Andrea, or Andy to her friends, walked home from yet another disappointing date. They were all the same. Thinking they could get in your pants just because they bought you a burger and fries. Not even a drink! How can anyone eat without a soda or even water? “Uggggg. What a waste of time.” Andy shook her head.
She stopped instantly. “Crap.” Remembering her mistake, she pulled her phone from her back pocket. Andy scrolled through the contacts and found her latest date’s number. Within seconds, she had him blocked. Some might say that is the coward’s way but after this happening so many times, it was the easiest way. If she ran into him, that would be a different story. Sometimes they got violent but she knew how to take care of herself.
Passersby started looking at her strangely for just standing there so she continued on home. She knew better than to make the mistake again. Same mistake, different guy. When would she learn? At this rate, even if a decent guy showed up, she wouldn’t know if he truly liked her for who she was.
It was obvious when it happened. They would be talking and having a good time, only making the briefest of eye contact. She would make witty comments. He would laugh at her goofiness. Then he would touch her hand or something like that. She would look into his eyes. Then it would happen. After that, he seemed to have no control. All he wanted to was to be with her in every way possible. He would be obsessed. And this was only in a matter of hours. And then there were times that the eye contact wasn’t even needed.
In the beginning, she was rude. When they became strange or too touchy, she would tell them off. Tell them to go away and that she didn’t want anything to do with them. That only seemed to make things worse. They became more and more agitated and obsessed. They would try to hit her or drag her to their cars.
Now she told them what they wanted to hear. Tell them she would talk to them later. Promise to have another date. All of this just to get away. Then, as soon as she was free and far enough away, she would block their number and hope to never run into them again.
The only thing she couldn’t understand… Well, there was a lot she didn’t understand…. But this was just about the how of it. How does this keep happening? She knows when it does but it still never makes sense that it even is happening. Rambling in her mind won’t help though. Yet again, she shook her head to clear it.
Andy finally made it to her apartment building. She put in the code and opened the front door. Waiting for it to close behind her, she breathed a sigh of relief. It was something she did every time. It was in the building rules but it was her rule as well. Never ever leave the door until it is closed again.
Instead of taking the elevator up to her floor, she chose the stairs. It was only five floors after all. As she walked, she took out her phone to make sure he successfully blocked that man’s number. That’s when she bumped into someone. Boxes fell down the stairs. “Oh my gosh! I am so sorry.”
She went to grab at least one of the boxes. A masculine hand got to it before her. “It’s ok. I’ve got it.” He had a deep resonating voice. It seemed to vibrate in her chest.
She didn’t dare look up. This wasn’t going to happen twice in one night. Keeping her eyes lowered, she asked, “Are you new here? I haven’t seen you before.”
He chuckled causing her skin to shiver. “You still haven’t really seen me, have you? Do you normally avoid looking at people or am I that ugly?”
She laughed in response. Her eyes drifted up on their own. They took in the tattered jeans and leather jacket. His tanned skin looked rough like someone who physically worked for a living. Long dark hair shaped his face, slightly covering deep black eyes.
She looked into them. “Well, shit…”
PART 2
“What was that?” His slightly deep yet heavily accented voice shook her out of her thoughts.
“Oh, ummm. I meant that as in the boxes. One looks torn.” I was sure my face had turned bright red. I couldn’t breathe. The moment happened again. I was too careless. What was it about this guy that drew me to look into his eyes? I didn’t dare look up from the boxes but I couldn’t help myself. When I did, he had a sideways smile. Did he know?
“Sure, sha. Whatever you say.” He chuckled again. “Would you mind helping me move my things up to my apartment?”
Before I could think better of it, my damn mouth betrayed me. “Of course. I can help.” Damn it.
I picked up what I could and took the rest. We climbed the stairs one at a time to make sure we didn’t drop the boxes again. Wait… why were we taking the stairs? I was too out of breath to ask and didn’t want him to know. He looked like he worked out and I didn’t. Five floors later, he headed down a hallway. Oh, no. Five floors? Crap on a cracker.
Alarms went off in my head to abort mission, but how could I? Leaving his boxes here would be a dick move for sure. I didn’t want to be that person.
We finally made it to his door. Luckily it was on the opposite end as mine. I set the boxes down just beside his apartment entrance. “Here you go. I need to get home. I have a lot to do.”
His hand reached out to mine and gently grasped it. “Come on, Sha. You carried my boxes all this way. Let me at least get you something to drink.”
That word and that accent sent more chills over my skin and not in a bad way. “It’s ok. Just doing the neighborly thing. I really do have to run.” What a cop out. Before he could respond I was walking away. His voice was still singing in my head. Was that a Cajun accent? It sure sounded like it. And what the hell does Sha mean anyway? This was bad. This was really bad. He lived in my apartment complex. How do you avoid someone who lives down the hall from you?
I made it to my door and unlocked it before looking back. He was leaning against his door frame. His arms crossed over that broad chest and the same crooked smile plastered on his face. Great! Now he knows which apartment is mine. Why didn’t I go down stairs or something? I am such an idiot.
As if to prove my point, I bumped into my door without opening it. I didn’t dare look back to see if he was laughing. This was way too embarrassing. I always kept my cool. Turning the nob, I entered my home and quickly shut the door behind me. In seconds, I had all the bolts locked. I sunk to the floor wondering what I was going to do about this mess.
PART 3
Andy got out of bed the next day. It all seemed like a dream. The day before and meeting that guy. What even was his name? She never got one from him. She groaned loudly. “I made such an ass of myself.”
She walked to her kitchen for some much-needed coffee. Andy’s mind kept going to the new tenant. She shook her head to try and clear it. “Get a grip, Andy.” Sipping her coffee as she made some breakfast at the stove, she nearly burnt the eggs. They were definitely well done now. “Ugggg. Gotta eat them anyway. What the hell is wrong with me?”
Continuing with her morning routine, she got dressed and made her lunch for the day, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Her mind still kept showing her flashes of him. Even shaking her head wasn’t working anymore. Wearing the usual jeans and a button up shirt with hiking boots, Andy walked out her door and locked it. She unconsciously looked down the hall to his door. It stood happily closed.
The elevators were just one the other side of his door, however. So, nearly tip toeing passed his door, Andy made it to the elevators. Just as she pushed the down button, the air shifted behind her. She let out a small sigh. Making it out was too good to be true.
“Hello there, Sha.” His deep accented voice sent chills down her arms. Was that a good thing or bad?
Andy turned to face him. “Hey. How are you doing this morning? Get all settled in?” Andy made sure not to make eye contact. One dose was way too many as it was.
“I did. Thank you. I would like to pay back your kindness.” He reached out a hand and tried to place it on Andy’s shoulder. She flinched back reflexively. The man didn’t seem to take offense. “So, I never got your name.”
The ding of the elevator caused Andy to jump. This was very much unlike her normally self-assured manner. As she turned to enter, he held out a hand to keep the doors open. She sent him a small smile. “I’m Andy. What’s yours?”
They both made it on and Andy pressed the button for floor one. The doors closed then in together. He stood uncomfortably close. “My name is Zagan.” His accent made the name seem so regal and eccentric.
Another ding later had them leaving the elevator. He held the doors again and they both headed to front. He was such a gentleman. Warning bells rang in her head. Someone this nice had to be hiding something dark. They always seemed nice at first. Then after some time, it all went to hell.
The noise of car horns brought her back to the present. He still held the front door for her, his smile broad. Those dark eyes seemed to draw her in. Eyes! Crap! She had done it again but there was no reaction in him, only her. What the heck was going on?
“Maybe I will see you later?” He waited for her reply.
“Umm yeah… sure. I mean, we do live in the same building and the same floor.” She hoped some humor would dissipate the tension.
He took a step forward after releasing the door. “Sha, you know that isn’t what I meant.”
Her warning horns were blaring. She finally had enough. “Whoa whoa, Casanova. We just met yesterday. Let’s take things down a notch.”
His smile broadened. Taking a step back he did some kind of bow. “As you wish, Sha.”
“Ok, what is with the ‘Sha’ stuff? What does it even mean?”
“It is a term of endearment. Nothing to be worried about, I assure you.”
“Riiiight. Well, I need to get to the shop. Cars don’t fix themselves.”
“Strange how you fix these automobiles but do not own one.” He quirked up an eyebrow.
“Yeah, I don’t trust other drivers. With the repairs I have had to do, I know how crazy they drive.”
He held out his hand to her and waited. “That does make sense. It is a pleasure to meet you, Andy. I hope to continue our discussions.”
She took his hand, gasping when it almost felt like a light shock hit her palm. “Yeah, it was nice to meet you too. See you around.” Yanking her hand back she turned and walked away. How the hell was she going to handle this?
PART 4
It had been a very long day. Three cars came in with major engine issues so it was night by the time Andy walked into the lobby of her apartment complex. Several women chatted next to the wall of mail boxes. They were friends of hers. They usually went for drinks every Friday night. Too bad it was only Monday.
“Hey ladies. How’s it goin’?”
“Oh, hey Andy! Looks like you had a rough day.” That was Rosie. She was the rowdy one of our group.
“Yeah it was. I am gonna go soak in my tub with a very large glass of whiskey.” I started to hit the button on the elevator but paused. “Hey, Rosie, Michelle. What do you think of that new guy? The one who moved in on my floor.”
“What new guy?” Michelle quirked up one well-manicured eye brow.
“I think his name is Zagan. Cute and has an accent.” Crap, I just called him cute. They are gonna never let me live that down. I never expressed what I thought of a guy’s looks.
Rosie caught the slip. “Cute, huh? You think he is cute? Now I gotta see this guy. What apartment number?”
“I don’t remember. I’ll have to look when I pass it by in a bit.” Now I pressed the button. When the doors whooshed open, I waved good-bye and went in.
On my floor, I stepped out, turning to my apartment. Making sure I didn’t forget, I counted the door numbers. “310… 311… 312… 313…” When I got to his, there wasn’t a number on his door. “Hmmm. Must be a maintenance thing.” I kept going to the next door. “314? Wait… what?” I back peddled to his door and the one before it. “The hell?” How could there be a door between 313 and 314? That just wasn’t possible.
I heard the unmistakable sound of locks clicking open from the other side of his door. My heart beat in my chest and panic fogged my brain. I would look like a stalker if he caught me right here by his door.
As quietly as I could, I ran the rest of the way to my door. Fumbling for my keys, like a noob on a movie, my door was finally open. I shut it quickly but accidentally slammed it shut. The locks slid shut easily. My breath didn’t seem to be able to fill my lungs. The thumping of each heartbeat felt like its last.
When I finally had my composure back, I dropped my backpack and headed to the living room. A loud knock on my door caused me to jump a foot off the ground and squeal like a school girl. That only caused the knocking to become louder.
From the other side, his voice boomed. “Andy? Are you ok? Andy? Open the door. I heard you scream.”
Well, hell. Now I had to open the damn door. With a groan, I walked back to it and unlocked each bolt. The door swished open. His panic filled face met mine. “Andy! Are you unharmed? I thought I heard you pass by my apartment and was going talk to you but then your door slammed. I was worried so I came to see if you were fine. Then you screamed. What is wrong?” His words came out in a rush of almost unidentifiable accent.
“It was more of a squeak than a scream really.” I tried humor to calm him down. It seemed to work a little. His eyes roamed over my body causing me to blush. “Hey, eyes up here.”
Zagan seemed to understand the situation and blushed as well. “I am sorry. I did not mean to offend you. I was simply worried for your well-being.”
How could I be angry with that. This man. He was gonna be the death of me. “It’s ok. I just had a rough day.”
“Would you care to discuss this day with me?” His dark eyes lit up under locks of black hair.
“Why the hell not.” I stepped back to give him room to enter. “Come on in.” I sure hope I didn’t have any under things laying around.
She could feel his eyes on her as she led him to the living room. Andy had no idea what to expect. This guy had come on like a Mack truck before. If how all the others behaved was any indication, she might have to bite the bullet and give him what he wanted just to have him leave her alone. Not that it would work that way. Sometimes it made the ‘call’ stronger.
Andy sighed in resignation and sat on the couch allowing him the choice of sitting next to her or choosing the love seat. To her surprise, he didn’t sit next to her. She tried to covertly smell her pits to see if she offended his senses. From what she could tell, her day had been crazy but she stayed in the garage where it was always cold.
Realizing it wasn’t her. She began to feel a bit slighted. Any other guy wouldn’t hold back if they had the opportunity this one did. Yet, he sat across from her with a gentle smile placed on his handsome face. This was very bothersome.
“Soooo… How was your day?” Ugggg. She felt like an idiot asking that.
“It was good. How was yours?” His smile grew.
This was getting very bothersome indeed. “It was a rough day. Listen, what is going on here? I feel a bit out of my depth.”
“We are two friends sharing some quality time, is all. Do you have anything to drink?”
Duh! “Yeah. Sure. Sorry. What do you want? Water, tea, soda? I do have some whisky if that’s what you are wanting.” She quickly stood and walked the ten paces to her kitchen. It was an open lay out so she could still see him. He didn’t even try to watch her go by. So bothersome!
“Whiskey, please. I feel it helps relax you after a long day.” Not even a swivel of his head towards her. Now she was getting angry.
“Whiskey it is, then.” She got two small glasses down and filled them with ice and half way with whiskey. “What do you do for work?” Andy handed him his glass and resumed her place on the couch. This time she relined and acted as if nothing bothered her. Even though everything about this guy bothered her.
She took a sip from her glass. The cold liquid burned down her throat and into her stomach. It was just what she needed. As if reading her mind, he nodded and said, “Now that feels better, does it not?”
Her eyes widened slightly but she caught herself, hopefully before he noticed. “Yeah it is. Now, what do you do for a living?”
His smile lessened. “’Living’, such a strange way to put it but I understand. You could say I am in public relations.”
“Well that clears it up.” Andy laughed but he didn’t. It was awkward. Silence fell over them again, His eyes, this time, never left her. She tried very hard not to fidget. She was about to make some kind of excuse for him to leave but he stopped her with a raised hand.
“You said you had a garage? What do you work on, if you do not mind me asking?”
This was a topic she could handle. “Mostly cars and trucks. I dabble in the occasional motorcycle or diesel. Today it was engines but sometime I do body work as well. People come in and want things added to look cooler, too.”
“Cooler? Is it hot and needs cooling?”
“Ummm… No. It is a way to look better.” She had forgotten he must be a foreigner since his accent was so thick.
“I see. Please continue. I find this fascinating.”
They talked until late in the night. The focus was solely on her. That was a strange turn of events. Conversations were usually one sided but never her side.
Midnight came and the conversation dwindled. He stood. “Thank you for your time and conversation, Andy. Would it be too much to expect another such time to occur?”
Again, she thought, what the hell. “Yeah, I would like that. Here let me show you to the door.”
“No need. I can find my way.” That smile broadened again. “Until next time.” He bowed and was gone.
When enough time has passed that Andy knew he couldn’t hear, she yelled, “What the actual hell was that?” She stood and went to wash the glasses but stopped. “It can wait till tomorrow. I need some sleep.” It was Monday after all and another day of work was just a few hours away. Even though she knew she needed sleep, she also knew she wouldn’t be getting any.
PART 6
The next morning, I left my apartment early. I knew the maintenance guy would be on our floor about that time. He worked over night doing simple thing but spent the evening in apartments after people got home from work. Right now, he would just be making it to my floor so he could get a few hours of sleep. Lucky for me, his own apartment was on my floor.
I had just made it to the elevators when he came around the corner. “Oh, hi there Mr. Henderson. Have a good night?”
He ran a wrinkled hand through is thinning gray hair. “Oh, you know. Everything tries to break at night. That’s why I sleep while everyone heads off to work.”
“That’s a smart move, sir. Hey, I have a question if you don’t mind.”
“Sure, honey. What is it?” Mr. Henderson adjusted his tool belt. Clearly, he expected a repair question.
I looked back nervously, hoping Zagan didn’t come out right now. “Well, what’s up with the apartment between 313 and 314? Is it going to be something like 313b? How did it even get there?”
“I believe that is more than one question.” His eyes scrunched together. “And what are you talking about. There isn’t a room between 313 and 314. Not even a broom closet.”
“No,no. I helped a man move his things into it. I know it’s there. Come here and look.” I took his free hand and drug him with me. Again, I counted the numbers and I went to make sure I didn’t miss it. “312, 313, 314… Wait. It was here.” I looked back at the maintenance man. “I don’t understand. I helped him. He even had drinks with me.”
“Listen. I don’t know what you are playing at. There has never been a room between these two. That is just not possible.” He yanked his hand away and turned to walk away. As he did, he mumbled, “always the pretty one that are cruel to old people.”
I stood there stunned watching him hobble away. I wasn’t being cruel. It had really been there. Was I loosing my mind? Strolling toward the elevators, I heard a door open. “No no no no. Not possible.”
“Hey Andy! Wait up!” His words were rushed but clear.
Vomit. I was going to vomit. The ding of the elevators scared the crap out of me but I didn’t go in. Instead, I turned on my heels and darted past Zagan. He tried to reach for me but luckily didn’t make contact. The door! The damn door was there now. What… The… Hell?
Before he could come after me, I was inside my apartment locking all the locks. He knocked on my door. “Sha? You all right?”
Without thinking, I answered, “Sick! Gotta vomit.” As immature as it sounds, I made stomping noises as I went to my living room. No way I could go to work right now. He must have taken the hint because he didn’t knock again.
I pulled out my phone and dialed the shop. Hopefully, my secretary was already there. She usually was. The phone rang two times before she picked up. “Andy’s Auto Shop. This is Stephanie speaking. How may I help you?”
“Hey Steph. This is Andy. I’m not coming in. I think I have some kind of bug. Can you close up shop? You’ll be paid for the day so don’t worry.”
“Oh, dear. I hope you’re gonna be ok? I can definitely close up and go home. My nephew is in town anyway and I want to spend time with him.”
“Sounds good. Why don’t you two treat yourself to a good meal on the company card?”
“Are you sure? I know business has been good but is it really appropriate?”
“Oh please, Steph. You’re like family. Go. Have fun. I need some time. I’ll call later to let you know if I am coming in tomorrow. Bye.”
We both hung up and I fell back into my soft sofa. This was insane. Maybe I should make a doctor’s appointment. Hell, maybe I needed a shrink.
I sat straight up. “No. I’m gonna find out what the hell is going on before I commit myself to an asylum.” Oh great! Now I am talking to myself. Where is my sidekick. Investigators always had sidekicks.
PART 7
“Screw this.” He was gone now for the day and I was home. I needed to find out about that apartment. I know it’s there. I know it! Hell, I helped him move in! There was only one thing to do. I needed to break in, but how? It’s not like I am some kind of bad ass detective or anything. I don’t know how to pick a lock. They make it look so easy on TV. I can do it!
I went to my bathroom and found two hair pins. After straightening them out, I put them in my back pocket. “Yeah I am hard core now!” I looked around for what else I might need. What the hell do people need when they are gonna scope out someone’s pad. I had my phone to take pictures. There is a light on that too. Who knew phones could be so multi-purpose?
I looked at my phone and the charge was at 98%, check. Did I need gloves? My prints were already on his things. Well, on the boxes his things came in. I really wish I had a sidekick right now.
Maybe someday I would have friends but that would require trusting another person with your secrets and stuff. I got along better with men then I did women. But we all know how that ends. One accidental eye contact and that friendship is over. Another problem for another day. I needed to tackle this problem now.
I left my apartment and locked it back up. No one was in the hallway. The maintenance man would be sound asleep by now while the rest of the building would be just like him or at work. I walked as quietly as I could towards the door between 313 and 314. It was there now. Why wasn’t it there before? Whatever. I am going to go inside that damn thing right now.
I finally approached the door and knelt down to get a better look at the locks. A strange electrical feeling came over me when I touched the handle. It didn’t hurt but it didn’t feel good either. Wonder if there was a short in his apartment. Not like I could tell the maintenance man about it though. I rolled my eyes even though there was no one there to see me do it.
I slipped both hair pin into the first lock and fiddled them around. I had no idea what I was doing but there had to be some method to this. I wasn’t going to stop until I got in. The electricity feeling grew making the tips of my fingers numb. I almost dropped the pins but gripped them tighter instead.
The pins caught on something. Both of them unable to move anymore. I tried turning them in the same direction at the same time and the lock clicked open. Now it was time for the dead bolt. I wasn’t too sure thin, simple hair pins was going to unlock this one.
Luckily, I could stand up for this one. My legs were going numb from the field of whatever it was. I placed the pins inside the dead bolts lock and tried to find that spot again like I did on the first one. Twisting and turning, the pins just couldn’t seem to find the right connection. Minutes turned to an hour as I tried. Nothing was working.
Then a thought came to me. What if the dead bolt wasn’t locked? I took a step back. “There is no way.”
An older lady came walking past me. To cover what I was doing, I went to knock on the door. She quirked her eyebrows up and shook her head. When I took my eyes off her to look at the door, there was just a wall in front of me. “What the hell!” The old lady shuffled faster towards the elevator. When she was gone, the door reappeared again.
“OK, I am definitely losing my mind.” If I didn’t make it in there and find so me tangible proof this guy and his apartment existed, I needed to see a shrink.
With a huff, I reached one hand out and turned the door knob. To my surprise, it opened. From where I stood, I could see a hallway but nothing else. It was way too dark inside to make out any turns of any kind.
“It’s now or nothing. Get a grip, Andy.” One step and I would be inside. I took it but that isn’t what happened.
Blackness swirled around me. My head buzzed and heart pounded. The blackness blurred and became fuzzy. That is when I collapsed.
PART 8
I awoke to pure darkness. I couldn’t even see my hands or body. Was I dead? Was I still alive? Standing up at least told me there was a floor. I reached out for walls but found none. How long had I been out? But most importantly, where was I?
“Hello?” My voice sounded muffled. It was as if it didn’t reach farther than my mouth.
Something darted past me. All I could tell was a sound of fast tapping coming and going from all around. I was glad I could hear that but at the same time not so glad. The hairs on my arms rose along with goose pimples. There was something in this blackness with me and it was playing a game. A game I was sure I didn’t want to play.
Something sharp cut across my upper arm. Maybe I should have worn a shirt with sleeves. It might have protected me. How the hell was I supposed to know I would be in the dark being hunted by something, though? Another cut was made just below the last one. For it to be so precise, this thing had to be able to see in the pitch blackness.
Panic rose in my chest in the form of a sharp pain under my breastbone. I swirled left and right trying to find my way out as my lungs refused to fill. Running couldn’t be an answer. What if I ran in the wrong direction? I could be lost in here forever. A few steps left brought no more answers. Neither did stepped backward. I took another couple steps backward. Still nothing. “You idiot. Yeah, just go break in. It will be fine. What could happen?” I chastised myself.
A familiar voice floated through the empty space to my ears. “Sha? Sha. Walk towards my voice.”
“Zagan? Is that you?” I swiveled towards his voice. “Where are you?”
“Just follow my voice, Sha. Come to me.”
A warmth rushed through my entire body. I was so relieved to finally be saved that I didn’t even think about where I was anymore. All I knew is I wanted out. There was time for questions later. A screech sounded from somewhere behind me.
Even though running would have been my first choice, I took small steps. I didn’t know what I was walking on and didn’t want to fall in a hole or something. Skittering sounds grew closer. It sounded like more than one now. I needed to hurry but I also needed to get to Zagan safely.
“Hurry! Please!” Zagan’s voice had never sounded so panicked before.
“To hell with it.” I started running. The sounds getting closer and closer behind me. A rush of wind blew past my left side and something clipped my ear. More screeches erupted. I could almost feel them touching me.
Out of the darkness, a white arm appeared. “Grab my hand, Sha!”
I did and the arm pulled me through the darkness and into the electrified light. It shocked my entire body. The last thing I saw was Zagan staring down at me. Worry etched over his face.
*********************************************************
“Oh my head…” Sitting up on my couch, my head throbbed. I threw off the covers and took in my surroundings. I was home and apparently, I slept on my couch. “What happened?”
A half empty glass of whiskey sat on my end table. Had I drank too much last night? “Wait. What time is it?” I really needed to stop talking to myself. Pulling out my phone, I clicked the side button to see that it was six in the afternoon. I felt like I had slept an entire day but my head was complaining about it.
Memories came flooding back. The door. The darkness. The things in the darkness. Was it all just a dream? I knew I had crazy dreams when I drank before going to sleep but that was a doozy. I went to run my hands through my blonde hair. A sharp pain from my ear lobe stopped me. It couldn’t be. I carefully touched the injured part. There was crusted blood caked on it.
Now, I took one hand and went to feel my other upper arm. There were two deep scratches also with dried blood. “What the…” I threw off the blanket to stand up. Inspecting every part of my body, the only other disturbing thing I found were small tears on the backs of my jean’s calves.
“Holy shit! It wasn’t a dream!”
PART 9
Loud knocking jolted me from my revelation. “Oh no, it can’t be him.” The knocking became pounding. Then several female voices yelled through the locked door.
“If you don’t open this door, Andy, we ware gonna knock it down!” Rosie yelled. It was muffled from the hard wood door but it was definitely Rosie. That must mean at least Michelle was with her too. They never parted.
“Hold on, I’m coming!” Wow that really made my head hurt more. I pulled myself off the couch with a groan. This is harder than it should be, even for a hangover.
I finally made it to the door and opened it. To my ultimate relief, it was only Rosie and Michelle. There is no way I could handle all the girls right now. “Come on in, you two, and stop making so much noise.” I moved aside to make room for them to enter. Before closing my door, I glanced down the hall. His door stood silently closed. I closed mine not so silently making sure to lock all the bolts.
When I turned around to face my friends, they both stared at me in confusion. As always, Rosie was the spokeswoman. “Are you ok, Andy? You look like hell.” She clung to Michelle with one arm while holding a grocery bag full of stuff in the other.
“I’ve been better. My head is killing me. Any aspirin in that bag?” I rubbed the side of my head while holding onto the wall for dear life.
That seemed to jar them out of their shock. Rosie let go of Michelle and went to the kitchen while Michelle came over to me. “Here. Let me help you back to the couch. Girl, when was the last time you took a shower?” She grabbed me around my waist and helped me lay back down then went to help Rosie in the kitchen.
“What are you talking about? I showered this morning before I called in to work.” I sniffed my arm pits to find that I did, in fact, smell. That was strange.
Michelle came back around with a glass of water and some pills. “This morning? Last time Steph talked to you was three days ago. She called us to come check on you.” She helped me sit up enough to take the pills and then lay back down. My world was spinning.
“Three days? That’s not possible. I just broke – “I stopped myself before admitting to a crime in front of them.
Rosie came around this time. “Just broke what?” She looked around my apartment. “Nothing seems broken, sweetie. Soup should be ready in a bit. Why don’t you tell us what is really going on?” Rosie sat down at the end of my couch while Michelle sat across from me on my love seat. They both looked at me like I had grown a third eye.
What was I supposed to tell them? Hell, I don’t even know what really happened. Would they even believe me? For all I know, I’m losing my mind. Guess I could start with Zagan. Here goes nothing. “Do you remember me asking about the new guy?”
Rosie nodded. “Sure, but there isn’t a new guy on this floor. I don’t even think there has been a new guy in this building for a while now.”
I growled and ran both hands down my face. “Just entertain me here, will you?” When they both nodded, I continued. I told them how I ran into him and how I helped him move in. Then, I told them the strange part about his door not having a number on it. That’s when I really lost them.
Rosie stood up. “That is impossible, Andy. All the doors have numbers. I’ll prove it. I’m gonna go look for this suspicious door.” She left my apartment and a few minutes later, came back holding her phone. “Here, I took a picture and everything.” She thrust it at me. On the screen was a picture of the two doors with numbers. His door was nowhere in the frame.
All I could do was roll my eyes. After the maintenance man, I expected this. I wasn’t sure how this was happening but I knew it would. I also wasn’t sure what else I could say. Luckily another knock at the door saved me from convincing them I was crazy.
Michelle went to the door while Rosie stayed with me. She gently patted my leg as if I was an animal that might get put down. Her eyes refused to meet mine. From the doorway, Michelle yelled, “Hey, Andy. There’s a guy here asking for you. Says his name is Zagan?”
PART 10
I tried to get off the couch but Rosie lifted a single finger stopping me. “Michelle? Did you say his name was Zagan?”
“Yeah. He is sexy as hell, too. Do I let him in?”
Rosie looked at me for a full minute as I silently pleaded with her. This was my proof. If they could see him, they would know he was real. Maybe after seeing him, they would be able to see the room too. Finally, Rosie nodded and yelled. “Yeah, let him in.”
From down the entrance way, Michelle lead Zagan into my living room. She kept looking back at him and nearly tripping when she did. Anger rose in my chest and mind. Zagan was mine! But was he? And why the hell was I even thinking this way? I usually didn’t give a crap about any man. I could never tell if they truly liked me for me or if it was the curse. Sure, there was probably no such thing as curses but it sure felt like one.
As soon as Zagan stepped around Michelle to approach me, Rosie blocked his path. It seemed to take some kind of effort for her to stand her ground. She was clenching her teeth but she still wouldn’t let him pass. When it was clearly she had her composure, she glared daggers at him. “Are you responsible for how she looks right now? The torn clothes and blood? Missing days of work? Who the hell are you anyway?”
“Ma’am. I assure you, I made it to Andy as soon as I was aware she was in danger. She is safe in my presence.” He took a step closer to Rosie. His head tilted lower to make eye contact.
Some kind of exchange took place because Rosie stepped back and sighed in relief. “Of… Of course, she is safe with you. Michelle. We should leave and let them talk. Zagan, make sure she eats some soup.” Rosie grabbed her purse and Michelle’s arm and rushed out of my apartment, slamming the door behind her.
“What the hell just happened?” I couldn’t take any more. That was the last straw. I stood even though I had to hold onto my couch’s arm with one hand. My other hand pointed to my door. “What was that all about?”
“Sha. Do not get yourself so excited. You need your rest. Let me get you some soup. We do have much to talk about.” He turned away from me and went to my kitchen. Sounds of dishes clinked here and there. I was left standing where I was with my arm still stretched towards my front door.
When he came back, he sat the bowl down on my end table and lowered my arm. With careful hands, he helped me back onto the couch and under my blanket. “Where are your first aid supplies?”
“In the bathroom.” I have to say that I was a bit dazed by how delicately he helped me back onto the couch. Before he headed off, he handed me the bowl of soup.
“I did promise your friend that you would drink this. I may be a lot of things, Sha, but I am not a liar. Please. Drink.” He strolled down my hallway towards the bedroom like he knew where he was going. It should have bothered me but I had other things to worry about like what were those things that attacked me and where was I when they did.
Zagan came back just as I downed the last drop of soup. I had been pretty hungry after all. “What have you got there?” He carried more than just my small first aid box.
“You need to change if I am to dress those wounds. I hope I selected the appropriate items.” He handed me a pair of sleep shorts and tank top.
“Yeah these’ll do. Go back in the other room and I’ll change.”
He didn’t argue. Instead, a small smile played at his lips. It made me almost forget why I as so angry with him. Almost. I shook my head to clear it away whatever fog he was creating. The smile slipped from his face. He nodded and retreated back to my room.
I half stood to get changed. I wouldn’t admit to anyone but I hurt all over. The scratches burned as if they were on fire. My muscles ached. I don’t know what he was thinking but there was not a single thing in that little box that would help me feel better.
As soon as I was changed and back under my covers I yelled to him. “All right. You can come back now.”
He slowly sauntered back over and kneeled down before me. A simple outstretched hand told me what he wanted. I untucked my scratched leg and presented it to him. Again, I was taken back by how gently he was. He moved my leg this way and that to get a better look at it while he used saline to clean it. “Would you mind if I used my own remedy on these wounds? I am afraid this box does not have what is needed.”
“Right? That’s what I was thinking. But sure. Go ahead. What else could go wrong?” As soon as I said it, I wanted to hit myself. In all the movies, you knew never to say that. It provoked bad things to happen.
Zagan laughed. It was such a musical sound. He brought out a canaster from his back pocket and unscrewed it. A silver looking cream sat inside. As it was placed on my burning skin, relief flooded over me. It was a miracle. He put more on and then used the gauze to cover it. I immediately turned so he could do the same to my arm.
With that taken care of, he scooted back to lean against the love seat. “That will heal your wounds nicely, Sha. Now we can address the real concerns.”
PART 10
Zagan stared at me for what seemed a lifetime. “Well, aren’t you gonna say something?”
“I am trying to think of where to start, Mon Cheri.”
I rolled my eyes. “Why not start with who the hell are you? What the hell are you? What’s up with your apartment? I could list many more questions if you want.” I was beside myself with rage. Something in the back of my mind told me I should maybe be a bit nicer to Zagan since there was definitely something off about him.
“That would not be… wise. I believe we should start with you.”
“With me?” I tried to stand up but got tangled in the blanket and fell back down onto the couch. “I know who I am. What I need to know is who you are.”
He had started to stand when I was about to fall but when it looked like I would be ok, he sat down onto the love seat. “Sha, I do not believe you do.”
Now he had my attention. I swiveled around to face him, placing the pillow behind my back. “If you know me so well, then why don’t you go right on ahead and tell me who you think I am.”
That smile played at his lips again. A mischievous yet knowing smile. “For starters, you believe you are cursed.”
My breath caught in my throat. How could he know that? Ok, Andy, play it cool. Curses aren’t real anyway. “Nice try. Everyone believes they are cursed.”
His smile grew. “You refuse to make eye contact. You feel that is where your curse resides. Tell me, when you do look into the eyes of a human man, does it seem as if the rest of the world falls away? Is there a sense of weightlessness?”
“What are you playing at? How do you know that?” Instead of the world falling away, now it felt as if someone had yanked out from beneath me. I wanted to yell and tell him he was a liar, tell him to leave my apartment. The truth was, he was right. Maybe he did know me better than I knew myself.
“I do believe we need something stronger than soup at this moment. Do you mind?” Zagan gestured towards my kitchen. All I could do was nod. My voice seemed to have left me with the rest of the world as I knew it.
When he came back with a full cup of whiskey, I dared to look into his eyes. Nothing happened. There was no clock stopping or silence. His black eyes took up almost all of his socket. Only a barely noticeable edge of white could be seen. Even though they were black, they were deep, swirling. I shook myself. “Tell me how you know all this.”
“I know of your kind. Well, the full blood of your kind. They dwell where I come from.” Zagan took a slow sip of his whiskey.
“Why are you dragging this out and making me ask questions you already know I am going to ask?” The world was back under me again and I was pissed.
He sipped again and then swirled the ice in his half empty glass. That damn smile never left. One eyebrow raised slightly.
I ran a hand down my face and sighed. “Fine! The full blood of what? What is my kind? Just spit it out.” If he didn’t say human, I was going to flip my coffee table.
“Why, Sha, all you had to do was ask.”
I wanted to shake that perfect smile off his perfect damn face. Ask? I have been asking! Through gritted teeth, I ground out, “Then tell me.”
“You are half siren, of course.”
“Bullshit.”
PART 11
“I do not know what the feces of bovines has to do with anything.”
My mind stuttered to a stop. “That’s not what I meant.”
A small smile formed on his lips. “I know this, Sha. I jest.”
“You’re a jerk. You know that?” I couldn’t help but smile as well.
His dark eyes twinkled. Clearly making me smile brightened his mood. “I have watched your kind for a very long time. The slang words are difficult to understand sometimes but I can usually figure them out.”
“You see, when you say things like that, I get confused. Are you human?” There was the question I needed to ask. I couldn’t believe I even asked it. I still couldn’t wrap my head around him thinking I was a siren. That’s just impossible. Now here I am asking him if he is human? What the hell is wrong with me? What happened at his apartment still swam in my head, but my mind was already trying to find ways to rationalize it. I instinctively touched the wound on my arm.
His now serious eyes followed my hand. “I am not, Sha.”
Ok, this is nuts. Did he just say what I thought he did? Maybe I should play along and see where this goes. “Fine. You aren’t human. What are you then.”
“That is complicated. I have been around since the beginning of humankind.” He looked down at his lap as if he was ashamed.
For some reason, I wanted to go to him, comfort him. Instead of focusing on what he told me, I could only see his sadness. “What is wrong with what you just said? You seem upset by it.”
“Are you not? I am surprised with the ease you are accepting all of this.”
A brief laugh escaped my mouth before I could stop it. “Accepting? No way in hell. You need serious psychiatric help. But for some reason, I want to hear you out and help where I can.”
“Your heart is what attracted me to you. All the men who tried to win that heart of yours but always fell short do not know what they have lost.”
“I don’t know about that. So, tell me where you come from and why you think you have seen all human history. And what the hell is up with your apartment?” I tried to sit up straighter, but my arm protested. So, I slumped down into the couch and prepared for a wild story.”
He looked into my eyes. Knowing what he apparently did about me, he did not hesitate or flinch when he did this. He held my gaze. The world didn’t silence or fall away for me. Meeting his gaze felt like a warm hug. It felt right.
Finally, he continued. “There are many species and races of eternal beings humans do not know about. My kind is one of them. Just as what you call angels have watchers of time, so do we. We witness your wars, your acts of kindness, all of it. I have been delegated as one of the watchers since the beginning.” Again, sadness reflected on his face. “My apartment lets me travel to my realm and back. When you went in, you went to where my kind lives along with other, less sophisticated beings. The ones who hurt you were like wild animals you have here.”
“Sounds boring. Why are you sad, though.” The need to touch him almost overcame me but I held back.
“It is a very lonely existence. To be a watcher is to be alone. I am not allowed to find a mate within my species. I only interact with the one I report my findings to. That is all. Instead, I watch your race fall in love and live out your lives. I even envy your heartbreaks.”
A tear did not fall from his face but mine. “That’s terrible. How could you live that long seeing others being happy, but you don’t get to be?”
“Because at the end of my service, I am allowed to find my soul mate.”
Something in his eyes was trying to tell me more than his words were. “When is this supposed to happen? I’d think you have worked long enough already. Especially if what you said was true about watching since the beginning.”
He smiled again at me. “My service ended when I met you.”
An audible click sounded in my mind. “Oh….OH! Wait. You don’t mean…”
“Yes, Andy. I feel you are the one I have been waiting for all of my existence.”
That was the first time he said my name. It sent chills all over my skin in the most pleasant way. It only lasted a minute before my intrusive mind ruined the moment. The curse. “You might want to shop around some more. I’m not what you think. That supposed siren crap you laid on me? That is what’s doing this. You aren’t really interested in me. The curse makes you think you are.”
He slowly shook his head. “No, Sha. Your siren abilities do not work on my kind. I have watched you for a long time. I have seen your good deeds and how you treat others. Even the ones who fall prey to your ‘curse’ as you call it. You still try to be kind to them.”
“Stalker much?” I laughed when I said this. It was actually endearing that he saw that in me. My mind continued to find flaws so he would walk away from me. “You said you lived all this time. That means you can’t die. That also means you won’t age and yet I will. I would be eighty and you would still look like this.” I waved my hand towards him.
This time, he nodded but not in agreement. It was more like he understood my train of thought. “When my race chooses a partner for life, we blend our life span with who we choose. Humans are relatively short lived while we are not. However, you are not entirely human. You are also siren. So, you would normally live roughly ten times the length of a normal human. I would adjust to your life span. I will age as you do and die when you do. That is, if you accept me.”
“That’s cruel! How could I condemn you to die when I do? You would live forever if you just walk away now. Don’t do this. You should choose to live!” I couldn’t sit there anymore. I threw the covers off and stood.
Zagan stood as well. He took the step needed to grasp both of my hands. His eyes searched mind for a moment. “Would you rather condemn me to an eternal life of loneliness? My choice would be to live a shorter, happier life with you here on earth. Will you accept me?”
I searched for the negative thoughts in my mind that would convince me to reject Zagan but they were silent. I tried my own rational thoughts. I barely knew this ‘man’ and he wanted me to make a commitment for all time. I wanted so badly to shake my head and tell him to leave but my soul cried out to be one with his.
“I accept.”
