I was being chased through the hallways. I could sense him getting closer and closer. The darkness was reaching out like two boney hands, trying to nab me.
He’s coming. All I could hear was Quentin’s voice say, He's coming, my pet, beware! I can protect you; but you have to let me in. My pet? Please before it’s too late!
I stopped. A million voices were whispering all at once in the dark halls, warning me that something was coming for me, and nothing could stop it.
My pet, run!
I couldn't move. The ground beneath had melted away. My feet were pinned, and as I looked down, I could see they were covered in black sticky tar.
Far behind, a figure in a black suit appeared. I couldn’t see his face, only his blood-red tie as it flashed and then the figure moved forward and—
“Claudia!”
I awoke to Michael drawing the drapes. I was relieved to see him and wanted to tell him about the bad dreams. But he never took these things well. The man always worried about the slightest thing.
“Michael, do you have to do that?” I scolded, putting up a hand to block the sunlight steaming into the room.
Michael grinned. I groaned in return, throwing the sheets over my head.
“Come on. Get dressed. I have to be at work in a few minutes, and I want you to have a good breakfast before you go to school,” he said, pulling the covers off me.
I groaned again.
“This is your last year. I’m both scared and excited for you.” He sounded like he was in good spirits.
I broke his good mood. “Michael, I'm not going in with you.”
“So, John is picking you up?” Michael asked casually.
I glared at the mention of John’s name. I didn’t want to think of him leaving me alone. I was angry he had left at all, ignoring me even after I’d called him.
“No, I don’t need John Sl-Müller to pick me up.”
Michael looked confused. “Oh, is everything okay between you two?”
I didn’t want to tell him or discuss this with him. “I guess,” I mumbled.
Michael seemed to take the hint that I didn’t want to talk about it.
He perked up again. “Well, then, you’ll be riding with me?”
“No, I’m taking the bus,” I advised him angrily, reaching for the covers, again to no avail.
“The bus? Claudia, if you need a ride, I can offer it.” He sighed, sitting on the edge of the bed.
“No, I’m fine. I actually enjoy the ride. It gives me time to think and draw in my art book.”
Michael nodded, then grinned. “Well, that doesn't mean you can't have a good breakfast. Come on, get dressed.”
Michael was wearing his best attire, and I realized I had never seen him in a suit and tie before. He looked so well put together. He looked nice and a lot better than Mr. Claypool and Mr. Vasquez. I had to cut those guys some slack because I couldn’t give them any tips myself regarding a sense of style. I was horrible at it too.
“Hurry, honey. I have to be going pretty soon,” he said and started to leave, but glanced back. “So, have you thought about joining any clubs?”
I crossed my arms and grinned. “Which ones?”
Every time I mentioned art, he dropped suggestions of joining the art club or social events.
Michael smirked. “The art club, of course. It’s not too late.”
It’s not, I thought. This was my last year. Why did it matter now?
“Get involved; you’re a great artist. You know they have events outside school you can join. Ms. Jacobs keeps asking about you. ‘Why hasn’t she joined?’ I keep telling her you’re way too busy with schoolwork, but you should really consider it, Claudia. Get out of the house, sweetheart.”
Why was he saying that again? Without John around, it was obvious why he would say that, but I had John now.
“You know why, Michael. I have John.”
“Well, what if you didn’t have him? Try to think about things like that. Not only that, but I mean, what do you plan to do after school is over?” Michael asked, concern creasing his brow.
I found the thought in his head. Ah, he thought John was leaving. I caught part of their conversation in his mind. He didn’t know what was happening between me and John.
“You have to think about that, Claudia. You just never know what life might bring into your path.”
Michael was right. If only he knew the truth.
“You okay?” he asked. He obviously felt that he had hit a sensitive nerve.
“I’m fine.”
“I’ll leave breakfast ready for you,” he said as I looked at him. “In case you change your mind, I can have Mr. Claypool or Mr. Vasquez pick you up."
“No,” I said firmly. “The bus is fine.”
“Are you sure?” He winked. “They wouldn't mind,”
“I know.” I glared at him. I wasn’t in the mood to hear it, not this early in the morning.
“Did John tell you he’s leaving? Is that why you’re upset?”
If only he knew the half of it. I was definitely mad about John leaving, just not in the sense he meant.
“I think it’s best for the two of you. John has a father who loves him.”
I wanted to laugh at that.
“And wants the best for him. Try to understand that he loves you.”
“He’s not leaving,” I said boldly. “He’s not. He’s already decided it.” I stopped short of anything else I wanted to say.
Michael scanned my set expression, then nodded. “Make sure it’s for the right reasons, Claudia. You don’t want to regret making choices this young and realize further in life what could have been.”
I said nothing. He didn’t understand. I couldn’t hold it against him.
Michael fell quiet for a moment and then said, “I know he cares. And you care about him, too.”
I love him, I wanted to say, and he loves me. But I kept my thoughts to myself.
“Now, get dressed. I’ll see you at school." Michael walked out, and I sat there listening to his steps echo along the hall and down the stairs.
“I’ll leave the house keys by the kitchen table,” he called from downstairs.
I didn’t answer. I exhaled and rolled my eyes, wishing I could go back to bed. However, with one look around the room, I realized I was alone and rose in a haste.
I walked to my dresser and picked out a few items. I grabbed jeans from the second drawer and walked to the closet to pick out a pretty blouse for the day.
I heard the front downstairs door closing as I walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower. I turned up the hot water and it steamed up the mirror. I cleared it and stared at my reflection as the steam from the hot water clouded my image; only then did I climb into the shower.
Finishing quickly, I climbed out and attempted to dry my hair. It would take forever; the length was past my waist. I decided to get dressed first.
A glance at the clock on my dresser nearly panicked me. If I missed the bus, I would have to get Mr. Claypool or Mr. Vasquez to give me a ride. Drying my hair had taken even longer than I’d thought. I shouldn’t have been daydreaming.
I grabbed a large barrette from the top of the dresser and my school bag off the floor and came downstairs to find breakfast sitting in a skillet on the stove. Michael had made me a veggie omelet. Yum.
I poured orange juice and scooped the omelet into a dish. Hopping onto a stool, I searched the counter for hot sauce. Nothing like a nice omelet with spicy Louisiana Hot Sauce to make it great. I saw the bottle, noticing it was nearly empty.
“Great.” I ate quickly and drank the orange juice in one quick gulp. Sometimes Michael was so thoughtful. I had to remember to thank him for that.
As I finished, I noticed Michael’s note by the house keys.
Claudia,
Finish all your breakfast, and don’t forget to put the dishes in the dishwasher and turn it on before you leave, please.
“Whatever you say, Michael,” I murmured, grabbing the keys off the table.
With my school bag over my shoulder, I quickly completed my chore.
I rushed out the door, barely remembering to stop and lock it. I strolled down the sidewalk, took the first left, and hurried to the end of the street where the bus made its pickup for the neighborhood.
Not paying attention to my surroundings, I didn’t notice a black SUV following me until I stopped. It mimicked my actions. It was unusual for vehicles to drive down this street because we lived on a cul-de-sac, and that would mean any vehicle driving in would have to turn around. However, when I started walking again, the SUV crept forward slowly.
I couldn’t make out the occupants through the darkly tinted windows, but the passenger window was lowered. I was just barely able to make out a pair of upturned, cold, emotionless eyes and a head of blond hair. The occupant seemed to be glaring at me.
I walked faster.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the car lurch forward and pull up slightly ahead of me. I tried to avoid looking at the vehicle, but it was evident I’d somehow caught the attention of the SUV’s occupants.
Feeling a little braver, I hurried down the sidewalk. Soon, I would be able to see the line of students awaiting the school bus. But as I drew near the stopped vehicle, I found Dr. Nicholson standing outside of the SUV with the same black man, in a jet-black suit and black tie, that had accompanied him to the school.
The black fellow smiled at me, and so did Dr. Nicholson. I was a little surprised to see him. He looked rather dashing and I nervously held in a breath as I approached. His eyes, though, seemed to examine me as if I were a specimen. It creeped me out.
Dr. Nicholson stood as still as a statue, with his hands clasped together in front of him. I couldn’t have missed him if I’d tried.
“Ah, Miss Belle, I thought that was you, my darling. How delightful to run into you on such a lovely morning. I was just on my way to the hospital when Jonas noticed you. Where might you be headed, my dear, all alone?” He sounded so animated, quite a contradiction to his pose.
“School, sir,” I replied politely.
“Of course,” he said as if the simple conclusion had somehow slipped his mind. “Did John not offer you a ride? Such a naughty boy. Now, I know I have taught him better than that.”
My lip quivered. This man made me so nervous. “We didn’t make any arrangements.”
Dr. Nicholson regarded me curiously. “Still, he should be giving a lovely girl, especially his girlfriend, a ride to school.”
“I should go. I don’t want to miss the bus,” I said, taking a step forward.
Dr. Nicholson took a few steps toward the sidewalk and stood in front of me, blocking my path. It was obvious, whatever he wanted, he wasn’t done with me.
“I missed your presence at our dinner the other night. I hope that you’re feeling better. John mentioned you were ill. I was rather disappointed we didn’t get to know one another.”
I bit my tongue.
“I was looking forward to meeting the lovely lady that has captured my son’s attention.” On the surface there was nothing wrong with his speech, but the way in which it was delivered sent my skin crawling.
I forced out the words, “I’m sorry I couldn’t be there, sir, but I must really be on my way.”
“No worries, my lovely. Can I offer you a ride, since my son has left you to fend for yourself?” He grinned.
“No need, sir. I’d planned to take the bus.” I moved to walk pass him.
Dr. Nicholson moved, blocking my path again.
“That bus?” Jonas asked as he pointed behind us.
Dr. Nicholson turned and I followed his line of sight. The bus was driving away. My heart sank. Butterflies began swarming in the pit of my stomach. I hoped I wasn’t making too much out of this, due to reckless nerves. I focused on my breathing, trying to remain calm.
“It seems you’re in luck that we are here,” Dr. Nicholson said with another grin.
“I can walk. It’s quite alright, Dr. N-Müller.” I bit my lip.
Dr. Nicholson furrowed his brow at the near mix-up of his name. Then, he offered a wide smile. He was practically laughing at me.
“What kind of a gentleman would I be if I allowed a young, beautiful girl like you to walk alone?”
Jonas opened the rear passenger door. Dr. Nicholson, or Dr. Müller as I needed to remember to call him, stepped aside, extending his hand in invitation towards the vehicle.
“It’s not necessary, sir,” I tried to say calmly.
“Miss Belle.” There was no patience left in his tone. Dr. Nicholson grabbed my backpack, practically snatching it from my grasp. “I must insist, I would be incredibly concern if something happened to you. Besides you are dating my son; it’s the proper thing to do.”
I froze.
“Please.”
It was obviously not a request. Dr. Nicholson motioned me towards the car door again. Jonas directed me by placing his hand against my back, a creepy gesture.
I walked ahead of Dr. Nicholson, who loomed over me from behind. I was nervous, though I tried not to show it.
Dr. Nicholson climbed in alongside me, tossing my backpack onto the seat. He slammed the door behind him and leaned back onto his seat. “Drive, Jonas,” he ordered.
Frightened, I had no choice but to settle in.
Jonas grinned at me through the rearview mirror, and I took a chance to examine the interior of the vehicle. Dr. Nicholson was gazing over strangely. Even after our eyes met, he did not look away. He simply grinned in that very creepy way of his.
I looked down at my lap and wondered what he was thinking. I couldn’t hear his thoughts and I dared not push my way through his blocks. He must be wearing the same watch John and Joseph wore.
“I’m delighted to finally have you here, my lovely. As I said, I was very disappointed you didn’t join us for dinner last night. This can certainly make up for it.” He never dropped that strange grin he wore. “Perhaps we can arrange a dinner after graduation? You are aware, Miss Belle, my son will be joining me in London after classes end?”
“Yes, he has mentioned it,” I said, clutching the straps of my backpack tightly.
“Ah, you must forgive him. John takes his studies very seriously. I hope you don’t take the breakup too hard. He is a remarkable boy, with a lot of potential, and I want nothing to interfere with that promise.” He gave me a wink.
I shuddered, but asked boldly, “Do you mean me?”
“Oh, my lovely, I don’t mean any disrespect by such harsh words. You must forgive me, but John is far too intelligent to waste such aptitudes on dating. I hope you understand. You’re such a beautiful girl, I’m sure anyone else would love to have you.”
“John doesn’t want to go anywhere,” I challenged him. “He doesn’t have to do anything he doesn’t want to anymore. He’s eighteen. He can decide what he wants for himself.”
The smile on his face twisted grotesquely and he appeared scorned. I guess he thought I would scare easily.
Jonas gave me the same hateful look. My heartbeat pulsed inside of my head.
The car drew into the Milton parking lot and Jonas pulled up, along the side of the building. I had never been so happy to see the buses arriving and the crowded parking lot.
“John does what I tell him,” Dr. Nicholson arrogantly said, forcing a smile onto his face. His falsely softened nature and animated personality seemed to disappear when he transformed into a tyrant.
“Not anymore,” I shot back.
I grabbed my backpack and tried to force open the door, but it remained locked.
Dr. Nicholson clutched my backpack and wouldn’t let go.
I caught Jonas’ stare as Dr. Nicholson regarded me.
“I like you, Miss Belle. You are a very sweet and a bright girl, there is no doubt. However, you are also far too naïve … and have little clue what you speak of or the slightest idea what you’ve involved yourself in. I kindly advise you to not interfere with John’s future. Tell him you don’t love him. It will be beneficial for the both of you.”
I gasped, shocked. I pulled at my backpack until he let go. He gave me the same creepy grin.
“I will never say that to John, because it’s not true. I love him. And he loves me. You’re just going to have to deal with that, sir. Thank you for the ride.”
The door popped open. I found Jonas staring back at me from the rearview mirror before I leaped out. I raced into the building and refused to look back until I was safely in the hallway.
I turned back to watch the vehicle slowly pull away and collapsed against a wall near a line of lockers. What a horrible man! I feared I had revealed too much of what John was intending to do, but I couldn’t help it. He thought he could threaten and scare me.
After that tense ride to school, I avoided John throughout the day. Even when I saw him coming out of Michael’s office and I felt the current drawing us close.
He looked for me; he could feel me near. I darted in the other direction to avoid him.
In the hall I caught sight of Rachel and her minions. They said nothing. I think I had sparked fear in them. Good, maybe they’ll leave me alone.
The nightmares the previous night had left me still somewhat shaken. Quentin feared the thing coming for me. Strangely, I knew he feared little.
During gym class, I avoided John by getting excused to go to the nurse’s office. The cramps excuse never tired.
I knew I couldn’t avoid John forever. I didn’t really want to, or I would have saved us both the trouble of telling off Dr. Nicholson. I didn’t expect him to reach out until I was ready to talk to him, though.
Claudia? he called as I laid on the most uncomfortable cot ever. Where are you? Why are you avoiding me?
I ignored him.
Claudia … Miss Belle? I will find you. Tell me what I did wrong? Why are you in pain? He sensed it all: the anger, the sadness, the fear.
Each time he called, I pushed him away. There was something foreign fueling the anger inside. I was upset with him for leaving, but I didn’t understand why I was so angry. I knew there had to be a good reason for him leaving. If I hadn’t already known it, Dr. Nicholson’s warning was enough to tell me.
I wondered what Michael and John had talked about.
You want to know? John’s voice broke into my thoughts again.
I ignored him as the nurse came in and the bell above rang. “I’m going have to send you home if you don’t feel better,” she announced.
I had been there two periods already. “No, I think I’m okay. Maybe if you have some aspirin?”
“Honey, you know I’m not allowed to give students any medication.”
I pressed my lips, nodding. “Right.”
“Do you want me to call Mr. McClellan?”
“No, don’t bother him. I’m fine. It’s just my period.”
“Alright, then. Here’s a slip to go back to class.”
I thanked her and nodded.
Why are you pretending to be ill, Claudia? Are you truly that mad at me? Talk, baby.
You know what it’s about, I pushed back. Something didn’t feel right.
You’re angry; I understand that. I didn’t want to leave; trust me on this. You got in my head, remember that? You think I would leave after our moment together? Baby, I want you. Don’t make me beg, because I can, and I will. For you, I’ll do anything.
I walked out of the nurse’s office and into the hallway. John’s voice found me again as I entered the class. I gave the teacher my note and took my seat.
You can’t avoid me forever, baby. I need to see you. I love you, you know that. I’m sorry about last night. You know there are times I must do other things, even if I don’t want to. I thought you understood that. Once it’s just you and me, I will have no more reasons to leave your side. And you can tell me what to do … I’ll be all yours, baby.
I fidgeted, my pulse racing.
Ah, there’s my girl.
I shoved him back. Why was I doing this? I didn’t feel like myself.
I can be very persistent. His mental voice took the thoughts right out of my head. When I want something, Miss Belle. And right now, that something is you.
I did my best to ignore the speeches he continued to plant in my mind the rest of class. I had a single-minded focus on the teacher as she went on about the day’s lesson. I took my time packing my things when the bell rang, giving John a chance to get wherever he was going.
Stepping into the hallway, I heard his voice loud and clear. “Claudia?”
I turned to look down the hallway. John stood there, backpack slung over one shoulder, looking at me. He gave me a dashing smile. I nearly melted. His mouth hung open slightly. No doubt, I looked awful. Lack of sleep did that to a person but, from what I felt in his heart and mind, I doubted that was what he was reacting to.
I spun on my heels and continued on my way, hurrying through the empty hallways. Everyone else had gone home. I wanted to head to the office to wait for Michael.
The scuffling sound of his shoes hitting the marble floor behind me was all I could hear.
You can’t outrun me, Miss Belle, he warned silently.
“Don’t, John!” I shouted.
The sound stopped, then started again faster. I broke into a run, but he was faster than I was.
John grabbed me by the shoulder. “Claudia, wait!”
I stopped with my back against a wall of lockers.
John pushed back his golden-brown locks and faced me, dropping his backpack to free his hands. “What happened yesterday I had no control over. I wanted to be with you so badly. Please, don’t be angry with me,” he pleaded, drawing ever closer.
I wasn’t angry with him. It was something around us, some elements or forces that seemed to be keeping us from being together. My feelings were distorted in some strange way I couldn’t understand. It was much like the last time, when I couldn’t contain the anger in me. Something wanted me to be angry with him.
These feelings made us feel alien—and we felt alien together. But it was quite the opposite; we’d been made for this very purpose, to be together.
“I wanted to stay, but …”
Our thoughts and emotions connected. Even though something was fighting to keep us apart, our bond was there.
“Joseph,” I answered for him. “You’ve been pulled off the mission, haven’t you?”
John looked into my eyes. I wanted to let him kiss me but anger, coupled with the realization I might lose him, wouldn’t allow me to.
I turned my head away. I could sense he was hurt, but more than anything he wanted to win me back. John forced me to face him.
“That doesn’t change my feelings for you, Miss Belle. I need you, you know that.” John pressed his face into my neck and inhaled deeply.
I held him close, wrapping my arms tightly around him.
“I need you so much,” he whispered. He seemed so vulnerable in my arms.
“When are you leaving?” I breathed deeply, feeling his lips against my neck, kissing a path upward until our lips touched.
“After the prom and graduation. Supposedly, I’m heading to live in London with dear old dad and enrolling in a pristine college.” His eyes saddened.
I already knew all that. “Joseph filled me in with the rest of the details last night. That’s why he forced me to leave your side. I wanted to be with you so bad.”
John inhaled. This was obviously weighing heavily on him. I wanted to take away that burden.
“This morning I came to pick you up for school. When I called Michael, he said you had taken the school bus.”
I lowered my head.
“I tried to beat you to the stop, but the bus pulled off before I could catch it. You must have seen my car pass the bus.” He watched me with those sparkling green eyes, waiting for some kind of reaction. When he didn’t find what he was looking for, he continued. “You were that mad at me, huh?”
I was surprised he hadn’t sensed my uneasiness then.
John lifted my chin to peer deeper into my eyes. The moment he saw the truth, his eyes widened. Even before the thought had left my mind.
“When?” he demanded and his smile vanished.
“He stopped me on my way to the bus stop. I didn’t even make it there.”
John hugged me, then pulled away to stare into my eyes. “Are you alright? Did he hurt you? What did he say?”
I let our minds connect. He saw everything that transpired between he and I.
John slammed his fist into the locker next to us, frightening me. He composed himself when he noticed I was trembling and pulled me to him tightly.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered.
“I’m not.”
John stepped back, perplexed.
“Now he knows he can’t scare me so easily.” I smiled.
John laughed as he cupped my cheek. “I have to admit, Miss Belle, you sure can stand your ground. I saw the surprise in his eyes when he heard you speak to him like that.”
“I bet no one has put him in his place before,” I said flatly.
“No one has, Miss Belle. I’m glad it was you. He can’t mess with my girlfriend.” John smirked.
I fidgeted, slightly embarrassed. “I’m afraid I told him too much about your plans.”
“Don’t worry; he was bound to know, and I believe my faithful guardian has already revealed far more.”
“So, is that why Michael was acting so weird? He knows about Dr. Nicholson’s plan to take you away? Or did you tell him you weren’t going?”
“Yes. It’s what we discussed at dinner. Then, I told Michael later that night I didn’t plan on leaving. But I don’t think he understands why I would defy my supposedly loving father.”
“No wonder he felt so sad for me this morning. He doesn’t know the whole story. He thinks I’m holding you back.”
“Yeah.” Dr. Nicholson’s impression of our relationship crossed his mind.
“He thinks I’m a distraction,” I said scornfully when the memory from John’s mind merged with my own.
John smiled. “He’s right.”
He was so handsome, it was hard to look at him without feeling butterflies swarm inside my stomach, untamed and out of control. I wrinkled my nose, trying to stay tough.
He pulled me closer. “I wanted to tell Michael the truth … about who I am, about everything. I want to end this for you, Miss Belle. I just want to be with you. I’m tired of hiding. I don’t want to go back there.”
“You can’t, John. He’ll hate you and won’t let me see you again.”
“None of that will matter when you turn eighteen in June, baby,” John grinned.
He knew my birthday?
“You’re my girlfriend, of course I do. Then, we can leave just like you want.” John was right.
“Still, we shouldn’t tell Michael anything, at least not yet.” I caressed his cheek.
He nodded obediently.
I stared into his eyes. “You’re afraid of that place.” It wasn’t a question.
“Of confinement?” John bit his bottom lip. “It’s cold,” he admitted. In this moment, he looked like a child: scared and in need of someone to rely on for strength. I wanted to be that someone.
You are. I need you, his mind told me.
I pulled away and wrapped my arms around my body as I felt this desolation.
He gazed at me quizzically.
“There’s nothing but emptiness, numbness, and uncertainty. Your mind was so new to this world. You only had him. Dr. Nicholson taught you everything.”
John put a hand on my cheek.
I awakened; his touch stopped me from saying anything more about the doctor. “You’re afraid you’ll forget me,”
He was surprised. “You feel all that?”
I nodded slowly, drawing on my bottom lip.
“I don’t want to lose you, Claudia. I don’t want to forget anything about you.”
“You won’t,” I whispered. “I won’t let you, John Slater.” I felt his warmth again. The cold vanished, and I felt like myself once more.
He pulled me back from wherever my emotions had been trying to take me.
“Can I kiss you now?” John asked playfully.
I smiled, nodding stupidly. I wanted to be a normal girl. I wanted to be loved, and to love him. His feelings were genuine and honest. “Are you sure you want to be with me?” I stopped him before his lips touched mine. I had to know he was all in.
John looked pained by my question, but still hungry to embrace my mouth.
“To leave everything, even Joseph?” I pressed. He had to be sure.
John wrinkled his brow, nodding.
I let him take my hand in his.
He caressed my fingers with his own. “How can you ask me something like that after everything I’ve said to you? I want more than anything to be with you. Nothing ever made sense in my life but, with you, everything is so clear. I know what I want, I know you and I connect.” John cupped my cheek.
I let him kiss me. He had a hard time letting go. Pushing away slowly, his forehead rested against mine and John looked intently at me.
I realized how tall and built he was as he loomed over me protectively. I felt encased in a web of safety when I was in his arms. My thoughts made him smile.
Breathless, I stupidly said, “I need to get my books from my locker.”
John grinned and walked me to the second floor where my locker was located. He waited next to it while I grabbed my books, replacing the ones in my backpack with others from my locker.
“Do you want to go out on the field?” he asked.
I thought about it for a moment. The field was our special spot. He had chased me there a few times.
John smiled as I recalled those moments. It was a place to run around, stretch our legs after a long day in the cramped school. A place where there was some semblance of freedom.
A flash of a six-foot-tall fence with barbed wire at the top entered my mind from John’s. That was his prison in the academy. I shook the image from my head. I knew what it must feel like to him, because Milton was becoming more like a prison to me every day.
“The art room?” John suggested.
I smiled. He knew my favorite places.
We walked through the school, my feet padding against the floor. In the second hallway, he took my hand. I let him.
It didn’t take long before we were flipping on lights in the art room. I went over to one of the easels I had claimed when in class. My artwork and the art of others decorated the classroom walls.
John took a moment to admire the art that cluttered the walls hiding every inch of white. The teacher loved displaying the students’ work.
The colors on the walls were present on the tables in the room via a variety of mediums. The smells of oils, acrylics, clay, and wax created a sense of peace that couldn’t be matched by any other outlet.
Oils were my favorite. There was nothing better than the scent of fresh oil on canvas. It reminded me of being in a museum, or a coffee shop, or even a bookstore. Even visually, there was nothing quite so rewarding as the lines created with an oil-based pallet.
“Why does Dr. Nicholson hate me so much?” I asked suddenly, now that I was in a safe space where I could freely express myself. “What have I ever done to him?”
“He doesn’t hate you. He doesn’t even know you to hate you, Claudia.”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. After everything, was he actually standing there, defending the man to my face?
“No, I’m not defending the man,” John immediately responded. “I’m only trying to explain. There doesn’t have to be a reason with him.”
“He has a watch like yours. I’m surprised he hasn’t discovered me by now,” I fumed.
John wrinkled his nose. “Why are you trying to start a fight with me?”
“I don’t know,” I mumbled, half to myself. I was feeling awkward again.
“You know I would never let anything happen to you.”
I exhaled slowly. I needed to center myself.
“You think I want him to find out about you?” he asked in disbelief.
I didn’t say anything. What could I say? I wasn’t sure.
“Do you doubt me?” He seemed a little surprised by the thought in my head.
I shrugged, turning to my easel and making a quick slash across it with a wide brush covered in black paint. I liked the way it cut through the bright white canvas. A painting always began with a single stroke.
“No,” I said, reaching for another paintbrush. “You could tell me why you were truthful with Michael?”
John blinked, but he wasn’t surprised. He hesitated as he picked up a piece of origami paper and begin to fold it. “I told you I don’t want to lie to him anymore. The only reason I didn’t tell him everything is because you asked me not to.”
“Oh.” I wasn’t sure what to do. The silence stretched between us as I awkwardly mixed paint and he created a paper crane. “John, I’m sorry ...”
“It’s okay.” He finished the paper crane with a quick bend of its little head. He started on a second one.
“No, it’s not. Something is happening, and I can’t control it. Something wants me to be angry. When I’m not …”
John came over put his hands on my shoulders and I shuddered. “I’m sorry.”
I glanced at him before taking my brush and applying a streak of blue. Abstract seemed like the right design, fitting for this conversation.
“It’s that thing in the hall. I’m not sure how it’s connected to Project X, but it has an effect on you,” John said.
I laid a fat blob of yellow paint onto my color pallet and swirled it with the red to make a vibrant orange. The color went onto the canvas in a swish and a swipe. The white disappeared, just like the strange whiteness I sometimes saw at the corner of my eye.
I had no better explanation for any of it. Not the strange voices, nor the figures I’d been seeing. The strangeness seemed to spring around me whenever teachers were present.
“I don’t like it,” I admitted as I let John feel my anguish and anxiety.
John wrapped his arms around my waist. His face found the spot on my neck where my pulse raced. “I won’t let anything happen to you, Miss Belle.” He inhaled deeply. “I want you to do something. I want you to concentrate on the sound of my voice.”
I faced him.
“Indulge me, Miss Belle. Come on; close your eyes.”
“Close my eyes?”
“Trust me, Miss Belle … do you?”
I hesitated before whispering, “Yes.”
“Then, do it. Concentrate on what you feel.”
What I felt? I was still trying to figure that out.
Yes. What you feel. Don’t be stubborn, Miss Belle. His lips nudged my neck.
There was a sudden electrical current that shot throughout my body. John was the energy flowing so calmly into me; it was soothing and peaceful. The current intensified, became stronger. John’s lips pressed hard on my throat.
In my mind, I was in my room with John. Laying on my bed, he was on top of me. His face was buried in my neck, kissing a trail along my throat.
John brought his face up; our lips touched. He pressed his body against mine, pushing himself slowly into me.
His naked body moved over me. My hands traced his lower back. He danced over me with gentle and tender passion that I could feel, smell, and sense throughout my soul.
His breathing became heavier as passion and sensations developed. His heavy, masculine scent invaded my senses, and a bead of perspiration glistened on his perfect frame.
A twisted pleasure creased his brow as a breath of ecstasy escaped his lips and a smile pulled at the slim corners of his mouth.
He continued his descent gently. His eyes glowed with that golden hue I had often seen highlighting the center of his pupils.
I exhaled, opening my eyes. John was staring down at me.
“Feeling better?” he smirked.
The heat of desire rushed to my face. My breath became heavy as my heart raced. “I want to do that for real.”
His eyebrows arched slightly as he blushed. “We will, maybe sooner than either of us anticipated.” There was still color on his cheeks.
“You want to ask me something?”
John smiled. “I can’t hide anything from you. It’s hard to surprise you, Miss Belle. I should have done a better job to hide it.” John tapped his watch.
My cheeks glistened crimson, and I gasped. I already knew.
He wrapped his arms around me. “That’s what I meant to ask you, but under better circumstances. Do you still want to leave with me?”
“Yes, of course!”
“Is that the answer to my question? Or, yes, you want to leave with me?”
“Both.”
John squeezed me tight.
“What will happen? I mean, how will Joseph make it look like you?”
John smiled. He knew I couldn’t bear to say it out loud. “We haven’t discussed the details, but I know Joseph to be good at what he does. You can trust he’ll have something convincing.”
“After it’s over, where do you want to go first, beautiful?” he asked, holding me to him.
I was trying not to get paint on him. “Well, maybe, the prom?” I grinned.
John laughed.
“Are you excited about the prom?”
I shrugged. “Maybe … I don’t actually have a dress, yet. I’m not so good about things like that.” It was true. I had no girlfriends to shop with and didn’t see how Michael could offer any help.
I’m here, baby. Again, John’s thoughts merged with mine.
“Yes, you are, John Slater.”
John squeezed me tight. “We should take Joseph’s offer to go shopping. I can’t wait to see you in your dress.”
I recalled Joseph offering to let us use his credit card. “I don’t care for anything fancy. Besides, it’s easier for boys; you put on a tux and look great, even if it’s old-fashioned.” I grinned at the blush coloring his cheeks.
“I’m sure you’ll look better than me. You’re beautiful, Claudia Belle.”
I held his face, not worrying about the paint I smeared there. His face was a canvas too, and I was leaving my mark. I leaned close and he met me with a kiss.
As I kissed him, something tickled at the back of my mind. A voice? No, a presence.
I squeezed my eyes shut as if doing so would un-see the spectral figure that had appeared in the corner of my vision. I am not afraid. I repeated this to myself four times.
John’s mental voice broke into my thoughts. You no longer have any reason to ever be, Miss Belle.
“Feeling better?” he asked aloud.
“Much.”
“Good, because I have a surprise for you.”
How had I missed that?
We went down to the first floor; the halls were empty. The rush of students had cleared. It was only then I realized that I had said nothing to Michael about leaving.
“Wait! I should tell Michael before we go anywhere,” I said.
John smiled mysteriously. “Don’t worry, I’ve already talk to Michael.”
“Oh,” I said.
“And I can’t tell you; it’s a surprise.”
I resisted the urge to look into his mind. “I won’t look,” I promised when he shot me a mistrustful glance.
He brought me into the main office.
I gazed at him quizzically, but I had said I would not look into his mind, so I resisted and followed him into the principal’s office.
Joseph was seated at his desk when we entered. He looked up and caught sight of us, inviting us in.
Curiously, I watched him as he came around his desk.
“Ah, Miss Belle. Just the person I wanted to see,” Joseph said.
I glanced over at him questionably.
“Hi.”
“How are you, sweetheart?” he asked politely.
“He said he had a surprise for me,” I said, motioning John, who smiled.
“Shall I, champ?” Joseph asked.
John nodded. “I had Joseph get a little something for me while we were occupied.”
Joseph came around and walked to a corner of the room where a coat rack hung. From behind it, he pulled out a long plastic garment bag.
I gazed over at John as Joseph stepped toward me and presented it to me.
“I wanted to get you something.” John leaned forward and kissed my cheek sweetly.
“This was all John’s idea. I just picked it up.”
“Give yourself some credit, Joseph; you helped.”
Joseph slapped the side of his shoulder comically. “I’m trying to give you most of the credit, champ. Handsome, but not too much up there, huh, Miss Belle?” he joked and winked.
I laughed at John’s expense.
“So, what is it?” I asked, already suspecting the answer. Without hesitation, I pulled away the plastic. Inside was a sparkly dark blue dress. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.
“I think the girls are going to be jealous of you, Miss Belle,” Joseph said merrily.
I tried to ignore the men during their proud moment, choosing to admire the dress instead. Then I glanced at John and kissed him, embracing him tightly.
“I love it!” I announced as I pulled away. I had forgotten Joseph was watching us, but he looked pleased for someone who had started off disliking me. I felt good about our relationship now, but was still slightly embarrassed by kissing John in front of him. I guess he figured that because he moved aside to give us a bit of privacy. I think he was blushing just a bit too.
John put his arm around my waist and pulled me close. He wasn’t uncomfortable by the idea that Joseph was there. That had never stopped him. There was a wide smile warming his face.
“You two look perfect together,” Joseph commented. “John is lucky to have you in his life, Miss Belle.”
His words sounded genuine and I was surprised to hear them. Days prior, he wouldn’t have even wanted us close. He had done everything in his power to keep us apart. He looked emotional about the display between us. It made me wonder about him, since I couldn’t imagine someone like him becoming emotional for any reason at all.
I couldn’t stop blushing; John wouldn’t stop staring at me. “No, I’m the lucky one,” I said to Joseph.
Those words seemed to affect him a little more. He cleared his throat, trying to hide how he was feeling. This was an assumption, of course. He was hard to read, harder still while wearing the watch.