For Blood & Glory

by Cassandra Hendricks

  What the—

  Panic seized Sefira’s belly. She turned to Vince. “What’s going o—” She cupped her mouth and stepped back. Vince was no longer Vince. He was some sort of replica. Like a waxed figure. His left arm stretched to the ceiling and he had one leg lifted off the ground as if mid-step. His eyes were half-shut and his mouth twisted to form words that were never uttered. “Vince?” Her words echoed through the hall, but they felt just as vacuous as Vince’s eyes.

  A shudder passed over her as she took another clumsy step backward, this time tripping over something. With a clatter she hit the cold porcelain tile, her arm landing on two white boots. Her heart stopped. Scrambling, she inched away, elbows sliding against the slick floor. “Oh no. Please God,” she whispered, sucking a breath. White boots, a purple dress, a green scarf. Fira scraped her knee as she scrambled to her feet. Grabbing her friend’s shoulders, she shook her vigorously. Her skin was soft and warm to the touch, but her bones were rigid and when Sky threatened to topple over, Sefira ceased shaking. Her hands grew clammy and beads of sweat formed on her brow as she took a tentative step back, studying her friend’s eyes. They didn’t move. Instead, they were fixed much like her gleeful expression. Just as Vince was stuck, Sky was too. Like a bent reed, her head tilted sideways as did her hair, frozen against her fingertips.

  Sefira’s breath now came in spurts as her head darted in every direction. Laughter, exuberance, affection, even worry, were all static emotions on the faces of a room full of mannequins. Nauseous and rubber-legged, Sefira forced her feet to move. Her sneakers squeaked as she threaded through the throng trying her best not to knock people over as she passed. If she didn’t get out, she feared she might pass out. She didn’t get very far before she was arrested by a single voice, loud and clear.

  “Who are you?”

  Startled, Sefira froze and her eyes searched, trying to locate its source.

  “Who said that?” she stammered. “Where are you?” She was shaking now.

  “I’m over here, by the stage.”

  Sefira whipped her head around and saw a girl—the one in the catsuit. She looked just as bewildered as Sefira. The girl surveyed the room before stopping and staring directly at her.

  “What did you do?” The girl asked. Her facial expressions changed, but her mouth never moved.

  Sefira shook her head in shock. The world had come to a crashing halt and somehow, she and this girl were the only two people remaining. She wanted to say something, but she couldn’t get her lips to move. Her mind felt like tree sap, thick and unyielding. This—can’t be. That was the only thought she seemed capable of producing.

  “Who are you?” The girl pressed. “You can hear me, can’t you?” It was more of a statement than a question. The girl stepped forward and Sefira found herself taking a step back. “Say something—anything. What’s your name?” The girl’s face pinched, then she shook her head. “Useless,” she said, shrugging. With those words, the air thinned and the viscous feeling in the air left.

  “Where are you going?” Vince asked, his voice competing with strong bass as he started toward a blinking and stupefied Sefira. It was as if nothing had happened.

  “Um—,” Sefira looked at Vince, trying desperately to keep her composure, but it was too difficult to do so. She couldn’t believe what had just taken place. To say she was confused was a definite understatement. That’s it. I’m certifiable now. She looked about the room trying to locate the mysterious stranger, but she was gone.

  “What’s wrong? Are you okay?” asked Sky, making her way over. She was back to normal—vibrant, alive.

  “I—,” she yelled over the music. “I’m not feeling so hot, I think I’m going to sit down for a while.”

  “You want me to get you something?” asked Sky.

  “No, I appreciate that. I just get these headaches sometimes, and nothing helps.”

  “I think I have a remedy.” Vince smiled devilishly, reaching to stroke her shoulder.

  Sefira jerked her shoulder back, ignoring his flirtatious remark. “Thanks for the dance. It was fun.”

  “Yeah, okay.” Vince turned abruptly on his heel and walked off.

  She turned to Sky, “I’m going to go sit down.”

  “Aw. It’s that bad? You ready to go home?”

  Yes, please take me home, she wanted to say. “No, we just got here.”

  “Want me to come with you?”

  “What?”

  Sky stooped and leaned forward. “Want me to come with you?”

  “No, I’m good. I probably just need to sit for a few minutes. I’m sure I’ll be fine in a little while,” she answered as she walked backward into the din of people.

  “Okay, let me know if you need anything.”

  “Sure.”

  After walking off the dance floor, Sefira went straight to the bathroom. A couple of girls were in the mirror adjusting their make-up; she went inside one of the bathroom stalls, locked the door, and sat down on the hard porcelain toilet. Her heart slammed against her chest like a battering ram. “Sefira, just remain calm,” she whispered to herself as she clutched her goose-prickled arms, rocking back and forth. “You are not crazy. Get a hold of yourself.” She took several deep breaths.

  Did I black out? No, that doesn’t even make sense. I was awake the whole time. I didn’t fall or bump my head or anything. I was awake and I know what I saw. Everybody and everything just…stopped. Everything except for that girl. Who was that girl? She saw what I saw—the same way I did. She spoke to me, like…in my head. Sefira recycled the same thoughts—relived the same experience. In the end, she came to one conclusion. I gotta find that girl.

  The thought definitely wasn’t on her list of top ten things to do, but she felt compelled to follow suit if she were ever going to get some answers. She took a deep breath before finally emerging from the stall. The search was on.

  “Guess who I just saw?” A masked French girl squealed with delight.

  “Who?” The Cleopatra look-alike replied.

  “Your girl. The one from school—you know Ms. Perfect.”

  “Nah, serious? Where is she?”

  “She’s over there, by the bathroom.” They both watched as a girl in a red, black and white dress emerged from the women’s restroom.

  “Is that her?” Cleopatra hissed. “Who’s she supposed to be?”

  “I don’t know, maybe Dorothy or Red Riding Hood or something,” answered French girl.

  “She looks more like SuperMaid with that dumb-ass cape.” They both laughed. “Looks like she’s got her panties in a bunch. Where’s she going?”

  “I don’t know.”

  They stood and watched as Sefira walked back onto the crowded dance floor.

  “Let’s go check her out,” Cleopatra stepped forward, but her friend reached out and stopped her.

  “Giselle, we came here to party, not to stalk Freak Girl.”

  “Just c’mon. Let’s see how she spends her Saturday nights. She’s hiding something—that much we know. We just need to find out what it is.” She grabbed her cohort’s hand. “Let’s go.”

  Lightweight

  Thank God for the reprieve. Blythe could still hear the music blaring behind the closed double-doors of the party, but at least out in the hallway, she could think. And right about now, she thought she was going nuts.

  What the hell just happened back there? With her back against the wall of the dimly lit corridor, she tugged on the collar of her black catsuit and fanned herself.

  A self-confessed “experimentalist” by nature, this wasn’t the first time Blythe had experienced weird-ass stuff. But it was the first time weird-ass stuff had spoken to her and she was of the opinion that when weird-ass speaks, it’s time to get the hell outta dodge. Besides, her insides felt warm and her stomach slightly off. Some air would do her good. The constant flux of people going in and out of the exit at the end of the hall provided a welcome breath of air with each pass. Just enough to keep he
r sane.

  “I’ve gotta get outta here,” she declared, still fanning.

  “Wait a minute now.” Jay moved out of the way of a few people walking past, shifting his weight to an arm he propped on the wall next to her. His free hand stroked her cheek. “We’re having such a good time. Why do you have to go now?” He had a nice touch.

  “I don’t know—I’m just not feeling too well. I think I’ve had too much to drink.” Blythe moved and stumbled a little, surprising herself. Jay caught her by the arm before she keeled. “I thought you said that drink was lightweight?” Blythe straightened up.

  “Hey, nobody said you should drink three of them. That was all you.” He laughed. “I’ll tell you what. Why don’t you let me take you home?” A sly grin spread across his face. Enough to make his round eyes crinkle. “C’mon, you’re coming with me.” A large hand gripped her arm a bit gruffer than expected, and she slid away. His face became a question mark.

  Palming the back of her neck, she rubbed it and rolled her head in semi-circles. There was something she was supposed to do. Oh yeah.

  “So…wait…I’m supposed to hook up with Binx and Lauren, there’s an after-party…”

  Jay scratched his head. “About that—I bumped into your friends after I came out of the bathroom. They said this party was dry and decided to take off a little early.”

  “They left? Those little—”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll get you home. Let’s go.” This time he gently took her hand and she allowed him to lead her outside of Rakor Hall.

  It was even chillier now than it was when Blythe had initially come to the party. She stretched the thin fabric of her sleeves over her hands, and now her fists looked like little turtles in half-shells. She frowned, shivering. “I’m such an idiot. I left my jacket in Lauren’s car.”

  “Who needs a jacket when I can keep you warm?” Jay pulled her close enough for her to smell punch on his breath as he placed his arm around her waist. Normally, she would’ve had something to say about that, especially since they just met, but right now she was tired, cold, and her shoes were doing her no favors. They continued to walk for what seemed like forever to Blythe, leaving the well-lit school enclave behind.

  “My feet are killing me.” Blythe grimaced, pulling away.

  “I’m sure they are. You were dancing up a storm.”

  “Yeah, these boots ain’t made for walkin’.” And neither are my feet. I could’ve been home by now. She looked around, stumbling a little over a crack in the asphalt. “It’s kind of dark over here, where did you park?”

  “Trust me, we’re almost there.”

  Yellow Brick Road

  Sefira’s brain felt like scrambled eggs. It was hard to make sense of anything, but she was determined to try. She was convinced that everything would become clearer once she found the girl. So where did she go? Working her way through the crowded dance floor she managed to locate Zada, who was now dancing with someone else.

  “What’s up,” Zada yelled jubilantly.

  “Z, there was a girl over here a few minutes ago with pink hair and a tight black catsuit, do you know where she went?”

  “You mean the Soul Train dancer? Yeah, she left the floor a few minutes ago. Why? You know her?”

  “I don’t know, she just looked familiar.”

  “Well she walked off towards the door with Deputy Dork.”

  “Deputy Dork?”

  “Yeah, some tall, skinny, stiff-looking guy. Curly hair, big eyes—dressed like security.”

  “Okay, thanks.”

  “Where you goin’?”

  “I’m not going anywhere, I just think I’m gonna step outside for a few minutes and get some fresh air.”

  “Okay, don’t go too far. You know your momma will have my head.”

  “I won’t. I’ll be right back. “

  “Here, I know you wanted me to hold this, but take it with you just in case.” Zada handed Sefira her cell phone. “Dial my number or text me so I’ll have yours.”

  “Ok. Be back in a few.” Sefira walked through the crowd and out the front door.

  If Sefira thought the campus was creepy with three friends, it was certainly scarier than ever now that she was outside alone. Swiping her cell phone, she checked the time. 10:47 I’m already late. Better hurry up. Sefira felt like Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, only there was no yellow brick road to follow. She had no idea where or how to find this girl, but she knew she had to try. She decided to let fate lead the way as she walked down an ill-lit path toward the street.

  Rule Number One

  Blythe’s boots clicked as they strolled further into an asphalt jungle. A run-down vacant lot where the ground was uneven. Potholes were aplenty, and soon she found herself focusing on their geography as to avoid tripping over the ever-increasing number of weeds that poked through. By the time she looked up, they were approaching a dark alleyway. An old brick building with several corrugated metal garage doors aligned one side, and a long bent up metal gate with barbed wire sitting atop, aligned the other. Beyond the gate was an open field of dirt, weeds and trash. It was too dark to make out anything else.

  Parking was a beast at SCU. There weren’t enough spaces and they charged too much for the ones they had. As the designated “cheap thrill” of her crew, no pun intended, she understood the thought process behind parking further away to save some dinero. However, this seemed to tip the scales of the risk vs. expense factor. Even she wouldn’t have the balls to park so far out at night.

  “It’s a little bit of a walk, I guess,” said Jay.

  “Yeah, a little.”

  “We might as well take advantage of it.” The light from one of the few street lamps glinted in his eyes. He had nice eyes, she decided, and they were staring dead into hers. “Please, tell me a little bit about yourself. Where are you from?”

  “Where am I from?” she repeated, folding her arms in front of her. “I’m from L.A., more or less. How ‘bout you?” They strolled slowly, taking their time.

  “I’m from a place I’m sure you’ve never heard of.”

  She chuckled. “What do you think, I’m not well-traveled? Don’t let the exterior fool you, okay?” She waved a hand over her body. “This right here—beauty and brains. Try me.”

  “Okay, I’m from Raze.”

  Blythe scratched her head. “You’re right, never heard of it. Where is it?”

  “In another place you’ve never heard of. Out of the country.”

  “I thought I sensed a little accent or something. What, did you just move out here?”

  “Something like that, yes,” he replied. “How far are we from your house?”

  “Not far at all. Maybe 10-15 minutes if we can ever get to your car.”

  “Good. I’d like to meet your family.” He smiled.

  “My family? I think you’re getting a little ahead of yourself here.” Nudging his arm, she said, “You’re cool. I mean, I had fun with you. But—and don’t take this the wrong way—you’re not exactly my type. No offense, but I don’t think we run the same circles. Had it not been for this dance, we probably never would’ve met.”

  “Oh, I wouldn’t be so quick to say that.” His eyebrow arched.

  “What do you mean?” Blythe asked.

  He pursed his lips, looking thoughtful. “I could smell you a mile away.”

  Blythe’s eyes narrowed. What is he talking about? “Smell me? I don’t get it.” They were in the alley now. “And why are we stopping? Where’s your car?”

  Jay continued as if Blythe hadn’t said anything, digging a hand in his pocket and gesticulating as if he were imparting life’s lessons. “If your mother had done her job, you would’ve known what I was from the beginning. I never would’ve gotten within ten feet of you.” He shook his head. “There’s a serious lack of home training evident here.” With his free hand, he caressed her face with his fingers. “I guess that’s what happens when you flee the realm and forget your roots.”

  �
��What the hell are you talking about?” Blythe swatted his hand away. “Is this some kind of sick joke? ‘Cuz it’s not funny.”

  “Joke?” He guffawed. “This is no joke my dear.”

  “Wait.” Eyes narrowing, she wagged a finger. “Are you one of those Fed guys? You are, aren’t you?” She stepped back, shaking her head. “I can’t believe it. My mother told me about you weirdos and I didn’t want to believe her. If you think for one minute, that you’re gonna corner me and cart me off like some kind of circus clown you’d better think again.”

  Jay wore a look of exasperation as he folded his arms and scratched his chin. “What a shame. I finally get to meet the legendary half-breed, only to find she’s a misguided, gluttonous nitwit. Your daddy would be so disappointed.” His eyes narrowed to slits. “And I must say, so am I. I mean, why send us all this way to retrieve you? Obviously, you pose no threat.” He pondered, drumming his fingertips against his chin. “I’m thinking that there must be more to you than meets the eye.”

  Blythe stepped backward. “You’re a whack-job. Get away from me!”

  “Or?”

  “Look, I don’t want to have to hurt you.”

  “Aah, now that I’d like to see.” Something about his calm demeanor sent a chill through her bones and for good reason. No sooner than he’d spoken, his handsome face began to shrivel like a raisin in the sun, until his cheeks hollowed and his eyes became desolate black moons. Moaning, he leaned forward, palms on his knees, heaving as if to vomit. Only he didn’t. Instead, a series of popping and ripping noises ensued as the arms that held her moments ago grew to ape-like proportions and his skin began to melt like candle wax over an open flame.

  “Jay?” Blythe tentatively outstretched an arm.

  With a violent jerk, his head snapped back; Blythe watched in disgust as his skullcap peeled like an onion, taking the beautiful curls once on his head, for a ride down the side of his face toward the hole where his ear used to be. Soon, hair, skin and blood pooled at his shoulders forming a collar of fat that could no longer sustain itself. Some of it began to dribble like magma down his uniform, merging with the rest of his sloughing skin. Jay took care of the excess. Arms bent at the elbow, he plunged his fingers deep into the soft tissue of his neck and yanked off chunks of skin and piss-yellow fat; doing the same with the rest of his body. What was left was a man without skin. A slick, sinewy salmon colored meat-sack, riddled with pulsing blood vessels. A gelatinous stew of blood, hair and fat pooled at his feet.