Reborn: Daughter of Darkness Prequel Page 4

  Kneeling in front of me, he took my hand. "Yes, but I like crazy." We shared a smile, and then he took his place on the couch downing the last of his scotch. "What do you think it means?"

  I threw up my hands. "Hell if I know."

  "Do you feel different? Like, after you wake up again, is there anything that's... I dunno, do you feel like a superhero?"

  Laughter burst from my mouth before I could stop it. He certainly had a way with making sense of strange things. "Well, I do have two scars on my wrist now." I realized how that must have sounded, so I said, "Not what you're thinking." I repositioned myself so that I was facing him on the couch and held out my left arm.

  He ran his fingers over the scars. My skin jumped at the sensation of his touch. "You woke up with these?" he asked, his face an inch from mine.

  "Yes." My heart raced. There was something about him that made my body react when he was close. I thought he might do more, but before I knew it, he was pacing again. When he wasn't looking, I blew out the breath I had been holding. My heart slowed a little.

  "Have you done anything lately that may be out of the ordinary?" I looked at him with raised eyebrows as he continued, "I mean out of the ordinary from your daily routine?"

  "You mean other than my mom dying and me moving back to my childhood home? No, my routine's been the same for years. I get up, go to work, just like everybody else."

  "Until a couple of days ago, right?"

  I nodded, not that I needed that reminder. I took another sip of tequila. "Although... There are the dreams."

  "Dreams?"

  I described the dream where I'm standing on the tall cliff overlooking the ocean. "When I was a little girl I started having that dream after my father died. It stopped for many years."

  He stopped pacing and looked at me. "Until you moved back."

  "Yes."

  He leaned back on the couch and stared at his hands for a moment. Then, he asked, "How did your mom die?"

  "Car wreck. I never even got to see her body." He rubbed my shoulder to try and comfort me, and then he paced again. After a minute or so, he asked, "What about your father. How did he die?"

  I hesitated. Not because of how crazy it would sound when I told him, but because it upset me to talk about it. "He drowned."

  The air left the room. The look on Spratlin's face told me that he felt it, too. We were suddenly in a vacuum. Nothing but us existed at that moment. It was like that excited and anxious feeling when the big twist in the book you're reading punches you in the gut. The clues were always there, but the reveal was no less effective.

  A tear rolled down my cheek. "I couldn't save him."

  "Do you think there is a correlation to your father's death, your dreams, your fear of drowning... and feeling helpless? I mean, think about it. You died and came back after saving someone's life."

  Then he looked at me with an expression of awe and reverence. "The ultimate sacrifice."

  I suddenly felt uncomfortable. I couldn't breathe. Needed air. Needed space. Needed to clear my head. I didn't like what he was implying. I was no saint, no god-like creature. Another shot and I stood up. "Don't make me out to be something I'm not."

  "I'm sorry. I didn't-."

  Suddenly I was pacing, too. "I don't even know what it all means. For all I know I could have some strange disease where my mind won't acknowledge that I'm dying."

  His phone dinged. He typed something quickly and then shoved it back into his pocket.

  "Do you need to go?"

  "No, it's not important. I'm not leaving you." He guided me back to the couch where he sat me down. "You're gonna relax and take it easy the rest of the day while I keep you company."

  He grabbed two controllers and sat down next to me. "What would you like to play?"

  I just looked at him. Who was this guy I'd just met? And why did I so instantly feel at ease around him?

  He turned toward me and asked, "So, what'll it be?"

  "Hmm?" Was it obvious that I wasn't paying attention?

  "The game. Arrrre we gonna play?"

  "Oh, right. Uh, yeah. How 'bout Chaos Caliber?"

  "Oh, sure. Pick the one that you stole from me at the store. You want that one just because you'll have a head start. So you can have the advantage." I popped him on the arm as he got up to get the game.

  "Ha! You wish. Tell ya what. We'll even the playing field. I'll give you a head start, and I'll still win."

  "You play dirty."

  "Wouldn't you like to know."

  About an hour and a half went by. I had won most of the games, much to his dismay. But Spratlin was cool about it. We ordered pizza, and I insisted on paying. My house, my treat.

  The doorbell rang and Spratlin got up to pay the delivery driver. When he came back to the couch I was fiddling with Mom's jewelry box.

  "Whatcha got?"

  "I found it in the attic this morning. It was my mom's."

  "What's in it?"

  "Well, I don't know exactly. She always kept it locked. And I don't have the key."

  "Hmm. May I see?" He reached over and took it from me.

  I slowly stood up and stretched. Sitting down for so long made me stiff. "Another Coke?"

  "Yeah, thanks."

  On the way to the kitchen, I asked, "Think you can open it?"

  "I could take it outside and smash it."

  When I returned with our drinks I gave him a look. "Now, is that any way to treat a lady's... jewelry box?"

  In return, he gave me a look. "Gentlemen have more subtle ways. May I borrow a paperclip?"

  "Of course. There for a moment I thought you were gonna sweet talk it open." I felt his eyes on me as I disappeared upstairs to retrieve a paperclip.

  As I sat down next to him, I handed him the paperclip, and a few seconds later he said, "There ya go."

  "That was fast."

  He shrugged. "All it takes is a little sweet talking."

  "Seriously, how'd you do that?"

  He just smiled and wiggled his fingers in the air. "Magic."

  My eyes narrowed at his playful attitude. There was something much deeper going on. And I didn't mean between me and him. There was still so much about him that I didn't know. As I opened the lid of the jewelry box, I hoped that I'd get the chance to learn more.

  Upon opening the lid, I discovered that it wasn't a jewelry box like I had assumed. My mother always told me her most prized possessions stayed in that box. I had assumed she meant a string of pearls, or perhaps a ring that my father had given her. Instead, there was a stack of neatly folded papers. Underneath was a small black velvet box.

  Before I could open it, my phone rang. "Hi, Mrs. G. No, it's okay. We'll be right over."

  "What's wrong?"

  "It's my next door neighbor. The furnace in her house is acting up again. Do you mind?"

  "Of course not!"

  When Mrs. G opened to door to let us in, she and Spratlin immediately recognized each other.

  "Mrs. Gonzales!"

  "Spratlin James, is that you?"

  "In the flesh."

  "My, it's been a long time. How is your family?"

  "Doing just fine, Mrs. Gonzales. It's good to see you again."

  I watched their exchange for as long as I could stand it. "How do you two know each other?"

  "Mrs. Gonzales used to go to the same hairdresser my mother went to. She used to drag me with her. God, it was so boring."

  They laughed like old friends.

  "I could make him happy with just a sucker," Mrs. G said as she retrieved one from her pocket. "Let's see if it still works."

  His eyes lit up as he took the purple sucker. "Grape! You remembered."

  Mrs. G continued, "And one for my favorite neighbor."

  "Thanks. Shall we have a look at your furnace now?" It was spring, and even in the south, the nights could be cool. Mrs. G was still running her heat. The furnace was old and the switch would sometimes get stuck. Spratlin was able to get it going ag
ain.

  When we were done, we waved goodnight to Mrs. G and walked back to my front porch. "Wanna finish our pizza?"

  "No, I'd better get going."

  "You're right. I better hit the hay, too. Got to be out early pounding the pavement." I had no idea where to start. "I can't believe you know Mrs. G."

  "Crazy, huh?" The look in his eye made me wonder was there more to it, but before I could say anything, he took my hand in his and smiled. "See you soon?"

  Fighting back a big goofy grin, I smiled and nodded. "A bunch of us are getting together at Jeremy's house this weekend."

  He squinted as he tried to remember. "The guy from the game store?"

  "Yeah. Wanna go?"

  "Sure, but I don't know if I can wait that long." He smiled again and I watched as he got in his truck and drove away.

  It was such a nice night out that I almost forgot about the velvet box. I was eager to see what was inside. After locking up, I sat down on the couch and picked up the little black box. I opened the lid. There was a beautiful ring inside. A solid black titanium band with platinum engravings. I wondered where it came from.

  I slipped it on my right ring finer, took another shot of tequila, and went off for the best night of sleep I had had in a long time.

  8

  I slammed the door behind me as I entered the kitchen and tossed my keys on the counter. After three attempts, the many loan officers' words were still fresh in my mind, 'I'm sorry, Ms. Adams, you simply don't have enough credit history.'

  Thunder greeted me with a nudge to my hand.

  "What do they know anyway?"

  Thunder panted and wagged his tail.

  I had prepped an efficient business plan and had all my financial ducks in a row. Or, so I thought.

  Looking down at Thunder, I said, "Maybe I should've shown my tits more." I cracked my neck. "Ah, don't be ridiculous, Zee. That only happens in the movies."

  Racing up the stairs, I unbuttoned my blouse. I couldn't get out of those monkey clothes fast enough. I flung open my closet and flopped down on my bed in front of it. Thank goodness I didn't have to wear this every day. I've never been one for dressing up. My idea for dressing up was tucking in my shirt. I quickly kicked off my heels and flung them into the deep dark depths of the back of my closet. Sneakers or biker boots were all I'd be wearing from then on out. Gonna start doing things Zee's way.

  I changed into a pair of shorts and a t-shirt and padded barefoot downstairs. I walked out back to water the flowers. It was a beautiful afternoon. The sun was warm on my face and feet. When I was done, I sat down on the bench that overlooked the koi pond. It was my mom's favorite place. She and I used to sit together watching the fish. Sometimes we talked about our day and sometimes no words were spoken at all. Sometimes all that needed to be said was nothing at all.

  Twirling my new ring, I had hoped it would bring me luck. So far, all that day had brought were rejections and a burning desire to down a bottle of whiskey. No, there had to be another way. Actually, there was. One of the loan officers had even suggested it himself. But I just wasn't comfortable taking such a huge risk.

  "Hello, dear!" Mrs. G called from her back yard.

  "Hey, Mrs. G, won't you join me for a little fish watching?"

  "I'd love to!" She unhooked the latch on our adjoining gate and stepped through. She sat down next to me. "Aren't they just beautiful?"

  I nodded.

  She went on to tell me something interesting about koi. She said they were a symbol of love and friendship in Japan. And because they lived so long, often outliving their owners, they are passed down from generation to generation.

  "It's also said that whomever receives a koi fish as a gift will have good luck."

  "Well, then I could use a boat load of 'em right about now."

  "A heavy mind and heart bring an unhealthy body. I have a sense that you are in great transition."

  "I guess you could call it that. I need a job."

  "What happened?"

  "No one wants to give a twenty-five year old chick money to start her own business."

  "Oh, nonsense, dear. Don't let the feminist extremists fill your head with crazy talk. Not everyone, man or woman, is out to get us."

  Mrs. G was so wise. I loved talking with her. Correction, I loved listening to her. She has talked me off more than one ledge in the short time we've been neighbors. "Oh, I know, Mrs. G. I didn't mean to imply that I was being singled out."

  "There must be something you can do."

  I hesitated to tell her about the house because I knew she, like Gaylin, would tell me it was a great idea. It wasn't a great idea; it was just the only option. "First Bank of Blackwood would give me the loan if I put up the house as collateral."

  Mrs. G nodded. "And you're not ready for that."

  "It's too risky." Don't get me wrong. I loved games more than anything. Gaming brought me together with a lot of great friends. It was something I enjoyed in groups and alone. It was a way to escape and experience a life that I would never experience otherwise. Not to mention I admired the artistry that went into making games. But risking my home for what would essentially be another day job was just too much for my mind to process.

  "Have you ever heard of the Japanese koi legend of the waterfalls at Dragon Gate?"

  "No, but it sounds cool."

  "Koi have the ability to swim against the current and travel upstream, and they do so without fear. Legend has it, if a koi was successful in climbing the waterfalls at Dragon Gate, it would transform into a dragon."

  She patted my hand, but quickly pulled back as if my skin had burned her.

  "What is it?"

  "Oh, sorry. Just had a little muscle spasm. These old bones aren't what they used to be."

  I got the feeling she was covering, but I let it go. I was enjoying her company too much to interrupt it. After a few seconds, she spoke again.

  "Mackenzie, we could all learn a thing or two from these courageous, beautiful creatures. Sometimes the greatest feats reap the biggest rewards. Be brave like koi and swim upstream without fear."

  I forced a smile.

  She continued, "Trust that when the time comes, you'll make the right decision for you." She patted my hand again. "I hope you don't mind my saying so, but I still sense something weighing heavy on your heart."

  "Am I that see-through?"

  "Not at all. When we spend enough time with someone, we get to know them. Know their mannerisms. Know their expressions. It allows us a peek into their soul, even if only briefly. Do you want to talk about it?"

  I did. But how do you tell someone that even though you're sitting next to them, alive and well at that moment, that you're actually on your third life?

  "Do you believe in life after death?" Mrs. G perked up, so I continued. "Like, actually coming back to life after someone has died."

  "What an interesting question."

  "It's happened to me. Twice now." Nothing like diving in head first. I proceeded to tell her about the man at the beach and the little girl at the arcade. Mrs. G never once flinched. She just sat there absorbing everything I told her.

  After a few minutes of me giving the juicy details, she said in the calmest voice I've ever heard, "It seems you've truly hit a crossroads in your life. I know you and your mother have had problems, but I promised her when she died, that if you ever came back, I would be there to guide you."

  "Guide me?"

  "Seems there is much to discuss. We've a conversation that's long overdue. Have you ever wondered if there was more to this life than what's on the surface? Under the surface that everyone else sees." She turned to me and looked me dead in the eye. "Do you have the feeling, down in the pit of your soul, that you were destined for something great? Yet, you don't know how to take hold and make it so?"

  Of all the talks I've had with Mrs. G, none of them have been so deep, and we've had a lot of meaningful conversations. She was becoming my rock. I turned to her for help with little
things like where to go to buy the best fruit in town to important things like personal stuff. We've always gotten along, but it was at that moment that I truly felt like she knew me.

  "Yeah," I nodded. "I've always felt that there was more to life than going to work at a job I hate, getting married and raising kids, PTA meetings, and mortgages. The world is so vast. I feel like I'm but a tiny speck waiting to bloom."

  "Not everyone has these feelings, only a small fraction of the world's population."

  "Do you feel there's more to life, too?"

  She smiled and raised her eyebrows in a confident look that could take on the world. "Oh, I know there is, dear. I've lived it."

  "How do you..."

  "Make it happen? By taking chances and being receptive to the world when it calls."

  There it was again. Seemed my new mission was all about learning to take risks and understanding the value of it.

  "I won't overwhelm you with too much at one time, but since you mentioned specifically that you have experienced death twice now, well... There is no easy way to say it, dear. Just like your mother before you, you have a unique gift. Although, hers was different."

  Just the mention of my mother... What was this gift? Why am I learning about it now?

  Mrs. G shifted on the bench so that she was facing me. "You have the gift of Sacrifice."

  "Sacrifice?" It felt weird to say it aloud. Too important of a word to be used lightly.

  "Tell me, when you saved those people, what were you feeling?"

  I hadn't thought about it until now. "Like I would do whatever it took to keep them safe."

  "Hence, its name. When someone pure of heart is willing to lay down their life for another, the gift takes over."

  "No one's ever referred to me as pure of heart before." I wasn't sure how to take it.

  "Does anyone else know?" she asked. I could feel the concern in her voice.

  "Spratlin does. He was with me at the arcade when it happened. He saw me die." I watched her eyes when I said Spratlin's name. I got the sense that she felt at ease about him knowing.

  "Spratlin is a good man, comes from a good family. But there are others who would use this information in a dark way. I would advise keeping the idea of your gift to yourself."