"I need to get back to work." But exhaustion swamped her as the sugar and adrenaline were long gone. The last thing she wanted was to return to work. But she needed to face down her fears. Her cold fingers reached for the door handle.
"Hey," Zach called out. She stopped and looked back.
"Be careful, Liv. Everything as we know it has changed." He then slid into the shadows and walked away.
Night came early in the wintertime desert. Vulnerability overcame her as she was left alone in the isolating darkness. She jerked the door open, wanting the walls of the shop between her and the unknown.
Stepping into the glare of the overhead lights, she knew Zach was right. Nothing would ever be the same again. How could it when evil, strange marks and Zach shook up her world like a toddler with a snow globe?
Olivia held her composure as Joe gave her a once-over when she returned. He must have liked what he saw, because he said nothing more. That worked for her, since she didn't want to rehash it either. The rhythm of work and chores helped settle her mind. Only once did the hair lift from the back of her neck. She spun around, but nothing lurked, just a few customers working on their laptops while Joe swept the floor. A nagging sensation that she wasn't alone kept her stomach in knots and her senses on high alert.
Thankful it was closing time, she put away the clean mugs. She paused as she realized she held the one Zach had chosen. Her thumb ran over its smooth lip. Had it only been a few hours since he'd walked into the shop? It seemed longer than that since the demon had catapulted their lives into a horrifying unknown. She sighed, placing the cup back on the top shelf.
Joe peeked out from his office. "I'm almost done. Why don't you take a token and go play an arcade game while you wait?"
"Thanks." She smiled before he ducked behind the door.
Olivia loved the old arcade games in the coffee shop. Pac-man, Frogger and Defender lined the far wall next to the game room. The tall, black, bulky consoles were state-of-the art not too long ago. But now the games were simpler in design and play compared to their current high-tech counterparts. But that simplicity was part of the appeal for her, and Defender was always her game of choice.
Tossing her apron on the counter, she pulled out a worn cigar box full of silver tokens. She took one and hurried to the three machines, each designed with their own colorful logos. The middle console had DEFENDER splashed across the top. It had a space hero, planets and stars covering the black frame in bright colors of yellow, orange, and red. On the console, the colorful knob and white buttons had most of the paint worn away from years of use.
She slipped the token into the slot, bringing the game to life. A small blue spaceship appeared in the center of the screen. Soon alien ships began descending to the surface to capture the humanoids. Her fingers tapped hard on the thrust and fire buttons, moving her ship across the planet, shooting her enemy with a white laser beam. A smile stretched across her face as more alien ships swarmed, trying to destroy her spaceship. She shoved the knob up and down, avoiding their kamikaze attacks, exhilarated by blowing them to bits.
Just as she'd made it to the next level, a low ringing started in her ears. The floor tilted. She clutched the machine's sides, steadying herself. The simple game she'd been playing faded from view. She frowned, her eyelids fluttering as a different scene came to life, but not of this world.
Olivia faced a barren wasteland with a smoky mist hovering above the surface. She wore a silver armor bodysuit, but it was sleek, not cumbersome. Her long ponytail whipped in the wind. The dust stung her face as an unknown, rancid smell assaulted her. She held a shiny gold sword high, astride a magical beast that blurred at the edges of her vision.
A massive horde of black-armored bodies emerged from the mist. Some flew on black wings while others rode rabid, monstrous beasts. They rushed closer. A different bold color ingrained each black armor, matching their glowing swords. But no beauty glistened in the color’s vibrance. It pulsed with a malevolence reflective of the demonic intent. The earth vibrated beneath her while their shrieks split the air.
Her heart pumped in a frantic tempo; blood pounded in her ears. She let out her war cry filled with boldness and outrage, ready to confront this evil propelling towards her. No longer was Olivia playing an arcade game. As the mounting collision grew imminent, she knew she must somehow be in the game— very much a part of the unfathomable battle.
The beast beneath her started galloping, its muscles rippling against her thighs. It thundered towards the demons, who darkened the horizon as they raced over the vacant terrain. But she wasn't the only one charging for battle. She looked over her shoulder, fearing she was being surrounded. Her breath seized when she saw the army of angels spread around her. Glorious and mighty in their white armor, flashing swords and powerful feathered wings, all a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors. Male and female angels soared above, while others rode fantastic animals, the likes of which she could have never imagined. Fearlessness embodied them as they confronted the horde of evil almost upon them. She turned back, no longer fearing her fate. The angels’ battle cries roared in defiance and vengeance. A demon bared down on her, its orange eyes ablaze. The orange in its armor flowed like lava. It sneered at her, lowering its weapon—
"Olivia, Olivia!" her name called out by a familiar voice, but it sounded muffled and distant. It tugged at her, pulling her from the battle and transporting her back to the coffee shop. Strong hands shook her shoulders, continuing to call her name.
"Olivia... Hey..." The urgency in his voice rose. Her body felt weightless, trapped between two worlds.
She blinked a few more times, trying to focus on the fading battlefield. The roar in her ears diminished. But the battle no longer played before her. Instead it was replaced by a flashing Game Over on a black screen, the opposing starships frozen in place. Her breaths came out in sharp gasps as she tried to adjust to her surroundings. Did she just witness herself about to wage war, or had the stress from earlier caused her to daydream of being a fearless warrior? Even though it made no sense to her, the experience was real. She'd been in that battle.
Olivia paused before she let her hands slide away from the console, not ready to surrender her surreal vision for the surrounding reality. But she knew who had called her. The new voice in her life. She turned and braced herself against the console. Once again, she looked into emerald eyes searching hers for answers she didn't have.
"Hi, Zach."
Chapter Four
Olivia
Olivia hated feeling vulnerable. That uncertain, exposed, life-off-kilter sensation she swore to never let happen again since that devastating Christmas morning. She prided herself on controlling her environment, like a fighter pilot commanding a powerful jet.
But ever since the demon attack, she had lost control. And like a pilot trapped in an airplane spiraling to Earth, she was a victim of external forces with no option to eject. This couldn't be her new normal. She and the pilot would suffer similar fates; they'd never survive.
"Didn't you hear me calling you?" Zach asked. He waved at the arcade game. "You were holding on for dear life with this far-off look... like you were on another planet. What gives?"
She stepped out of his grasp and walked toward the counter. Her legs moved like jelly, but she needed space from Zach. She wouldn't tell him what took place in the game. For one, she wasn't sure about the vision, let alone how she would try to explain it. She turned around and faced him. Steeling herself against his intrusive stare, she lifted her chin and crossed her arms.
"I was playing Defender and got light-headed, so I held onto the sides. My ears were ringing. I guess that's why I didn't answer you," Olivia said. At least that much was true. "It's been a long day. I just need to go home." Her shoulders sagged, like the weight of the world had just slammed down on her. She held her ground against his probing gaze, irritated he gauged her every word.
"Ready to close shop?" Joe asked. His body stiffened when he saw Zach. He came over
and stood next to Olivia, putting a protective hand on her shoulder. She scrunched up her face. Her head swiveled up to her boss, thrown off by his treatment of her today.
"Didn't hear you come in?" The accusation in his Joe's voice surprised Olivia.
Zach returned his pointed stare. "I came by to see how she was doing. Thought we might get a bite to eat..." Zach's voice trailed off when she walked away.
"Thanks. But like I said, I want to go home."
"All right. Can I at least walk you to your car?" Zach asked.
Does he ever let up?
She sighed, remembering her paranoid thoughts of the demon in her car. Zach walking with her was a good idea, but she wouldn't share that with him.
"Sure... fine." She yanked her purse strap over her shoulder. "Good night, Joe." She raised her hand in a half-hearted wave.
"Night."
Zach and Olivia walked out the back door while Joe locked up the shop. They turned and waved again in the awkward silence. Joe headed for his truck while they went to her car. Joe slowed as he drove by and gave them one last glance. His eyes lingered on Zach until he pulled away. Since when did Joe decide he was her big brother?
Whatever. Too tired to care.
"So why are you here?" She scowled as she faced Zach. "Did something happen?" Her mouth went dry. She couldn't take much more upheaval.
"Have you talked to Sergio since he left?"
Olivia's stomach dropped. She'd been so absorbed with work and her thoughts she hadn't texted him.
"No. I can't believe I didn't text him." She bit her lip while checking her phone. No text from him either. Her pulse quickened as she typed the message. "Nothing yet. Maybe he shut off his phone."
Come on, Sergio.
"I'm sure he's fine. Listen, the three of us need to meet tomorrow morning. I have a theory about the marks. Can we come to your house around nine?" Excitement gleamed in his eyes, awaiting her answer.
"Okay, but tell me." She gripped his arm. "Help me understand what took place. Anything." If Zach had an angle or an idea, he needed to tell her. Now.
"It's better if I show you my theory with Sergio. It's easier that way, I swear. You just keep texting Sergio and tell him our plan."
She narrowed her eyes. "You mean your plan."
Zach didn't reply, instead handing her his phone. "Put your number in and text me his answer," he said. She did as he asked and handed it back. Their hands touched, startling her when he took her hand in his.
"We'll figure this out. We can do this." Giving her a reassuring squeeze, he backed away. "Night, Liv."
She placed a fist on her hip. "Why do you call me that? Everyone calls me Olivia." It bugged her, but she didn't know why.
He chuckled as he reached out for a strand of hair, rubbing it between his fingers. "Good. I like that I'm the only one. Keep it that way." His face turned serious as he looked away. When his eyes locked on hers, they had an intensity that made her want to duck and hide.
"You are one of a kind." He stepped closer; his woody scent wrapped around her. "Besides, Liv is a spunky name, and you are definitely spunky." His smile lit up, showing off his dimple cutting deep into his right cheek.
A little piece of her heart melted, but she couldn't get caught up in her feelings for him. Instead, she punched his arm. "That's right, and don't you forget it." He raised his hands in feigned defense, and they both laughed. The laughter helped loosen the knots in her stomach.
"Good night, Zach. Thanks for checking on me." She opened the car door and slipped behind the wheel.
"See you in the morning." He closed her door, then strode away. She followed him in the rear-view mirror as his long strides carried him out of sight.
Her phone dinged. Finally, Sergio texted her.
"Sorry I ran out on you today. Jerk move. Are you okay?"
She shook her head and typed her reply.
"Tired and still a little scared. Be at my house tomorrow at nine. Zach has a theory about the marks."
"Okay. Don't know him, Olivia. Play it cool."
Great. Olivia leaned back against the headrest. She didn't need Sergio pulling this male-macho thing. All three of them were involved. They couldn't waste time or energy on petty stuff.
"Don't look for trouble. See you mañana."
She got a thumbs up in reply. Good.
She headed home, eager to put distance between her and the coffee shop. A sudden thought struck Olivia. Another hurdle lay in wait between her and her bed.
Mom.
Please be in her bedroom.
Please be asleep.
Please.
The quiet street was as sleepy as its residents, but Olivia's senses were wide awake. She pulled into the short driveway of their two-story stucco home. They built the houses on tiny lots with desert and rock landscaping. There wasn't much difference between her house and the neighbors except various shades of tan exteriors.
Mom always left the porch light on for her. Before, she'd taken for granted being able to see the wrought-iron bench with cheerful red pillows and the blinking Christmas lights framing the picture window. Now, she sent a silent thanks as she searched deep into the shadows between her and the house. But nothing shifted inside them. A shadow moved across the living room. She paused, keys in hand. Mom must be up waiting up for her... if it was her.
Jeez... Was she schizoid? Had she just not wanted her mom in bed?
She slammed her car door and made a mad dash for the porch. She pressed the remote. The car's beep cut the silence. Her heart pounded as she stumbled through the front door. She shut it, locked the deadbolt and sagged against the solid door.
"Hi, honey." Her mom, Stella, stood in the sunken living room to her right. The neutral walls created the perfect backdrop for the bright throw pillows, eclectic wall art and a Turkish rug adorning the tiled floor. In the corner, a Christmas tree twinkled with small colored lights. Ornaments that Olivia had made in school or her mom had bought hung from each fragrant branch. Three furry red stockings hung from the fireplace. “Olivia,” “Mom,” and “Thunder” were written in red glitter on the white fur tops. Olivia had gotten used to her mom's insistence that the house be decked out for Christmas. She'd long ago stopped fighting it. Not worth the battle.
"Hi there. Did the boogeyman chase you in here?"
Little does she know...
She smiled as she climbed the two steps to the foyer with arms opened wide. Stella was a hugger, and she was coming in hot tonight. She gathered Olivia up in a big hug and kissed her on the cheek.
Olivia returned the hug. Strength, reassurance and love filled the embrace. She melted into her mom, soaking up what she so freely gave.
Mom unwrapped her arms, giving her daughter a hard stare with amber-colored eyes. Her mouth turned down as her head cocked to one side. Olivia had inherited her mom's wavy hair, but Mom’s was dark brown with sun-kissed highlights.
"Have a tough day? I saved you dinner if you're hungry." Mom’s eyes roamed over Olivia as she waited for an answer.
"That sounds great. Thanks." Olivia followed her mom’s willowy frame, dumping her gear at the staircase in front of her. Mom stepped into the den with a dancer's grace. She turned right into a small, efficient kitchen with a breakfast nook nestled beyond it.
"Did you make minestrone? It smells amazing!" Olivia’s stomach growled as she inhaled the spicy, fragrant aroma.
"Yep. Your favorite, with fresh crusty bread."
Olivia plopped on the counter barstool with her back to the den. Mom ladled a steaming helping into an oversized red bowl, grated fresh parmesan on top, and placed it in front of her. Olivia grabbed a spoon and scooped up a bite. Melted cheese hung over the edges as she blew on it. She dared a small slurp, trying not to burn her tongue. The hot soup spread its warmth on the way down, chasing the chill from her bones. She slathered the bread with butter and dunked it into the soup.
"It's delicious. Thanks." She buttered another slice. "You on tonight?"
Understatement of the world.
Olivia took another bite, trying to ward off her mom's inquiring mind. She couldn't share what had happened today. How did one start a conversation like that? Hi, Mom. A demon attacked me, and I had a vision I was in an epic battle between good and evil. That wouldn't go over well.
"How about I make you a nighttime herbal tea from the dried herbs I picked this morning−"
"I'm fine. Just a long week with finals, and the coffee shop was slammed tonight."
Her mom nodded, settling onto the barstool.
That was easy.
Olivia had a sneaking suspicion the other shoe was about to drop. They sat in silence except for the spoon clinking against the soup bowl. Done with her last bite, Olivia headed for the dishwasher.
If I can get out of here...
Mom cleared her throat. "It's a week till Christmas. I was wondering if you had a wish list this year."
There it was. The elephant in the room. Mom sat ramrod straight, but not because of her perfect dancer posture. This was an age-old argument. Olivia closed her eyes, trying to tamp down the instant flare of her temper. She had to hand it to her mom. Every year, even though she knew she was on thin ice, she asked that same question. Olivia slammed the dishwasher door closed and crossed her arms in front of her, planting her hip against the counter.
"I don't have a list, Mom," she huffed. "Just like last year and every year since I was five. It isn't a day of celebration for me. It's a day of misery."
Maybe it was the exhaustion, but she couldn't stop her torrent of words or the hot tears burning in her eyes.
Mark of Orion Page 5
