The Prophecy (11 page)

I felt like my eyes would pop out of my head.
“Did that seriously just happen?”

“
What, her being nice-ish?”

“
Yeah.”

“
Welcome to the Twilight Zone.” He laughed and walked away, humming the theme song.

C
hapter Twelve

I sat in 'my' chair, as I began to call it and stared up at the ceiling, waiting to start where we left off. James was once again sitting at his desk, pecking away at his keyboard. While he was busy, I decided to study him and compare him to Gabe. I knew they must be related because the resemblance was uncanny. “Do you have any kids?”

He looked up briefly then went back to typing.
“Yes, I have three actually. My oldest, Gabe, is in the same grade as you in school. You should run into him since you're taking a lot of the same AP classes.”

Ah ha! I knew it! I was feeling rather proud of myself until the rest of his sentence entered my mind.
“What do you mean AP classes?”

“
Oh, your mother didn't tell you?”

“
This look of shock,” I gestured to my face, “would lead one to assume that no, she didn't.”

He finished up and closed the laptop, giving me his full attention.
“Well, you remember the testing you had to do before signing up for school here?”

I thought back and remembered the test they had me take before the move.
“Yeah, what about it?”

“
It was a placement test used in our district for transfer students. Because of your scores, you've been placed in the majority of AP classes.”

I lay back with a groan and rubbed my hands over my face.
“This is so not good.”

“
Why isn't that good? You should be happy that you're intelligent enough to take advanced classes.”

“
Yeah, normally that would be a good thing, like say when you've lived somewhere all of your life. But whenever you've just moved, all people are going to think is that you're a huge nerd.” I groaned and hid behind my hands. This would just be another mark against me.

“
I thought you didn't care to be popular or what people thought about you.”

“
I don't care about being popular, but I've had more than enough of being an outcast.”

“
Ah, back to Becca, are we?”

I stiffened and looked over at him.
“You know I hate this, right?”

“
Yes, I know. But it
will
help you in time.”

I shook my head and stared off into space.
“I doubt there's anything in your vast knowledge that could help me.” I thought about my incidents and the most recent one. There was nothing in his bag of tricks that could remove the darkness.

“
You'd be surprised.”

“
Yeah, well I doubt it.”

He tapped his fingers on his desk.
“Well, we won't get anywhere today if we just spend our time arguing. Why don't we go back to Becca and her 'social death' threats?”

I took a deep breath and started playing with my hair.
“Since she threw herself so whole-heartedly into obtaining the status that she wanted, it was rather easy for her. I kind of admired her that way.”

“
In what way?”

“
How she would think of something that she'd want, then go after it with such determination. She always got what she wanted when she set her mind to it.”

“
I can see how you would admire that about her.”

“
Yeah, but it can be a double edged sword. I mean, it would be great for someone you know to have that whenever they're on good terms with you. But when they turn, it can be a vicious weapon.”

“
What did she do?”

I shrugged and tried to keep an off-hand tone.
“She made me a social pariah. Had everyone believe that I was a slut and a druggie. It's easy to manipulate people when they're only looking for the worst in others. So she spread a whole bunch of shit around, and since she had all the social standing and I didn't, people chose to believe her. That way they wouldn't lose their place on the social ladder.”

“
That must have been difficult for you.”

I laughed bitterly and looked over at him.
“That’s the understatement of the year. Within a week I lost my best friend, all my friends from school, and my good name. All that I had left was the life of lies that she had created for me.”

“
How did you feel about all that?”

“
How do you think? I was furious. Depressed, completely dejected. I thought I'd eventually grow out of those feelings, once the rumors died down or she found someone else to set her sights on, but if anything, it got worse.”

“
What got worse?”

“
The anger, rage.”

He steepled his hands in front of him, looking off into the distance.
“What was it like for you?”

“
What do you mean?”

“
To go to school through all of that?”

I settled myself further into the chair.
“Oh, it was great.” I could feel the sarcastic bite in my tone. “Went to school every day, completely ignored by the people who were supposed to be my friends. The only time they’d talk to me was when they had a nasty comment to say. My favorite day would have to be when they put enough condoms in my locker to fill it up. Then, when I went to open it, they all fell out with a little note on a fake prescription pad saying that my ‘weeks’ supply was in. Then, I got tired of having my lunch tray dumped and food thrown at me, so I started having my lunch in the bathroom. Yes, my life was awesome, and those are just some of the memories.”

He frowned and took a moment to order his thoughts.
“I’m not going to baby it and say stuff you already know, like people are cruel and life is hard, because you’ve had firsthand experience. Nor will I placate you and say everything will get better, because that all depends on if you make it better.”

“
Thank you, Dr. Phil.”

“
Actually, it’s Dr. James.” He laughed and sat back in his chair, studying me. I always felt like he was looking at me under a microscope. Rubbing his hands maniacally while laughing like an evil scientist in some B-rated, eighties horror movie. I tried not to squirm under his direct gaze.

“
While sarcasm can be a great defense mechanism, eventually you will have to move from it and face your past in order to overcome it.”

“
Jesus, you sound like my mother.”

“
I’ll take that as a compliment.” A lopsided smirk crossed his face fleetingly then he quickly turned serious as he started swiveling again. I wondered how many chairs he must break from that constant motion.

“
Let’s get back to your anger, your rage. When you're enraged, how does it feel?”

I fidgeted, lost in my thoughts.
“It’s kind of like a darkness, an electric ball that’s constantly inside of me. As my anger rises, the electricity flares out, consuming me, reaching out to other things and people around me, and the darkness starts to consume me.”

“
I've never heard it described that way. That’s a really interesting way to look at it though. Do you ever feel like you're going to lose yourself to it?” A look of compassion crossed his face.

I looked up at him through blurry eyes from unshed tears and answered honestly with the thought that had been haunting me for over a year.
“Yes. I'm afraid that one day, there isn't going to be anything of me left.”

C
hapter Thirtee
n

I almost regretted having two days off. Sure, I'd love the time to relax and think about things, but I didn't want to be stuck at home. I heard muted voices coming from the living room as I walked in. I tossed my keys onto the entryway table and slipped off my tennis shoes. Bare foot, I walked over to see what my mother and father were doing. I stopped before the living room to listen to their conversation.

“
Do you think that this will work on her?” Mom asked.

“
I don't know. She seems to be better these past few days.”

“
I know, but there's always a period of peace where we almost have our daughter back after she has an incident. It seems like they've become shorter and shorter and her anger just increases between those times. I really don't know what to do with her anymore.”

The sound of fabric rustling was the only noise in the oncoming silence. I hesitated and waited to see if they'd talk more. I peered around the corner and saw my parents sitting together on the couch, a contrast in beauty. Mom was laying with her head in Dad's lap. He frowned in thought while he absentmindedly stroked through her silky, strawberry blond hair.

“Look, I know you're worried,” he said while gazing down and lovingly stroking the side of her face, “but it will all sort out in time. Besides, she's a teenager, how bad can it get?”

She rolled her eyes at him, unable to stop her returning grin.
“Don't ask that. Things always get worse when people ask that.”

He leaned back.
“Well, we'll just have to see how long this period of rest lasts. I don't know what we'll do if she doesn't snap out of this aggressive personality she's developed.”

Mom rolled onto her side and relaxed into his protective warmth.
“I don't know either. Do you think she hurt Rebecca?” The question was spoken quietly but it seemed to pierce my heart like a thousand daggers. I was barely breathing.

I froze and stood motionless in the doorway. I stared intently at my parents, waiting for an answer.

He let out a sad laugh. “Honestly? I don't know anymore. I hardly recognize her. She's not the daughter we know and love, so I really don't know what she's capable of. With how aggressive and violent she's been lately, it seems more and more likely that she could have been the one to hurt Becca.”

I shattered, pain lacing through my soul, sending a deep ache throughout my body. I shook my head, denial moving through me. With tears streaming down my face, I silently retraced my steps. I left unnoticed.

><><><><

I didn't know where to go or who to turn to, all I knew was I had to get away. I threw the car in reverse and slammed on the gas, not caring whether my parents heard or not. I weaved quickly down the country road toward town while my heart hammered erratically against my ribs.

The words, 'She could have been the one to hurt Becca', repeated themselves over and over in my mind until they became an angry roar.
Hurt... Becca... Hurt... Becca...
My mind screamed over and over again. I gritted my teeth against the onslaught, my vision blurring from overflowing tears. I wiped them angrily away with my sleeve and focused just in time to see a deer start to cross the road in front of me. The tires squealed as I slammed on the brakes, sending the car into a sideways spin. I froze, every muscle braced for impact as I skidded to a stop. 

“
Jesus H!” My eyes fell onto the deer standing right outside the window. My heart felt like it would beat right out of my chest as the adrenaline caused my body to shake uncontrollably. “Go away!” I made shooing gestures with my hands but the deer just stood there, looking at me with curiosity. 

I was glad that I hadn't hit the deer. Ecstatic that I was still alive and not a mangled corpse twisted around a metal heap. I rested my head momentarily against the steering wheel. I felt the tension starting to slowly leave me as I breathed out a sigh of relief. I looked over at the window through my hair, surprised to see the deer still looking at me. I closed my eyes, and leaned back.
“This is so not happening.” I didn't know what to do so I rolled the window down a couple of inches. 

I turned to the deer and started gesturing to it.
“You, go run to forest! Get out of road. Big danger here!” I laughed at myself as I realized what I must sound like. The laughter held a decidedly hysterical edge to it. “I swear I'm losing my flipping mind. Okay, look deer,” I glared at the deer in question. “You need to get going. I'm sorry I almost hit you, I didn't mean too. So can you just go now before a truck or something comes along and sees me sitting sideways in the road while talking to an animal?”

It peered closer at me then pressed its nose against the glass. It breathed out once, causing fog to form on the window, clouding it. Blinking at me, it turned and slowly made its way toward the edge of the forest.

I went limp with relief as I watched it go. “Great, now I'm talking to animals. James will have a field day with that.” I shook myself out, trying to get rid of the remaining jitters. I straightened the car and headed to town again, at a much slower pace.

Evening had fallen by the time I made it to the downward slope to town. The setting sun cast a peaceful back drop, casting red and purple tones against the buildings. I noticed that most of the shops were beginning to close as I drove down the main street. I rolled my eyes at the early hour and hoped I could find someplace to sit for a while. The only available places were the town’s single movie theater, a local bar, and The Nook. I didn't want to see a movie by myself and have even more of a pity party, but I wasn't old enough to go into a bar. I grunted in frustration as I parked a couple of blocks away from The Nook.
 

I sat for a moment. It was really pitiful to go to your job on your time off, but I didn't know what else I could do. Besides, a cup of coffee sounded nice, even though my nerves were already shot. I looked down at myself and noticed that I still had my uniform on. I banged my head against the steering wheel. Great. I'd show up at my job with my uniform still on. Fucking perfect. I thought about just going back home but I really didn't want to. I removed the top part of the uniform, exposing a hot pink racer back tank top underneath.
“This will have to do.” I got out of the car and made my way toward The Nook.

Being the one of few places open this time of night, The Nook was even more crowded than usual. Staff members I didn't know but had met in passing hurried around the store, helping patrons out while looking frazzled. I smiled in sympathy at one of my co-workers and headed to the line of people waiting to place their order. I glanced around and met a couple of gazes that looked me over with curiosity. I glared at them, sending them quickly back to what they were doing and leaving me alone in peace. I didn't want to deal with anyone. I tapped my foot impatiently and tried to look over the shoulder of the man in front of me. My frustration built when I was unable to see anything. I crossed my arms over my chest and waited.

A hand gently clasped my arm startled me out of my impatient fidgeting. I turned around quickly and saw Gabe standing behind me.

“
Hey, new girl.” A dimple in his left cheek appeared as he smiled warmly.

I mentally groaned as I smiled slightly in return, then turned back toward the line. It didn't look like my night was going to get any better.

“So—” I could feel the heat from his chest warm my shoulder blades, causing my heart rate to rise. I smothered a sigh and turned to face him, a mask of politeness on my face. I swore he got more attractive the more I saw him. 

His warm amber eyes seemed piercing in their gaze, causing a pleasant flush to spread across my face.
I will not drool like slut bag, I will not drool like slut bag
, I chanted to myself like a mantra. I noticed his lips were moving and tried to focus on what he was saying. “What?” Embarrassment flooding me.

He laughed and looked me over.
“You know, you have a tendency to space off when you're around me. Do I bore you that much?” I could hear a hint of uncertainty under his flippant tone.

“
Sorry.” I nervously moved my hair behind my ear, “I tend to be a space cadet. It’s nothing personal.” I gave him a small smile and hoped my answer pacified him.

He smiled more brightly and winked at me.
“No problem. Anyways, what I was saying was are you ever going to tell me your name? Or should I just keep calling you 'new girl'?”

“
Oh! Yeah sorry, we haven't really been introduced, have we? I'm Starlette McKinley.” I automatically reached out my hand.

He lightly clasped it and stepped forward.
“Nice to meet you. I'm Gabe Morrison. So, do you go by Starlette or is there a nick name for you?”

The warmth of his touch sent delightful waves of warmth all the way up my arm to settle peacefully in my chest. I flushed and gently pulled on my hand until he reluctantly let go.
“Yeah, everyone calls me Star.” I could feel the lingering heat from his touch, almost like a phantom caress on my skin. I crossed my arms, willing the sensation to go away.

“
So, tell me, what are you planning to do tonight?” I caught his gaze drifting toward my cleavage. I belatedly realized that by crossing my arms caused my chest to rise higher above the neck of my tank top. I didn't know what to do so I quickly dropped my arms to my sides and shoved my hands into my pockets.

“
Uh, I don't know really. I just don't want to be at home right now.”

I almost sighed in relief as he moved his gaze back to my face.
“I can understand that. Since you don't have any plans, you could always—”

“
Star! What are you doing here dearie?” Saved by the boss
.
I turned toward the direction Mary Beth’s voice came from. I waved in return as I saw her waving from behind the counter. “See you around.” I called to Gabe with and apologetic smile as I made my way toward the counter.

I heard grumbles of dissent as I passed by patrons but ignored them and headed toward my savior. It's not that I didn't like Gabe. He was nice and all, but a bit creepy with the whole staring at the boobs thing. But besides that, he was off limits and I didn't want any more drama in my life than I already had. Besides, I had a ridiculous tendency to embarrass myself whenever he was around. I walked to Mary Beth's side and smiled in greeting.

“You're not working tonight, are you?” she asked with a slight frown.

“
No, I just thought I'd—”

“
Good, because I could have sworn you weren't on the schedule. Thought I may have been losing my mind when I saw you in line. What are you doing in line anyways?”

“
Well I was just waiting—”

“
Whenever you're here, you don't have to wait in line, dearie. Oh, I know cutting in lines bad and what not, but I love my employees. You want your usual? Michael! Make Star her usual, would you?” she called out to the man working behind the counter without even waiting for my reply. “Now, what are you doing out so late?”

I looked at the clock behind Mary Beth.
“Well, its only 6:30, so it's not really—”

“
Ah, you young people, always out having fun. It’s good to do while you’re young. Live your life to the fullest and all that. Just make sure you don't do anything foolish. I'd hate to see you get into any trouble.” She began waving her hands around enthusiastically.

“
I won't. I really don't—”

“
Now, since you're here, why don't you grab your coffee and go on up to see if Rose wants to do anything? Hmm? That way you wouldn't be alone and I wouldn't have to worry. Plus, you probably haven't been shown around town yet, have you?”

“
No, I haven't had the chance but—”

“
Ah, here's your coffee now, dear. Thank you, Michael.” He smiled at Mary Beth and sent me a shrug without responding. He was obviously used to Mary Beth's scattered thoughts and ramblings. “Go on, go up to the house and I'll see you girls later. Be sure to be back home at a decent hour, will you?” With a small push to my back Mary Beth sent me in the general direction of the door that would lead to their upstairs apartment.