'Til Fear Do Us Part (A Grim Awakening Book 1)

by Michelle Gross

  I walked to the swings, going to the first one and started swinging. I moved in a steady rhythm. Just a moment, if only this moment, I felt peace. I forgot everything else and remembered how good it felt to relax.

  “You look calm for someone in so much danger,” Killian's voice drifted behind me. The peace lasted all but thirty seconds. I whipped my head around as he walked around me.

  “How do you always know where I am?” It was creepy. He also had known that I was at Ryan's and what I was about to tell him. I got up and started searching my body.

  He frowned. “What are you doing?”

  “Looking for some sort of tracker or listening device,” I answered still touching every nick and curve of my body.

  “I know everything you do, Melanie.” His creepy factors just kept going up.

  “Go away.”

  “I can't do that.”

  “Shoo!” I kicked my foot at him, feeling silly but I didn't care.

  “I'm not a dog.”

  “Go!” I yelled.

  “I can't, I'm here to keep you safe,” he argued, frowning upon my behavior. I stepped back to sit down on the swing and missed it completely, falling in the dirt. He snorted.

  “So much for protecting me, I could have broken something.” Probably not, at this point I was picking anything to argue about.

  “I doubt it,” he replied. “You're going to want my help, Human.” There he went again.

  “You know my name, stop with the human.” I mocked his tone when saying the word.

  I saw Alex and other students walking out. I was glad and hurried away. I drove us home wishing I could forget seeing Killian. Ever.

  Chapter Six

  Wednesday, I noticed things were changing. The ghosts that have roamed the halls since I've been here, were gone. Now that I thought about, I hadn't seen Fred the day before. Or the couple. I hadn't seen any of them since Monday. So much was going on that I never noticed until Josh walked by me in the hall and his ancestor wasn't there glaring at me.

  I felt uneasy. I didn't have to pick Alex up since Mom was off today so I stayed back and watched the boys practice on the field. It didn't help much, the disappearance of the ghosts had me confused. Did it have something to do with what was happening to me?

  “What happened between you and Ryan yesterday?” Tess slurped her Dr. Pepper through a straw in the can.

  I shook my head. “I acted like a total moron, how do you think it went?”

  She smiled. “Really. He was on cloud nine yesterday from just having you over and to himself, even if only for a while.” Don't tell me that.

  I pretended to be annoyed. It only hurt. “Well, he's very sweet.”

  “I don't think that's what it is,” she continued.

  “I can't, Tess,” I blurted. She stopped slurping her drink and frowned. “You know why... I could never dream of being with your brother the way I am now.”

  “I don't think there's anything wrong with you that needs to change.”

  “You’re kind, Tess. Like your brother.” I frowned, moving my feet across the bleachers as I stared at the field.

  “I'm not kind,” she mumbled.

  But she was. They were nice when everyone else wasn't.

  That night, I tossed and turned. I'd fall asleep only to wake right back up. Over and Over. It wasn't only this night. This was every night. I never felt rested. I stared at the ceiling, thinking of Tess and Ryan, how much they cared. How much I wanted to let them in but couldn't. I was a danger to them and I was in danger myself but I had no one. Not even they could help ease my mind now.

  Could I believe what Killian told me? I asked myself every second of the day and always got the same answer. Yeah. I've always seen ghosts, now one was trying to kill me. Something else tried as well. I guess that's why it was so easy for me to believe a complete stranger.

  But how could I trust him to protect me? What was he and why did he have to protect me when he clearly didn't want to?

  I squeezed my eyes shut trying to turn off my brain. I wanted my mind to quieten.

  “You look as if you are straining, not sleeping.” His voice always had a darkness about it. I opened my eyes and found him standing next to the window. My mind always went back to how could he get in here, which was silly since I was positive he wasn't normal. And he used power.

  I rose, feeling angry. “Get out,” I ordered, but my voice never made a sound. I grabbed my throat. “What's wrong with my voice?” I mouthed because the words never came out. I panicked then glared at Killian. “What did you do?”

  He smirked. “I knew you'd scream. Can't have your mom hearing a man’s voice in your room, now can I?”

  My heart beat wildly, not from fear but anger. How did he take my voice? A small part wanted to believe that he was here to protect me, like he said. But his actions always left me confused. The desperate part of me needed to believe that he would protect me. The one that didn't care he was a stranger. Just wanted someone to help me. “My voice, give it back!” I mouthed.

  “I think I like you this way.” He walked to my bookshelf, his eyes skimming over my collection. He pulled out one of my favorite erotic novels. “So, you're this kind of girl?” He sounded surprised and I blushed. Even my mom didn't know what books I read, she just knew I read. Not even Tess or Ryan. I kept that part a secret, afraid of what others would think of me. “Then again, I can see it. The things you try to hide.” I was glad the room was mostly dark, the lamp cast a small glow across the room. I hoped it wasn't enough to show him my blushed skin.

  “What are you doing here?” He turned back to the bookshelf as I asked. The words never came from my lips, the room stayed deathly quiet except the rustling of books.

  Somehow, he knew what I had mouthed despite having his back facing me. “It's boring when you don't know that I'm with you. Following you.” He left the bookshelf. His eyes trapped mine as he strode toward the bed. For some reason, it caused my heart to beat in entirely different way. I pulled the quilt up to my chin when he sat down beside me. “Why look at me like that?” He arched a dark eyebrow. I still didn't know him and this was the second time he broke into my room. How else was I supposed to look at him? He studied my hands gripping the quilt before looking away. “You don't have to be afraid. Not of me.” He stood quickly, moving away from the bed, suddenly caring that he may have crossed the line too far.

  I watched, curious of him. His actions had changed, odd and out of place, like he was racking his brain on what he planned to do next. “Is it weird for me to be in your room?” I looked shocked. Did he really just ask that question?

  “It's creepy. I don't know you.” I was surprised that my voice was back. “Even if I did, you're breaking and entering.”

  “I don't get the humans view on privacy,” he told me, fumbling with his words. “Things are different back home but I do enjoy my own privacy every now and then.” He raked his hand through his hair, looking different than all the times before. “I don't mean to make you fear me. I only want you to understand. And I guess I was a bit bored with watching you, so I hadn't noticed how late it was or that it would upset you for me to enter your room. You are female.”

  “Are you really always watching me?” I asked nervously.

  “Not physically but in a sense. I follow your movements so I know when there's danger.”

  “You also heard my conversation with Ryan, you stopped me from telling him.”

  “I listen when I need to.”

  “That's invasion of privacy,” I pointed out.

  “I have no choice. I could keep you close and you wouldn't have to wonder when I was watching and listening...”

  “No, thanks,” I replied immediately. I got the feeling he was joking, but it was also him telling the truth. He watched me. “But, really.” I looked up to him, meeting his eyes. “What are you, I get that you're not human. You're always pointing out that I am one,” I paused. “Are you... a demon?” I whispered.

&nbs
p; “I am,” he said then quickly added, “but I haven't been one in a very long time.” Now I was confused. What was he then? “I will let you sleep. I didn't mean to invade your privacy, for that, I apologize. I simply noticed you weren't sleeping...” He drifted off like he wasn't sure why he was explaining himself.

  “I don't sleep.” He cocked his head in disbelief. “I mean, I can't. Hardly ever. Since the attack and being able to see ghosts, I can't sleep more than a few minutes at a time.” I didn't know why I said it. It wasn't for him to pity me, I hated pity. I just thought... he'd understand.

  “That explains why you always look so frail.” He stepped next to the bed and placed his knee next to me. He hesitated above me causing me to feel anxious.

  “What are you doing?” I looked up.

  “Do you wish to sleep? A good night’s worth?” he asked.

  I slowly nodded. “Why, what are you going to do?” I knew he was about to do something.

  “I'm going to help you sleep, lie down and get comfortable.” He leaned over me. I did as he told me. I laid my head on the pillow, getting as comfortable as I could with him hovering over me. “Will you stop looking as if I'm going to attack you. We've moved past that already, I'm not interested.”

  “I got it!” I spoke harshly, looking away. I could see his grin from the corner of my eye. “What if the demons attack me while I'm asleep,” I whispered nervously.

  “That's what I'm here for.” Those five words and all my worries disappeared. “Close your eyes.” I listened and closed them. I felt the warmth of his palm touch my forehead then I fell asleep.

  Chapter Seven

  For the first time, I overslept. My bed felt so good. I snuggled the pillow, squishing my face in its warmth. Some noise blared in a faraway distance. Too far away for my conscious to care until Mom opened the door and yelled. I jumped, twisting in the quilt, tangling myself in it. I fell onto the floor with a loud thump.

  I hit the snooze button on my alarm as Mom stood at the door. “You never oversleep.” She was surprised. So was I.

  I was going to be late for my first class. There was no way I was getting to school on time. I rushed anyway, running around like a chicken with its head cut off. I brushed my teeth as I placed my hair in a messy bun. Not that my hairstyle was any different, I always wore it up. I put on a pink blouse and leggings, not what I usually wore, but all my usual clothes were in the hamper waiting to be washed. Mom was rushing Alex.

  “Sorry, I must have been sleeping good.” Better than good. I even felt energized. Whatever Killian did last night had me sleeping like a baby. I hurried downstairs trying to remember where I left my car keys.

  “I'm glad to see you sleeping so good, I always worry you don't get enough.” Mom chirped. I picked up the junk mail to look underneath them.

  “Have you seen my keys?” I asked.

  “Beside the microwave.” She pointed with her head toward the kitchen. “Go ahead and get to school. I'll take your brother.”

  After finding my keys, I went back to the hallway to put on my flips-flops. They weren't many days left that I'd get to wear them; the morning and nights were already chilly. “Are you sure?” I grabbed the doorknob.

  She smiled. “Yeah. You do enough as it is. Go.”

  I only missed first period and the rest of the day went by quickly. Maybe that had something to do with the way I felt. I was in a better mood than I normally was. Sleep was amazing. But the fact that none of the ghosts were at school had me wary.

  At lunch, I grabbed every food offered and joined my usual group at the table. I found myself laughing at the jokes Mike told us, when normally I didn't. I smiled and held conversations.

  “You look good today.” Ryan took notice and smiled.

  “Yeah. I slept good last night,” I replied.

  “Are you sure that's the reason?” I gave him a funny look, trying to think of what other reason I would be in such a good mood. No, sleep was my new lover. “You just seem so happy.”

  “You know I barely sleep, last night I slept all night and even overslept. I feel refreshed is all.” I grinned at him.

  “You're right, it's just surprising but a good surprise. The kind that's nice to see.” He scooted his chair closer. His obvious intentions always left me uncomfortable when I was trying so hard to keep a distance from him.

  “Melanie,” Tess interrupted and I gladly turned to look at her. Her brother was making one of his moves that left me with butterflies.

  “Yeah,” I replied quickly.

  “The party’s Saturday so there's no backing out. A lot of people have already been invited,” she warned me.

  “I'm not.” I sighed.

  “Good.” She smiled before giving Mike a kiss.

  I kept my focus on them instead of the boy next to me trying for my attention. His intentions were very clear.

  “Melanie,” Ryan spoke into my ear. I wanted to ignore him, but that would be giving myself away.

  I turned my head slowly. He was closer than I realized. “Yeah?” I mumbled.

  “The party Saturday.” He stared at my lips when he spoke.

  “Yeah?”

  “We should…,” his voice faded again.

  “Yeah?” I said again, because apparently, that was the only word I knew.

  Something made a loud thump in the cafeteria causing everyone to jump. I looked away from Ryan to find what caused the noise. A tray fell on the floor a table across from us. The girl looked down at the tray confused, as if she had no clue what happened. The chatter started back as everyone lost interest in what happened. A cafeteria lady walked out to clean up the mess and something caught my eyes as I was turning back to the table.

  “Did she do it on purpose?” Tess wondered.

  I scanned the room for what I saw and shook my head. I could have sworn I saw Killian leaving the cafeteria. I was probably wrong. “Who are you looking for?” Ryan asked.

  “No one.” I shrugged my shoulders and turned back to the table.

  _________

  I was brushing my blonde hair that night wishing everyday could be as normal as today felt. No ghosts, meant no worries. Ryan felt closer, but I wasn't sure if that was a good thing. Killian said it was dangerous. I sighed.

  But the dread was back as I laid my head down on the pillow. Tonight wouldn't be like last night. I was already afraid of where my mind might wander. If Killian were here...

  No! What was I thinking?

  I couldn't ask him to do that again. I didn't even know exactly what he done. It could be dangerous. He was dangerous. He wasn't even human, he already admitted that he was once a demon. I didn't know what that made him now.

  But it wasn't like I could get in touch with him even if I wanted to... I tossed in my bed. This wasn't working. I sighed and rose from back up. Was he going to visit again? I glanced around my room. Wait, did I want him to come?

  The night was long, I tossed and turned. Killian never came. And morning arrived and the day was the same as the day before. No ghosts, I felt normal but not as lively. Then it was another repeat of last night trying to fall asleep.

  Friday evening after school, a thought hit me. Maybe I couldn't see ghosts anymore. Building up my nerves, I decided to go to a cemetery to check. I felt jittery and almost lost my nerves a few times on the way there. I stayed clear of places that ghosts might be, but I was even more stressed that I couldn't see them so I had to know. Did the ghosts leave school or could I not see them anymore? I hadn't been anywhere besides school and home to know. I parked beside the road and walked to the cemetery, opening a small wooden gate to enter. I chose this cemetery because it was small, about ten graves. Less ghosts.

  I shivered even though it was still warm outside. I walked quietly through the wooden fence. I didn't need to go further. I could see the graves perfectly. This was close enough. The place hadn't been taken care of in a while, the fence was falling over and the grass was overgrown. It'd be dangerous to even try to walk any
further into the high grass, there could be snakes. The pine trees around the cemetery blocked any sunlight from coming through, making it dark and creepy.

  I waited but nothing popped up yet. Before I lost my nerve, I called out, “Hello?” If anybody had been around, I would have looked like an idiot. But this place was a good distance away from any homes. It was just an old graveyard beside the road.

  My skin felt damp from the heat and possibly my agitation, every second that passed I was beginning to think I couldn't see them anymore. I should leave. As I turned, I heard something. Like something was being dragged. I turned my head slowly to look back.

  A young soldier moved through the grass, limping as he did. It wasn't until he was out of the tall grass that I saw the way his leg was twisted and mangled, deforming it. He dragged it behind him as he walked. Half his face was gone from what might have been a gunshot wound and his right hand was missing. I ran away, but only came upon another ghost. It was woman crying nonstop, cradling her arms like she was holding a baby, but nothing was there. She stopped when she noticed me before her crying got worse. “Please, my baby. My baby,” she screamed at me. I backed away from her and went through the soldier.

  It was scary that I could never touch them but they could me. The soldier grabbed my arm with his only hand left and stared down at it. “Give me this arm,” he moaned, staring down at my arm like he was about to tear it off. I screamed and jerked away from him. I ran through the gate and locked myself in my car and drove away.

  There was no way I was sleeping tonight. I could still feel the cold touch of the soldier and shivered. I tried to talk to Alex, it worked for a good hour, but he went to sleep and I was left alone and awake. I was an idiot for thinking things had changed. Mom was at work, not that I could talk to her about anything.

  It was two in the morning; I had given up sleep around midnight and grabbed a book to read. Being tired but not being able to sleep, I guess that meant I had insomnia? As tired as I felt, the moment I rested my eyes I saw everything I feared.