Paranormal After Dark

by Rebecca Hamilton

  “Mostly dirt bikes, but I just got this.”

  “Nice. So you guys going to the beach?” Ethan asked.

  Claire’s eyes met Logan’s.

  “Yes,” Logan said. “We are.”

  Ethan returned to the sidewalk. “Have fun then. Oh, and Claire? I only got the passport for a second photo ID. I’m not going anywhere.”

  The way he said it brought heat to Claire’s face. “Thanks for the phone.”

  He smiled and disappeared into the store.

  “What was that all about?” Logan asked. He ripped open a candy bar and took a bite.

  “I think he asked me out. Weird, huh?”

  “Really?” Logan offered her a licorice rope. “But you guys don’t even speak to each other.”

  “Exactly.” She accepted the licorice and walked toward the beach. “I don’t think this month can get any crazier.”

  But just then Logan took hold of her hand.

  * * *

  THE NEXT MORNING, Claire woke with a screaming headache. She’d laid awake until almost three in the morning, thinking about Logan’s odd behavior at the beach. After he tried to hold her hand, he continued to hit on her until she finally said she had to go. They’d been friends forever, but not once had he ever tried to put the moves on her. Maybe a combination of the sunset, pristine beach, and calm ocean waters had gotten to him, and he’d had a soap opera moment.

  Whatever the reason, she hoped it didn’t happen again. It’s not that she didn’t find Logan attractive, she did, but she couldn’t be with a guy when she knew the details of all of his previous love conquests. It was gross.

  Claire quickly, yet quietly, dressed for band practice in jeans and a red tank top. Her mother had fallen asleep on the couch and waking her would be like waking a bear out of early hibernation. She sent Kate a text to remind her to pick her up and then snuck into the kitchen for a bowl of cereal. Just to be sure the bear slept peacefully, she ate outside on the back porch.

  Early morning sunlight wove its way through the tops of the trees and onto their faded redwood deck. She and her father had painted it over five years ago and although it was in desperate need of another coat of paint, she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Too many bad memories.

  She took another bite of cereal and rubbed her foot against a curled-up sliver of wood. While watching the movement of her foot, she became vaguely aware of something out of place, but it took a moment for her brain to process the abnormality. Finally, she stood up and looked around.

  All over the deck were muddy footprints from what looked like big tennis shoes – not her size or her mothers. She followed the prints off the deck and into the back yard, which was basically a forest. After trailing them for about twenty yards, she stopped and turned around. They probably belonged to one of her mother’s many male interests.

  Claire followed them back to the house, but froze when she realized the footprints took a detour and ended at her bedroom window. Her heart began to pound and she frantically looked around as if searching for an attacker. Not because of the crushed foliage beneath her window, but because of the mud smeared across the glass by what looked like five fingers.

  Chapter 6

  CLAIRE GLANCED AROUND and then darted back inside, anxious to get out of the open. She considered showing her mom what she had found, but decided against it when she saw her mother sleeping, her hands tucked up under her chin. Her mom had had it rough. Claire didn’t blame her for anything, just pitied her.

  She reached out and smoothed back her mom’s graying hair. It didn’t used to have gray in it. It used to be shiny and dark like maple syrup. She could’ve been in a hair commercial, but then guilt and stress had killed it. Claire touched her own hair and moved away.

  Instead of waiting outside for Kate, she watched from the kitchen window until Kate’s car pulled up. She hurried outside, keeping her head on a swivel, until she opened the car’s passenger door and climbed in. As always, Kate looked awesome, like she’d stepped out of a Neiman Marcus catalog. If it wasn’t for Kate’s keen fashion sense, Claire would be satisfied wearing pajamas, but Kate always made sure she was presentable.

  “Our band has to uphold its image. We can’t have you screwing it up,” Kate always told her. Although Claire knew she was joking, her words held truth.

  On the way to breakfast, something they always did before Saturday morning practice, she told Kate about the footprints.

  “Maybe it’s a friend of your mothers,” she said.

  “That’s what I thought, too, but why would the pervert be looking in my window?” As soon as the words left her mouth, Gary’s scary image came to her mind. He wouldn’t, would he? She shook her head, knowing that he would.

  “Did you check beneath your mother’s window?” Kate was inspecting her cherry-red nails while also trying to watch the road.

  She frowned. “No.”

  “Well there you go. He probably saw you, and then moved on to find your mother—which he regretted and then returned to watch the true beauty in the home.”

  She smacked Kate’s arm. “Stop! The last thing I want to think about is a peeping Tom. As if I’m not freaked out enough by that girl in the locker room.”

  And Gary and the conversation she’d overheard.

  “Right. Sorry. It was probably nothing. The gas man, maybe, looking to see if anyone’s home.”

  “Yeah, the gas man,” Claire mumbled.

  Kate parked in front of The Waffle House. There were only a few other cars in the lot, Steph’s being one of them. She was early to everything, and was probably already done eating.

  “So I think I found a bass player to replace Logan,” Kate said.

  “Good.”

  Kate opened her door. “Why? I thought you liked having him play with us.”

  Claire followed her out. “I did, but he’s been acting weird lately.”

  “Weird, how?”

  “I think he likes me,” she said and grimaced, like the words tasted bad.

  Kate burst out laughing and started for the diner.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “He’s like your brother.”

  “I know, right?”

  Kate tossed her hair over her shoulder. “So are you into the whole incest thing?”

  “That’s sick. And no, I’m not into him. I don’t think, anyway.”

  Kate lowered her head and whispered, “Logan. Ten o’clock.”

  She turned around. Logan was walking across the street toward them grinning.

  “How are my two most favorite ladies this early in the morning?” he asked.

  Kate’s eyes met hers and she laughed again. “I’ll leave you two alone. See you inside.”

  “What’s that all about?” Logan asked.

  Claire shrugged and stared after Kate, wishing she hadn’t left her alone.

  “You ready for tonight?” he asked.

  “Yeah, sure. I hope we raise enough money though.”

  “We will. I know a lot of people who are coming.” He moved to go inside.

  “Logan,” Claire said, stopping him. “I guess we won’t be needing you after tonight. In the band.”

  His eyebrows rose. “How come?”

  “Kate found someone else.”

  He paused and looked down. “Hey, if this is about last night, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to freak you out.”

  “It’s not about that, but, yeah, it was weird.”

  He shrugged. “I’ll back off then, but I want you to know that I like you, and have for a long time. But your friendship means more to me. Maybe in the future?”

  Claire smiled. “Sure. If you still like me when I’m thirty, then I’m all yours.”

  “I’ll hold you to that.” He returned the smile. “Now let’s hurry before Kate eats out the restaurant.”

  * * *

  THEY HAD BEEN in Steph’s garage for almost three hours, but only practicing for two of them, thanks to a broken guitar string. Claire didn’t co
mplain though. Something far more important had earned her angry cursings—the weather. It started out as a slow drip, but by the afternoon it was a full on downpour. She kept hoping it would lighten up by the time the concert started, but no such luck and she was pissed. Of all nights for it to rain, why did it have to be tonight?

  She glanced around the corner of the stage. A crowd had gathered, but not as big as it should’ve been.

  “At least we didn’t have to cancel,” Steph said.

  Claire turned around. Steph, who looked unconcerned about their predicament, drummed in the air. She wore black leggings beneath a red and black striped dress. Steph’s outfit almost matched hers, except Claire’s dress was black and white. As usual, Kate had done a great job coordinating their look for tonight.

  “Could be worse. We could’ve played at Ocean Side,” Steph said. Ocean Side was a local park with an open stage. They often played there, but they’d secured the fairgrounds at an amazing deal when some country band had to cancel.

  “I guess. Where are Kate and Logan?”

  Steph nodded behind her. “Talking to Seclusion. Kate has a thing for their lead singer.” She stopped air-drumming and looked at Claire. “Ethan’s here.”

  “How do you know?”

  “I ran into him at the park where he was mowing the grass. I guess he works for the city now? Anyway, he asked me what time we were playing. He even asked if I thought you’d need a ride.”

  “Really?” Claire looked around the corner again and scanned the audience.

  “Are you into him?” she asked.

  Claire shrugged, not wanting to show anything.

  “Kate would be mad if you were.”

  “Why would she care?”

  “Because you make such a big deal about her seeing Corey.” Steph spun her drumstick around her fingers.

  “Just because Corey and Ethan are friends doesn’t mean they have the same personality.”

  “Try telling Kate that.”

  “I don’t need to tell her anything because nothing’s going to happen.” She may have liked Ethan years ago, but that was before. She looked around the corner again and sighed. Then why did it feel like a legion of cocoons had just cracked open, releasing hundreds of butterflies into her stomach?

  Just then the band on stage finished their set.

  “Kate! Logan!” Claire called. “We’re on!”

  They hurried over.

  Logan pulled the strap of a guitar over his head. “You ready?”

  “Let’s do this,” she said, instant adrenaline coursing through her blood. They ran onto the stage greeted by a silent crowd, but when Steph belted her famous growl/scream into a microphone, cheers exploded.

  Claire took advantage of the frenzied moment and pumped her fist in the air at the exact second Steph began to beat a bass drum. A moment later, Claire gripped the microphone and began to sing, her voice filling the fairgrounds. The audience faded away, leaving just her and the music. Every note expressed her anger, fears and sadness—all the emotions she normally kept bottled up. Singing was therapy and had no doubt saved her thousands.

  Before she knew it, their set had ended and the cheering audience came into view. The rain had let up to a slight drizzle and its scent, mingled with the fevered aroma of excited teenagers, tainted the air. She scanned their faces until she found the one she secretly hoped to see. Ethan stood next to Corey off to the left of the stage. When their eyes met, he nodded and she smiled back.

  “Did you hear us out there?” Kate said once they were backstage, dragging their equipment with them. “We were awesome!”

  Steph secured her drums in the corner, her head still bobbing up and down to an invisible beat. “Best feeling ever.”

  Logan playfully shoved Claire. “You sounded amazing.”

  “Rockin,” Kate and Steph said at the same time.

  “Thanks guys. You all did great, too.” She casually stepped away from them and peeked around the corner. “I’m going to watch the rest of the bands from out there. I’ll catch you later.”

  She hurried away before one of them offered to come with her. She didn’t want them to see who she was going to meet, specifically Logan.

  Maneuvering her way through the crowd, Claire made her way to where she’d seen Ethan, but when she got there he was gone. She suddenly felt silly for even looking for him in the first place; it was so unlike her.

  “Hey, Claire! You killed it up there!” a kid she recognized from her senior class called over people’s heads. They all turned and looked in her direction.

  Claire mouthed the word “Thanks”, then quickly turned away, embarrassed by the sudden attention.

  As soon as the next band began to play, she pushed her way to the front until she was deeply imbedded into a mosh pit. A bass drum pulsed and she jumped in time to its beat, tossing her damp hair back and forth. Once again, the world disappeared and she thought of nothing else.

  When the band stopped playing, she kept her eyes closed, wanting the moment to last, but eventually the music faded, as did the crowd around her. She turned around and gasped when she ran into someone.

  Strong arms came up to steady her.

  “Sorry,” Ethan said. He was smiling down at her.

  She stepped away from his touch despite the pleasurable chill racing up her spine. “How long have you been there?”

  “The last few songs.”

  “Why didn’t you say anything?”

  With his thumb, he wiped wet hair off her cheek. “I didn’t want to interrupt you. You looked like you were in an amazing place.”

  She glanced away, heat rising to her face.

  “You did great up there,” he said. “I’ve always liked hearing you sing.”

  This surprised her. “You’ve heard me before?”

  “Yeah. Lots.” He must’ve noticed how uncomfortable she looked because he quickly changed the subject. “Do you think you raised the money you wanted?”

  Her shoulders slumped. “There’s no way. We were expecting a much bigger turn out tonight, but the rain screwed that up.”

  “Claire!” Logan’s voice called not far away.

  She turned around. “Yeah?”

  “You need a ride home?” he yelled over the heads of several people crowding the exit.

  “No. I’m going with Kate,” she called back.

  “Okay. See you!” He waved goodbye.

  She turned back to Ethan.

  “So what’s with you and Logan?” he asked “Are you guys together?”

  “Logan? Not at all. We’re just friends.”

  “Good.”

  “Why is that good?”

  He gave a crooked, almost bashful, smile. “I want to take you to dinner tomorrow.”

  Her heart leapt, but her brain quickly stomped it still. “Our band’s practicing.”

  “Until what time?”

  “Too late to do anything.”

  He smiled again. “What time?”

  “Seven-thirty.”

  “Perfect. I’ll pick you up then.”

  Before she could say no, he turned around and walked away. She could’ve gone after him, made him accept no for an answer, but she didn’t. So she went on a date? Big deal. She’d been on plenty before.

  She sighed and walked toward the stage. But she’d never crushed on her dates like she did Ethan and that was a big deal.

  Claire went backstage to help the band pack up their gear. It took forever because Logan had to leave early, something to do with working early the next morning, and Steph had to leave early too because of her curfew. It wouldn’t have been so bad without them, but Kate kept getting distracted by the other bands. And Claire couldn’t stop thinking about Ethan.

  “Singing time’s over, so why do you still look like you’re in heaven?” Kate said as they approached her car.

  Claire placed the last of their band equipment into Kate’s trunk. “Two weeks ago I would’ve said I hated the unexpected, but not anymore. So
metimes surprises can be good.”

  “What kind of surprises?”

  She considered telling Kate about Ethan, but just then her peripheral vision caught movement at the edge of the empty parking lot, and she glanced over.

  “Do you know him?” She nodded toward a hooded man who looked like the same dude who had been at the grocery store the night before, wearing the same Bandon High sweatshirt.

  Kate turned around to look at him. “Can’t tell. What’s he staring at?”

  Claire didn’t answer. A cool breeze picked up just then, making her wet hair feel like icicles against her bare neck.

  Kate raised her arms and waved them back and forth at the lone figure. When the person didn’t move, she said, “Come on. Let’s go.”

  Claire slid into the passenger seat and closed the door, her heart pounding. The man’s appearance, the way he stood, watching her, made her think of Gary and the footprints earlier that morning. Could the events be connected?

  She swallowed hard and looked up. The man was gone, almost as if he’d been a ghost.

  Chapter 7

  ALBERT WATCHED FROM the shadows, waiting until everyone had left. Claire had sung beautifully, just as he knew she would. He loved hearing her sing. The emotions she poured into every song touched a place buried deep within his heart and it made him feel whole.

  He ducked behind a tree as she drove away with Kate, wishing he were driving her home instead. Soon. But he had to be careful. He recognized the wall she kept built up around her—years of pain and disappointment. A barrier like that takes time and patience to wear down.

  Thunder clapped overhead, followed by another downpour of rain. He stepped out from the trees and jogged down the sidewalk to his car. He’d taken a huge risk coming here. His parents were still locking his door at night, but he was pretty sure they never checked on him once the key had been turned. Locking someone away doesn’t mean they’re really gone. One day they might learn that.

  He opened the door, slid behind the steering wheel and pulled back his hood. His eyes reflected back when he tilted the rearview mirror down.