. My father will slap that woman with a ton of lawsuit she wouldn’t know which way is up. She wouldn’t be able to sell even a tiny bottle cap in this town ever again. Note to self. Never go in strange shops in the future. I really want to puke, but it’s Kat’s car. Better tell her to pull over. “Kat, I need to hurl. I feel a puke coming.” Kat hurriedly made the car swerve along the curb and braked. I dashed out of the car and rushed to find a place to hurl. When I finished, Kat helped me into the car. Tucked my usually neat hair but is now stringy and messy. She also gave me water to rinse my mouth. “What the hell happened there?” asked Veronica. I saw Jane still dazed, whatever she whiffed from that madwoman’s basement might have affected her brain, if she’s got any. “Jo, tell us what happened.” Kat asked calmly. “After we left you, Jane went over the displays and held this statue with spikes and she sliced her finger, she dropped the statue which in turn broke and then the shopkeeper was screaming and chanting, forced us to go down in the hidden basement, whacked us with tree branches and chanted in a foreign language we don’t understand. Do you think she cursed us?” Kat was contemplating on my question. “I don’t know, she said she was protecting you, buying you a few days to say goodbye to your families before this NKisi comes for you. We will have to report this! That woman might be deranged. I told you, you shouldn’t have gone there.” Kat looked pointedly at Jane. Jane moaned, she looked like she just swallowed a batch of pot brownies, she looked that high. “Kat, I think we need to look at Jane. I think she’s been drugged. I didn’t know what that woman had on the air downstairs but it made us compliant. We just stood there and took whatever she dished at us. Maybe if we took her to a hospital, get her something to make her wake up.” “I don’t think it’s a stimulant is what she needs Jo.” Kat said. “Yeah, maybe a bang on the head is what she needs.” interjected Veronica acerbically. “Everyone let’s not be too hasty, let’s just stay calm. We’ll go home, the two of you should get cleaned up and then we’ll formulate a plan, alright?” “Yes, mother!” Veronica chided. Chapter 4 Veronica The gang decided to go to my house to clean up. Calling it a house is putting it mildly; it’s more like a matchstick. Yes, I live in a trailer. Not like these girls. They’ve all got decent homes, decent families. I don’t know what they saw in me and why they befriended me in the first place. With a washed up lounge singer for a mom who doesn’t know who fathered her kid and lives in a dingy trailer and is as poor as a mouse, they should’ve chosen a better fourth. Jane’s mom is a writer and is always at home writing her New Generation Young Adult books, so we definitely can’t go there, we’ll be found out faster than we can say pie. It’s the same with Joan, who have lawyers for parents, an only child and lives in a mansion complete with CCTV and guards at the gate of their exclusive subdivision. And then there’s Kat, the leader of the group, she’s brainy, quite well off with medical doctors for parents and a shoe in for an Ivy League school in College in two years. She’ll never want for anything; she’s got beauty and brains. She’s perfect. I just know that someday they might realize that I’m not really good enough for them and they’ll drop me. I hope not but hey, life never really was very good to me some might say I got the end of the short stick. I saw that they’ve finished cleaning up. Jane crashed on my single bed wearing a borrowed t-shirt of mine and so was Joan. “Veronica,” Kat called from the living room, “I want to go back there and ask that woman what really happened and what will be the implications of that incident. I want to make sure that nothing bad will occur.” “Kat, it’s not that I don’t care but it’s creepy there, okay. I don’t like it there. Gives me the willies” I shivered as an effect. “But look at them, Jane’s still uncommunicative, I have to drag her ass into the bathroom and clean her up. Joan is in pain and I don’t know what to do.” She said anxiously. “You are nuts Kat, we shouldn’t leave them alone here. What if they wake and need us. I’m not that comfortable to have them here. What if my mom came home?” and if she did, she might bring in those greasy men she picks up in the bar where she sings. With Jane’s pot-headed stupor and Joan in forty winks of sleep he might think it’s a free for all orgy in my bedroom. “Okay,” she said, agreeing, “but at the first sign of trouble, I’m going back there and confronting that woman. Okay” “As if I could ever stop you?” We watched TV from our old television set for a while and waited for them to wake up. Ironically the program being shown is Supernatural hmmm; Sam and Dean are yummy as pie. Joan groggily walked to the living room and asked if Kat could take her home, she took her keys and said she’ll be back in twenty minutes. Jane still had not woken up. When Kat returned I told her we should wake Jane and send her home. The problem is when we got there she is not breathing. Chapter 5 Kat It was a frantic dash to the hospital. I knew mom and dad were on duty so I knew who to call. 911 couldn’t get here fast enough. I administered CPR, just like our Disaster Preparedness seminar taught. I aspire to be a doctor someday, but what good is all that if I let a friend die. Veronica was sobbing while she called Jane’s mom, we knew that if something bad will happen, she would want her mom there. They were very close; it was just the two of them after her dad died from a plane crash a few years ago. After that phone call we dialed Joan’s number. We heard the other line ringing but nobody answered the phone; it just takes you straight to voicemail. We were worried something had happened to her too. So Veronica decided to check on her after we met Jane’s mom in the hospital lobby. Her state was really pitiful and she was very frazzled, we knew she doesn’t have anyone other than Jane. When I was administering CPR on Jane, I noticed that her eyes were open, it was still glazed over and her pupils were dilated. That’s what I’ve observe clinically. On a friend’s point of view though, it was as if she was still conscious, trying to tell me something, trying to warn me about an oncoming misfortune that will befall upon us soon. I should’ve heeded that warning. As the doctors operated on her, trying to revive her dwindling pulse, I knew what I had to do. I have to go back to that shop and confront that woman about what happened to my friend. It was still 6:06 in the afternoon, the mall closes at nine. I borrowed my parent’s sedan and hurriedly got to the shop. The drive wasn’t long since the mall was located a few blocks away from the hospital. Thank God it was still open. I cautiously went inside, knowing how crazy the shop-owner was I should have thought of a back-up plan. “I see you are back, did something happen?” the airy maternal voice of the elderly shop owner greeted me even though I was still barely inside. My brain was asking how she knew I would be back so soon. “You better tell me now, when it’s still early, I can still save you. Your friend is another matter though, I’m afraid she’s lost.” She spoke to my right. “No, you lie! Jane is in the hospital when I left. Barely breathing when we found her. Her pulse was erratic, but her eyes were still alive. It was as if she is trying to tell me something. Please tell me, what did you do to her? Tell me so I can help her.” I pleaded. “I’m afraid all is too late my dear. Your friend had so much envy, so much hate at the time she held the NKisi statue. It fueled its power, fed on her emotions; jealousy, greed, desire to be the first in every way, spite, that’s what I read from her.” She quietly got near to me; I saw her holding Jane’s favorite pink scarf. Stroking it as if she can know of Jane innermost desire just by touching a piece of cloth. “What do you mean?” I asked still in disbelief at her vague declaration. “Your so called friend hated you, hated you enough that NKisi noticed and took her blood to make what she wished for come true, to make him mortal again and be released from the trappings of his prison. So that he can live, he already claimed your friend. Don’t be the next one.” She warned. “You keep on bringing NKisi, what is it? What do you mean by its too late for Jane, she’s still alive and I can still help her!” I asked, everything is still unclear. I need to know every detail so that I can help Jane. “NKisi is not an it, he is as mortal and as tangible as you or me.” She took a broken figurine atop her desk. “This was what your friend held; her thoughts must be of immense hate to make him alive. This is just a vessel; in fact this is just a very old antique Fetish Statue, an NKisi Curse Figure. These kind of wooden figures were used for Black Magic operations, to curse specific people, as well as for pacts. This particular figure was obviously used for baneful ends, with its right arm raised and holding a dagger.” She said as she points to the rusty but still sharp looking dagger wielded by the figure. “This fetish statue, like most of the NKisi figures, has been carved from wood, and has a hollowed out cavity around the belly area, where various magical attachments are to be placed - both relating to the spirit of the Fetish, and also personal items belonging to the intended victim’s, hair or nail clippings. The Fetish figure was activated by Nganga, a series of rituals and ceremonies, which would call upon a spirit to enter the fetish figure, and make the fetish its home. Once activated, the fetish becomes an NKisi, a very powerful object, activated by a specific spirit, which is able to use and control a great variety of other spirits, but this one is different. This one is special. It came directly from the source and passed down from generation to generation. Other statues like this are just the army and this one is the general.” She explained eerily. “What is the curse and how will I stop it?” “The only one who knows is your dying friend. NKisi is draining her life force as we speak. You don’t have much time, she has to tell you what she wished for or thought of before you can stop the curse and free her. If she can be freed, if you are successful then you are the first one to do so in almost a hundred years.” “But ma’am she was unresponsive when I left her at the hospital. I was hoping you know how to stop it and make her wake.” “Alright, I may be of help, take these words seriously, I know of only one human who defeated NKisi, she was my great grandmother, it was many years ago, a man coveted his friend’s wife. He wished upon a statue to give him the girl and he will be its eternal slave. My great grandmother loved my great grandfather so much that NKisi’s magic never succeeded although she had to stab the wisher on the heart with the same dagger the statue was holding.” “Do you mean that I have to stab my friend? I can’t do that, that’s sick. I can’t kill her, I won’t kill her!” I loudly contradicted. “Kill her you must! Kill her and end the curse or all of you will die. He will take all of you; he won’t stop until he does. He’s merciless, cunning and incredibly evil.” She warned. “No! Never. She’s my friend!” “Would you die for her? What if she threatened someone you love? What if she kills them? Are you willing to be killed yourself? because that’s what she’ll do. She’ll kill all of you once NKisi devours her soul.” I was still in denial. Jane wouldn’t do that; she couldn’t even hurt a fly. Sweet, sensitive and naïve Jane, thinking about having to harm her, to kill her makes me mad. This is just all so foolish! “Just take this dagger, for safekeeping. You wouldn’t know when you might need it. You seem like a sensible girl, what have you got to lose.” I reluctantly accepted what she gave me. I couldn’t think of a way to refuse. Maybe I don’t have to use this; there must be another way for the curse to be lifted. I went back to the hospital anxious to find out about Jane’s condition. It was a long wait, but all of it was worth when she responded, she finally could breathe without the help of a respirator and was moved out of the intensive care unit although she’s still in a medically induced coma to give her time to heal. Dr. Watson, the physician handling Jane has ecstatically told us that she may be out within the week. Maybe all this talk about curses and black magic was just a con trick. Jane did not die; she’s breathing and will be with us soon. I am happy. Happier than when I got full A+’s on my report card or the day I got my very own car. I have to call Veronica to tell her the good news. Chapter 6 Veronica I dreaded telling Joan about what happened; from the four of us those two were the closest. It must be because they are opposites; one who is frigid balances out the warm. I rung their elaborate doorbell, Joan’s house is huge. It’s good that Kat let me borrow her car; I knew then that my noisy scooter wouldn’t cut it in this neighborhood. But when I rang her phone, nobody was answering. Maybe she’s still asleep. As I’ve climbed onto the trellis leading to her balcony, I felt like Romeo climbing into Juliet’s space and I’m not even a Butch. I’m nearly halfway there when I was interrupted. “What are you doing?” ugh, it was a boy. “I don’t think anyone’s home; I just saw them pack up their bags and leave.” “What? But we have school tomorrow. Joan’s parents would never do that. I’m Veronica by the way.” OMG! Hot Guy Alert! I stretched out my hand to shake his. Whoa. Nice strong grip. “I’m Sin; I think I’ll be going to your school too. We’ve just transferred from down South and bought that house.” He pointed a bigger house than what Joan has. It was situated uphill like a king sitting on a throne and surveying his lowly minions. “So you’ve just got here and haven’t the time to know anyone or do you have friends at school, if not I could show you around?” I suggested, closing in early to my new prey. Hello marlin meet ms. barracuda. “No, I haven’t known anyone yet, but I hope to have friends soon.” He smiled showing of perfect dimples and incredible white teeth that contrasted his amazing tan. “Oh, so see you tomorrow then. I better be going, one of my friends was in the hospital and I just went here to inform Joan. She was not answering her phone.” “Alright then, see you around Veronica.” “Bye.” I couldn’t resist one last look. Damn! That boy is hot! I love to lick his caramel skin and those almond shaped eyes and long lashes any girl would envy, hot damn! And he has a dimple too, man I’m melting! I better call dibs before he sees Kat, every one falls for Kat. Not that she would readily reciprocate, the blind bitch! What I like about Kat is when we like someone, and he wants to be with her, Kat would always distance herself from that boy because she knows it would hurt us. Hah, she’ll be eaten by hungry hyenas in the real world, she should start toughening up! As I drove on, I failed to ask him if he’ll have the same class as me and the girls too. Hmm, never mind, there’s plenty of time tomorrow. CHAPTER 7 Jane Oh God. Kat. I’m sorry Kat. I really am. This is all my fault. Please don’t hurt her, I’ll do anything. And Joan. Joan! I’m sorry! Red. Everything is red. Hot, thick, liquefied glorious red. Like a vat of melted chocolate that boils over a hot pan, bubbling up, calling me. I bathe in it. Glorified in it. I filled a pool, and swam its shore. The warmth soothes. It’s like being reborn again. I’m beginning to wake. It is freezing. Chapter 8 Joan Chapter 9 Kat Last night was dreadful, seeing Jane almost dead shook me up. I haven’t even reconciled myself to what would be my world without one of my friends. I just can’t. They are like my family; losing one of them would severely scar me. I would forever bear the burden of not doing enough to save one of them. Jane’s near death put me in perspective. I should not have left them alone; the guilt that I carried will always haunt me. While waiting for my mom to park the car in front of the school, she turned to me suddenly, “Are you sure you can handle going to school so soon after what happened with Jane, dear?” “Of course mom, I can’t miss school. I need to maintain my grades if I want to be a doctor like you and dad someday. I just hope I’ll be as good too. Thank you for saving her, mom.” “It’s nothing dear; you should thank Dr. Watson instead. Without his quick thinking, we wouldn’t be able to save Jane. I just want to ask, are you sure you are not taking any drugs though? Dr. Watson had to pump high doses of amphetamines and methamphetamines out in Jane’s system; it was enough to make ten men soar like a helium filled balloon. It was a miracle it did not kill her.” She said all of this lightly but I know there was a lingering seriousness and hidden doubt about me in her question. Mom should know me better than to ask that question. I was shocked at the level of toxins inside Jane. I never knew that she ingested anything before we went to the mall or after, other than those twenty or so minutes that they were in the voodoo shop, we were not separated before that and she would have no way to swallow any pills; of course my first suspect is the shopkeeper, either she gave her something or forced her to drink something that caused Jane to overdose, I don’t know, it was appalling to think that that woman whom I tried to ask for help to save her last night gave her those drugs. “No mom, I promise. I never touched or taken anything, you know me mom, better than anyone.” I sincerely said. “Alright dear, I trust you, but don’t break it okay? I do know you are better than that. What I want to know though is that, how come your friend turned to using drugs, she is only sixteen, My God! Dear, if your friend needs counseling again or help, I know someone; don’t worry we’ll help Jane okay?” “Thanks mom, I think she’ll need all the help we can give. Jane doesn’t deserve this happening to her.” Mom patted my shoulder, understanding that I need all the comfort she could offer. I just turned to her and gave her a small smile to reassure her that I’m alright. A little shook up but still okay. I spotted Veronica by my car; it was on my usual parking spot. She brought my car to school since I let her borrow it last night to tell Joan of what happened to Jane. She was talking to a boy I have never seen before, must be a transferee. Veronica still had not noticed me coming; she’s busily flirting with him. With their backs to mine they look so intimate that I would hate to interrupt them. Veronica is always on me if I intrude on her boy hunting time and almost always she gets what she wants, I feel sorry for the guy already, soon she’ll have her claws on him and he’s sunk. I decided to just go to class; first period was always lively, insert the sarcasm there. AP Algebra is my first class of the day and it never fails to make already awake students go back to snoozeville, some really does sleep. The bell rung and it’s another round of mundane lectures, quizzes and homework. Somehow last night’s events flew out of my mind. Between our Algebra teachers’, Mrs. Evans’ search for y’s and x’s Mr. Neil our Principal interrupted the class to send a new student in. I saw it was the same guy that Veronica was flirting with. He looked to be about 6’ to 6’2 feet tall, has a wavy hair barely discernible through his knit cap, it about grazes his neck and curls intriguingly. A swirly exotic looking tattoo peeked under his light blue V-necked shirt contrasting attractively with his caramel toned skin and light brown eyes. Now I know why Veronica did not notice me earlier, he seems like her type, the attractive good boy look that gives a bad guy vibe underneath. After the principal was finished introducing him, giving him the star treatment as it was rare to have a new enrollee halfway in the school year, Mrs. Evans motioned for him to find a chair. He looked around the room, assessing where to strategically sit, probably because it would be your permanent seat throughout the whole school year. His amber smoldering eyes trained on me, I flinched. It was as if he was furious at me for some wrong that I’ve done to him. His nostrils flared and I saw the barely leashed raging look of anger he trained on me. I’ve never even met him once and he acts like that, I never even caught his name. I confess, I’m quite intimidated, but I erased it from my mind, maybe it was just all in my head. “Is this seat taken?” he asked in this liquid raspy voice; he sounded like a pack a day chain-smoker, as he pointed to the unoccupied seat directly at my back. He looked at me inquiringly as if talking to someone stupid that didn’t understand what he was talking about. Usually that seat was taken by Joan. I haven’t even seen her yet. It might be she was still not feeling well. Veronica hadn’t even updated me on her condition, maybe she just forgot. I heard him repeat his question and I noticed some of my classmates were looking at me weirdly. “Uhm, there’s someone usually sitting on that chair, but I think she’s out sick so you can use it for now.” I quietly said. “And what if she’ll never be back?” I felt his breathy whisper near my ear as he stooped down to sit, I shivered. “Don’t presume too much, she will be.” “You’re very certain then?” he countered as he sat. I did not warrant him a reply. His questioning just rubs me the wrong way, coupled with my worry about Joan’s situation it did not sit well with me. I did not mind him further as the class went on, but I’m gravely aware that he was watching me, not even paying attention to the solving of Linear Variables written on the black board. I am so not keen on making him an enemy. I heard the bell rang and I quickly got my things; as I was ready to leave, something fell out of my bag. It was the dagger that old woman gave me. I wanted to snatch it right away but the new guy got it first. He cautiously held it with his thumb and forefinger and seized it by the hilt, as if afraid to dirty his hand with the ancient looking dagger. He turned to me expectantly. “Why do you have this? Isn’t there a rule in this school to never bring deadly weapons or this is really an assassin’s training center masquerading as a school.” He quipped, inspecting the ancient blade. “Give it back! I just got last night and I forgot to take it out of my bag.” “Oh, I will give it back but say you’ll go out with me first.” “That’s blackmail!” “How would I get you to go out with me then if not with blackmail.” He said cheekily, but I was not amused. “I said give it back! And why should I go out with you, I don’t even know you!” I countered. “Sin Miaki, at your service, sixteen, my family just transferred from down south, only child of both parents with an open relationship but have brothers and sisters from their numerous affairs, loves to travel, believes in a higher being that governs us all but not necessarily the common known God, doesn’t eat junk food, prefers to walk or run than to drive a car but owns a motorcycle, a pet lover, never lies and loves giving gifts. Now that you know me, say yes, you know you want to.” He said this in one quick breath while giving a cocky smile. The nerve! “What?” I managed to blurt out. “I was introducing myself, in case you didn’t know” My mouth just kept closing and opening, I must look like a beached fish to him. “Yup, silence means yes. You, me, at my house this Friday, I’ll cook for you, you’ll get to meet the family, then I’ll bring you home. See you then!” Turning around quickly while humming. Then Sin quickly dashed out of the room. Wait a minute… “Hey! I never agreed I’d go out with you!” I shouted after him, but it was all too late, he’s gone! And the most irritating thing of all, he held my dagger hostage. ♫♫you’re all worn down the time for sleep is now it’s nothing to cry about cause we'll hold each other soon in the blackest of rooms♫♫ Finally, we’ve met love. Soon I’ll have you. You may not want me, yet. But I know how I can make you want me. Soon. Chapter 10 Veronica I can’t wait to go to school! I’m not usually this ecstatic! But there is a reason I love school this morning. A boy! Yeah, it’s kind of a passé reason but it’s true! I can’t stop thinking about Sin! His name alone gives me chills, of the good kind of course. From the mold of his shirt alone, I know he has a rockin’ bod, with sculpted abs and no flab. Those chocolate eyes of his melt me and oh I want to lick those lips. He is in no other words hot! I haven’t slept because of him. I think I’m in love, and I don’t do love. Love is just overrated, an exaggeration women tell themselves as an excuse to lie about the desires they feel just so they can sleep peacefully at night. It’s great that Kat left her car with me last night; I’ll be arriving in style. It’s easier to boy hunt if you have a car and Kat’s car is a boy magnet, too bad I have to return it in the afternoon. What I would not give to be rich! I curse my situation! I haven’t chosen this life. Why must I be born a loser to a loser slutty mom, maybe if my dad finds out who I am he’ll love me and he might be rich too, seeing as mom only dates the rich men who frequents the bar where she sings. They don’t stay for long though, there’s always someone younger, prettier, sexier, better in the sack; and then they leave. That’s another reason why I didn’t believe in love, everyone is always replaceable. As I’ve parked the car on our usual space I saw him lounge in the spot next to mine. Oh crap! He looks so hot; I did not just imagine it last night because sometimes I thought someone was attractive and then you see them in the light of day and they look like toads! Hmm, must be the trick of the candle light or the hazy fog of drunkenness. He’s wearing this black leather patched bomber jacket that looks well worn but you can see the beauty and craftsmanship that only comes with designer labels, black relaxed fit jeans and Doc Martens. He was leaning on a red Honda CBR600RR, can he get a little hotter. Ugh, let me fan myself. Golly! A lot of girls were already buzzing around him, like hyenas sensing fresh meat. He just stood there smiling slyly, waiting for something. Or someone. Hmm, maybe me? Let me try to rescue him from these hyenas so that he can all be mine. “Get off sluts! Get off the fresh meat, he’s mine! C’mon shoo, scram, beat it!” some of the skanks reluctantly went away, while others whom already frightened of my popularity in this school just hightailed it fast. Obedient little sluts! “Thanks for that, I thought I’d be swarmed, lucky for me you’re here to the rescue.” He whispered in my ear. Damn, that voice just makes me shiver! “You’re welcome, so have you been inside yet?” “Yeah, earlier when I gave my transfer papers to the principal. He’s nice, Mr. Neil. I may pay him a visit this weekend, see if he wants anything.” “Wow! Just starting this school and sucking up already huh? C’mon how about us lesser mortals, will you leave us to our detentions while you bask in the sun! Give us a break you cheat!” I jokingly pat his pecs. Aww, rock hard! He just laughed and shook his head. Wow. Even his laughter is attractive. I saw Kat’s mom park her Lincoln on the curve not far from where we are at. I quickly turned us around so as to seem like we have been in deep conversation for quite some time. I really like him and I hope he likes me too. When I touched his arm I felt a little magnetic energy, its calling me, wanting me to be closer to him, to belong to him. God, I think I’m already hopelessly in love with him. “So anyone you want to introduce me to? Any friends?” he asked. “Later, my friends aren’t here yet. One is at the hospital as you already know,” he nodded at this. “I’m waiting for the other two. There are four of us who were really close; we’ve been friends since first grade. I’m gonna introduce you to them later.” “Okay, that would be nice.” Eeep, you’re the one that’s nice. If you only knew what I’m thinking right now! Aaaargh! You must be my boyfriend and quick too or you’ll be snapped up by Kat. “Veronica, aren’t we going to class?” I heard him ask and ended my daydreaming. “Ugh, yeah I was just distracted by something. Can I see your class schedule, maybe I can help?” I offered, I hope we get the same. “About that, the Principal has to re-check my records, to see if the classes that I’ll take will “grant me my full potential” his words not mine.” He rolled his eyes while doing the air quote thing; gosh he’s so cute and is quite rebellious, cool! It’s like he’s made for me. “Alright, see you at lunch?” I tried not too sound too hopeful; I have to play hard to get first. I think I failed on that though. “Catch you later then.” With that he went to go see Principal Neil. I think that went well, he must have noticed my crush on him. I’ve dressed with especial care today; I’ve worn my sexy mid thigh, blue baby doll dress. I made sure to match my dress to my eyes. I wore blue so that my grey eyes would pop, and I made sure to display my long legs wearing my favorite red heels, boys love it when I show my legs. It might be they’re imagining them locked around their back. If only Sin would look down in appreciation though, I haven’t even seen him take a peek even for a second. Classes were dull. I cannot freaking wait for the lunch hour to come! I haven’t seen Sin though, maybe we have different classes. I hope he doesn’t have Kat in one of her classes; I haven’t clawed my way into Sin’s heart yet. He has to be completely into me before he’ll meet her. Finally the lunch bell has rung. I can’t wait to see him again. Chapter 11 Kat I’m glad my AP French class is over, that was a disaster. Tutoring Larry, my seatmate; on conjugating verbs, adding appropriate prefixes and suffixes while dodging spit sprays is not pleasant. I think I have to request another tutee, what part of Dire cela, ne pas pulvériser did he not understand? Somehow the French version of “Say it, don’t spray it” sounds more musical and better than our own boring local language. Hmm, thinking about the musical French language, I should be getting to my Music Elective class. Taking that class was not my idea of an elective; I should have been with Joan, Jane and Veronica painting still-life and sketching self portraits, but Mrs. Grey, our Music teacher heard me singing Yellow by Coldplay in the teacher’s lounge when I was volunteering with the paperwork filing and she kind of pressed me to join her class. I should have pointed to Veronica, because singing is in her blood that’s what she always says, it doesn’t matter that she’s tone deaf and all because she loves the limelight and voices can be prettified with the right equipment. Ugh what have got myself into; my knees knock so hard whenever I had to perform. I have terrible stage fright, but Mrs. Grey said I have to conquer that fear and it is unhealthy to waste such talent. I don’t know what she’s talking about though. I felt like my voice is just ordinary, I don’t know what they hear when I sing. There are others out there much better than me, but I’m learning to accept that I can sing, just not extraordinary. I forgot today was a Show-Off day. Not Sing-Off but Show-Off, it’s when you sing your heart out, indulgently, singing a song that made you smile, inspired you or singing something you like but everyone hates. It’s quite fun, for those that have the courage and the nerve to go onstage. For me, again, not that much, I tend to avoid Show-Offs but I received a warning from Mrs. Grey to participate or else she’ll make me lead the National Anthem in the school’s athletic meet. I hope I don’t get called today, I haven’t prepared anything. And the day keeps getting better and better. Not! I spotted Sin slyly pointing to the chair beside him and beckoning me over. I wanted to sit elsewhere but it seems all the chairs were already occupied so I had no choice. I dragged my steps from going there, only Mrs. Grey’s warning about the last to take a seat will be the first to perform had me scurrying in the direction of the chair. I heard him chuckle when I hurriedly parked my butt on the chair next to him. “And so we meet again.” He whispered. “Where’s my dagger? Give it back you deranged, thieving creep!” I countered. “Well, I’ll just hold on to it until Friday, then after our date, I will gladly give it back to you, my Warrior Princess.” He teased. I narrowed my eyes at him, gauging if he was sincere. It doesn’t diminish my want for him to give the dagger back though. “What if I promise to go out with you on Friday, just give me my dagger back? I swear, I give you my word I’ll go out with you, I’ll even let you pick me up from home, how about that.” I bargained. “I don’t know,” he replied, “I kinda don’t know you that much and my dad said I shouldn’t enter into a negotiation with someone I’ve just met it got me into trouble the last time. It might be dangerous.” “Why you-!…” I haven’t the time to finish my reaction of how enraged I am at having been turned down when, “Shhh, I think the teacher noticed you, I think someone’s gonna get in trouble.” He added that last bit in a sing-songy voice, darn! That was irritating! “Mr. Miaki and Ms. Johnson, what were the two of you talking about, why don’t you share it with the whole class? It must be so engrossing.” Mrs. Grey asked, irritated, I think were in deep pile of dung. “Nothing Ma’am, I was just asking Kat here about the activity, you see we haven’t got any of this program in the last school I’ve attended, that was also the reason that got me intrigued enough to join this music class.” He lied effortlessly. He delivered with a smile showing off that small crease of a dimple, earning him a rare reciprocated smile from Mrs. Grey too. Show off, Kiss ass! “What was that Ms. Johnson?” I heard Mrs. Grey asked sharply while Sin quietly guffaws. Shucks! I didn’t know that I said it aloud. “Nothing ma’am, I just said that this is a show-off not a sing-off.” “Oh, alright, so who wants to go first then?” asked Mrs. Grey. So it begins, I slowly sidle sideways into my seat, to be partially hidden by Big Tommy the Soprano’s back so that I don’t get to be picked first when my seat mate, the one and only irritating Sin raised his hand. “Yes Mr. Miaki, do you want to sing first?” “Of course ma’am, it’s to rip the bandage on the wound quick as they say because I might be too chicken to volunteer later, plus Kat dared that she’d go out with me if I sung first.” At that statement the class went wild, hoots and catcalls were exchanged and the annoying boy just bowed theatrically as if he performed a great feat already, while I sunk further into the chair. “No! I didn’t say anything like that at all you jerk!” I uttered. He just smirked and went into the center of the room and confidently got the guitar from its stand and strumming some chords to hear if it was properly tuned. I can’t react further for Mrs. Grey shushed us from being too noisy as Sin strummed the intro chords of the song, the whole class waited with barely bated breath. His breathy raspy voice sounded so clear as he used it to complement the melodious tones of the guitar to the tune of Death Cab for Cutie’s I Will Follow You Into the Dark. Love of mine, some day you will die But I'll be close behind I'll follow you into the dark No blinding light or tunnels to gates of white Just our hands clasped so tight Waiting for the hint of a spark If Heaven and Hell decide That they both are satisfied Illuminate the NO's on their vacancy signs If there's no one beside you When your soul embarks Then I'll follow you into the dark As Sin finished the song there was nary a sound heard as all of the class, even Mrs. Grey was touched by his performance. The song in itself had a very simple tone without shouts and arias; he sang it effortlessly and flawlessly, anyone who listened would believe as he had that sincerity to evoke the message of the song, his singing is like a siren’s call, pulling you deep where he wants you to be. It was amazing. And the crowd goes wild, the peace was broken by loud claps and roars for more. He deftly took a bow secure in the knowledge that he was, honestly quite good. He trained his cocky smile at me, knowing he did something special. Giving the idea that he sang it just for me. I have never heard someone sing like him, and I can’t help but smile back. He strode swaggering towards our seat and turned to me, “Admit it, you like me.” The nerve! And here I thought I was starting to like him and he blurts out something like that! Like a smug overconfident d-dick! And my feels goes back to zero. Pfft! “That’s it! If you turned around that arrogant boastful posturing, I might. But when you act like that it puts me off.” I said. “Oh, so you like shy, dorky losers then? Well I can act like that too. But it would violate something that I believe in.” “And what’s that?” “Always be yourself, no matter what. Changing yourself for someone you love is a disaster in the making. Those kinds of feelings and relationships wouldn’t last. It’ll all be just lies.” He said brashly and sounding like he was reading from a hallmark card at the same time. “Why are we talking about relationships and feelings already? I don’t even know you and I don’t think I even like you enough!” He just laughed undeterred by my shot down. “Babe, I intend for you to be mine and soon. You will like me one day maybe love me even.” With that parting statement I didn’t notice that Mrs. Grey just called me. It was my turn. Damn! I didn’t even prepare a song, darn! I should have something to counter Sin’s song earlier, the one I knew was not good and it was a love song he might read some meaning from it that wasn’t there, what do I do?” Then P!ink’s song Just Like a Pill came in to my mind and proceeded to sing it, when it was time for the chorus, I stared him down. Run just as fast as I can To the middle of nowhere To the middle of my frustrated fears And I swear you're just like a pill 'Stead of makin' me better, you keep makin' me ill You keep makin' me ill When I was done, he was the first to clap vigorously. I was more disturbed, didn’t he listened to the lyrics at all. I went to my seat frowning. “Hey, that was great, you sang brilliantly.” He said, looking so smug still. “Why are you so darn … peppy, didn’t you know that song was for you?” I said grumbling. “Hah! As long as it’s not indifference I’ll take it, because if I can get a reaction from you, then I stand a chance to turn that feeling into something that I want.” He kept on pestering me as the class went on and songs about blurred lines, royalty and heavy machinery was repeated again and again. I never paid him any heed as I doodled on the margins of my notebook. He must have gotten tired of the one way conversation so he settled on staring at me in an intimidating manner instead. I just huffed in the corner and waited for the lunch bell to ring. When it did I quickly left my seat to seek out Veronica. This guy is making me nuts! “Hey mind if I join you, its lunch and I don’t have that many friends yet.” Whoa, that was fast how did he catch up to me that quickly? He must have superhuman speed. I can’t turn him down though, I may not like how arrogant he is, but he’s new here and I know he’ll be happy to see Veronica; they were so intimate early this morning. “Alright come on, but I don’t want to hear any more stupid innuendoes or deep feelings crap bull okay. Or I’ll hand you over to that gaggle of girls over there who eyes you like a piece of meat and likes your brand of humor.” I threatened him when I saw the girls huddled, whispering and pointing to him in the corner. “Cross my heart and hope they die.” He said sincerely. I took him to the school’s cafeteria. Located in the east wing, it occupies most of the ground floor to accommodate about four hundred students. We have our very own table near the big picture windows and I already spot Veronica waiting there. I smiled when I saw her but she only had eyes for my companion. Uh-oh, I know that twinkle, it means she wants him and will never stop until she has him. Poor Sin, nothing can stop a determined Veronica. If she sees what she wants, she’s going to get it in any way possible. I gingerly settled on the bench in front of Veronica but her eyes are still focused on Sin, whom was still standing. When we get to the table he was hovering irritatingly, unsure to sit or remain standing. “What are you doing? Don’t act like a dork, sit for Cripessakes!” I murmured. He can’t sit fast enough though, so fast that he nearly stumbled into Stanley, the two hundred and fifty pound reserve linebacker with a mean disposition, too bad he just noses at him. “Was that dorky enough for you? I thought you liked dorks? Do you like me now? Or do you want me to be dorkier? Hey I know, I can buy five soy milks in tetra packs but only use one straw. Save the environment. Yay! Now that’s extremely dorky for me or would you like me to go the extra mile and buy six.” He asked earnestly. With his honest expression and pistol quick wit, I couldn’t help it. I couldn’t hide my snickers from coming out. He smiled too, letting out that intriguing dimple again. Veronica frowned, because the conversation went above her head, I also saw that she wants in on the conversation badly so I included her. “Veronica, I don’t have to introduce you two, yes? I saw you this morning quite in a snuggle with Sin here. He was on my Algebra and Music class.” She was grateful that I included her, her frown then disappeared. She looked at Sin quite longingly. “Yeah, we met last night actually, when I went to tell Jo about Jane. Sin said he saw them leave the house, maybe they are on a spur of the moment vacation.” “Oh, so that’s why she wasn’t in class.” I mused. “So you live in Joan’s subdivision then?” I turned to Sin. “Yeah, my family and I just arrived when I saw them leave. We live on that house atop the hill where you can see everything so I had an unobstructed view. It looked like they were in a hurry too.” “Did you try calling her?” I turned to Veronica. “Yeah, it’s strange though, all the calls go to her voicemail immediately, like the line has been deactivated but the number was still working.” “Some do that to save on expensive data charges, but considering Joan’s family is not strapped for cash it’s very strange indeed.” I supposed. “I see you’re a very close group, do you have other friends?” Sin interjected. “Yeah, there’s Jane, she is in the hospital though, she’s still in a medical induced coma, still hanging in there, my mom said that they might try to revive her today,” I turned to Veronica to ask, “Will you be going with me to visit her after class?” She was quite unsure what to answer, probably hoping that Sin will ask her to go out on a date after school. “It’s okay if I come alone, “I volunteered.” “Maybe I’ll just make my home work there and wait for mom and dad’s shift to end.” “No, you can’t be alone, waiting for your friend to wake up, I’ll go with you. You can ride with me on my motorcycle, I warn you though, I haven’t tried having someone to ride with me so you’ll have to hold on tight.” Sin said and also wiggling his eyebrows for a self- satisfied effect. I just rolled my eyes, I saw how dejected Veronica was and I had a great idea. “No, I have my own car but Veronica can ride with you. I need to have the keys to my car back Veronica,” turning to her, “And then you can ride with Sin, tomorrow he can pick you up for school too.” I suggested, throwing the two together, now this proposition sounds better. This seems to perk Veronica up. “Bad news my Warrior Princess, she’s got a mini-skirt on. She can’t possibly ride in a bike with that. It would be indecent if she flashed half the city. Here’s an even better idea; let her drive your car, you ride with me and tomorrow I can pick you up for school.” I just saw Veronica’s entire dream came crashing down, I just couldn’t do that to her. So I countered with my final proposal. “Nope, my dad’s been asking yesterday where my car was so my ‘baby’ should be home tonight. So here’s my final offer if Veronica is willing.” That got her full attention, “Because Veronica and I fairly wear the same size, we will swap clothes. I’ll wear the dress while she wears my jeans so she can ride with you. You, take her home and will also pick her up for school tomorrow. Deal?” “I liked that last one Kat, come on, and let’s change clothes before Sin can make any more offers.” Veronica butted in. We left Sin with a stunned expression, and my threat to get us food from the lunch lady or he’ll be spending lunch with angry hungry females. In the girl’s toilet Veronica confronted me about my and Sin’s closeness, while we exchange what we wore. “What was that all about?! It’s like he was on to you like syrup on pancakes! I could feel the tension and chemistry across the room.” Way to go Veronica! Not even waiting a second to sock into it! “It was nothing! He was just being really annoying; also he wouldn’t return something of mine that he was holding hostage so I have to be nice. He’s blackmailing me.” I defended. “And why would he do that? I’m telling you Kat, I really like him. No, I love him. Please, this is the only thing I will ask of you, nothing else. Don’t steal him from me. Please, don’t make him fall in love with you!” she implored. “Veronica, I have no intention of doing that, he’s yours if you want him, our friendship is much more important than any other boy, you know that. I could never trade an unsure relationship with a boy I barely knew for you, I’ve been telling him I’m not interested.” trying to make her see my point. “Alright, I believe you. Since the two of you seem very close, can you put in a good word for me, you know, tell him if he’s looking for a girlfriend, I could be his.” “What do you think I was doing a while back? Throwing you two together was like an intricate game show, deal or no deal, counter offer for every offer. Don’t worry, you are the prettiest girl I know, he’ll fall for you soon, just like every guy you set your eyes on.” I encouraged. “Really?” Seeing my overconfident best friend be insecure is upsetting. I comforted her with a light hug saying, “Yes, really. Hey, you’re Veronica James! You eat boys for breakfast, Sin doesn’t stand a chance!” it was a relief to see her smile again. Our business done, we went back to the cafeteria and found Sin got us food, he did an excellent job with that too, and true enough he did got us six soy milk packs. Chapter 12 Veronica Crap! CRAP! CRAP! SHIT! They’ve already met! And I was not there. That look, ugh! I know that look; it’s the look guys give girls when they want to own someone. I have to stop this! Sin is mine! She can’t have him! If I have to destroy this friendship in order for me to have him, then so be it! Just look at her, so clueless, so oblivious to Sin’s attraction to her. Is it because she’s all sweet and innocent? I can be both, but not too innocent though, most guys I know go for a girl who knows what she’s doing, but in is not most guys. He hasn’t even responded to any of my seducing. Hmm, maybe if I toned down wearing my heart on my sleeve will he like me then? Naah, soon he’ll come around, I’ll just make him feel so special that he’ll never look at another girl again. And I know everything about making men feel special, not like clueless Kat. What can you say? I’ve got a lot of practice. Sin is doing an all out flirting with her now and all the while she is blind. I saw him hand Kat an apple and instantly felt left out, I immediately tried to grab his attention. “Sin, is your apple only for Kat, or do you have one left for me?” I said provocatively. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you like apples, and you seem kind of a meat and potato girl.” he said dismissively. I saw Kat’s expression turn to outrage. Fuck, here comes the pity parade. “You can have the apple Veronica, I didn’t want it anyway.” I narrowed my eyes at her. She seemed to get what I have felt just then. “Seriously?! I don’t want your pity Kat! If the apple wants you that bad, then you can have it! Enjoy!” she flinched when I banged the lunch tray when I left. Fuck them! They deserve each other! I need a smoke now! Chapter 14 Kat I was stunned; scratch that stunned was an understatement. I was more astonished and confounded by her action; it was not an hour ago when we had this understanding. I was never going to steal Sin from her, that was absurd; we haven’t even known each other for a full day! And what is up with her, she barely even knows him too, that depth of feelings can only come after a substantial amount of time being with the other person. Granted it was Veronica, but still. I felt so frustrated lately; these girls will give me gray hairs and premature wrinkles soon. Eyes from the other students trained on me, disbelieving of the fact that the inseparable four’s friendship would fall out. Suddenly I felt too small. Sin sat nearer beside me, giving a warm one-hand sideways hug, it was readily given for comfort but since he was the cause of our fight it was counterproductive not to mention awkward. I slowly sidled away and seeing that I was quite uneasy he understood and took out his arm from being slung into mine. “Hey, don’t you worry she’ll come around, you’ll see.” I just sat there, still speechless of how Veronica reacted, I never even knew that I cried. I only felt the pad of Sin’s thumb drying my eyes as a tear fell off. Blushing, I hurriedly scrubbed my eyes off as I don’t anyone to see me crying. I noticed Sin look at my tears that he gathered as if mesmerized. “What are you doing?” “Fascinating. So this is what you produce when you cry? They look like shiny diamonds.” I was struck dumb, is this guy for real? “Psych! I was just seeing if I can try to distract you. I don’t like it when I see you cry.” He said earnestly. I don’t know how he did it, but that made me laugh. I only stopped when I saw his self satisfied smirk. “Hey, why did you stopped? That was the best sound I have heard all day. Well, that and your singing and basically everything that came out of your mouth.” He teased. I just rolled my eyes in response. “Well, it looks as if your friend left you hanging and still did not return your car keys,” now that he’d mentioned it, yes Veronica didn’t, somehow I don’t like where this conversation is going. “It seems to me you have no option. You have to let me take you to the hospital, then after a few hours I’ll take you home, how about that?” “I don’t want to inconvenience you, it’s your first day here, you should be out, sightseeing or meeting new friends even going out on a date, it’s not fun being stuck with me in a hospital and it might further anger Veronica; she might never forgive me if I did.” “Don’t worry I’ll handle her, I believe we have the same class together, let’s go Shakespeare, Moliere and Poe awaits my lady.” He bowed theatrically. His goofing made everything seem lighter as I reluctantly went with him on our next class. Chapter 15 Kat Veronica didn’t show up for AP English Lit. class and her other classes too. I’ve asked some of her classmates but they told me she wasn’t in class. It was wearisome waiting for someone you really wanted to talk to and that person did not show up, added to the fact that I may have to ride the bus in order to go to the hospital to visit Jane. I just remembered that Veronica and I swapped what we wore for her to be able to ride with Sin in his motorcycle, but now that she was jealous of my and Sin’s seeming closeness at lunch, she skipped school and still has my car keys. I hope she won’t take her anger out on my baby. I’ve only had her for a few months and I had to work real hard in order for me to get her, maintaining straight A’s is a real feat. The last bell rung for school and I saw Sin jog around eager to go home students. He saw my distress and non-verbally asked what’s wrong. “I can’t ride with you.” I blurted fast. “Why, is it because of Veronica? I’ll talk to her tomorrow don’t worry, or is it because you’re ashamed to be seen with me?” somehow my taunting of his feelings garnered a dent to his pride. “No, it’s not that. Have you seen what I’m wearing?” with my abject embarrassment points and looks to the tiny skirt of the dress I loaned from Veronica. I was baffled when I didn’t get any reaction from him so I looked up, he was staring intently. I didn’t even think he blinked. “Hey! Wake up dude! Eyes up here!” Snapping my fingers in front of him seemed to wake him up. “I’m sorry—what?” he asked, confounded. “I said, I can’t be riding your motorcycle wearing this! It’s positively indecent not to mention unsafe.” “Unsafe for whom?” he muttered under his breath. “What’s that?” “Nothing, look you can still ride with me, just ride it the ladylike way. Come on I’ll show you.” We proceeded to go where he parked his motorcycle; I was dejected to not find my car parked where it should be. Veronica might have taken it for a spin. Sin saw my expression and distracted me by demonstrating on the etiquette of riding a motorcycle while wearing a minute skirt. “Are you sure this is alright?” I asked while he handed me the helmet. “Aren’t you going to wear one?” to which he just smirked. “I don’t need one; I’m quite invincible you know. You are what I worry about.” “Alright, just be careful okay, let’s go.” I conceded as I put on the helmet and sit on the motorcycle, gripping the seat in the back he persuasively took my hands and put it in his rock hard abs making me embrace him. “Hold on tight, Princess.” The ride to the hospital from the school usually takes me thirty minutes in my car, he cut it in half. That was how fast he was driving. My knocking knees almost gave out as I got out of the motorcycle. He quickly tried to assist me so that I won’t fall, I saw him smirk though and I am definitely not amused. “You! You did that on purpose! You jerk!” and rapped his chest with the helmet. He was full on laughing now, as if being hit by a hard object doesn’t affect him. I couldn’t help myself, his laughter was infectious, I couldn’t seem to hold a grudge against him for long. I can see why Veronica is attracted to him. “You should’ve seen your face Princess, it was awesome! Seeing you all flustered with tangled hair and clothes disarrayed, you looked more adorable right then. Can I keep you?” he said earnestly, bringing to mind a line uttered by a beloved ghost. “The problem with you mister, is that you are a copy-cat! Just don’t let Veronica hear you say that, she might destroy me.” “Don’t worry; I’ll take care of you. No one is going to hurt you, not without battling me first. I promise you that.” He seriously said. Shaking off the ominous tones of where the conversation might lead, I led him through the waiting lounge where Jane’s room was. As we get there, her mom who sat in vigil over night was clearly distraught, even though Jane’s condition was better than last night. Only an I.V. drip was connected to her left wrist, but she was still fast asleep. “Mrs. Austin, we’re here to see Jane. Is there anything I can do? Any news?” “Bless you dear, there’s nothing new, she’s still unresponsive. Your mom came by a while ago, it seems her condition is stabilized and they will be waking her up soon. I just hope we can get through this, I really had no idea Jane took some drugs. She was such a happy normal girl.” “Neither did I, Mrs. Austin, I promise, I’ve never seen Jane took any drugs. Don’t worry ma’am we’ll help get Jane through this. She’ll be okay.” I reassured her, knowing she needs the guarantee that her daughter was not turning into a junkie. “Mrs. Austin, would you like to take breather? I knew you’ve been here since last night and haven’t left here since. Would you mind if I stay with her for just a while?” “Alright dear, I’ve been missing my daily dose of caffeine, I’ll just nip it quick at the cafeteria, see if their coffee has improved since last night.” She perked up at my suggestion, Jane’s mom was the active type, never wanting to sit down, always doing some project so being cooped up in the four corners of the rooms is like being in a jail cell. Noticing Sin at my side for the first time, she couldn’t resist giving a parting shot. “And you’ve brought your boyfriend dear; aww you look good together, but no hanky-panky while I’m gone okay? You can do that while I’m here so I can include it in my book.” Her teasing offered a lighter mood from the somber atmosphere a sickbed gives and as she left I shyly peeked to Sin’s smug expression. “Hear that? She thinks I’m your boyfriend, I don’t do girlfriends but for you Princess I’ll make an exemption.” He leered, stroking his non-existent beard naughtily. “You are impossible! Just get our home work and let’s start studying before we end up in one of Mrs. Austin’s “New Generation Young Adult Novels” as star-crossed lovers who made out in a hospital’s broom closet.” “Can we make that happen? Is there even a broom closet here? I’m all for it if you ask me.” He teased, but did get our things. “You are really impossible Sin!” shaking my head in disbelief. We studied for an hour and waited while Jane’s mom had to go home to get some clothes for her and Jane, just a hopeful precaution if she woke up and wants to go home. We finally said our goodbyes when visiting hours were over, and we needed to go home. As usual I had to ride in Sin’s motorcycle since I couldn’t go with mom and dad for they had an emergency surgery when a man, stabbed fourteen times by an unknown assailant was wheeled in. Unlike our trip to the hospital where it was too fast, travelling for home was too slow. I walk faster than this! What is he doing? When we got home I immediately asked him why he was going too slowly. “I didn’t want to end this, I’m much too enjoying myself when I’m with you.” he said. I just snorted in derision. “Seriously? Out of all the girls in school and you chose to spend your night studying, doing homework, visiting the sick and ushering me around town when you could’ve been on date with Veronica.” “You clearly underestimate your charms,” he contradicted while he tucks a stray strand of hair escaping from my hastily done ponytail. “How about we do this again tomorrow? That way I can prove to you that a full night doing “mundane” tasks is better than going on a date with a girl I don’t have feelings for.” “You know a lot of guys should be like you, there would be little to no broken hearts at all. Seriously though Sin, I’m not looking for a romantic relationship right now, I’m not ready, I just want to enjoy high school, have fun with friends, get good grades and get to college. Friendship is what I can offer for now.” Me saying that did not deter him though; his grin was ever not even showing a hint of vexation. “I’ll take it, I don’t want you to feel rushed but truthfully I have never felt anything like this. I like you Kat.” He said solemnly. “So, see you tomorrow? I’ll be here to take you to school, if you want you can wear a similar dress,” pointing to what I’m wearing, “I don’t really mind. Except maybe when boys will stare too much.” I just shook my head at his jibes enjoying his easy banter. We said our goodbyes and goodnights; he left with a wave of his hand and accelerated into the night. As I neared our porch I noticed my car was parked off center, like it was left hurriedly. I went near to see if there was some damage to my baby, aside from a few bumps and nicks with an occasional cigarette burn like it was used as an ashtray, there was nothing major. I saw the keys locked inside though. Veronica sure does hold a grudge, not worrying too much because dad has the spare, the scratches and bumps can be re-detailed what gave me grief however was that our friendship might not recover from this. Chapter 16 Jane I sense him, he’s here. Don’t take me! I want to stay! I promise I’ll never do it again! Don’t thank me. What are you thanking me for? I’ll kill her before you even take her, she’s not yours! She’ll want to die first before belonging to you! Hah! She’ll never love you! She’s far too smarter than that! No! Leave her alone! KAT! Chapter 17 Veronica I told her! I told her never to steal him from me, he’s mine and I don’t like sharing. My anger barely simmers as I paced my tiny bedroom. That self-entitled bitch will get what she deserve and soon. I parked her car not carefully in their driveway; she doesn’t know I’ve put tricks in there. Hah! I will be soaring above the clouds if everything that I’ve planned will happen. Let’s see the newspapers tomorrow. I heard a knock from the front door. Who could this be? It’s only Eight O’clock, mom gets out at Midnight and I don’t expect her to come home early during Wednesday nights, it’s her feature night at the lounge. When I opened the door it’s as if all my prayers were answered, my one and only wish came knocking at my door. And damn he looks so good! Chapter 18 Kat You know the feeling of foreboding? That something bad will happen on that day? That feeling never went away since Jane and Joan went home with us after what occurred in the voodoo shop. It was always there, at the back of my mind, never letting me go. It was another school day. Apparently, Sin had to take me to school today since I hid and covered my car in the garage to hide the damage Veronica made from my dad, I still had ample savings, dad wouldn’t notice if I nicked a couple of hundreds for the repair. He will totally go ballistic and ground me for life if he saw the state of my car. Today I will also confront Veronica; hopefully she’ll listen. She is becoming more and more volatile each day, I’ve only ever notice this since the chasm she’d sat upon our friendship. I always thought she was the worldly one, the one who was strong enough to get what she wants and to hell whatever happens to everybody. Now, looking back, I say it’s more of her boldness, her audacity and determination to one-up us. To her, since she doesn’t have the money, the family or the smarts she had made up on what she thought lesser qualities of hers with daring and bluster. It was never those things that made me want to befriend her then though; it was her ability to make the feistiness inside us appear. She always exudes this light as if it shines just for her, I always tell her that when we graduate she could pursue a career as an actress or a model, with her commanding presence and allure she could be whatever she wants to be. Not like me, who as early as I was in diapers there was a huge expectation to be as intelligent, successful and focused like my parents. Everyone assumed that I’d be a doctor, pursuing medicine like them; it’s not that I don’t want to be a doctor, mom and dad are my role-models but when you were so young and be stereotyped as a child wonder I found myself asking sometimes if my hopes and dreams were forced upon me. I heard Sin’s loud motorcycle rumbling in the driveway and I quickly dashed out of the house since I’m wearing my favourite pair of jeans I get to ride properly on the back, and I also ambled up quietly lest I wake mom and dad up. They were late coming back, the emergency intracranial surgery they teamed up on lasted for three hours, and I guess the high of saving a life never made it to the front porch. That is one of the reasons why I wanted to be a doctor. Knowing that you saved a life or given them enough time on this earth to be with loved ones is rewarding, no amount of money or accolades will equal to the satisfaction of resuscitating a body nearly abandoned by its soul. The thoughts that were dancing through my brain were quite a jumble so when we got to the school without me noticing and I was still clinging to Sin like a limpet. “I never knew that you could be this clingy every morning, if I did I would’ve transferred early and brought you to school every day. We could be doing the boyfriend and girlfriend stuff instead of being friends.” He teased. I just shook my head at him in derision. “Hey, don’t dash a good guy’s hopes up. I’ll still be here waiting even if you say it’ll be only pure platonic for now. Maybe in time you’ll get to change your mind, and that’s when I’m gonna pounce.” Imitating a tiger with that last statement. “You’re hopeless, Sin.” “Yep, hopeless. Hopelessly devoted to you.” singing now. I just ignored his ribbing until we got to the lockers as a lot of eyes were straying in our direction, I don’t want nasty gossips to tell Veronica any more news of our seeming closeness so I gave myself space from Sin’s immediate direction. He might have taken a hint and tamed his teasing, but I still confronted him albeit lightly as to not create a scene. “Would you please stop this declarations Sin? We’ve only known each other yesterday; it’s not only awkward but foolish as well. You know you sound a little bit like Veronica just now. She was so head over heels in love with you with just meeting you twice its ridiculous.” “Hey, that hurt! You have managed to imply that I’m stupid, unlovable and crazy in just one sentence. Kat, whatever feelings I’m letting you know just now, those are true. I’m just being honest with myself and I don’t want to regret anything because if I did not grab whatever fate gave me, if it slips through my fingers then I am not allowed to mourn over what could have beens’. How could I when I let the most important person that came into my life escape from my grasp?” the sincerity of his voice was palpable but I still chose to confront him head on. “That! If you can only hear yourself, you sound do stalker-ish that I couldn’t help myself to feel a little alarmed. Maybe if you could just tone it down a little, I still need to talk to Veronica and her hearing you say those words will make her even more unstable. Did you know what she did to my car last night? Somehow you think you know someone half your life and then a critical incident happens between you and your friends then that’s where you’ll knew the real her, the real person who hides behind the mask she lets us see.” expressing my grief over my shattered friendship. Hearing the first bell, the two of us walked together to class. “Don’t worry; I’ll protect you from Veronica. She will never hurt you.” was only his cryptic reply. At lunch, when we usually meet up for the day, we never saw her. I kept on waiting on our table but she didn’t show up. Asking her classmates from an earlier period if they knew where she was, they only said that she was absent from class. That really got me worried. First there was Jane; second, Joan didn’t turn up for class yesterday. Now, it’s Veronica who has disappeared. Will I be next? I watched as five men roughed her up. Seeing her beaten and bleeding on the uneven cracked concrete floor feeds me. All the menace, depraved and wicked acts humans commit on each other is my sustenance. As long as evil lurks in the world then I am alive. I hear her whimper. It was a melodious duo of a musical perfection; accompanied by a man’s grunts and blissful shouts, I watched satisfied that she won’t wreck her havoc on Kat again. She dared to harm what was mine. I would fuck anyone up before they become an obstruction and threaten everything that I have planned. It was amusing to watch the bitch be swayed by a well timed smile, few seductive words and insincere gestures. The lust and greed on her face alone could sustain me for a week. That’s why I choose to haunt where immature unguided pure souls thrive, they bend so easily and the harvest is ripe. Easy pickings for a demon like me. Just dangle something that they want so much, their greatest desire, anything they would kill for, would die for and I’m in. Nothing has ever changed; humans were so superfluous, so predictable it’s getting kinda old. Nothing’s ever more constant than these greedy humans. There were a stellar few that doesn’t bend though. Once in a while there’s someone who is incorruptible, someone who doesn’t bow to my will, holds steadfast to their convictions and principle that I cannot even sway them no matter the promises I’ve made. I’ve only ever met one. Her sacrifice bound me to the relic I was incased in for nearly a century. Good thing that a young irresolute soul released me from my prison. And what hate she held. It was exhilarating, invigorating me from my slumber. Her hate was heady because it was masked with admiration, love and compassion. Her guilt was even more so. It has not yet matured and feeding it was a rush! Only a day later and I am at my strongest. I also found my weakness. Every demon has a particular soul that entices them, one who is created to be their downfall, the only one who can clean away the taint to make us whole again. My mate. Created to be chaste at heart, unsullied by everything impure, clean and untainted, a soul so pristine that it can freshen a dark, stale and corrupted spirit into the light. She woos me, drawing me in, tempting me to take her. I tried to resist, every demon puts up a good fight, my Father did. In the end he chose to let my mother go, knowing that her soul withers when she was with him, it was the most unselfish act he ever did in his life. Personally, I think it was a dumb move. There was not a day he longed for her, satiating his need for my mother with countless impure women but never satisfying the hunger. I would never do that. I promised that when I do find my mate I would never release her. I will bind her in chains if I have to. I will own her. And she will be mine. Soon. Chapter 19 Kat Mom texted me that Jane woke up today. So far that has been the best news that I received, I saw Sin sauntered towards me and I wonder if he would be willing to take me to the hospital again. Somehow I knew that I need not ask anything from him. There was a certainty that he would do whatever I want without being asked. I find it both exhilarating and frightening. I did never understand why anyone would stake their happiness in one person. What if that person would not give in return the feelings that you have expected from them? On that thought alone, what if I won’t feel the same? Will Sin hate me? “P.E. sucks huh? So, where to now?” my contemplation stopped when he asked as he came near. “I have to go to the hospital, mom just texted that Jane woke up.” “Alright, let’s go?” “Good thing I’m wearing jeans huh? That way, you wouldn’t have to drive awkwardly.” I teased. “I don’t care what you wear, I want to take you in every which way, just get on the back of my bike.” Sensing that his retort could be misinterpreted if someone should hear, he discreetly steer me towards where he parked his motorcycle. And that’s why his level of intensity scares me. We’ve reached the hospital in record time. No scenic routes taken and no delaying tactics, I specifically told him that. I want to see Jane, to gauge if she really was on the mend. The minutes waiting for the elevator to arrive and walk through the corridors seemed like hours, I couldn’t get to her room fast enough. With Sin on my heels, he tolerantly dodged busy orderlies, harried visitors of in patients’ and occasional misplaced hospital wheelchairs and gurneys. It was a beautiful sight that greeted me when I got to Jane’s room, she was sitting, dressed in normal clothes, sallow complexion gone and traces of being nearly on deaths’ door disappeared. I smilingly went in to greet her. “GET OUT!” getting the ceramic vase nearest to her and throwing it in my direction. I would’ve been directly hit on my head if not for Sin blocking it. He took the brunt of the projectile unleashed by Jane. I never knew she could throw an object that strong. She is now spitting and snarling, with occasional threats, her mom looked apologetically on us which I understood. She had to be restrained by three orderlies so we decided to leave so as not to agitate her more. We hurriedly left the hospital, with me being shaken to the core as Sin drove us home. I was still in disbelief when we arrived at my house; I took a glance at an uncommunicative but clearly seething Sin. When I noticed a trickle of rich red blood on his jaw line, I knew I had to act fast, seeing him getting hurt because of me is distressing. Even though we’ve only known each other just yesterday I had an insight that he is like a rock; strong and determined but now I also saw a humanizing vulnerability. He bleeds. Just for me. “You are never going back there or even try to see her again. She’s violent Kat, maybe even worse than Veronica. No, I won’t allow her to hurt you, alright?” his eyes intensely boring on mine, hands clutching my shoulders, wanting me to swear to everything that he wants to protect me from, at my nod he visibly relaxed. “Sin, you’re bleeding. Come inside let’s take a look at that.” I distracted. I ushered him towards the kitchen where a ready stock of first-aid paraphernalia’s are available, especially for when mom decides to cook and took out some gauze, cotton and antiseptic to clean out his wound. Sin did not even squirm or fidget when I applied the stinging ointment; he just stared at me intensely. I could not deny he has beautiful eyes, with the color of cinnamon blanketed by thick ebony lashes any girl would envy. Any girl who would capture his heart would be really lucky; the way he defended me and shielded me against Jane’s attack was a very noble act. I don’t care that every girl in school says they want their bad boys, for me a gentle good guy is way better. “You are good, never even flinched, I tended bigger men than you with the simplest cuts and they bawl like babies when I apply Iodine on their-“ I haven’t got time to finish my statement when his lips descended upon mine. It was a gentle sweet kiss, not overpowering and neither nauseating, a kiss any girl would be fortunate to have as their first. Although I don’t have anything to compare it with, it was the best first kiss a girl could be given. I gently push him away to end the kiss, hoping he did not get offended. I shyly looked down on my feet when I saw how keen his gaze was. I have to remedy this awkward situation so… “Didn’t,” “That was..” “You first.” “What?” We said at the same time, which in turn made me burst out in giggles. He just smiled and shook his head enigmatically. I asked him if he was alright, if his wound hurt. “The cut was tolerable; it’s nothing I can’t handle. Besides if me getting hurt prevent you from getting an injury it was all worth it. There’s practically nothing I would not do for you Kat. I’ve already fallen for you. You are my reason.” I do not know how to respond to that. Being someone’s reason for everything is very overwhelming. I was moved speechless by his declaration; I never put much thought of what developing feelings he was showing towards me, for we only knew each other so short a time. No sane boy would fling himself in harm’s way just for a girl he just met. Maybe love at first sight is real. I am now starting to believe. With me silenced in the corner I felt him come nearer towards me. He put an arm around my waist and pulled me close, raised my chin to make me look up to him. I saw how earnest and sincere his expression was. I couldn’t deny that my inner resolve about not having a relationship with someone while in high school was crumbling. He looked so smolderingly attractive right then that when he decided to kiss me I would not resist. “Sin…” I whispered his name like a prayer. “I know you said “only friends” but Princess just tell me if I have a tiny bit of a chance. I would never stop pursuing you, you will be mine as I am assuredly yours.” “Sin, I don’t want to make you wait for me forever. What if your feelings would change? No, hear me out.” I interrupted when he started to heatedly contradict me. “You’ve heard that we’ve just met excuse, if you’re not willing to believe that, look at it this way, we’re still too young and feelings always don’t stay the same. I don’t want you to feel too obligated just because we’ve been together for so long; being friends at this time is the safest way for us not to get hurt later on.” He looked offended and made a move to put a distance between us but changed his mind midwalk and clasped me more securely to him. I can feel all the hardness of his body melding in with the soft curves of mine. His grip was like an iron vice that I could never let myself free on my own volition. “The problem with you Kat is that you won’t take a chance on me. What more could you want as proof? I took a fucking vase to the head for you! I would do everything and anything you ask of me. Don’t push me away Kat. I swear I am the only for you.” He pulled me to him again, a second was all it took and his lips were on mine again. He was more forceful this time, alternately sucking and nipping my lips. It would have been amazing if he kissed me gently again, had I not felt his wandering hands on my body. I was shocked when he touched my breasts, feeling it through the dainty lace. His other hand was slowly moving from my nape to my lower back and under my shirt. I moaned, protesting that I am not yet ready for these things. These feelings that he incites upon me were so perplexing. I liked it when he was being gentle, the kiss was amazing but when he got too intense it made me cringe. He must have noticed that I was objecting to his affections, I was being alarmed by how forceful he was, seeing my distress he relaxed his hold on me a bit but never let me go, he finally stopped nibbling my lips but kept his eyes trained on me. We were still locked in embrace as I heard my parents walked in. Sin finally released me albeit he was still near me; his heat warmed my back and was an intimidating presence that won’t leave me alone. Mom and Dad saw me on the kitchen counter with our first aid strewn all over, the used cotton swabs red with blood and sticky band-aid wraps scattered on the usually spotless nook. “What happened? Whose hurt Katherine?” asked my mom. “Mom, Dad, this is Sin, a friend.” I turned to Sin, uh-oh it’s not a good thing when mom whips out my full name. I think I’m in trouble; she always panics and worries a lot. Typical mom, seeing this dad went for my rescue; he was always the one to calm her first. “Dear I might know the answer to that question. Remember Jane, Katherine’s friend who was admitted in the hospital? We’ll after she woke up from her coma, Kat here visited her but she went on a rampage, throwing things and screaming the building down. Apparently the young man here saved our daughter when he shielded her from the flying projectile that our daughter’s friend threw and he is now being treated by the capable hands of our daughter.” Dad told mom jovially, stressing the word daughter made me cringe, it was as if he was reminding my mother how dire the situation I was involved in. “Oh my God! Are you hurt son? Is he hurt dear?” mom turned to me, I observed mom slightly losing her intelligence for a little while, and she’ll recover in three, two and one. “What was I thinking of course he’s hurt, he’s bleeding? Have you given him any medicine for pain relief, anti-biotic or an ointment for his wound?” I shook my head at the first and second and nodded at the third. My mom who was a such worrywart when she sees anybody get sick or bleeding no matter if it was just a mild case of flu or a tiny little gash it will be blown out of proportion, it must be the healer in her. “Okay, now that’s done and everything will descend to an uncomfortable silence let’s get it out of the way so we’ll be able to skip that and go straight on to dinner, I’m starving.” Quipped my dad, the intrepid icebreaker, he then proceeded to motion a handshake to Sin. “Well, thank you young man for saving our daughter and if you experience any aches and pains just go quickly to the hospital alright? Look for Drs. Johnson, I and my lovely wife here will sort you out properly, Okay?” motioning for mom, who was in awe of Sin. “Now dear, you have to stay for dinner alright? I know we are not the best of cooks but we can order pizza, don’t you young ones like pizza?” Sin shook his head no as my five-foot tall mother craned her neck enthusiastically. “Mom, Sin doesn’t eat junk.” “Hey, you remembered!” Sin excitedly retorted. “Of course it was in between the speech for, you loving pets and blackmailing me to go out with you.” Oh crap, I shouldn’t have said that! Here we go in three, two one… “He asked you out on a date Sweetie?” My mom, ever the romantic matchmaker who wanted her daughter to have a social life – newsflash mom! I already have one! And dad just stood there, seemingly comfortable and endorsing mom’s craziness. “Oh Sweetie, I approve! Of course she’ll go out with you Sin, especially when you saved our daughter, when will you be going out dear?” Mom asked giddily. I would have contradicted it if Sin did not beat me to the punch. “Well that’s the problem ma’am, she had not even said yes.” Sin said on a pout, I would have razzed him if he looked ridiculous but it was not to be, he only looked more attractive, coupled with those puppy dog begging brown eyes. My mom was sunk! I narrowed my eyes at him, silently threatening him to not go too far unless he wants to still be standing on his two boot-shod big feet. I may be small but I can pack a good wallop. “When will this “date” be dear?” My mom asked Sin, I turned my glare to her, never even consulting me. “This Friday ma’am, after school. If she’s still willing to go out with me.” “Oh, I’ll make sure she does.” assured my mom. Sin turned to me as if to say “Hear that, we’re on!” Suddenly mom and dad’s beeper went on, signaling an emergency in the hospital. Since they’re the resident Neurosurgeon and Trauma Doctor and the one living closest to the hospital; both are always on call, thriving on the adrenalin of fixing someone near death. They had me when they were both already established in their career paths and both well into their Forties, they were not truly indifferent with me but both were a little carefree when it comes to handling a teenage daughter, sometimes I like that they let me make my own way through life but at times like these, when I need their advice on boys, especially mom’s they were always busy at work. I know mom would love it if I do get out more and not with just my girlfriends but go on dates with boys too. She felt that I may be restricting myself with being too close to my four girlfriends. My mom and dad apologetically glanced at me. Oh what’s new? Another family dinner for three and attended by one, ruined; they offered their excuses to Sin too saying that he should join us another time, to which he just gave an affirmation to. I heard their Lincoln drive away knowing that whoever needed my parents expertise would be so lucky. They can coax death to withdraw his scythe. “So we’re alone huh? How about I take you to dinner? It’s still too early.” “Aren’t we going out tomorrow? You might be sick of me then, on the other hand, yes let’s go, so I can point girls out who will be worth more of your time.” I said sarcastically. “Well I don’t like that at all, besides I’m looking at the only girl I’ll ever want.” Looking pointedly at me. “So eating out is not an option how about I cook something for you?” “You can cook?” I asked, amazed. “Yeah. I can also do the laundry, walk the dog, take you anywhere and I can sing you a lullaby. Am I a jack of all trades or what? What more could you ask for in a boyfriend?” he teased. “Let’s see your cooking skills then, if you pass then I might reconsider.” The black mood was blown away by his light ribbing. “Okay, what do you have here?” going through our pantry and opening the fridge. He took an inventory of our available stock all the while muttering incoherently of recipes and combination to what goes well with chicken or beef. He decided on a light Baked Coconut Chicken Fingers with Fresh Pesto Linguini and a quick Mixed Berry and Vanilla Ice Cream Parfait. Working deftly on the ingredients, chopping, stirring and working on various kitchen appliances; I was astonished that he could make cooking look like an intricate choreographed dance, never missing a beat even when he was telling some funny anecdote about his family. I was nonetheless intrigued to hear that his parents were never devoted to each other, his dad always had girls on the side and his mom could seduce the most faithful of men; but they remain friends and more oftentimes get back with each other. Both had offspring from other relationship but accept them as their own. Sin was their only child together. Nevertheless, it never scarred him, Sin said. It only strengthened his resolve to have only one girl to love and cherish for his entire life, because he saw what it did to his siblings who always fight for his parent’s attention. He never said it though but it was implied that he was the favourite of both his mom and dad. He finished cooking and the smells from the kitchen were heavenly, he served the food only to me without getting some for himself. “Why didn’t you get a plate for yourself?” I asked. “It’s okay; I was already full from the smells and from tasting the food, which usually happens when I cook. Now eat before you pass out, it was Eight hours since you’ve last fed.” He insisted while he started to clean and put everything into order. “Okay. Wow these are good!” I said after I took a bite of the tender chicken. “Where did you learn to cook like this?” “Mom and Dad were always away at work like yours, at first my siblings and I were always eating takeouts but we got tired of that so I had to learn how to be skilled with food.” “And that’s why don’t eat junk huh?” I asked between bites. “You can say that.” He smilingly agreed. Dinner was over and Sin said his goodbyes gentlemanly kissing my forehead as I went with him out the front porch. “Tonight was marvelous Princess, I hope I could get to take care of you and cook for you more often. Well, tomorrow I’ll be, and I can take you home.” “Thank you for saving me back at the hospital Sin, if not for you…” “Shush, Princess. It was an honor being able to defend you; I’ll always choose to be hurt instead of you. Remember, I will always, always be there. You can never be rid of me.” As I see him ride away, I can’t help to feel that his ominous promise held a hidden caution not to take whatever he said lightly. Chapter 20 Kat I was awoken by the insistent ringing of my phone, when I looked at my alarm clock it was barely four in the morning. Who in their right mind would call so early? Darn! Just as I was in deep sleep too, I was unable to rest because of the ominous incident with Jane and Sin’s persistence. I checked the number and it was my mom’s, a brief sense of foreboding entered my mind. I know there must be a reason for her to call on this ungodly hour. “Mom? Why are you calling so early?” I groaned on the phone while settling into a more comfortable position since my muscles were so tight from being in one position for hours. “Darling, I will get straight to the point okay? I hope you won’t be shocked and don’t breakdown, make yourself calm.” My mother’s seriously reassuring voice failed to comfort me, I know something frightening happened, statements like ‘be calm’ made me more panicked. “Remember the emergency call we’ve received last night? Your father and I were called to heal someone who had been brutally beaten and raped. It was touch and go for a while, the rapists never intended for her to live but due to her resilience and strength, she pulled through. Good news is, that three of the four suspects were apprehended, one OD’d, all were apparently high on drugs when they committed the crime” “Who, mom? Who was it?” my whole body was vibrating with fear. Somehow I knew who it was but I don’t want to say it aloud lest it would be true. “It was Veronica dear. She’s here in the hospital for now. We did not want to call you last night because we were in the ER, your father and I decided to call you after we’ve made sure she survived her injuries.” I was now sobbing so hard and gripping the phone with all my might, I wonder how I haven’t broken it yet. Although we had an altercation yesterday, one tiny fight could never mess up for years of friendship. Though I know Veronica does hold bitter and long grudges somehow my hope that we can be friends again will come soon. My mom said goodbye consolingly on the phone after I asked if I could be with Veronica today, my mom understood how close we were so she said yes; she never knew we had a fight just a day ago. Everyone might think Veronica was this loose girl who gives her affections too quickly, even though, she was still my best friend, even when she was still mad at me for getting a boy’s attention that she liked and was not even my fault, I would fight for her and stay by her side. I have this suspicion that people will judge her more now, everyone might say that she wants this, that because she dresses in tight slutty clothes and wants everybody’s attention, that it was just waiting for this to happen to her. Nobody wants to be raped. No girl ever asks to be. Deciding to not go to school today and hold a vigil by Veronica’s side I prepare for the day ahead. I cannot go back to sleep so I just had to ready what I would bring, of course foremost of that is her own clothes. Nothing can speed up mending all your broken pieces faster when you feel like yourself before that violation was committed against you. I carefully folded her most favorite dress. The dress I wore when we had the fight, she left some undies here at home so I packed it too and I threw in the pair of turquoise sandals that she loves to borrow so much. This would go well with the dress. I know these actions might be too little for some, but I would do everything in my power to help her. The hours waiting for the clock to strike eight were so long. I can’t believe it was just thirty-five minutes ago when mom broke the news, visiting hours in the hospital would not be for another few hours yet. The wait is worse for the one who is awake than the one asleep. Three cups of coffee and more than three hours later, I heard Sin’s motorcycle on the driveway, he must have thought to pick me up for school today. I met him outside quickly, I’m going to have to tell him I can’t come to school today and I’m going to have to cancel our dinner plans. Seeing his expectant face does not make breaking the news to him any easier. “Hi! Are you ready? Let’s go. I really want the hours to go faster you know. The house is all ready, we’re going straight there after school, yes?” he asked excitedly. “Sin about that.” I began to explain. “What?” he looked so apprehensive, maybe thinking that I am unwilling to go with him. “I just got a call from mom this early morning, when their beepers went off last night they went to the hospital to treat someone. They didn’t know who it was at first, presuming it was just some random girl. Only she wasn’t, it was Veronica; she was attacked, her assailants left her for dead. Mom said she nearly did die, but Veronica is such a strong girl, she wanted to live. Sin I can’t go with you right now. I have to be with my friend, she needs me now, more than ever.” I said solemnly. “Can I take a rain check on our date though? I still would still want to go out, just not today, if you’d still want to. With all the drama involving my friends right now I don’t know if you would still want to though.” I hurriedly explained. It was as if I rendered him mute, though I can see he was seething inside, his jaw kept on clenching and unclenching. He must have gone through a lot of preparation just for our date tonight. He must hate to be thwarted. He observed that I was taken aback by his expression and momentarily arranged his demeanor. “Sin I’m really sorry.” “Okay, what time will you leave? I’ll just take you home then.” “I’ll be there as long as she wants me. If she wakes up then asks for me to leave then I’ll go home, besides her mom probably wouldn’t be there for her. She needs me Sin.” “Just don’t get your hopes up, she might act like your other friend and push you away. I’ll see you after your visit; do you want me to take you there?” “No, I’ll take my car.” There was this look that he thought he hid so well but it came to burst when I suggested to drive there alone, I gauged that he looked panicked. “No, you can’t.” his voice raised “I’ll take you to the hospital, remember you haven’t fixed the scratches and dents yet.” “Oh, right, thanks for reminding me. If my dad sees it, I’ll be grounded for life, I’m sure.” I remembered. “Okay, what’s our number then? I wanted to call you earlier in case Veronica got worse and I needed to get to the hospital fast.” He rattled of his home phone number as he hasn’t had time to buy a cell phone yet. “Promise me you won’t go alone when meeting her if she wakes, alright? I’ll stay with you.” he suggested. “How about school Sin? And you’ve just started. I don’t want to get you I in trouble.” “Don’t worry, I won’t be. Principal Neil won’t do anything especially when I tell him that we visited a friend in the hospital, another student that goes to our school. That was a valid enough reason. Hey, shall we go now? Visiting hours just opened.” I was stunned by his ready volunteering, as I have never met someone so ready to help out anyone whom they have just known barely three days. My common sense warns me of the inevitable bargain that he might ask of me later but my heart tells me to trust him, he hasn’t done anything to hurt me yet, unlike Jane and Veronica. I really miss Joan’s level-headed insights now. We arrived at the hospital, Sin too guarded and I so full of hope. Everything came crashing down when I got to Veronica’s room. My beautiful and vivacious friend who up until a few days ago would make any men of varying age make their head turn now lies limp on the hospital bed, wrists attached to two IV drips and one for blood, tubes for oxygen blocked my view of her bruised and battered face, her perfectly vibrant auburn hair was shaved in various places where surgery was done, scars, rashes and stitches marred her face and body, plaster casts were made to reset broken bones. My heart aches for Veronica. I never felt the cold tiled floor crack my knees as I collapsed, huge wracking sobs tore from my mouth, I couldn’t stop my grief, Sin carried me to the loveseat provided for the visitor, he seated me on his lap and comforted me until my sobs died down. I felt him rub my back and pat my cheeks dry with his pristine white hanky. Sin looked at me as though sympathizing with my anguish; we began our silent vigil by Veronica’s side that day, still in that position while he consoled me, only interrupted by bathroom breaks and Sin getting us bland unpalatable food from the hospital cafeteria. Even if I said I was not hungry he kept on pushing me to take a bite of my sandwich, I later compromised and took a tiny nibble on the stale food and a gulp of bottled water. He smiled at my compliance, obviously concerned at my distress over Veronica’s plight. Random nurses whom I’ve known by name ran tests and got samples and results from the machines connected to Veronica, each more encouraging than the last. They have known us to frequent these halls, doing our volunteer work when our schedule permits. “Did you know that we used to volunteer here at the hospital during summer and winter breaks? We loved going to the pediatric unit to cheer kids up, encourage them to get better. Joan and Jane would be the perfect little nurse’s aide while Veronica would be the clown, she would invite the kids to play or dance with her and she can turn smiles on a dismal room. I’ve always loved that about her you know, people especially boys just gravitates towards her. The only one that I’ve seen who can resist her so far is you? Why?” He grinned at my question and shook his head. “The first time I saw her was when she went to your friend’s house, she was climbing the trellis onto the balcony. I knew then that she was intrigued about me, but you see I knew she was not the one for me no matter how alluring she was or how sexy she is physically. Captivating women are a dime a dozen in my world, too much superficial good looks not enough substance. What I want is someone who has a quiet beauty; one that doesn’t need too many external additions just to expose her splendor, one who is compassionate and strong, resilient and unbending, intelligent and silly; she is an exquisite blend of contradiction.” He is now looking fervently at me, “Veronica for all her attractiveness failed to ensnare me, because I was waiting for you to show.” “I was waiting for you Kat, you own me body and soul.” Sin lowered his head slowly; capturing my lips with his, anchoring his hand to my nape while tasting and exploring tentatively as he resisted the urge to devour and consume me, just like what happened last night. I don’t want her to have any more reason to be afraid of him when he was so close of seizing her. The kiss went on longer than I presumed; it was different than the last kiss he had given me last night. This. This is more tender, gentler, sweeter and I like it. It went on and on, changing from light nibbles to timid tastes never knowing the time that passed as she held her vigil. Sin broke the kiss just as my dad went through the door, what great timing dad! Sin saw my annoyance and he just shrugged comically as he stood up to greet him. “Hey baby, mom and I were so worried about you, Mia; one of the nurses informed us that you were crying,” my incredulous face at the blatant invasion of my privacy must have alarmed him to quickly defend, “now dear, she also appeased us when she said that you were in good hands with Sin here. I just want to see for myself that were alright and also it’s nearing the end of the visiting hours so you might want to get on with your date, yes?” “No dad, I told Sin to cancel. With Veronica here and me all anxious, I want to know if she ever wakes up and I’ll be there by her side in a heartbeat.” I explained, I did not know it was this late; it was only a couple of hours ago when we arrived here. That’s the trouble with waiting, either time moves too slow that you want to frustratingly pull your hair every second or it flies too fast that you want to seize every minute that escaped you. “Nonsense! You should go out more, enjoy being young. You think your friend would be happy if you were to mope in a sterile hospital room?” “Honestly dad, she would love it if Sin and I wouldn’t go out on a date.” I elbowed Sin when I heard him snicker. At first dad sported his I’m baffled expression and then it dawned on him. “Oh, hmm it’s one of those huh?” “Yup.” Sin just stood there acting nonchalant while I awkwardly answer my dad’s inquiry at the basics of my social life. “Oookay then, I’ll be leaving now, your mom and I will be staying here for the night, we’re going to be doing an overtime, it seems a lot of accidents and crimes in the past few days are happening in the city and somebody is being wheeled into the emergency room every hour or so.” he made to exit the room after looking at Veronica’s chart, “Your mom and I wouldn’t object to you going out with Sin tonight though, we trust him to keep you safe; if he was willing to be conked in the head for you then he is an absolutely fine bodyguard. Aren’t you young man?” he asked turning to Sin, at his nod my dad continued. “Yes, well, what are you waiting for then? Just get her back before eleven okay? Kat’s curfew is at ten but I’m willing to negotiate since it’s a weekend tomorrow.” He winked at Sin who I saw was beaming in happiness. “Have fun kids! But not too much okay? Shot gun’s still locked and loaded under the bed.” was dad’s parting shot. “He was kidding!” I laughingly said as I saw Sin’s incredulous look. “My dad’s the last man you’ll ever see owning a gun, it’s against his principle as a doctor you see, to take a life instead of prolonging it. Our family may be the most pacifist in the whole of America. We’ve never even fought, not even once.” I assured him. “So we’re on?” he asked, as he ushered us once more to the chair and sat me on his lap. “I think so. It’s rare for my father to approve much less initiate for me to go out, you’ll have to obey his rule though if you want a repeat sanctioned approval direct from him.” “I’ll try,” he said flippantly and I playfully smacked his rock-hard torso. “Seriously though, would you like a repeat date after tonight?” “I am amenable to that.” I rasped as I notice him eyeing my lips. “And beyond that?” I can feel his breath caressing my skin, his nose touched mine. “Yes, I would like that.” I whispered as his lips finally met mine. This is the third time that he kissed me sweetly. I could certainly get used to this, his kisses were so enticing, soft, vigorous but cautious at the same time, as if afraid I would not reciprocate his tender assault on my lips. To quell his doubt I wrapped my hands around the back of his neck, pulling his lips closer to mine. My body shuddered as I moaned and sighed as he captured my bottom lip between his teeth. His hair felt as soft as it looked, my fingers cannot stop exploring the way the texture changes as they delved further to anchor myself into the kiss. I felt his hand travel to my lower back to my front edging carefully to my cotton covered breast, his mild onslaught giving me shivers as I sense a frisson of want and need from him. “So are we together now?” he asked as he stopped to let us inhale for air taking short deep breaths. “Yes. You can say that.” I agreed shyly, I can feel my cheeks turning crimson with my discomfiture as I looked away. He tucked stray strands of my hair, making me gaze towards his mesmerizing amber eyes. I saw them alight with happiness at my affirmation. I would not deny him now, seeing him become ecstatic with a simple yes is heartening. “Yes? Really? Yes!” he shouted and giddily shifted on the chair, well as much as the cramped chair allowed. I had to curb his enthusiasm a bit. We were in a sick room after all. It was just upsetting that we were in Veronica’s sick room, I felt guilty that I was the one who is with Sin now, when she was the one who was so adamant to be his girlfriend. As if sensing my thoughts he sat up quickly in a stern manner. He must be afraid I might renege on my declaration; I gave him a smile to reassure him that I was serious. “I have to call home, tell them dinner is pushing through. I called this morning when I was getting our lunch that we may not be there, dad sounded really disappointed. He’ll be happy to hear that we’re going.” He said excitedly as he got up. “Wait. You’re taking me to your home and your father knew?” I asked, chagrined and panicked. “Yeah.” He dragged out the ye-ah. “I wanted them to know you. Don’t say you’re backing out now?” “No.” I denied, what can I do? I already said yes. “I was just wandering, aren’t this a bit quick? I mean we’ve just started going out, we haven’t even gone out. What if this doesn’t work? What if they won’t like me?” I murmured the last. He just looked at me disbelievingly, “Are you kidding me? I have been telling them about you since the day we met, well basically it was just my dad and brother but they do want to meet you, they were so intrigued from what I told them and would really love to know you. You just don’t know your appeal don’t you? You know that was what attracted me to you first; you were so blind to your beauty, so unassuming and you never kissed my ass, you were kind of a bit rude to me instead. You are challenging, when other girls all wanted my attention you couldn’t even be bothered; you were giving as I saw what you did with Veronica when you noticed that she was into me even though I clearly preferred you.” I giggled as I remembered the first time we met. “That is why I couldn’t take my eyes off of you that day; you might think we are too young, that this feeling was too fast but it’s real to me. You are it for me Kat.” He kissed my forehead gently, he asked if he could leave me for a while and went on to phone his family. I was left contemplating Sin’s reaction, dare I say that I’m beginning to be convinced that this relationship might eventually work; or that his affection really ran much deeper than mine. I am not going to lie to myself, what I feel for Sin was just a deep regard and friendship. Will this be enough for him? My thoughts were interrupted by someone arriving, I thought it was Sin but upon a closer inspection was just someone delivering flowers. And it was a huge arrangement too; with varying colors of Striped and White Carnations, Lavenders, Rhododendrons and Snapdragons. It was a curious mixture but it was beautiful. I was perplexed as to who would give Veronica an elaborate set-up, this might have cost a pretty penny, maybe it was from her mom as I haven’t seen her yet and the nurses said that no one from her family visited her too. “Hi, from who were the flowers from?” I asked the delivery guy. He turned to me and I saw he really had an uncanny resemblance to Sin that I had to blink twice to make sure it was not him; they had the same height, eye-color, hair color and complexion, they were almost as close to age too as I presumed this man to be near twenty and his build was more muscular. “I am just the deliverer ma’am, but I think they left a note.” He answered jovially. “Okay, would it be terrible of me to read it? I mean that would invade her privacy and all.” “Oh, please do read it. But to make it viable, read the note to your friend so that it looks like you are reading it on her behalf.” He whispered to me conspiratorially. I snickered silently as he winked jauntily and got back to arranging the flowers for optimal viewing. “There are flowers here Veronica and they are beautiful, I wish you could open your eyes awake and see it, I know you’ll love the colors. Someone sent them for you and left a note, shall I read it to you?” I paused, just waiting for a quiet miraculous sign that she might have any chance to communicate it to me. I proceeded to read it as I saw that there was neither a phenomenal signal beyond Veronica’s comatose sleep. I am immensely impressed. You should have been left for dead, Now I sit here and await, For my Princess to undertake, Rewarding expedition, No grain of contrition, Silent friends in reception. For Ice seeped away, melted, The Earth has now gone insane, You were crimson then, now plum, Your Queen, my Princess stolen, Love found me and now I take, My ardent vow to own her, For all of eternity. My fingers felt numb as I dropped the letter on the floor. I deduced quickly that it was sent by Veronica’s attacker. Police reports said that she was assaulted by four men, three of which were now incarcerated and the last one overdosed on a cocktail of drugs so assorted the coroner had trouble in identifying each one. So who is this new guy? I crashed landed on the floor, a quivering mess; the delivery man was alarmed at my reaction to the note, I barely registered it as I felt deaf and numb to everything around me, the only thing I heard was the constant unbroken staccato of beeps from the machine that kept my best friend alive. He tried to help me up, asking if I was alright. Of course I wasn’t. Who is after reading a taunting and vicious missive from a presumed unknown attacker of your best friend? It was not what I have expected coming from a pretty note accompanied by pretty flowers. The deafening echo of the machine was broken by a silent guttural rumble coming from the door, I barely registered his resounding. “Leave us.” I took one look at him and came running to him with unsteady legs; he opened his arms and met me halfway to catch me again. He was my solitary vision of solace from the world’s malevolence. Sin is my rock, my constant beacon as I turned to him sobbing what I have read. He must have understood some of my senseless ramblings for he nodded at quiet intervals and listened at my vociferous natter. He then led me towards the entrance of the hospital, then to where he parked his motorcycle. I looked at him questioningly as to why we were here. “You need to get out of there love, the atmosphere is poisoning you and you were on a verge of another panic attack just like when you saw Veronica barely alive for the first time. I couldn’t abide seeing you hurt like that.” He sighed deeply. “Let me take you somewhere else, Kat. A place where everything is beautiful, to help you forget the ugliness that you have seen and replace it with an exquisite memory. I’ll take you home.” His words were like honey; sensuous, alluring and compelling. I am a humble bee attracted to the generous nectar he was offering. He stretches out his hand, inviting me. And I took it. Chapter 21 Kat I did not notice that we have already arrived at our destination. I used the time while we zipped through the roads for an introspection of the catastrophes that happened to us in so short a time. It seems that fate has delivered us the world’s misfortune in just a couple of days. Veronica got raped and mugged, Joan’s questionable disappearance and Jane’s feral madness has been an extremely despicable and appalling occurrence in our once happy existence. Everything must have been happening for a reason, I don’t know what the end result all of these will mean for our lives and friendship but I will do entirely what I can, to restore just a semblance of normalcy and salvage what is left of our friendship. Sin leisurely guided his motorcycle on a winding path around a steep hill; we were in Joan’s neighborhood where the most affluent and prominent people of the city lived. It was a gated community and an exclusive leisure estate that gives members unlimited access to both golf and country club and beach, the houses were done in the Mediterranean style and as big as palaces. Of course Sin’s house lorded above them. Mansion is the more apt word to describe it. The path is lined with cedar trees calculatedly spaced for optimum shade during daylight, tiled mosaics in various shades of gold and beige arrests the dying sunset, massive picture windows gazed on while we slowly ate up the distance to the entryway. The house itself boasts a supreme exterior architectural façade that captures the majestic and exalted style of old world Europe. Carved double brass doors greeted us as Sin escorted me down his bike; he held my hand as he turned the heavy looking knob that has a detailed engraving of a three-headed dog. “I should warn you,” Sin said after getting my attention from my amazed scrutiny of his house. “before you step inside, you are here on your own volition yes?” at my nod he continued. “and I did not coerce you to come with me.” “Yes.” I answered, baffled by his questioning. “Okay then. Welcome to my home.” He said as he opened the cumbersome doors, before I stepped in though I noticed Joan’s house on the far right. There was an ominous cloud overhanging in that direction, I shivered from the chill. “Are you cold? Come, let’s get inside. The fire is always lit every night.” “Alright.” As I let him usher me in. “Can we check at Joan’s before I go home Sin? It’s been three days and she hasn’t even called me. That is highly unlike her at all.” I gestured towards Joan’s home as I asked. We stepped through the threshold and went in their massive foyer. “Sure, but I doubt if she’s there. I haven’t seen a single living person in or around the house.” was his non committal reply. If the outside of Sin’s home boasts a grandiose façade, the inside of his home asserts a quiet opulence. The inside is done in rustic antique timber and wood; from the floors to the ceiling and the regal curved staircase which was the centerpiece of the house, balustrade, fireplace and colonnades; while ivory white furniture basically everything that could be moved was pure unadulterated white, coalesced the living room altogether. “Sin, your home is splendidly magnificent. I have forgotten that all these splendor just sits right here whenever I visit Joan.” My amazed reaction must have shown clearly to my face as I saw Sin grin. “Well this house has been here forever but I’ve just moved in quite recently. It feels good to be closer to the family.” “Why where have you been? I thought you said your family just moved in from down south?” “What I meant about that was my dad has his business deals in and out of this city and this was his headquarters, but my mom lives not far from here. I was rather naughty when I was younger so I was banished and left alone, I thought it would be a lifetime before I was released and now I’m here.” He just scoffed at my questioning glance. “Huh? I never would have guessed you were raised like that, did they sent you to a boarding school?” somehow it tugs at my heart how Sin must have felt lonely without his family. “How bad were you to warrant such punishment?” His dimples appear as he told me smilingly, “Oh I was bad, wicked bad, did some bad things, got caught up with some wicked group, was made a fall guy for the things we have done, them getting off scot free and because I was their “Leader” I wasn’t and I was made an example by my dad. But it’s all okay now, my dad is happy we’re reunited he’s repentant, he’s gotten softer with age.” I nodded; Sin’s upbringing must have been unlike mine. Nevertheless, I do not agree with what his dad did to him. My face must have signaled my emotions because Sin was now consoling me. “Hey, it was not so bad. Everything turned out perfect; I couldn’t have expected anything less from my dad. As crazy as it sound I was even more thankful for it because it trained me for the future ahead.” He said as he guided me into the elegant and pristine living area. We went past the elaborate dining hall inside a private boudoir done in the same style outside. I can see shelves full of books, dainty furnishings and a bonsai fruit bearing pomegranate tree near the stained glass window where it can catch the sun’s rays. Sin led me through a pathway bathed with a confetti of flower petals and fairy lights and sat me at the intricately set table. Vanilla scented votive candles illumined the crystal glasses lending them a diamante like sheen, white and gold platters, napkins and utensils are all readied and light musical ballads fill the air with melody. This was a setting for seduction if I didn’t know anything better. “You have some explaining to do Mister! How the heck could you have done all of these in such a short time?” “Well, let’s say I have magical minions that do my bidding. Now, I know you must be hungry. Apart from the minuscule bite on that stale sandwich that you had since lunch, just stay there and I’ll serve you some food.” As I watched him get up from his seat to go to the sidebar which remarkably had an array of dishes that were bursting of food, I was surprised that I haven’t taken notice of. “This is the third time.” I said aloud. “Huh?” Sin asked; his expression showed that he was perplexed by my statement. “I just observed this was the third time you have served me food.” ‘Oh, you’re wrong.” He said as he carved a particularly juicy chicken breast and put it in my plate. “This, my love, is the fourth time. First was at the school cafeteria,” I blushed at my recollection of what transpired there. “Second, was at your home, which I perfectly cooked I might add. Third, was just today at the hospital which I might let slide as you were in a zombie-like state. This dinner is the fourth.” He added jovially. “Okay, I concede. I can’t win with you huh?” “Yup. Might as well accept that fact now, but don’t worry, I’ll give you some little victories over time.” He cheekily said as he neared the table, bringing my platter in with a mountain of food. “Wow, you can’t expect me to eat all that are you?” I looked at my plate as he placed it in front of me, amazed. “You should or if you want just taste one of each so you have left room for dessert.” “Aren’t you eating anything?” I asked as I sampled the chicken that I eyed earlier. “No, I’m enjoying myself too much as I watch you eat and besides these food is not in my diet plan.” He smirked. “Ugh, seriously?! Are you one of those gluten-free paleo-diet advocates? Because you need to take a long look at the mirror mister, you don’t need the diet.” He silently laughed, “Are you telling me in a roundabout way that you think I look hot? Admit it you do fancy me, come on say it.” “Sin if you need me to tell you that you indeed look attractive, then you are as blind as people says I am.” I gently told him, this semblance of playfulness I find very attractive on him. “That’s my girl, and no I am not one of those diet freaks. I prefer a simpler but robust flavor, you can liken it to a raw food diet, I eat straight from the source.” “Huh? Can you explain more?” He excused himself as he stood up. “Take this ripe pomegranate for example,” he took the fruit from the stem and placed it at the center of the table. “We’ll share this one after your dinner, then you’ll know.” We talked some more about everything and anything. I was surprised that his favourite book was the same as mine, movies that we watched recently and of course, music. We both have the same eclectic tastes, from rock to country, jazz and R&B; ballads to rap, we both have our favourite song in each genre. I asked him how he can play the guitar so well, he said all it takes is practice and he can also play the piano aside from the guitar. “Really? Can you show me?” “We have to move to the living area, piano’s there. Come on.” He held my hand as he steered me towards a handsome upright with a glossy onyx finish. “Come here sit with me, my father bought this for my mom. It was actually her who taught me how to play and to love music as a child.” I watched as he glided fascinating long fingers on the keys and played a few notes. “Do you know how to play?” he asked. “No, but I always wanted to learn.” “Don’t worry, I’ll teach you.” he said, smiling his infamous charming smile. He started playing the intro to John Legend’s All of Me. The tender and delicate melody washes over me, absorbing all my awareness, he looked intensely at me, leaving his attention to the ivory and onyx keys, when the song’s lyrics “You’re my downfall, you’re my muse,” came, never looking away from my eyes until he finished singing. “That was magnificent Sin, you play the piano brilliantly.” I praised. “Thanks, I can also play this on the guitar but I prefer the piano version, it captures the melody better.” He said as we went back to the boudoir. The huge oak grandfather clock on the side struck ten; I haven’t noticed the time as it flew by. “Uh, Sin? I think I have to go home now; it’s already ten o’clock considering that we have to stop by Joan’s and travel we should probably get going to reach home before eleven.” “Okay, but first, you have to try this,” breaking the ripe magenta pomegranate in half, “You haven’t had your dessert yet and I’m feeling a bit peckish.” offering me the perfectly halved fruit. “Also I forgot to give you something.” He added as he rummaged through one of the drawers in one of the built in cabinets in the room. “Oh, I forgot about the dagger too. You said you’d give it back if I agreed to this dinner right?” placing the pomegranate on my plate as I sat on our vacated dinner. He suddenly stopped rummaging and trained his eyes on me. “It wasn’t what I had in mind, but yes I did say that, I’ll hand it to you shortly.” He got the dagger to where he hid it. “Love, may I ask how did you get this?” “A shopkeeper gave it to me. You know Jane right?” I proceeded to tell him what happened how Jane came to be hospitalized a few days but really felt like eons ago. “Well, last Tuesday, Joan and her went into this store selling magical stuff and broke a statue, the shopkeeper warned us about the malevolent demon tied to the statue after she performed some brutal ritual to Jane and Joan. To make the story short, Jane almost died and I confronted the woman about what she did to them and gave me the dagger instead. She said that it was too late for Jane, that this NKisi already has her.” I saw him shiver at that point. “scary, I know. Can we stop talking about this? It really creeped me out. She told me that to be able to break the curse when Jane released this spirit; I have to stab her with this dagger, to kill her because she is not Jane anymore. I refuse to do that, I don’t believe her.” He came near to me to give me the dagger and went to his side of the table. Sin held a small box. I’m afraid to presume that it was what I thought it was. I eyed him skeptically; he placed the box right beside the plate in front of me as he sat down. “What is that?” I nervously pointed at the box. “Open it, it’s yours.” “Sin…” I began. “Kat it’s a gift, if you don’t want I’m not forcing you to wear it, just look at it first.” He said as he inattentively ate his pomegranate. I opened the box and I was not surprised that it was indeed a ring. Chapter 22 KAT Although I am not a girl who usually wears ostentatious jewelry, something is prompting me to wear it. As if my hands cannot wait for me to seize it, snatch it and never let it go. It sings to me, I could swear the throbs from my heavily palpitating heart are audible. The crimson ruby stone is like a scorching fire, and like a moth to a flame it lures me to get my wings burn. It was not like a ring I have seen before; the band is just an ordinary gold but with a peculiar design of intricate snakelike coils that caged pea sized square cut ruby. It looked antique, definitely a family heirloom and too expensive to wear daily. “Come on try it if it fits, that ring would look more lovely nestled on your finger.” Sin urged. Feeling seduced further, I inched my fingertips closer to the ring. As my finger tapped the enticing stone, I felt it pulsate. The vibration caused me to be more ensnared in the foggy trance that I’m in. this must have been how Jane and Joan felt when they were in that shop’s basement. Clutching the ring now, I started to inch it inside my ring finger, never taking my attention from it. At the thought of Jane and Joan, I heard a commotion and shrieks coming from the general direction of the door. I tried to break my gaze from the enticing view of the ring but it still gripped me. Suddenly, I was tackled from behind, with the ring just halfway on my finger. And everything went black. SIN The ring senses her. Accepted her. It knows that she is my mate; it would now recognize no one but her. It would be able to extend its protection whenever someone wishes her harm, keep her complaisant to my wishes or deters any other male who would dare touch her. And it will let me know. Originally it belonged to my mother, but once father let her go so did the power of the ring vanished. And now it awaits its new mistress. As I wait for her to finally wear the thing that would bind her to me forever, I noticed she hadn’t taken a bite out of the pomegranate yet. She has to eat it, or she wouldn’t be able to live in my home. She would die and wither there. And I wouldn’t want that would we. But first things first, I had to make her wear the ring. For some, those who knew mythology the pomegranate was the fruit Hades gave to his Persephone, to make her irrevocably his. To us who had fallen, this was not a bedtime story. This is real. Persephone was the first accounted mate of a fallen and Demeter, her mother was an ancient queen, who waged war on my kind and hired mystics to imprison us; that was how the NKisi statues came to be. She laid waste to the land, exhausting all her resources just to take back her daughter from my ancestor, but to no avail, she did not succeed. Over the years humans twisted and romanticized the story and as it passed from generation to generation until demons like us abducting human females became just an old wives’ tale. But they never knew that evil does lurk in the corner, hiding behind carefully controlled masks. The proverbial sheep in wolf’s clothing. Just waiting. Waiting to spread despair, create chaos, orchestrate war, breed tyrants, fuel lust and greed and vanity. And to corrupt pure souls into becoming the vessel for the next generation of evil, for evil cannot exist without the good, and good cannot exist without evil. I never took my eyes off of Kat, her mesmerized ocean blue eyes. Once a mate took a look on the ring she would not be able to resist it. If she does her mate dies. I’ll die if she rejects it. What can you say; I am literally offering my heart on a plate. Every ring given to a mate is unique; it has our heart embedded in it. Tonight it renders me mortal, I am vulnerable. That is why Kat has my life in the palm of her hands. After she has accepted it, then my heart is restored on my body. I am immortal again. She now had worn it on her ring finger, barely past her first knuckle; feeling the coils burrowing it’s essence in her core it was as though we feel it as one. Of course we do, for I own her, body and soul. Not long now. Soon our hearts will beat as one. Then I felt a sudden disturbance from the perimeter outside the house. Someone just broke inside my carefully set-up wards against intruders and other demons. When others knew that I have found my mate, knew that I intend to claim her tonight, others will see this as an opportunity to slay me once and for all. Just to gain my father’s throne. We were not called demons if all we did was sunshine and rainbows; and a chance to murder me tonight is what I have expected from them, from my brothers. In fact I already met one tonight, cozying up my mate, poaching on my territory. The door was slammed open. The intruders was not whom I had expected. JANE I can sense him here. The same demon that bled me, fed on me, granted me my innermost desire. To be like Kat and make her go away. How I sincerely regret it. And even in my guilt, it only serves to make him more powerful. I should not have brought Kat into this. Everything bad that happened with us started with me. I was so foolish, so stupid. I can only rectify the act that caused this demon to wreck havoc into our lives. By my sacrifice, I hope Kat, Veronica and Joan can find it in their heart to forgive me. I look at my companion, the woman who owned the statue, the woman who was entrusted to keep the imprisoned demon from getting away. She just turned up tonight at home without even a warning, said that she’d been following us. She said Veronica was recently attacked and was in the hospital fighting for her life. Joan was currently missing and the lady surmised she was already dead. While Kat was being seduced by the said demon, she said that from the time she met Kat she already knew that she was NKisi’s chosen mate. I knew it! Even demons love the innocent. She said as a guardian of the statue it was her duty to imprison the demon back to it should belong, where it won’t hurt anyone again and save Kat from an enslaved life. It was responsibility as her friend to prevent such event from happening, she said. I readily went with her, it’s the least I can do.