Shadows of Jane

by Amy Hale

  Jane turned. “Oh, hello, Mrs. Jameson. How can I help you?”

  The elderly woman’s brown wig bobbed as she shook her head. “I was just informed by a fireman that the blaze started in your room!”

  Jane gave a sideways glance at Colt. “Uh…yes, in fact, it did. But it wasn’t really a blaze. It was—”

  “You know smoking is not allowed in the building!”

  “Oh no! I wasn’t smoking! I just…it was…”

  How do I tell this woman I got angry and started a fire with my mind?

  Jane still couldn’t believe it herself, so there was no way anyone else would.

  “I’m sorry, young lady, but we have very strict rules, and you’ve broken one. You’ll have to find a new place to stay. You can pick up your belongings after this mess you’ve caused has been cleared up.” Then, Mrs. Jameson turned on her heel and stomped off.

  Jane stood there, dejected, as Colt made a growling noise and yelled at the retreating woman’s backside, “Hateful old bat!”

  Mrs. Jameson stopped for just a moment, and then she gave a subtle adjustment to her wig before continuing on as if she hadn’t heard him.

  Jane and Colt looked at each other and then burst out laughing.

  Back at Colt’s place, Jane changed into another one of his T-shirts and sweats. She tossed her clothes in the dryer while Colt ordered in a pizza. She made herself comfortable on the couch, and Colt turned on the TV. They sat in silence, watching the news, until the pizza arrived. Colt brought the pizza, napkins, plates, and sodas into the living room and laid it all out on the coffee table.

  Jane was still looking at the screen, but she didn’t seem to really be watching anything. She appeared lost in thought instead. Colt placed a hand over hers, and she blinked as she turned to look at him.

  “You okay?”

  She nodded. “Yes. I’m just really confused.” She let out a big sigh. “It was bad enough when I didn’t know who I was or where I belonged. But now…now, it feels like I don’t even belong on this planet, let alone in this town. I’m scared, Colt. I’m not sure what I’m capable of or if I can control it, whatever it is.”

  He gave her hand a squeeze. “Maybe we can find someone to help. There has to be someone who knows something about this kind of thing.”

  She shrugged. “Maybe.” Then, she closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the sofa. “I was upset, Colt. That’s all it was. I was frustrated after looking through the newspaper. I never meant to set it on fire. I never meant any of what happened. What if I’m dangerous? What if I accidentally hurt someone?” she shared her concerns, her voice cracking.

  He couldn’t answer her. He didn’t have any idea about what was going on, but oddly enough, she didn’t scare him. He should have been totally freaked out by what he’d witnessed, yet he wasn’t. Deep down, he felt sure she wasn’t dangerous, and he believed Dr. Weston knew more than he’d let on when he said she was a miracle.

  “Wait. What if we talked to Dr. Weston? He might have some explanation or at least know who we could talk to. I believe we can trust him.”

  Jane looked hopeful. “Do you really think so?”

  Colt smiled at her. “Yeah. I really think so.” He hugged her. “We’ll call him tomorrow. Until we figure something else out, you can stay here. We have the spare bedroom that Brett only uses on his rare visits home, so you’re welcome to it for as long as you need it.”

  Jane sighed, once again feeling the embarrassment of the earlier fiasco and her subsequent ejection from the shelter. She nodded and tried to relax, placing her head on his shoulder.

  Colt needed to let her go, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. Instead, he leaned back and pulled her with him. She willingly followed him. He shifted again until they were lying on the couch together with her body snuggled comfortably on top of him. He stroked her hair, and she seemed to relax even more.

  “Colt?”

  “Yeah, sweetheart?”

  “Thank you.”

  “For what?”

  “For not running away from me, for making me feel like I’m not alone, for not thinking I’m some freak to be feared. When I’m with you, I feel safe.”

  He smiled as he continued to brush his fingers over her soft long tresses. “Believe me, it’s my pleasure.”

  Two hours later, Jane woke up to find herself still wrapped in Colt’s arms. The pizza and sodas sat on the coffee table, completely forgotten. His deep breathing told her that he was asleep.

  She turned her head, so she could look at him, and then she rested her cheek back on his chest. She smiled as his chest rose and fell. She could almost hear his heartbeat, and she wondered what Colt dreamed about. He never talked about his future or what made him happy. He seemed to only live for the moment. She supposed that was a good thing. It was realistic with little chance of disappointment. But didn’t everyone have some kind of hopes and wishes for their lives?

  She closed her eyes and focused on his breathing, letting the feel of him seep into her mind and heart. She started seeing the familiar swirls of bright colors as joy washed over her. She snuggled in as close as she could to him.

  Colt made a little moan and then tightened his arms around her. His lips parted, and he whispered her name. She looked up, and he blinked his eyes open and gazed at her. She smiled, and he gave her one in return. Something about the look in his eyes made her heart stop. It was like he could feel what she felt—the warmth and happiness. The idea that she might be able to make him feel her feelings startled her, and she quickly sat up.

  Colt sat up as well, and then he yawned and stretched. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes. I just realized how late it was. We should go to bed.”

  He gave her a sultry smile, and she had to try to calm her heart rate.

  “I mean, we should probably get some sleep.”

  “We were just sleeping.” He looked at the pizza. “And we forgot to eat.”

  She nodded. “Yeah, we did. I’m not really hungry now, so I’m gonna slip off to bed.”

  Colt watched her for a moment, trying to understand her sudden need to get away from him. “Sure. I’ll get the sheets for the bed.” He stood up and walked into Brett’s room, shutting the door behind him.

  Jane busied herself with cleaning up the coffee table and putting the soda and pizza into the fridge.

  When Colt reappeared, he looked frustrated. “The bed’s made, and I threw an extra blanket on there in case you needed it.”

  “Thanks.” It seemed like such an inadequate word for all he’d done for her, yet at this time, it was all she had to offer.

  “Yeah, well, I’m gonna hit the hay. Let me know if you need anything else.”

  She nodded and tried to smile. He continued to look at her as if he was expecting something. She swallowed and attempted to make her smile more convincing.

  Colt crossed his arms. “Did I do something? Did I talk in my sleep or something?”

  “Oh, goodness no!” She didn’t know how to explain the panic she was feeling. “I think everything is hitting me at once. I’m feeling…broken.”

  He continued to stare at her, but his features softened a bit. “Well, you know where to find me.”

  She nodded again.

  He walked back down the hall. When he reached his room, he turned to give her one last look. “Good night, Jane.”

  “Good night, Colt.”

  He shut the door behind him, and she blew out a nervous breath. She cared for him. She knew that without a doubt. But what did he feel for her? And what if any feelings he did have weren’t real because she was somehow manipulating them?

  Jane had no real clue what she was capable of, and the thought terrified and saddened her. She sincerely hoped Dr. Weston could help them find answers. She wasn’t sure how long she could continue to second-guess every aspect of her existence before it drove her crazy.

  ANGELS AND DEMONS ON EITHER SIDE,

  I KNOW NOT WHERE TO TURN.
/>   Jane sat in Dr. Weston’s office, nervously fidgeting with a slip of paper the nurse had handed her.

  It’d been eight days since the incident on Colt’s couch. Since then, Dr. Weston had run a long list of tests and promised he’d keep her abilities a secret. Colt had been supportive and helpful as always, even stopping by the shelter to pick up the rest of her things, but there was an awkwardness between them that hadn’t existed before. She knew it was her fault, and it would be up to her to fix it, but she wasn’t exactly sure how. She didn’t want to care for him too deeply, especially when she couldn’t trust any perception of how he felt about her.

  Dr. Weston entered the room as he flipped through the various pages in his hand. He sat down behind the desk and smiled up at her. “Jane, dear, I’ll admit to believing you were unique when I first met you, but I truly had no idea just how unique.” He raised a page from the pile he’d just placed on his desk and scanned the bottom text. “The good news is that I can find nothing physically wrong with you. You’re as healthy as any twenty-something woman can be.”

  Jane released a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. “Glad to hear it. So, what is the bad news?”

  Dr. Weston shook his head. “I guess the only bad news is that I have no answers for you. I don’t know why you can do these amazing things. That wasn’t likely something we could have answered with these tests anyway, but at least we can rule out the scary stuff.”

  “Scary stuff? Dr. Weston, not knowing what I am is pretty damn scary.”

  “I know, dear. I apologize for inferring that it wasn’t. I’m just glad we didn’t find anything unusual or fatal in your tests.” He stood and came around the desk. Then, he leaned on the edge in front of her. “I do, however, have some friends in the science community who might be able to help.”

  Jane looked wary. “Can they be trusted? I don’t want to be a news story, and I sure don’t want to become a lab rat.”

  Dr. Weston tried to reassure her. “I absolutely trust them.”

  She sighed. “Okay then.” She glanced at the paper in her hand again. “Do I really need anxiety medication?”

  “Only if you want it. I know you are overwhelmed and worried. From what you’ve told me, that causes…incidents. If you feel out of control, I want you to have access to something that might calm you down. Obviously, this isn’t an all-the-time thing. Just use it as needed.”

  “Thank you, Dr. Weston. I appreciate everything.”

  “I’m glad. Now, where is Colt? He’s been by your side all week.”

  “He had to put in some extra hours at work today. He said something about a specialty bike coming in.”

  “I see.” He rose and offered his arm to walk her to the door.

  She stood and linked her arm in his. They made their way through the lobby.

  Once they reached the front doors, he patted her hand in a fatherly gesture. “I’ll contact those friends of mine, and we’ll see what we can learn, okay? Until then, try not to worry about it too much.”

  She nodded and gave his arm a squeeze before letting go and pushing open the door.

  “Jane, if you or Colt need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to call me—day or night. Got it?”

  “Got it.” She gave him a beaming smile and exited through the glass doors.

  Dr. Weston watched her leave, and then he gave his head a small shake. She was truly remarkable, and he worried that might be both a good and a bad thing.

  Twenty-five minutes later, Jane arrived at Mike’s Bikes.

  Colt had insisted she call when she needed a ride, but it was a beautiful day, and she’d needed the walk to clear her head. She entered through the front office, and a lovely young brunette greeted her in a friendly manner.

  “Hi! Welcome to Mike’s Bike’s! What can I help you with?”

  “Hi! I’m Jane, here to see Colt Henderson, please.”

  The young woman’s eyes went wide. “You’re Jane?” She hid smirk. “I see why he can’t stop talking about you.”

  Jane blushed, unsure of what to think about such a statement or how to even respond.

  “My name is Macy. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

  “It’s very nice to meet you, too, Macy.” Jane once again gave her most genuine smile, and as always, it lit up the room.

  Macy started to call back to the shop when she was interrupted.

  “Well, well, what do we have here?”

  Jerry stood in a doorway to the left and looked Jane over in a way that made her intensely uncomfortable. He stepped closer to her, and his slightly uneven teeth formed a creepy grin while he leered at her.

  “You looking for something to ride, baby?”

  His meaning wasn’t lost on her, despite her lack of experience.

  He winked. “I’d be more than happy to help you out.”

  Macy rolled her eyes. “You’re disgusting, Jerry. Leave her alone.”

  Jerry glared at Macy. “You’re just jealous.”

  She barked out a half laugh and half snort. “You’re right, Jerry. The thought of sleeping with you keeps me up at night.”

  He turned to her, his interest slightly piqued. “You don’t say? I’d love to hear more.”

  Macy leaned in close and used her well-manicured index finger to motion that he should do the same.

  “Yes. The thought of you in my bed…makes me wanna puke. It’s my own personal nightmare.”

  Then, she leaned back and smiled as his face twisted from interest to fury.

  “You stupid little slut. Someone’s gonna shut that smart-ass mouth of yours someday.” His voice was menacing.

  Macy brushed it off as if he treated her that way on a regular basis.

  Jane caught something about the look on his face that made her worry for Macy—or any other woman who Jerry focused his rage on. He seemed tightly coiled and ready to snap at any moment.

  Just then, Colt walked through the door leading into the shop, wiping one hand on his jeans while studying a work order. He slid the paper across Macy’s desk and then looked up to see Jane standing in front of him with Jerry just a few steps beside her.

  “Jane? I thought you were gonna call me after your appointment.”

  “I was, but it was such a nice day that I decided to walk.”

  “You should have called me.” Colt seemed agitated.

  “I’m sorry. I just…” Jane realized they still had an audience.

  Macy was pretending to work on the computer, and Jerry was outright mentally undressing her while giving Colt the cold shoulder.

  She cleared her throat. “Can we talk someplace private?”

  Colt nodded. “Sure. Let me get my keys, and I’ll take you home.” He ran to the shop, clocked out, and grabbed his keys.

  Just as he walked back into the office, he heard Jerry’s irritating voice.

  “You know, Jane, Colt’s pretty screwed up. If you ever wanna know what it’s like to be with a real man, I’m here for ya. I’d treat you the way a woman should be treated.”

  Colt stepped between them. “Oh, really, Jerry? Like beating the hell out of her the way you do with Lisa?”

  Jerry stuck a finger in Colt’s face. “You shut your damn mouth! You don’t know what you’re talking about!”

  Colt stepped forward until they were almost nose-to-nose. “I know exactly what I’m talking about, you cowardly sack of crap. And if you know what’s good for you, you’ll never lay another finger on her.”

  Jerry sneered and then glanced at Jane. “Yeah? Well, maybe I’ll find a new hot piece of ass to touch, and you can have Lisa. I’m tired of her anyway.”

  That was the last straw for Colt. He grabbed Jerry by the collar and looked him in the eyes. “You so much as look Jane’s way again, and I’ll kill you.”

  “Feeling possessive, Colt? That’s not like you at all. I thought you were all about getting in and getting out. She must be really good in the sack.”

  Colt let out a growl and p
ushed Jerry away, but then he lunged at the man again. Jerry let out a whoosh of breath as they fell to the floor. Colt sat up and punched Jerry in the jaw, the force of the blow slamming Jerry’s head into the tiled floor. Blood oozed from his lip as he struggled to get up, and then he scrambled away.

  Macy screamed for Mike, and Jane stood back, horrified. Jerry managed to get on his feet, but instead of walking away, he took a swing, hitting Colt in the left eye. Colt stumbled back for a minute and then went after Jerry again—punching him in the stomach several times. Jerry doubled over and fell to his knees. Colt was about to strike another blow when Mike walked in.

  “What the hell is going on here?”

  Colt spit on Jerry. “I’m teaching that piece of garbage some respect.”

  Jerry pulled himself up and leaned over Macy’s desk. His breathing was heavy, and he appeared to be unsteady.

  Mike frowned. “You two have got to cut this crap out, or I’m gonna fire the both of ya!”

  Jerry let out a small laugh. “You won’t have to fire Colt because I’m gonna kill him.” Then, he charged at Colt with a box cutter he’d swiped from Macy’s desk.

  Colt blocked the first blow with his arm, but he sustained a deep gash in the process. Jerry was swinging the blade again when Jane screamed, her fear for Colt overwhelming her. The lights flickered, and every small object in the room suddenly slipped gravity’s hold. Suspended in air, they hung there, as if waiting for a command.

  Macy, Mike, and Colt looked on as Jerry stood completely still, frozen in fear. The box cutter was no longer in his hand. It was now floating only inches from his face. All the other objects were surrounding him, poised and ready to strike.

  Jane had her eyes closed, and her hands were balled into fists in front of her face. She could see dark swirls once more, but the shapes looked familiar this time. One large shape in the middle was Jerry, and as she concentrated on him, several small dark objects levitated closer to him.

  Then, her vision changed.

  Jane was standing in a modest farmhouse. A man and woman were sitting on a sofa, and a redheaded girl sat between them as they snuggled together and read a storybook. She was giggling and rolling her eyes as her dad made silly sound effects to go along with words her mother was reading.