Shadow Heights

by E. N. Goeking

  “I love you,” I spoke softly and he trudged back toward me, his blue eyes shining like the sun upon freshly-laid snow. His mouth pressed against my lips with adoring force and I clasped my hands behind him as our tongues reminisced. At first, it was an angry kiss but quickly turned passionate as he let go of all control. A string of desire soared through me, igniting shockwaves that seemed to flow from me into him this time. Our hearts pounded in parallel rhythm and I felt it in every cell of my body as he squeezed me against his chest.

  He broke free from my hands and shoved me away. I could see how angry he was with himself for allowing his emotions to flow freely.

  “I wish I could forget you. I want you out of my head!” He wavered with uneasy steps but then left my side, strutting back to his car. His engine roared to life and after glaring at me once more with luminous eyes that almost seemed to be glowing, he took off.

  I yelled after him but got covered in the dust moving away from his tires. His car peeled across the gravel lot and down the road. I walked back to my car in defeat, wiping away the tears with my sleeve, and trying my best to recover from that kiss.

  When I got home, I felt I needed to talk to someone and I knew my mom wouldn’t substitute for a good friend. As if the universe had heard my request, a call came through from Greg and I finally decided to forgive him since I needed someone to vent my grievances to. I hadn’t talked to him in almost three weeks and had been avoiding over twenty of his calls.

  “Hey, Greg.”

  “Uh, hey Mina. I didn’t expect you to answer.” I twirled a piece of my hair.

  “What do you want?” I showed no sign of forgiveness but I knew it was only a matter of time before I did.

  “Life is no fun when you hate me.”

  “Well, you should’ve thought about that before you ruined our relationship.”

  “I know,” he continued. “I feel awful.”

  “Because of you, I wasn’t even allowed to leave the house.”

  “I’m sorry. I really am.”

  “Okay. I’m sorry too for being such a bitch.” He laughed in relief.

  “Can I ask you something without you getting offended?” I agreed. “Are you covering for this guy?”

  I almost felt like bashing my phone but I controlled myself, “No.”

  “Well, I heard you were pretty messed up from him.”

  “Greg, Jaden didn’t hurt me. It was my Dad.”

  “What? Good old Steve?” His voice revealed confusion. “No way.”

  “It’s hard to explain. You remember when I told you my house was haunted?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “Well, I’ve found out a lot more about it, more than you need to know. There is definitely another being living here but I’m not sure if it falls into the ghost or demon category.”

  “Yeah right.” He cackled.

  “I know it sounds insane but it’s true. He went into my dad one night and attacked me. I called Jaden in the nick of time and he rescued me from the attic.”

  “If that’s what really happened, why not just tell your mom or the authorities?”

  I sighed. “I can’t. How do I explain that to her or the police? What are they going to do? There’s no way to kill something that’s invisible.”

  “I still have a hard time believing this.”

  “I know. It took me a while to come around but I have no other choice now. It’s becoming my life.”

  “This whole thing is fucked up. I mean, if ghosts or demons do exist it changes my life perspective on a lot of different angles,” he said after much delay. “Like if the exorcist was real? That little girl freaks the shit out of me. How do you get it out of your house?”

  “That’s what I would like to know. Who do you consult in situations such as this?”

  “John Edward maybe,” he suggested. We both laughed and continued spouting various mediums that might be of service to us but I knew this was no joking matter. This was far more real than I could’ve imagined and what I was dealing with wasn’t some routine haunting. There was quite a history to this house and family that I didn’t know. This town was spewing a life force of its own that threatened to swallow me whole if I wasn’t careful.

  “So how is psycho-boy?” Greg asked, distracting my daydream.

  “I hate when you call him that.”

  “I’m sure he calls me something way worse than that.”

  “Well it should please you that he broke up with me.”

  “You’re kidding? What’s wrong with the guy?” He laughed. “This only proves me right. He is officially nuts, Mina.”

  “He didn’t break up with me without reason. I accused him of some terrible lies and he hasn’t forgiven me yet.”

  “Did he try to hurt you?” I flashed to the many times Jaden had approached me in an act of violence but had never hinted at laying a hand upon me.

  “Of course not but I’m miserable without him. I’m in love with him.”

  “You are?” An ounce of disgust lurched from his mouth.

  “Yes,” I spoke quickly.

  “How is that even possible? You haven’t known him for that long.”

  “God, you sound just like my mother.”

  “Well, it’s pretty quick. Don’t tell me you two are engaged?”

  “Just because we’re in love doesn’t mean we’re ready for marriage.”

  “That’s a relief.” There was a long pause on his end. “I told your mom it wouldn’t last too long.”

  “Argh. How can you even call her? She’s my mom.”

  “I know but she’s easy to talk to. She’s the closest person to you that I could reach.” I opened my blinds to let in a little sunshine to pep my spirits.

  “What exactly did you talk to her about?”

  “Mostly about you but Jaden’s name did come up a few times.”

  “Uh-huh. What did you say?”

  “All I said was that I didn’t think Jaden was a good dude. I was upset Mina. I mean, you wouldn't even talk to me.” I shook my head in aggravation.

  “You’ve only met him once.”

  “Well don’t you think that meeting is justifiable in my need to worry?”

  “I admit, his behavior was uncalled for but he’s never been that way with me. Through everything that’s happened, he has never hurt me. We love each other.” I could confidently admit that was true on both parts, even though Jaden had never spoken the words to me.

  “I didn't think you two were that serious.”

  “Well, it's developed that way. A lot has happened between us.”

  “I hate this,” he spoke with emotion. “I'm living my same unexciting life while you're there living a new one, falling in love with some narcissistic psychopath.”

  “Greg—” I started to say.

  “It's time I moved on and face the facts—you don't love me.”

  “That isn't true. I love you in a different way.” Even though he couldn’t convey his discontent, I could feel the sting of him over the earpiece. “You're my best friend.”

  “And that's all we'll ever be,” he continued for me. “I get that. But in my opinion, love that comes on that quickly never lasts. He’s already dropping you to the curb. I would never do that. I would treat you like a queen if you gave me the chance.”

  “Please stop that. You’re only making this worse.”

  “I'll wait the rest of my life for you if that’s how long it takes. Someday, I know I’ll get my chance and we’ll be like one of those old couples in the movies that you like.” I sighed uncomfortably, never once picturing us that way and it felt indifferent.

  “In time you will get over me. I know you will.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong. You don’t know everything, Mina.” Before I could defend myself, he ended the call and the reflected light glowed against my skin. I wasn’t about to call him back, it wasn’t worth it. I hated that he was delivering me some sort of ultimatum. It seemed that the both of us had changed since
I moved but he couldn’t see it yet.

  But after everything he said to me, it just added more weight to my shoulders. I could hardly hold my balance any longer. I knew it would only be a matter of days before I fell to the ground, surrendering to life and the feelings that were leading me someplace new. I just had to be patient and my love would come around, I knew he would. I could feel it.

  Chapter Thirty Six

  I was almost to the point of deep sleep that night when a noise startled me. It came from outside and I was hoping it wasn’t Jaden’s grandfather finally coming to get me. I closed my eyes and tried to fall back to sleep, brushing it off as nothing.

  The noise came again but louder this time. Realizing something was falling against my window, I got out of bed to check it out. All I could see was darkness but then I felt a prickling feeling rise up my body. I opened the window and peered out.

  “Psst,” someone said quietly. I turned my attention below and saw Jaden standing on the ground. At first I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. “Will you come down?”

  “I can’t. It’ll wake them up.”

  “Come out the window,” he suggested. My eyes widened at that proposition. “Please.”

  “What do you want?” I quietly whispered.

  “I need to talk to you.” I played with my lips but didn’t want to please him so hastily.

  “About what?” I could hear his impatient sigh below.

  “It’s too complicated for shouting.”

  “All right. I’ll meet you out front.” I watched him jog away and I closed my window. I walked stealthily into the hallway, making sure to not make one loud noise. Fortunately, my parents were both pretty sound sleepers and their blustering snores covered up any outside noise.

  I took my steps carefully down the stairs and when I got to the bottom, Jaden jumped out from beyond the bushes but luckily I didn’t scream. He held out a single yellow rose which I gladly took, smelling its perfume.

  “So what did you want?” I spoke first and I could sense nervousness in his breath as he inhaled.

  “There are some things I need to say and I would appreciate it if you didn’t interrupt me.” I nodded and continued to smell the rose. “Seeing you this afternoon made me remember what I was giving up and what an imbecile I was by letting you go. The love I feel for you is outside of any present words and I’m willing to do anything for us to be together, if you’ll still have me. My soul be damned.”

  I tried to cover my joyousness by delivering a calm reply. “You feel what for me?”

  He rolled his eyes, irritated that I was going to actually make him say the words.

  “I've never known real love until I met you.” He took my face in his hands, caressing me with care and I felt our connection deepen. “I love you Mina and I will never deny it again.” My heart melted as he reached inside of my chest with his invisible hand and coddled me.

  His arms encased my body and his warmth calmed me. It was remarkable how he could do that. I listened to the beat of his heart and it seemed to be thumping out of rhythm almost to a private song of his own creation. I looked up at him, meeting his eyes halfway. I moved my face closer to his and he watched me with caution.

  I parted my lips and kissed him softly. A rush of energy glided into my body, riding a wave of pleasure that intensified with every touch of his hands. His lips soon divided and I slid my tongue between them, meeting with his tongue. They lingered together, dancing to a familiar tune. His body became enflamed underneath me, his hands gripped me tighter, his voice groaning.

  I moved my hands down his back, dragging my nails across his skin. Our lips parted for a moment for him to see how far I was willing to let this go.

  “Mina,” he whispered with his eyes fixed on mine. The simple gesture of saying my name filled me with tremendous emotion, all of my passions returning in a fever but he refused to indulge me. “In order for me to make this commitment, you must promise me something.”

  “Okay,” I was overjoyed by his need.

  “Either you’re in my life or you aren’t, you must decide. There’s no in between regarding this and I don’t want the opinions of others to come between us again. I never want you to doubt my love for you.” He grinned timidly. “Even when I say mean things or do things that frighten you away, you should always remember how I feel.”

  He pulled my hands to his mouth, kissing them softly.

  “I’d rather live my life with you in it than without.” He consoled me and nuzzled my neck, his goatee scratching me. “How do you suggest we deal with my parents?”

  “Why don’t you leave that to me?”

  “How is that going to work? They hate you and the only reason they ungrounded me was because I told them we were through.” He took my hand and traced the lines of my palm.

  “Would you ever consider moving in with me?”

  I tucked the hair behind my ears as I looked away. “I couldn’t possibly do that.”

  “Why not?” he defended.

  “Are we really ready for that? I don’t have a job, how would I pay for things? How would I pay for school? If I left my parents’ home for the boy they despise, who’s to say they would still support me or even speak to me again?”

  He narrowed his eyes. “Do you really think that?” I nodded my head in agreement. “Well, then I’ll help you.”

  “Absolutely not.” He rolled his eyes and grabbed me by the shoulders.

  “Let me take care of you.”

  “I can’t be dependent on you.”

  “Why not?”

  “I’ve heard of people moving in together and it ruins everything. Their relationship falls apart and they end up hating each other. I don’t want that to happen to us.”

  “We’re not a statistic Mina. I know we haven’t known each other that long but even you can’t deny the connection we share.” His eyes went soft as he stroked my cheek.

  “I don’t know if I can risk it.” He snarled and let go of my arms. He drilled his hands into his face in deep frustration.

  “Your incessant pessimism is what’s destroying us.” I chuckled but he seemed to be serious with his accusation.

  “I’m not a pessimist Jaden, I’m a realist.”

  “I thought you just agreed to never let things like this come between us. You use fear to push me away, the same way you used your parents to distance us.”

  “I can’t help it.” Jaden grabbed hold of my hand and pulled me into the bushes, squatting down to a lower position. “I think a bed would be more appropriate.” We both laughed and he silenced me with his hand.

  “I saw a light turn on inside.” My laughter faded and we sat there quietly until whoever it was went back to sleep.

  “Can we go somewhere?” I asked, not feeling a bit tired. He looked down in surprise.

  “Where would you like to go?”

  “Your place, maybe.” He pulled on my hand without a second of delay, jerking me to my feet. We ran through the yard, keeping to the fence and when we got to the road, his car was parked a few feet ahead. When we were both situated, he found my hand in the darkness of the night and held it tightly as we drove to his house. He pulled into the driveway and we took our time going inside. I cuddled close to his strong form for warmth.

  Ryan and Logan were in the living room playing video games. Empty beer bottles were spread out on the table and cigarettes were smoldering in the ashtray. Ryan did a double take when he saw me.

  “Woah, what are you doing here?” He paused his game and took a few chugs from a bottle. His hair was getting longer and he was definitely in need of a trim. His blond curly tendrils were starting to form a fro.

  “Jaden rescued me.”

  “It’s been a while,” he commented.

  “I know.”

  “Chad says he sees you quite a bit still.”

  “Yeah, he’s a pretty good guy.” He seemed pleased that we were getting along now but this only bothered Jaden further since he wasn’t a
round.

  “We should celebrate. Let’s smoke.” Jaden glanced at me and I replied with a quick nod. He went upstairs to grab some of his specialty while I sat on the couch and watched Ryan reload his weapon on the screen.

  “I’m glad you’re back,” Ryan said while taking a break from his game. “This guy was a wreck without you. He was starting to drive me nuts.” Jaden glared with defiance at his roommate when he walked in on our conversation, embarrassed to admit his sensitivity. He reclaimed the seat next to me and lit up the joint. I patted him on his flat stomach and wrapped my arm around his warm body, snuggling my face into his chest.

  While they went into their town gossip about all the things I had missed while I was away, I could only focus on the magnetic soul sitting next to me and the state of bliss I was in. His fingers traced the features of my face and his electricity flowed into me. Being unable to contain myself, I sat up and whispered in his ear. “Can we go upstairs?”

  He gazed into my eyes with surprise and they made me crave him like some ravenous junkie who hadn’t had a hit in months. I kissed him on the neck, lightly flicking my tongue against his flesh. Before taking the time to process my proposal, he stood up from the couch and tugged me along without any dawdling.

  When we got into his room, he locked the door and pulled me into his arms and I knew by this reaction, he had missed me. I started feeling shy again as his ever-watchful eyes were on me every second. “You’re making me nervous. I thought that stage of our relationship was over.”

  “We’ve been apart too long.” He sighed in exhaustion. He leaned over and his mouth encased my lips. They were pleasurable and I moaned in rapture. “How I’ve longed for you.”

  Our eyes met and the sexual tension cooking between us had reached its boiling point. His were filled with desire, mine with lust. I tugged at his lower lip and pulled his mouth to mine. His kiss was softer this time and lasted longer. His energy began to trickle into my body and it aroused me head to toe.

  His kiss grew stronger and I swirled my tongue around his as our lips flowed in perfect harmony. I pulled at his shirt and yanked it from his body. My hands rubbed against his back, feeling every crevice of his muscles.