Just a stupid day dream.09:34 Feb 03 2006
Times Read: 683
We had known each other forever. We had grown up together and we were all pretty close. There was me (Angel), Serena, Devon, Kyle, Alex and Jason. Kyle and Jason were brothers and Devon calls me his little sister. I was the youngest of everyone, which made things complicated more times than not. We don’t have anything special about us. Just a couple of friends helping other people. Five of the six of us practice. Serena doesn’t; she just provides encouragement, support and reasoning. Devon has great hunting skills. Kyle is a Druid with a hot head and a short temper, especially when Jason isn’t around. Jason has the skills and talents of an assassin. Alex is our warrior and most likely our leader. And then there’s me. I don’t really have a great talent. I just basically tag along and help where I can. They don’t let me do much since I’m the youngest and I’m so small. We have a little metaphysical shop here in town that I manage. That’s where we get most of our business. Anything from blessings, herbal remedies and supplies to cleansings, vanquishing and anything else that someone may inquire about.
It was some time in early May; I had decided to open the shop a little earlier than normal that day. The smell of dragon’s blood filtered through the shop and the smoke swirled through the sun light. The morning was beautiful and calm, but there was something lingering in the air that day. I didn’t pay it any mind since that feeling usually meant that we were going to have a good day of business. Jason showed up about an hour after I opened the store to help me like he always did. Me and him had always had a special connection with each other, though we never let any of the others know. I mean he was the oldest of any of us and I was the youngest. I always thought they’d give us a hard time, so we left it at small talk and flirtatious gestures outside of the groups viewing. He tapped on the glass at the door and I waved him in.
“Already open I see. What’s the occasion?”
“No occasion. I just felt like opening early.”
“Ahh. I see. Well that’s why you’re the boss.” I smiled softly at him and went back to restocking the ceremony candles. He stood there silently by the counter watching me. I finally stood and went to the back room with him following right behind. I sifted through the shelves for a moment looking for the new shipment of books we had just got in. That’s what I get for letting Devon take the shipments. Finally I found it and started to pull it off the shelf. “Let me get that.” Jason walked over, took the box off the shelf and walked it back into the shop. Jason spent the next hour following me around helping with little odd an end task. At about ten o’clock Kyle and Serena showed.
“Hey Angel.” I looked up at Serena and smiled.
“Hey Bro. Where were you this morning?” Kyle watched his brother carefully as he answered.
“I had some business to take care of.” At that the bell rang above the door and my first costumer walked in. It was one of my regulars. She hurried over to me, panic etched into her face.
“Angel! Thank the Gods your open. I need some help.”
“What’s wrong hun?”
“I don’t know. I was protecting my house with a spell I got and then everything just started going wrong.”
“Okay. Calm down. Jason and Kyle will come over and take a look around.”
“Oh thank you, thank you.” I watched as Jason and Kyle left. Which meant it was just me and Serena, who was over by the book shelves looking at the new shipments. After a while Devon and Alex showed up followed by another customer needing help with a smudging.
“Devon. Serena. Can you go and show her how to do it?”
“But I just got here,” Devon wined.
“Oh don’t be a baby.” Alex sighed. Devon rolled his eyes then made a face behind Alex’s back as they left. “So how are you this morning?”
“I’m good.” He came over and stood across the counter from me.
“When are you going to let the past go and start dating again?” I glared up at him annoyed.
“I’m not interested in dating anyone. We’ve been through this before.”
“I know. But I you should get out and see some people. It’ll help make the past go away.” The bell above the door rang.
“Nobody can make the past go away. Now if you’ll excuse me I have customers.” I walked out from behind the counter to greet whoever had just come in. They were looking for certain candle fragrances. When I finished ringing them out, Alex was sitting at one of the tables leaned back in the chair, arms crossed over his chest, just watching me. I had a lot of customers in the following two hours. Then about 1:30 in the afternoon another regular came in with a problem. So sent Alex to deal with that one. The next thirty minutes were quiet until the bell above the door rang. I looked up, but there was no one in the store. I looked around for a moment but found no one, so I went back to my writings.
“Excuse me.” I looked up quickly as an eerie feeling came over me. He was standing on the other side of the counter. He was about 6’ 4”, slender with shaggy black hair and blue mercury eyes. He was dressed in black and wore a black duster. I watched as he smiled softly. “I’m new in town and a friend told me this was best metaphysical shop there was.”
“Well I wouldn’t say the best,” I blushed. His eyes were alluring and enchanting.
“I was looking for some books and the necessities to start my alter.”
“Well the books are over here.” I stood and took him over to the books. It felt like I was floating above the floor.
“Which one’s would you recommend?”
“Huh? Oh. I would suggest these two. This one has an accurate history and this one has the best spells.”
“Thanks,” he whispered softly, “And the stuff for the alter?”
“It’s over here. I turned and glided over as he followed right behind. I stopped and turned only to come face to face with him.
“Your beautiful.”
“I’m not seeing anyone right now.” The words came out before I could I stop them. My mind was swirling.
“DING!” I turned to see who had entered the shop. Devon came rushing up to me.
“What’s wrong? Are you okay? What’s going on? Who’s here?” I stood there surprised for a moment, then I heard everyone else come rushing in calling questions.
“Nothing’s going on. I’m fine I was just…” I turned to introduce them to the guy I was helping, but he wasn’t there. Had I been dreaming? I looked down at the two books I had in my hand, then looked up. “I was just getting things together for a starter kit” Devon looked at me for a moment. “I think you’re being a little over protective right now and it’s throwing your senses off.”
“Will someone please tell me what’s going on,” Alex shouted above everyone.
“We don’t know. All we know is that Devon called us and said to get over here, something was wrong,” stated Kyle.
“Nothing’s wrong. Devon just needs some meditation to put himself back in line. All of you worry to much about me. I’m find. Nothing ever happens to me. So I had a bad break-up and I was little torn up about it. Big deal. That’s life. I’m find and I always will be fine. You people need to quit wasting your time on me. Now if you don’t mind I have a business to run.” I turned and walked away from them, heading for the back room. Once I was safe in its darkness, I let out a heavy sigh. He was just standing there. Where could he have gone? And why did Devon call everyone in the group? What would have sent him running here that fast?
“That was a nice speech. To bad I’m not buying it.” I turned to see Jason standing in the entrance of the aisle.
“I’m sorry. That’s the only thing to buy.” My tone was bitter. I hated when done this.
“What was going on, Angel?”
“Nothing. It’s my life. I’ll live it how I want.”
“That’s fine. But make sure it doesn’t take the rest of us down with you.” I watched as he turned and left. He was the only one who could see right through me. I let out another sigh, grabbed a box , and went back up front. The rest of the day went by in a blur. The only thing I really remember was Jason hiding in the shadows watching me.
I awoke the next morning dazed and slightly confused. My head was spinning and I couldn’t remember what day it was or even the last 24 hours. I pulled myself out of bed and got into the shower. The water sounded so far away. I finished my shower and got dressed in a swirl of cloth and color and then went looking for my keys. I was standing in the kitchen when everything went fuzzy then dark. I rolled my head to side trying to block the light as I opened my eyes. Jason was kneeling down beside me.
“What happened,” I asked as I took his hand so he could help me up.
“I don’t know. I just got here. Your door was unlocked. Is everything okay?”
“Yeah why?” He stood up and pulled me to my feet.
“Because it’s almost noon.” The color drained from my face as I turned to look at the clock and my calendar.
“What happened yesterday?” He looked down at me quizzically.
“You don’t remember?” He watched me for a moment. “You opened the store early. Sent everyone out on some jobs. Then Devon called everyone telling us to get back to the shop because something was wrong. When we got there you were standing by the alters holding some books looking enchanted.”
“I was deep in thought.” The memory of that guy came back, but nothing much after that. “I need to get my crystals then I’ll be over there.” I walked into my bedroom and got my black amethyst, then went and got my keys. We got there at noon and I opened the store, apologizing to my friends and customers for not being open. At about two o’clock everyone had left for errands or other reasons and Jason had just left to go get some food. I heard the bell above the door and turned from the alters to see who had come in, but again found no one. I turned back only to come face to face with guy from yesterday. “You really need to quit doing that.”
“I’m sorry love.”
“Where did you go yesterday?”
“Your friends didn’t want me here.”
“My friends don’t own this place. I do.”
“I see. So where were we yesterday?”
“We were here. I was showing you alters.” He reached out touched my hand. I went to pull it back but my body hesitated for a moment. Then it hit me. I should have known by his eyes. I jerked my hand back and he looked down at me curious. “You’re not welcome here.”
“Oh but I am. And your going to make me.” He reached out and grabbed my wrist, pulling me towards him. I wrenched my arm free and ready myself for a fight. “Don’t make this harder than it has to be,” he growled. I saw his fangs poking into his lower lip.
“I said get out.” I knew it was just me. No one was here to help. Or at least not yet. I watched as he laughed.
“You really think you make me leave?”
“There’s no thinking to it. I know I can.”
“So you want the hard way. Fine. But you must know. I’d have preferred the easy way. I thought you were far to beautiful for me to mess up.” I watched as shadows crept from the corners behind him. Thank the Goddess Jason taught me about shadows and shadow demons. About the time the shadows reached his back he looked quickly towards the door then the shadows disappeared. He walked up to me and stopped just inches from my face. “This isn’t over. I will be back.” And with that he disappeared followed immediately by Devon and Jason.
“What’s going on?” Devon was to the point of panic.
“Nothing. I’m fine.”
“Then why are you shaking?” Jason asked casually. I looked down at my hands.
“Because I haven’t had anything to eat in two days.” I reached for the bag in his hand and went over to the counter to eat. Jason walked over to the counter and leaned to my ear.
“You can explain the shaking, but can you explain the hand print on your wrist that wasn’t there thirty minutes ago?” I stood there speechless and unable to answer him. “That’s what I thought. I’m not stupid Angel. And I don’t fall for your well laid stories like everyone else does. I’ll only cover your ass for so long. But remember. If it starts to effect the group, then that’s it.” I nodded my head and went back to my food, cussing him silently in the back of my mind. Towards closing time the rest of the group showed up. Devon was going around talking to everyone, which meant there was a group meeting. However no one came and said anything to me. I watched as they all left. So I locked the door and went to the meditation room we had towards the back of the shop. I lit an incense and sat down. After a few minutes of meditation I was able to find everyone. They were back at Alex’s apartment.
“Something’s going on.” Devon was frustrated and angry.
“What? All you have is a few bad feelings and a couple of odd coincidences. That’s not enough to raise any concern.” Alex pointed out.
“Angel never has made any sense. Maybe she’s trying out something new. The last time she did something like that it drained her every time.” Kyle looked around the room waiting for a response.
“He’s right,” Serena stated.
“No you guys. Something really bad is happening. Jason you seen it. Tell him.”
“She’s right. It’s her life and she should be able to live it the way she wants to. We’ve babied her long enough. She’s an adult just like us. Let her deal with this problem on her own. She’s a smart person. If she needs our help she’ll ask. I know she will.” The room went silent. Do I think there is a problem? Yes I do. But I also think she is capable enough to handle it herself.”
“I think Jason is right. We’ll leave her alone. If she needs something she’ll let us know.”
“Damn it Alex. What if she tells us to late.” Devon was furious.
“I’ve spoken and that’s that.” Alex turned and walked out of the room.
“Come on. Help me please.” Devon looked around the room.
“He’s right. You’ve always been more protective over her than any of us. We know she’s like a sister to you. But you have to let her fend for herself at sometime. Or else she’ll be lost when you’re gone.” Serena spoke calmly. I had heard what I needed to hear. The room slowly began to fade as I started to return to my body. I was almost out of the room when I suddenly became stuck. It felt like something had grabbed hold of me. My mind began to swirl and spin.
“What the?” It felt my breathe was being sucked out of me and searing pain ripped through my head. “Jason!” Then everything disappeared.
He was standing there in the darkness. I could see his eyes.
“What do you want?”
“I want you.”
“Why? What’s so special about me? I don’t do anything. I’m not important. I just run the damn shop. Everyone else has talent. Not me.”
“That is where you are wrong. You have all the knowledge. You hold that stupid little group together. Haven’t you noticed that everyone comes to you when they have a problem. Or that everyone makes sure you don’t get mad or upset. Or even that when you do get mad bad things happen cause you don’t know how to direct your anger.”
“So what. That doesn’t make me special or anything. So I’m a good listener. And I have some misguided issues. So what?”
“Poor thing. You are so simple minded. You see. Once I destroy you. They will be so torn apart, that getting them out of the way will be easy.”
“You’ll have to destroy me first.”
“I’ve already got you. I’m in your head right now. And you can’t get rid of me. But your poor excuse for body guards are beckoning. So I will return at a more convenient time.” I watched as he disappeared and light slowly filtered in. I opened my eyes and pushed myself up on my elbows. Everybody was standing over me.
“Angel are you okay?” Devon was down beside me fighting panic.
“I’m fine. I just ran into some trouble.”
“You were spying.” Alex didn’t look happy.
“And you were having a meeting without me. Have I become that much of a problem that you can’t even talk about me to my face?”
“That’s not what’s going on,” said Serena. “We are all just worried about you. You have been acting weird.”
“I’m fine you guys. I need to do this on my own. Jason’s right. If I need your help, I will ask.”
“Then it’s settled,” Kyle smarted. “Now on to more pressing matters. Jason. Why are you the only one with a spare key to the shop?” Kyle stared mischievously at his brother.
“He comes here in the morning to help me open. So I gave him a key so he could get in. In case I was in the back and didn’t hear him.”
“Sure. If you say so.” Kyle grinned at his brother. I stood up and had to grab Devon’s shoulder to keep from falling over. I looked at him and smiled.
“Thanks for being there for. But I have to do this on my own. You’ll always be my big brother and the first one I’ll call if I need help. But right now. Right now it’s me.” I turned and walked out of the room. I needed to go home and look through my books. I knew Jason would lock up the shop for me.
Once I got home started ravaging through my books for anything to cleanse the mind and dispel psychic vampires. I finally found some spells and went to my alter to perform them. I knew it was going to be a rough night, but I had to do this on my own. After a few hours of chanting, meditating and spell casting, I felt a peace come over my mind and darkness leave it’s corners. Then I heard him. I turned and stood quickly, readying myself for whatever he had to throw at me.
“So you managed to get me out of your mind. That doesn’t mean you’ve won,” he laughed. “So you’re not as weak as I thought. That’s fine. I’ll just have to make you weak. And let’s see. How would I do that. Oh yeah. You just destroyed the one person who had any idea that I was here. That should leave a pretty nice gash in your soul. Do you think you can beat me to him?” With that he vanished.
“Damn it. I’ve got to get over there.” I ran to the phone and called Devon, but I got no answer. So I called Alex and had him get a hold of everyone else and have them meet me at Devon’s place. Once I got off the phone I ran to my car and sped over. I reached his place a few seconds after everyone else. They were hurrying inside with Alex in the lead. We all got into the entrance hall and Alex and Kyle were in his front room when Alex hollered for someone to keep me out of it. I felt Serena grab my arm and try to pull me outside, but pulled myself free and pushed past the guys before they could stop me. I saw him standing in the middle of the room holding a surprised Devon up in the air.
“So you brought the whole group. How wonderful.” He tossed Devon towards the couch, laughing. I watched Devon land and hurried over to him. He looked confused and surprised.
“You shouldn’t be here,” he gasped as he tried to catch his breathe
“Yes. I should. This is all my fault. And I’m going to fix it.” I stood up and turned to face him. “You want me. Come and get me.”
“Oh no. You aren’t even capable of taking him on.” Alex, Kyle and Jason hurried up around me. Alex glared harshly at me. “Let us do this.” In a flash I seen my friends laying bloody and lifeless on the floor as darkness began to take over. Then it was gone and I was standing back it the entrance with Serena and Jason. I saw the blast and ran out in front them screaming no. Before anyone could stop what was about to happen, the blast hit me strength in the side throwing from my feet and slamming me into the ground. I felt the pain wrenching through my body and the world around me seemed fuzzy. I heard shouts and felt anger all around. I shook my head to clear my thoughts and then pulled myself back to my feet. I felt hands trying to hold me, but I pushed them away, mumbling that I was fine. I could still see him standing in front of me. He was trying to hide his surprise.
“Fine. I’ll take you out first. It doesn’t matter to me.” His voice was quaking.
“No. I’ll take you out.” With those words I concentrated all my energy towards my target and let go. I saw everything go white and heard a piercing scream, then the white was gone and so was he. I walked over to Devon and touched his shoulder. “See. I told you I could take care of myself,” I smiled. Then everything went black as I felt my body collapse.
I awoke at Jason and Kyle’s place. Jason was sitting beside me.
“Welcome back,” he smiled softly.
“You blacked out, Hun.” I looked at him confused. “That attack you done drained you of almost all your energy.”
“Oh.” I laid there in the bed silently wondering what you say.
“You scared me back there.” I looked over at him surprised.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered. He got up out of the chair and sat down beside me on the bed, brushing my hair behind my ear with his fingers.
“When are we going to stop hiding this?”
“Hiding what?”
“Don’t play with me. You know what I’m talking about.” I felt myself blush.
“I didn’t figure you wanted anything said about.”
“Well I do. It’s been four years now since we’ve started this.”
“I know. I just don’t them to harass you.”
“Screw them. I don’t care anymore. I want you to be mine. And I want them to know your mine.” I smiled shyly.
“Then I’m yours.” He leaned down kissed my lips softly. I slid my arm around his waist and propped myself up on the bed so I could get a real kiss. I heard someone walk into the and stop.
“Hey guys. Come see this. I told you there was something going on between them.” Kyle’s amused voice filtered through the apartment. I simply raised my hand and flipped him off.
COMMENTS
-