Silver Silhouette

by Rodzil LaBraun

  Debating on whether the custom was logical was of no use. A choice had to be made. And not only did she have to come to the decision as to how to spend the rest of her life, she had to announce it to a large group of friends and relatives. Tish would be locked in. Right or wrong, she had to think things through.

  Stargazing sent her mind wandering back through her high school years. She had focused on academics more than most. A party girl she was not, despite being a cheerleader. She had also never been on a date. To some it was strange, but she had such a large group of friends that she didn't really feel lacking. Finding a balance between school work and socializing was difficult at times. But her parents kept her grounded. That's how she felt about it on a good day, anyway. At other times the restrictions were almost suffocating. If it wasn't for her best friend Susan being allowed to study with her regularly she may have been more rebellious.

  The sounds of the neighborhood faded away as Tish's focus tightened. Staring at the sky left only the tops of the nearby houses to share the view. In this somewhat wealthy community the homes were reasonably distanced from each other, all with their own style. As much glass as possible, though, was the apparent trend at the time most of them were built. Interior lighting and flashing televisions created their own attraction between the gaps of the quieting outdoors. But Tish paid no attention.

  Her mother's recent words came to mind, "we want you to choose what is right for you." But Tish wondered how best to determine what was in her own best interest. It wasn't as simple as choosing the flavor of ice cream that appealed to you most at the moment. This decision would have significant consequences. On one hand, she could pursue the path of greatness. Not only did that course include the drive to be important, perhaps even a celebrity, it also carried with it the opportunity to impact many people. It could be very exciting and rewarding. Go on to college, make influential friends, and carve out a career in the limelight, possibly. Tish hoped that she had the aptitude for that route. The thought at maybe one day doing something great for the good of mankind warmed her heart. But she also knew behind every epic accomplishment were the little people that actually made things happen.

  That was the other option, become a worker behind the scenes, like her parents. The familiarity of it appealed to her more than imaginable. Perhaps it was the safe choice. In the case of failure it was only the spokesperson, those in the eye of the public that were humiliated. But she also sensed that the sacrifice made by the common man could actually be more rewarding than the publicity. Or maybe she was just convincing herself because she was afraid. Afraid of the long hard road that could lay before her. It was not fair, in her mind that the decision must be made now. And she should be allowed to change her mind later. But, no, her father said. Just no. Then he left her mother to try to explain why, which she couldn't.

  This "life choice" had weighed on her mind for much of her days since turning seventeen. Now her eighteenth birthday was approaching, and she felt no closer to a resolve. She did have a couple months left. The groundwork for both options had already been laid out. Tish made fantastic grades, volunteered at important charities, and took some advanced study programs when possible. Cheerleading made her noteworthy in school, and she worked at a nearby sportsplex which connected her to some influential people in the world of local athletics. Upon graduation she had the opportunity to apply for some entry level jobs in the political arena. Proximity to the nation's capital could only help her cause if she pursued that path.

  Contemplation of the matter was evidently intense enough that she didn't even hear Susan pull her Volkswagen convertible into the driveway. There Tish sat on the tree swing less than a hundred feet from the driveway, oblivious to the world around her until Susan stepped out the back door of her house and let it close noisily behind her. All of the sudden the neighborhood was a rhythmic lullaby of sound. Children playing, birds chirping, bicycle gears coasting. It was like a symphony playing in the background, until Susan belted out, "Hey girl!" She still had a little southern Virginia in her voice.

  Susan was wearing her cheerleading uniform despite the cool air. Tish could see the goosebumps on her legs from a distance, but her friend would deny their existence. She loved to wear short skirts and shorts. Her legs were curvaceous and tan, with unblemished skin. Her entire body oozed sex appeal. She was about Tish's height, five foot three, but weighed about ten pounds less. Susan turned heads everywhere she went, and she knew it. Her long straight black hair and big green eyes only added to her stunning appearance.

  "Hey girl to you, too," Tish replied, remaining on the swing. Susan stopped abruptly in front of the swing set with hands on hips, head tilted and bottom lip bulging. "I'm okay," Tish answered her unspoken question.

  "Are you sure?"

  Tish stood up and gave her best friend a hug. It was intended to be just a warm greeting, but Susan embraced her like she was offering comfort at a funeral. Tish felt her back crack softly and stifled a grunt. Releasing her grip Susan held her friend at arm’s length.

  "Have you been sitting out here worrying about that stupid decision again?" She was the only friend that knew about it. Her reaction had been enough to discourage Tish from telling any others.

  Tish started toward the house, "I don't really want to talk about it." Susan buzzed past her and turned around, walking backwards at her friend's slow pace.

  "Can't you just tell your parents that you don't want to choose until later? This thing is really weighing you down." Susan's concern was sincere, Tish knew. She felt like telling her it was none of her business just the same, but couldn't bring herself to hurt her true friend's feelings.

  "I said," the pitch of her voice raising, while the words came out slowly, "that I don't want to talk about it." Susan sighed and fell in beside her as they walked toward the back door. Tish needed to change the subject. "Have you been here very long? Sorry to keep you waiting."

  "About ten minutes," Susan answered. "Your dad is like some kind of interrogator. Every time I come over he asks me a bunch of questions."

  "Was he mean to you?" Tish was surprised. She had never seen her father act like that with her friends.

  "No, no. In fact, he was really nice. He just has a lot of questions, is all," Susan said. "Mostly about school and stuff." Tish shook her head, so Susan asked, "What?"

  Tish wasn't sure whether to say anything or not, but it was so frustrating. She didn't want to complain about her own father when she knew that Susan rarely gets to see hers. Finally she blurted, "He talks to you more than he talks to me! He never asks me questions. He always answers my questions in the shortest way possible, or mom jumps in and answers them for him. I just don't get it." They stop at the door before opening. "I swear, sometimes I feel like he is afraid of me." After a brief moment Susan burst out laughing, and it became contagious. They were both still giggling as they entered the house and skittered up the stairway towards Tish's room.

  Belly down on the bed the two girls opened their textbooks and began their study session. The bed was neatly made, a pink floral comforter and pillow shams sealing the deal. Trinkets on the dresser, today's school clothes draped fittingly on a desk chair. It was a model teenager's room. No dust, no lint, no clutter. It was also the brightest room in the house, with none of the dark wood that was prevalent on the first floor.

  After only a few minutes of studying Tish felt the conversation being transitioned over to boys in the most awkward ways. It seemed like all Susan had on the brain these days was boys and dating. Tish smiled and listened as Susan chattered on about how the boys were treating her in school, and how she couldn't wait until Tish was ready for dating. No pressure, she said. Just can't wait is all. Tish wished she could join her best friend in her enthusiasm, but it just added to her stress instead.

  Abruptly, Susan bounced off the bed and announced she needed to go home and get a shower. Despite a full day of school and cheer practice Susan had a tendency to always smell fresh. Her floral perfum
e got into her blood somehow and spread the scent of fresh flowers throughout her body non-stop. Tish walked her to the door and they parted with a brief hug, making plans for their ride to school the next day. Tish watch her best friend skip her way along the path between the immaculate landscaping and then get in her car before closing the door.

  Not sure what to do with herself Tish walked into the kitchen and checked the refrigerator. She wouldn't eat anything after supper, but this ritual of tempting herself had become a confidence building routine. Smiling while closing the refrigerator door she heard talking in the other room. Meandering through the labyrinth of their home's first floor rooms Tish slowed as she approached the television room in an attempt to overhear her parents' conversation. Perhaps she could catch her father revealing his motive for questioning her friends.

  The white carpeting in the formal dining room was thick and muffled her footsteps. The long dining table could seat twenty people and was often used for meetings and dinner parties. Everything had the same reddish wood stain that was used throughout the house. She could hear the news on the television now, but could not make out what was being said. Her parents watched the Washington DC newscasts every evening and discussed anything that might affect their work. It was always so boring that Tish gave up sitting with them there long ago.

  "You must be careful, dear," she heard her mother say softly. "They are rogues after all."

  Her father grunted in reply, then followed with something about deporting. Her father's voice was much lower than her mother's making it more difficult to overhear.

  "Don't let your confidence make you careless," her mother replied. "Everyone needs to be cautious when..." Tish listened carefully, but the conversation had stopped abruptly. Then her mother spoke again, this time not to her father. "Is everything okay, Tish?"

  Being discovered already Tish decided to walk into the room as if she was not eavesdropping. "Yes, everything is great. How about you?"

  "Did you need anything? I can make you some desert."

  "No thanks, mom. I'm fine. I'm going to my room for the night. Goodnight."

  Her mother replied instantly but it wasn't until she had left the room before she heard her father say goodnight. He was a puzzle to her. As president of a company he could be quite social, and carry on conversations for hours. Just not with his own daughter. It was as if he believed he could not speak her language and constantly needed his wife to interpret, so he decided to speak sparingly instead and save everyone the hassle.

  3 - Too Cold for This

  The faces of Henry and Jill Stone were stiffening in the cold, windy, Canadian air. Since leaving the airport doubt had crept into their minds about this decision. "It's so cold up here!" she finally announced. Stan didn't know if the Stones had visited Canada before, but he had a couple years ago. It was a business trip and Vicki had stayed home that time. He remembered the cold well. But at this time of year it felt much like the dead of winter in the Washington DC area. It was just the abrupt difference between the early fall there and the brutal cold here that shocked their system. He hoped that they would not have to stay long in the deep north.

  His new body was negatively affected more than he expected, and the shivers set in abruptly. They needed to duck into a coffee shop to warm up a bit. They both pulled down the hoods to reveal their new faces. This will be the last time they use one of Henry Stone's credit cards. There were only four in his wallet, counting the bank debit card. He assumed there were funds available on each. He didn't want to use any card more than once for fear that the location of the transaction would trigger an alert and blocks funds on future purchases. He did not know any account passwords or security question answers to clear up any problems, and would just as soon avoid any such incidents.

  Stan turned to look into his wife's eyes as the waitress walked away from the table. Vicki was sipping her coffee with both hands flush around the mug to get it's warmth into her body. Though the face was not what he was accustomed to he could easily see his loving wife inside if he stared into her pupils long enough. With the change in bodies there was also an annoying variance in mannerisms and facial expressions. Silent communication was more difficult now. He didn't know exactly how it worked, but it wouldn't matter soon anyway. These faces, and their attached bodies, were only temporary.

  Though Vicki's nervousness was evident to all she encountered on the plane and both airports, everyone quickly dismissed it as fear of flying. They were not able to sleep on the flight, unfortunately. And the lack of rest was becoming more evident. A quick break, he told himself, then they had to move on. Warm up, gear up, and get going. Stan used the debit card at a general store to get food, water, and a map. Vicki wanted to get warmer clothes but Stan thought it best not to leave any discarded clothing along their path. A couple hours hike should get them clear.

  As it turned out the hiking paths were populated with not only hardcore outdoors people, but whole families at times. He thought it ridiculous to be out in this temperature for recreation, and inconceivable to drag small children out. But the kids acted like it was nothing abnormal to them. They were approaching four hours of hiking when Stan's wife finally barked out, "How much farther?"

  "I don't know," he replied as he pulled out the map. The climb was getting steeper and he wasn't sure they could go much farther with these bodies. Their faces had turned to red leather and the cold wind blew right through their meager attire. Vicki sat down again and pulled out a nutrition bar. "If we keep stopping we'll never make it before freezing to death. Can you eat while we climb?"

  No verbal reply was returned but her shoulders slumped like a robot being turned off. Torturing his wife this way was breaking him down. He should have arranged to leave her somewhere safe, then return to get her later, or not. She would likely be better off without him. But if they found her they would be much closer to finding him. He had to bring her. And now he had to keep her alive.

  "A little farther from the path and we'll make the change. We can't risk it yet. No sense in going this far and taking that kind of chance." He grabbed her gently by the elbow and got her climbing again. A few minutes later they reached the hilltop and began their descent down the north face. It was a little easier than climbing, but noticeably darker with the sun blocked behind them. The lower into the valley the darker it became, and the colder, until it slowed their progress to a crawl.

  Stan was looking for a creek that was on the map. There should be a cabin where the stream flowed into a small lake. But blackness was creeping into the landscape reducing his visibility. They would practically have to step into the water before they would see it. No light to glimmer off the surface, and the wind made it impossible to hear the gurgling of liquid over rocks.

  Finally, Vicki collapsed onto a boulder and cried, heavy sobs shaking her body. She was not meant for this harsh terrain or the freezing atmosphere. Stan knew they had to change. They couldn't wait any longer. He put his hand gently on her shoulder and opened his mouth to give the order, just as they both saw it. A boot. It came out of the darkness to rest on Vicki's boulder. The attached body could not yet be seen. Vicki screamed out and fell backwards into Stan's arms. Stan clamped his hand over his wife's mouth and looked up as the second boot arrived, and the body could be made out. Nearly eight foot tall, clad all in black, with a large hood covering its head and blocking any visibility of its face. Except the eyes. The eyes were blood red and glowing.

  "Oh, thank the stars!" Stan sighed. More tall creatures stepped into view around the couple. "I was afraid we were going to have to sleep out here."

  "Stan?" the first creature asked in a rough, clicking inhuman voice.

  The faces of Henry and Jill Stone were not making this rendezvous as warm as he had hoped. Stan stood up, "Yes, it's us. Stan and Vicki Voh."

  "Change," it replied. It was an order with which Stan was happy to comply. Stan's body grew in height within seconds, but not girth. The baggy sweatshirt and pants struggled
to cover the taller, but slender form. Thankfully the knee socks kept his legs covered. Instantly, he felt much warmer. Vicki rose to join him and the anticipated warm reunion took place as the group moved quickly through the dark woods toward the cabin on the lake.

  Meanwhile, the real Henry and Jill Stone slept in later than they should. Their children were already awake and getting ready for school. Henry could not find his wallet but left for work in a mad scramble anyway, without taking time to shower or shave. He had not slept in for years and could not understand why it happened. Around lunch Henry received a call from his wife at home. Before stepping into the shower she noticed weird marks on her neck, almost like she had been bitten. Freaking out her first instinct was to call her husband. He also had been scratching his neck all morning and was stunned to find similar marks there. Before the children were back home from school their home was infested with police. Besides the wallet, both passports were missing, and the basement door was broken. There were no traces of fingerprints in the house other than theirs and close friends. But the credit card companies showed transactions in Dulles VA and Winnipeg Canada.