Chapter Eight
Tray couldn’t rescue me right now for a couple of reasons. He has that big repair job he has to finish. Plus, if he sees my face like this, he’ll outright panic. It looks painful – even though, it isn’t. But, it would take hours to calm him down enough to make him believe me. So I paced around and tried to figure out what to do about this insane situation.
My arms aren’t even healed from my last psychotic episode and now, this lunacy happens…
I sincerely hope my painless, glowing, unreal sunburn will fade before he picks me up. I don’t have any explanation to give him for how it happened. That means he’ll likely pack us up and we’ll be on the move again.
I don’t want to leave here, so soon – or ever…
There’s something about the forest. It still calls to me. My sacred tree holds…my secret.
Footsteps in the hallway pulled me back to the present. I covered my face with my hood and went to find a place to hide.
I can’t explain how I got sunburnt in the cafeteria and on a cold, rainy day. Wandering around outside is also off the table. I don’t have any dry clothes with me.
Then, as luck would have it, a loose vent cover protruding from the baseboard captured my attention. The air-duct looks large enough for me to crawl inside.
After making sure the coast was clear, I lifted up the dangling cover and shoved my backpack in as far as it would go. The vent cover closed as I wiggled into the dirty, dark and narrow passage. It was filthy, but it was also a perfect place to hide.
Trying with all my might to forget about my cleanliness obsession, I kept on crawling until I reached a branch in the duct work. I maneuvered until I was facing outward. Then, I felt around the tightly packed contents of my backpack searching for my book light.
Holding my breath, I flipped it on…revealing the horrible truth. I’m grimy from head to toe. I hate being dirty. I quickly pointed the light in a new direction and continued taking deep breaths until I regained my composure.
I retrieved a book, a bottle of water and a couple of snacks. Tray had taught me to be prepared. Boredom always leads directly to big time trouble in my case. Although my music was still playing, I kept the volume turned down afraid I might accidentally miss a sounding fire alarm. I was set for the remainder of the school day, safely tucked away from the world.
Occasionally, I would touch my cheeks with my fingers and note my skin temperature. It felt like it was cooling down…or, it might just be my wishful thinking. I didn’t have a mirror, so I had no real way to check.
The bell sounded to dismiss my history class. Suddenly, I had an intriguing idea – a rare opportunity was about to present itself. I rapidly crawled back to the opening. I could watch the scene undetected like a hidden anthropologist. I’m a girl obsessed to secretly observe the masses.
The crowd was already on the move. They pushed between each other and tried to socialize before their next class started. Everyone was oblivious to my existence and I found the whole secretive experience thrilling. I watched with captivated interest.
It was exciting to be hidden in the shadows, but be this close to the action at the same time. Well, I saw a few things I could have lived without seeing. I witnessed a boy pick his nose and wipe it on another person’s locker as a joke. And the average person would be amazed to discover just how many people pull wedgies and tug on wayward bra straps when they think no one is paying attention.
Note to self – you’re always being watched. Behave, accordingly…
Observing my own culture without having to take part in it is exhilarating.
I moved both ‘Private Investigator’ and ‘Anthropologist’ to the top of my “Careers to Have before I Die” list…
Then, another interesting thought occurred to me. A ventilation shaft – new high school investigation would be so much more successful than just taking notes from a parked car. I could discover the various cliques and which kids to avoid in order to remain, prank-free. Maybe, I can even find a potential girlfriend for my brother. I considered how I could convince Tray to let me perform my investigation at our next, new school. Given my current onset of psychosis, that new academic environment will probably be a reality sooner, rather than later.
A very lengthy argument would definitely be involved and I would likely end up losing. First, Tray would be terrified that I would get caught by some administrator. Hidden, unknown girl inside an airshaft would likely prompt a call to the cops. Second, I would have to spy on the masses alone.
That is one fact he had no way to dispute. I barely had enough room to wiggle into this ventilation shaft. My brother would be able to fit less than one arm into my hiding space before the laws of physics would stop him.
The warning bell for the next class period echoed strangely inside my fabricated tunnel. The hallway started to empty. I decided to continue my investigation between every class change. I was already wiggling backwards to read my book when I saw ‘him’. Well, it was only ‘half of him’ because the lockers were partially obscuring my view.
“You have the necessary items, right?” the half-a-boy whispered to someone else who was still out of my view.
“Yes! Please, stop harassing me. I certainly do not require a constant reminder from you or anyone,” the unseen girl softly replied in an annoyed tone.
Two sets of feet shuffled down the hallway and both kids came into my view. They were members of the “dark clique” – my new chosen, covert name for the black-hearted kids in the cafeteria. I didn’t recognize either of their faces from the incident, today. That must mean they have a different lunch period. But, I knew they were a part of the dark clique. The guy was dressed just like one and she was obviously with him.
He is an average-sized, handsome guy with brown hair and dark green eyes. She is an exceptionally pretty brunette with delicate facial features. Her hair has honey-colored highlights that compliment her light blue eyes.
The dark clique duet walked by me at a respectable distance between each other. She gave off a cool air of aggravation. Given her body language and the sharp tone she’s using, I highly doubt they are a couple…but, they should be.
The girl was dressed in what looked like expensive, fashionable clothes. She must be carrying the items he was talking about in her stylish backpack. I couldn’t see anything in her hand from my awkward vantage point near the floor.
They were swiftly leaving my view and they weren’t talking anymore. My curiosity battled ferociously with my common sense. I was wiggling around in anticipation because I desperately wanted to follow them. Getting caught was a real danger, though because the final bell had already sounded. Also, my own backpack was still currently located at the juncture in the venting system. I couldn’t reach it from here. So if I do get caught ditching class and escorted to the office, I have no way to retrieve it…decisions – decisions.
My overwhelming curiosity finally won out over the safe, logical choice, like always. I will just figure something out, if I get caught. I might not have another chance to see where the dark clique couple is going with their secret items. It is very possible that they won’t even walk back by my location. Then, I will never know and that just can’t happen!
That ‘Ember-rationalization’ was sufficient enough for me to act on the impulse. I slid out of my hiding place and into the hallway. The coast was clear. So, I pulled my hood around my face like any good spy should. I had made it out, just in time, to see the dark clique couple head down toward the basement.
What on earth is going on down there, anyway??
The obsession to discover the big-basement-appeal-factor overwhelmed me as they disappeared into the darkness. Nothing will stop me this time. I am going down those stairs and find out what they’re up to…
In stealth mode, I started to pursue them. But, my master spy plan didn’t account for something critical. Luck or a well-laid plan is r
equired to successfully spy. I had no plan at all and luck wasn’t going to grant me any favors either.
The unmistakable sound of adult voices, echoed down the hallway. No stealthy guesswork would be involved because the click of high heels on tiled flooring was a dead give-away. The footsteps were approaching from the opposite direction of the basement…I’m trapped!
I don’t have enough time to wiggle back inside the vent shaft or enough time to run to the basement staircase, either. Both of those potential escape routes will get me caught. So, I made a blind, mad dash towards my only available option and ran through the door without thinking. I would have sighed in relief, but then, I realized where I landed – it turned out to be the boy’s bathroom.
A partial wall is the only obstruction between me, the urinals and who knows how many guys, doing whatever it is they do in the restroom. I was stuck in a monumental quandary of epic proportions. Panic shook through me as I stood immobile.
The adult voices are getting closer and one is definitely, male – oh no way, this can’t be happening! Then suddenly, I remembered something critical and horrible too. This bathroom is the closest one to the administrative offices. So that male voice could belong to the principal!
That’ll likely be the case because this is ME caught in this boy’s restroom and that is exactly how my life works…
There’s nowhere to hide right inside the doorway, either. The trashcan is attached to the wall – diving into garbage is out. I didn’t know whether to be thankful or disappointed…
Next, I considered hiding behind the door itself. But, there is no doorstop. So the actual door will slam into me when he opens it…
Then, as if I need something else to go wrong, I heard a few guys shushing each other beyond the wall, too. The risk was too great to run around the partial wall to hide. I’ll have a full view of the urinals. I will keel over if I see some guy – half-naked.
Tray has never even allowed me to take a single sex education class. So, I know nothing about male anatomy. Even if I somehow miraculously lived through the trauma of that situation – whoever I witness will expect something in return for their silence.
I assume only easy girls go trolling around in boy’s bathrooms.
The same problems exist, trying to hide out in a stall. They might be in use. That is certain death because there is no surviving it!
Out of options, I crouched in the corner and waited for fate to take its course. My back was pressed against the wall. I wrapped my arms around my knees and held my breath in anticipation.
The bathroom door is opening. I really want to close my eyes, but that’s the coward’s way out. If I’m gonna be cold busted inside this boy’s restroom then, I might as well meet my destiny head on like a real lady.
HUH??? I’m insane!
The vice principal held the door open, about halfway. One foot was inside the restroom and the other one was outside in the hallway. He continued to chat for a second with the female who had been walking with him.
As soon as he steps all the way inside – I’m definitely going to be caught…
“Boys, you’re tardy… Lawrence, I thought we’d already covered this ‘ground’ yesterday during detention – I guess you need a refresher course.”
The aggravated vice principal remarked loudly without coming in. He shifted his stance and his pant leg almost brushed against the edge of my knees. I had to fight the insane urge to jump up and run away. I hate being touched by strangers and that includes their clothing.
Four guys made a mad dash for freedom between him and the threshold. They were in such a frenzied hurry that they didn’t even notice me crouching on the floor. A paper towel had sailed in my direction during their escape attempt. It had landed near my foot, but I couldn’t move it away without getting caught.
“Might as well, turn around and head to my office. I’ve already seen who you are. You’re all getting detention one way or the other…” he leaned out of the restroom and stated to the escapees with authority.
The last boy, who I assumed was Lawrence, walked around from the stalls. He had his hands stuffed in his pockets and pretended like he didn’t care about getting busted. He rolled his eyes and appeared to scan the ceiling with interest. Then, he looked down to find something more interesting…look at the ceiling, ditching-Lawrence!
My heart was pounding so hard, I figured they could both hear it. Lawrence’s gaze stopped on the wayward paper towel. He seemed to be looking right at me, but he didn’t react to my presence. The vice principal continued to reprimand him.
Feeling dizzy, I struggled to keep holding my breath. Then, something terrible happened and suddenly lack of oxygen was the least of my problems. Lawrence bent over to pick up the paper towel – trying to delay the inevitable.
Aw, I’m so busted!
“No, sir…move it!” Vice Principal Sterins commanded and simultaneously, saved my skin in the process.
Lawrence huffed, but he followed his instruction. He slowly stepped into the hall and headed toward the office.
“I’m sick of your constant discipline problems. This is your third offense in the past two weeks. I’m calling your parents…” his voice faded down the hall.
I waited for, what felt like, an eternity before I rushed to my vent. I was shivering all over from anxiety by the time I crawled back to safety. It turns out I’m a lucky person, after all. The vice principal knew who he expected to see in that boy’s restroom – otherwise, Lawrence would have been off the hook.
Very female girl hiding in the boy’s restroom, trumps guy ditching class any day of the week…
The laughter started softly, but I could feel it building. My hands were filthy, so I used the inside of my shirt sleeve to muffle it. Tears were streaming down my cheeks before I finally stopped laughing.
I realized a surprising fact when I finally got control of myself. That was the most fun I have had in a long time. I am not stupid enough to ever do it again, but nonetheless, it was very exhilarating.
I’m not accustomed to sneaking around or even having to, for that matter. Tray typically allows me to do whatever I want to do, as long as I’m not in any danger. So, that was my first expedition into sneaking around and the unthinkable happened. I never thought that I would end up trapped inside the boy’s restroom the first time I ever tried my hand at it. That has to be some kind of world record!
The last class of the day ended and I was still hidden, deep in the shadows of the ventilation system. I climbed to the opening and waited for an opportunity to exit undetected. I needed to use the restroom urgently, but I had already tempted fate and won. I wouldn’t get that fortunate twice in one day. I counted to five hundred before I escaped and ran to the girl’s restroom. As I washed my hands and arms, I noticed that my previously sunburnt face still looked red – not the angry, blistered crimson from earlier, but a bright, rosy pink.
Maybe, I can blame the wind.
I didn’t see our car anywhere when I finally rushed outside. Tray is running late and I breathed a sigh of relief. He would have been hysterical if he couldn’t locate me. I decided to just wait on him in the hallway.
My first massive mistake was thinking that I could sit, patiently without getting into any trouble – I really should know myself better than that. I didn’t have anything left to do to keep me occupied.
I couldn’t risk listening to my CD player because it could easily get confiscated. The policy states no electronic entertainment devices are allowed on school grounds. My snacks and water are all gone. So, I have nothing left to keep me out of trouble.
My second mistake was convincing myself that I could walk down the hallway just to stretch my legs and come right back. My little “stretch” took me all the way to the basement staircase that was striped with bright yellow caution tape on the floor.
The sign indicated only authorized personnel are allowed entrance. I decided t
hat I was authorized because I’m new to this school. That means I have an undeniable right to check out every square inch of the campus. I also might need a fallout shelter since the rogue winds in North Carolina rival those of a hurricane. In my estimation, both were the perfect ‘Ember-rationalizations’.
The steps lead directly to the dark clique lair and that’s where I intend to explore. They hold their group ditching sessions in the only room at the bottom of this dimly lit staircase. An adventure of a lifetime, awaits…I feel quite sure.
Well, it could turn out to be nothing, but a boiler room and a pack of cigarettes that draws them all down to it. Or, it might very well contain a portal to the fifth level of the dark clique dimension – my mind raced, accordingly.
I just have to find out what is so interesting. Continuing to rationalize my decision, I approached my goal and my shrouded destiny. I’m suddenly a girl possessed to see a celestial type portal to another dimension and unlock its secret entrance. Or, I will destroy some nasty cigarettes – whichever the case might be.
The metal fire door opened easily enough. I didn’t hear any voices or sounds coming from inside. The dark clique must have already abandoned their secret lair until tomorrow.
Even knowing I’m alone, I still feel a bizarre…presence…something’s down here with me…a spirit…
I felt both drawn to and afraid of whatever was lurking inside the darkness. I almost decided to run away until a small flicker of light caught my attention.
The sliver of unearthly light seemed to grow and then, fade. As it continued to flicker, the light seemed to call me to come inside and I obeyed. I tried to flip the light switch on, but nothing happened. Then, I noticed pieces of a broken light bulb littering the ground. I looked at the socket and saw that the wires were still dangling from it. Somehow, the light bulb had exploded. An energy surge was the only explanation that made any real sense.
After further investigation, it appeared that every lightbulb had been shattered. The basement didn’t have any windows. When the door closes, I will be surrounded by darkness. My book light is still in my backpack by the front doors of the school – curses. I need that light to see because I desperately want to explore their lair and discover their dark clique secrets.
Then, a brilliant solution occurred to me. I quickly slipped off my shoes and used them as a wedge to prop open the heavy metal door. My small shoes shifted from the weight as it closed. But, they did manage to hold the door open just enough to slightly illuminate the dark room.
The dark clique lair is mine to explore. I shuffled my feet as I slowly made my way toward the flickering light. Without my shoes, I need to be very careful. Shattered lightbulbs are everywhere.
Inching closer, I discovered a narrow, cylindrical light stick. It was similar to those safety wands that children carry when they go out trick-or-treating on Halloween. Obviously, the light was getting ready to die. I was actually disappointed. It had turned out to be an ordinary light instead of some type of secret dark clique spyware.
I reached down to retrieve the light stick so I could use it. But as my hand drew closer to the light, it illuminated like a miniature sun. I automatically jerked my hand away from it and almost fell backwards. The light dimmed again as my hand moved away.
Now, I really am overreacting…there’s nothing scary about a blinking light stick.
Laughing to myself, I reached back down and the light illuminated with an unearthly glow. I was fascinated by this strange occurrence. So, I continued to conduct my experiment a few more times and watched as the light grew brighter and brighter. By the time I stopped, the room was well-lit and filled with eerie, multi-colored shadows.
The incredible, blinding light stick was interesting, but the illumination revealed something more intriguing. A perfect, red circle had been drawn on the concrete floor. It looks like it was drawn in blood…a circle of dried blood?? Even the thought of that flipped me out. So, I decided to explore the rest of the basement. I’m not about to go anywhere near dried bodily fluids – yuck!
It turns out that every light bulb in the entire basement had been shattered. That had to be one strong surge of power
Although I tried to ignore that bloody red circle, I felt morbidly drawn to it. My overwhelming curiosity would eventually, win out for the second time today. No surprise to that revelation…
Finally surrendering to the compulsion, I walked over to it again to check it out. I already need an hour-long shower tonight…what’s another few hours???
The light stick was still illuminated, brightly. So, I picked it up and held it out in front of me like it has the power to kill germs – especially, one’s that live in dried blood. I apprehensively crouched down and took a closer look at the red substance. Relieved, I discovered it was only paint. The lines of the circle were flawless and I didn’t see any type of outline, either. Whoever painted it has some serious skills as an artist. Or, maybe they used something to trace it…
One candle was located inside the middle of the circle. The wax had dripped to the floor, resulting in a solidified puddle. Three beautiful purple goblets with shimmering silver scrollwork and sparkling diamonds were placed around the edges of the circle. The goblets around the ring formed a triangle. It felt wrong to step inside the circle. So, I walked along the perimeter to look into the goblets.
The first one held rich, black soil. It could have been taken from a garden or potted plant. The second goblet was partially filled with blue colored liquid. I lifted the goblet to smell it because I thought it might contain liquor. It was odorless, so I assumed it was colored water. The third purple goblet held the top sprigs of dandelions – those wisps that children blow off and they scatter into the wind.
The sprigs looked fresh, as if someone had just picked them from outside. It’s way too cold for dandelions to be growing, though. I didn’t see a portal or evidence of a greenhouse down here. And, I’ve never heard of anyone growing dandelions in a hothouse, regardless.
There was no way to rationally explain the fresh dandelion wisps in that goblet. I scooped out a handful with the sole purpose of inspecting them. For some strange reason, I impulsively blew on the wisps.
They floated and danced like they were being swept up by a gentle breeze. The air inside the room was still. Yet, the wisps soared upward by some unseen source. I reached out to recapture them. I watched in wonder as they seemed to tease the tips of my outstretched fingers, staying just beyond my reach.
The sprigs climbed higher and were bouncing off the ceiling, although no air was blowing. They never strayed from the ring. Riveted by staring at the impossible, my spirit felt even lighter than the wisps.
I want to float away with them…
The circle was bidding me to step into the center…
It cries out to my soul…
“Join…and become…” it whispered.
It wants me to…become.
My toes touched the edge of the painted circle and I felt a strange tingle. An incredible and indescribable power is waiting for me…all I have to do is step inside that circle…
Suddenly, the moment would slip away – into eternity…
“Ember, is that you?? Are you down here??” Tray’s familiar voice called to me across the darkened divide – breaking the hypnotic spell and scaring me at the same time.
Speechless, I watched the wisps fall gently to the ground – still, inside the circle. The invisible vortex had released them.
Turning toward the doorway to acknowledge my brother, I accidentally looked into the beam of the flashlight he was using. Blinded, I immediately closed my eyes in self-defense.
“Yes, it’s me…” I whispered in a more agitated tone than I had intended.
“What on earth are you doing down here??” he asked, equally irritated.
“I thought I saw something when I opened the door…never mind. Could you please turn the bright li
ght away from my eyes?? I can’t see anything, now…” I responded as light-spots sizzled and sparkled behind my eyelids.
“Sorry,” Tray stated and lowered the flashlight to the floor.
He took me by the arm and led me back to the staircase landing. The door slammed shut with a noisy clang and it startled me. Tray apologized again and then, handed me my shoes.
“You realize that’s broken glass scattered all over the floor! Are you intentionally tryin’ to scare me to death or is this accidental??” Tray asked with concern, but tried to cover it with humor.
“All intentional, brother dear – I’m currently running a mad scientific experiment just to see how many times it takes to scare you into complete submission,” I said jokingly as I put back on my shoes.
“Ha-ha, very funny. I’ll never submit by the way. So, you’re wastin’ your time on that nonsense,” Tray said sarcastically, following me up the staircase.
He picked up my backpack and carried it to the car for me.
“So, are you gonna tell me what you were doing in the basement without your shoes on or do I have to guess?” he asked, curiously.
“Ah, come on Tray – this is ‘me’ you’re talking about, remember?? Do you really need an explanation?”
“Ember, you’re really starting to scare me – what’s going on with you?? I know you’re curious, but you usually don’t choose to roll around in filth while you’re exploring. Normally, you’d be tripping out and taking a five hour long shower if your little finger gets sticky!” Tray replied.
Then, I remembered where I’d been and how dirty I must be. I tried to contain my total, internal flip out because I still couldn’t explain what had happened in the cafeteria to make me hide out all day.
Tray’s right, though. I’ll have to spend half the night in the shower to feel clean again – I hate being dirty…
“Maybe, I’m just tired of walking upright and thought I’d try crawling around for a change. A little excitement never hurt anyone,” I replied humorously in an effort to alleviate his anxiety.
Tray just gave me this odd, unreadable look and said nothing. After a few more minutes of silence I finally asked him if he expected anything less from me.
“With you, I’ve learned to always expect the unexpected. But, I’ve never seen you get filthy and not be over the edge because of it. You must have had a blast this afternoon getting dirty, because I noticed that you’re positively glowing,” Tray remarked with a smile.
If only he knew…