Читать книгу Through the Night - Lynette Theisen - Страница 14

Before I had the front door completely opened, I heard, “Renee? Is that you, sweetheart?”

“Yes, Mom,” I yelled back as I hung up my coat.

“Can you come here, please?” she asked in her “I’m trying to remain calm to assess the situation before I get angry” voice.

I entered the kitchen where she was finishing up dishes, and my dad was at the table eating the last of his cherry pie my mom baked for him. I casually said, “Hey, Daddy,” and gave him a kiss on his cheek.

“Hi, Princess!” he replied, chewing his last bite. He was always the pushover, so I knew I had more to worry about with Mom.

She cleared her throat, wanting my attention. I was sure she knew I was stalling.

“What’s up, Mom?”

“Care to explain why it’s two and a half hours since school let out, and you are just now getting home?”

Daddy gave my mom his plate, along with a peck on her cheek, then whispered something in her ear before announcing he was going to his recliner to read. As he walked away, he gave me a quick wink, so I’m sure he must have told her to go easy on me.

“Sorry, Mom, but I got caught up in a deep conversation with… with… a new kid in school. Jamie had set the whole thing up for all of us to get to know each other a little better and then bailed on me when she realized she had basketball practice. I couldn’t be rude and not have anyone show up at all, could I?”

“That’s all fine and dandy, but where is the common courtesy of a phone call so that your father and I don’t worry ourselves sick about you? I called you three times before you finally answered. The only reason I didn’t completely panic and go out looking for you was because Jamie called and told me where you were. She mentioned she had tried calling you as well and couldn’t reach you.”

“Really? I never heard my phone ring until I answered it when you called. It was a little loud in there; and like I said, I got caught up in a great conversation.” With the most beautiful guy in all of Westcliffe, but she didn’t need to know that.

“So who is this new kid, anyway?”

I didn’t want to go into much detail because then she would start asking a million questions, so I casually said, “His name is Kyran, and his family moved here a couple of weeks ago. I was just trying to be nice to him, Mom, that’s all. It’s tough being the new kid, you know?” I had to throw that in to get her sympathy vote.

“I suppose that was very nice of you, but just make sure you remain my responsible little gi… I mean, daughter.” She caught herself midpoint, recognizing my newfound maturity with the turning of age sixteen. “So, did you invite this Kyran to church? I’m sure his parents are looking for a good church to attend.”

“No, we really didn’t talk much about church. I’ll see if he might want to go to our youth group some time. Anyway, I’ve got some homework to do, so can I just make myself a sandwich and hibernate in my room for the rest of the night?”

“Okay, sweetie, but give Jamie a call. She sounded a little worried, too.”

I made myself a ham and cheese, grabbed a bottle of water, and ran upstairs. I immediately picked up the phone to start dialing Jamie’s number and then hung it up. What was I gonna say to her? “Kyran and I had such a great time together that he asked me out again?” I couldn’t tell her the truth because that would really hurt her feelings. And I couldn’t lie to her either; that would be so wrong. Now that I thought of it, Kyran didn’t even ask where she was when I arrived solo. Hmmm? That was strange, since he asked her to Candy’s in the first place. Even so, I still felt terrible about having such a good time with him today. Maybe by the morning she would have forgotten all about everything, and all this worrying would be for nothing. With that thought, I worked on my homework and called it a night.

The nightmare came back to me once again. I was walking to my car late in the evening and it seemed unusually quiet, like something had spooked every bug and animal, making them silent in the night. I looked around as a strange feeling came over me, and that’s when I saw some piercing green and yellow eyes in the midst of a black vapor. It started to pursue me. I tried to get in my car, but it was locked. Panicked, my hands unsteady, I searched my purse for the keys. I couldn’t find them. Frustrated, I threw my purse to the ground and began to run. I noticed the dark shadow was chasing after me once again. I could never see any part of this thing other than its wicked eyes, as it hovered behind me like a cloud of gloom filled with evilness and despair.

“Go away!” I shouted, but there it remained, following my every move and getting closer. I ran all the way to the dance studio, but the doors were locked. I banged on them as hard as I could. “Someone, please let me in,” I pleaded, but no one answered. I started to run again as fast as I could in no particular direction, not really sure where I was going. I stopped to look around, trying to figure out which way to go. I felt desperate, cold, and confused. I began to shiver. Run! I thought. I knew I needed to just keep running before it caught up with me. I could feel it creeping up on me, making my feet feel heavy as if running through sand on the beach. It was getting harder to keep up the pace, but then I saw something bright up ahead. Yes… it was becoming clearer. There were lights on at the coffee shop, and it gave me a sense of hope.

I continued running as fast as I could, barely able to catch my breath anymore. I could feel it beginning to engulf me into its thick blackness, smothering me with its horrific fumes, which smelled like that of a rotting, dead animal. I was able to force myself out of the holding cell this intangible monster had me in and swiftly opened the door to dart inside. I was horrified when I didn’t see anyone there who I could rush to. “Hello,” I yelled out. “Is anyone here? Can anyone help me? Please, I need help!”

I looked around the empty room. Coffee pots were steaming as if ready to serve the warm drink to a paying customer, but no reply was given, just complete silence. I glanced at the front door just as it began shaking immensely, bringing with it a loud thunderous noise, when it suddenly and abruptly opened. I was nearly blinded by the extremely bright light bursting through it. It was not what I was expecting.

“Hello? Who’s there? What do you want?” I boldly asked, though I stood there feeling helpless, crying and shaking.

“I am here,” was all I heard before waking up completely soaked with sweat.

I looked over at the clock, and it was almost five in the morning. I sat up on my bed a minute to catch my breath. “Thank you, Lord,” I said. The prayer seemed to methodically come from my mouth when I realized it was all just a terrible dream, and that I was safe in my own bed in my own house. The muffled sound of horses neighing in the background also brought a sense of reassurance to me. I looked out of my window and could see them, dimly lit by the full moonlight, which was casting a shadow on them. The horses were stirred up and playing with each other. I had a hard time going back to sleep, still a bit shaken by the nightmare, so I opened up my Bible, which I always kept at my bedside. I began to read Joshua 1:9. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

I found great comfort in this verse, and after reading a few more minutes, I found myself dozing off.

I walked up to my locker to put my things away and get ready for the day. I had just finished organizing all of my books and papers when I began to wonder if Kyran would be on the other side of my locker door when I closed it. I paused for a slight moment with my eyes closed, as if making a wish before blowing out birthday candles, and then closed the door. A feeling of disappointment came over me when he wasn’t there. I leaned back against the lockers to wait for Jamie. The bell rang, and the halls were crowded as everyone scattered about, trying to get to their classes. I looked at my watch and decided to head to first period before I was late. It was odd that Jamie hadn’t shown up yet. I’ll just catch up with her during lunch. I couldn’t help but feel a slight sense of relief at not having to talk with her this morning. I was saddened at the thought that this was the first time in seven years that I didn’t want to have to speak to my best friend in the whole world. What had gotten into me? Jamie was like my sister, and I felt ashamed of my feelings. I knew right then what I needed to do. I had to tell Kyran that I could not go out with him Friday or ever, and at best, we could be friends.

There, I thought, halfheartedly convincing myself. Now there’s nothing to feel guilty about. We’re just friends and there’s nothing wrong with that.

I walked into chemistry and saw Kyran talking with Miss Adamma. What is he doing here? I wondered.

“Listen up, students. We have a new student that will be joining our class. In case you haven’t met him, this is Kyran. Please make him feel welcome.”

My heart fell to the pit of my stomach as he grinned at me and started walking to the seat directly behind me. Oh… this is not good, not good at all! I turned around to him and whispered with a hint of panic, “What are you doing in here?”

“Taking chemistry, amore. What do you think I am doing?”

“Don’t get witty with me. I’m serious. Why are you now in this particular chemistry class after being here a week already?” I said incredulously.

“I must say, this was not the response I was expecting. I thought you would be as pleased as I was to be in class together,” he replied.

Feeling a bit guilty, I responded, “Well, of course I’m pleased… kind of. It just makes things more difficult, that’s all.”

Just as Kyran was about to speak, Miss Adamma cleared her throat to get my attention and said, “Renee, is everything okay?” I noticed her eyeing Kyran somewhat suspiciously.

“Yes, ma’am, just welcoming the new guy.”

“Fine then. Open your books to page 245, and let’s begin.”

As soon as the bell rang, I headed out of class, leaving Kyran behind.

“Renee… Renee,” I could hear him calling me just a few steps behind. “What’s your hurry, amore?”

He quickly caught up and stopped me in the hallway as I said abruptly, “Look, Kyran. I would be completely lying to you and to myself if I said that I wasn’t interested in you and flattered by all of the attention you’ve been giving me. But this can never happen between us because Jamie is my very best friend, and I can tell she likes you. Okay? It’s best that we get this out of the way now before either one of us gets too emotionally attached and one of our hearts, mine in particular, gets broken.” With that I began to walk off, hoping to get through the rest of the day without having a meltdown.

Why am I so worked up over this guy? I thought, almost mad at myself for allowing him to have such control over my emotions.

I looked down at my watch. Three more hours before lunch, and then I’ll see Jamie’s reassuring face. We’ll talk, have a few laughs, and all will be back to normal, just like it’s always been.

“Where is she?” I mumbled aloud. I had already been standing at my locker almost ten minutes after the lunch bell rang, and still no sign of Jamie. It was so unlike her not to tell me if she wasn’t going to be in school. Then the thought crossed my mind. I remembered my mom saying Jamie had tried calling me last night. I got my cell phone out of my purse and listened to my messages.

“You have four messages,” the phone voice said.

I couldn’t believe I didn’t hear the phone ringing the whole time I was with Kyran, and then I remembered how mesmerized I was by him.

First message: “Renee, it’s four thirty, sweetheart. Did I forget about you telling me that you’d be staying after school today? Call me and let me know when you’ll be home.”

Next message: “Renee, it’s Mom again. It’s five thirty. Now I’m starting to get a little worried, sweetie. Call me, or I’m coming out to look for you!”

Next message: “Renee, it’s Mo. Just calling to see if you wanted to schedule an extra practice this week. Let me know.”

Next message: A puny voice mumbled some soft words. “Ren… what’s going on? I’ve tried calling twice and haven’t reached you. How’s Kyran? Was he disappointed I couldn’t make it? Anyway, I seem to be coming down with the stomach flu or something. I puked all over the gym floor during practice. I probably won’t be at school tomorrow. Don’t worry about calling me back tonight. I think I’m gonna hit the sack early and try to get some rest.”

I had to admit that there was a sense of relief that Jamie wasn’t here today. I know, I thought to myself, I’ll be the best friend ever and take her some chicken soup from The Rancher’s Roost Cafe after school.

I hated that she was sick, but it gave me some extra time to get over everything that had happened. I walked into the lunch room and sat down in my and Jamie’s usual spot with my sack lunch in hand. I was just about to take the first bite of my sandwich when I heard a familiar voice from behind me.

“May I join you?” Kyran asked.

I looked back, only to see this sweet, inviting grin coming from “shampoo model boy,” who was holding his lunch tray. This was my perfect opportunity to make my earlier point to him very clear and say, “No, thank you,” and eat lunch all alone with no one to talk to. Or, I could let him eat with me this one last time and savor this last bit of time we would have alone before Jamie came back.

“You know, amore, I don’t take rejection very well. Please, may I sit before the whole cafeteria sees you completely blow me off, and I lose every ounce of my pride?”

“Sit,” was all I could say with a huge smile on my face and a giggle in my voice as I finally took a bite of my sandwich. I had a hard time resisting those dimples. Dang it… he’s just so cute!

“I thought you’d never ask!” he said jokingly, showing his humorous side. “Thank you for sparing me the humiliation of having to walk to another table with my tail between my legs.”

I chuckled again and said, “No problem. That’s what friends are for.” I emphasized the word friends.

“Well listen, friend,” he mocked. “I have to go look for something to wear for my parents’ dinner party on Friday night. I thought since you will be my special guest, you could help me buy something to wear for the occasion after school today. I made sure not to drive the, what do you call it? The ‘crotch rocket?’” He said this as if we had already discussed these plans before.

“Excuse me? I don’t recall saying I would go to any dinner party with you,” I said, a bit caught off guard.

“Si, amore. I told you I wanted to take you out Friday night; I just didn’t mention where. You didn’t say no, so I had to assume it was a yes. Please, don’t leave me alone with a house full of adults where I must pretend to be the least bit interested in what they are saying. It will only be bearable if you’re there with me. What do you say?” he pleaded.

“I say that I have plans to go to Jamie’s basketball game Friday night,” I said, happy to have a good reason to turn down this very enticing invite.

“Well, then, as a good friend, can you please escort me to find proper attire for the dinner party? I’m terrible at picking out my own clothes, especially when I have to dress up.”

“Sorry, Kyran. I told you that I have youth group on Wednesday nights at seven o’clock. Want to come?”

“Let’s make a deal, shall we? If you help me find something to wear right after school, I’ll have you back in time for youth group and may even consider going to the service,” he offered.

I thought about it for a minute. An impromptu shopping trip did sound like fun. Although, I had told myself I would take Jamie some soup today after school. I looked at him just as I was going to force myself to decline when he gave me the same puppy dog eyes and lips that Jamie seems to use on me… and it always works too! I was such a sucker sometimes. Besides, Jamie had no idea I even thought about dropping by today. She probably wanted to be left alone anyway, with the way she was feeling and all.

“Okay, Fabio… I’ll help you out. Let me just call my mom and ask her if it’s okay.”

He gave one of those manly chuckles when I gave him the nickname and commented, “I love your sense of humor and audacity. Not many people would consider calling me such a name and get away with it, you know.” Then he poked my ribs with his fingers as I was trying to dial home.

“Stop!” I said with a laugh, slapping his hand. “My mom’s about to answer.”

“Hello.”

“Hey, Mom, what’cha doin’?” I casually asked.

“Is everything okay? Why are you calling me at this time of day?” she asked, a bit worried.

“Everything’s fine. I just wanted to see if it would be okay for me to go shopping after school. I need to help Kyran pick something out to wear for a special occasion on Friday, and I seem to be his only friend at this time,” I said while looking at him, once again emphasizing the word friend.

“Is Jamie going too?”

“Nope… she’s home sick with the stomach flu or something. So can I? Kyran said he’ll have me back before youth group starts tonight,” I added before she asked.

“Well, I guess so. Be careful, though, and call me if you need anything… anything at all. Okay?” She was unsure of how to handle the fact that I was to be alone with a boy. This was something she’d never had to deal with before.

“I will, Mom, thanks. Love you!”

“Love you, too,” she said. And with that, we hung up.

I looked at Kyran. “Okay, Ricardo, it’s all set. Although, honestly, I don’t know how much help I’m going to be. Fashion’s not really my thing,” I admitted. I was beginning to feel a sense of excitement at the thought of hanging out with him, though, even if it meant having to dig deep down inside to bring out any sense of style I had.

“I don’t think that will be an issue,” he said confidently.

“You do realize your options are quite limited here in the big town of Westcliffe? We usually have to drive to Pueblo or Canon City to find anything nice to wear.”

“I’m sure we can come up with something,” he said with a devilish grin.

“I guess I’ll meet you in the parking lot after school then,” I said as I stood up to throw away my half eaten lunch, too distracted to eat. Kyran walked me to my next class. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of triumph as we walked past Beth Middleton and her little entourage, consisting of Harmony, Tori, and Heather, or the “Trio of Bethannies” as Jamie liked to call them. I could see the shock in their faces, and I admittedly enjoyed the bit of jealousy Beth so obviously displayed.