by Susan Reid
It sounded like thunder when the others laughed at her comeback.
“They should have marinated the lamb longer with more rosemary,” Ray then commented.
“It tastes good to me.” the pale one with a platinum blond, crew cut replied, as he shoved a thick piece of beef into his mouth, and chased it down with a bottle of some kind of amber colored liquor, straight.
Suddenly, they all stopped their bantering once I stepped fully into the kitchen. They all turned to look at me as if I were some strange alien. Initially, I felt the urge to run screaming from the house, especially when they all smiled at me. I couldn’t tell if it was friendly or diabolical in nature. My eyes instantly went to Ray, I should have known. Both he and Cam were good friends, which meant he was one of the good guys right? They all were — I think.
The long, dark haired one in the leather jacket grinned and nodded, while gazing me up and down for a moment.
“Nice. Oh, sorry was the steak yours?” He asked with raised brows, while pointing down at the demolished plastic containers our food had been in. He was pale, and he wore torn jeans and a studded leather decorated jacket with no shirt beneath, showcasing his cut abs, developed pecks — and no belly button.
His hair was long, straight and dark like the girl, but his bangs were long and fringed cut, hanging past his eyes. He wore sunglasses, and from what I could see so far of his cut, square jawline… he was good looking. They all were, which further shattered the pre-misconceptions and images that I had of them through tales and dreams about shadows, demons and fallen angels. No one had hooves, tails or horns.
I was searching for wings, or some evidence of that on each of their backs, but I didn’t see any offhand in plain sight. Unless this was all glamour, and that had me thinking that if it was…what did Cam really look like then?
Not that it would change who he was to me and how I saw him now.
“No, uh — help yourself,” I said unsurely while looking over at the girl who simply smiled as she sipped a cup of something, and enjoying my reactions.
He wiped his hands on his ripped jeans and held it out to shake with a perfect, playboy smile.
Did he have…fangs? Like Vampire fangs?
I didn’t discount my eyes or that possibility given everything that was happening, and what I now knew about Cam.
“I’m Ry, very nice to meet you.” He said in a player like manner.
I shook his hand and smiled, “Star.” I said trying to glimpse his teeth again.
The Mohawk haired one then chuckled and pointed at me. “A little conditioner might help that,” He mused with a nod to my hair, and the platinum blonde one looked at me then, as they both chuckled.
I made another attempt to smooth my hair self-consciously again.
“Leave her alone dumbass, you guys know why.” The girl commented.
Why? I wanted to know that myself.
They all paused and gave me a once over again, and I was beginning to feel both unnerved and awkward now. Where is Cam? I thought to myself again. I should have been terrified being in a room full of several fallen of this size but strangely, I wasn’t.
“Hi Star, how are you? Do you remember me?” Ray then moved towards me with a big, toothy smile, and bowed his large, bald head to greet me like a gentleman.
“I do, hi Ray. I’m okay now, I guess,” I smiled at him as well.
“Good. Don’t worry about Cam, he’ll be back soon. Sorry we ate your food. Do you need anything?” Ray explained sheepishly.
I shook my head, “No big deal. I’m really not hungry. Is he okay?” I then asked.
“Wow, you must be in love. Good, Ol’ Cam really turned on the charm this time for a change, I admire that,” The one with the platinum blonde hair grinned, “Just call me Mac.” He saluted.
“Nice to meet you Mac,” I nodded.
What did he mean ‘turned on the charm this time?’
“He’s got a hell of a lot more self-control than I would have had that’s for sure.” Ry commented with a smirk at me.
“Damn, you mean Cam hasn’t…” Mac began to say, but the girl cut him off.
“Apparently not, now shut the hell up about it!” She snapped at him.
“Well they did do something — she’s got his scent all over her,” Mohawk winked at me, “Someone is a little spitefully jealous,” The Mohawk haired one then whispered with a nod to the girl, and then he, Mac and Ry snickered among each other.
Okay, they were speaking as if I weren’t even in the room here. I blushed knowing they obviously could tell that we had made out, and the girl looked at me with an agitated glare, but she didn’t say anything more to me. I wondered if she and Cam had something going now or before and suddenly I was jealous too, because she was gorgeous.
The fifth guy didn’t speak. He appeared to be Asian to me and he was a big one as well, He was tanned like the others with the exception of Ry and the platinum blonde one. He sat on the counter, taking up most of the space, with completely blacked out eyes — staring silently at me with curiosity as if he were trying to size me up or something. His gaze gave me serious creeps. He wore what looked like a Shaolin monk or martial arts clothing to me, all black flowing with gold edging and embroidery.
Given the ones I could see, they all had the same types of tattoos on their arms and hands as Cam did. I could see that Ray and the girl didn’t though, and I wondered why.
“What do the tattoos mean?” I suddenly spoke up and asked.
It got quiet and all their eyes were on me now.
“Um…”Ray began, cutting his eyes to the girl.
“I don’t know what all Cam has told you, but we’re limited on what we can say. You wouldn’t understand even if we could tell you so stop asking questions, okay?” She said to me in an exasperated manner.
In that instant, the ones on her forearms materialized into view and so did the ones on Ray’s arms.
My eyes widened in admiration and awe, my mouth slightly agape seeing it happen.
They were all of different unique patterns, and were either dark or dark red in color.
I felt like the odd man out. I wished Cam were here. Tiring of her agitated attitude about my simple curiosity, I glanced at the counter behind her and spied my purse, still lying where I put it originally when we first arrived here. Thinking of China and Joel just then, I wanted to call to check and see if they were still at the concert, given everything I was seeing and learning of now.
I walked over to retrieve my cell phone… feeling all of their eyes on me as I did. They even stared and watched me while I dug into my purse for it. I didn’t see any missed calls, which had me puzzled. China was supposed to call me when she left or got home.
I continued to walk past them all back into the living room, boots clicking on the hollow wood flooring, as they all continued to watch me again.
“Where are you going?” The girl asked.
“Making a phone call, is that alright with you?” I said sharply with as much rudeness as I could return of hers towards me, and a barely half glance back at her.
“Ohh, snap,” Ry and the others teased and laughed to egg on, and further instigate between us.
“That’s right, make an enemy out of her now.” Mac said to her.
“What difference will that make anyway?” Mohawk laughed.
“Well if it makes no difference, it shouldn’t matter what we say or what we tell her then now should it?” Ry then commented.
“You want to run the risk of getting smote, be my guest,” She said before storming out of the kitchen, past me, and heading out of the front door.
They all sounded like typical young, human frat guys to me, which I found funny. If she wanted to give me attitude, I was going to give one right back.
I sat in the armchair in front of the warmth of the crackling fire with semi relief that the static cling had finally fallen out of my dress, and my hair stopped popping.
I tapped Joel’s number first.
It went straight to voicemail, which I found frustrating, unless he was avoiding my calls altogether. Was he still mad or upset with me? I called him back and left a message anyway, to at least let him know that I wasn’t angry at him, and to call me back soon.
I then called China and it rang several times, her voicemail also picking up. I sighed in annoyance. I didn’t have a good feeling about not being able to get a hold of either one of them. I called Steve –again it went straight to voice mail. What was the deal? Maybe they were all having such a good time or they couldn’t hear their phones ringing, which was a possibility too.
I didn’t know what to do at this point except wait for Cam to come back and have him take me back home. At least there I’d know if China made it okay.
“Don’t mind her.” I heard a deep voice soothe, and it gave me a start.
Ray sat his huge bulk on the couch slowly with a smile.
I smiled, “Does her have a name?” I asked him.
“Yes but it’s up to us individually to give it.” He then said.
I nodded, “So does she not like me because I’m human or because I’m with Cam?”
He laughed a deep rumbling sound, “No, she likes you. She and Cam are good friends and she wouldn’t be here to help if she didn’t.”
I raised a brow, “Oh, so she’s just naturally bitchy?” I said.
He laughed, “She’s actually a very kind and gentle being. We are all bound to laws that keep us from revealing certain things to mortals that’s all, it’s nothing personal.” Ray defended her and then explained.
“But once a mortal figures it out and knows, does it still apply? I mean, I’m sitting here with all of you and I know what you are now.” I then asked.
He thought for a moment with furrowed brows, “Well, in your case I think it may be different but I’m not sure. I’d rather Cam explain, he holds more favor and authority.” Ray then said.
“Authority?” I quizzed.
Ray smacked the top of his large, bald dark brown head and shook it as if he regretted saying that.
“I’ve probably said too much,” He then said regretfully.
I smiled, “Fair enough, I don’t want to get you into trouble. It’s gotten quiet in there, is everyone gone?” I then asked.
He smiled in relief that I had let him off the hook with my constant questions.
“Just two. Cam wanted me to stay with you until he returned.” He replied.
I wanted to ask why he felt the need to leave someone to watch over me, but I didn’t want to keep asking questions he couldn’t answer. Ray seemed really gentle natured. “Did he say where he went?” I asked leaning forward in the chair now.
“Don’t worry, he’ll be fine.” Ray then said.
“Well, I wanted to get back home soon. I’m worried about my friends. They went to that concert and I didn’t have a good feeling about it then and now, I can’t get a hold to either of them. No offense but I saw a lot of shadows slinking around earlier and wherever they are, I know that bad things happen.” I told him.
He nodded, “You’re right, I understand.”
I sighed.
“Okay, one more question and I promise, I won’t ask anymore — only because I already saw him too.” I then asked.
Ray sighed but smiled anyway, “I’ll answer if I can.” He said.
“Who was the fallen one that showed up at the door? The one Cam confronted?” I then asked.
He sucked in a breath between his teeth in consternation.
My cell phone rang in my hand before he could answer, and I would have just let it go to voicemail so Ray could answer me if I hadn’t seen it was China on the display.
“It’s my friend,” I said to Ray as I got up and walked towards the other side of the living area.
“China?” I spoke first.
“Hey, are you still on your date?” She said first.
She sounded strange to me for some reason, but I figured she might be drunk. Hearing her voice was a relief though I hoped this wasn’t her one phone call from jail.
“Sort of, what’s up? Are you okay? Have you heard from Joel?” I asked.
“No, I haven’t. I’m fine…I’m home, just not feeling so good, so I’m gonna turn in. I’ll see you when you get here.” She said.
“Not feeling good? What’s wrong?” I asked.
“Nothing, probably something I ate, you know…good old runs.” She chuckled.
“Oh, so how did the interview go?” I then asked.
“Fine, it went well.” She said.
I was surprised, she didn’t sound too enthused, maybe she really was feeling sick.
“Okay well I wanna hear all about it. You want me to get some ginger ale or pepto on the way home for you?” I asked.
“No, don’t worry about it. Are you coming home soon though?” She then asked.
“Well, I hadn’t planned on it, but I can if you need me to. Are you sure you’re alright?” I asked.
“I just need to talk.” She said softly.
What was wrong with her? I suddenly remembered about what happened to Professor Phillips and how he must have been depressed to have tried to commit suicide after his possession. I panicked internally.
“Yeah, I’m coming home now. You sure you don’t need anything?” I asked again.
“I’m sure. I’ll see you when you get here. I love you.” China said.
“I love you too.”
She hung up first.
I had a bizarre feeling about that call, but I couldn’t figure out why. It just didn’t sound like China. And if she was sick or feeling bad, it wasn’t like Steve to leave her alone either.
I tried to call Joel again real quick, and again it had gone straight to voicemail. I guess I should just head over to his place after the Y tomorrow.
“Hey Ray, do you think Cam would mind if you took me home instead? My roommate just called and she sounded really sick, I’m worried about her.” I asked him.
“Uh…sure, I don’t mind, hang on a second,” He then said.
I wondered what he was doing, because he went silent for a moment.
“Okay, let’s go.” He smiled as he stood up.
~~~***~~~
In a way, I was kind of upset that Cam hadn’t returned yet, and had given Ray the green light to take me home, but then I got to thinking that there were many things I discovered tonight that were not of this earthly realm. I don’t know what happened or what was going on, but I was worried about him too, I mean it wasn’t like I could call him on the cell phone right now, I think.
I got to hear all about Ray’s knowledge, appreciation and fascination with food and cuisine, which I didn’t mind at all. He loved to cook and there was nothing wrong with that, it made him seem…human in many ways, which I found admirable. He wanted to know about the University and what Jamaica was like, although I don’t know why he couldn’t just go there himself anytime, they all could. I supposed it was just for small talk. I made it a point not to ask any more questions he couldn’t answer or about Cam, even though the curiosity and my want to know everything drove me nuts.
I noticed we were being followed by a motorcycle the entire way in Ray’s suburban and it looked like Ry from what I could see behind us. Ray confirmed it when I asked. Apparently, Cam wanted them both with me. I must be in real danger or something, and I believe it had something to do with whoever that fallen was who had rang the doorbell at the farmhouse.
“Is there some reason why Ry looks like a vampire?” I then quipped with a smirk.
Ray laughed heartily at that one, “Where do you think you humans got the idea of vampires from?”
I couldn’t help but smile at that one.
It was colder outside than it was earlier, and it was late by the time I got back to the apartment. I had never felt so glad to be home right now, but I really wished it had been Cam to bring me. I almost began to feel as if I’d never see him again for some reason.
“Thanks
Ray, good night,” I waved after getting out of the suburban.
“Good night, we’ll be around.” He smiled and waved.
Ry was parked adjacent in the parking row behind us, and I waved at him too.
He saluted back.
There were several groups of students, all along the sidewalk near the entrance way to the front of my apartment building. It was buzzing with chatter, people on their cell phones, some of the girls were crying, and I immediately began to think the worst.
The shadows struck again.
“Hey, what happened?” I asked the girl who looked at me with puffy eyes.
She sniffed, “I don’t know yet, but we’re all trying to find out. There was some accident with the fire show that got out of control at the concert and the fire spread freaking fast. A lot of people got trampled so there’s a lot of injuries and fatalities from what we’ve heard. They’re not letting anyone near the area right now,” She sobbed with a hand over her mouth.
My mouth fell and my gut wrenched. I guessed everyone out here had friends or relatives that had been there. China could have been there, but she was home, where had Joel been?
“Oh my God,” I whispered. I had known something like that was going to happen.
I felt sick. All those people, the kids I saw there too.
I immediately ran towards the lobby of my building, fumbling with my ID badge; I scanned it and ran up the stairs as fast as I could in heels; almost tripping through the heavy wooden door while pulling it open. I ran down the corridor with keys in hand, and cursing at how shaky my hands had become when I tried to insert the key into the lock.
I finally got the door open. The apartment was dark except for the overhead light above the stove; the way China always left it for me. I ran to the television and turned it on, taking care not to have the volume up in case China was sleeping already. I scanned a few local news stations until I came to the one showing live coverage of the horrific scene.
The fire blaze was huge in the distance, and the screams of ambulances and fire trucks could be heard behind the reporter who was going over the current events. It looked like some burning inferno in hell, and I paled — feeling somewhat responsible, because I had seen the shadows and I knew that something catastrophic was going to happen, but I hadn’t said anything.
