Tracey Canole, Author

Thunder cracked overhead, the rain shifting from a light drizzle to a downpour.  He flinched but didn’t stop. In truth, the rain didn’t bother him much even as it dripped into his eyes and soaked his shoes. It took only moments for the cold to seep in and the shivering began. 

Will didn’t care. The only thing that mattered was that he found Lisa and soon. He hadn’t meant to hurt her feelings, but why did she have to be so annoying? She’d barged into his room and started messing with his stuff. It wasn’t fair. He always got in trouble when he played with her things.

“Lisa! Lisa, come on! I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it.” 

The trees loomed overhead as he stepped into the woods behind the house. His boots sunk into the wet undergrowth, suctioning instantly and pulling him deeper. Water soaked his socks, slipping between his toes and making them squish.

“Yuck!” he whined, the mud covering his favorite shoes. “Quit being a baby! I don’t want to be out here, it’s gross.”

Wiping his eyes, Will moved deeper. He glanced back towards the house. He should be inside playing video games and talking to his friends. But no, he had to look for her and all because she was selfish. Ugh, she was so annoying! Sometimes he wished he was an only child.

Will hoisted himself over a fallen log, the moss wet. Brown muck splashed onto his jeans and he groaned. It smelt like earth and rot. Gross. As he tried to wipe it off – unsuccessfully considering even his hands were dirty – he spotted something small with pink sparkles and neon green laces. It was Lisa’s shoe! The sole was pushed into the mud as if she’d placed all of her weight onto it, then tried to pull free. It must have slipped off, but why would she leave it behind? 

Oh no. Will swallowed hard as he saw the two sets of paw prints flanking the shoe. The rain was attempting to wash them away, but he could see their outline.  Crap, the wolves had been running. He corrected himself – no, hunting. His legs wobbled as he stood, scanning for any sign of their direction. 

“Lisa? Please be okay,” Will said, the words washed away. Lisa, his baby sister was out here and wolves were tracking her. Usually, she knew not to go far, but with how mean he’d been she might’ve just wandered. Then, if she saw the wolves, run in a panic. 

A piece of cloth hanging off a low branch, the green and purple stripes familiar.  He ran for it, calling out her name over and over. He tripped on a branch, then slipped on a patch of sludge. He didn’t slow.  Farther and farther into the woods he went, away from home and the parents that loved them. Will came to a stop, nearly losing his balance.

“The cliff. What if she…?” His heart pounded trying to escape from his chest. The cliff, and the hundred-foot drop into a canyon, was just up ahead. It was nearly a mile long and would fill with the rain, turning into a river rushing downstream. Lisa knew not to play near the canyon. It was dangerous, but if she’d been chased, she might have forgotten or lost her way. Even he was having a hard time telling where he was in this storm and she was only five. His calls increased, praying that soon he’d find her.

Another burst of lightning was followed by a boom of thunder that shook him to his bones. He bent his arms out to protect his head. A bow, bright teal with pink sequins on it, was lying at the base of a tree. His direction shifted, aiming straight for it. The rough fabric scraped against his skin and then he saw it. A footprint a few feet to the west. Squeezing the bow in his hand he ran, calling out again and again.

A whine carried back to him in the breeze. Will froze mid-step. Was it a dream?  Had he imagined it? Another moan was followed by a whimper. Lisa.

Weaving back and forth he searched, covering as much ground as possible. Each time he approached the edge, he braced his feet or held onto a trunk before getting too close. As he leaned forward, he remembered a section where a ledge a few feet below the main path stuck out. Maybe she was there. It was easy to get to and a good place to hide. Fingers gripped a branch and he wedged a foot between two rocks, then Will leaned over the canyon. Down below the water gathered, sweeping fast along the rocky bottom.

She was so small. Her body could be anywhere. He could’ve missed it and what if the wolves had gotten ahold of her? No. He would find her and she would be okay.

The ledge was just visible. Three bushes grew up against the rock step. A tree listed sideways, hanging off as if, long ago, it had barely survived the ground beneath sliding away. Will clenched his fist and had to hold back a scream as he spotted feet. One shoe was gone, the other covered in muck. Purple tights wrapped legs so still and unmoving.

He bolted around and found the spot which would lead to her. Reach it, he approached carefully. It was slippery, the groves in the rock turned into small currents flowing past to dive and freefall to the crevice floor. 

“Lisa!” Will said, the whisper barely audible. There she was. Her tiny form looked broken. She was covered in mud and blood was smeared down her arms and one of her legs. Her hair blocked her face, but he could see the stuffed bunny she cradled. 

“Lisa, can you hear me? I’m here to get you. Did you fall?”

“You found me. Willy,  It bit me. It hurts,” she said, her lisp more prominent than normal.

Dread wrapped around him. Crap, not only did she fall, but she’d been bitten. How had she gotten away? He needed to get her home. His legs became heavy, his voice cracked when he said, “It’s okay sissy, I’m gonna get you home, okay?” 

Just as he was about to make the climb down to her, a sound came from the trees behind him. It made his muscles tighten and his breath catch. The growls were like a recurring nightmare come to life, one where the ancient creatures and mythical beasts knew that once wasn’t enough. Lisa began to cry but did not move to sit up.

Lightning flashed and with it, Will spotted two sets of eyes exiting from the trees. Large bodies stalked closer, their fur damp, but their steps hungry. 

Lunging to the side he picked up a branch and hoisted it over his shoulder. He took a stance well honed from years of baseball practice. The voice of his coach flitted through his mind. Strong grip, but not too tight. Full swing. Be ready for the unexpected pitch. The next few moments slowed, the terror flowing through his veins mixed with the determination to save his little sister. Will screamed at the pair as they bared their teeth.

One lunged and Will missed. He recovered instantly. The second attacked and he swung, connecting its flank. The creature yelped and took a few steps back. It charged again, but Will was ready. The stick came down hard on its snout with a hollow crunch. There was a high-pitched cry and it disappeared into the brush. Will slipped in the mud but managed to keep his feet as the first wolf came at his back. Its paws hit his shoulders causing Will to lose his balance and fall face-first into the mud. 

Will rolled, the panic bleeding into a scream that echoed down and across the rocks below. He covered his neck with his arms as the snarls and yips hurt his ears. The branch, his only protection, was stuck beneath him no longer of any help. Will reached out blindly until his hand landed on a rock about six inches long. As he lifted it, he saw the edge and cheered.

“Yes!”  It was sharp, a dagger if ever he saw one. Thank you, universe.

Teeth bit into his shoulder and Will screamed, gripping the rock hard, the edge cutting into his flesh. No matter. In one move, Will rolled. The wolf tried to jump off, but before he was able, the razor’s edge dug into its neck. There was a gurgle and a whine before the wolf and all its teeth scurried away, back into the forest. 

Will’s chest heaved, his breaths gasping for air. Pained and terrified, he pushed to his knees. His fingers sunk into the brown. Red-tinged rain trailed down his arm and away with the currents beneath his fingertips. He groaned. 

If this was what Lisa was going through, then he would never forgive himself. It was all his fault. 

He pushed to his feet, tears burning the back of his eyes. He clenched his fists to stop the trembling. Lisa didn’t need to see how scared he was. Throat tight and thick he held his injured arm against his side, then stumbled to where Lisa lay. Her body was limp, but her breaths were strong. The obvious rise and fall of her chest brought the tears to the front. They fell as relief washed over him like a blanket. 

“Can you hear me?” He asked. She nodded minutely. “Good. Then it’s time to go back home, okay? I’m gonna pick you up.”

“My arm hurts. My leg too.”

“I know. We’ll get you home to Mom and Dad. They can help us. They’re probably worried sick.”

“I’m sorry Willy.”

“Sissy, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it. Let’s get you home and warm. Then, we’ll play okay?”

She nodded. Biting back the pain, he wrapped his arms around her and lifted. Ugh, she was heavy. Lisa cried out and curled into him. 

Step after step, Will tracked back toward home. He took it slow, making sure his steps were sure and that there was no sign of the wolves. His arm burned and his fingers were beginning to tingle. Crimson stained his shirt. His legs felt like jelly as they dragged, leaving divots in the earth. He wasn’t sure if he could make it.

“I wuv you,” Lisa said.

His heart warmed and he pressed a kiss to her head. “Love you.”

Almost there.

“Will!! Lisa!!” The sound of his parents’ screams caused a sob to escape from deep within. He tried to speed up and in doing so felt his head go fuzzy. He maneuvered around a patch of thick bushes to find them running away from them.

“Mom! Dad!!” 

Dad slipped as he forced his body’s direction to change. His eyes were wide, terrified, as she spun.

When they met Will’s every last bit of energy poured out of him.  Will sank to the ground, keeping Lisa in his lap. The world slowed as he watched his parent’s panicked faces come closer. His arms tightened around his sister. 

“Will? Lisa! Are you….oh my god,” dad said. He spun to Mom. “Call 9-1-1.”

Mom exhaled roughly. “ You can’t carry them both yourself. I’ve got Lisa, you get Will. We’ll call once we’re at the house.” Before she was done speaking, Lisa’s weight was pulled from Will’s grasp. He whimpered, letting his arms fall to his sides. The world tilted and he felt his dad swoop him up. The forest flashed by as his dad ran. Will closed his eyes.

“Bud, I need you to stay awake.”

“I’m tired.”

“I know, but I still need you to stay awake.”

The rain stopped falling. Confused, Will opened his eyes to find they’d entered the enclosed porch. Not stopped, but blocked. He was set down and a blanket was thrown over his shoulders.

“We need an ambulance! My kids, they were lost in the woods. It looks like they were bit by something…” Mom said.

“Wolves,” Will said, his head lulling to the side.

“Wolves!” Mom exclaimed, pain and worry in her voice. “Please get here. Yes, Yes…”

Will couldn’t follow her words anymore. 

“Will, why were you…? What…? How could you let your sister…” Dad tried, but couldn’t find his words. He brushed a towel over his face then wrapped it around him. He did the same for Lisa.

Lisa slipped her small hand into Will’s, then said, “Not his fault, Daddy. Don’t yell at him, he saved me.”

Dad replied, but Will was too tired to hear. He slipped into sleep, the warmth of Lisa’s words all he knew. 

When he woke, Lisa was in the bed next to him, her tiny form pressed to his good side. His shoulder hurt, but he was warm again. Dry. His eyes were heavy, but he forced them open. The light above him hurt. A hand brushed back his hair. 

“Hey baby,” Mom said. 

“Mom?” She kissed his head and he felt the love flow into him. “Is Lisa okay?”

“She’s fine. Because of you.”

“She got lost because of me.”

“No, Bud,” Dad said. “You found her, protected her. If you hadn’t done that, I don’t want to think what would’ve happened.”

Will opened his mouth to speak, but Mom held up a hand. “Lisa told us everything. How you two fought and she ran off. How she got lost, then was attacked by the wolves. She also told us how you found her, then protected her, getting bitten yourself. It doesn’t matter why she ran, Will. You saved her.” Her voice cracked and tears filled her eyes.

A sleepy voice came from right next to him. “I-It’s b-cause he wuvs me. Even when he gets mad at me.”

Will looked down to find her eyes closed, her face still pressed to his shoulder. Pink cheeks and a bandage on her forearm and shin. He sighed, wrapped his arm around her, and hugged her close. It was true. Even when she annoyed him, he loved his brat of a sister. 

“Love you, sissy.”

She lifted her head, meeting his eyes. “Does that mean I can play with your toys?”

He snorted. Maybe he’d acted too quickly when following her into the forest.

“We’ll see,” he said, as his parents laughed.

 Published on OBW Blog February 26, 2021 © Tracey Canole  

The first few stars glitter above me and I make a wish. One that I hold closely, but know may not come true. The grass is cool beneath my feet as I dig my toes into the rich green. I close my eyes when the cool wind shifts, blowing the warmth of the fire toward me. That short blast of cold followed by warm heat is one of my favorite sensations. 

I love this time of year.

Almost the instant that thought crosses my mind, a burning pain rushes up my arm. The cold breeze initiating the fire that lives beneath my skin. I twitch, but force myself not to react. 

Someone laughs beside me, bringing me back to my friends surrounding the flames. Dee with her wild, curly hair and ivory skin. Chloe, long and lean, her auburn hair pulled back into a ponytail and her long legs stretched out before her. I catch her husband checking her out and snicker.

I lift my arm, shifting it so that it touches as little as possible. The small movement causes a sharp wave to fly from my shoulder to my ring finger; my digits feeling as if they’ve been slammed in a door. I curse and readjust. Two more times and I find a comfortable position. 

I can feel his eyes on me, his worry. I reach out with my other hand and twine my fingers with his. He lifts my hand and kisses my knuckles.

“I’m okay,” I whisper.

“Do you need to head back?”

I shake my head. “It’s nice hanging out, it’s distracting. I can last a bit longer.” 

I look to my right and listen as Chloe tells us a story. Her face is radiant as she regales us with our adventure down the side of the cliff, the promise of a waterfall like none other our goal.

Its been days, weeks, since I could breath normally. Since I wasn’t trying to fight the urge to run away. That sense that something is attacking me just won’t leave. My heart rate picks up as the wind shifts again making the arm light up. I suck in a breath and release it slowly. I want to pull away, to hide, but I know there is nowhere to go. What’s happening to me is not something I can run from. 

“That was one of the best trips we have ever taken,” I say, pretending as if there weren’t a torch burning my skin. Pretending as if I were really part of the group and this moment with them. “It may have been one of the hardest hikes, but man was it worth it.”

“The waterfalls were amazing,” Dee agrees.

“I just can’t believe the campsite we found.” Chloe says. “It…”

And I zone out again. I love the stories, the memories we all share, but right now my entire being is focused elsewhere. I hate this feeling. Yes, the pain sucks, but it’s the inability to focus on the world around me that hurts deep in my soul. My family, my friends – my life – deserve my attention and yet I can barely track their words. 

And yet I smile when everyone else does. 

The world fades further as the grief and frustration sinks in. I don’t want to hurt those that matter to me. I lean back into my chair, that dark sense of despair pulling me down. 

No, I will not let it. 

The kids run past – a streak of color and laughter. We all turn to watch as they catch their prey, tackling the poor kid to the ground and tickling him. A scream is followed by a string of full belly laughs as the rest of the mob descend upon him.  

Every single person around the fire grins at the spectacle. This is why we live here. This is the bond we all share. For them – those evil little creatures we call children – for them alone do we live everyday striving for happiness.

My beautiful boy wiggles free and runs for us. He climbs into my lap, me – the protection from his friends. I grunt, but pull him closer. His head rests just under my chin and I kiss his forehead.

“You can’t get me now!” he taunts, and I laugh.

“Careful what you say or I’ll let them take you,” I say. 

“You wouldn’t.” He glares at me. 

Playfully, I glare back. He smiles then laughs as the others turn to a new target and the screams begin again.

“You feeling okay, Mommy?”

“I’ll be fine baby. Go play.”

“In just a minute.” He wraps his small arms around my waist and hugs me tight. I pull my arm away so that he can’t accidentally hit it. I clench my teeth. He notices, but doesn’t say anything. He just hugs me tighter. I hold him, pressing my face to his hair.

“I love you, boy.”

“I love you too.” He slips from me and returns to his friends.

I scan the group, conversation picking up again. My eyes land on the man who sits next to me; the man who loves and protects me. 

“We’re so very lucky,” I say, tears stinging my eyes.

He nods, leans in to kiss my cheek, once again entwining my fingers with his.

“Everything will be fine.”

I release the breath I didn’t know I was holding and look up to the sky. I swallow, the lump in my throat thick with fear. It has been there, weighing me down, for far longer than I want to admit. I find the star I wished upon only minutes ago and repeat the prayer, adding just a little. 

I wish this never happened. No…

I wish I was healthy again. I wish that we figure this out and I recover quickly. Please help me, for the sake of my children, my heart, and my soul.

Hearing my name, I’m pulled back into the conversation. “Do you remember when we all tried to jump off the waterfall at the same time?”

I chuckle. “Yeah. We couldn’t get the timing right. We are hopeless.” They all laugh. 

“Remember the rope swing? I nearly face planted in the water,” Dee asks, and I find myself grateful for the small moments which give us light. Even when the world seems determined to pull us under.

Published on OBW Blog November 27, 2020 © Tracey Canole   

Before, the dance came naturally. She’d been a ballerina for most of her life, so her body knew what to do. With every dip in tempo or crescendo brightening the stage, her body flowed, graceful as breathing – happy to bend with every note. It had been her dream, her life for so very long. 

But that day had been different from the moment her eyes opened and she saw the man next to her. She nuzzled into his side, her heart warming at his presence. He slept so peacefully, his hand possessive on her thigh, this bare chest beneath her cheek. The rhythm of his heart was enough to insight the urge to move, to dance.

She should have known something was wrong when she moved to sit and a wave of dizziness hit her. She placed a hand on the nightstand. Why did her feet feel so far away?  She pushed away the thought and stood, her balance not quite right. 

She should have known something was wrong. She should’ve known everything was about to change. But like every performer before her, she lied when he asked if she was alright. She claimed she was just hungry, even though within, she knew it as the lie it was. When he looked at her worriedly, she made a joke and kissed his cheek. And as she snuck out of his apartment to head back to hers, and then rehearsal, she denied the feeling that told her to go back and tell him how much he’d come to mean to her.

The movement helped. The trek back to her flat, not too far or rigorous, was only a few blocks away and yet when she arrived, she found herself breathing heavily. The cold of the morning having burned her cheeks and tightened her lungs. Ignoring it she changed and grabbed her bag.

She does not remember when the numbness began. Only that, as she stepped onto the stage, she felt off. Usually, her body would glide over the polished wood as though she were air, the jumps were so high that she felt like she flew, and the spins which would incite giggles should she not hold them back. 

That day, her legs felt tight, her muscle slow to respond, her balance uncontrolled. She made it through warm-ups fine. They stretched, then completed their rounds of leaps and jumps. 

He entered then, his dark hair covering his eyes and a broody expression on his face. She tried not to smile. She knew it was all an act. For all the grumpiness he showed the world, she knew his heart was gentle, his humor uncontrollable. 

Rehearsal started immediately. The other dancers split into groups as he directed which scenes they were to focus on for the day. She was in all of them, as the lead it was expected. It was also understood that she had to be perfect. Every time. Had any of the other dancers suspected weakness, they would have come for her. So, she performed each step as though they had always been hers. 

The longer she danced, the more she felt ill. She pushed it down, but the longer she spun and leaped with the music the worse it became. With one large pass across the stage everything changed. Something shifted within her. 

A splitting ring filled her ears. Her head went fuzzy, her vision swimming. Then, the world tilted.

Lifting to point, her ankle gave out. The muscle in her thigh turned rubber and she tumbled to the ground. Pain lanced through her side as she collided with another performer. She could hear the angry calls from the director, but they sounded so far away, down a deep tunnel filled with cotton.

Forcing her arms to listen, she pushed herself to a seated position. The entire company stood along the sides, mixtures of worry and delight lining their faces. She swallowed hard, willing her limbs to keep her upright. The director stomped toward her, lips moving.  Nothing registered. She tried to ask ‘what,’ but the words came out garbled. She shook her head, trying to clear away the fog.

His eyes went wide, fear glittering blue. Before he could stop her, she tried to push to her feet. She failed. Her leg gave out and she fell, her face hitting the floor hard. Blood splattered from her nose and calls of alarm rang around her. She felt, but could not see, the stomping of feet against wood planks of the stage as they rushed for her.

The director gasped as his beautiful ballerina unbalanced then fell so uncontrolled he swore she would not wake up. Her body was limp, all signs of life leaked away with a few drops of red. Reaching out, he rolled her over. He brushed back the strands of hair which had escaped her bun. Blood smeared across her cheek and lips, making her ivory skin even paler. He screamed out her name as she began to seize. Her body jerked, her strong muscles contracting violently.

A few figures fell back to the wall only to slide down to the floor. Others ran for their bags in need of a phone. Somehow he heard as one hit the numbers for 911 and the hopeful ringing that followed. 

Maybe that was in his head. He didn’t know.

All he could do was brace this shy, yet vibrantly beautiful woman, as she fought for her life. Had she been just a ballerina, an employee, perhaps the fear rushing through him you would not be so bad. He would care yes, but he knew there was more to this story. She was more. Against all plan, she had snuck into his heart. Her soft voice as they discussed the show had so contrasted the strong opinion and absolute dedication in her eyes. 

Yes, she was far more than ever expected. They’d kept their relationship secret, afraid that the others of the troop would claim favoritism, but as she lay there gasping for breath the tears fell from his eyes.

He could hear the others screaming for help. Someone had gone outside to lead the emergency personnel in. 

She stilled and he pulled her into his arms. For only a second, her eyes cleared and met his. He swore he felt the words she could not say. Her breathing became shallow and he felt the world become less. It dimmed and narrowed. It became colder and he knew even before they began CPR, that the woman he had come to love had died. 

Someone wrapped their arms around him and pulled him back. The EMTs placed her flat on the stage and began the process of saving her. All he could think was, please don’t leave me. 

He did not care that she would, more than likely, never dance again. He did not care that life they shared may be forever changed by these moments. All he cared about was that she lived. That she was there, with him, again.  

He said so. He spoke the words aloud for all to hear. There was no sounds of shock, no proof of surprise. The troop had known all along and they had respected it. More surrounded him, touched him. Tried to provide support. 

They were the longest moments of his life. But when she gasped, air rushing into her lungs as if for the first time, they all released a sigh of relief. She was loaded onto a gurney and taken away. Before she disappeared, the troop helped him up, handed him her things, and shoved him into the ambulance. 

He sat on the bench next to her, watching the two men treating her as they spoke in low voices. When they looked to him, he realized he’d been speaking. Of what exactly, he didn’t know. 

One smiled gently then moved to aside. He choked as the most beautiful eyes he’d ever beheld gazed tiredly back at him. He took her hand and kissed it. Knowing that from now on, there was no path for him, unless she was there with him.

Published on OBW Blog January 15, 2020 © Tracey Canole 

The water rippled. A shiver ran up my spine as the sound of the forest hushed. We all turned to as a splash resonated somewhere in the dark water. A few hushed moments passed and then a bubble began to grow along the surface. Larger and larger it became until the entire town held silent breath waiting for it to pop. Droplets sprayed into the air and waves caught the light as they expanded outward. The reflection of the moon and stars shifted with the movement.

“What the hell was that?” Jim asked from beside me.

I shook my head. 

The air thickened and the scent of the lake filled the air; algae and fish. An energy I’d never felt before swept over the shore. It reached out from the water to touch each and every person along the bank. I stepped back. I did not want that energy touching me. 

The water calmed, the only sound the quiet breaths of those around me. A hand burst from the water making us jump. Gasps filled the air as an arm shot up to hooked around a downed tree. With one great heave a tiny body appeared. Mud caked its skin and its hair was twisted with grasses. The small figure fought for grip. The child gasped, then let out a terrified whimper.

As if on cue, Jim ran into the water. He reached the creature in seconds, his body now drenched from the chest down. 

“Don’t go out there,” I whispered, my skin prickling in warning.

“Connor,” Mrs. Samson said, her voice filled with shock and disappointment. “How could you say that? She is just a child.”

She shot me a glare then headed for the water.

“Get a towel!” Jim screamed as he scooped up the child. Little arms wrapped around his neck. “We need to get her warm!”

Arida, the town doctor, ran up an oversized beach towel in her hands. Jim set the girl on the ground then Arida wove the towel around her. 

“Honey, can you hear me?” Arida asked. The girl nodded. “Where did you come from? Can…”

I watched as the town descended, questions and concerned words filling the air. I backed away. The girl, no the creature, was leaking energy. I could feel it as it wove around those near her. It latched on, seeping into them as they breathed. Their eyes went bright for an instant then dulled back to their normal sheen.

Jim turned to me. “Connor, we’re heading to the clinic. Can you clean up here?”

I nodded, unable to create actual words. The power the creature was releasing had moved closer. It hovered like a pale blue fog above the ground. As it felt my own magic, it hesitated making a few probing motions. With each brush, I smelled rotten eggs and sulfur. Evil, my power told me. This creature was evil.

Arida and James helped the girl stand. The crowd parted, a clear path to the parking lot visible. Slow unhurried steps the girl headed away from the lake. As she did, the tendril of power reaching toward me receded. 

I let out a heavy breath. Maybe I’d been lucky. Maybe it hadn’t gotten enough to know what I was. Maybe I was still safe, even if the town was not.

As if sensing my words, the creature turned to look at me. Her gaze locked to mine. Her eyes narrowed and a disturbed smile spread across her young face. 

“Wielder,” she whispered, no one else seeming to hear her. 

I flinched.

She turned away, but not before a tendril of power snaked across the shield I’d unconsciously erected. 

I cursed, the pain radiating into the core of my being. I fell back against the tree and slid to the ground. My breaths heaved and my abdomen burned. I lifted my shirt and gasped. A brand marked my skin. Steam rose from it and I hissed. I bit back the string of curses and looked toward the figures loading into the cars. This was bad. This was very, very bad. A myth of all myths. A demon among demons. 

“Siphoner,” I whispered into the dark. I let the wave of fear take its course. Then, not wanting to give it too much power, I pushed it down. I locked it deep within, and readied myself for the coming battle. Fear would only feed it. The only way to win was to pull the essence of my own magic before she tainted it forever.

I thought back to the stories my grandmother had told before the fire. Dark, nightmare inducing stories of the Siphoner. I glance back to the brand on my skin. Five days. Five days to fix it all or I would be hers. I could not let that happen. 

I was marked. She was coming. And if I did not win, the world would be hers.

 Published on OBW Blog January 1, 2021 © Tracey Canole

“You have no idea who you are messing with!” Kelsey slammed the door, the resounding boom shaking the walls. A flier fluttered from the hallway message board to the floor. Kelsey cursed as she slipped on the small sheet. Her arms cartwheeled uncontrolled before she caught herself. Her hand hit the wall and she shook it out.

A giggling brought her attention to another student resting on a nearby bench. With one sharp glare, the young girl paled then buried her face in a book. 

“How dare that pompous, worthless, piece of…” Kelsey mumbled under her breath. Her shoes clacked on the tile floor, loud and echoing.  

Kelsey pushed the door open and stepped out into the cool air of morning. Normally, a day like this would have been heaven to a girl like her. Fresh air, the crisp bite of approaching snow, and the heavenly lack of stench. Yeah, it was perfect. Later she’d regret not being able to enjoy it. There were few days where the Animal Science labs didn’t reek to high heaven and taint this side of campus. She hated it over here, but most of her classes were in the building near the fields. She should have chosen a different major. 

Fists clenched and head down, Kelsey stalked across campus. She needed to get home. With the way today is going, it’d be better if she hid from the world. There was no way she was going to lectures. If she did, her anger would only make more crappy things happen. Nine A.M. and she had already spilled two cups of coffee down her shirt, screamed at her teacher in front of two hundred students, and hit someone. If her luck continued, she’d probably fall down the stairs or start a riot in the mess hall. 

No, no she was not doing this. She would hide in her dorm until the day was over and her rage quieted.

She turned a corner, hoping to sneak between the buildings and along the bike path. No one would be down here this time of day. Anyone on campus would already be in class, so her anger wouldn’t leak on them damaging their day as well. Her murmurings continued, the fury causing her fingers to tingle.

“Lack of inspiration? A mockery of mythology?” She ranted to herself. “How dare…”

The breath was knocked out of her when a wall had appeared in front of her. No, not a wall,  a hard gigantic body of a man. More than twice her size, she had no chance of keeping her feet. 

Luke’s fingers wrapped around the arms of a slight girl. The soft fabric covering her small frame slipped through his grasp as she bounced off him. He moved quick, stepping forward to wrap his arm around her waist and keep her form falling.  Her honey blond hair flitted across her face hiding her features. Laughter filled the air as his friends watched the exchange.

“Hey, watch where you’re…” he started. He trailed off as a set of ice blue eyes met his.

“What the hell?” she snapped. The fire in that gaze would’ve made a lesser man squirm.

As she pressed her hands against his chest to push him away, the hem of her shirt lifted. His skin brushed against her lower back and she sucked in a breath. Heat, fire rushed into her at the touch. 

Luke heard the inhale, but it was the shift in her eyes that stopped him cold. From one second to the next, they lit from within. The red flame started small then extended out from the pupil to over take the white of her eye. Luke’s stomach dropped and fear filled him. This couldn’t be happening.

“Dragon Heart!” Luke yelled. Just like that, his thunder-mates encircled them. A deep guttural hum, not quite a growl began to reverberate from each of their chests. With it, the power within them lifted, a wave so strong the trees nearby shifted as if from a strong breeze swept through the area. The shield stood just in time. 

Luke’s breaths were heavy, his heart rate picking up. “I’m sorry,” he whispered to her as the flames spread.

She screamed. Her head flew back and fire erupted outward in every direction. It hit the shield and his friends braced themselves. He watched as one second the flames filled her eyes, and the next she it spread over her face, down her arms, and across her legs.  Her fingers dug into his skin, sharp pricks as her nails elongated into something closer to talons. Another wave of heat exploded from her slamming into the shield they’d erected. This time, the shield didn’t even wobble.

His heart broke as another, deeper scream filled the air. He pulled her to him, pressing her face to his chest. Luke held on for dear life. He closed his eyes and waited as she burned from the inside out. He felt her tears as they hit his skin burning deep. They would leave scars, marking him forever. That was fine he deserved them. This was his fault. 

Sucking in a breath, Luke felt as his own fire escaped to dancing with hers. Blue flame mixed with yellow swirling higher and higher.  The roar increased as they melded. He groaned.

“Help me!” she screamed, voice cracking. Her legs gave out, but he held her upright.

He knew what he needed to do. They had all been taught about Dragon Hearts as children, though few believed they existed. It was up to him, her match. If he didn’t stop this, she would burn away. If he didn’t save her, he would be alone forever.

“I’m sorry Dragon Heart. I did not mean it. I can help, but you need to trust me.” 

She blinked slowly up at him, her eyes filled with fear. 

“I will fix this,” Luke whispered. He lifted her face and pressed his lips to hers.

Kelsey jumped at the contact. For what seemed like forever all Kelsey had known was pain. Her body felt as though every molecule were on fire. That it was changing, a violent and permanent shifting deep within. But then the man pressed his lips to hers. 

No, it was Luke. Not “the man.” How did she know that?  She went to pull away. Some guy she didn’t know was kissing her. She had to get away. But, that wasn’t right either. 

He was Luke. Second of the Dragon Thunder of Hoard. Honest. Kind. Loyal. Guilt – he felt guilt. Fear for her. She felt that too. And the fire… it was shifting with his touch. Wherever his skin touched hers, the pain lessened. Kelsey pressed against him, lifting her hands to his neck.

Luke shuddered as even more of her fire flooded into him through her touch. Dark and seductive, it filled his blackened heart, sparking a light he never thought possible. He could hear her. Her brilliant mind calm even in the chaos. He saw her heart, her dreams. He felt her kindness and even her feisty nature. And he realized this had been coming for months. He remembered her now. Walking through campus, glaring at them as she passed. He thought back to his interest in her, the need to watch  her. He had been drawn to her from the moment he’d heard her berate another student for not watching where he was going. Luke grinned. Sam had noticed his interest, but never commented. 

Kelsey deepened the kiss, the need for the flames to subside a desperate need. Somehow she knew he was the only way to do it. He was the one who could control this and help her. His arms ran up her back as he responded in kind. She opened for him and when her tongue touched his, the world exploded. She broke away, a shattered scream filling the air. Then the world went dark.

The girl, Kelsey, went limp. The fire all consuming was sucked into him from instant to the next. Luke grunted in pain then caught her, sweeping her up into his arms.   His panting breaths were loud in the sudden silence. He pressed his forehead to hers.

“Do not worry, Dragon Heart. You will be okay. We will take you home. Mother will know what to do.  Just stay with me,” he whispered into her hair.

The shield of power dropped, a pop as sound returned. Luke glanced to his friends – his family – shock lining their faces. Their eyes glowed with their dragons; blue, red, green, and purple.  He had no doubt that his glowed gold, his dragon peaking out too.

Darren ran a hand through his hair. “So…it looks like you found your matched. A Dragon Heart no less.”

Luke swallowed hard. “So it would seem.”

Sam, Darren, Ezequiel, and Thorin closed ranks, awe and hope seeping from them. Luke brushed back Kelsey’s hair to expose her high cheekbones and pixie nose. Her small frame nestled perfectly against him. She was beautiful.

Sam chuckled, “and a strong one at that.”  He leaned in closer. Luke growled. Sam grinned, stepping back slowly. “If she makes it through transition, she will be a force like none other. One to rival you.”

“I’ve never seen power like that,” Thorin said. “The others will be full of surprise.”

“That we found a Dragon Heart, or that Luke has a girl?” Ezequiel asked. Sam snorted and Darren laughed.

“Definitely the girl part,” Darren teased.

Luke rolled his eyes. He scanned his friends. Underneath the shock and fear, he could see the hope which flickered within them. Dragon Hearts were rare. Matches were rare.  To find one now, when their thunder of dragons was so unstable, it could fix everything. If she shifted and became her truest form, then he might still have time to fix the rot infecting his home. And he had felt her. She was strong. Maybe stronger than Arthur. With her help, he might be able  to prove his suspicions – to save the wing and take him down. 

“We need to get her back to Mother,” Luke said. They all nodded. “She isn’t safe yet and if she lights again, I do not know if I can pull her free.” 

With a quick look around, wings appeared on each of their backs. Flying would be quicker; safer should she alight. He hated flying only partially shifted, but Luke knew it was the best way to get her home. With one last look down at her face, he propelled himself upward, his golden wings carrying them easily.

Published on OBW Blog December 18, 2020 © Tracey Canole 

“Mom, are you there? I need to talk.”

Brooklyn lowered herself, taking a seat on the edge of the dock. The wood was rough against the back of her legs as they hung over the edge, the tips of her toes kissing the water. The sun warmed her skin, but the breeze took away any bite it may carry. 

“I know it’s been a long time, but I need your help. The last few weeks have been so hard, especially with you gone. You see, Liam and I have been fighting. Well…that’s not entirely true. H-he…Well, let’s just say I wish you were here and I wasn’t just talking to myself.”

A goose honked bringing Brooklyn’s attention to the reeds which lined the right bank. They were tall and danced gracefully in the wind. A few larger birds stood in the shallow water splashing. Some would disappear underwater only to pop back up a few feet away and shake happily. 

Her gaze meandered across the lake before her. It was so peaceful here. The gentle lapping of the water as it brushed the dock mixed with the rustle of the reeds, the chatter of the bugs, and the far-off laughter of children. She could barely see them as they played in the water, but the joy was clear as day. Just like it had been for her once.

Memories flooded her. The green eyes and light brown hair of her mother filling her mind flipped to the image of them laughing as they splashed and swam in the water along the bank. 

“So I came to our place, where I always feel closest to you hoping, praying, that you’ll hear me and tell me what to do. The moon’s out already,” Brooklyn said, glancing first to where the sun was taking its leave behind the mountain, then to the moon who smiled brilliantly from above. “Tonight is so clear. It’s going to be one of those nights where the moon reflects off the water like a mirror of the sky. This is the only place in the world I’ve seen that happen. Yeah, yeah, I know I haven’t been to many places, but still.”

The breeze blew her hair into her face. She giggled.

“Fine. Yes, I’m stalling. I’m just afraid of what you’re going to think. I didn’t handle this the best.” With a long exhale she began, “Liam found out about my feelings. You know, that I’ve been in love with him since the third grade? Well, Carissa told him. I don’t know how she found out, but he didn’t believe her. At first. I guess she kept pushing it saying it was a creepy type of obsession. I didn’t know she was doing this until he started acting weird at school. Apparently, she said a lot. Then last week he confronted me. I was so embarrassed, but I figured, hey this is my best friend he won’t hate me for my feelings.”

Brooklyn collapsed back onto the dock, her knees bent, feet planted on the old planks. She shoved her hands into the hair. The stars above glittered steadily as if listening, proving the support she needed so vehemently.

“Boy, I was wrong. He freaked out. Like big time. He stopped coming over to hang out. He stopped talking to me at school. Then he started dating Carissa. She’s spent the last week rubbing it in my face – of course. She makes sure they’re always in the hall outside my classes kissing. It sucks.” Brooklyn pushed up to her elbows, again taking in the water as it rippled in the wind. “I was so mad. Even if he doesn’t return my feelings, how could he treat me like that? Anyway, I bet you can guess where this is going, huh? Well, I made it worse. Shocking right?”

She felt the heaviness in her chest just as she had earlier. The embarrassment and pity in the eyes of her peers. Tears pricked at her eyes and her throat became thick. 

“We were at a party. The whole school was there. I was so frustrated that he hadn’t talked to me all week and that Carissa and her posse have been spreading more rumors about me. Cruel ones. To answer your question, yes, she still hates me. Mostly because she also wants him. So tonight, when she was getting a drink, I confronted him on the dance floor. I just wanted him to listen, to understand that my feelings didn’t change our friendship and that I was more than willing to be just friends if that’s what he wanted. I just need him in my life. Hell, we’ve been friends forever.”

One tear escaped, then another. Brooklyn covered her face with her arm. She didn’t want to admit what happened next.

“He said knowing already ruined it. That my feelings tainted our relationship. Can you guess what happened next?” A bitter chuckle filled the air. “Well, I got mad. Truly and completely angry at him. I don’t know what took over me. I think I just wanted to show him that he was wrong. So, I kissed him right there in front of everyone. When I pulled away and said, ‘See, it doesn’t change anything for you so it doesn’t change anything for me.’ He just stood there. At least until Carissa jumped on my back and tried to pull out my hair. I won by the way.”

Brooklyn jumped as a fish catapulted out of the water a few feet away, disappearing back within so fast it was as if it were never there. Shaking her head, she sat up so her legs could once again swing. Her face dropped into her hands.

“The look he gave me. I’ve only seen that much hatred on his face twice. I…”

“It doesn’t change the truth.” 

Brooklyn squeaked, spinning to find the source of the voice. She nearly slid off the dock Liam had startled her so much, but she managed to right herself. A rush of fury had her clenching her fists. 

“Thanks for the clarification.” She faced the water again,  wiping her cheeks clean of residual tears.

Holy crap, he was here and she hadn’t heard him approach. How much had he heard? Brooklyn ground her teeth, worry and confusion filling her. It doesn’t change the truth.

“Who are you talking to? Your Mom?” Liam asked as he took the spot next to her. His legs quickly picking up her rhythm.

“Shouldn’t you be with Carissa?” Brooklyn snapped. From the corner of her eye, she examined him. 

His dirty blond hair was messy as if he’d been running his hands through it. It was a habit that worsened when he was upset. Dark circles lined his eyes and his lips were tight. His shoulders dropped ever so slightly when he spoke.

“Camille…” Liam started.

Wait, he was going to talk to her mother? Brooklyn watched him, she couldn’t help it. 

His head was down, eyes locked on his hands as he continued, “Can you believe what a mess I made? I can hear you now muttering under your breath about how dense teenage boys are. Just so you know, I do remember the last conversation we had before you died. You were like a Mom to me, you know that right?”

His gaze lifted to the sky and Brooklyn couldn’t help but trail her eyes over the line of his jaw then down to where he leaned back on his arms. The muscles there were tense, sculpted from long days of swimming.

“Anyway, I remember what you said. You told me how much you appreciated Brook’s and my friendship. You thanked me, warned me not to screw it up, and then said I should make it the most important relationship I had. You begged me not to ruin it.” Brooklyn sat straighter as his words sunk in. Liam exhaled hard, then said, “Well, I did screw it up. But, I bet you’re  the only one to understand why.”

“Liam, what are you talking about?”

He ignored me, continuing to speak to her mom, “You knew about my feelings didn’t you?”

Brooklyn froze. Her body tightened and she had to force the breath from her lungs. 

Liam turned, shifting one leg up so that he could look at her directly. His knee brushed the side of her thigh and a shock of electricity rushed through her. He nervously rubbed his hands down his thighs as their eyes locked.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have…” He trailed off.

“You shouldn’t have found out that way and I shouldn’t have kissed you. Especially in front of everyone. I hope it didn’t cause too much trouble with Carissa.” The words were just a bit too quick. Brooklyn looked away, suddenly very interested in the far bank. She could feel his eyes on her.

Liam reached out and brushed loose hair behind her ear. When she didn’t look at him, he pinched her chin between two fingers and turned her to face him. Liam cursed himself at the tears in her eyes. She was so beautiful.

“You don’t get it.” His thumb brushed her cheek. “Brook, I’m not mad that you kissed me. In fact, I’m glad you did.”

“I don’t understand,” Brooklyn whispered.

“I was scared and stupid. I was afraid I’d lose you if you knew the truth. Which makes no sense now considering I pushed you away, but…” He took a long breath. The fingers tracing her jaw slipped to the nape of her neck. “I’ve been in love with you since the day we moved in and I saw you climbing the tree next door. That feeling has only gotten stronger every day we spend together.”

“Then why?” The light circles he drew on her neck were driving her mad. Tingles spread down her spine, spreading out until the tips of her fingers itched to touch him back.

“I didn’t want to risk losing you. I need you, Brooklyn, more than anything and I couldn’t risk this not working out. If being only your friend means that I can guarantee that then…”

He was so close to her, their lips only inches apart. She had no idea who had leaned in, but she could feel his breath on her skin. She took in his features, now so strong, and marveled at the emotion she could see in every line.

“Then why are you here?” She asked, her voice deeper than normal.

“Because the moment you kissed me I realized your mom wasn’t saying I should stay away. She was telling me not to be scared. Not to miss the chance when I finally got it.”

Brooklyn began to say something, but it was cut off as Liam pressed his lips to hers. She gasped. They were so soft, the feeling of them causing a new, stronger wave of tingles to spread through her entire being. She threaded her hand in his shirt and pulled him closer. Her other hand grasped at his shoulder then snaked around his neck. The kiss deepened, her lips parting as a groan rumbled his chest.

Liam didn’t hesitate. He shifted forward, his other hand wrapping her waist then sliding up her back. They explored each other’s mouths, each touch a brand to their souls.  When he finally pulled away, he rested his forehead against hers. He couldn’t help but find satisfaction in the pinkness of her cheeks or the glaze in her eyes. Their panting breaths mingled.

“Can you forgive me for being such an ass the last few weeks?” Liam asked.

Brooklyn bit her lip. She shivered as Liam’s eyes tracked the motion, his gaze becoming hotter. She wanted to kiss him again, but she needed to say this before they could move forward.

“Do you remember the day I fell through the ice and you got me out?” she asked. He nodded. “It was our first year together. We were playing too close to the water. You told me not to go out there, but I did anyway. When I fell in you stayed so calm. You got me out, gave me your jacket, and then helped me to the house. You stayed over that night to make sure I was okay.”

“I remember.”

“You’ve always been there for me. You’ve been my best friend, my confidant, and my protector. I was too young to understand then, but I think that’s the day I fell in love with you. ” 

He blinked slowly, the awe written across his face. A slow grin lifted the corner of his mouth.  It was crooked, the smile she cherished more than any other as it was only ever for her.

Brooklyn shook as she thought over her next words. When she spoke, she had to look away from his knowing gaze. “Liam, what does this mean?”

He took her hand and lifted it to his lips. His brown eyes shone in the moonlight, the emotions there both familiar and foreign. “Would you go on a date with me? Dinner, a movie, a hike, whatever you want. I don’t care. I want to try, and if it works out, I want you to be my girlfriend. Not just my best friend.”

“Carissa?”

“I never should have dated her. I’m sorry. I told her the truth and we broke up.”

“And you really want to do this?” Brooklyn asked, uncertainty making her voice tremble.

“Yes. I really want to, but we have to promise something to each other.”

“That is?”

“Our friendship comes first. If this isn’t working then we take a step back before we hurt one another.”

Brooklyn ran a hand through his hair, the strands soft against her skin. “I can agree to that, but I don’t think that will be an issue. You know me better than anyone.”

He leaned closer. “I don’t either.”

Just before his lips touched hers, a blast of wind swept across the lake. It rippled the water and made the trees shift violently. Then, as if caught by the wind, a bird swept down nearly hitting Liam in the head. He ducked. 

“Woah!” Another blast came for him, and then a fish dove out of the water slamming Liam in the chest. “Okay, okay! I get it, Camille. I’ll be good. I’ve learned my lesson.” 

Liam held his hands up and scooted back from Brooklyn.

“Mom,” Brooklyn whined. She laughed at the look on Liam’s face. “I think she’s warning you to take better care of me.”

“She threw a fish at me! She’s even more terrifying than she was when she was alive.”

Brooklyn snorted and pushed to her feet. Holding out a hand, Liam took it, rising to tower over her. She wrapped her arms around him and rested her head on his chest. Liam hugged her to him, kissing the crown of her head.

“Don’t worry. She always liked you.”

“I think you’re right though,” Liam said. He spoke to the lake next. “And don’t worry, Camille, I figured it out. I won’t ruin it again.”

Brooklyn smiled up at him then grasped his hand and led them off the dock. Before she stepped from the wooden path, she said, “Bye Mom. Thank you. I’ll come talk soon.”

  Published on OBW Blog March 12, 2021 © Tracey Canole  

She was completely alone. No people, no animals, not even the biting flies. She’d gone into the bunker believing that when she emerged, everything would be the same, that it was another false alarm. But as she took in the silence, the lack of that ever so consistent hum of electricity and the missing sensation of movement, she began to panic.

What the hell happened? Where was everyone, everything? She dropped the heavy metal lid back, a quick thunk as the  hinge extended. Pushing up, she lifted herself from the ladder, her arms shaking with the effort. Up and out to the hard concrete floor that remained of her home. There was nothing left. No furniture. No walls or flooring. No decorations. But most disturbingly, no debris. Just a clean concrete slab. The house next door, the Smith’s home across the street, and the shop on the corner were all gone. It was as if her life never really existed. Swept away as she slept.

She stood slowly, her stomach heavy as she scanned the horizon. She spun taking it all in. This had to be a dream. For the first time in her life, she could see for miles. It was flat – completely and utterly flat – nothing to impede her view. Every building was gone and not a single tree or bush remained. It was like the entire world had been scraped down to it’s foundation and everything sucked away. 

A strong wind blew back her hair, but then it stopped, sudden and complete. A shiver ran up her spine and she felt eyes on her. She was being watched.

“Hello?” she called out, but her voice sounded off; stilted. “Is anyone there?”

She glanced down into her bunker and to the ladder which led back into darkness, to safety. It could wait. She needed to see if anyone survived this; whatever this was.

Thinking of the Murphys, she ran next door toward their storm shelter. She gasped when she saw the hole, stairs leading down. They creaked as her weight hit the first step. The musty air wafted to her as she descended.

“Mr. Murphy? Mrs. Murphy?” she asked. She pulled a small flashlight from her pocket and turned it on. Tears filled her eyes as she swept the space. It was empty. Not, they aren’t here empty, but they never existed empty. The bunk-beds along the back, the stool Mr. Murphy built, even the food stores were gone. The room was barren; no sign that anything or anyone had ever been here.

Sucking in a breath, she ran up the stairs and across the street to the Smith’s. When she reached their storm shelter it was the same. Nothing. Tom’s home, Ginny’s, Samuel’s… all stripped clean. 

Tears welled in her eyes, her chest heaved. She needed to get back to the bunker. It was safe in there. And out here – out here wasn’t. She’d go back down and hide. It was fine. She could be alone. Alone was something she understood.

She ran as fast as she could and nearly dove into the darkness, but something was off. The hatch that closed, securing her little home was no longer there. The hinge had been cut clean. Slowing her steps, she bent to shine the flashlight down. 

“No,” she whispered. The backpack she’d left just at the base of the ladder was gone. Skittering down it, she nearly fell to her knees as she scanned the room. It was empty. Her bed, her blankets, her books and cards, her food was gone. Just an shell with nothing left. Her body wretched and bile filled her mouth. The grinding sound of metal echoed in the distance and she knew. They were coming for her. Nowhere was safe.

Published on OBW Blog December 11, 2020 © Tracey Canole 

Prompt(700 words or less): Wrinkles

The harsh lighting of the bathroom shines down on me. I sit sideways on the counter gazing into the mirror, examining my reflection. I run my hand up my cheek then along the underside of my eye. The soft skin pulls at my gently touch. Amusement flashes through me and I smile.

“All I am saying is that you’re reaching the age where the elasticity of your skin begins to fade. Now is the time to stop the damage. You are aging…” The sales girl’s voice repeats in my mind making my smile grow. As does the memory of her reaction to my less than appreciative response. I probably scared the poor child.

I trail my fingers up across my forehead then down my nose to my laugh lines. I always knew one day these would appear. I just didn’t think I was old enough yet. I guess what they say is true. The older you are, the faster time goes. 

“What are you doing in here?” Ben asks from the door.

“Washing my face and look what I found. Wrinkles.”

“You don’t have wrinkles,” he says with absolute surety, but the look in his eyes tells me he suspects a trap. 

I laugh. “Yes they are wrinkles and from what I was told today, I need to take steps now to slow the aging.”

His eyes go wide. “Who said that?”

“The girl at the store.”

“Honey, you have to know,” he starts, approaching me. 

I touch his outstretched hand, spinning to face him. I spread my legs and he slips between. I press my jean clad knees to his sides.

“You have to know she’s wrong. You’re beautiful.”

“She’s not wrong.” I run my hands up his strong arms. “But you know what?”

“What?” he says, resting his palms on my hips.

“I like them.” I run my fingers along my cheekbone. 

He tilts his head to examine me, a question in his eyes. 

“Do you remember Auntie Jean?” 

He nods. “She was gorgeous. Every time you looked at her you saw happiness.”

“Exactly. As a child I used to think that she was the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. As she aged she only became more so. Year after year the wrinkles deepened. The corner of her eyes became defined and lines appeared to frame her mouth. Her hands aged becoming long and thin; proof of their experience.”

His hands ran over my hip and up my back. 

Continuing I said, “I remember asking her once – when I was fifteen or so – if the wrinkles bothered her.”

“What did she say?”

“She said each and every divot in her skin was precious. She told me that most people saw age and imperfection.”

“But she saw something else?” 

I nodded. “She saw the day she married my uncle. She saw the birth of her son, her daughter’s first giggle. She saw the water balloon fight with all of us kids.” I chuckle. “Or embarrassing me with my first boyfriend.”

“I remember that story.”

“She told me that every single crows feet and laugh line reminded her of all the reasons she’d ever had to smile.”

He brushed a hair back from my face. 

I glance back to the mirror and sighed, a small grin lining my lips.

“I may be getting old,” I winked at him and he rolled his eyes. “But if that’s the type of wrinkles I get, I think I can handle that. I think I like what I see.”

“You’re not old. And, I know I like what I see.” He leaned in and kissed up my neck to the hollow of my throat. “But I’d be willing to make you smile if you think that’d help.”

Heat swept through me and I giggled again. He pressed into me. I pulled him closer, my nails digging into his back. 

“Yes, please help me smile,” I said. His rumbling chuckle vibrated against my chest and I groaned.

“My pleasure.” He whispered the words against my skin, his hot breath intoxicating. All thought of wrinkles vanished from my mind. 

Published on OBW Blog November 20, 2020 © Tracey Canole  

This is why I can’t have nice things. Covered in hot, foamy coffee and the center of attention I tried to make a discreet exit, but heaven forbid I get out of this with my dignity intact. The coffee and teas I’d been carrying hadn’t just wet my apron. Oh no, they’d managed to spill up and over it, spraying across my chest to drip down between my breasts. Yup. I had no doubt that my favorite shirt and brand new bra were destroyed. But that’s not the worst. 

To add to my humiliation, the person I least wanted to witness this, walked in just as a rather large dollop of foam plopped from my chest and onto the floor. His black hair was perfectly quaffed, the shirt he wore tight against his chest. His chestnut-colored eyes were bright as they entered but darkened as he took in the scene before him. I looked away, unwilling to see his reaction.

Simone, that stupid crone, sat perfectly at her table, the foot she’d stuck out now demurely tucked behind her other one. Her hair and make-up were perfect, as always, but the malicious gleam in her eyes was outshone by the amusement she felt at my folly.  Between her and her friend’s shrill, hiccuping laughter everyone had turned to stare. 

So there I sat, covered in hot liquids that burned my skin and made me flinch from the pain. At least no one else had been hurt. In an attempt to keep the drinks from spraying on a customer, I’d turned as I fell taking the full torrent of scalding liquid across my arms and chest. As I’d fallen, I’d landed on my hip which now throbbed angrily.  Shifting the tray to the floor beside me, I sat up. I picked up the mugs still on my lap and cursed as I felt fluid sink into my jeans. Awesome.

“Alia, are you okay?” Miah, one of the other patrons, asked.

“Yes,” I groaned. “Is everyone else okay? I didn’t get any on you right?”

“No, but you’re covered.” She bent to help me up but I shook my head no.

“I noticed that.”

I got to my knees and cursed. My hand had landed on a broken piece of glass, the sharp edge cutting into flesh. I sat back on my feet pressing my fingers closed as blood filled my palm. Red seeped from my fist then down my forearm. That didn’t bother me so much until the voice that always managed to make my body go warm spoke up.

“What the hell happened? And why is no one helping her?” Rohan pushed through the crowd. He glared at Simone and her friends as he passed, whispering something which had her eyes going wide and their laughter fading away.

The world stopped. What was that about? My heart sped as his face appeared before me, his striking eyes meeting mine. 

“You’re bleeding. Bloody hell, why is everyone just standing around?”

He reached out and grasped the back of my arms. With very little effort he lifted me to my feet just as Heather, another barista, appeared with a few white cleaning cloths. Grabbing a dry one, Rohan wrapped it around my fist.

“Come on, let’s get you cleaned up and this cut checked out.” His palm rested on my lower back as he guided me through the tables and toward the back. “Joseph, can you help get this cleaned up?”

“No problem,” Joseph said. Rohan’s teammate sunk down and with Heather’s help, began cleaning the mess.

Rohan led me past the counter and into the back room where a large sink stood. 

“You shouldn’t be back here,” I said, unable to look at him. My arms stung, the red welts brightening against my tanned skin. Tears stung my eyes.

“I think your manager will forgive me. And anyway, we need to get you cleaned up and your hand bandaged.” He turned on the cold water and made me lean just a bit over the sink. “Put those burns under the water. We need to bring the temperature down and stop them from getting worse.”

Leaning to the side, he removed a handful of paper towels. Rohan ran them under the water so that they were wet. Then he faced me. I’m halfway in the sink at this point, trying to cool the burns higher on my arm.

“I know this is weird, but you look like you’re in real pain. I can see the red marks on your chest. If you’re okay with it, I’ll hold this to them. Just the ones I see while you keep your arms in the water.”

“You want to hold that to my chest?” The question wouldn’t have been a big deal if my voice hadn’t cracked. 

Rohan bit his lip to hold back a smile. “I promise it’s not a line.”

I snorted, “I’m sure that’s what they all say. It’s fine.”

A girly squeak escaped my lips as the cold cloth touched my skin. Almost instantly it began to feel better. I closed my eyes, unable to believe this was happening. My crush and the hottest guy at school was holding a cool cloth to my skin and clucking after me like a mother hen. 

“So, what happened?” he asked.

I glanced up, only then realizing he was inches from me. This close I could smell the soap he used. It was mixed with his own scent, sunlight, and earth. It was intoxicating.

“Um…I tripped.”

“And by that you mean the harpy named Simone thought it would be funny to trip you,” he said. I bit my lip but didn’t say anything. His eyes lowered to watch the movement. “Of course she did. I swear that woman’s a menace.”

“I think the phrase you’re looking for is malicious bitch from hell.”

He laughed. “Yes, that’s a much better phrase. Accurate too.” He smiled down at me. “I think this is the most I’ve ever heard you talk. Unless you’re helping customers that is.”

I straightened and Rohan stepped back. Removing the cloth wrapping my fist, I opened my hand to find crimson painting my skin. He cursed, but I just placed it under the water. At my wince, his hand pressed to my lower back.

“Here, let me see.” He took my hand out of the water and looked at the wound. It wasn’t bad, maybe two inches long with only one deep section. “I don’t think you need stitches, but it definitely needs a bandage. Do you have a first aid kit?”

“Over there,” I pointed, then asked, “Why are you helping me?”

Rohan grabbed the first aid kit then began to rummage through it. He removed a bandage and some antibacterial ointment placing them on the counter. I leaned against the prep table and watched as he avoided my question. When he took my hand, removing the paper towel I pressed to it and meeting my eyes, I could barely breathe.

“I know how they treat you; Simone and her cronies. It’s not cool. We’ve been trying to get her to stop, but….”

“What are you talking about? You don’t know me, let alone acknowledge me at school. You’ve never even spoken to me.”

He shrugged. “True, but that’s because you make me nervous.”

“Nervous?” I said, with a laugh. Warmth spread down my spine and I had to work to control my breathing.  “Me?”

“Yeah.” His eyes flicked up for just a moment before he placed the bandage over the wound. “You’re beautiful. Way out of my league.”

“What?” This time it squeaked.  I was doing great not embarrassing myself. “You’re the captain of the football team, the leader of the debate club, and the most swooned-over guy in our school. Okay, probably the surrounding ones too.”

He chuckled. “So you know of me then?”

I would have rolled my eyes, but I had been struck dumb by the smile he shot me. 

“And I’m…I’m…Well, I’m no one.”

“You’re not no one. You’re smart – you kill it in the decathlon. You’re a hard worker not only here but in school. You skateboard every day and can out trick anyone who challenges you. Which is super hot by the way. I know from sitting behind you in calculus that you’re funny. And you’re beautiful.”

I tried to pull my hand from his, but his grip tightened. He stepped closer and ran a thumb across its back. I didn’t know what to say.

“I don’t understand,” I said.

“How are you feeling? Better?”

“I’m confused and rather uncomfortable having this conversation while soaked in cappuccino and herbal teas.”

He smiled. “Would you consider having dinner with me?”

I knew my mouth had gaped open, but I couldn’t find any way to close it. Luckily, Heather stepped into the back shocking me out of the haze that had overtaken me. I stepped back, blinking wildly.

“Alia,” She said, rushing over. “Are you okay? That was awful, why is she so evil?”

“I’m fine. Wet, sore, but fine.”

“Well, I called Jerome and told him everything. He’s coming in to cover. He wants you to take the rest of the night off and make sure your parents look at your burns. They look awful.”

“But my mom can’t pick me up until after eight. I- I guess I can see if Barb next door can come to get me.”

“No need,” Rohan said. “I can drive you home and, maybe after you get cleaned up, we can go get pizza? Or, we can go another time. Totally up to you.”

Heat rose in my cheeks and I swallowed hard. Damn, I was blushing. I’d nearly forgotten he was there. How, I had no idea considering he still held my hand, and at some point, he’d leaned against the table next to me. I could feel the heat of his body, he was so close.

Heather clearly hadn’t because her smile grew wider and her gaze jumped back and forth between us. “That’s perfect! Thank you so much! Alia, get your purse. Let him take you home and if you don’t take him up on dinner I’ll pour whipped cream down your pants again.”

Rohan let out a startled laugh while I just glared. 

“We’re not starting that fight again. I won last time, remember? And we both almost got fired because of it.”

“Technicality. And that’s beside the point. You want to avoid another war, then go on a date with that hot piece of man meat holding your hand.”

“Heather!”

Rohan was shaking with laughter and I couldn’t blame him. Heather was a force to be reckoned with.

“You’re so gonna get it,” I said to Heather, who just clapped her hands knowing she’d won. I met Rohan’s eyes. “Are you sure you’re okay with taking me home so I can de-sugar?”

His eyebrow raised, but he held back comment. “Of course. Are you up for dinner after?” 

I bit my lip and nodded. 

“Awesome. Let’s go.”

I grabbed my purse and jacket, flinging them over my shoulder. When I joined him, he placed his hand on my back and guided me out. I could feel the eyes on me, but in my embarrassment, I couldn’t lookup. 

We met Joseph at the door. He held out a cup to Rohan who took it with thanks.

“Joe, I can’t go out tonight.”

“No?”

Rohan shook his head. “I have more important plans.”

“Is that so?” His gaze swung to me, a smile spreading across his face. “He finally asked you out, huh? Took him long enough.”

“That or he feels sorry for me.” I held out my arms. “Because let’s be honest, no one wants to go out with a girl covered in welts.”

“You’re beautiful, welts or no welts,” Rohan said, opening the passenger door to a blue truck. I slid in knowing that I was blushing again based on the way the welts darkened. Really? Like I needed another sign of my awkwardness.

Joseph sat behind me, and before Rohan slid in, he said, “He’s had a crush on you for over a year. Be nice to him okay? He’s significantly shier than you’d think.”

“He’s the most popular guy in school. Girls are all over him, all the time,”  I said dumbfounded.

“Which makes it worse. He hates it. He’s a really nice guy, Alia, and he really likes you.”

I didn’t say anything because, just then, Rohan opened the driver-side door.

“We’re dropping Alia off first so she can clean up. Then, if she doesn’t back out, I’m taking her to dinner. We can hang out later. Cool?” Rohan asked.

“Definitely,” he patted Rohan on the shoulder.

“I’m not going to back out,” I said, seriously. Rohan’s eyes met mine.  “Heather’s wrath just isn’t worth it. Plus, how could I say no to the guy who took care of me after the most embarrassing moment I’ve had since entering high school.”

His lip quirked and I swear I swooned. “I’ve heard she’s a force to be reckoned with.”

I laughed. “That she is. Now, Mr. Hot Piece of Man Meat, take me home so that we can go get some pizza.”

Joseph choked. “Mister what now?”

Rohan managed to hold back a grin only long enough to point at Joseph and say, “That will never leave this truck. It gets out or you ever refer to me like that, and I’ll put whipped cream in your boxers.”

“Boxers?” I said. “Wow, that’s a setup from pants. You’re hardcore.”

Rohan winked, then started the car.

Joseph leaned between the front seats. “Um, I feel like I’m missing something.”

“You are, but keep in mind that if he doesn’t do it, I will. And I have no trouble getting creative,” I said, meeting his eyes.

He blanched and sat back against his seat. “Damn, Ro. She’s awesome. Little scary, but awesome. You better treat her right or I’m gonna ask her out.”

“Don’t even think about it.”

I was picking at my nails as we turned onto the street my mind spinning a thousand miles a minute.  How in the world had this happened to me? Was I really in a car with Rohan? Had he really asked me out? Oh my god.

I jumped when Rohan reached over and took my hand to stop my fidgeting. I was about to pull away when I noticed the shy, hesitant expression on his face. He was nervous. He tried to pretend he wasn’t, but by the way he watched me from the corner of his eye, I knew he was. I pressed my lips together, the sweet gesture causing butterflies to fill my stomach. Taking a breath I told myself I could do this. I could be brave and take a chance. I did every day when I skateboarded, why not here? I laced my fingers with his and he shot me a surprised look. 

I glanced out the window before I told him the truth. “I’ve had a crush on you for forever, too.”

“Oh!” Joseph said, stretching out the single syllable. “You two are adorable. I am so glad I was here to witness this.” 

“Shut up,” we said in unison, which made us all laugh.

The night was amazing. They dropped me off, I got cleaned up, and then we went on a date. I have no idea how the most embarrassing moment of my life turned into the best night of my life, but it did. The best part was, at school the next day, telling Simone thank you for setting us up. Now that had to be the highlight of my year. She spat out her soda all over her cronies who sat with her in the lunchroom and began screaming. Then Rohan had walked up, wrapped his arm around my waist, and escorted me to the table where Joseph and a few other guys sat. as we sat down, Rohan leaned over to whisper in my ear. The moment he asked me out again, I said yes.

Published on OBW Blog May 7, 2021 © Tracey Canole

**This piece is a little longer than my usual posts, but it was so much fun and the characters were determined to tell their story. I hope you enjoy the mix of sweet interaction and creepy, unexpected events! As always, thank you for reading!**

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South Mountain Amusement Park – The Place for Fun and Adventure!

The single bulb illuminating the sign welcomed those who dared into its depths. The once bright colors had faded, but the carved script was clear even as the chips and gouges in the wood became visible. A depiction of a Ferris wheel arched up and around the words only to sink behind a set of brightly colored balloons. I cringed, knowing the reactions I got from this sign were far different than most.

The others around me laughed. Their excitement was palpable, tingling on my skin and tasting of freedom, anticipation, and a hint of lust. The tight t-shirts the guys wore accentuated their athletic forms. The scent of their cologne wafted back to me with the wind and I had to hold my breath, the acrid scent overpowering. They tried to pretend that their dates exposed stomachs, or how their skirts rode up, didn’t affect them but they couldn’t.  The girls? They didn’t even try to hide. They openly gawked, shooting hot glances when they thought no one was watching. It didn’t matter, even if it weren’t so obvious, the teenage mating ritual always drew attention. It was a dance so unpracticed, that the experienced couldn’t resist the urge to sit back and partake in the show. Even I could see the humor in the scene before me and I was probably worse off than any one of them. 

That said, I couldn’t blame them for their excitement. They’d been looking forward to this for weeks.  Whereas I had not. Situations like this were completely out of my wheelhouse.

I straightened my fitted band tee, pulling it down so that it didn’t bunch over my breasts. I grabbed the braid that fell across my shoulder and played with the end. It was hard not to compare myself to them, to feel inadequate. With my frayed skinny jeans and red converse, I wasn’t even like the teenagers here with their families. I was different and not just in look. Maybe I should have dressed up. If I had, would it have brought me closer to their world? I didn’t think so. It wasn’t just the way I dressed that was different. It was something deeper, more intrinsic, and those I met always seemed to sense it.

“Where’s your man?” I asked my best friend, Wren. “I thought he was coming tonight.”

Her blond hair shimmered in the moonlight as she reached out to slip her arm in mine. I could feel her vibrating through the contact and had to smile. 

“How did you talk me into this again?” I asked. “Oh wait, I remember. I’m a sucker.”

Wren just laughed because we both knew why. She was my closest friend and after she’d confided that she was nervous about coming tonight, I’d volunteered. Stupid on my part really, but since Luke had to work late and she was riding with a bunch of Luke’s friends-whom she wasn’t comfortable with yet-I was here. Why she thought I would make it better, I have no idea. 

I was the weirdo in school, the one people stared at for being strange. Different. To be honest, they weren’t wrong. But I was happy to say that, up to that point, they’d pretty much brushed off my presence. It made me sad to think that the peace I felt being ‘normal’ wouldn’t last. Things would change, they always did.  

I pushed away those thoughts as Wren rested her head on my shoulder. Warmth filled my chest. It was nice to know that my being here allowed her to be as relaxed as the rest. That’s why it was all worth it. Regardless of my inability to feel the same, I couldn’t blame them for their joy. I definitely didn’t blame her.  

“He’s meeting us at the Merry-Go-Round. Which should be just up to the left,” Wren said. I shook my head amused as she tightened her shoulders and let out a high-pitched ‘eek.’ If she hadn’t been holding onto me, she would’ve shaken clenched fists in the air and maybe even bounced. 

God, she was adorable. 

It was lucky Luke was a good guy. If he hadn’t been we would have had serious problems. He never would’ve gotten close to Wren, but he’d quickly proven the type of man he was. I learned just how kind, funny, and good to her he was. That’s all I could ask for. Plus, he’d never blinked an eye at our friendship as so many others did.

We passed the sign and, from the corner of my eye, I saw the bulb flicker then go out.  A sense of foreboding ran up my spine like spiders running along my skin. I shivered. Wren noticed and leaned in to whisper in my ear.

“Everything will be fine, I promise. Just stay close. No rides are expected of you and whenever we’re on one, you stay close.” She said those words but picked up the pace. 

Damn, she was nervous too. We caught up to the rest of the group in just a few strides and instantly got sucked into Jackie and Andre’s debate about which carnival dessert was better-deep fried snickers or cotton candy. 

Before Wren had the chance to insert her opinion, and I knew she would, I pulled her in and kissed the crown of her head. “I know. Don’t worry about me. Just have fun tonight.”

“Hey!” Luke said, jumping out of the shadows. He wrapped an arm around Wren while pushing me away playfully. “What’re you doing hanging on my girl? I saw that kiss and in front of my friends no less. For shame!” 

Wren laughed, her eyes bright and happy.  I shook my head, a grin stretched my face making my cheeks ache. I really did like Luke. There was no fear of me, no hesitation to stand near me, to talk or joke with me. He also understood Wren was my sister.  He treated me like I was normal. I appreciated that more than he knew. We’d even hung out and I’d been shocked when nothing bad happened. Only Wren had ever kept the darkness away.

I shoved his shoulder. “I was making sure no one else tried to swoop in and steal our girl from us. And considering I kept her from the best dessert debate, you should be thanking me. You know how passionate Wren gets about churros.”

He slapped my back. “True that. These guys have no idea how close they were from getting an ear full.”

“Hey! I’m not that bad.”

“No honey, you’re not.”

I chuckled, Wren poking Luke in the side at his placating tone. 

“I have a surprise,” Luke said, the mischievous look in his eye making me wary. My muscles tightened and my stomach clenched in warning. With a grin, he continued, “Alec, I want you to meet someone.” 

A pretty girl with deep red hair and honey brown eyes stepped from the shadows. I recognized her heart-shaped face from school. She was a year younger and, from what I’d heard, ridiculously smart. Sweet too. Beautiful. Okay, so maybe I’d noticed her before, but I never would’ve approached her. It wasn’t worth the risk. I wouldn’t want someone as kind as she was getting the backlash of my presence. Let alone my attention.

“This is my sister, Heather. Heather, this is Alec. I think you two have seen each other at school.” He pulled Heather closer. 

She stood, hands clasped, her lip trapped between her teeth. The soft pink lipstick she wore matched her simple v-neck blouse. I could tell she was nervous, but there was an eagerness there too. I could smell it in the air, lemon and honey, which mixed with her own lavender scent. 

“Breathe Alec” became my new mantra. 

“Hey, um… I hope you don’t mind if I join you guys,” she said, her voice a melody. “I’ve wanted to talk to you for a while so when Luke…” 

She shrugged, a flush rising on her pale cheeks.

It took me a long moment to find my voice. Had she just admitted to wanting to get to know me?

“Hi, Heather. Um, yeah.” I turned to glare at Luke then leaned close. In a harsh whisper, I said, “You promised to leave it alone, Luke. I don’t want anyone to get hurt. Especially not her.”

Heather’s gaze dropped to the ground and a wave of guilt passed through me. I swallowed hard.

“Alec,” Wren said. I could feel the reproach in her gaze. “I promised nothing would happen tonight and it won’t. Come on, it’s been weeks since anything bad happened. You’re seventeen and you deserve to have a life. Luke invited her after he caught Heather checking you out at the football game. When he mentioned it, she admitted she’s had a crush on you for a while.”

Wren met my eye, leaning even closer. I could feel her breath on my cheek. 

“And I know for a fact like her too. Take the chance, Alec. You deserve it.” I opened my mouth, about to say something, but she stopped me. “I know all the arguments. You and I have had this out before. Luke trusts you and so do I. So just try, okay? You two will stay with us and if anything happens, I’ll be there. I promise.”

Fear roiled through me. It may have been months since the last incident, but that usually meant that when it happened again it was going to be bad. I met Luke’s eyes and he nodded. With a deep breath for courage, I turned and smiled at Heather.

“So, uh, would you like to go play some games? Wren is crap at ball toss and it’s always fun embarrassing her”

A smile spreads across her sweet face. “That sounds fun. Luke is terrible at darts so maybe we can take turns embarrassing them.”

Just like that, the night got significantly more interesting. Let’s hope the curse didn’t decide tonight was the night to flare.

Heather smiled, then slid her hand into the crease of my arm. Her fingers were warm and soft, tingled shooting from the contact. My mouth went dry and my heart pounded in my chest. I needed to calm down. Things got worse when I was nervous.

Luke’s amused gaze swept us. The rest of the group watched us with interest.

 “Alright then,” Luke said. “Y’all ready for this? Fun, games, and maybe a little trouble?”

With cheers, the girls grabbed their date’s hands and pulled them forward. Wren rested her head on Luke’s shoulder as they fell in behind. Shoving my hands into my pockets and with Heather’s hand still laced with my arm, we headed inside. 

The lights of the arcade and carnival games were welcoming as they glittered brightly, bouncing off the technicolor signs. Pictures of hot air balloons, creepy clowns, and exaggerated cartoon animals lined the stalls. We strolled from one to the other, taking turns at each of the games to see who could best whom. The next hour was amazing. We competed, we laughed, and we acted like normal teenagers. It was the first time I had done anything like it. Even Luke’s friends relaxed around me until it felt like I was one of the crew. For a moment I forgot about who I was – what I was.

I won Heather a giant panda. She’d laughed at the way Luke and I had bantered as we shot water into the mouth of some pretty creepy clowns. The insults had ramped up the closer to the finish. When the lights began to flicker and the tent to shake, I started to panic. Without asking, Wren rested a hand on my shoulder and it all went away. To everyone’s surprise, I won. As a thank you Heather kissed my cheek. I almost died.

“You’re blushing!” Wren teased. 

“Careful Alec, that’s my little sister. I’m watching.” Heather snorted, rolling her eyes.

“She kissed me!” I laughed. But I refused to back away instead, taking Heather’s hand. Her shy smile hit me hard. I lifted it to my lips and kissed the back. A burst of shock lit me from within. Had I just done that? 

Wren tried to hide her squeal and failed, but I couldn’t be mad. I knew what Wren had already figured out, I  liked Heather. We’d been talking so much since we started and we had a ton in common. She was fascinating, funny, and more at ease with herself than most girls our age. She made me feel interesting and not in a bad way. It was the best night I ever had.

“So what’s next?” Heather asked.

“Ferris wheel and then the house of mirrors!” One of Luke’s friends, Connie, screamed. 

“It is going to be awesome!” Simon, her date said.

With each step toward it, my breaths quickened. I swallowed the lump that had begun to form in my throat.  Luke placed a hand on my shoulder and I swear I felt his kindness seep into me. 

“There’s a bench at the base of the Ferris Wheel. I was going to ask if my jerk of a sister would ride with me while you and Wren waited.” He glanced at Heather.  “Wren doesn’t care for heights and I don’t want to leave her alone.”

Lie. I glanced away.

“Sure. Hey Wren, could you get me a soda? I figure you’re getting one for this bumble-head anyway.” Heather elbowed her brother.

“Absolutely! Coke?”

“That’d be great. Thanks.” Heather released my hand before stepping onto the platform.

For a moment, I got distracted by her golden ponytail. It shifted in the breeze like golden silk. The clank of their door shutting made me wince. My hands went clammy and I had to hold my back the urge to yank them from the Ferris Wheel. That wouldn’t be weird at all.

“They’ll be okay,” Wren said. “I’m right here and this park does daily checks of all their equipment.”

Like that mattered. I glared at my best friend. 

“You don’t understand. I really like her. What if something happens. No, I can feel that something’s going to happen. I can’t let her get hurt.”

 “You’re just being paranoid.”

Anger, so hot my fingers began to ache. She knew what I was. She’d seen what I’d done in the past. How could she say that?

There was a groan from one of the main supports. The engineer running the ride stiffened, eyebrows dropped low in concern. Somehow Wren missed it.

“Take a seat on the bench there. I’m gonna get sodas for Luke and Heather from the shop fifteen feet away. Take a minute and calm down. Also, be aware that, even up there and with her brother, Heather is looking at you.”

My cheeks heated. I glanced up and, Yup, she was right. I waved. She waved back. 

“Fine,” I said sitting where she indicated. 

I shut my eyes and leaned back against the fence that surrounded the ride. The bench was hard, cold against my skin. I took some breaths, but they did nothing to calm me. I felt it approaching, the darkness that followed me everywhere. For a long time, I’d thought it fed on my fear, but I’d learned the truth was far more unsettling. I hadn’t told anyone yet, not even Wren.

The energy I couldn’t seem to get a hold of leaked from me, calling the creatures living in shadow. I tried to lock it down, but the panic that sat at the base of my skull grew, screaming to the universe that I was out of control. It rose again and there was a snapping sound behind me. 

Shit, they were close. I should have looked, but I couldn’t. If I did, it would only get worse. So instead I focused on that flow of energy escaping me. I willed it to stop. 

“Wren!” I screamed. I couldn’t see her. She was gone, lost in the crowd and I was alone. 

I knew then the evening frivolity all these people craved was about to become a nightmare. I blocked out the sensations of anticipation and fear from those on the surrounding rides. Their emotions tried to seep into my veins, but the walls I’d erected held. There was a deep whine and then the sound of metal bending. Shocked screams echoed and the engineer cursed. A burst of terror swept over me and it forced its way through my control. I shook. Too much power.

I curved into myself when it rushed out of me to slam into the metal supports keeping the Ferris Wheel aloft. No one around noticed the wave of pure black, but I did. I knew it was mine. The structure tilted and screams filled the air. There’s one loud pop, and then another. I press my hands to my temples hoping to hold in another blast of power.

The worker in charge of the ride miraculously stayed calm. Mostly. He moved quickly to unload people as quickly as possible. One bucket, then the next bucket. He kept the buckets moving, yanking people from their perches. I scanned for Luke and Heather. Not the last bucket, but close. The panic threatens to push me over the edge, but before it has the chance to overflow I feel Wren. She’s dropped the sodas running toward me. I stumble as her arms wrap around me, her head pressed to my chest. 

Wren is light chasing away the darkness devouring me; love, laugher, joy.

Air rushed into my lungs and my mind cleared, every ounce of uncontrolled emotion gone. Pain, terror, distrust it cannot live where she is.

“It’s okay. I’ve got you,” she says into my chest. 

“You left.” 

“I’m sorry. I thought you could see me.  I wasn’t far. I’m sorry. You’re okay. Just keep breathing. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“But I did!” My voice cracked, tears stung my eyes. I pressed my face into her hair when I noticed Connie and Simon watching me. The distrust and accusation were clear in their expressions.

“No one was hurt. You’re okay. It doesn’t matter. This was an old ride.”

“I shouldn’t be here.”

“Yes, you should,” Luke said, startling me. 

I hadn’t seen him or Heather approach. My last memory was their worried faces over the side of the bucket. I gasped as kindness and understanding flowed through the hand he placed on my shoulder. I sucked it into myself needing every ounce they could give. I stood there a long moment, the sound of emergency personnel rushing around a hum in my ear.

Wren pulled back to meet my eyes. Like only a few times before, I couldn’t help but see something in that gaze that said there was more to her. There was an ancient quality to the soul who looked back. That’s when I knew, that she knew, what I was.

I swallowed hard. She wasn’t afraid of me. How was that possible? 

Heather joined Luke. 

“ Are you guys okay?” I asked.

“We’re fine, but I wonder what happened,” Heather said.

Luke’s sent me a sad smile- a knowing smile- filled with apology. 

Connie, still sending wary looks my way, touched Luke’s arm. “Why don’t we head over to the house of mirrors. I don’t think I can handle another ride.”

I dropped my head. “I don’t think I should go,” I whispered.

“What? No, it’s my favorite,” Heather said.” Please?”

Every single person in my small circle had the same thing in their eyes, a hope and determination to spend time with me. I understood and appreciated it, but the fear of losing control was still fresh in my mind. In there? I’d kill people. 

“We will not be more than 5 feet from you,” Wren prompted. Luke agreed, patting my shoulder

This was a bad idea. With a deep breath, we walk to the House of Mirrors. I run my hand down my braid as we step inside. Sweat beads along my spine. I’ve always hated places like this. Lost, was never a good idea for someone like me. And for some reason, the house of mirrors had always been the worst. Maybe it’s because I could see myself so clearly with all the different angles, my flaws, and doubts on display in each and every mirror. No matter the direction or angle for which I appeared. Then there were the mirrors that altered my reflection, twisted it into something dark. Was that the truth of me? I didn’t know.

The first few mirrors were fine. The second set, too. Then we went deeper, into a maze that I swear pulled the wrongness from me. I clenched my jaw at the image of wings arching back and up in black rivulets from my shoulders. Ten or more feet long they drug on the ground as the feather-like tips trace my path in the dirt. 

No one saw them. No one reacted. 

Just like the wings, the black lines that stained my skin, starting at my spine and working around my neck then down my arms, were invisible. The crimson marks that encircled my eyes and mouth, and tinted my fingernails were only apparent to me. Or so I thought. When they’d appeared first in a mirror I thought Wren flinched, but then she smiled only to disappear around the corner. I must have imagined it.

Heather and I were right behind them. We examined our reflections commenting on the strange changes each mirror caused. I tried to act normally, but the proof of what was on my skin was more than I could handle. My heart rate picked up, my eyes stinging with tears of frustration. But halfway through, nothing had happened. Yet. It was about then that I realized Wren and Luke are gone. They’d taken another turn too quick for me to track.

I told myself it didn’t matter- that they were right there, but then I glimpsed a change that terrified me to my very core. In a new mirror, a line of maroon vines extended from my left eye. It reached up, disappearing into my scalp while another skated down to wrap around my throat. These were new. As I swallowed, I saw it contract and, I swear, I felt its power. A malevolence that tasted of blood and the darkest shadows of the human soul. Bile rose in my throat. It was getting worse!

Unable to take it anymore, I screamed for Wren. I heard her somewhere far off. Heather comforted me, but the darkness came from within this time. It swirled, snaking around my stomach and then my throat. I resisted the urge to puke.

Wren’s voice called back. It was farther away this time. She couldn’t find her way.

I’m not happy to admit that I did not respond well to this. The panic peaked, the fear that I’d hurt someone sucked into the vines, and those taunting lines began to glow. The knowledge that no matter what I did, I would fail filled me and I held in another scream. I spun in a circle praying she’d appear.

An image stopped me in my tracks. It was the mirror that stretched your reflection. To me, it always felt like the one which revealed the most truth about the subject. I wish that was not the case because as I stared at my distorted form I was able to see everything.  Something lit my eyes from within and my wings solidified. They stretched and shifted. With every movement, the light grew brighter. My blood went cold, fingers and toes numbing. Here it came. 

 The world tilted. The ground opened and cracks appeared in every direction. Heather fell to her knees with the force of the tremor.  I called for the others to run – to get as far away from me as possible, but there was no time. A growling rumble had me covering my ears. Then Connie was sucked down into the ground and out of sight. Heather squeaked. Cracks at my feet extended, arching in a circle fifty feet wide and the floor disappeared. A sinkhole materialized and everything within its range slid into the darkness below.  

Heather lost her footing. My knees cracked as they hit the concrete, my hands latching onto Heather as she fell.  I held on with everything I was.

“Wren! Luke! Help us!” I screamed. I lowered my volume and spoke just to Heather. “I’m so sorry. This is all my fault.”

“No, Alec,” she said, between harsh breaths. It struck me how calm she was. “You are not to blame here. You are young, only beginning to become what you will. Do not blame yourself.”

“What?” I asked, still attempting to pull her up. She strained, but the suction below had a good grip.

“I think it is time for your training to start,” Heather said. “Wrenwitch has waited too long I fear. That is alright. We can fix it.”

She was nuts. Got it. Her hands slipped and I almost dropped her. Her feet suddenly found purchase which allowed my grip to steady. I put every ounce of effort I have behind my next pull. A bellow of determination ripped from my throat and with it, every mirror shattered. Glass exploded outward. Screams of those not yet out filled my ears. Heather grinned.

“So much power,” she whispered. 

 Her words didn’t register. I was too focused on holding her as my arms shook with the effort. This sweet girl, who decided to show interest in someone she shouldn’t, didn’t deserve to die. If I let her, I would never forgive myself.

Like a light switch turning on, something clicked in my head. I slammed my eyes shut at the pain behind my eyes. When I opened them again, the darkness that overtook me, the emotion that burst free to hurt everything around me, congealed into a mist of solid shadow.  It swayed as if waiting for instruction. I didn’t think, I acted.  I pulled with all of myself. The darkness slid down my arms, around my fingers, and along Heather’s arms. She gasped. With one final attempt, I and my shadows drug her up and over the side. It took forever. But there was no slipping, no pain, just relief as she fell into my arms. I clutched her to me, whispering apologies and requests for forgiveness. She snuggled in closer.

We stayed like that for a long moment until, with a pop, sound came back. I hadn’t realized it had gone. Thundering steps approached and then Luke and Wren were there. They encompassed us both in their embrace. Love, laughter, kindness, and loyalty poured into me with their touch. I calmed instantly. But there was something new there too. What was that? 

Placing my hand on Heather’s neck, I closed my eyes and focused. She tensed. Sitting up she stared at me warily.

“Madness and Lust?” I said, shocked. “I don’t understand. Those do not fit you at all.”

She smiled, brushing her hair behind her shoulder. “And why not? They are a part of each of us in varying quantities. They are my burden to bear just as fear and rage are yours, but they do not define me. Just as yours does not define you.”

Her fingers brushed my cheek and my eyes closed instinctively. I had no idea what to say to that.

“I know you believe that you are evil, but this is untrue. You are important to this world, a fallen now tasked to balance the emotions of this world. It is our penance.”

“Our penance? Fallen? As in angel?”

Luke nodded slowly. Wren placed a hand on my leg.

“Yes,” Wren said. “You will remember everything. Just give it time.”

 Published on OBW Blog April 9, 2021 © Tracey Canole