The Grasp of Nighttide (18 page)

“Anna loves you. I can bet on that.” 

“She is a good person.” 

Derek said no more making Alice wonder. Did he mean he loves Anna too because she is a good person, or was it a hint that he was considering it off with Anna? 

Suddenly Alice was in a struggle of her own. Where was she going? She had to return to Lance and she was involving with Derek. She had to cut it off before Derek wanted her in his life. With the kiss earlier today, she had to act soon. 

They separately clung on to their internal thoughts as they ate the bacon Derek had cooked in silence. Then Derek started drinking. He offered Alice but Alice was aware of what could happen and brushed it off. Already she felt pain that he was so sad and troubled and wanted to comfort him. 

“Get some sleep. I have some work to finish up.” Derek said, pulling out his laptop. 

“I’m not sleeping,” Alice protested. 

“Why not?” He asked casually. 

“I sleepwalk, remember? I don’t know what I…” 

“Don’t worry, I’ll hide the keys.” Derek interrupted her. 

Derek would not agree to her sleeping on the couch, so she headed to his room. Thirty minutes passed, tossing and turning…first still feeling the back pain and then thinking about Derek. When she had the right time to talk to him, he kissed her, letting her know that he had feelings for her too. This had to be clarified before she could think further. The light was still on in the living room.

“It’s now or never,” Alice muttered to herself, getting off the bed. 

Derek wasn’t on the couch. The bathroom door wasn’t closed all the way, so Alice peeked in. He was in the shower behind the curtain, drunk and humming a song. It sounded like Hindi, she thought. Alice so wished she could see him and in a flash the curtain pulled back on its own revealing Derek, hair and body soaked and naked for her to see. 

Alice gasped, but the next moment covered her eyes. 

“Bad curtain, bad,” He swatted at the curtain playfully, and then pulled it back in place, snickering drunkenly. “Come back here…” 

A minute later, he came out donning a bathrobe on and stood at the mirror. He smiled and it looked like an attempt to impress his own reflection. 

“Can’t speak my mind. Drunk enough to sleep on the couch now,” he took the last sip of beer before tossing the can aside. 

Alice hurried back into bed and Derek only came in the room minutes later. Pretending to be asleep, she peeked out at him; he was opening the cabinet and rummaging noisily in it. 

Alice got up with the intention of helping him out. “Any shirt,” Derek gave up trying and pressed his back against the wall. 

Her hands touched him as she took out what he wanted. Alice randomly pulled out a white shirt. While Anna’s closet had clothes arranged by color, his clothes were divided. At the right were more formal clothes and coming to the right hung his daily wear. As Alice had a good look at the white shirt with black buttons, she thought it was nowhere even close to be used as nightwear, he could wear it with a suit.

“I think I will keep this back. And also do you need...” Alice turned to ask if he needed sweat pants as well, but his eyes burned into hers. She was at loss of words. His hair was damp from the shower and he smelled fantastic- it was almost like encountering one of those men who appeared in flirty fragrance product commercials. He looked almost as wild too- no shirt and the rim of his boxers on top of the low waist jeans. His strong body combined with his good looks was a deadly combination.

“Alice I have to tell you something….” he rested his hand on her cheek. 

“What?” Alice asked, feeling more drawn in the moment. She wanted him; her brain erased the line between right and wrong. Nothing mattered more than she loved him. Taking a step closer their bodies touched triggering thousands of butterflies in her stomach which seemed so real that they could fly right out of her lips. She dared to keep her hand on his chest and felt his crazy heartbeat. “What do you need to tell me?” Alice pouted her lips, sure of what he meant.

“I can’t,” he said and put her hand away. Derek looked instantly aware of what was happening. “Go to sleep.” Grabbing the shirt and walked out, pushing her slightly out of the way. 

“That’s three!” Alice muttered in disbelief that Derek had walked out on her for the third time now. She wouldn’t have minded staying awake longer, it was just seven on the clock and thanks to the shorter daytime it looked like ten something these days. Pulling the covers which still smelled like him, and nestling her head in the super soft pillow again, she continued to think about what words Derek had NOT said. And with sense knocked into her again she again regretted her actions. She was caught in a debate between being loyal to her true love (whom she didn’t even remember) and her new found love (who was before her eyes, helping her and caring for her). A debate that she could never win. 

I love Lance; 
she tried to convince herself, rubbing the inscription on her thigh
. Whatever shall happen, I will go back to him.
 

Steph waited for two painfully long hours for any signs of Alice before taking the diversion to the stand alone house. Alice’s home. Steph slipped on the cloak that was neatly folded on her arm- enough for someone to mistake it for a coat. 

With all the lights gone, the place was somehow scarier than ever. She tried the door, but it was locked. Alice had to be inside. She thought of opening the door with her mind, but that creeped her out- she didn’t want to use it. She surveyed the house for another way in, but all of the windows were sealed shut this time, except one. The corridor window swung invitingly open the moment Steph touched it. It was tricky getting in but tonight Steph knew that there was nothing she couldn’t do. She dodged the braches and squeezed her body inside the warm house. She patted her belly, glad to have shed the extra pounds. 

The darkness was brighter than her mind as she went around looking. Alice may have lost her memory, but that was not going to make Steph have any mercy. She was going to pull Alice out and then she’d die like all those other people on the road. Steph ran through the house, but Alice wasn’t there. She slowly and methodically combed through the place again, but it remained frustratingly empty. Where was she? 

Steph got out the by the same window she came in, and landed on her feet. 

“Sorry pal,” She peeled back her hood and raised her knife in the moonlight. “We’ll get her soon.”

Then just as she finished, she heard something move. Light on her feet, she walked to the side of the house. Admittedly, she had first thought it was probably nothing. But she was wrong at that. A figure stood frozen in the shadows of the house. It was the annoying girl from the party earlier, Jenny. An oversized long coat hung on her body as pink pjs showed underneath. 

“Jenny? What are you doing here?” Steph hid the knife behind her back.

“Steph?” Her voice came in a terrified whisper. “I saw you from the window at Anna’s. I didn’t see your face. I thought you… were a burglar. “Jenny stated in a confused voice. 

“Actually I was…checking...” 

“You were trying to kill Alice,” she blurted, actually stepping closer to her. The confidence and anger she showcased, momentarily frightened Steph as she couldn’t come up with anything to say. Jenny pointed at Steph before striding past her. “I’m telling Derek, I’m calling the cops!” 

Steph realized that she was well caught. Even a finger of suspicion could compromise her mission. If Jenny leaked this, her mission and even her freedom were kaput. Turning around, she could see Jenny running away.

Can’t believe you got caught
 blew with the wind. 

I have got caught
, Steph smiled raising the knife again. 
But I’ll handle it.
 

The wind chime tinkled as Jenny ran further away and Steph took off after her. Even with trembling feet, Jenny was one quick rabbit. Steph kept her pace but soon realized that it was unlikely she would get to lay a hand on her prey before she got away. Jenny had almost reached the main street when there was the sound of a branch crashing nearby. She turned to look back and tripped over something, sprawling to the ground. Jenny lay very still on her face for a couple of moments which was more than enough time for Steph to catch up to her. 

Without wasting more time, Steph’s knife ripped through the air but Jenny rolled to the side and landed a fierce fist on Steph’s jaw. 

Jenny walked a few paces backward as Steph held her jaw in pain. Just a moment later- she knew by her Grasp presence of mind- the demon was near. She knew what had to be done. 

Jenny was on the edge of the sidewalk now; it was the last chance before she could get to Anna’s and spill her secret. 

“Jenny, here!” Steph shouted, aiming to throw the knife at her. 

“You’re crazy!” She shouted back, panic creeping into her voice. “What are you even trying to do? You are a total psycho.”

Steph threw the knife. No wonder it didn’t land anywhere close to Jenny, but it was enough to make her take a few more steps back. 

“Are you kidding me? You were thinking this knife would go right through me. Yeah, right.” Jenny said, her expression triumphant. But that didn’t last long as it soon turned into a look of horror. “What have you done? Why... why can’t I move?” 

“Jen, Jen, Jen. Don’t you watch the news? Haven’t you heard what is happening here these days? Don’t you know to not step on the road at night? Especially when it is so deserted?” 

“You are the demon?” 

“A heck of one,” Steph laughed. 

“Let me go,” Jen tried to struggle but her body didn’t move an inch. “Help!” 

Her cries for help were masked by the roars of wind. Grasp were no doubt very good at having the killing procedure go unnoticed. Steph was done here. She didn’t want to lurk around to meet the police. 

“Rest in peace.” Steph said looking into Jenny’s terrified eyes and pulled her hood back up. No one ever escaped the grasp of the demon. The task finished, Steph dashed away and the collision came to her ear as a sort of crack sound. Steph peeled off the cloak and walked away casually. No one could catch her now. 

Back home it was time for beer. She was happy to have killed Jenny, but that wasn’t her intention. Alice had somehow evaded her death again.

“Alice.” She gritted her teeth, slamming the empty bottle to the floor where it crashed on a T-shirt of hers. She picked up a piece of glass, cutting her palm deep on the sharp edge. The blood made a pool on her hand and she rubbed it onto her face. 

“The time will come very soon when I’ll bathe in your blood Alice.” She said as the cut disappeared. “The time will come very soon.” 

Alice would’ve thought she was drifting away at sea if not for Derek’s voice. 

“Let her go,” he demanded. Her eyes were closed, but she could hear him clearly. 

The grip on her hand was too tight for this to be a dream. Two men had her arms from either side; the booze from their breath convinced her that the situation was real. 

“I
said
let her go,” Derek said once more. 

Alice blinked and took in Derek’s appearance. He was in his jacket and jeans. His hair stood out in all directions. 

Alice was released with a shove forward. She fell towards Derek.

“What am I doing here? Who were these men? Why are you here?” Alice was panicked. 

“All that matters is that you are alright now,” he said, hugging her. And Alice clenched the back of his shirt, scared of waking up to the strange situation- anything could’ve happened to her, hadn’t Derek come to her rescue. “Can’t you just grab something warmer before heading out?” He said, holding her tighter to him. “I know you sleep walk but…Geez, it is cold.”

Alice was confused and remained quiet, as he covered her with his oversized jacket before leading her to Cloud. It was comforting- the jeans had covered most of the cold to her legs but her shirt was just plain comfy- nothing that could put up against the weather.

She realized that they were heading toward her home. 

“Anna called,” Derek said, turning the wheel. “There has been an accident. Her friend, Jenny is dead.” 

“Oh. I assume similar to all the other ones happening?” 

“The mystery accidents will not stop,” he said in concern. 

Alice had met Jenny a few times. Alice was thankful she hadn’t been the victim tonight considering she was in the area. 

Maybe because of the men holding me
, Alice figured. 

All the neighbors had gathered at Anna’s place. Anna slumped lifeless beside the front door. The makeup was gone, her pale features stood out and her expression was ghastly. Alice figured the incident crushed her; else Anna certainly was a girl who’d change out of the old blue nighty- which seemed like it was her mother’s- before appearing in public. 

“Don’t come out, okay?” Derek said, getting out. 

Alice slumped in the seat, trying not to get any one’s attention. Ron was out there too, so she didn’t want to make a scene. His neon green jacket was in complete contrast to all the people in dull colors making him stand out from the crowd to Alice.

Don’t find me don’t find me
. Alice thought, trying to drown in the seat. 

Almost comically just then Ron turned to face the car. With a puzzled look he approached and peered inside. “Is that you Alice? Are you hiding?” 

Alice sat up straight, embarrassed. “Why would I do that?” 

“Hey, I’m sorry if I hurt you that day.” Then he touched Cloud, studying it in awe. “I’d like us to be friends.” 

“Uh, Okay,” Alice was unsure of what to say.

“Let me get out of the way before Derek threatens to hit me again.” He laughed. “Seriously I’m not scared, but that’s the last thing needed around here.” He looked back to the house where Derek was comforting Anna. “Jenny was perhaps Anna’s only true friend. It must be so hard on her. Her parents, then Jenny...” He shook his head, and with a goodbye that only involved a handshake, he went away to his car parked in front of Cloud. 

After about ten minutes Derek and Anna walked towards Cloud. They looked so remarkably good together despite the way they looked. Alice suddenly noticed Derek was dressed nearly as bad as Anna was. His shirt was buttoned wrong and his hair contributed to the messy attire- but still he looked rather cute. Alice needed Anna to not see her either, but that was inevitable. Anna caught a glimpse of Alice and her tears started once more. Still she gave Alice a weak smile. Regret welled up in Alice thinking of how she was hurting Anna, and still Anna never said anything. Bell’s car pulled up. 

“I’ll see you in the morning then,” Derek said, giving Anna another hug. “You sure you’re going to be alright?” 

“Yes,” Anna nodded and walked over to Bell who was getting out. 

“So, I found the keys huh?” Alice asked once Derek was back inside the car. 

“Nope,” Derek replied. 

“Then how did I get out?” She pouted, trying to remember. 

“The balcony, I suppose.” He said in a perfectly normal tone.

“How could I get down from the third floor balcony?” Alice’s voice rang in alarm.

“That’s the only possibility,” he shrugged. “The door was locked.”

***** 

Back at Derek’s place, he slipped back on the couch. 

“I’ve locked the balcony too. You can go to sleep now.” 

In the room Alice gasped, looking at the glass cabinet. Half of the clothes were fallen, a few still hung inside, crumpled. She heard Derek come up behind her. 

“Who did this Derek?” 

“Don’t worry about it.” 

Alice went closer to examine it; there was her own hand print on the glass. 

“At least you enjoyed walking through.” 

Alice tried to wipe the stain off but it was from inside. Clear that she had made the mess, the condition of the clothes looked worse. 

“I am so sorry,” she said, turning to Derek. 

“Nah, that’s okay.” he laughed. “Tomorrow all this will be back in place.” 

“So many clothes…”

“Having money is useful in some ways.” Derek chimed. 

“In a lot of ways,” Alice corrected, still looking around. 

Derek half jumped looking at the mirror in the wall, “I can’t believe I went out looking like this!” he quickly corrected his buttons and smoothed his hair. 

“I thought you looked cute.” Alice smiled despite herself. 

Both of them caught their images in the mirror. 

“I think you look cute too,” Derek stepped closer. 

“Uh huh.” Alice winked. 

“If your hair didn’t look so set,” Derek playfully messed her hair. Alice laughed and returned the favor, tossing his hair, causing him to look as though he had just awakened. They laughed heartily. 

“There’s something I’ve wanted to talk to you about.” 

“Yeah?” 

“About what is going on between us.” 

“What is going on between us?” he tried to be oblivious, but a smirk showed on his face. 

“This is serious. I want you to know...” 

“I need to go to Anna’s place the first thing in the morning,” he evaded the topic going to the door. Then he stopped and looked over his shoulder. “I’ll leave early. Will have the Vespa here and you can visit Etsy’s. It is not too far off, anyone would be glad to give you directions. We’ll talk later. Good night.” 

“Good night.” Before she could finish saying that, he switched off the lights and disappeared. “We’ll talk tomorrow. I’ll make things alright.” She whispered to the darkness. 

***** 

Alice was returning from Etsy’s home the next day. She didn’t remember the old lady until Etsy herself said that she saw Alice outside the bookstore. It was the woman who had stared at her when Anna had dropped her off at the store. Etsy gave Alice her mom’s address, Veronica Wilson’s address. Alice wanted so many answers but Etsy plainly told her that Veronica would explain. In excitement, confusion and anxiety, Alice had returned without knowing her own real name but at least she knew now that she was Ms. Wilson not Ms. Reed. 

When Alice went by Anna’s home, Bell was standing near the gate. Alice stopped the Vespa. 

“Hi Bell. I’m sorry about Jenny. Is Anna holding up alright?” 

“Yeah other than the breakup.” 

“What breakup?”

“Anna’s and Derek’s breakup. Happened an hour ago” 

“But why?” Alice tried to make sense of it all. 

“Anna said he loves someone else.” Bell said, twirling a lock of her pale blonde hair. 

“Who?” Alice demanded. 

“I think you know that better,” Bell smiled. “Anyway Anna and I will be l attending Jen’s funeral. Don’t worry, she’ll get over it. Bye.” 

As soon as Alice stepped inside her home, she didn’t even notice how hot it was, she was feeling heated up herself. 

You broke up with Anna?
She texted Derek. 

I love you, 
came the reply. 

Alice threw her phone on the couch which bounced off the edge and fell on the carpet. She would check on it later. 

Four hours of frustration passed before Derek rapped on the door. 

“Go away!” she yelled, as she opened the door. 

“What did Etsy say?” 

“None of your business,” she snapped. 

“Alice… I…” 

“Not another word,” she slammed the door on him. “Go away.” 

Alice folded her arms with her back towards the door. Derek made a mistake. He had to apologize to Anna and patch up. Anna loved him truly and it wasn’t fair if her boyfriend was stolen- after all that she had lost. She listened for Cloud’s engine- but it looked like Cloud hadn’t started up. 

She opened the door hoping he was gone, that she need not face his feelings- partly because she felt the same. No matter how much her inner consciousness intervened, she couldn’t convince herself. Anna and Derek were meant for each other but that didn’t get in the way of Alice imagining her life with Derek. The fact that he loved her touched her in a weird way.

Derek was there alright, standing on the driveway. He had his jacket hauled over his shoulder, shivering. His sleeveless shirt flaunted his muscles but they couldn’t resist the freezing temperature for long. His smirk revealed that he knew she would come out for him, but instead of coming inside he pretended to not know what she wanted. Like she’d forcefully make him wear the jacket, he threw the jacket behind him and it managed to settle on Cloud’s hood. 

“What are you doing?” Alice rolled her eyes. She strode to his side. “Come inside.”

“Why? Why do you care?” 

“I care because.” Alice managed to pull it off like a sentence, like she made a valid point. 

“Because of what?”

“I can’t tell,” Alice looked deep into his eyes. “Go home.” 

“You can’t command me,” his teeth were chattering. “Besides, this is not even your property.” 

“What do I have to do so that you’ll listen?” Alice pleaded. 

“Just answer. Why do you care?” 

“I love you.” Those very words came as a surprise as she revealed it. She couldn’t believe she did.

“I’m ready.” His smile deepened.

Seriously that was the vaguest reply given to a statement of love. It wasn’t a question, but ‘I love you’ demanded a better reply. She had read many dialogues in books but ‘I’m ready’ was a first.

“I’m ready to come inside.” He said giving his hand to Alice. “Come on already, drag me in. I’m nearly frozen.”

When Alice held it, she realized he wasn’t joking. His hand felt like ice.

“I see the heating system is doing its job,” he rubbed his hands together once they were inside. 

“Are you crazy?” Alice asked incredulously. “You could die out there.” 

“I was counting you return my favor and save me, like I did for you yesterday” he laughed. “And yes, I am crazy for you.” 

“I love Lance,” Alice stated. 

“How much?” he asked wrapping his arms around her waist. 

Before she could answer, he held the small of her back and pulled her closer. The butterflies in her stomach were set loose again, warming every point his skin touched. Her body was startled with the sensation. Maybe because she hadn’t been so close with anyone- as far as she knew- or maybe because it was Derek- the man who stood with her always. He pressed his cold lips on her neck. He kissed her softly as his hands advanced lower. She messed through his hair and closed the few inches between their bodies. The anticipation of what would happen next was building up. She couldn’t tell if she felt the same before. She might have before, when she was with Lance.

“I will regret this,” Alice let go, against her will. “I love Lance.” 

“Okay, I will make no move until you allow me to,” Derek said, holding his hands, conceding. 

“That is not gonna happen,” Alice warned but it was a weak one. She wanted him, but she could not admit it.

“Are you sure?”

She hated Derek. It was hard enough to resist him and he was making it harder.  Fortunately the temptation was momentarily relieved by Derek’s phone. Alice could quietly hear the voice on the other end of it.”

“What time are we meeting tonight?” a girl asked. “What favor is this you are constantly asking for?” 

Derek spoke. “Eight. At Splendor. I need to talk to you Steph.” 

It was a total relief to Alice when she heard that name. She was starting to doubt whether he was meeting random girls- like most rich men did. But there was nothing to worry about it seemed. Stephanie was Derek’s sister. Though the conversation did make her wonder what all the seriousness was about, but at least that got Derek to leave, saying that he would meet her the next day.