by Cait Vaughn
Chapter 15
I slammed my fork down and went to the back yard. I sat on the bottom step of the porch and pulled my knees up to my chest and just let the tears flow again. Ri came out and sat next to me. “Don’t touch me,” I told him, “I should feel this pain.” I didn’t look at him. “I would never do something you didn’t want me to. I will just sit here with you if you want, but, Trinity you have to know, none of this is your fault. You’ve never done anything wrong. Soon you’ll have your powers and will receive training and be able to protect everyone you care about. It’s all going to work out, you’ll see.”
I looked at him. He was always making me feel better even without voodoo. I remembered times in my dreams where he would know what to say to calm me down, which was usually after he had done something to upset me. It was all so surreal. Day before yesterday I was sitting in class and thinking how agonizing the last day of school was, and now I knew true agony. Because of me my mom was dead my dad was without his soul mate and Courtney almost died and was in huge trouble with her parents. I had to leave my whole life behind for a strange new world where I was a target.
I felt like I was going to drown in despair. It was all my fault. It really upset me that I somehow used powers I didn’t know I had to pull Ri into all of it and I had been messing with his life for months. I was pulled from my dark thoughts by a very growl like sound coming from Ri. When I looked at him his eyes had a faint glow to them, which made them look yellow. His ever present intense look was there but it looked angrier.
“Trinity, don’t do this to yourself. In the supe community we’re very spiritual, how could we not be with all the powers and miraculous things we see everyday? We believe in fate and that nothing happens by coincidence and that all things work out for good for a better purpose. We don’t know why this is happening but we have to trust it will be for a good reason. I’m happy to be here protecting you, making sure you are ok. That is my main focus right now and I’m not the least bit upset about that.”
I looked at him searchingly remembering all the times it felt like he said something to me in response to what I was thinking, in my dreams. “Can you read my mind? Is that a thing? Can others read my mind? What kinds of things am I dealing with here?” I was getting upset thinking about how now with everything else I had to be wary of everyone's powers, especially since I didn’t have any right now. Even in the world of freaks I was just average boring me. He looked away from me but it seemed like he blushed a little.
“You have a very expressive face and I can imagine how I would feel if I went through all that you’re going through. I think you’re doing an amazing job dealing with all this by the way.” He half smirked in a very cocky way that I imagined on him many times in my dreams. I noticed a dimple near his mouth and then I noticed his lips and whew, did it get warmer? Thank you teenage hormones for allowing everything to fade away as I stared at his perfect lips. They looked like what you would see on a greek statue. My mouth went dry and my heart sped up I think I was actually starting to lean nearer to him, which was humiliating. Then I noticed his adam's apple move when he swallowed real hard. Then the screen door opened loudly and my dad stuck his head out.
“Hey kiddo, what are you doing? Your phone won’t shut up.” I rolled my eyes because it was me and I had to, but secretly I was thankful for the interruption before I embarrassed myself further and attacked Ri. “It’s probably Matt I bet he’s worried sick, did anyone talk to him?” The kitchen was clean, really clean and spotless and Serenity and Jason were nowhere around. “Come to think of it,” I continued, “What does everyone think happened?”
Ri looked guilty and rubbed his neck. “Serenity and I told the police that we were behind you we had all left a party and you were driving erratically and had an accident. It’s best not to get police involved with things they are not equipped to handle, like supes. There was no reason for them to suspect otherwise everything was so mangled after the crash your bumper was not suspicious looking.”
I got a kind of shiver as I realized Ri probably lied to humans a lot in his profession, or, whatever it was he did exactly. I didn’t want to know anymore today. I was definitely overloaded and ready to have some normalcy for a moment. My dad said, “I don’t know if anyone has talked to Matt, I haven’t talked to him. Listen Serenity and Jason are warding our house which will take a while. Don’t open any windows or doors until they say so and I have to go to the store later so let me know if you need anything for the trip.”
I was sure my mouth was hanging open. “What is warding? How do they do that?” My dad looked really guilty in that moment. “Sorry, honey it’s where they use special crystals and incantations around the house to kind of make us invisible to supernatural creatures. It has to be repeated every 48 hours which can look weird to neighbors so we don’t usually use it in public, but drastic measures and all. It’s getting to be late afternoon now so get moving there’s lots to do.”
He took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes in that stressed out way and then he was wandering off. I looked at Ri. “I have to call my friends, did you want to use my ipad?” I asked as we wandered into the living room. “That’s ok I’m going to help Serenity and do a check on the perimeter.” He started to turn away and then he turned back with a worried look on his face. “Listen your safety is very important to me. I have a strong urge to not let you out of my sight, I know that’s ridiculous so I’m working on it but if anything happens please scream very loud no matter what ok?” He truly looked like he was in pain and I sarcastically thought how I got the most protective protector ever. This made me wonder if that’s why I had been pulling him into my dreams and that made me wonder if a part of me knew I was in a lot of danger to seek out a protector and in one second I was freaking out all over again and really needed to get to my sanctuary.
“I have no hero complex, I will scream at the first sign of crazy.” I assured him as I started down the hall. I had an urge to see if he was watching me go because I noticed goosebumps on my arm but I didn’t want to look sillier than I already felt. I picked my phone up from the table on the way and sighed blissfully as I entered my room feeling like a huge weight dropped off as I finally had a quiet moment to process.
Chapter 16
I just sat on the bed and soaked in my princess room. Little memories of growing up here poured over me, the feeling of love and family. I didn’t want to leave my childhood home and I didn’t want to leave my friends. Then my eye caught sight of the special jewelry box my mom had given me years after her death and that’s when I realized that this was a part of me and her and soon I would be with her family and in a small way I would get parts of my mom back, it made me feel better.
With a bittersweet sigh I clicked on my phone and whistled in amazement. 42 missed calls from Matt. I was going to check my texts but he started calling me again. I smiled as I answered the phone.
“Hey, Matt did you miss me?”
“Trinity? I have been worried sick everyone knew you guys were in a crash because of the car. What happened? No one will answer at Courtney's house, I am freaking out!”
This was kind of refreshing Matt was usually so calm. I winced knowing I basically had to lie about everything.
“Yeah it was crazy Courtney was really upset so upset you can’t imagine, but she had been drinking so I raced to catch her at the car so I could get the keys but in all the drama I guess I went to fast and lost control. I haven’t talked to Courtney either. They knew she was drinking and her parents are locking her down for good but I know she was barely injured and left the hospital last night. I had – I mean I have three broken ribs and my concussion needed to be monitored over night but I’m ok now.”
“I’m so glad you’re ok I feel so bad, I saw how upset she was, I thought it was my fault I didn’t know what happened I’ve been dying. Why was she so upset?”
I sighed and laid down on the bed. “Why do you think? For a genius you can be kind of dense, someti
mes. She was hoping to start a romance with you last night and you get caught making out with skanky Addams. Which is so unlike you by the way, what happened there?”
He groaned in frustration and I could imagine him pulling his hair like he did when he was stressed.
“Trin, it was so weird I think she roofied me or something one minute I’m shooting zombies the next you guys walked in on me with her. It’s like I knew she was there hanging out and I thought she was attractive but how that got to making out I really don’t remember besides I would never do that when I’m so into Cour – abstinence, I’m into abstinence.”
He cleared his throat and I smothered a laugh knowing what he was really going to say.
“Trinity can I come over? I need to see you and know you’re ok. I won’t stay long I know you need to rest.”
I bolted upright panicking a little. There was no way I could fake broken ribs or explain why my long lost family was here. There was way too much crazy under my roof and he could not come over. I realized then why I had to go away. Really I needed to get as far away from the people I cared about to protect them. This time I didn’t feel bad about lying I just wanted him to be safe.
“Matt, that’s sweet but I need to take a nap. I know it’s crazy but my dad is taking me away to see my uncle tomorrow. He’s worried because the tox screen showed Courtney was drinking and he wants to make sure I haven’t become an out of control teenager or something. We have major bonding to do and I don’t know when we’ll be back but I’ll text you and send you lots of pictures and stuff.”
He sounded stern when he said, “Are you sure you should be traveling with broken ribs?”
“Oh, you know, pain medicine, I won’t even notice. Speaking of pain medicine I really need to lay down now. I’ll text you tomorrow ok?”
He was definitely concerned but gave into my pleas. “Ok Trin, I’m really glad you’re ok and you better text me, the way things are going I may crash your vacation if you’re gone to long.” I cringed knowing Matt was definitely capable of that.
We said our goodbyes and I flopped on the bed feeling mentally worn out but physically strong as an ox. Crazy healing voodoo. I needed to escape it all and decided I deserved a nice bubble bath before I started packing. Especially considering I was still wearing hospital scrubs and felt very icky. I got my ipod and sat it carefully in the dock by the tub. As my bath water ran I pulled up Beyonce needing to hear her take charge kind of music. I had unbuttoned and unzipped my jeans when there was a large crash and Ri stormed in.
Chapter 17
I turned to see a pissed off Ri and hurriedly redid my jeans before I turned to face him. I had definitely never been anywhere near undressed with a guy. I was blushing but I felt better that he was too, so he must have realized he walked in on me undressing. “What do you think you’re doing?” He yelled at me. Ah, here was the arrogant jerk from my dreams that I knew and loathed.
“What the hell Ri? I’m taking a bath, or did you not notice me getting naked in my bathroom?” My voice got louder as I spoke. He blushed harder and then looked at me, his face losing some anger and looking guilty.
“Yeah, I’m sorry about that but we are worried about someone killing you and you’re gonna,” He waved his large arm around my girly bathroom and I wanted to laugh. “take a bubble bath? Right now really?” He crossed his arms looking mad again and continued. “Your dad left and I wanted to get everyone in the living room so we can be better prepared for an attack and I go to find you and you’re going to take a bath alone and unprotected.”
This time I did laugh.
“Yes I don’t usually bathe with people. It’s something I like to do alone, and unprotected, and I have hospital ick all over me. I am taking a bath, Ri. The house has been warded or whatever. I don’t think the world will end in the next 15 minutes but if it does you know where to find me, now get out.”
It sounded like he growled again but he turned to leave. “I’m waiting in your room until you’re done.” I walked after him and we both stopped at the door because it was laying on its side on the ground. There were two big chunks of wood attached at the hinges because he had torn it off the wall!
“You broke the door?” I glared at him. “I haven’t even had to leave yet and you’re destroying my house. I guess we can add super strength to your voodoo list. So what are you going to do now, watch me bathe?” His cheeks got all red but knowing him it could have been from anger or embarrassment. He glared at me.
“I will be right outside your room but if you take more than 10 minutes I. will. Come. In. after. You.” With that he stormed out but did shut my bedroom door gently. I was so mad I groaned in irritation and turned and slammed my hands onto the sink. That was the first time I saw myself in the mirror and yuck. I was pale and had mascara smudged all over my eyes and my hair was a rats nest and just really gross. Had it really been yesterday at this time I was getting ready for Maria's party? It felt like lifetimes. However crazy Ri made me he was the hottest thing I had ever seen and he would not see me like this ever again.
I knew I needed to hurry so I took the fastest shower ever and then blow dried my hair. Once it was shiny and silky with the bounce in it I loved. I put on some more mascara and two coats of my strawberry lip gloss. After this I was feeling much better and less stressed out about everything. I picked my short shorts that made me look like I actually had a butt and my red halter that made my eyes stand out. Then I blew a kiss at myself in the mirror excited about him seeing me look fresh and cute.
I knew it had been more than ten minutes so I thought he would walk in on me but when I opened my door he was standing there facing away from me and just threw a “let’s go” over his shoulder as he headed for the living room. He didn’t even look at me which made me feel a little deflated. I couldn’t believe he was so irritated and it was really confusing liking him and disliking him so much at the same time.
When I got to the living room he wasn’t even there I could hear his voice coming from the kitchen. “… trying to kill me…makes me soo..” I came around the corner and saw him standing with Serenity who had her hand on his arm in a comforting way. That irrational jealousy sprouted again and I wondered if she could calm him the way he could calm me. They stepped apart looking guilty and turned to see me. I’m sure I had an angry expression on my face and Ri wiped his hand down his face like he was stressed out.
Chapter 18
“Hi Trinity, I was wondering if you wanted any help packing?” Serenity asked me in her usual cheery voice. I didn’t know how to tell her no. “Yeah sure, we should probably work on that now.” I said, but then I turned to Ri. “You know I didn’t ask you to take this job at least not consciously. If I’m being such a bother to you maybe some other protector could do it instead.” Even as I said this my heart clenched. I didn’t want to be away from him which was crazy but I didn’t want to feel like a burden either. His eyes got wide and he walked towards me.
He was standing right in front of me drilling me with his sea eyes when he said, “The only thing I don’t have under control is you. Just try making it a little easier for me.” We were both frowning at each-other. I smirked in a condescending way. “Oh yeah let me fall in line with your macho caveman ideals, I’ll get right on that.” With this I spun and headed back to my room. Serenity could come or not I wasn’t going to put up with him being like this with everything else.
Serenity was right behind me and when she came in she gave me a sympathetic look. “I know he can be a brute but he means well. He just wants you safe.”
“Do not defend him. Look at my bathroom door all because he was looking for me and I was going to take a bath. He is a complete jerk.” She looked really concerned. She was chewing on her lip looking from me to the destroyed door. “Don’t say that Trinity, he’s just under a lot of pressure..”
She trailed off as my dad came in. When he saw the door he panicked. “What happened was there an attack, are you ok?” He grabbed me in a
hug which I returned quickly and moved to his side. “Calm down Ri did that on accident. At least I think it was an accident. You should go talk to the guard dog before he puts us all in handcuffs.” My dad looked between me and Serenity who gave a slight shake of her head.
“Guard dog? Why do you call him that?” he asked me. “Because he’s completely imbalanced thinking he can put me on lock down just to protect me. He is on a serious power trip.” I threw myself on my bed dramatically. My dad sighed heavily and looked worn out. “I know it’s tough but your safety is important to all of us. Let’s just be calm and get through tonight. Ok, when you’re done packing we’ll order pizza and we have to get to bed early. We’ve got a busy day.” With that he headed out and Serenity jumped up clapped her hands and smiled.
“OK what first?” At least someone was always happy, I thought. Then I looked at my room. I couldn’t imagine leaving any of it. I went to shut my door so we wouldn’t be heard. “Tell me more about where we're going, how long we’ll be there, and what I need to take.” Her face lit up. “We’re going to my house. It’s outside of San Diego and it is right on the beach. You should pack like you’re going on the coolest vacation ever that you may never come back from.”
She said this completely enthusiastically and I couldn’t tell if she meant I would never want to leave, or I would never be able to leave, or she would never let me leave. I kind of loved her already, it was hard not to, but I wasn’t sure if she was working with a full tank if you catch my meaning. I went to my closet and pulled out two large suitcases. “Ok I’ll do my clothes and toiletries. I need you to very carefully pack my ps4, tablet, and then everything you can fit from that small bookcase over there.” She smiled again. “Cool, got any music?” I liked the way she thought, and grabbed my ipod from the bathroom placed it in the dock in my room and I cranked it loud.
