A Shade of Innocence (The Illuminati Book 1)

by Jane West

  Just swell! I had work bright and early tomorrow morning. How in the hell was I supposed to throw papers? I guessed by sucking it up. What other choice did I have, call in sick? Yeah, right! I huffed.

  I didn't get to make it to the diner to see Sara. In fact, I didn't get to make it over to Ms. Noel's for dinner that evening either. When I got back to the hotel, I tried using my cell phone to call Sara. No such luck. Apparently, Mommy dearest didn't pay the bill. She lied obviously. Geez! I wanted to have a temper tantrum, but my body ached too much. So, I did the next best thing, climbed under the covers and sobbed. I hated my life, and I hated this town even more.

  It was dark, around ten, when Sara came bursting through the door. The noise jarred me from a deep sleep. I jerked up to a sitting position, eyes half opened. “What's wrong?” I rubbed my eyes as a climbing panic started to emerge.

  “Nothing is wrong! Matter of fact everything is wonderful,” she cooed. I hated cooing. Sara went on with her boasting, “I rented a house just around the corner. It's perfect too and fully furnished.” Sara sashayed around the room as if she owned it.

  “Come again?” Did I hear her correctly?

  “I said I rented a house today. Tomorrow we'll be moving in!” She flashed the keys, showing proof.

  I sat there a minute mulling over her announcement. “How did you get the money? We're broke!”

  “Don't worry how I got the money. Just say thank you and get our belongings packed up. We're moving first thing in the morning.”

  I crossed my arms irritated. “Sara, I don't mean to burst your bubble, but I can't pack up and move us. Apart from my aches and scrapes from a bike accident today, I have work in the morning.”

  “Well then, start on it tonight. How much can it be? We only brought four suitcases.”

  I narrowed my eyes. “Why can't you pack your own suitcases?”

  “Well, smarty pants,” she rested her hands on her hips. “I have a date tonight, and I'm not sure if I'll be back home until morning.”

  “Fine! Shall I draw your bath too, your Highness?” I scowled.

  “I'd be careful with that sass. Don't forget that I'm no longer bound by law to support you.” Sara's ominous eyes were on me like a lioness inching closer to its prey. “Be careful what you say.”

  My breath caught in my throat. The glint in Sara's eyes told me something was off with her. I'd seen her fly off the handle more times than I cared to count, but this, this was something far darker.

  “Don't worry about it. I'll get your luggage packed. All the same, I'm not losing my job. I'll move us after I finish my route.” I held my gaze to hers, holding my treacherous tongue. I think it was official. Sara had gone to the dark side by the glare plastered to her face.

  She smiled, though nothing about it was sweet. “Have it your way! As soon as you're done with your paper route, start moving our things.”

  “No problem!” I forced a full grin. “Where shall I put your belongings, Mommy dearest?” I attempted a weak impression of an English accent.

  “805 Saint Anne Street. It's literally down the road. You'll love it. It's the last house on a dead-end street.”

  I nearly gagged on my breath. “You're kidding?” My eyes followed Sara as she applied makeup to her already over caked face. “How did you find the house?”

  “A customer told me.” All of a sudden, a car's headlights penetrated through the curtains. Sara's gaze lifted to the lights. “That's my ride.” She nearly sprinted to the door. “Gotta run! See you tomorrow at the house.”

  With nothing else said, she was out the door in a flash. Soon I heard a car door shutting, and minutes later, the bright light dropped from the window and the darkness devoured the light, and loneliness spread over me like cancer. The sting of tears threatened, but I refused to relent. The last thing I wanted to harp on was my relationship with my mom. Sara was exasperating.

  I lay in bed staring at the ceiling, chewing my lip, wishing I had a book to read. I started thinking about Sweetwater and put a halt on that sucker. I wasn't going there.

  Then my thoughts drifted to the accident. I played that moment back in my head, rewinding it like a bad rerun with every detail. I kept hitting a brick wall. How the mysterious driver managed to dodge me had me befuddled. He was right up in my grill, far too close to have veered. I practically was the deer in the headlights. I sighed, frustrated. I reckoned that mystery might remain unresolved forever, one I'd never forget.

  * * *

  After I'd finished my route, pushing past the misery of being under the scorching sun all morning long, I did exactly as Sara ordered. I managed to cram all our stuff in the Volkswagen. Luckily, the house was only a street over. I felt ridiculous, driving with a flat and my rusty bike duct-taped to the top. At least I matched. My car was as rusty as my bike.

  Apart from my good sense of color coordinating, I think we'd set the all-time record high for the worst white trash moving to the neighborhood. As if I wasn't embarrassed enough, the car decided to punish me by backfiring a couple of times as soon as I turned onto our street. Like the walk of death, I got plenty of ugly stares. I doubted we'd be getting any welcoming gifts from our new neighbors. The way my luck went, I wouldn't be surprised if I found a burning cross on the lawn.

  When I spotted the house, my breath stalled. Holy crap! Sara had rented the same house next door to Ms. Noel. The same cute empty house that Ms. Noel spoke about. Talk about a small town. I blinked, staring. I rechecked the piece of paper with the scribbled address that I'd written down. Yep! This was it. I let out a long sigh as I faintly tossed the note in the back seat. How Sara managed to pony up the dough for this house had me scratching my head.

  Then it hit me. Jesus! What if Sara was turning tricks? Maybe she lied about spending the rent money on that fake-ass psychic. Then again, she'd snared a new beau. He could've paid for it. Either way, I wasn't going to question a gift horse in the mouth. Err… however that saying went.

  I rolled up into the drive and cut the engine. I sat there gawking in awe. A smile played across my face. Most places we stayed at were dumps, but this place was like a palace. I mean, I doubted you'd catch any Royals setting foot here, but to me, this house was dope!

  Taking in the curbside view, it was a simple white house, older mid-century, I think. Up on the front porch, a wooden swing hung with bright yellow pillows. Deep purple hydrangeas in full bloom caressed each side of the steps, welcoming onlookers.

  My mind filled with eagerness as I rushed to go inside. When I reached the top step, it dawned on me that I'd forgotten to get the keys from Sara. Suddenly I felt panicky that I'd been punked. It wasn't beneath Sara to play a nasty prank. Holding my breath, I spread my fingers over the doorknob. It was cool to the touch. I tightened my grip and twisted the knob. Suddenly, the door squeaked open, and I jumped for joy!

  Quickly, I stepped inside, shutting the door behind me. I stalled for a minute as my eyes combed over the living space. A giddy feeling washed over me. I bit down on my bottom lip. I stood in shock. The main room was small, simple, yet cozy. To my surprise, the house was furnished, something I didn't see often. The couch sat under the windowsill, leaving the fireplace open to the room. Wheat shade lamps sat tall on the end tables on each side of the couch, offering a faint glow. Big stuffy chairs faced the couch on the opposite side. Light colors of blue and yellow accented the room bringing in a toasty feeling down to my toes.

  I sprinted upstairs hoping I'd get first dibs on the bedrooms. There were two rooms, one with a bathroom and a guest bathroom down the hall. The second room I immediately claimed. It was the brightest room in the house and a double bonus. It had the bathroom. I knew Sara would want the one with less light, better for sleeping late.

  Just like the living room downstairs, the bedrooms were fully loaded. Unable to resist, I made a dive onto my queen-size bed. I bounced and sank into it. An ease of breath escaped my lips. “Ah, a feathered mattress, soft with no lumps! It's perfect,” I mumbl
ed, bouncing once more on the bed. In fact, I soon discovered that the whole house had everything we possibly needed.

  I couldn't remember the last time we'd been this lucky. I breathed in a sharp sigh. I reckoned I should be thankful and count my blessings while they lasted. I knew this wasn't long term. A little sadness pricked my heart. I frowned, thinking about my friends back in Texas.

  I'd managed to sweat a jar full when I finished unloading our stuff in the house. The only thing I'd left was three bags sitting in the foyer. Sara wasn't disabled. I figured she could lug her own stuff upstairs.

  I, in the meantime, made myself at home by filling my bedroom up with my belongings. I figured if I stored my clothes away that Sara wouldn't make a big fuss. Then again, if I moved her suitcases to her room and set up her junk all nice and organized, she'd likely stay put. She hated lugging her suitcases. That's why she had me.

  The doorbell alerted me, ringing throughout the house. Our first guest! I skirted downstairs to the front door. Quickly I swung the door open forgetting to check the peephole. I was surprised to see my new neighbor. “Hi there, Ms. Noel,” I smiled.

  “Hey neighbor! I hope I'm not pestering ya,” Ms. Noel smiled back.

  “Nope, not at all. Come on in. Let me show you the place.” I stood back holding the door open.

  “Thank you! I won't be long. I was makin' grocers and picked you up a few things is all.”

  I glanced down noticing that Ms. Noel's grocery sacks were brimming with food and blankets.

  Ms. Noel brushed past me as she stepped into the living room. “This looks like brand new furniture in 'ere!”

  All I could focus on was the sacks. “Oh, my,” I gaped, wordless. Then my brain kick-started and I eagerly grabbed up the sacks and brought them inside, kicking the door shut with my foot.

  “Let's take this to the kitchen, Chile?” Ms. Noel appeared familiar with the house as she waddled to the back while I trailed behind.

  She passed through the dining room and into a bright yellow kitchen. “Oh-my-oh-my! Not one thing has changed in 'ere.” Her eyes combed over the small kitchen while smiling to herself, “This old house once belonged to my older sister.”

  “Where is she living now?” I was mildly curious.

  “Oh, my, Fannie moved on to the big house a while ago. I talk to her ever now and then when she has a minute.” Her eyes twinkled as if her thoughts wafted back to fond memories. “Don't mind me, Chile.” She grabbed one of the bags from my arms, set it on top of the counter and started to empty its content. “It's just a few things for your kitchen.”

  “Ms. Noel, this is so generous of you, but you really don't have to go to all this trouble,” I argued.

  “Oh, now hush, Catin!” She stopped unloading the sack and turned to me “When's the last time you ate?”

  “Uh…”

  “Chile, hard times make a monkey eat pepper. Now sit down at that table, and let me fix ya some gumbo.” She wasn't asking, rather the opposite. I didn't mine. I obeyed, taking a seat at the small table by the window. I noted the big flower print curtains and smiled. They were over the top, but perfect. I sat with my hands in my lap, gazing out the window. I think I was gonna like this house and especially my new neighbor.

  Ms. Noel sat a hot bowl of a soup in front of me. Curls of steam floated to my face as I drank in the delicious aroma.

  “I'm known around her' for my Creole gumbo. I make my roux with chicken fat and brown it until its dark as chocolate. Then I throw in chicken and sausage with onions, celery and pepper. That makes it good tastin'. Now eat up before it gets cold.” She handed my spoon to me. “When ya get done with that, I got sweet potato pie for ya too.” She padded off to the counter, pulling out a gallon of milk from one of the sacks and poured a large glass. She made her way back to the table and sat it beside my bowl.

  I looked up and grinned. “Thank you, but you don't have to do this.” Guilt pricked. She didn't have the money to feed me, and she certainly shouldn't be waiting on me. Even still, I really appreciated her kindness. “You're far too considerate, Ms. Noel.” This was my first meal today. Before Sara left this morning, she'd found my stash and had stolen my ten bucks. The cash didn't belong to me. It belonged to Ms. Noel. The same ten bucks she'd given me that day we first met. Out of guilt, I'd been hanging on to it.

  “Don't say nothin', Chile.” She patted me on the shoulder and took a seat at the table across from me.

  Ms. Noel blew out a tired moan as quiet rested between us while I slurped up the tasty gumbo. “You likin' your new job,” Ms. Noel politely broke the silence.

  I shrugged. “Sure! It won't conflict with school.” I took another large bite. This gumbo was out of this world.

  “How did ya and ya mom'n'em find this town out here in the middle of nowhere?”

  I laughed. “I wish I knew myself. Sara has a way of finding places off the grid.” I took a sip of my milk, starting to feel the burn as my eyes watered. My neighbor was heavy handed with the spices.

  Ms. Noel smiled, flashing her dentures. “Its sure nice havin' ya for a neighbor, my sister will like hearing that ya moved in her old house.”

  “When is your sister, Fannie, getting out of jail?”

  Ms. Noel burst into laughter, slapping her knee.

  My brows furrowed, confused.

  “Fannie is no longer with us, Chile.”

  My eyes orbed. “I don't understand!”

  “Fannie has past.”

  My eyes appled. “I thought you said you talk to her?”

  An impish grin colored her face. “I do talk to the dead often enough. My sister comes to me when she hears talk.”

  Chills rushed through me. “Your sister is a ghost?” I closed my mouth, trying not to look too shocked.

  “That's right. I have the gift. Folks in these parts call me the Foreshadower.”

  Suddenly, my curiosity turned up. I wanted to hear more. “What does that exactly entail?”

  “I see you had an accident yesterday.” Her eyes shifted to my injured elbows.

  “Oh! Yeah, I sorta ran into the curb,” stupid me paused, “I wasn't looking where I was going.” I smiled, wondering why she'd quickly deflected my question.

  “Black fancy car?” she asked as her eyes dug deep into me.

  “Uh, yeah,” I paused, “Hey, how did you know?” my neck bristled.

  “You nearly had a collision, but somehow the car dodged you.”

  “How do you know this?”

  “Catin, you'll soon find out that life never is what it seems.”

  Okay, should I politely ask her to leave or should I keep this conversation going? A tough decision, I surmised. I chose the latter. The intrigue won me over. “Do you know the driver?”

  “No, not personally. Your encounter's presence came to me through my sister.”

  “Uh, your dead sister?” my breath stalled.

  “Yes.”

  “Your sister saw the incident?”

  “Fannie has been watching over you.”

  My stomach contracted into a tight ball. “Why is your deceased sister watching me?” I suddenly drew my arms around my waist. I felt like a peephole creeper was watching me while showering.

  “Fannie brought you to my attention. She thought you were a lost spirit.” Ms. Noel smiled.

  I smiled back, even though I wasn't feeling the spying part. Nonetheless, my curiosity overrode my creep-on. “Did Fannie see the driver?”

  “Not exactly. It's different for the afterlife. They receive the living in broken pieces, like slicing film.”

  “So what did your sister see?”

  “Fannie didn't pick up much. There was one thing, she sensed he was a no-good rascal.”

  I arched a brow. “That might explain why he nearly plowed me over.” Then I decided to open up. Who knew, Ms. Noel's sister might shed some light on my mystery driver. “To be honest,” I leaned in closer, “That whole occurrence was whacked.” I licked my dry lips as my brain mulled
over that day.

  Ms. Noel listened quietly.

  “It was like I was the deer caught in the headlights. The car was right on top of me. There was no way the driver could've veered from my path. Yet it was as if he'd pulled a Houdini, disappearing and reappearing on the other side of me.” I shuddered, the vision flickering in my mind of how close I'd come to death.

  “That is some story.” Ms. Noel whistled.

  “Did your sister say anything else?”

  “No. I'll keep my ears open for you.” A glint in Ms. Noel's eyes caught mine. “Oh, I almost forgot! I do need to warn you about something that has come to my attention.”

  I gasped, “What?” Crap! Ghost and disappearing cars… what next?

  “I don't mean to pry.”

  “It's okay.” I figured why not? Live a little, right?

  “You be mindful. The fella ya mom'n'em's been keepin' company with is no good. Uh hum, God don't like ugly.” Ms. Noel shook her head.

  “I haven't had the pleasure of meeting him.” I shrugged. “I don't get involved with Mom's love life. Usually, the life expectancy of her relationships lasts no longer than a month.” I didn't say why.

  “Well, stay safe, Catin.” She patted my shoulder as she tugged herself to her feet. “Don't forget to put up the rest of the food. If ya need me, ya know where I'm at.

  I walked her to the door and thanked her again for her generosity. I didn't know why she took a shine to me. I certainly wasn't going to complain. Considering Ms. Noel's age and the generous kindness she'd shown me, I owed her the same in return. I reckoned it was time for me to get started on that garden she mentioned and lend a hand with other tasks like mowing the lawn. She was good folk and intriguing.

  Dreams and Dreamy Boys

  The first day of school reared its ugly head. It was the end of one adventure and the beginning of another, and I felt like I was diving out of a plane without a parachute.

  Starting over meant a repeat, a different school, different students and a different freaking life. Geez, I hated redundancy!