Guardian

by Marnie Leighton

  As the final bell sounded masses of people poured from the building. They scattered randomly, eager to return home. Then I saw what I was looking for—a small group forming on the periphery of the grounds. Drawn to each other like magnets, just a touch louder than the rest, their confidence grew with each arriving member. The other students gave them a wide berth, as though repelled by invisible forces.

   It wasn’t too long before they began singling out loners, calling to them, relishing the intimidation. It was the age-old story—bullies gathering strength in numbers, creating power through fear. The group now comprised four boys and five girls. The males were strong and appealing, while the girls wore revealing clothes and freshly applied makeup.

  As the student numbers dwindled, they could see their humiliation opportunities drying up. They searched for one last victim, and there he was—a small clumsy boy scurrying from the building, left behind by the others. He glanced nervously at the group and promptly swerved in the opposite direction. The pack devoured this small action—their target was chosen.

  The boys went on the hunt, instantly trotting towards him. ‘Hey, what’s your hurry?’ one of them called out.

  The boy’s already fast footsteps quickened dramatically. The whole group moved as the excitement of the chase became visible on their faces. The pointlessness of the whole situation was obvious. This small boy was defenseless against the group, and no doubt it wasn’t the first time he’d been subjected to such humiliation. My anger began to rise.

  I could feel the other guardians—the small boy’s, was trying to guide him away, while the group’s guardians attempted to soothe the mob, but I could see no results. What was the use of being a guardian when you couldn’t help your ward in situations like these?

  The boy ran across a basketball court, next to one of the large red brick buildings; it was a fatal move as a fence enclosed the area. The group broke into a sprint, the leaders of the pack narrowing the gap quickly.

  It was time.

  Changing to human form, I emerged from the side of the building, placing myself between them. My appearance startled the front-runners, and they pulled up.

  ‘I suggest you leave him alone.’ My liquid voice slid across the court, and the group went quiet.

  A moment later an uncomfortable giggle broke from one of the girls. The fleeing boy stopped at the fence and turned to watch.

  A tall blond male, stepped forward holding my gaze. ‘What are you? His mother or his girlfriend?’

  His comment was met with a snigger, and he turned to smile at his friends. He looked back, his courage boosted.

   I waited for silence. ‘If you feel like a fight, why not pick one with me?’ I said calmly.

  He grinned. ‘Cause I don’t fight girls, not even stupid ones.’

  The comment brought a new round of laughter, swelling both his chest and his self-importance. One of the girls stepped forward—thin and scruffy, with dark curly hair, her makeup would have been better suited to a nightclub. I got the feeling she liked the boy out front. ‘I fight stupid girls,’ she taunted, with a confident smile.

  I did nothing but raise an eyebrow.

  She sauntered forward, swinging a fist at my face. The awkward action was almost amusing as I grabbed her wrist gently. She tugged violently to free herself, as the rest of the group yelled encouragement. Unable to break free she kicked at my shins, grunting with the effort. I released her and seized her upper arm, lifting her from the ground. Fear smoothed her face, and she started to thrash. The gang was still vocal, but an edge of concern now tainted their tone.

  I saw a flash of movement as a boy leaped forward to help—with a shaved head and blotchy skin, he was easily the largest in the group. I tossed the still struggling girl sideways, but the boy did not break stride. He swung his arm at my head, and I casually enclosed my hand around his fist. Twisting it slightly, his body flipped and he landed flat on his back, his hand still in mine. I shifted my focus back to the group. I felt a surge of delight as the smug grins slowly faded. The boy on the ground groaned, and I released him. He scrambled to his feet, and the group backed away, but I wasn’t done.

  Stepping forward, I looked at each of them. ‘Can you only impress each other by making others miserable? By hurting those weaker than you? What a sad collection of souls you are.’

  My comments fanned the flames and the last two boys sprung.

  ‘Screw you bitch!’ one yelled, pulling a knife from his jeans. I faced the boy with the knife, exposing my back to the second attacker. With a quick flick of unseen wings, I knocked him off his feet. The knife-wielding boy surged, and I hit the weapon from his fingers before spinning him round to pin his arm against his back. The fight instantly left him, and no one else moved. I scanned the faces of the pack once more. The curly-haired girl who’d attacked first clung to a small, terrified blonde, and I almost felt sorry for them.

  ‘This stops here for all of you,’ I said. ‘You will no longer bully or hurt anyone, and if you do, I will know, and I will find you.’

  I pushed the boy forward, but he went further than I intended, landing on his knees in front of them. I moved closer, catching the eye of the small blonde girl. ‘The boy you were chasing, what’s his name?’ I asked.

  ‘Dan…Daniel Kirk,’ she stammered.

  I smiled at her. ‘I think perhaps you could keep an eye on him for me?’ She looked dazed, but nodded. I cast my eyes over the group one more time. ‘I’ll see some of you later,’ I added.

  I turned and walked towards the boy who was meant to be their victim. His mouth hung open, his eyes were huge, and he looked ready to run. I gave him a reassuring smile, and he relaxed a bit. I could see how pale and tired he was—his clothes were dirty, and his mousy brown hair was poorly cut. I sensed his guardian nearby, it was a strange emotion they were emanating—a mixture of concern and confusion.

  ‘Are you okay Daniel?’ I asked, ignoring his guardian.

  His eyes widened further at the sound of my voice. ‘I…I…yes.’

  ‘I am pretty sure they’ll leave you alone now.’

  A reluctant smile touched his lips. ‘I…thanks, but, who are you?’

  ‘A friend.’

  ‘From around here?’ he asked, sounding hopeful.

  I pushed a rogue curl from my eyes. ‘I’m not really from anywhere.’

  ‘Oh,’ he said glancing down at his feet.

  ‘You know Daniel, even when you feel alone, know, there’s always someone watching over you.’

  He looked up, his eyebrows knotted. I laughed at his worried expression. ‘It will be okay Daniel. I promise.’ I touched his face gently, and he smiled properly. ‘I have to go, but you take care of yourself.’

  He nodded lamely. I gave him a final grin then walked away. I could sense everyone’s eyes on my back, but I didn’t care. I had helped, really helped, and finally, I felt good.

  Chapter 11

  I never considered how my vigilante stint would end. I just envisioned an eternity helping the helpless, for as long as I could, but things rarely go how you plan them.

  On a particularly hot day, I felt drawn to a gas station, on the edge of a small sleepy town, nestled in the middle of nowhere. My sense of need had developed during my travels, and something was telling me to look closer.

  As I drew nearer, I saw nothing out of the ordinary. Two cars were filling up—one was a small blue convertible with its top down, and the other was a large SUV. A middle-aged man stood next to the convertible, and a young woman hopped out of the other. I could feel another soul inside her car, it was a small child. The station was located on a side road skimming a busy motorway, and I guessed very few people ventured past it into the town behind.

  Changing into human form, I struggled to see what had called me here. The gas pumps whirred, and disjointed sounds of a distant radio filtered from inside. The heat of the sun emphasized the smell of the gas, and the large metal roof, shading the cars, cracked with the increa
sing temperature. Everything looked normal.

  I heard the hose feeding the SUV, click, and the young mother carefully placed the nozzle back in its holder. She glanced into the car, before hurrying inside to pay. As she entered the building, the other pump clicked, and the middle-aged man soon followed.

  Unease prickled my neck. I felt anxious; I didn’t understand what could be wrong.

  A door opened behind me and I twisted—I hadn’t realized I’d been standing outside the bathrooms. A young man in jeans and T-shirt walked out. He had short brown hair, and a malevolent clown tattoo on his forearm. He stepped forwards not looking up, nearly running into me. ‘Sorry,’ he mumbled.

  ‘No problem,’ I replied.

  He looked awkward as he walked towards the front of the building, and I waited for him to go inside. He paused, making eye contact, and my sense of danger intensified. Suddenly he jumped sideways, grabbing the door of the SUV; flinging it open he threw himself in the car. The woman screamed inside the shop, and I leaped, but he locked himself in before I could stop him, and I saw the keys in the ignition.

  ‘Damn,’ I cursed, yanking at the door. The handle ripped away in my grip, he looked startled but still started the engine.

  The tires screamed, and the car jolted forward. The mother flew out, intent on throwing herself in front of the car. I caught her in a bear hug, and she screamed, fighting me. The car pulled away as the middle-aged man and shop attendant ran out.

  Releasing the woman, I pushed her towards the attendant. ‘Help her,’ I said. I looked at the stunned convertible owner. ‘Give me your keys,’ I demanded.

  His fingers tightened around them. ‘But…’

  ‘There’s a baby in the car.’

  He hesitated a second longer before thrusting them into my hand. I ran to his car and leaped in, aware that my movements were too fast to be human. Turning the key, the car came to life. Swinging the convertible onto the road, I sped off —he was headed for the freeway. ‘Damn it,’ I yelled again.

  Speeding up, I tailgated the SUV, flashing the lights and hitting the horn. He veering into the slip lane and onto the three-lane freeway. I followed, relieved to see we were the only cars in sight.

  The midday sun burned my arms, and my hair whipped violently around my face. I wasn’t sure what to do next, but then he pulled into the middle lane. Seeing my opportunity, I slammed my foot down, and the car responded with a loud roar. I shot up beside him; the man glanced sideways as I drew alongside. Anger and fear tightened his grimace.

  ‘Baby!’ I screamed, but I couldn’t tell if he heard.

  He shot me another look, and I pointed madly to the back of the car. He peered into the rearview mirror but didn’t react. He sat up higher and looked again—his mouth fell open, and the color drained from his cheeks.

  For one wonderful second I thought he was slowing, but then his eyebrows dipped and he accelerated. I hit the gas, pulling alongside him again, desperate to get his attention back. His jaw muscles clenched, and his knuckles paled as he gripped the steering wheel harder. He wouldn’t look at me.

  Easing back, I pulled in behind. What now? I could wait for the police, but they might take too long. I could pull in front, but the road was wide enough to swerve. I was running out of options. I felt powerless, and I didn’t like it. I had to stop this, and return the baby to its mother, but how?

  A thought entered my mind. Looking around, I checked again for other cars—our lanes were still clear. I paused unsure of my plan, but I couldn’t see another option. I let the space between us grow, and once I was happy, I threw the car into neutral. I placed my hands on the dash and as the car slowed, I eased my feet onto the seat. Crouching down I took a deep breath, and I yanked on the handbrake. The car jerked and its tires screeched. With all the strength I had, I pushed upwards, propelling myself into the air. I spread my wings, and everything calmed—I’d never flown on Earth before, and the sensation was both alien and exhilarating. I looked up and saw the car speeding away. I flapped my wings and a few seconds later I was soaring above the SUV. I wondered if he’d seen me leave the convertible. Hopefully, I still had the element of surprise.

  Pushing forward I shot just in front of the car. I steadied myself, then with one last flap I drew my wings in. Spinning mid-air, I dropped onto the bonnet, landing with a loud thud. I stayed crouched, my wings fully extended, expecting him to swerve or stop, but nothing happened. I peered through the windscreen, his face was white with fear, and if anything, I could feel the car speeding up.

  ‘Stop!’ I screamed, banging my fist on the windscreen.

  He didn’t even register; it was as though his mind had shut down. I glanced over my shoulder to see the freeway was about to veer left; if he maintained his course, he would hit the barrier. I banged the windscreen again, but still nothing. I had to do something and fast. Maybe if I moved, his senses would return.

  Leaping up, I left his line of sight, praying he would see the curve ahead. He drove on; the curve was close—he needed to turn. I watched in horror as he crossed into the next lane. I dropped from the sky, desperate to put myself between the car and barrier, but even with my speed, I couldn’t make it.

  The tearing sound seemed to go on forever as the driver’s side ripped along the barrier. It finally stopped and everything went quiet— I was on the ground, running towards the car.

  I reached the smashed rear window, and heard the baby crying. The hysterical child was still restrained, and I ripped the remnants of the door from its hinges so I could reach him. He was fine, his limbs flailing and red face screwed up. Unbuckling him gently I brought him to my chest, tears of relief streaming down my face.

  A few other cars had stopped by now, and a short woman appeared. I handed her the child and moved to the front of the wreckage. The chassis was badly damaged; the driver draped over the steering wheel. Slipping around to his side I stared at his trapped body—anything I moved would only damage him further. The heat from the engine was intense, I could smell oil, and a hissing sound was coming from the bonnet. More people were arriving.

  ‘Hey,’ I called out to him. ‘Can you hear me?’

  He didn’t move. Reaching through the twisted metal, I found his neck. There was a weak pulse, but I couldn’t tell if he was breathing. I pulled him upright trying to keep his neck stable; a ratty breath gurgled in his chest. Blood caked his temple, and he opened his eyes; they rolled in my direction. When he saw me, he did something unexpected—he smiled.

  ‘Are you here to take me, Angel?’ he asked huskily.

  I was lost for words, aware of the gathering crowd. I leaned into the wreckage getting as close as I could. ‘I am not,’ I whispered. ‘But you will make your own way. I promise.’

  A solitary tear slid down his cheek, and I reached in brushing it away. He took his final breath and a look of complete calm spread across his face. I felt his soul drift away leaving his body an empty shell.

  I stepped back numb and disorientated. I looked at the confused bystanders. The baby had settled, and sirens swelled in the distance. As I walked forwards, they parted. Maybe it was the look in my eyes, maybe it was the blood on my hands; regardless no one tried to stop me.

  Chapter 12

  I didn’t change back to spirit form, I just kept walking. The sun was even hotter now, and a slight breeze skittered across my shoulders taking some heat with it. I left the freeway and buildings behind me; nothing but flat open country lay ahead. Everything was emphasized—the smell of dry grass, the hiss of hidden insects—it was all too much. I felt enclosed and claustrophobic, weighed down by the physical world. Images ran through my head—the crash, Liam, Aydin. Nausea rose in my throat and I wanted to run, but I made myself walk slower so I couldn’t escape the ache.

  When the evening arrived I finally succumbed to the inevitable. There was a tree-covered hill in the distance, and I headed towards it. In my mind, I could see myself lying on the fallen leaves, in the cool darkness waiting to become a part
of the earth once more. A dark, dirty lump away from all other souls, crying useless tears for the things I’d done.

  I stood at the edge of the woods staring into the shadows. It was silent and cold air trickled over the ground carrying the smell of rotting foliage.

  Stepping into the trees, a breeze disturbed the leaves above, and a small chill ran through my spine. I wandered deeper into the darkness, weaving through the solid mossy trunks, barely able to see a thing.

  Suddenly light burst from behind a tree, and I stumbled back ready to run, but the fear that should’ve followed didn’t come. Instead, I felt strangely drawn to the glow.

  I crept up to the thick trunk and peered around. In a small clearing there stood an angel with his back to me. I could see his beautiful wings, and the chocolate colored skin rising from his white collar. Silver hair covered his head, and the glow, permeating from his body, coated everything around him.

  My breath caught in my throat. ‘Isaac?’

  He turned and opened his arms. I went to him without thinking. He held me in silence as I cried, and when I could cry no more, he eased me away from his chest.

  ‘My lovely Callie, what has happened to you? I have been calling for so long.’

  His smooth voice stroked my damaged soul. ‘I’m sorry Isaac,’ I sobbed. ‘I’ve made so many mistakes.’

  ‘We all make mistakes, but enough now. You must return before you destroy yourself.’

  The word ‘destroy’ stuck in my mind—what a lovely idea, to be gone and never come back.

  He saw my hesitation, and his voice took on a firm edge. ‘Your time spent here has made you far too human again. Pain, guilt, self-hate—these are earthly emotions. I thought your soul had healed better than this.’