by C. S Luis
"Why are you here? Nobody wants you here," John snarled.
"I should be asking you the same question."
John didn’t change his stance, gripping the gun tighter in his hand. Quentin's mortal face had deceived him the first time they had met, when John initially started his investigation at the school. Only when the alien had made the connection with Claudia did he know it was her that the being was after. And only then did he realize she was the source. Nicholson’s source.
The alien’s connection with Claudia had unintentionally lured the being out. His interest in her had been vague, but now, John was slowly beginning to understand. And he didn’t like it one bit.
"Stop! Leave him alone!" Claudia came forward blocking John again. At her request, Quentin curved a lip and John snarled, darting forward again.
"What? Claudia, what are you doing? Get behind me!" John nearly fell over when he realized she meant him.
"Claudia—are you alright? What did you do to her?" John redirected his question to Quentin.
"I did nothing," Quentin answered, crossing his arms. John pushed his gun forward again but with Claudia in his way, he couldn’t risk hurting her.
"Is she under a spell, Michael?" he asked, looking back at Michael, who was now approaching very slowly from the other end of the cafeteria. In fact, everyone was still, watching the scene unfold before them. The assistant principals, Mr. Claypool and Mr. Vasquez, were standing by the side door of the cafeteria, near a display table with an assortment of treats. There was also another individual, but John didn’t directly look over at him.
He didn’t want to look at them. He didn’t know what to say to them after being gone for so long, not to mention that this was the first time they had seen John Slater holding a deadly weapon in a school setting. He didn’t have to look to notice their shocked faces. If the alien’s presence wasn’t bad enough, now John Slater had reappeared ready to shoot someone.
"I'm not under any spell," Claudia angrily answered, glancing over at John. Wasn’t she happy to see him? He thought, when she angrily looked over at him, blocking him from the alien. The same alien that had hurt her and her family.
John looked confused. He slowly lowered his weapon and released the trigger when she stood to block him from the alien.
"What's going on? Will someone explain what's going on? What is he doing here?"
Michael now stood beside him, but John never took his eyes off Quentin. John made an attempt to move toward Claudia but felt Michael’s hand grab his arm and pull him aside.
"It's a long story," Michael explained.
"Well, someone better explain it to me pretty fast." John cautiously stared back over at Quentin.
Michael clarified what had happened. He explained Claudia's vision, about her fears and her determination to go to Quentin’s side. He revealed Quentin's request for a second chance, and Claudia's determination to give it to him, and of course, Claudia’s depression over his departure. He felt guilty almost immediately and partially to blame for this.
"And you let her?" John asked. In his absence, things had gone to hell.
"There was nothing I could do, John. There are things we don't understand. She was determined. She wouldn't listen. You should have seen her. I don't think I could have stopped her," Michael revealed.
“And with you gone, it was the only thing I could do—you left us, John. You left her.”
If Michael wanted to make him feel guilty, he had succeeded.
John slowly shook his head, glancing over at Claudia, who was standing near the Christmas tree. She appeared worried. Quentin was not very far from her, looking wickedly back at him. He neared her, once John's eyes met his. Even now, he was claiming his trophy, John thought.
With a smile, John patted Michael on the shoulder and moved to return to Claudia’s side, observing how lonely she appeared and how much in danger she seemed to be, even if she didn’t know it yet. But before he started walking toward Claudia, Michael stopped him.
"John, please don't do anything to upset her."
"It's okay, sir," he whispered and moved on.
Claudia stood quietly to one side when John approached and pulled her a distance away with him. Quentin darted forward after them. Claudia stopped him from following with a single gesture, and a glaring threat from John Slater stopped the alien from advancing even further. It looked tame and obedient for now, John thought. Quentin snarled, had he read his mind? John wondered.
They stood alone a few steps away from everyone else, including Quentin, when Claudia finally looked up at John.
“You left me. Even after you promised to take me with you. You left me,” were the first things Claudia said.
Shock and guilt riddled his face. She didn’t fully look up at him. He lifted her chin and her brown eyes slowly met his. There was anger in those pretty russet eyes.
“I had to, sweetheart. There are bad people out there. I had to protect you from them. I didn’t want anything to happen to you.”
“But you promised.” Tears now streamed down her face. She bit her lips gently and he trembled watching her try to hold back her sobs.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I wanted to. Believe me, I wanted to take you with me.” Her eyes sadly stared at him, as he wiped at them.
“I missed you, so much...” She admitted, through a painful sob. And that’s what he wanted to hear.
“I missed you too, baby,” he said, and then finally she wrapped her arms around him and tightly held him. He took a deep breath planting a kiss on her head gently.
“Are you upset with what I’ve done?" Claudia whispered, squeezing him tighter. Of course, she was referring to inviting Quentin back.
"I'm not upset," John answered as he held her. She pulled away and dropped her eyes down.
"Okay, maybe just a little. I suppose this is my fault for leaving you,” he said, stroking her cheek.
“But what were you thinking? He’s far too dangerous to have here."
She now slowly looked up at him.
"Why?"
"Why? What do you mean? Did you forget what he tried to do to you? Not to mention what he tried to do to this entire school. He held Michael hostage to get to you. Claudia, he's dangerous."
"He saved my life,” she answered, something he didn’t expect to hear her say. He was shocked to hear this; if anyone had saved her life, it was him from that thing.
“Saved your life?” He blinked at her. She lowered her eyes again.
“Yes, I never told you. He saved me from Death.”
Okay, it wasn’t like he was new to these things. He did hunt oddities for a living, but to hear his girl inform him that another supernatural being had attempted to take her was a little too much even for him. Although it hadn’t been the first time. He felt anger for not knowing, rage for not staying or sticking around to protect her. And far worse to hear that she was saved by another supernatural being, one which had attempted to kidnap her. This thing was far more manipulating than he thought.
John saw the alien still standing by the tree and he wanted to challenge it, face to face, get to the bottom of why he was here and what he wanted with Claudia. He knew why Nicholson wanted her. What was this thing’s reason for hunting her, for getting her to trust it? He didn’t buy his “I come in peace” act or his hero display. He wanted something from her. And he, John Slater, wasn’t going to wait until it was too late to stop it this time.
“The day my grandfather died, Death came and I saw him...I saw him, Mr. Slater—” Claudia continued describing her encounter with the grim reaper.
“I saw the face of Death, and that’s when I met Q. He stopped him. I don’t know how, but he stopped him from taking me. He’s the reason I’m here now, Mr. Slater. Q stopped the reaper from taking…”
John exhaled, he was relieved, yet angry he had failed her and this thing had instead come to her aid. To think he could have lost Claudia and not even know it. Fighting this foolish war for Nicholso
n, he could have lost the only thing that mattered to him. He didn’t want to think about it. But Death?
“Claudia, why didn’t you ever tell me this?” Claudia lowered her head and he lifted her chin, forcing her eyes to look at him.
“It doesn’t matter,” He said, looking at the confusion and sadness in her eyes.
“I’m glad you’re safe.” He suddenly felt the connection; every time he was near her, it felt like a bolt of energy engulfing his insides, warm and pleasant. He shuddered as it consumed him. Her smile and happiness made it stronger. It was as if when she was happy, he was happy, and as her sadness came, it made him suffer as well. Her strength gave him strength; he felt it much more now that he had returned. Like a source of newfound energy, he never knew he had.
“But I don’t like the idea of him being here,” he added, gazing over at her. “I don’t want him here.”
He turned his eyes back to Quentin and met his eyes dead on. The young man’s eyes sparkled, glowing madly back at him, the colorful purples came alive and were far bolder now. He wondered if the alien also felt her power and energy as he did. He hated the very idea that he might; he didn’t want to even consider it.
“I can't just turn him away. Besides, I know there is good in him. I know he means well. Even though you don't believe it," Claudia said in a childish plea.
He wanted to face it but Claudia took hold of his arm, and he felt the shudder in his body. It was pleasant and warm, but far more intoxicating by touch. Did she know she was doing it?
John turned and faced her; his smile was lost in the feeling she didn’t even understand. The feeling she was giving him with a single touch. The alien could see it, John noticed; now catching sight of his glowing eyes regarding him angrily.
"Claudia, honey, I know you want to believe that. But it's not true. I know…you think you care about him and that he cares for you in the same manner. But he's not your friend. I don’t want him near you. I want you safe, and the idea of him being here makes me nervous for your safety."
Claudia shook her head at him, it seemed the alien had a strange hold on her. He didn’t like it.
"I don't believe that. You must give him a chance. If not, you must believe me. You must trust me, Mr. Slater," Claudia pleaded.
"Please..." For her he’d kill an army of Nicholson’s, for her, he’d die.
John took a breath, although he knew he could never accept it, for her he'd make an exception. He was jealous and whether it was a jealousy fueled by the love he held for her, or for the anger he felt for this thing calling himself Quentin. He knew it was both.
"Alright, he can stay, but I need to have a word with him first…” She looked frightened by his sudden words.
“You also need to wear this if he’s to stay here." He lifted the crystal from the inside of his jacket.
Claudia blinked up at him, realizing he had retrieved it from Michael. She reluctantly took it and put it around her neck, as he watched like a scolding father figure.
At once, he darted away like a man on a mission, approaching Quentin. He edged a hand over the Desert Eagle under his suit jacket as he approached the alien. The alien had his back to him, but slowly, his head turned and found John Slater standing but a few steps from him.
John came closer, Quentin now completely turned to face him, and his eyes were again flashing at him, the purple color glowing from the iris. Why did they do that? John wondered but he did not fear what power he knew the creature had. He only feared what he wanted here.
“We both know why you are here,” John began.
“I would suspect you would by now, you have chased me enough times in your lifetime to be aware that I have been in search of someone.”
“Someone? But not her…I want you to leave her and her family alone.”
“I’ve been invited…”
John grew more impatient by the second.
“You have manipulated your way into this circle…”
“And haven’t you done the same?”
“I’m protecting her…”
“Is that what you want her to believe?”
John came closer, Quentin didn’t flinch, their height equal, their wills fearless.
“I’m allowing you to remain because she asked me to give you a chance. But I don’t have to give you anything to know you are trouble.” John moved to leave, turning his back to him.
“You can’t have her…she’s not yours to own. She will never be yours.” John spun around; he darted forward to the alien, then narrowed his bright green eyes at him.
“And she’ll never be yours if I can help it. So just try to stay out of my way. And keep your alien hands off her.”
John turned and hurried toward Claudia who was standing at a distance, looking distressed. He immediately wrapped his arms around her, lifting her in his embrace. She looked surprised by his action but held him just the same.
“I missed you so much!” he whispered, kissing the side of her cheek as he looked down at her. She smiled up at him.
John tightly held her in his arms again, and caught sight of two brightly glowing purple eyes addressing him from afar. He could sense the alien’s jealousy, and knowing this, he beamed.
He pulled Claudia away and faced her again.
"I’m so happy you came back."
He held her cheek in the palm of his hand.
"I’m happy too.”
She blushed as only she could and he loved that about her.
“Did you come back because of me?” she boldly asked. He blinked and then smiled big. Her honesty and innocence was a pure indication she was real.
“Of course, you’re my girl." he answered, ‘Good answer, John.’
Claudia blushed again and as she dropped into his arms once more, he exhaled. He was home and he never wanted to leave her again.
The feeling of her arms sent the same jolt into his body. He didn’t understand but it flowed throughout his being. It started warm, pleasant as before, then grew stronger. It scrambled his mind and triggered loose thoughts, and for a moment, his mind was wandering. How did she have so much control over him so quickly? He was powerless, he couldn’t stop it even if he wanted. He loved the feeling but it shook a memory loose, a thought he had carried for some time. Milton brought back the warm feelings, brought back the peace in his heart, this was his home, and no one was going to take it from him. But memories weren’t the only things to escape and bring him back from the warm feeling of having her so close to him.
Secrets were far worse.
"Is everything alright?" Claudia doubtfully asked.
"Of course, everything is perfect."
There was discomfort in the sound of his voice and even he could sense it. He looked into Claudia’s eyes; a sudden look of concern overshadowed her face.
"Why wouldn't it? I’m home. And I’m with my girl," John said, taking a breath. He cupped her cheek in his hand.
“I heard you graduated with honors, I’m proud.” She bashfully looked away. “We need to celebrate.”
"Then you're here to stay this time?" Claudia asked, excited.
John looked around the cafeteria, it was well-decorated and there was a Christmas tree standing only a few feet away from them.
"We're having a party, it would be so nice if you stayed. It can be like the old times," Claudia said.
At the front, near the entrance was a table set up with finger foods, punch, and pastries. John noticed them when he entered the cafeteria. But there was no time for celebration, there was far more at stake. As he felt Claudia’s hand on his shoulder his senses awakened. Her safety was at stake. He had to protect her at any cost. Her mere touch stirred his emotions and he didn’t quite understand them or have control of them at that instant. She gave him a strength that was both foreign and powerful to him.
The feel of her hand made him turn back to her. She pulled her hand away just as quickly as he had reacted to her touch. She looked startled and seemed unable to look back
at him. Concerned, John made a movement to console her, but Michael's voice called from behind. He’d forgotten everyone else until Michael walked up.
"Claudia, are you alright?"
Claudia nodded quickly. John looked at her curiously. Why had she pulled away from him so quickly?
"We'll talk about it later. Let me speak to Michael first. Are you sure you're alright?" John again asked. He reached out and tenderly caressed Claudia's cheek. A half smile appeared on her face for him but her eyes appeared sad for some reason. Without a word, she quickly nodded. He left her and walked outside the cafeteria with Michael, troubled by Claudia’s sudden change.
“It’s been a long time. I honestly never thought I’d see you again, John,” Michael immediately said, looking over at John as they stepped out into the hallway.
The two were alone, the halls were empty, and students had left on school holidays long ago. The only sounds were the sound of the old-fashioned Christmas music playing in the background and those of the pipes above, as they occasionally came to life.
“Why do I sense you’re the bearer of bad news?”
John blinked over at Michael, had he revealed too much in his expression? Were his concerns written on his face?
John seemed speechless for a moment, and Michael suddenly looked concerned. They walked a little further into the empty hall, not too far from the door of the cafeteria. It sounded like the last time they had met all over again. It seemed whenever John returned, something bad happened. Everyone knew it and he was starting to hate every minute of it.
"I couldn’t stay away. I would have come sooner but—” he paused.
“Please be honest with me, John,” Michael began. “Has something happened? I assume you haven’t returned because you want to resume your old position?”
John thought he was joking but Michael didn’t smile, he was dead serious and troubled by his presence in Milton.
“I’m not ready for this. She’s not ready for this.” Michael turned to look back into the cafeteria to make sure they were alone.
“Ready?” John asked, unsure of what he meant. “Ready for what?”
