The Misadventures of Daria Pigwidgeon

by Amy Lunderman

  Mother beams at Riana. “I’m proud of my girls getting along so well. It’s all your father and I wanted for so long. Especially after all the hardships we have encountered.”

  And by hardships does she mean trying to kill me a handful of times since I was born? Well, that’s one way to look at it I guess…if you’re a freaking sociopath! Ugh, my family…seriously.

  Silence hangs in the room as they both watch me again.

  “Um…” I pause, glancing away from their penetrating eyes. “So, you know how you mentioned that others might follow you here. What did you mean exactly? Because honestly, I think you were spot on if my run-in was any indication…”

  My mother’s eyes go large a second before she jerks in her seat.

  Her expression is terrifying. “Your run-in?”

  While Riana and my mother both listening intently, I go into the tale of the night I came to visit them the first time. I leave out the good stuff like Chance finding me, or the fact that he’s different enough that he knew about me before I could really tell him anything. When I reach the end, I realize that even though I didn’t tell Chance about the second attack the other night at work, I can confess to the women before.

  So I do.

  They even take it better than I would have thought. Either that or they are just really good liars.

  The two of them bounce ideas around like a ping pong match while I watch them in confusion. Being who I am and growing up the way I did, clearly I missed out on our demonology lessons, because all of what they are saying makes the kind of sense that doesn’t. In a nutshell they basically have no idea who could be after me and at the same time everyone could be. Why? Apparently me being a demon and having a soul, is a real hot commodity in the Hell.

  For what though, they have no clue.

  Nice right? Oh yeah, just me and my soul hanging out until we get attacked…good times.

  The problem, besides the obvious, is that it’s nothing I don’t already know.

  After what feels like forever and a day, my mother comes to the conclusion that I probably shouldn’t go out after dark on my own anytime soon. Not going to argue that. She then goes on to tell me that my father and brothers (who’s absence is extremely weird and not likely anything good) will be hearing of this and that they won’t be happy. Shocker. By that point, I’m gearing to make my exit. It’s unfortunately blocked by Riana, who get this, wants to walk me home.

  Wonderful.

  After a not so tearful goodbye, I flee the motel with my sister in tow. We walk in silence for what feels like forever. The entire time I wonder why we didn’t just take a freaking car, but then I remember the reason. If they had one, it was stolen. It’s funny that Riana never suggested it. Does that mean she might be growing a conscious or being sympathetic of mine? Ugh, who knows? It’s an interesting theory though, one I might have to look into at some point.

  It’s not until we’re nearing home that Riana finally speaks. “So…today wasn’t too bad right?”

  “Surprisingly enough, no it wasn’t.”

  She nods. “Good. It was killing me to be on my best behavior. Mom told me if I slipped and pissed you off I’d be finding my own place to squat in.” She laughs. “Anyways, I’m glad I stuck it out. It’s weird…I never thought I’d like your little half-breed loser butt.”

  I come to a stop at the end of the Harris’s driveway and stare open mouthed at my sister. She did not just say that. Did she? Sweet. Baby. Jesus.

  She rolls her eyes at my expression. “Don’t go thinking my indifference to you is more than tolerating, because it’s not. I’m only being nice because I have to, and if I have to, I figure why not find something halfway slightly interesting about you.”

  Um…okay?

  “Whatever.” She mumbles with a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

  This is weird right? Not only did she insult me, but she also in a roundabout way, complimented me. I never thought I’d see the day where my sister would act like a human, because at this moment she is. I can tell it makes her nervous, and that alone make me wonder if she’s hiding something. I’m about to ruin the moment by taking a dig at her, when her attention breaks off to something behind me. I turn around to find Chance lumbering over to us. Oh boy, he does not look happy.

  Oh yeah…I was supposed to call him for a ride. Oops. At least he came home…

  Before he reaches us, Riana turns to me looking grim. “I’m going to scoot little sister. I don’t think lover boy there likes me too much, and I can say the feeling is mutual.” She pauses. “I’d rather not ruin this thing we have growing, so making him wither in pain from his worst fear is probably not an option.”

  She turns away from me then and starts back down the road.

  By the time Riana disappears from my sight, I realize that she didn’t want to get into a fight with Chance, because of me. Well, that’s a new development. I’m no closer to figuring her out by the time Chance reaches me. His grim expression makes guilt rise up inside me like a storm cloud. I can only imagine what the last couple of hours were like for him, but if his ragged appearance is any indication, it wasn’t good.

  I open my mouth before he can. “Chance, I am so sorry. We got a little distracted with catching up and the time just flew by. I didn’t want to make them question me or anything if I called you. Then when I was leaving, Riana wanted to join me. Again I couldn’t let her think something was-”

  His hands on my arms cut off my rambling tirade. He moves in close until we are close enough to kiss. My pulse rises in anticipation, but then slows when he doesn’t close the distance between us. In its place is hesitation and panic.

  “Rabbit, I’m glad your safe and that things went okay, but there is something I have to tell you. It’s important.” He pauses, visibly shaken. “I came home after dropping you off and fell asleep.”

  Confused, I don’t know what to say. Okay so he fell asleep when he should have been waiting is irritating, but I didn’t really need him. So why does he look so horrible?

  “So…”

  He tenses. “So…I had another dream about you. Or more really, of the one I had before.”

  Oh.

  “What did you see this time?” I ask, almost afraid to here what it was.

  “The white stuff I saw? That was snow. There was so much of it that it looked like a blizzard swept through and covered everything. But as far as the red…the red stuff that dripped until there were pools of it billowing outward?” He pauses with wide eyes. My heart stops. “That was blood.”

  Well, that can’t be anything good now can it?

  Dammit.

  ***

  The next week and a half go by as life, for whatever it is, forms into a constant normal pattern. At lunch, Riana continues to fit in well with Jane and only sometimes lets her colors show with Ashley. For some reason the two of them butt heads constantly and always about me. Not enough that I have to step in or say anything about it though. As for Ash, she and I have patched things up to the point where she’s got me gossiping with her on a daily basis. I still can’t believe it.

  Anyway, the twins continue to be the new hot tamales of the football team, much to Chance’s displeasure, and manage to stay off of the strange radar. After school, I continue to work with Toby. I still avoid taking out the trash at night though. Toby doesn’t bother me about it. This is good, because I don’t know how to explain the reason to him. Thankfully, Chance is my constant ride after work, freeing me from any run-in with my shadow stalker.

  Aside from all the unanswered questions about what his dreams could mean and why I even have a stalker to begin with, things are…well they are nice actually. Mostly, there are more nights when we cuddle on my couch watching movies than there are of me having to work.

  That is just the way I like it.

  Soon, it’s the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and I’m wondering where the heck all the time went. Currently I’m trying to stuff my gigantic history text into my alr
eady stuffed locker. To say I’m struggling is an understatement. Never the less, I do hurry in my movements. I’ll have some free time before work tonight, so that means I can spend it with Chance. He’s supposed to be meeting me here, but I’ll be damned if I’m caught being beaten by a stupid book. I finally get a little leeway and shove the book amongst the battlefield, when a shadow looms to my right.

  No. Wait. It’s on my left. Scratch that. There are two.

  Unburying my head from my lockers depths, I lean back to find my brothers have cornered me in. Landon is on my left, all smiles and overly bright eyes. Logan is on my right, being all doom and gloom with his brooding stare. Basically it’s their typical mannerisms that I’ve come to both love and hate.

  I resume digging inside my locker. I could have sworn I had an extra notebook somewhere…

  Landon leans into the locker beside mine. “How’s it going little sister?”

  “Not too shabby actually, I’m just about to meet Chance before work.” I smile into my locker. “Then get ready for another night of worrying about the creepy shadow stalker that seems to have vanished, debate whether I should be worried about my inner struggle with my demons side and soul, then maybe try to scrounge up some down time.”

  “So that’s the usual then.” Logan mumbles from behind my locker door.

  He and Landon share a laugh. I try to hide mine. They have no idea how truthful I was being.

  Finding the notebook I was searching for, I quickly snatch it up before it disappears again. I slam my locker shut, quickly stuff the notebook into my bag, and turn to face the twins.

  I take in both of their watchful gazes. “So…how’s it hanging for you?”

  Landon nods the okay, his natural winning smile spreading wide. Logan on the other hand, I knew I should worry the moment a smile even sparked in his eyes. No. Wait. Not a smile. It’s a smirk.

  Uh-oh, what did I say again?

  “Do you really want to know that little sis?” He pauses dramatically. “If you must know, it’s a little low…and kind of hanging to the left. Does that answer that for you?”

  Sweet. Baby. Jesus.

  Landon chokes out a laugh beside me. I shake my head and blush.

  I lightly smack Logan on the arm. “Dammit Logan, your so disgusting.”

  He shrugs, as if saying I started it. Whatever, it’s still gross.

  Turning away from them, I start for the exit. Clearly if Chance isn’t here to get me yet, he’s not coming. Or he’s running late, and in that case, I can meet him at his car. The twin’s shadow me all the way to the door and I think would have tried to get all three of us to squeeze out the door at the same time. Hey, stranger things have happened. Only they don’t have to try. I come to a sudden stop just shy of walking outside. Breathing becomes a struggle. A quivering causes my legs to feel like wet noodles. Why?

  It’s snowing.

  Clinging to a bravery that doesn’t seem very strong right now, I step outside and into the cold. Being from California, seeing snow is a new experience for me. The meaning behind it makes it less exciting. I hurry towards Chance’s car while trying not to slip in slush. I don’t bother to pay attention if the twins follow me or not. Nothing matters besides finding Chance. I have to know if he’s okay. I should be worried for myself I know. Color me an optimist, but I try not to worry about my fate. Only about those I care about do I worry.

  When I near the red mustang covered in a light dusting, I find Chance hovering by it. He looks up as I approach and I notice he’s just as horrified as I feel. I don’t stop to point out the obvious or ask if he’s all right. I simply step right into his arms and place my frozen hands on his cheeks. I force him to really look at me, and then I slam my lips into his. His arms wrap me up and pull me closer into him. We stay this way for a while, but have to pull apart when the snow starts to really pour down around us.

  We seek refuge in the mustang. It’s warm inside. We thaw in silence.

  It’s not long before I can’t resist stating the obvious.

  “So…” I whisper. “It’s snowing.”

  He doesn’t say anything as I watch him. Instead he finds his tightening hands on the steering wheel more interesting. For what it’s worth, I’d rather not acknowledge anything to do with snow. I mean heck, it’s my blood apparently that is going to be spilt. It’s only a matter of time now.

  Aren’t the holidays grand?

  I can’t wallow though. Mostly because I don’t know when this ‘attack’ will even happen. I won’t worry myself into a six foot grave. So I reach across the space between us and snatch up his hands from the wheel. It’s a fight that I win. He finally looks at me with his hands in mine. I’ve never seen someone so haunted and pale. This bothers him. I think I might love him.

  “Chance. This isn’t that big of a deal okay?” I pause when he raises an eyebrow. “Okay it kind of is, but we can’t let the unknown stop us from just…breathing. We don’t know when anything will happen, or if it even will to begin with. Can we just agree to not worry so much about this?”

  He watches me for a heartbeat, going paler if that’s possible.

  “How can you be so cavalier about this? It’s your life on the line?”

  “Honestly?” He nods. “I’m no stranger to my life hanging in the balance. I ran away from my family for those very reasons remember? So this isn’t really anything new. I mean sure, it’s scary as all get out, but I won’t let it get to me too much. Otherwise I’ll just break and the job will already be done for whoever is coming for me.”

  He sighs and bows his head. “I wish I could be calm about this…but I’m not, I’m terrified.” He looks over to me with unshed tears in his eyes. “I don’t want to lose you rabbit.”

  All the breath leaves me in a rush. I don’t want to lose him either. To prove this, I slide over next to him and all but sit in his lap in an attempt to face him fully. I place my hands on his cheeks and ease forward until our foreheads lightly touch. Our breaths become one, the distance between us close but not close enough.

  “You listen to me…” My words are the barest whisper. “I am not going anywhere, not now, and not anytime soon. Knowing my fate changes things, you understand? I’m not leaving you. Never worry about that. I’ll be okay.”

  Oh so slowly, his hands rise up and lose themselves in the loose strands of my hair. The bun holding it up comes sliding free. His hands dive into waves, causing me to shiver in the sheer pleasure of it. My eyes close with a sigh and I arch into him. Our lips collide into one another a heartbeat before I am literally in his lap. We cling to the warmth of the others grasp, pulling tighter. His tongue seeks refuge inside me, and I allow him entrance with a breathy gasp. Hands wander to places neither of us wandered before.

  I feel oddly complete in his arms, like nothing could penetrate the strength of the wall we surround ourselves with. This isn’t true I know. Even as we cling together, it’s a front for what we really feel, a lie. I can feel the tension snapping tighter in Chance’s body. It’s there in mine too, I’m just better at hiding it.

  We’re afraid. Chance is afraid. I’m afraid.

  Crap.

  This realization pulls me away from the comfort of his arms and lips. I return to my side of the car avoiding his gaze. He doesn’t ask me why I stopped kissing him, he already knows the reason. The ride into work is a quite one, a tense one. My eyes wander to the winter wonderland that is growing outside. Under different circumstances I might’ve thought it beautiful, but as it stands I feel nothing but a chilling fear.

  This is just the beginning. Soon I’ll be caught in my shadow stalkers snare.

  I can feel it.

  The question is when and by whom…

  Chapter Twenty Two

  It took some convincing, but I managed to get Chance to leave so I could get to work. He wanted to stay for my entire shift. I kind of wanted him to stay too, if I’m being honest. He’s a distraction though. I needed to have time alone with my thoughts, if on
ly for a couple of hours. Waiting on cranky customers that think the perfect sandwich is a matter of life or death allows me that. One could almost call it therapeutic. So that is what I do. It might’ve worked to. I came so close to sorting out my frazzled soul having demon girl issues. As it turns out though, today is the one time a month that Toby is instructed to take an inventory of everything in the restaurant.

  And get this, he wants me to help. Seriously Toby, ugh, worst timing ever.

  “…then you take the number you got of the item, and add it to this column here. Do that for each category.” Toby points to the paper with his pen, as if that helps. “Then when you’ve finished, add all the numbers to factor in what we need for the food order. Easy enough right?”

  I give him a look that clearly expresses what I think of that last question.

  It makes him laugh.

  I glare.

  Snatching the papers from him, I face what can only be the instigator for my demise. A freaking huge rack, with way too many shelves mind you, of mini-chip bags. With a laugh, Toby walks away to his own simpler chore of counting soda and water bottles. He so has it easy. I have to suppress the urge to hurl a chip bag at him. The only reason I don’t do that is because if I threw it, I’d have to pay for the damage. To the bag no less! It’s hypocrisy I tell you.

  Nevertheless, I start from the top left in my counting. I barely make it halfway down the first row when a customer comes in. Sighing, I begin what can only be called a downward spiral. It would seem that as soon as I make progress with all the counting, more customers would arrive. This really shouldn’t be a problem. I mean hey I have a memory like an elephant. Numbers can’t stand against my mind. If only the customers didn’t buy the chips I was counting.

  Basically, this means my super awesome memory skills are wasted and I have to start from scratch.

  It goes on and on like that for more than an hour. It doesn’t take long before I’m seconds away from having my first hissy fit ever. Thankfully I’m saved from that particular embarrassment when the next customer to come in happens to be my sister.