by J. A. Hunter
"There's the birthday girl." She smiled.
"Sorry I'm late, I was clear across town." I apologized.
"It's ok, at least you made it."
I followed them through the restaurant with Reed at my heels. The path to the reserved room ran through the main dining area. The restaurant set a romantic ambiance and everyone was dressed up, making me feel completely inappropriate. I tried to hide behind Heather as much as I could and hoping I wasn't insulting the diners by showing up in jeans and t-shirt.
As we entered the back room I was already nervous. The room was completely dark when we walked in.
"Surprise!" The lights flicked on and I fell back. "Happy birthday!" They continued.
The party was surprising. I expected just my parents, Heather and Alex, but C.C., Katie and Mrs. Archer showed up as well. I watched Reed closely as he sat in the corner watching the festivities. I couldn't begin to imagine what he felt being so close to his mother, yet so far.
If she only knew her son was in the same room as she was, I know she would have been happy. I thought it unfair that I was able to spend time, talk to, and be with Reed while she had to work through his loss. It may have been the first time I was the one to be jealous over.
After everyone wished me well and handed my gifts, we had cake and talked. Heather and C.C. fell back into the old days when we were all friends. Katie danced around to the music playing in the background and only occasionally glanced at Reed- who was sitting in the corner watching. I was worried she would try to interact with him in front of her mother.
As the evening wound down, people started to leave. I couldn't help but smile as Mrs. Archer carried the sleeping Katie to the car. It reminded me of the night I had her in my arms. She was still so little even though she had such a large personality.
C.C. followed next, instructing me not to open her gift until I was alone- which raised my curiosity. I slipped her small box into my pocket and thanked her for coming. My parents left afterward, leaving Heather, Alex, Reed and myself to pick at the cake.
"Were you surprised?" Heather asked.
"Absolutely, I didn't expect so many people."
"I was surprised C.C. showed up." Alex commented.
"I know, me too." I replied.
"It was nice to see her though. But she said you went to see her a few weeks ago." Heather stated.
"Yeah. I was thinking about her and thought I would see how she was. She may look different, but she is still the same Cecilia." I smiled.
"Well I think it's time for us to go. It's getting late and the busboy looks anxious to get in here." Heather laughed.
"Yeah, I'm pretty tired too. Thanks again for the party, it was great." I hugged her.
"You're welcome sweetie. I expect the same for my birthday next year." She teased.
"Absolutely."
We left the empty restaurant and the lights went off as soon as the door shut. Heather and Alex disappeared around the corner of the building as they headed to their car. Reed followed me as we started through the dark parking lot.
"You are so loved." He stated.
"I know I am. They are so great." I smiled.
"Thank you for letting me be there with you."
"You don't have to thank me, you didn't take up any space." I chuckled. "I'm sorry you had to watch your mom and Katie, I know you must miss them both." I continued.
"I do. But I check in on them all the time. I guess it's better than being in Heaven and not seeing them."
"I guess you're right."
"I mean, I still feel like part of the family when I'm there- just an ignored part." He explained.
I started thinking about when I first met Reed and the thought of death keeping us together. When he spoke of his family it made me wonder how my family would react. Mrs. Archer had Katie, the way my parents had me when Nina died. I knew if I were to go, my parents wouldn't make it through another death. Even as romantic as spending an eternity with Reed sounded, I knew they would never live through my death.
"Did it just get colder?" I noticed as a chill ran through me.
"You're asking the wrong guy." Reed laughed.
The wind picked up as I heard branches snapping from a nearby tree. The leaves on the ground swirled in a cyclone, lifting to the air. I paused as I saw the bright yellow circles peering at us from the distance.
"What is that?" I asked as my skin crawled.
"Where?" Reed followed my stare.
The demonic yellow eyes were overshadowed by the sharp toothed grin. Its bright while fangs peered from behind its maniacal smile.
"Look out!" Reed shouted as his arms reached out, hitting my shoulder.
His strong push sent me through the air, smashing against my car door as I landed. I writhed in pain as I watched the dark figure lunge from the branch toward Reed. As its sharp claws extended Reed ducked away. The hellish fiend reached out, grazing Reed's arm. A bright light shone from his wound as he screeched in pain.
"Reed!" I screamed as I ran to him.
The demon landed on all four legs like a cougar, its snarling smile turning back as us. It was hideously thin, with rotting flesh falling from its bones. The sound of its claws scraping against the concrete rang in my ears as it lunged toward us again.
Just as it was about to land on top of us I closed my eyes, preparing for the pain of being ripped apart. The smell of the creature burned my nostrils as it stopped in front of us. Reed was curled over in pain as I stared the beast in the eyes. It let out a devilish snarl before lunging once more and I felt my heart stop.
The loud snarl turned to a painful screech that opened my eyes once more. The shadowy figure curled up in front of me, kicking in agony. Reed leapt through me, tackling the creature and started swinging. His fists connected one after the other, beating its hellish face into the ground.
Reed stopped as the demon quit moving. There was no blood- the creature simply dissipated into a large puff of black smoke and blew away in the breeze.
"What the hell was that?" I asked as I ran back to Reed.
"That was a gatherer." He explained.
"It was disgusting."
"Yeah, they're not pretty." Reed stood.
"Are you ok?" I asked as Reed caught his breath. I watched intently as the glowing gash on his shoulder slowly closed.
"Yeah I'll be fine."
"That thing hurt you?"
"Yeah. Ghosts and demons can hurt each other the same way the living can. But that thing wanted to do more than just hurt me."
"Why did it stop?" I asked.
"I don't know. I've never seen that happen before."
"You've fought these things before?"
"Yes."
"And you didn't tell me?"
"I didn't want you to worry." He frowned.
"And you touched me." I was reminded by the throbbing in my shoulder.
"Yeah, are you ok?"
"The first time you touch me and it flung me 20 feet through the air." I scoffed.
"Are you ok?" He asked again.
"Yeah, my shoulder hurts a little, but I'm ok."
"I can help with that."
Reed put his hand through my shoulder, sending a chill through my muscles and heating them up again. The throb slowed and quickly disappeared. The cold and heat he sent through me eased my pain instantly.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome. Now let's get you home." He demanded.
"Damnit! Look at my car!" I cursed as I saw the Ally shaped dent on my door.
"Hang on, we can fix that too." Reed closed his eyes for a moment before I heard Paul's voice behind us.
"You rang?" He laughed deeply.
"Hey Paul, do you think you can fix this for us?" Reed asked as he directed him to the large imperfection on my new car.
"Sure. What happened?" Paul asked as he walked to the car, placing his hands through the door and pulling the dent out from the inside.
"A gatherer." Reed replied.
&nb
sp; "Damn. I'm glad you two are ok."
"Have you ever seen a gatherer stop and writhe in pain?"
"What? No." Paul responded.
"This one did. Just before it was close enough to rip us apart."
"I'll ask around and see what I can find out."
"Thanks. I'm going to get Ally home."
"Sure. I'm glad you both are ok. I'll see you back at the manor." Paul stated as he disappeared.
I admired Paul's handy work before getting in the car. Reed slipped through the door to the passenger seat and I started home.
"Are you sure you're ok?" He asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine. A bit shaken up but fine."
"Definitely an exciting night." He joked.
"Exciting? Try frightening. Is that what we have to look forward to by being together, demon dogs nipping at our heels?"
"I don't know. I know you don't deserve this kind of life." He sighed.
"I just need to know what to expect."
"I am searching for the answer to that also. I just don't want you getting hurt."
I parked the car and said goodnight to Reed. My parents were already asleep when I entered the house. I got ready for bed and lay down.
I couldn't get the image of the gatherer out of my head. When I closed my eyes I only saw glowing yellow eyes, large teeth and rotting flesh. The smell of it seemed to stain my skin. I knew there was no chance of sleeping.
I stared at the small box C.C. gave me. In all the excitement I forgot to open it. I peeled away the tape and ripped the purple wrapping paper. A round pendent with a large carved eye hung from a thin leather string. I recognized the symbol from horror movies- it was the Eye of Horus, rumored to protect you from evil.
I laughed at C.C.'s implication that I needed protection, but in a way having it made me feel better. I slipped it over my head and lay back down. It was just the peace of mind I needed to fall asleep.
Ten
Three weeks went by since the night of my birthday and we didn't see another gatherer. Reed and Paul still didn't understand why the gatherer stopped that night, so we assumed it was the pendant, just to get past it all.
Reed was getting better at being able to move objects, I was concentrating more on school, and the freedom my car allowed me let me spend more time with Reed at the manor. I enjoyed watching him learn how to be a ghost. It was kind of like watching my quarterback boyfriend during football practice. Each achievement filled me with pride.
Even Sarah was starting to warm up to me. After their kiss, Reed tried keeping her at a distance. His attention to my feelings made me love him even more.
The play was quickly approaching and Reed was instrumental in helping me learn my lines. I felt completely prepared for it. I knew I would still be nervous on opening night but Reed promised to be there and that calmed me.
Cory was still giving me the cold shoulder- and I didn't blame him. Kissing him was a mistake that I regretted whenever I saw him in class. We continued working on the project through email. I couldn't bare having him around knowing how he felt. I just hoped he would forgive me one day. In the meantime he continued with his intense stares that made my skin crawl. Sometimes I wished I could read his thoughts, but didn't think I really wanted to know what he was thinking.
At the same time I couldn't stop thinking about that night and how it felt to really be kissed. It wasn't the fact that it was Cory- it was just the feeling of intimacy that I craved. I wished every morning to wake up and kiss Reed that way. I was devoting all of my free time online, searching for a way to make it happen. But it all came to the same thing, in order to feel his lips, someone had to die.
"Are you ready for tomorrow?" Heather smiled as she pulled her costume on.
"I think so. I mean, I know my lines, but I don't know about performing in front of everyone." I sighed.
"I think you'll be great." She reassured.
I zipped my costume up for the last dress rehearsal when Mrs. Schuler appeared backstage.
"Ally, we need you center stage." She directed.
"Coming."
"Just relax Ally, you got this." Heather chimed in.
"I know." I sighed.
As I walked on stage I noticed the small crowd gathered in the auditorium. The Principle, Vice Principle and every teacher who had the period off were sitting attentively. Even a few slacking students skipped class and hid in the back. I shrugged it off as practice.
Seamlessly each student gave their best performance. Every song was on cue, the costumes stayed together, and the audience loved us. I felt more confident after seeing the students in the back applauding, they were the critical ones.
"Now everyone, remember, tomorrow be here early. You all have a pass for your last period, so don't show up to class, just come straight here." Mrs. Schuler demanded as we changed out of our costumes.
"Do you want to go out for coffee before you go home?" Heather invited.
"Sure. I could use a pick me up."
"Ok, I'll drop Alex off at home and meet you at the café."
"Sounds good."
I hung my costume in the locker and left for the parking lot. I was doing my best to part out my time between Reed and Heather. It wasn't healthy to spend so much time with one person. I was afraid our flame would snuff out and Reed would start noticing all my small quirks.
I ordered a small chai latte and waited for Heather. The café was as busy as usual but I was lucky to find an open table by the window. Winter was starting and the sky threatened to litter the ground with snow. The cold air was refreshing each morning, giving me a small jolt between the house and the car. Sometimes the chill reminded me of Reed and it was welcomed.
"Sorry I'm late, Alex wouldn't let me go." Heather grinned as she set her purse on the table.
"It's ok, I haven't been here long."
"Let me get my coffee." She stated as she walked off with her wallet.
"Is it girl time?" Reed startled me from behind.
"Yes. So you're not invited." I joked as I felt my heart start back up.
"You mean I can't be one of the girls? Damn!" He smiled. His blue eyes caught mine and it made me keep him.
"Fine, you can stay, but don't try talking to me. I wouldn't know how to explain it."
"I'll behave." He promised.
"Damn, it's getting cold outside." Heather commented as she cupped her hands around her hot coffee.
"I'm enjoying it."
"Since when? You never liked the cold." She asked.
"People change." I stated.
"I guess so. Speaking of changes, what's going on with you and Cory?"
"Nothing and nothing ever will." I sipped my chai.
"Why not? He looks so depressed lately."
I looked over at Reed and could tell the conversation was making him uneasy.
"How are you and Alex doing?" I changed the subject.
"We are good. I don't know why I love that boy, he is so immature, but I feel good when I'm with him."
"I think you just like taking care of him."
"True. He is kind of like the child I never knew I wanted."
"Speaking of which, what are your plans after graduation? Marriage? Kids?" I interrogated.
"Oh no way! He is fun for now, but I can't imagine being married to him or having to take care of him and kids." She laughed but I knew she had thought about it.
"Now back to Cory." She wouldn't let it go.
"Why do you want to talk about Cory?" I asked.
"Because he just walked in." She glanced at the back corner of the café.
Cory walked through the doorway and scoured the room. I expected him to see me and shoot his intense stare but it wasn't me he was grinning at. His eyes fixated at Reed, and Reed returned the glare. His arms quickly tightened around his stomach as Reed toppled over in pain. His loud groans made my heart break.
I looked back at Cory as he stared harder at Reed. I thought back to the courtyard when Reed first felt the painful
presence of his taker. I must have dismissed it, as Cory always seemed to be around me, but it made sense. He was there that day. Could Cory have been the one to take Reed's life?
Cory noticed the look on my face and my glances at Reed and quickly left. Reed immediately stood, eased from the pain.
"That was him!" Reed stated.
I couldn't answer him in front of Heather. I couldn't gather my thoughts or piece together how Cory could be a ghost. I looked into his eyes. I kissed him. I knew he was alive. I felt him.
"I have to go." I told Heather.
Without any explanation I stood and left out the door- Reed followed.
"How could Cory be the one?" I asked.
"I don't know. I felt it." He explained.
"This makes no sense. He doesn't show the signs."
"I don't know how either, but I do know it hurt like hell." He huffed, still catching his breath.
"Well what do we do?" I was confused. How do you confront the living and accuse them of being dead?
"I don't know. You go home and I'll go to the manor. Maybe I can find answers there." He disappeared.
I did what I was told. My cell phone rang the entire way home, flashing Heather's name. I didn't answer- I didn't have an explanation for her.
I spent the night trying to piece together every interaction I had with Cory. From the day we first met in elementary school to the time he came back in high school. Even that night we were together. The look in his eyes, they weren't blank and cold. They were warm and inviting. No matter how I tried to explain it, none of it made sense. Nothing about him screamed ghost.
