The Time Stopping People

by Kristy Evans Beckwith

  Chapter Three

  Something sounded like a stampede of dinosaurs coming through the window, as I yanked the scarf from my eyes and yawned. Glares from the sun beamed across the room and striped the floor with burgundy lines. I loved getting up for practice in the morning, full of vigor. I always had so much energy when my eyes opened again, and I could start fresh and anew. Participating in these workouts and being so physically involved was the icing on the cake.

  My hands stretched high above my head, strong and glorious. Waking up in other people’s houses was much different from what I'd grown accustomed to over the years. I didn't even miss my old dungeon hole of a bedroom.

  Today was my day off – OH YES!

  Chris said I could take a break and catch up on some good rest. And I didn't retort. Usually whenever I stayed inside the gym, their early intrusions would stir me awake and I'd never miss a practice. But last night, lucky for me, I was able to come straight to bed after my workout, instead of camping out on the gym floor.

  As I peered through the window, there was someone downstairs mowing the front yard, wearing blue overalls, strap suspenders, a gray cap, and way too far down to be recognized. Whoever it was, they must’ve finished working out already – the screen on my pink i Pod read 2:13PM.

  Even now, I wasn't accustomed to being without a cell phone. My old one was still at the other house, somewhere between the microwave and the toaster. Laura said I couldn’t carry it to the operetta that night. She insisted my special accessory wouldn’t go well with the dress . . . neither would my palm-sized purse that Dianne designed for me when I was twelve, because she said the purse was ugly.

  Needless to say, Chris bought me a brand new everything, so I didn't have to take a step backwards in order to move forward.

  Tying on the scarlet scarf onto my head, I ran swiftly down the labyrinth and managed to find the front staircase, which still smelled of fresh tangerines. Chris and Kevin came through the front door with bags of groceries under their arms.

  “Hey.” I scurried behind them.

  Kevin made his way towards the kitchen, slicking his hair back between his fingers, or more like his mo hawk braid. Chris slowed down beside me. Then he paused in his tracks and stared down at my head curiously. “We missed you today,” he confessed.

  My mind circled around our last conversation. “Really? I thought you said I could have the morning off.”

  “I know. We missed you.”

  For a moment, we caught each other's gaze. He was unabashed and unpredictable. “Is there something I can do, like an exercise? I know its my day off.” I asked. “I don't mind.”

  “You don't have to.”

  “I want to.”

  When we entered the kitchen, Kevin was already putting some of the food away, happily whistling to an unfamiliar song that was playing only inside of his head.

  “Walking might be a good idea,” Chris replied, handing me a box of water bottles. “There’s still enough light outside. You can go to the town shop and see what they have. You’ll have to walk fast.”

  “Yeah, she could pick up some scissors for me,” Kevin added his two cents. “I forgot to get a pair.”

  While Kevin was going on about a pair of scissors, I couldn't help think about dinner and the wonderful food we were about to eat when I returned.

  “We forgot a couple of things,” Chris added. “I’ll make a list for you.” They continued putting things in the cupboards, and Chris finally handed me the paper with five items listed. “This walk is equivalent to our warm up today. Even though you didn't technically miss anything, it could help make up for the exercise.”

  Kevin gave a short dark laugh and added, “Might take more than that . . .”

  I shelved more bottles of water into the refrigerator, focusing on the task at hand. I wasn't going to let Kevin's comment distract me from the real reason I was here.

  “Cold water’s no good, Calise.” Chris cued for Kevin to arrange the bottles instead of myself. So before I could blink, Kevin was already at my side, snatching the box from my grip.

  “I got this,” he said.

  Just then I noticed the line of piercings on his left ear and the tattoo on his forearm, and I knew he didn't take himself lightly. The tattoo on his front right shoulder was another spade, like the one knitted on the scarf, which reminded me that everyone else in this house had one, except for me.

  “How far is town?” I finally asked.

  Chris balled the bags together, tossing them under the sink. “Five miles.”

  Five miles. That was no big deal. I knew these guys were in shape and probably drank a thousand eggs for breakfast.

  “I’ll go now then,” I replied coolly, loosening my shoulders. Sure I was the newest member here, but they were about to find out the truth about me: when it came to physical activities, I was a force to reckon with. I could handle their walk-a-thon.

  “Alright,” he replied, studying me closely. “One more thing.” He grabbed a vitamin case from the cupboard. My name was written on the bottom. “Here are some basic supplements for you to take,” he added. “All of us have them. We get different vitamins based on our personal requirements. Once you get more familiar with your body’s needs, you can adjust them accordingly, and do whatever you feel is best.”

  I tapped a vitamin on my tongue and took it down with water. As Chris started sketching a road-map on a piece of paper, I realized the path was simply made: one road, one direction. I couldn’t get lost on this route if I tried.

  “There you are,” he said in a low voice, handing me the paper. A hundred dollar bill was wrapped inside.

  “Thanks. I should probably get going now.” I waited a few beats for him to say something else. When he didn't, I stuffed the money inside my back pocket, along with the map, and marched right out of the kitchen towards the front door, running straight into Blue. She was the one dressed in ragged overalls and a tattered gray cap. She’d been the one mowing the lawn only moments ago; the person I'd seen from the attic window.

  “Hey,” I said without thinking. She kept walking towards the kitchen, until she saw the red scarf on my head and spun around like a great big owl with hooty eyes.

  “Oh my God.” she gasped reverently. “Where’d you get that?” she asked simply, holding her hips.

  “Uh mm . . .”

  Suddenly Kevin emerged from the corner and motioned behind us, easing his way in Blue's direction. “There’s my girl.”

  “Look, Kevin!” she exclaimed with her eyes blazing over my head. “She's wearing that girl's scarf.”

  “What are you talking about? I found this in the attic upstairs,” I answered. “No one's name was on it.”

  Chris appeared on the scene in his warrior splendor, owning the situation. “Everything alright in here?” He leaned against the wall, folding his arms.

  It was the first time Blue took her attention off me. She looked up at his figure, met his gaze, and instantly eased the course of her excitement. There seemed to be an unspoken volume between those two, because she suddenly became perfectly calm. “No problems here, Boss,” she finally answered.

  “We're leaving,” Kevin added reassuringly, doing his best to settle her down. He then attempted to move his girlfriend towards the living room, but she wasn't budging so easily. “Right, B?” Kevin whispered in her ear again, waiting for her full cooperation. “Come on, let's go.”

  Finally they both turned the corner and disappeared like shadows behind the wall without saying another word. A funeral-like silence suspended in the atmosphere as I stood with my hands on my hip, trying to summons the right explanation for what just happened.

  “Are you alright?” Chris asked.

  I nearly laughed at the question. “Yeah, I'm fine. I didn't know this scarf was going to be such a big deal for her.”

  Chris bit down on his lip. “It used to belong to an old friend. That's all. But that friend isn't here anymore.” His explanati
on was good enough for me, at least for the time being. “You can wear it as long as you want.”

  “Cool, thanks. I'll be back later,” I replied and walked out, shutting the door behind me.

  Now that I was outside, I started contemplating if Chris meant five miles altogether, or five miles each way. He must’ve meant five miles altogether. He wouldn’t have made an estimate and said there was enough light outside if he knew I’d get stuck in the dark.

  All I had to do was walk fast, follow his directions, and not get lost in the woods. I’d make it back here in time for dinner – I think he was cooking tonight; he usually did.

  On the bright side, I was in the middle of nowhere with no parents around to tell me what to do, when to come home, and who to go to the movies with. Starting over was actually the best part of being here. I could draw my own painting. This new life was a blank canvas, full of possibility, and the outcome would be whatever I wanted it to be. No more past memories to sulk over. No more pressure from Laura or anyone else to be something I wasn't. She wanted me to be exactly like her, throwing fancy tea parties in the yard and shopping at the most expensive stores in Beverly Hills, only to hear the sound of Carl’s credit card swiping a machine. She demanded I call her ‘mom’ as long as I stayed under their roof, since (according to her) it was their home and not mine.

  Here, I had my own voice. I was as free as the birds.

  Rays from the sun glared as I motioned forward, listening to a violin play through my I Pod. The heat now was overbearing, pulsating across the dirt trail. I kicked rocks to the side with my foot’s heel, and I could already feel my shirt soaking from the inside out.

  Already, it was almost five o’clock. I’d been walking through this scorching hurricane for at least two hours. I guess Chris meant five miles each way. If I’d known the journey was going be like this, I would’ve snatched up one of those water bottles before heading out.

  Looking upwards, I noticed the leaves were waving their noses in my direction, as I curled a finger around one of the branches, savoring the moment; I might as well enjoy Mother Nature for a little while, so I removed the headphones.

  It didn't take long for a high ringing to start going off inside my head. The buzzing was a quick sputtering, like a low hum rattling behind my eye lids. I paused in my tracks and took immediate shelter under the shade. Even shade didn’t do a good job slowing down the palpitation.

  While steadying myself on the trail, another strange noise erupted. Girl's laughter rippled. “Hello? Who’s there?” I turned around.

  Searching through the empty forest, I didn't feel alone. Something with incredible speed was moving swiftly at my side, and as soon as I looked over to check on its proximity, there were only more overlapping trees. The tall stalks of bark seemed to stare down at me with an understanding nod, like they could sense what I was going through.

  “Okay, time to go.” I stomped down the road while the enormous heat sunk into my surroundings.

  It didn’t take long to reach my destination. I found the supply store indicated on the map, and quickly dragged myself inside, listening to a cluster of bells jingle overhead. Stacks of machinery smelled like old rubber, and the potent scent of oil suffocated the walls. I wanted to forget the whole thing and turn back around to the house, empty-handed and safe. I could always come again tomorrow morning when the sun was first coming up. But that didn't happen. Someone grunted from behind the counter and disturbed this train of thought.

  “Can I help you?” a young man asked. His arms were stretched above him like he’d been in the middle of some great dream, and I'd interrupted his sleep.

  Approaching him, I replied, “I need everything here on this list.”

  He yawned and twitched his nose, sizing me up. Then he took the slip of paper and read the items, which was when I realized he didn’t have a shirt on. His bird chest was tanned and thin underneath his farmer overalls and silver suspenders. He smiled hugely, slicking his hair back and rubbing his stomach. The grin he gave me was crooked, and if it weren’t for his sandy hair sticking half to the side from sleeping on the job, he’d be an undeniable cutie. He wasn’t wearing shoes. His feet were mostly covered in soot marks. He probably smelled exactly like the shop.

  The moment he neared a pile of equipment at the farthest end of the store, moving slower than a snail in salt, and I followed him, watching and waiting as he fumbled through the tangled cords. Listening to my foot tap the floor was a great way to keep my mind occupied on something else other than the heat.

  Finally he found the five items on the list and charged me ninety-two dollars. “Ohhhk. Here we are. There you go. All set.” The look of triumph spread across his face.

  Knowing full well I was being overcharged, I handed him a hundred-dollar bill anyway and slapped it on the counter. “Keep the change.”

  His smile softened. “You must be new around here.”

  “Is it obvious?” I looked over my shoulder at the door's entrance. “You wouldn't believe it. I walked five miles and didn’t bring something cold to drink. Do you have any water?”

  His eyes widened. “Yeah, sure. I think I should have something. Let me check,” he replied, walking to the mini-fridge behind the counter. He returned with a cold bottle of water and handed it to me. “That’s a nice scarf you’re wearing by the way. Another girl had one like it. There was a spade in the middle like yours, and it was the same color, too. Come to think of it, you look like her.”

  I nodded and leaned in. This scarf was getting more attention than Charlie Sheen. “Do you remember her name?”

  “Sorry. That was a while ago,” he admitted.

  “It's my first time in Ohio.”

  He took a breath and sighed. “I know everybody in this town. I would’ve recognized if you’d been here before. Besides, I know you’re not that same girl – she’d be a little older than you. But I remember she was real pretty. You can count on me to never forget a pretty face.” He winked. “Have a good day, Miss. Try to get home before the sun goes down.”

  I realized I wanted to talk to him longer, and find out more about this girl who looked like me. But there was much time left for conversation. I continued out the door and waved. There was a hazy gleam lowering over the parking lot, forming shadows on the street. It suddenly dawned on me, I’d be walking in the dark woods alone. Chris warned me this would happen if I didn’t walk fast enough. There wasn’t enough light outside to go on a ten-mile walk; there was barely enough to finish five. Now the only thing left on the horizon was a strand of orange blanketing the clouds.

  Following the distorted pavement, I marched on the road without streetlights and drew in a strong breath. There was still enough time to ask shop-boy to give me a ride, but I wasn’t sure how Chris would react to me bringing an unannounced visitor to his secret hideaway castle and playing hostess to some guy he didn’t know.

  I’d take my chances walking.

  Just as my mind was full of certainty, two headlights approached. It looked like the . . .

  “Woo! Yes!” I nearly leaped out of my skin. Life was on my side. All the mental images of bears and wildlife quickly evaporated into thin air as the van wobbled in my direction and halted at my feet.

  “Get in.” Tre tapped on the wheel, staring me up and down with his cool black shades on. He flipped his phone open and answered the call, “Hey. Yeah, I got her.”

  I wanted to ask him if Chris was the person he was talking to on the other line, but I knew it must've been him, otherwise Tre wouldn’t have known where to find me. Chris must’ve saw it was getting dark outside and requested for Tre to come and get me.

  I naturally wanted to thank Tre for his act of kindness, but before I could get the words out, he turned up the radio so loud it drowned out any hope of us sharing intelligent dialogue.

  So I sat back and enjoyed the ride.

  In a matter of minutes, we were parked in front of the mansion. By this time, it was dark enough I almost m
issed the outline of leafage looming over the driveway. They looked more like black blotches sealing the night. Even the moon was fuller, striping the sides of the roof with pastel lines and showing its elegant glow.

  The aroma of cooked peppers filled my nostrils the moment we walked inside, reminding me I hadn’t eaten all day. As Tre shuffled upstairs, I made my way toward the kitchen with only one thing in mind – food. The rest of the house was undisturbed. The counters were spotless, except for a bowl at the center of the table, wrapped in aluminum foil. I peeled it back and found white rice mixed with broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, onions, and bell peppers. Chris had obviously made dinner, and saved a small portion for my tasting. It was nice coming back and finding I’d been remembered.

  Afterwards, I made my way back to the attic and heard low mumblings coming from the end of the hall. They were barely audible at first, but I managed to follow them to the last room on the left. Checking both ends of the hall, I laid my ear against the door and found Blue sitting on top of the bed with her arms folded.

  “Can you believe he put her in the attic? I could literally scream. He never brings anyone to this house, let alone the attic. He could've put her in the other room, and he didn't.”

  “Why are you so shocked?” He asked the question, even though his mind was already made. “He likes her. So what. That's the main reason he's not going to take her to a room where the furnace is busted so she could freeze to death. He's thinking with his feelings, if you know what I mean.”

  “That's not the point, Kevin” she said. “I'm shocked because she's wearing Jennifer's scarf and he doesn't care she has it on. He doesn't think it's weird. Did you see the way he reacted downstairs? It's like he wanted her to have it on. He was so happy to see her. Both of them . . . in their web of sexual serenity. We don't even exist to Chris anymore.”

  “Get over it.” Kevin snickered. “You heard what Chris said; this girl is one of us now. She is supposed to be here,” he added.

  “Yeah, I heard what he said,” she agreed. “She'll be one of us at some point,” Blue admitted nonchalantly. “She's becoming. And based on Chris's reaction tonight, I'm almost certain she's the one we've been waiting for.”

  “Now you're talkin,” Kevin added. “That's about the smartest thing you've said all night.”

  When they stopped talking, I slunk away from the almost invisible crevice and quickly pounced to the other side of the house. Perfect. Early for what? I wondered. What exactly did Blue mean when she said I hadn't 'turned yet?' Was this some kind of secret way of saying I wasn't an official member until I had my first mission?

  What did they mean when they said, I was the one they'd been waiting for?

  What was up with the attic anyway? Even Chris looked at it strangely when he first took me up there, like the room had a life of its own. Its very stature seemed to liven up his spirits.

  His choice to put them there made perfect sense. If the other rooms were taken up, and the other one was without a furnace, then the attic was the only one place for me to stay. Of course Chris would put me there. Anyone with a good bit of sense would've done the same thing.

  However, I didn't mind the accusations. Our deep feelings for each other probably did make us appear as though we were living in our own world. Which was true, and perfectly okay with me.

  As I started heading back toward the garret, there weren’t any rooms along the corridor on my way to the attic. Cobwebs collected and weaved in sharp corners. Strings of them draped from the ceiling and made cryptic designs. Wedges in the floor made me stumble more than once, and this time I wasn’t doing it on purpose. The ends of the hall were a lit by artificial candles as I curved the last corner.

  “Is someone there?” I paused, peering over my shoulder.

  Had Blue followed me up here to talk some more about the scarf? But when I turned around, no one was there. Still I wanted to run into Chris’s bedroom, crawl into his king sized bed, and dive straight into his arms.

  Something was up with this house.

  Ever since we'd pulled into this driveway, peculiar things had been happening.

  An invisible girl laughed in the woods. To top everything off, the boy at the shop said I looked exactly like a girl who wore a red scarf like this one a long time ago. She'd be older by now. These weren’t random coincidences. Someone used to stay in the attic. Her initials were J.E. And I was starting to think this girl whom I'd never met had something really important to say.