1. New in Town
Catherine is sitting in her corner of solitude, staring out the window, as the sun sets on a beloved home, watching the grey memories of a known landscape sweep by, out of her site, out of her life, as their bus mercilessly drive out of their hometown, her hometown. Her yellow-green eyes grow darker, glowing against her slightly tanned, perfect complexion, in exotic contrast against her long, black hair. She’s worried about her brother, only a year younger than her self, at 16, how will James cope with all the stress of their lives falling apart? It started four years ago; like some sick cosmic joke, just escalating, more and more wounds, losses, hurts. When do you reach the point where enough is enough? She doesn’t want to die…yet; but, she certainly doesn’t feel like living either. How thin is the line separating the two? When do you become suicidal? Is that how it started with her mom? Thank heavens she went home a little earlier than usual after school that day. The doctors said if the emergency call came in ten minutes later, her mom would never have survived the overdose mixture of tranquilizers, painkillers and ‘what-not’ that she took. She is still in the I.C.U, but she is stabilized, and her recovery seems good. The doctor said if her mom’s recovery continues at this rate, she’ll be out of I.C.U and in the general ward within the next two days. As soon as she’s released from hospital, she’s Town’s Crisis Centre for mental breakdowns, at least two months. If all goes according to plan, for the next two years she’ll receive weekly therapy thereafter. And every six months, a psychological evaluation. She’s so grateful that her aunt took care of every little detail. They have no one else anyway. So, now brother and sister is on a bus, traveling sixteen hours through the night, away from their home, to the unknown ‘safety’ of their young aunt’s care. A new town, a new home, unfortunately not a new life though. She miss her mom so much, not just now that she’s in hospital, but the last four years her mom has been so absent. They’ve been living under the same roof, if one can call it living, but nothing was as it should’ve been. Who would’ve guessed, they were a happy family of four once? Two parents, two kids. Now they’re more like, half a parent and two kids. Why did he have to be on that road that day? If only there was a way she could have prevented her father from leaving the house that day, had she known. But no one had any idea that that day would be different from others. It seemed just like every other normal weekday. James was fourteen, she fifteen, they were getting ready for school; her mom made breakfast in the kitchen and packed their three lunchboxes. Her dad was struggling with his tie, as always. They ate breakfast together around the kitchen table, like they always did. And, off they went, her dad dropped them at school on his way to work. Her mom was a housewife, and did a very good job at it to; their house was always beautiful and homely, clean. On his way to work, a reckless stupid driver in a pick-up truck, skipped the red light, and went straight into her dad’s car. Her dad was killed on impact. Their smiles, joys, laughs, their togetherness as a family, were killed on impact. In a sense, they were all killed on impact, because one reckless driver decided, he wants to go through a red light, instead, he went through her dad. Her dad lost his life, they lost their dad, and their mom lost her husband. The reckless driver…? He is alive and well, in jail, losing only five years of his meaningless life. This means, he’ll get out of jail a year from now. What a frightening, aggravating thought. She just wishes that no one else’s life will be wrecked by his driving the way theirs were. She spent many nights, when she couldn’t sleep, torturing him in her mind, killing him very slowly, inch by inch, robbing him of his life, as he did her. Why did he get to survive, and her dad didn’t? She lightly shakes her head at herself, pushing her long, slightly waved, black hair behind her ear, trying to shake these soul numbing thoughts out of her mind. The sun is long gone; outside it’s an eerie, dark, dark grey landscape, drifting by, into the blackness of the night.
She turns her head; to look at James. He is fast asleep, lying with his head on a pillow he squashed in between his neck and shoulder, in an attempt to make him as comfortable as possible in the tiny, crammed-up space a bus-chair offers. His face muscles seem relaxed, except for the odd twitch here and there. His closed brownish green eyes with their long dark lashes, lying gracefully on his lower lids, create an enviable, peaceful picture. Whenever those soft green eyes are open, they form a very attractive harmony with his sallow skin, and chocolate brown hair, which is now slightly ruffled due to earlier tossing and a bit of wrestling with his pillow. At sixteen, James is already quite tall, he’s got such a kind heart, and is not completely aware of the affect his attractiveness has on the girls his age. His shoulders are broad, and strong, his muscles lean and defined. As for his personality; his kindheartedness is touched with a hint of sorrow and placidness, ever since their dad died. James used to have such a witty, dry sense of humor, mixed with a lot of gentle patience, in perfect balance with strong leadership abilities and just as strong moral values. She could always be proud of him, she still is. It’s just that now he has an added sense of negativity and sadness, like a dark mysterious cloud, brooding in the core of his being. The past four years, she’s always kept a quiet eye on him, since he’s the type that easily bottles his emotions up inside, just like their mom. Fortunately they are very close to each other, as brother and sister, they enjoy a ‘best-friends’ type of sibling-ship. But James is much more withdrawn lately than what’s been ‘normal’ the past four years. People always used to say; that, except for their genders, she is the exact copy of their dad, and James of their mom; looks as well as personalities. Her mom, Maggie, short for Margarita, met her dad, John, when Maggie was sixteen, John was seventeen. He was the new boy in school. They bumped into each other outside the principal’s office, as Maggie came around the corner, on her way to hand in some letter at the secretaries, and John was just exiting the principal’s office, after finalizing the details of his enrollment. Ever since, they became best friends, with just the right amount of chemistry hidden away. They only started dating when Maggie was 21 and John 22. Two years later they got married, another two years later Catherine was born, when Maggie was 25, per accident she fell pregnant again immediately, and James was born the next year. But, her parents always said how glad they were that things worked out that way. Life seemed perfect.
Her aunt Sam, short for Samantha, on the other hand, was a totally different story.
Sam got pregnant at 17, and their cousin Megan was born when Sam was a mere 18 years old, just as she finished school. Sam is 7 years younger than Maggie. And her disastrous pregnancy coincided exactly with Maggie’s; so that the two cousins, Megan and Catherine are the same age. The boy that got Sam pregnant disappeared at hearing the news, and Sam never married, though having been such a free spirited rebel in her youth, the shock of reality and consequences forced Sam to grow-up very quickly, and she became quit the responsible, fun-loving adult she is today. Even though she never married, or dated much, as she wrapped herself up in the joys and responsibilities of being a single mother; at 35, she never lost her traffic-stopping good looks.
It’s been two years since the last time Sam visited, and Catherine still remembers how she always admired and stared at Sam’s beautiful straight, mid length rust-red hair, with her bright blue eyes, and clear skin, not a single freckle in site. Their cousin Megan must look like her estranged father, because there is seriously very little resemblance of Sam in Megan’s appearance. The only thing Megan got from her mom’s looks is her petite figure, and clear skin, but instead of a light complexion, Megan’s skin seems to have a slight tan, permanently. Where Sam has very straight, red hair; Megan has blondish brown hair, with lots of natural golden highlights, and slightly waved, with warm, dark, chocolate brown eyes.
But, their ‘personalities’ are very much alike, they both are very spontaneous, quick tempered, fun-loving people, and very strong willed, thankfully Megan’s got the added benefit of wisdom and maturity for her young age, to cancel the rebellious hue Sam used to have in her youth…
Catherine stares out the window. On the distant horizon the black skies are starting to turn a dark grey again, sunrise must be moments away. Her body is aching, and stiff from the long, uncomfortable ride. Her eyes feel like sandpaper, she wish she could just take a nice, warm shower, and climb into her soft, cozy bed, to float into a satisfying, peaceful sleep. Just another two hours… her bladder is painfully full anyway; she might as well escape her safe corner of solitude to use the onboard lavatory. She’s the type of person that much rather disappears into the background, when surrounded by strangers, like now, on the bus. But unfortunately, when nature calls; you have no choice, but, to sacrifice your security of imaginary invisibility, and submit to the command. ..
She should have dared it out of her corner earlier. It was extremely nice to stretch her entire body, limb for limb, inch by inch, slow, satisfying stretches, what an incredible relief! Stiff and cold joints aching, with the relief of movement and fresh blood to warm the tendons. She is safely in her seat again, and no one even paid her any scary, intimidating attention.
The strange and unfamiliar landscape outside is bathed in grey, light blue tints. This will become a new day; just maybe it could even become a new beginning…
The fresh, warm aroma of coffee is slowly filling the bus-cavity, stirring awake the restless sleepers from their bumpy escape. Also James is starting to return to reality with a wide yawn stretching his shoulders with his arms bend. “Shall I buy us some coffee, sis? Looks like you need it; didn’t you get any sleep at all last night? ”
“Ah, dear brother, someone had to stand guard...”
A tiresome attempt, to a bit of flimsy humor. “Why; do I look that bad? “ Catherine tried to put on a mockingly, bruised-ego face.
James smiled sincerely; “You look beautiful, as always, considering. Just a slight bit darker under your now, red, tired eyes Cat. What kept you up? Apart from the potential embarrassment of falling asleep and drooling while the strangers around you is doing exactly that, and the added discomfort of a crammed bus-chair, continuously bumping”
“You really know me too well! I just suffered an acute case of thought-overload, my brain couldn’t stop thinking, it flipped from file to file, didn’t matter how tired I got, my mind kept racing from one random thing to the next, keeping the rest of me awake the whole time. Sometimes I just wish I could silence all this ... this noise in my head, you know”
With a mocking smile, James shook his head side to side, holding his hands up, “No, I don’t know, I’m apparently the only sane one here... “
“Hey watch-it,” she playfully pumped her fist into his shoulder.
“ No seriously Cat; if the ‘noise’ gets too much, you know you can talk to me, at any time, all jokes aside, I do get what you mean. “
With her one hand slightly up, “hold that thought, “she dug for her purse, gave him some money; “please go get us some of that lovely onboard-tuck-shop coffee you promised “
James smiled, “I also do save some of my pocket money you know, but thanks, will be right back “and off he went.
She must remind him, that his sound advice of sharing one’s issues, goes both ways.
“Two coffees coming up” he slipped into his chair, handing her, her coffee, “hmm, smells lovely, doesn’t it sis? well… for bus-coffee. So, you were saying, hold that thought? “
Catherine took a careful sip of the warm liquid, soothing her dry throat, then looked up into his eyes, seriously; “ James, on the note of sharing; the advice you gave me so sincerely earlier, I do take it to heart, “
“But...? “He asked, no nonsense.
She smiled at knowing him so well, “but..; please know that such advice goes both ways. Don’t bottle your emotions up so much, and for so long, it’s not good. Plus, you only cause me to worry! It’s not like; I can’t see when something’s bothering you. Right now, we only have each other James “, Catherine finished in a soft, somber tone, looking down at the polystyrene cup in her hands.
His face softened with understanding; “I know Cat, I’m sorry. I try you know, it’s just that, it’s difficult for me. Mostly I know something bothers me, but somehow I can’t necessarily pinpoint the culprit, or if I can, I can’t really pinpoint the exact reason why. It’s like I even hide my feelings from myself, even though I feel and experience them. I need to figure them out in my head first. And the past few years, there was a lot more to try figure out, “he sighed, shifting his gaze, to stare out the window, nostalgically.
“And you think you’re the sane one!? “She gently joked; “I understand James, I think. Maybe just talk to me... or, rather, tell me, when there’s ‘something’, and try to keep me up to speed with the figuring out, or , not having figured out, who knows, talking about not figuring out, might even help the figuring out. I’m serious, just, don’t shut me out please, there’s enough to worry about”
” I promise you Cat, I’ll try. And when you see it coming, before I do, dig in, talk to me, I promise you, I will not snap at you. I’ll be grateful, it’ll spare me a lot of ‘figuring out’ time, “he half-smiled, though his sincerity was evident.
“Sounds like a plan, “she glanced out the window, “sun is finally up. I tell you James, it was a long night.”
“Hey, there’s our stop!” he leaned over her shoulder, “we can get our things ready, the end is in sight. I guess you’re extra glad it’s over, huh? “
“Yeah, glad the bus ride is over, “she said with a low somber voice, while they got their things.
“Yeah, the ride”, James understood exactly what she meant; ‘It’s’ not over, just the ride is. Their very uncertain future had already only begun, their torturous pain, and that is definitely not over, not for a long time.
“Hey guys! Over here!” Sam waved her arms, spotting them where they stepped off the bus; tog-bags over the shoulders.
Catherine waved back with her one hand, not higher than her shoulder, shyly acknowledging Sam’s presence, grateful that they found each other immediately. Not that anyone could have overlooked the gorgeous redheaded young woman, with her two arms waving in the air, almost jumping up and down.
James flashed Sam his well known warming smile, but even from the side Catherine could still see the ever present sadness deep in his eyes.
After they’d crossed the road, and met up with each other, Sam held both of them tightly.
When she stepped back to look them in the eyes; hers was evidently moist; “It’s so nice to see you two, just wish it could have been under better circumstances though; still, you’re most welcome to stay as long as necessary; I am after all your appointed legal guardian, thus I’ve always considered you two as my very own long-distance-kids. What I’m trying to say; is, always feel welcome, at home, wanted and loved; living with me, with us. Please consider it your own home, I don’t want you to feel awkward in any means, for any reason,” Sam looked sincerely into their eyes, surging in there proof of understanding just how much she really meant every word.
“Thank you Sam,” Catherine leaned into her arms again, hugging her, emotions evidently close to the fragile surface, “it really means a lot to us; you mean a lot to us.”
James nodded his head in agreement, looking at the ground in front of his feet uncomfortably. Concentrating very hard not to breakdown.
Suddenly remembering something; Catherine looked up into Sam’s eyes; “Where’s Megan?”
Sam smiled; “at home; waiting anxiously to welcome you two with open arms! Let’s not keep her waiting; James, seeing that you’re the muscle in our group; please load the baggage in the boot, so we can get a move on!”
James was grateful for the distraction, and something other to do, rather than fighting hard to keep his eyes dry.
The luggage was loaded, Sam was already behind the wheel, putting on her sunglasses. James got in at the back, behind Catherine, in the passenger seat. Catherine was looking out the windshield at the people, crossing the roads, walking in and out of shops, talking on cell phones… when a lonely silhouette on the far corner caught her attention; her heart fluttered, he was starring right back, directly into her eyes! She felt hypnotized in his gaze. Intrigued, And shy. As they drove past, she looked down, but could feel his gaze following her, protectively.
“Seems like you already have an admirer!” Sam’s voice broke through her trans; Catherine looked up, and turned her face towards Sam, trying desperately to seem unaware;” Sorry… uhm, I wasn’t paying attention, what was that?”
Sam just smiled knowingly, and lightly shook her head side to side, “never mind little miss denial.”
“When is school starting again?” James asked from the back, genuinely not aware of what just happened around him, leaning closer to them.
“This Monday, I think…?” Catherine answered, looking for Sam’s confirmation.
Sam nodded; “Yip, and today’s Wednesday, so you still have half a week, and a weekend of holiday left. Remember to ask Megan about the weekend plans I remember hearing her talk to Jennifer about something this Friday. Jennifer’s her best friend, incase you were wondering.”
They drove the rest of the way in a comfortable, cozy silence, due to lack of conversation, each consumed in their own world, thinking of what could lie ahead, and the things that’s happened.
After a 30min drive from Port Elizabeth, half of it being next to the coastline, turning off, to the inlands of the Eastern Cape they reached their new shelter, a little town called Eastville. A humble population of about 5000 people.
They stopped in Sam’s driveway, their new ‘home’.
Getting out, Catherine didn’t get far. She stopped in the middle of the front yard, admiring the house, and garden; a large front yard, green with luscious growing fine grass, beautiful red, yellow and purple tulips imbedded in the very front of the yard, acting like a fence of plants, framing the yard. A lovely big palm tree left from the pathway, which leads up to the front porch. On the porch there is a set of white cast iron table and chairs, inviting you to sit down, relax with a cup of tea, breathing in the fresh air deeply, and enjoying the beauty of the garden. On the sides of the garden is a huge green tree, towering over the two story house’s roof, of which Catherine doesn’t have the faintest idea which species. With her limited knowledge of plant life, all she really does know, is that, this garden actually gives you the sense of paradise; green, private, mysterious; beautiful and fresh. The whole right side of the house is covered by a beautiful creeper, growing onto the roof palettes of the porch. The plant has the most amazing bluish bell shaped little flowers, draping over the edges and sides, it feels like stepping into a fairy wonderland.
“Close your mouth Cat, with all the flowers, there’s bound to be a wondering bee in the air…” James whispered teasingly in her ear, as he passed by her, tog-bags in his hands, heading for the front door through which Sam has already gone.
She pulled her face at him, and followed into the double story house.
“As you’ll remember; rooms are on the top floor, kitchen and the rest of the living spaces, ground floor. Megan’s waiting for you two in the living room…” Sam said, with a hint of secrecy.
As they came around the corner, Catherine spotted Megan, with a big smile that threatened to go around her face, had her ears not blocked the way! From Megan’s face, Catherine looked up to appreciate a huge banner saying: “Welcome home!! We love you guys!!!”
There was a mix of colourful balloons everywhere.
With a bottled up squeal Megan closed the distance and embraced her cousins, “I’m so extremely happy to have you here!! So sorry for the troubles you’ve gone through though”
Astonished Catherine just smiled in appreciation; “Thanks Megs, it really looks stunning! You went through all this effort just to welcome us?!”
“No effort at all! I’m glad you like it; main purpose was to make you feel welcome, wanted, so…do you?” Megan seemed to almost burst from excitement.
“Do I what?” Catherine asked motorically, still gazing at all the balloons and decorations, overwhelmed by such a gesture.
“We do feel most welcome, thank you so much cous, I think sis here is just really overwhelmed,” James came to the rescue.
“Oh! Yes, definitely!! I’m uh… I’m speechless to be honest. Deeply touched. Thank you so much Megan, its… wow, its much appreciated,” Catherine slid back to reality, sincerely appreciating to what lengths this family, their family has gone, just for the two of them. Just to let them know they’re welcome, they’re loved.
“Mission accomplished then,” Megan was quite satisfied, “do you want something to drink? Coffee, tea, soda, juice?”
“Uhm, yes please, my throat is begging for some liquid! Juice would be great! Thanks!” Catherine submitted her request with great relief.
“James?”
“Huh? Oh, uh, no thanks, I’ll get myself a glass of water later, thank you”
“Speaking of helping yourself; I’ll take you through the entire house, especially the kitchen later, so you’ll know your way, drinks coming up! Sit down, put your feet up, stretch al little and relax from your long journey. I’ll be right back!”
After a few minutes Megan returned with Catherine’s juice, her juice and James’s water, even though he wanted to get some himself later. James got up take the tray from her.
“Thank you James, impressive manners cousin!” Megan smiled with appreciative recognition, “I’m really proud of you! Not often to come across real gentleman these days! Nice to know we’ve got one in the family!!”
“Your mom said to ask you about Friday evening’s plans?” Catherine asked, as soon as she caught her breath, after quenching her thirst, emptying her glass in one desperate breath.
“Careful not to swallow the glass too Cat!” James exclaimed sarcastically, astonished by her overpowering thirst, and lack of control.
Megan giggled at them, “Gee, you really were thirsty cous!” shaking her head, still half giggling about Catherine’s indulgence, she turned to James, “seems like the bus ride really took its toll on you both,” Megan looked back at Catherine; still grinning about the scenario, “now, about Friday; it’s kind of a tradition in school. Every last weekend of the school holiday, a whole bunch of us, especially the seniors, go to the local hotspot, well, the only hotpot! Catching-up, playing pool, etc. and, it’ll be a great opportunity for you two to break the ice of being the new kids in town!” She looked at them with her most innocent, well intended expression on her face.
Catherine looked back at her cousin, a little shell shocked for a moment, but then it dawned on her, that maybe, just maybe, the mysterious handsome creature that held her gaze after Sam picked them up, might be there; “well, I guess it can’t do any harm,” she smiled slightly, pulling her shoulders up.
“I’ll definitely have to go to keep a watchful eye on my dear sister,” James murmured from the side, sipping his water.
“Glad it’s settled then! Now; something more serious; just promise me, I won’t have to worry about the two of you withdrawing from society,” Megan continued, cutting no corners, straight to the point; “I mean I know things are tough, I’ll never say I get it; I’ve never been through, what you’ve gone through, but, I don’t want to worry about how you’re coping in a new town and stuff, you know?”
James and Catherine shared a knowing glance with each other, then Catherine spoke; “Thanks Megs, we appreciate and understand your concern and everything. We might seem a bit droopy and off some days, but we’ll be okay, really. Promise”
“You’d better be! I guess you’ll wanna get cleaned, and stuff, hey!” Megan said, satisfied with the response to her concerns, she started to get up, “so; let’s start the tour ‘de house in the kitchen…”
Friday morning…
Lying on her side, in bed, holding her duvet in her arms, Catherine is slowly waking up, returning to the land of the living.
She opens her eyes lazily, with a very contend feeling in the core of her being, though slightly disappointed that she can’t live in her dream world permanently.
She turns on her back, staring blankly at the ceiling. Somewhere in the early hours of the morning, she dreamed of him, her tall, dark and handsome creature, whose mysterious gaze always remains in the front of her mind, every time she’d close her eyes, there he is. What a pity that her dream ended, and that she drifted back into a black, timeless deep sleep, and finally waking up. She could still feel his closeness, pursuing her with his presence. The effect it had on her insides; butterflies twisting her stomach,, sending tantalizing shockwaves through every nerve in her being, heating her skin, making her blush once more under his possessive, protective gaze, always standing across a street, somewhere.
“h’m” she softly murmured a thoughtless, audible smile to herself; “at least a girl can dream,” she stretched out lazily; “Ahh, guess I should get up.”
“Oh, look at the time!! We should get going!” Meagan said after realizing how late it was already, trying to get the coffee shop waiter’s attention; mouthing the words descriptively; “the bill please,” turning back at her friend Jennifer and Catherine; “you guys almost done with your milkshakes?”
“Hmmm; regrettably all delicious things come to an end,” Jennifer replied with a smile.
“Almost done cous! So; what are you wearing tonight?” Catherine asked, trying to seem interested.
“That’s why we need to get going! I don’t know yet! And we’ve got about 2hours of sun left! We don’t want to miss the ‘end-of-holiday-arty’ all together! But, I was thinking of my favourite skinny jeans, with a nice top. Just need to figure out which one! Fortunately you two can help me with that?”
“Lucky for me, my decision of ‘that to wear’ is already in my backpack at your home,” Jennifer smiled with mock relief, pointing her finger at Megan and Catherine, “what about you Cat? Seeing that you brought the subject up?”
“Urgh, I don’t know; my mood tells me to go in my tracksuit and slippers, but my good judgment somehow tells me, it won’t be quite so appropriate!”
They all laughed, even though they all knew that’s exactly how she really felt.
“Hey, tell you what, you take care of washing yourself, Jenn and I will dry your hair and do your make-up, and if there’s time, paint your toes; we’ll pamper you out of your blues! What say you Cousin Catherine?” Megan asked, ending in a humorous formal tone, pulling her face serious, like old-England-royalty, and burst out laughing, and the other two girls joined in the laughter.
“That sounds…like…a great plan…fffriend!” Jennifer added in between gulps for air.
“Should I be worried?” Catherine asked, still giggling, it felt so good to laugh over something, even something silly. Lately, the only thing she felt like doing, was withdrawing from people, curling up in her bed, entangled in her duvet, and escape to her dreams, where a make believe world sustains her and envelopes her in the soft hands of depression, pulling her deeper and deeper.
“There you go, amazing what difference a little bit of mascara and lip gloss can do! What do you think Megan?” Jennifer turned Catherine’s face to Megan, to have a better view.
“Wow, you really know what to do with make-up Jenn!! Cous, you’re a real knock-out! And it just so happens I’m also done flat-ironing your hair! Turn around so we an fully admire our make-over!”
Reluctantly Catherine turns around, feeling like a shy little girl, that’s been told to fir on her Christmas-dress and parade it in front of strangers.
“I must admit, it does make a difference to how I feel,…uhmm…slightly more happy I guess,” Catherine said, shyly admiring her look in the mirror, “so we’re all ready to go?”
“Careful, you might be at risk of becoming excited!”, Megan teased, gently pumping Catherine in the ribs, “but yea; let’s go break some hearts,” Megan winked at them mischievously.
“Come on James, time to go!” Catherine called her brother, while the three of them made their way to the car.
“Finally,” he stood up from the couch, switched off the TV, and joined them.
The three girls sat at one of the tables, sharing a bowl of French fries, at ‘Jimmy’s Waterhole. James had met Jennifer’s cousin, Peter, the two of them got along like a house on fire, and they’re off playing pool, chatting, becoming friends. The place is really filling up with all the school students, coming to join the ‘end-of-holiday-party’, catching-up with their friends before the new term starts.
Catherine is chewing on a French fry, thinking how nice everything is starting to turn out; the people she’d met, all seems so friendly, her friendship with Megan and Jennifer is developing in much more than just a charity friendship and James is making friends as well, it seems all the stresses and anxiety of starting over in the unknown, is surely evaporating quickly. She gazed around the venue, seemingly lost in thought, when…her stomach twisted into an exciting, shocking knot of butterflies, her cheeks flushed, and palms grew damp. There he is! Her mysterious creature. Handsome as ever, and that look! Staring right at her, as if he’d been expecting her; to see him, as if he knew. He nodded at her, greeting her over the distance of the room, leaning against the wall at the pool tables, waiting his turn, pool stick in his hands. She had never known it possible for anyone to be that attractive. He seems so in control, but there’s a deep sense of hurt and sadness that haunts his eyes, almost as if he’s in pain. Catherine feels like she’s going to explode with all the adrenalin in her blood, rushing through her veins. She breaks their eye contact first, flushed with a feeling of heatstroke she looks down at her hands. The effect this man has on her, can very easily become addictive, she’d never experienced anything like this before.
“What do you think Cat?” Megan asked, staring accusingly into her cousin’s eyes.
Catherine looked up at Megan, then at Jennifer, flustered she has no intelligent response; “I uh, well I… I’m so sorry, I don’t have a clue, I was lost in a moment, somewhere else.”
“I know with Richard, over at the pool tables,” Megan said, with an angry tone.
“Meg, that’s unfair,” Jennifer came up for Catherine
“Are you mad? Because I had a moment? With an inhumanly attractive guy?”
“The irony,” Jennifer mumbled under her breath.
“What is this? Are you jealous? I…I don’t…wait…o…ooohh, you like him! I’m so sorry Megs; I… I didn’t know, I should’ve…”
“Stop Cat, thanks, but no, I’m sorry. It’s not like that. I just, don’t want you to get…hurt, that’s all.”
“Oohkay, now I’m really confused, what, why don’t you like him? Is he in school with us?” Catherine felt Megan’s comments harsh and unfair. She wanted, needed an explanation, to understand, in order to decide herself whether or not it’s valid.
Megan and Jennifer looked at each other, Jennifer just shook her head, giving Megan the message that she’d already gone too far.
Megan took a deep breath, sighing, “He is in school with us; yes.” Megan paused for a moment; “he is dangerous Cat; I’m just looking out for you.”
“Fair enough; what has he done to proof him so dangerous?” Catherine challenged her.
“Okay; he seems dangerous, I have no proof for you. But I know he is, I can sense it!” Megan caught Jennifer’s eye, cautioning her.
“You know cous; I appreciate your concern, really I do. But you do know, you’re a bit overdramatically unfair; prejudiced even;” Catherine replied, not defensive anymore, rather understanding.
Megan and Jennifer caught each other’s eyes again; “and we definitely don’t want to seem prejudice, do we Meg?..” Jennifer said, adding a slight bit of humor to her tone, but driving her message home to Megan.
Megan understood; it will be better to let things play out; and rather keep a watchful eye, playing invisible guardians; instead of judging, or hovering over this precious, fragile human’s choices, whether being good or bad decisions. They cannot choose for her, or force theirs on her.
…
While playing pool; Richard couldn’t help listening in on the conversations at Cat’s table. As a rule, out of respect for people’s privacy, he doesn’t usually do it, but he found where Cat’s concerned, he can’t seem to resist. After seeing her that day, at the bus stop, where he aunt picked them up, he couldn’t get her out of his mind. He’d never felt this way, not even about Nora, when he was still human. He’s drawn to this girl, this fragile, breakable human girl. Cat they call her, must be short for Catherine. He wonders whether she prefers Cat, and if she would mind should he call her Catherine. Catherine is after all, such a lovely name, so graceful and elegant. He understands her friends’ concerns, they obviously know, they must be dovelins then. No one needs to tell these creatures anything, they always seem to know. As if someone tells them all the essentially important secret information ahead of time. He is grateful for them being so protective of her; he also shares this unexplainable, supernatural urge to protect her, to want to guard her, to… love her. Stop! He cannot think this way. It can never be! She is human, and should always remain so. And he; he is… a vampire… a monster by default, by instinct. It is too dangerous; he may never put her precious, delicate life in such harm. After Nora, he swore he will never in his life as a vampire; if one may call this a life, risk another human’s life like that again. Human life is precious, and should always remain respected, honoured, even by something as malicious as him, though, only a fraction of his kind would agree of such thoughts.
In his mind, he’ll think of her as Catherine. His Catherine, being surrounded by his enemy; his superiors most will say. Dovelins creatures are in every aspect superior to all the abilities of vampires, even of the strongest of his kind.
“Richard!” someone called his name.
He looked up, Danielle pointed to the table, and the neatly packed triangle of balls; “as soon as you’re back on earth, please do us the honours; it’s your turn to break.”
“Of course, forgive me. I…”
“We know;” Jonathan cut him short; motioning not to speak too much, “lots of ears,” hinting about the Dovelins.
“Try not to clean the table, we’d also like to have a round or two, if you don’t mind;” Danielle added playfully; changing the subject back to being light, and meaningless.
Richard understood; as vampires, they always felt it necessary to make no information about themselves available whenever dovelins are present. Not that it ever makes any difference. They just don’t want to contribute to their own feelings of vulnerability.
…
“Introduce her,” Jennifer said, so softly, only a dovelin’s ears could hear.
Megan looked at hr friend, only her eyes showing her concern, “are you serious?” Megan replied, equally soft, no one else would ever e able to pick up on these silent conversations dovelins can share. It’s far too soft for human ears, and just below the hearing ability of vampires.
“It’ll be fine, rather we stay involved, than cat not trusting us with her heart and how she chooses to act upon it,” Jennifer answered wisely.
“Guess you’re right, you are after all, 130 years my senior; as a dovelin” Megan replied cautiously humorous, “making you a total of 147 years old; old lady…”
Jennifer laughed quietly, carefully hiding the smile on her face, though succeeding.
“Tell you what cousin,” Megan turned to Catherine, speaking in normal human decibels; “let’s introduce you; I had no right to be so judgmental, he’s probably a very nice young gentleman.”
Both Jennifer and Megan knew, the three vampires would definitely have heard them, and Megan’s last sentence would have been noted as a very subtle, yet firm warning.
Catherine couldn’t have been more surprised and accelerated at the same time; “Really? Well, okay, I guess,” Catherine seemed visibly unnerved, starting to get out of her chair, Jennifer and Megan also got up, and started their way over to where Richard were playing pool. Megan lead the way in front, Jennifer positioned herself at the back. Very subtly, they created a physical barrier of protection around Catherine, whom is always none the wiser.
…
Uh-oh... Richard thought, as soon as he heard their conversation. He was aware how his senses seemed to be amplified whenever Catherine is present. He didn’t yet understand it, seeing that he never experienced such intensity of all his emotions, but he sensed it had to do with his attraction towards her. He felt as if the core of his being started to quiver, he must not lose control, he was worried. This girl is the one person in the world that may not get hurt, under any circumstances, especially not because of him.
He looked at Jonathan, desperately begging for help, assurance. Jonathan gave him a slight nod and smile, softly saying; “nothing bad is going to happen, we won’t hurt her, and we won’t allow you to either.”
Danielle nodded her aggreance to him. Richard felt slightly more at ease, but still on his guard, more due to the lack of trust in himself than anyone else. Richard is 17 for human purposes, but he’s been a vampire 90 years, Jonathan 28, has been a vampire 127 years, thus much more experienced in this kind of life. For this reason, Richard and Danielle see him as their mentor in many ways.
…
Megan, walking in front whispered softly, so that only Jennifer could hear; “strangely interesting”
At the back, Jennifer replied; “no one will hurt her? Coming from one of ‘them’? Indeed very interesting.”
They came up to the three vampires playing pool, as if unaware of the nearing approach.
Richard was bending over the pool table, seemingly lost in committed concentration, aiming precision at where he wants to hit his planned strategy. All vampire eyes were on the table, faying interest in the game.
After his shot, he looked up, straight into Catherine’s eyes, while slowly releasing his band form, into standing upright, seemingly relaxed, a warm, curious smile slightly stretched his lips; “Hi Megan, you guys come to join us in a game of pool?”
Both Jonathan and Danielle were stopping whatever thing seemed to have had their attention, making eye contact with the new company they nodded friendly “hallo’s” to everyone.
“Thanks, but we actually came to introduce my cousin, Catherine. She and her brother James are new in town, and will be starting school with us on Monday. Thought it’d be good for her to meet a few people, instead of being a complete stranger on Monday.”
Richard smiled his understanding of Megan’s point, and extended his hand to Catherine.
“Please to meet you Catherine, I’m Richard, this Danielle, my cousin, and Jonathan, our uncle and legal guardian. Are you up for a round of pool?”
Catherine felt lost in his eyes, her skin warm were his hand touched hers; “Why not? Oh and, nice to meet you to”, she looked down for a moment, trying to feel, or at least act normal. She couldn’t even speak properly in this guy’s presence!
“Great! We can play in pairs of two, dividing the six of us. Each pair getting a turn in three different rounds, we’ll play a fourth round between the best two pairs? That sound okay to everyone?” Richard asked, while looking at Catherine the entire time, seeing her cheeks turn slightly pink under his gaze. He felt a little bad for causing her to be uncomfortable, but he couldn’t help himself.
“Sounds interesting Richard, let’s play” Jennifer answered, looking him straight in the eyes. This immediately unnerved him, and brought him back to reality.
“How are you liking our town so far Catherine?” Danielle approached, wanting to seem friendly and welcoming.
“So far, it’s been fine thank you. My family has been great of course”
Richard interrupted while chalking a pool stick; “About the teams, I thought Catherine and I shall be team A, Jonathan and Jennifer team B, Danielle and Megan team C; any objections?”
“None to be made audible” Megan murmured under her breath, only Jennifer was able to hear. She started smiling, and was the first to accept; “Brilliant idea Richard. One condition though; team B breaks and we choose to start the first round against team C,” her eyes still smiling, looking sincerely.
For a split second the surprise was evident on Richard’s face, though he recovered immediately, nodded his appreciation and led Catherine by the arm to the chairs next to the wall, next to their tables.
…
Laying in her bed, the sleep continuously seems to evade Catherine. The evening’s events rolled over and over in her mind, every time chasing a bundle of butterflies in her tummy.
She and Richard got lost in all different conversations, she found him extremely interesting. He seems so normal, yet so completely different. Like out of this world different, so contradicting. He seems very grounded in himself, yet it seems like he doubts himself. He seems gentle, and kind, yet she a sense of something dark in him. And then there’s the manners, he has such good manners, like ‘old-proper-Brittan-elite-kind-of-gentleman-manners’. They all ended up playing more than 8 rounds, and eventually lost track of winnings. During one of her none-playing rounds, aunt Sam phoned her on her cell. She excused herself and went outside to take the call; Sam said she couldn’t wait, she wanted to let her know immediately; Catherine’s mom come to, no permanent damage, all her tests and responses were satisfying to the doctors. She’ll remain in the general ward another three days, after which she’ll be admitted to ‘Light House’, recovering and commencing psychiatric therapy. Catherine said how much she appreciated Sam’s call, and they hung up. Catherine stood for a moment to take it all in, acknowledging the miracle and what it meant to her emotionally. While looking at the stars in the black skies; she suddenly became aware of a feeling like, someone, or thing was watching her, and felt very unsettled. She brought her gaze down, surveying the area, left to right, and…across the road, in the shadows saw a…man, starring at her, with the determined look a predator would have, stalking its prey! A cold chill run from her scalp down her neck, making her shiver. With the blink of her eyes, suddenly he was on her side of the road, only a few feet from her!! How…when he moved, she never saw.
The next moment she heard the door behind her and Richard was there, standing in front of her, facing him. Then he was gone, as if he was never even there.
Richard turned to face her, he took hold of her shoulders and asked who the guy was and whether she knew him, and that he seemed to ‘harbour harmful intentions.’
She said no, she didn’t have a clue who it was and what he wanted. Richard said she was shivering, then held her. She could hear the beating of his heart; its rhythm soothed her nerves and the thrill of his closeness immediately warmed every fiber of her being. Flushing her cheeks hot with her blood. Then, abruptly he let go and started to lead her back inside, while murmuring that he was glad he came out to see if she’s okay.
His temperament seems so hot and cold, like an on and off switch short circuiting every now and then. Almost like running on impulses, rather than a specific personality and yet, with a constant thread of a deep, kind and gentle heart, and a mysterious sense of pain, always present, colouring in an interesting tapestry.
With images of Richard flowing through her memory, Catherine finally fell into a semi restless sleep.
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(8558 Words)
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