Scintillate (Scintillate Series Book 1) Page 3

  “You’re not supposed to be here!” shrieked the man in the hooded sweatshirt. He stumbled and broke his fall with his hands as he tried to stop before colliding into a mysterious figure that appeared out of nowhere.

  A new man stood between us; a stalwart guardian formed an impenetrable wall between my attacker and me.

  “Get out of here! Leave her alone!” My guardian’s voice resonated with anger and authority, yet I immediately recognized it. The frantic pounding of my heart pulsed throughout my entire body and gently rocked me.

  “Nick,” I whispered as a wave of relief washed over me. Where did he come from? I stared at Nick’s back and caught my breath as I tried to process this encounter.

  The man stood up and pointed at me. “I’ll be back!” he hissed.

  Nick remained motionless.

  I watched in confusion as my attacker moaned, dropped to the ground, and grabbed his head with his hands. “Please, please stop! Stop!” he begged and writhed around on the asphalt like a worm. “I’ll leave. I’ll leave.”

  At first, he had trouble standing up, as if his equilibrium was off. Then, his balance returned, and I watched as my attacker disappeared into the night.

  Nick ran to me. “Are you okay?” He grabbed my shoulders. His calm breathing was in stark contrast to my ragged breathing.

  “Yes,” I panted, still in shock. “Did you see that monster?” I stared into Nick’s eyes. My nails dug into his arms as I tried to steady myself. “Did you see that?”

  “Yeah, I’ve seen his type before.” Nick stared at me for a moment. “Did he cut you? Hurt you in any way?” He pulled up my sleeves. His fingers traced lightly over my skin as he examined my arms.

  “How can you be so calm?” I gasped. “What do you mean you’ve seen his type before? I saw teeth, claws, eyes…”

  Nick grabbed my face. “Kate, I need you to focus. Are you hurt?”

  Peace flooded my body as Nick’s presence filled my senses. His compelling voice made me feel safe while his touch centered me back in reality, away from the nightmare. Nick’s cologne reminded me of the good in nature. I saw hope when I looked into his eyes. Perhaps my eyes had deceived me.

  “I’m… I’m fine,” I stuttered. “He never got close to me.” I swallowed hard and tried to figure out what was going on. “What are you doing here?”

  “I wanted to say goodnight to you,” he said. “Here, you need to sit.” Nick opened my car door and helped me in. My legs hung out the side of the car. The dome light illuminated our faces.

  “I’m really glad you showed up. Who knows what would have happened.” I covered my face with my hands. My heart slowly returned to its regular rhythm. “Where did you come from?” I looked at Nick. “When I looked around, all I saw was that… thing.”

  Nick knelt in front of me. “I wanted to say goodbye to you after the game, but my dad ran into someone from work and I couldn’t get away. I saw you head to the parking lot, but I was too far away to stop you from going alone so I started out after you.” He sighed and looked in the direction my attacker fled. “I started running when I heard you scream.” Nick looked down at his feet and then back at me. “I was on my way.”

  “You were following me?” I asked stunned. How could I have missed him? I’d scoured the field looking for him, but I didn’t see him. Where was he hiding?

  Nick blushed and gave me a crooked smile. “I told you I’d see you after the game.”

  A smile flashed across my face as I realized that he did want to see me. However, it quickly vanished as I replayed the encounter in my mind. That man wanted to do something horrible to me. What would have happened if Nick hadn’t shown up?

  “Why did he say he’d be back? Do you think he’s coming back for me?” I fought back the nausea. What did that man want from me? I’d never seen him before tonight.

  “I think he said that to me. He was mad at me for getting in the way,” Nick said.

  “Do you really think so?” I didn’t know if I should believe him, but I wanted to. I selfishly wanted to believe that now the man’s anger was focused on Nick and not me. My gut told me Nick could protect himself.

  Nick patted my knee. “Yeah, you’re safe. I’m not going to let anything happen to you.”

  Tears welled up in my eyes. “I think you saved my life.”

  He smiled and folded my hands in his. “Don’t do that, Kate. You’ll embarrass me and give yourself those awful red dots on your face that girls get when they cry,” he winked.

  A tear trickled down my cheek as I blinked. “You’re right. I look like a monster when I cry.” I chuckled, but then felt sick remembering the monster that had stood before me.

  He wiped away my tear. “How ‘bout I drive you home tonight? I heard a rumor that we live in the same neighborhood.”

  “That’d be great.”

  “I’ll just call my dad and let him know. I’ll run home from your place.”

  He walked me around to the passenger side and closed my door. Then he called his dad, slid onto the driver’s seat, and started the engine.

  Nick talked about the game most of the ride home. I was distracted by thoughts of my attack and his rescue. He seemed unbothered by the events, as if rescuing damsels in distress was a typical occurrence for him.

  Was it possible that my fear had consumed me so much that I distorted reality? Was it possible that I couldn’t handle that a mortal man would attack me so I came up with an inhuman one? Did that make sense?

  “Nick.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Did you hear me say that I saw a monster?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I said that because I really did see a monster.” I looked at him as we turned a corner in the road. “You don’t think I’m crazy, do you?”

  “No. You’re not crazy.”

  I inhaled and slowly let it out so that my breath slowly breezed over my lips. “But what I saw was impossible. Rationally, I know nothing like that walks on Earth. Obviously there’s no such thing as boogeymen or demons running around attacking people.” My fingers pressed into my forehead, as if I could rub away the memory and therefore solve the problem of the monster.

  “You’re right. Demons don’t go around attacking people.” He moved one hand from the steering wheel to the gear shift, as if he wasn’t sure what to do.

  “Nick, what did I see?”

  “I can’t answer that for you.”

  I rested my elbow on the door ledge and nestled my head in my hand. The gentle hum of the engine filled the car while our voices were silent.

  “Maybe it was a Halloween mask,” I whispered, looking out the window as we pulled into our neighborhood. “They’re so realistic now that maybe my fear and the darkness fooled me.”

  “Well, that’s one theory.”

  I guided him to my house. The beautiful brick house rose before us. The wrap-around porch lights were on, welcoming me home. My heart and stomach twisted in knots.

  “Are you all right?” Nick asked as he glanced over at me. “You look like you’re about to cry.”

  “Oh, I was thinking about whether I should tell my parents.” I stared at the crape myrtle trees that dotted the front yard. As children, Reese and I would play on them and hide between the branches. Now the game was over. Hiding between the branches of trees was no longer an option.

  “I see.” He pulled into my driveway. “It was serious. Do you want to tell them?” The glow of the porch lights fell dimly across his face. His blue eyes looked into mine. His cologne filled the car and filled me with peace. He waited patiently for my reply.

  “I’m torn.” I wrung my hands nervously in my lap. “If I tell them, they’ll make a huge deal out of it and my whole life will change. They’ll make me file a police report. If I don’t tell them, things will go on as usual.”

  “It sounds like you’ve already made your decision.” Nick shifted in the seat so we faced each other.

  “You know, if it was a mask, then maybe it was
n’t a real attack. I mean… what if that guy was one of Reese’s friends pulling a stupid prank. I met him earlier during the game.” My eyes met Nick’s. “He made sure I was Reese’s sister. You got in the way, and that’s why he said you weren’t supposed to be there. It doesn’t make sense that some random guy would hunt me down like that.”

  “Hmm.” Nick smiled and slowly nodded his head.

  “See, you agree. He’s probably some stupid jock from another school that Reese met at football camp or something.” I smiled and felt some relief. Now it was beginning to make sense. “It was just a joke that went bad.” I chuckled, got out of the car, and chose to ignore the pit in my stomach.

  Nick closed his car door. “I’m glad I saw you after the game.”

  “Are you kidding? Thanks for saving me from a bad joke.” I slipped my arm through his as we walked up the brick sidewalk to the front door.

  “No problem, that’s what friends are for.”

  Our eyes met and that invisible rope was around my waist again, pulling me to him. Was he holding the other end, drawing me towards him, or was I the only participant in this delusion of mine?

  I didn’t want him to leave, but I couldn’t invite him inside; what excuse would I give my parents? “Good night,” I said. The rope disintegrated as he turned and walked down the sidewalk towards the small neighborhood lake.

  My bedroom door handle felt cool to the touch. I entered my room and was instantly soothed when I saw the mural Mom painted on my wall when I was younger. I lay on the queen-sized bed, fluffed up the bright floral and paisley pillows, and traced the pathway on the mural. Two little girls walk in a forest towards a castle in a clearing. Blue birds and cardinals perch on tree branches. A fawn nestles by her mother on a bed of purple and gold pansies. Beside the castle, a gorgeous fountain sprays water, surrounded by blooming roses, gardenias, and lilies. Flowering vines ascend the turrets and surround the windows of the castle. Light radiates from the windows and makes the castle look cheery and inviting. Hovering above the children is an angel whom they can’t see, but he is guiding and protecting them. The angel’s face is serene, and his golden wings actually shimmer. Mom put glow in the dark paint on the wings so that when I turned out the light I would see his wings floating over me in bed to remind me that I’m not alone. Everything about the mural is peaceful — so opposite of how I feel now.

  As a young child, I had terrible nightmares about monsters attacking me. Mom painted the mural and reminded me that I was protected by a guardian angel. She promised that even though I couldn’t see my guardian angel, he was there, protecting me. Every night I went to bed feeling safe and protected. The nightmares stopped.

  Now that I’m a junior in high school, I know there are no angels guarding my every footstep. In many ways the mural is childish, but I still can’t paint over it. It’s a symbol of love and refuge that my mother painted. One day, when I visit with my children, they will see this mural. Perhaps the angel will give them comfort when they are scared.

  As I got ready for bed, flashbacks of the attack consumed me. I focused on the mural, and it was like I was a child again. Peace temporarily flooded me, and I knew someone was watching out for me.

  What would have happened if Nick hadn’t shown up? Who was that person? Was it really a joke? How could he change out of the mask so quickly? Where did he hide the mask and claws when Nick confronted him? Why would Reese have a friend scare me like that?

  Something about the mask and joke excuse didn’t add up, but logically I know monsters don’t walk around, so I was in a predicament. How could I explain what I saw? There was no explanation.

  Then there’s the mystery of Nick. We hardly know each other, yet he followed me through the parking lot to say goodnight. He must have kept his distance because when I looked for help, I didn’t see anyone.

  All the signs are there that he’s interested in me. Could I actually have a chance at a relationship with Nick? My heart and the butterflies in my stomach started to flutter.

  Weekend Drama

  Saturdays are the best: sleeping in, hot breakfast, and lazing around all day. The aroma of bacon floated up to my room and nudged me awake. As I wiped the sleep from my eyes, I rushed down the stairs to join my family for breakfast.

  Reese was seated at the large kitchen table that runs parallel with the oversized granite island where Mom was cooking blueberry pancakes. Maple cabinets line three walls of the kitchen and black appliances compliment the color scheme in the blue pearl granite. French doors open to the screened porch that is off the kitchen and leads to the grill on the deck and wrap-around porch. The family room and kitchen are open concept and make the two rooms seem massive.

  “Reese, last night’s football game was great,” Mom said as she removed the pancakes from the griddle. “You really played well.” Mom stayed home to raise Reese and me. Dad travels a lot with his job, so she dedicated herself to providing a tranquil home for our family. Supporting us through our activities was always one way she showed her love.

  “Thanks. I’m just glad we won,” Reese said as he stuffed his mouth with scrambled eggs. His usually brown spikey hair resembled a shaggy mop that was in desperate need of a cleaning and some hair gel.

  Did he put his friend up to the prank, or was he oblivious to last night’s event? I wasn’t going to ask him. Part of me was afraid of the answer. What if it wasn’t a prank?

  “I heard you had a good time, too.” Mom’s blue eyes were brightened by her turquoise tennis top.

  “Yeah, I had fun. I sat with Meghan and Maggie, just like always.” I had a feeling I knew what she was hinting at, but I wasn’t offering any information for free. Mom’s spies were everywhere.

  “That’s not what I meant.” Mom poured more pancake batter onto the griddle and dropped plump blueberries into the perfect circles of batter.

  “Mrs. Delbarian said you were talking to that new boy in the concession line last night. She said he even paid for your drink and cookies.” Mom looked like she was about to burst with excitement as her golden brown ponytail gently swayed.

  “Wow, word gets around fast. Did she tell you this last night or call you this morning?” I stabbed my pancake with my fork. “It must be nice to have an army of PTA spies.” In elementary school it was great having a stay-at-home mom. She volunteered at school, and I loved seeing her there. But once I hit middle school, it was embarrassing having my mom at school. I told her she could do the PTA, but that was all. In high school, however, this is harassment. I don’t have any privacy. Not only is she looking over my shoulder, she has her friends spying on me too.

  “Honey, Moms have to look out for each other’s daughters.” She waved the pancake turner at me. “One day you’ll understand.”

  “A boy actually spent money on you,” Reese snorted. “He must be pretty desperate.”

  “That’s kind of fun that he was talking to you,” Mom said. “I heard he’s cute.” She flipped the pancakes and gave me a wink.

  “Does Katie Bug have a love interest?” Dad’s hazel eyes glanced up at me as he cut his pancake with the side of his fork.

  I had to get this under control. “No. I do not have a love interest. I talked to a guy. He bought me some food. It’s not a big deal.” I shoved a giant piece of blueberry pancake into my mouth. The wonderful taste of maple syrup and blueberry juice mixing helped relieve the stress of the current situation.

  Mom sat at the table with the last of the blueberry pancakes. As she poured the warm maple syrup she said, “Michelle Delbarian told me they bought the Patel’s house. His dad works from home in the technology industry.”

  “Do you know if it’s hardware or software?” Dad asked. Being a tech-geek, he’d ask a question like that.

  “I don’t know.” Mom shrugged. “Michelle didn’t say.” Mom set the maple syrup back on the table.

  Reese leaned back in the chair, patted his stomach, and began bragging about last night’s football achievements. Gratitude
flooded me as Reese dominated the conversation.

  After breakfast I went upstairs to do my chores. I removed the sheets from my bed and placed them in the washing machine. Loud voices rose from the kitchen. I tried to remain out of sight as I crept down the stairs, relatively confident that eavesdropping is only bad if someone’s doing it to you.

  “But Mom, I don’t want her there,” Reese whined.

  My mind whirled as I tried to figure out what they were talking about.

  “That doesn’t matter,” Mom retorted. “If you’re going, then she’s going.”

  “Hey Katie Bug, why are you standing sentinel on the stairs?” Dad asked. He leaned confidently against his office doorjamb. “Are you eavesdropping?”

  “Dad!” I put my finger to my mouth. “Shh!”

  “Kate, get over here. I need to talk to you,” Mom ordered from the kitchen. When Mom ordered, you better listen. She was a teacher in her life before kids, and she meant what she said.

  I walked into the kitchen and tried to assess the situation. Reese was leaning against the island, his arms crossed in defiance and a pout upon his face.

  “Kate, Reese has a little problem. He needs your help,” Mom began in her honey smooth voice, which of course meant serious trouble for me. I narrowed my eyes as I waited for the hammer to fall. “Reese has been invited to go with Matt Wager and his family to Asheville for the long weekend after Thanksgiving.”

  “Awesome, Reese should definitely go!” I said enthusiastically. I sat down at the kitchen table. “I could have Maggie over for the weekend. We’ll have a blast. Reese, you have my permission to go away for the weekend. In fact, stay away as long as possible,” I added with a grin.

  “Well, there is a slight problem.” Mom’s voice and expressions were velvety smooth. This confirmed my suspicion of trouble for me.

  “How can there be a problem? He’s gone away with them before?” I didn’t see how there could be a problem. Susan Wager had been Mom’s best friend for nearly twenty years.

  “Well, Meghan Wager is taking some of her friends.” Mom sat down at the table and smoothed out her white tennis skirt.