Her previous boyfriend Doug came into my mind. I didn’t want to be a downer, but she’d claimed to love him to. But only a couple of weeks after her declaration of love, she’d been done with him. He hadn’t done anything wrong as far as I knew. She’d just gotten bored with him. “Do you love him the same way you did Doug?” I asked, gently trying to get her to think about this.
“Eme, I know what you’re thinking, but I’m sure,” she said.
“Ok,” was my only response. With hugs again, she left. Once this thing was over with the killer, if it was over soon enough, I would need to spend more time with Maggie before she did something she regretted. Ok, I thought I was almost ready too for the big deed. But Maggie was slightly fickle when it came to boys.
I thought Luke would drive me home, but we ended up at his house. When we walked in his mother greeted us. Talk about nervous. I’d never met her. And now there she stood not much taller than me. She looked a lot younger than I pictured. I’d only seen her a few times but never up close. She had the golden glow that Luke had. I must run in her family. Her long dark hair was a striking contrast to her golden hue. Her nose was petite yet pointy. It fit her high cheek bones and striking brown eyes.
“Mercy, I’m so glad to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you,” she said keeping her eyes on me. Her eyes although brown mirrored the warmth I always felt looking into Luke’s.
“It’s so good to meet you as well,” I said taking her hand which was now outstretched. It was nice to know that one of Luke’s parents approved of me.
“Are you guys hungry?” she asked. “I can make something for you to eat.”
Luke said a bit annoyed, “Mom.” It was one word that clearly indicated he’d thought his mother was going overboard.
“Ok,” she said then looked back at me. I couldn’t help but take in how tiny his mother was. My mother wasn’t a tall woman but she’d tower over Luke’s mom. She was so petite; she could almost pass for a teenager herself. In skinny jeans and a yellow sweater, she stood watching us.
Luke tugged at my hand so I followed. His mother didn’t speak. She just watched us go. I kind of felt bad. It almost seemed a bit rude. He led me the familiar way upstairs. It appeared that we were going to his room. It wasn’t like I hadn’t been there before but his mother was home. I waited for her to say something like what my mom would say. I am speaking about what my pre-abducted by aliens mother would have said. It would have been on the lines of ‘leave the door open’. But Luke’s mom said nothing. She just watched us go up the stairs. I knew because I turned back a few times waiting for her to speak.
Behind Luke’s closed door he said, “Sorry, I think she’s been starved for me to bring a girl home for her to meet.”
The weight of that statement was overwhelming. Luke had never had a girl over to his house when his mother was home. My silence alerted him to my thoughts because he said, “There wasn’t ever a girl I wanted my mother to meet.” He’d answered my unspoken question with a grin. I walked to his loveseat in front of his gaming system and fell into the chair.
“Wow,” I said. “I’m surprised.”
“Don’t say it,” he warned. “Nina’s met my mom long before she was my girlfriend. And besides, she didn’t like her much.”
Mentally, I was pumping my fist in the air. “I wasn’t going to ask about Nina,” I said lying through my teeth. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of being right. His answer had only added to my questions about the girl. I wasn’t sure why I was so fixated on her.
“Sure you weren’t,” he snorted. Then he turned and began filling a bag. That bag meant he was packing to stay at my house.
“Does your mom know,” I said filled with curiosity.
“Know what?” he asked.
I hadn’t really wanted to spell it out but here it goes. “Does she know your sleeping with me,” I said.
When he stood, turned and cocked his head to one side I realized the error of my words.
“She knows that I’m sleeping at your house but I doubt she really could comprehend my fantasies,” he said raising his eyebrows eyeing me up and down.
I turned from him to hide my blush. “Funny,” I said still turned towards the television.
“You’re the one that prances around in your pink sweats bottoms. What do you expect a guy to think when he looks at your ass with juicy written across it.”
I bit my lip with a smile. He had a point. “I didn’t think you noticed,” I said flirting back.
“It’s quite hard not to,” he said. I was sure he didn’t mean the double entendre but a peak at the wicked gleam in his eye made me pause.
I was glad he didn’t kiss me then, because the flirting we started could lead us to no good place with his mother downstairs. We hung out for a little while before he finally took me home. His mother wasn’t around when we left. I finally got it. Taking me to his house had been a delay tactic.
Chapter Thirty Six
aberration (n.) something that differs from the norm
A birthday dinner was waiting for me in the formal dining room. Food was laid out on a buffet table. For the looks of it, I knew they’d order out. But it was sweet. I saw steak, asparagus, creamy mashed potatoes, roasted chicken, buttered carrots, wild rice, and a covered box. I’m sure that was my cake. As I neared the main table, a platter of crab cakes a Maryland specialty, coconut shrimp, and lobster tails sat in the middle of it.
“Surprise,” my mom said with a toothy grin. This birthday was certainly an aberration with the group assembled for this gathering. I went to hug her and noticed that besides the baby blue top she wore, she had on a skirt. My mom and I were a lot alike in that department. I may have gotten some of my theories from her. It wasn’t that she didn’t like skirts, but they weren’t practical. It made me think of Maggie’s gift but I hadn’t had the chance to change. So my jeans and sweater would have to do.
It was my birthday and she was being sweet so I kept my mouth shut to keep the peace. Hugging my mom, I stepped away and gave David a hug as well. Then off in the corner Paul stood. So this is what Maggie had meant when she told me sorry earlier about not coming over. I walked over to him.
“Thanks for coming,” I said into his shoulder as he hugged me. It was a tight hug and one that may have lingered a second or two longer than it should have. But I would have time to think about that later. Wincing, I remembered the gift bag in my locker. I’d forgotten to get it before I headed out with Luke. I guess it was going to be a surprise because it would be until tomorrow that I would have to look.
We sat to eat dinner. David sat at the head of the table with my mom to her right. Paul sat next to her and Flynn sat at the opposite his father. Luke was next to Flynn, which meant I was next to Luke and directly across from my mother.
Luke led us in gracing our food. It was only the second time I’d done so and it was still faintly disturbing. Not that I didn’t believe in God because if demons exist then the opposite would exist too. I just wasn’t sure if God would care about someone like me. It was unnervingly quiet after we all said Amen from bow heads for a few minutes. My mom ushered everyone to serve themselves.
“We’re all family here, no need for formality,” she said still grinning with her hostess smile. “Paul, we miss you. You know you are always welcome. You’ve been a fixture in Mercy’s life for what seems like forever.”
Paul and I had only hung out for two years. But if a stranger had heard her speak, they’d think we’d known each other since diaper hood. “You should come around more. I know Mercy is busy these days, but I’m sure she’d welcome a visit from you.”
I wasn’t sure where my mother was going with this but it had to stop. “Mom, Paul has a job, school work, and a very nice girlfriend. He’s just as busy as I am,” I said diplomatically.
“Yeah, I’ve got a lot of things going these days Ms. M.,” Paul said. Lucky for him, once my mother was married and changed her name which I was sure she’d do. M would
still be the first letter. Paul was reddened by my mother’s attention effectively deflected by adding, “Hey, did you all here that Miss Gibson is missing,” he said. I would have given him cool points for that smooth transition but his words stopped everyone from eating.
Obviously, Paul wasn’t in the loop with all the goings on since we hadn’t spoken much. But for everyone else at the table we all froze. Paul being observant noticed. “Do you all know something I don’t?” he asked.
My mom continuing to show favor for Paul took the liberty to fill him in. I looked around while everyone finally found their seats again. Everyone was uncomfortable with my mother’s clear favoritism. David even looked a bit sorry. I wanted to reach out and hold Luke’s hand in a show of solidarity. But we couldn’t eat holding hands. I guess it was possible but not practical. So I gave him a smile and hope he got all my meaning.
Then looking off in the distance, I took the time to remember back to Miss Gibson. I tried to picture in my mind her kissing that guy at school. Although I hadn’t seen his face, his profile was so familiar. I was sure I didn’t know him but something about him nagged at me.
After my mom finished, I filled everyone in on the morning kiss I seen yesterday. “Do you think he could be the guy?” Flynn said.
Everyone was looking at me. “I guess it’s possible. It was weird but I felt like I knew him,” I said almost absently.
Now I really had everyone’s attention. “Did you hear him speak?” Luke said. At first I thought it was an odd question.
“No,” I said. “Why would you ask that?”
“Your dream and the voice you’ve been hearing,” he said.
Now I understood. But thinking back I didn’t think I heard him speak. I remembered that she laughed and pointed at us watching them, but I was sure he hadn’t said anything I heard. “No, I’m fairly sure he didn’t,” I said.
My mom spoke to David. “We should check it out.”
He nodded. There wasn’t much more to say because we had no leads. It really sucked to be a supernatural being with no real skills or defenses other than to kiss someone to death. For the first time, I started to be afraid. I closed my eyes on a shiver.
Sports were always the topic of choice when the guys outnumber the girls, but this time, it was school. My mom said to Paul, “Have you decided what school you’re going too?” I’d almost forgotten that he was a senior and would be leaving. I might have been glad for a subject change but it reminded what I’d be losing soon.
“I’ve narrowed it down to two choices and hopefully I will be accepted to one of them,” Paul said.
My mom beamed at him almost like a proud mother. “I’m sure you’ll be accepted wherever you applied.”
Then she looked at Luke, “How about you?” she said. It was about time she acknowledged his presence.
Luke said, “I’m hoping to get into Notre Dame,” Luke said.
“That’s a good Catholic school,” she said. She sounded as though she were disappointed he had a plan. My heart on the other hand sank. Luke would be going away and how could I handle that.
“So I hear,” Luke said.
“I thought BYU would be your first choice,” said Flynn with a laugh.
Luke was quick on the draw and had a reply ready. “BYU is a great school but they heard I associated with you and rejected my application immediately.”
Paul, Flynn and Luke all laughed hysterically but I didn’t get it.
Luke finally leaned over and whispered to me. “BYU is a strict religious school that adheres to a high moral standard of conduct including no sex, drugs, alcohol consumption etc.”
“Oh,” I said then giggled a bit to myself late with the joke.
When dinner was over and the table cleared my mother brought in a cake. Everyone actually sang to me. I blushed by the attention. Then I was forced to blow out the candles after making a wish. The wish had been a tough one but after considerable thought I blew out the single candle. Gosh, I was seventeen.
“Presents,” my mom said.
She looked at Paul. He said, “I gave Mercy my present earlier.” That earned me a look from Luke. I quickly looked away so no one would see our exchange.
She looked at Flynn. He groaned and got up and went to retrieve a perfectly wrapped gift. He handed it to me. “Although it was my idea I had help,” he said while I removed the wrapping paper. It was a pretty silver and blue stripped paper with curly ribbon. It was almost to pretty to open. Once the paper was removed I saw the pink box and knew what store it was from. On the inside I pulled out a baby blue velour Juicy Couture sweat suit. On the back of the jacked was a crown with accented in crystals. Of course the back of the pants had Juicy written on the bottom. I smiled at Flynn and said thanks. Then I looked at Luke. He smiled at me understanding our little inside joke. We’d just talked about this very thing not a few hours ago. Good upbringing and common courtesy, led me to get from the table and give Flynn a hug.
“You are an aberration,” I whispered to Flynn. He looked at me, I winked. Even though he had help, I wouldn’t have put it passed Flynn to notice that I lived in my pink Juicy sweats.
“You’ll have to thank Maggie too. I dragged her to the mall with me,” he said. Now I knew the world had ended. Maggie was helping Flynn buy me a gift. I wondered if Maggie also helped Luke. I narrowed my eyes when I walked back to my seat. But Luke was looking at my mom instead.
He said, “I gave her my present earlier as well.”
I reached for my necklace pulling it up and out of my shirt on display for everyone. My mom being the only girl had a pleasing reaction. “Wow, that’s really pretty.”
I didn’t point out the inscription on the back. It was personal. My mom seemed pleased it was her turn. She handed me a box on the small size. I wasn’t a small as a jewelry box though, so I was thrown as to what it could be. It was wrapped in gold paper with a beautiful gold bow on top. Underneath was a plain white box. Still no hints as to what it was. On the inside were two tickets, two hang tags and a small envelope. I couldn’t help it, I screamed. The boys stared at me as I nearly jumped out of my seat.
Flynn said, “What is it?”
I could hardly contain myself. “I’m glad you like it,” said David.
“Oh my goodness, I have front row seats and back stage passes to see Thirty Seconds to Mars in concert,” I squealed.
“Did you open the envelope?” my mom asked.
I opened it to find an American Express gift card worth more than enough to do serious damage at the mall. “You can go shopping for something to wear or whatever?” she said.
I got up and hugged my mom. Then I hugged David telling them both thank you. Then I hugged Paul and told him thank you for a gift I hadn’t opened yet. I didn’t mention that to him though.
At last I hugged Luke. I almost kissed him but pulled back in time. That would have been a big faux pas in present company. When the doorbell rang we all looked at each other until my mom stood up.
“I’ll get it,” she said, heading for the door. David started to cut the cake while Flynn picked up dessert plates. We didn’t hear it at first. Then my mother made a loud gasp. David hand visible shook with the sound. He dropped the knife and moved for the dining room door. Flynn was on his heels. Paul gave me an anxious look while Luke and I started to stand. Paul turned and headed to towards the entryway. It all seemed to happen so fast. No slow motion for me this time.
Luke took my arm and it seemed odd at the time. His thumb rubbed across my mouth with more pressure than to be sensual. Then he kissed me hard and fast. I wasn’t sure it was appropriate time for this. But the warmth of his mouth overtook me along with an urge to take from him consumed me. I would have pushed him away fearing my internal succubus but I felt the first tug. That stopped me. It took a few seconds for realization to dawn on me. It was then I tried to pull away. Luke was obviously aware of what I was about to do because his hand cupped the back of my head pressing me to him. I felt the f
low of his life force slip into me like hot chocolate poured over ice cream. Just when I began to enjoy the sensation, he finally pulled away. Stunned, I stood looking at him with astonishment. He wasn’t pale gray or blue. His skin was still the sun kissed golden tan it always was.
“Please stay here,” he said.
I was too dumb struck to argue. He’d done that on purpose, but I didn’t know why. My hand automatically went to my throat to finger the necklace he’d given me. I watched him cross to the open doorway of the dining room. He looked back at me for a second. In that moment, I saw all his love for me. I started to move in his direction not wanting him or any of the rest of my family and friends to face the danger I knew deep down was for me.
It would be a moment I would want to take back. Suddenly, he was lifted off his feet. His face had changed from love to bewilderment. Airborne he was blasted into the back wall of the dining room. I watched how the impact crushed the drywall under his weight. Then he was lying on the floor lifeless. Some force of nature had pushed him back nearly through the outer wall. I opened my mouth to scream.
The voice preceded the person and stopped my voice short. “McKayla,” it said. It was the voice. I wanted to run to Luke. Yet I was frozen in place as a man entered the room. It was the man from the hospital. It was the man with Miss Gibson. It was a man that shouldn’t be here. He didn’t look a day older than his picture over seventeen years ago. I knew this man.
Chapter Thirty Seven
inimical (adj.) hostile, enemy-like
When it entered the room, it glided in like a mythical creature of the night. Dumbstruck for the second time in as many minutes I watched it face me from across the table.
The face turned to me and I did recognize him. Its facial features were so familiar to mine it all came together in seconds that seemed monumental. I have its picture in my room at our house before we moved to Flynn’s.
Beg for Mercy - kindle edition v3 Page 34
