“You don’t believe that,” I mumbled as I read his tone.
“I don’t know what I believe – or what to think…all I know is that I don’t want you having anything to do with this. Dad didn’t bring those kids here to help us; he brought them here so we could help them. No one has ever talked to them about what they could do….they’ve always been feared or seen as cursed. They didn’t have a Nana like we did to tell them that they were extraordinary - not cursed.”
“What does she think about this – about them?”
“She hasn’t said much. Monroe hasn’t said a word since she’s been here…I think Nana is worried about her.”
“She hasn’t said anything about these nightmares? Told you not to touch anything there, not to step too far into the memory?”
His eyes moved to me. “All she’s said is…is to fight like hell and come back – for me to never conceive the idea that what I saw was real.”
“Good advice,” I mumbled as I began to focus on him again. I wanted to see what he was going through.
“It’s dangerous advice…every time I fight back, the weapon I use comes back with me. I’ve almost killed Aden a few times; luckily, he saw what I was throwing coming and moved.”
“Every time you fight, you come back...that’s a way out?”
“It’s not a way out; it’s the devils way of showing me he’s in control, his way of making me hurt the ones I love in my life…hurt myself.”
“Your dad talked about my dad fighting this…did he tell you?”
Draven’s jaw tightened. “Yeah…makes me never want to get in a car.”
“If he told you that, then he must have told you that thinking about my mom brought him out, that loving her made the nightmares come less often…why are you avoiding me?”
He leaned closer to me and let his eyes dance across my face. “I’m not avoiding you…I’m protecting you. I can’t lose you…hurt you.”
“They got worse when you stopped being around me; you said so yourself.”
“They got worse when I almost had that song finished.”
My eyes widened. “Finished? You have something?”
An impish grin spread across his face. “I do, and I think it’s pretty powerful…it’s giving me control in the nightmares.”
“How?”
He slowly raised his hand and let his fingertips rest on my temple, then he gently moved his fingertips down my face…my neck. “Hard to explain…when I begin to play, the nightmare starts…when it’s over, I’m back. With that song, I can begin and end the nightmare,” he said quietly as his fingertips traced the strap on my tank top. The hum of his skin was coursing through me, and I was struggling to remain serious enough to talk about this. As I let out a jagged breath, the corners of his lips slightly turned into a smile.
“Wait –” I said as I tried to focus, “you can still play when you’re in the nightmare? Maybe you shouldn’t do this...what if that’s what’s making it worse?”
“Shh...” he whispered. “I’m not alone there anymore…I rule this curse.”
Before I could say a word, his lips were on mine. I struggled to hold a thought, an argument, as his arms pulled me against him - but my efforts were fruitless. I wanted to be with him, to forget the demons we were fighting and melt in his arms. He leaned forward and laid me down across his bed, and I let myself slip into the passion of the moment.
Chapter Four
My eyes fluttered opened as a guilty smile came across my face. I reached to my side, but Draven wasn’t there. The room was dark. I sat up slowly and focused my eyes. I could hear what sounded like yelling downstairs, but I was alone in this room. I slid to the side of the bed, then tiptoed to the door, opening it slightly so I could hear what was going on. The yelling had stopped, and I could hear music…I recognized the music...somebody was gaming downstairs. I rolled my eyes and closed the door. I wasn’t sure where Draven was or even what time it was. I could see it was dark outside.
I rubbed my hands across my face and stretched. I felt good – really good. It was the first time I’d slept without bad dreams in weeks…it felt like I didn’t leave Draven’s arms until I opened my eyes, like I had just spent hours emerged in the bliss of love, surrounded by electrifying music. I started to move my fingers to the sound of the guitar I heard in my dream; I knew I’d never heard it before, and I wanted desperately to play it.
I started picking up the pillows and blankets that were scattered across the floor. As I pulled the comforter across the bed, the black book that Draven had thrown fell to the floor. As I stared down at it, my newfound peace diminished; the dread of what was happening to us was near overwhelming. I reached down and grabbed the book. A photo of me fell to the ground. It was taken at Bianca’s house. I was sitting on the couch, and Britian’s arm was stretched out behind me. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think we were a couple. I was furious and tore the picture in two, then shoved the pieces in my pocket. I found my hoodie on the floor and put it on before sliding the book inside the deep pockets; I wasn’t going to leave it here for Draven to mull over.
I pulled my hair back with one of the endless hair ties on my wrist, then found my belt and shoes and finished making the bed before I went to find Draven; I wanted to know how he thought he was controlling the nightmares...I wanted to hear this song. The stairs to the studio were at the end of the hall. I walked up the stone steps, hoping to find him there, but the room was empty. I fought the urge to sit down and play…the song that was in my dream was begging to be played...it was a dark, powerful, mind numbing sound that I wanted to bring to life. I closed my eyes and tried to hear it again, but my thoughts were dominated by Draven. I shook my head as I turned to go down the stone steps. The yelling downstairs began again, and I didn’t recognize the voice laced in a thick British accent at all.
Once I reached the base of the stairs, I could see the young boy that had opened the door earlier today across the hall in front of the TV, shifting from side to side as he yelled at the screen. I think Draven said his name was Winston. He was an awkward looking guy, rather short and way too thin. His black jeans were tight, and his T-shirt was wrinkled and untucked. I heard voices mumbling in the kitchen, but I crossed the open hall to the den to watch the boy play.
I quietly stepped closer to him. I wanted to focus - to ‘see’ him - and I knew if he saw me there and started talking to me, I wouldn’t be able to see very long or very deep. All at once, I wasn’t standing there anymore; I was in what looked like hell. The ground was black, but what looked like lava was seeping from the cracks in the ground - then all of a sudden, it began to snow…I heard dogs growling all around me...panic came over me. When I did manage to see, I never stayed in one memory or one place…my heart started pounding as I closed my eyes...I wanted out...I wanted out now.
I felt someone’s hand on my shoulder and stepped back quickly as my eyes flew open. I was back out of whatever that was. The boy was in front of me, smiling devilishly. “Charlie, right? Winston,” he said as he cocked his head to the side.
“Winston…do you not have any memories that aren’t of hell?” I asked sarcastically.
“Ah…do you not know it’s rude to step into a man’s mind without asking?”
“A man?” I mocked, glaring at his small frame. I had no idea it was possible to see something that dark in your thoughts; even my shadows had lives that were easier to stomach – to understand. How could it snow in hell?
“Right. Do you want proof?” he asked, stepping back and holding his arms open as his eyes moved up and down my body.
“You perve. Who do you think you are? Go back to your stupid game.”
His eyes became darker, and I knew he was trying to see me, but I’d been hiding behind my shield since the moment I walked in the room.
“Well…damn…I figured having a look in your mind would be fun – but it looks like you’re careful to keep your secrets.”
“The last place you’r
e getting is in my head.”
“Already been there, love – Draven…he likes you.”
“Likes me? Good to know,” I said shortly.
“You know what I mean. I told him to stay away from you. What does he do? Has you locked up in his room – next thing you know, books are flying...you’re dangerous.”
“ME?! How dare you tell him to stay away from me – what are you?! Go to Hell! Obviously, you know where it is.”
A sly smile came to one side of his lips. “Come with me – introduce me to your other boyfriend.”
Fury was the only thing coursing though me as I charged forward and pushed him back with every ounce of strength I had, screaming “You evil bastard!” over and over again as I pushed him again and again.
I felt someone grab my arms and pull them behind me, then hold me tight against them. I looked up to see Aden holding me back. “Let me go - I’m gonna KILL him!”
“Charlie – Charlie – stop!” Aden yelled over and over again. When I wouldn’t listen, he picked me up and threw me over his shoulder.
“That’s right – take her away,” Winston said smugly.
Aden whipped around and punched him square in the jaw; the power of the blow sent him to the floor. Aden then put his foot on his chest to hold him there. “Don’t – you – dare get up!”
With me still on his shoulder, he reached for the controllers to the gaming unit and pulled them loose. “Game time is over. You better hope she isn’t still mad at you when she see’s Draven because if she is – you’re a dead man.”
“Let me down!” I yelled as I kicked my legs
Aden’s strong arm held my legs still as he turned and took me to the kitchen. Once there, he let me fall. I tried to charge around him, but he blocked the door. “Let it go, Charlie.”
“Who the hell does he think he is?!”
Aden’s eyes looked over my head as he sighed. I turned around to see Nana at the counter, making plates of food while the girl – I guess her name was Monroe – sat at the bar. Her hair was jet black and straight, and most of it was in her face. Her nose ring was black now, and so was her lipstick. Her expression was placid…she almost didn’t look real.
“Where’s Draven?” I asked as I looked at Nana.
“Not here, thank God,” Aden mumbled behind me.
As I turned to glare at him, he raised his arms defensively. “I’m just saying…that would have gone down worse otherwise.”
“Worse?! It’s not over – I’m gonna kill that kid. Seriously, was he not spanked as a kid or something?!”
At that moment, I heard a slight laugh and turned to see the girl looking at me with an amused look on her face. Not a sarcastic look; more like a ‘I was thinking the same thing’ look.
Nana was staring at her with wonder as if she had just said something remarkable. I looked behind me to Aden, who had the same expression.
As I turned and began to walk to the counter, I let out a deep breath. I looked over the girl. Everything on her was black: her tights, her skirt, her top, her lace gloves – everything; entirely too Goth if you ask me. “I liked the purple nose ring better,” I said as I pulled out a stool.
It looked like she tried to smile before she looked down and let her hair fall around her face. I furrowed my eyebrows as I looked at Nana. I couldn’t figure out why she was smiling at me and this girl.
“I made you something to eat,” Nana said as she pushed a plate over to me.
“Where’s Draven? What time is it?”
“Past dinner. Draven is playing,” Nana said as she pushed the plate closer to me.
“Look, I love you – but I have too much anger and adrenaline running through me to eat right now.”
“That’s why you need to eat; so you can calm down. Do you want me to feed you – or can you do this yourself?” Nana asked firmly.
I bit my bottom lip as I looked down at the plate. “I’m not a child anymore. I’m mad, and I want answers.” I tensed, prepared for an argument – at the very least, a scolding. I had never once been so rude to Nana, and she didn’t deserve it - but I couldn’t help it; I was mad.
All at once, I felt a warm sensation on my shoulders, then a calm eased through my body. I looked behind me to see Draven’s mom, glowing in all her wonder standing behind me. I smiled slightly and nodded. I felt shocked stares on me and looked to my side to see Monroe staring at me and Draven’s mom with eyes wide and mouth slightly open. If it were possible, her skin became paler.
I looked back at Dravnen’s mom. “I think she needs you as much as I do,” I said, nodding to Monroe. The ghostly image reached for the girl’s arm. You could tell she wanted to run, but fear had paralyzed her. Once she felt the calming energy of her touch, Monroe relaxed her shoulders as if she were finally finding a wanted comfort.
I shook my head slightly and reached for the sandwich on my plate. As I took a bite, I looked at Nana to tell her sorry, but she wasn’t looking at me; she was staring at Draven’s mom as if she were taking in some kind of direction. Nana nodded once. “Next time…show up sooner,” she said quietly.
Draven’s mom let us go, then glided across the room. As she passed Aden, she let her hand run across his jaw. As she vanished at his side, his entire body relaxed.
“Sorry,” I mumbled between bites. I figured the faster I ate, the faster I’d get answers.
“What’d she say?” Aden asked as he came to the counter.
Nana didn’t say a word; she just stared at him. It was clear she was showing him – that he was ‘seeing’ her. Aden didn’t seem thrilled with what he saw.
“Why don’t you show me - or is that a secret? Can someone tell me where Draven is? Or at least give me a phone so I can call him?”
“Playing,” Aden said as he ran his fingers through his hair and looked down.
“Right. You said that. Where?” I said as I took the last bite of my sandwich.
Nana pushed a bowl of fruit to me. I thought about arguing but gave in instead.
“Dad found a place for us to play. If we’re gonna have the concert you want, we can’t have it here; the music is already calling more shadows than we can handle.”
“Where?” I asked again.
“The old high school on the edge of town,” Aden finally answered
“That place is ancient – downright scary. Is he there alone?”
“No. Dad, Grayson, and Madison are there. They’re just setting up equipment, finalizing the closing papers for Dad to buy it. Dad spent most of the day with the codes people, making sure it was safe enough for us to be in there.”
“Where’s my car?” I asked as it dawned on me that I’d left it with Evan. I knew where that school was, and I was ready to go.
“At your house,” Aden answered.
“My bag?” I asked.
He shrugged his shoulders. “There, I guess. I’ll take you there.”
“Take me to the school,” I said as I stood up.
“Not tonight,” he mumbled.
“What?! Who are you to say where I can go?” I asked sarcastically, which earned another quiet laugh from Monroe
Aden tightened his jaw and walked around the counter, then looked down at me. “Don’t shoot the messenger – focus on me,” he said through gritted teeth.
I stared up at him and focused. All at once, I was standing in the garage, watching Draven and that Grayson guy load amps and guitars into the back of his Hummer. Draven walked over to Aden. “When she wakes up, take her home. I don’t want her around Winston – and don’t leave her; that demon is following her. She’ll be stubborn enough to call him or go over there – don’t let her – you hear me?”
“She won’t listen,” Aden said as he tried to get out of having to watch out for me.
“Tell her it’s what I want. Tell I love her and that I need her to trust me – I need her safe,” Draven said as he closed the hatch on his truck and climbed into the driver’s seat. “Will you do that?”
“Y
ou will,” Aden said grimly, obviously hating the fact that he was left behind.
Draven stared forward. “Right…work on that with her – I want her to see in an instant.”
I focused my eyes and brought myself out of the vision, only to see Aden staring down at me. He raised one eyebrow. “I don’t like being put in the middle. Don’t make this hard on me – k?”
“Whatever,” I mumbled.
Nana took my plate. Once she put it away, she looked at me. “We need to talk – can we go outside?”
I furrowed my eyebrows and nodded. Nana looked at Aden, then nodded toward Monroe. He moved his head from side to side, disagreeing with whatever he was silently told to do.
I followed Nana to the garage door, then down the steps. The fall night was cool; you could feel winter on the horizon. I always loved fall, the end of summer; maybe it was because my birthday fell in October – the end of it anyway. I couldn’t believe how close I was to eighteen. I felt older than that – a lot older.
Nana leaned against Aden’s gold Hummer and looked over me carefully. “I need you to do something for me.”
“Anything,” I said, feeling a little guilty for being short with her earlier.
“I need you to let Monroe stay with you.”
“Seriously? Madison has already taken over my house – I’m never alone,” I complained, regretting that I had agreed to do anything.
“Charlie, that girl has not made one expression – one sound – since she’s been here. You walk in the door, and she laughs – not once, but twice. Autumn said you needed to be near her.”
I looked up at her. Autumn was Draven’s mom’s name; she was always called Mom around me, but when Nana or Evan talked about her they’d say ‘your mother’ or ‘my daughter.’
“What did she show you?” I asked, doubting her words, instead wanting to focus on Nana and see it for myself.
“That you need that girl as much as she needs you. Seriously, Charlie, Autumn hadn’t shown herself in almost two weeks; Draven thought it was because of these kids.”
I rolled my eyes. “Because of that Winston kid? Why would Evan bring someone like that here? Is Grayson like that?”