Harmony (14 page)

HARMONY

Friday nights at the library were typically family nights. Part of my job entailed leading the story-time hour. It was probably my favorite part about working at the library. I loved to see the kids get excited about books and reading. But tonight I was feeling unsettled. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Maybe I was coming down with a cold? I’d been burning the midnight oil cramming for exams.

       I quickly tackled the children’s section and reshelved the books strewn around the tables. It looked like a hundred little whirlwinds had attacked the place. I was amazed that there was still some semblance left that the books were alphabetized! “There done,” I said, placing the
New Adventures of Scooby-Doo
in its proper place. “We’ll see how long that lasts.” I really felt a strong urge to quicken my pace and leave. It was as if someone or something was trying to get me to hurry. Ian? It had to be.

       “Mrs. H., I’m getting ready to leave for the night. Is there anything else I can do?” I asked, putting on my jacket.

       “No dear, I’ll lock up. Can I give you a ride home?” Mrs. Hewitt asked.

       “I noticed that sweet boy hasn’t been hanging around here lately.”

       Did I mention she could be nosey? “That’s okay,” I said. “It’s a beautiful night, I’ll walk. Goodnight.”

       It was darker than I thought, and I hesitated for a second.
Maybe I should get a ride.
I shook my head and against my better judgment, I decided walking would be better than having to answer Mrs. H.’s questions about Ian. I dug my hands deeper into my pockets and started briskly walking up the street toward home. I wasn’t even sure where I stood with Ian. I felt a little rejected to say the least. No calls in two days. Okay, did I seriously expect him to call? How needy was that! But a quick jump into my mind would have been nice to know if he was okay. I was starting to get anxious again. Maybe he was purposely staying away to give me space.

       I reached my house safely and headed inside.

       “Grams, I’m home.” My voice carried in the empty room. “Grams?” I walked into the kitchen, flipped the switch on, and saw the note tacked to the fridge:

Sophie,

Gone to bingo night with Mr. Jamison next door.

There’s a plate in the fridge for you.

Love, Grams

       I smiled. At least one of us had a social life. I put my dinner in the microwave and headed upstairs to change. I’d had it with studying and decided vegging in front of the TV sounded like a good idea. There was a package lying on my bed. I knew in an instant it was from Ian. I anxiously sat down and ripped the paper off. Inside was a card. It read:

I know I’m a little late, but may I still escort you tomorrow night? I missed you. —Ian

       So like him. So antiquated and genteel. This was what it was like to be treated like a princess. Hands trembling, I lifted out the most gorgeous dress I had ever seen. Yards of soft, luscious green chiffon spilled out over my lap. It was the perfect hue to compliment my eyes. I was dying to try it on. I slipped out of my clothes and slid it over my head and down my shoulders. Ian had great taste. I twirled in front of my bedroom mirror. It had an empire waist with a delicate velvet bow. The bodice was form fitting and cut low. Let’s just say it accentuated certain attributes that I possessed.
Hmmm. I wonder what Ian was thinking.
I smiled. Wow! I was completely giddy. I had never felt so elegant. It was perfect. I blushed thinking about Ian and picking out a dress for me. I played with my hair. Up? Down? I was so engrossed in feminine wiles that I didn’t see him behind me.

       “Do you like it?” Ian asked.

       I jumped in surprise. “Ian, you’re back!” Relief washed over me as I jumped into his awaiting arms, smothering him with kisses. “I love it! Thank you so much, I have been going stir crazy without you here.”

       Ian laughed, “I guess you did miss me.”

       Our eyes locked with desire for one another. “More than you know.” Ian was hungry. I could see it, feel it. It wasn’t just my blood that he was lusting for, but for me. The feeling was so intense and mutual. I’d never wanted something so much. I couldn’t tear my eyes from his glorious face. Neither of us spoke. There was an electric current flowing and buzzing around and between our bodies, uniting and harmonizing.
This is what Grams meant about harmony.
One of us had to be strong. I didn’t think we’d survive this moment.

       “Ian,” I pleaded. He didn’t say anything. “Ian,” I insisted, “you are hungry. Please go hunt and then come back.” My own stomach growled, and I attempted to make light of our current dilemma. “Apparently, I’m hungry too.”

       The spell was broken and Ian was out the window in a flash—his words trailing behind him, “I won’t be gone long.”

       I sank on my bed, my head in my hands. I was trembling. This was going to be harder than I’d thought. Quickly, I changed into PJs, hung the dress over my chair, and ran downstairs to eat. The energy flow between us had left me famished.

***

       Ian was disgusted with himself. He’d been gone two weeks and not around Sophie’s scent. How was it that he craved it more now? He hated showing that side of him to her. He saw her fear, and he didn’t want Sophie to ever look at him like that again.
Like a monster.
Her eyes were different though—they glowed. She wanted him too. He’d felt the connection and energy. Ian shook his head. Even after seeing him mentally devour her for blood. It should have been enough to make him soar. Sophie was truly amazing. He didn’t deserve her.

       Ian quickly bounded after a doe—easy prey, but he couldn’t stand to be away longer than necessary. He attacked in one swift move, throwing the doe to the ground, its bones crushing as he sliced the neck with his teeth and drank freely. He was glad Sophie couldn’t see him right now—it was revolting. He wiped the blood from his mouth, feeling pity for the poor animal he had just decimated.

***

Sophie looked up from her plate in the kitchen. Ian was leaning against the door jam. “I hate when you do that!” Sophie smirked. “You’ll have to teach me how you sneak up on me.”

       Ian teased, “I have to keep some secrets from you, or you’ll soon lose interest in me.”

       I hardly doubt that,
I intentionally thought for the both of us. “Come sit with me, I was going to watch TV. I’m tired from the little rugrats at the library.” I dragged Ian with me into the family room.

       “Was the circulation desk too much?” Ian asked, mocking me.

       “Yes,” I said dramatically. “I’ll have to probably change jobs soon; I can’t handle the stress,” I added, flinging my arm across my eyes and sinking into the couch cushions.

       “Oh brother,” Ian rolled his eyes and sat down on the opposite end of the couch.    I frowned. “I don’t bite you know.”

       “I do though.”

       I ignored that comment. “Were you able to hunt?” I asked in earnest.

       “Yes, but I’d rather not talk about it. How about something more pleasant.” Ian shined that gorgeous smile of his my way. “What’s the plan for tomorrow?” he asked.

       “Have you been to a high school dance before?” I inquired. “You do dance? Right?” I scooted closer to him on the couch. “We don’t have to go if it will bother you,” I added.

       “No, tomorrow is about you,” Ian said.

       “Okay, as long as you’re sure…” I trailed off.

      
Sophie.
Ian entered my mind.
Let me do this for you.

       “Oh, all right,” I smiled. “I’ll leave the details to you. Surprise me,” I said with a twinkle in my eye.

       “Your grandmother is home,” Ian said before the car rolled into the driveway. “Should I leave?” he asked.

       “No, Grams would like to see you—I’m sure,” I tentatively said.

       “Okay, then I’ll stay, but only for a little while.”

       “You’ll come back later?” I asked a little bit too anxiously.

       “Sophie, I don’t think it’s a good idea given what happened earlier. I didn’t hunt enough,” Ian explained.

       “Oh,” was all I could muster. I didn’t want him to feel my disappointment. I’d been looking forward to…

       Sophie! I see where your thoughts are headed—it’s not a good idea right now.
Ian stressed the “right now.”

      
I know,
I replied huffily.
This is so frustrating!
The key turned in the lock. “Hi Grams.”

       “Hi honey. Oh, hello Ian. What a nice surprise, you’re downstairs for a change,” Grams said brazeningly.

       “Hello, Mrs. Flynn,” Ian said as he stood.

       “Oh, Ian we’re old friends, just call me Grams.” I had never loved my Grams so much as I did at that moment. She was the best. “So, do I want to know what you two have been up to tonight?” Grams asked as she sat in her easy chair.

       “Nothing much,” I lied. “Ian just got back and bought me the loveliest dress! Wait till you see it,” I beamed.

       “Sophie invited me to the dance tomorrow,” Ian chimed in.

       “Oh yes, how could I forget; it’s a good thing you got back when you did. Sophie’s been going stir crazy,” Grams said, offering way too much information for my liking. “I’ll be out tomorrow too,” she added.

       “I should be worried about you,” I teased. “You’re spending an awful lot of time with Mr. Jamieson. We might have to reinstate a curfew around here.” Ian laughed out loud. I loved it when he laughed. He seemed so relaxed even though I could tell he was still tense about what had happened earlier.

       “Well, this old gal needs some sleep,” Grams said rising. “Don’t stay up too late.” She bent down and kissed my cheek. “Ian, it was nice to see you my boy.” She reached down and hugged him. I’d never seen Ian look so shocked. I was having a hard time suppressing my giggles.     
Oh that was precious!
I said, entering his mind. I about fell off the couch laughing.

       “Come here you,” Ian said, grabbing me. I was truly happy at this moment. It was so nice to be ordinary. Ian tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear and kissed my nose. We simply stared at each other. Words were not necessary to convey what we both felt.

       “Ian?”

       He closed his eyes. “What?” he asked.

       “I just wanted to…” I hesitated. Maybe I shouldn’t say it yet. I didn’t want to scare him off for good. Instead I said, “What time will you be picking me up tomorrow?”

       “How about six o’clock?”

       “Perfect. I’ll be ready,” I said, standing up. Ian used the front door, which was a little strange. I was growing accustomed to his leaping out my bedroom window. We touched hands as he was leaving. Little sparks were still there, humming in the background. It left me charged for lack of a better word. I really didn’t want him to leave. Conflict was written all over his face. I abruptly let go. “Sorry,” I whispered and I closed the door.

THE DANCE

The following day, I was obsessing about the dance. I didn’t really date a lot, and it had to be perfect. I couldn’t concentrate on schoolwork—my brain was totally scattered. I figured that two o’clock would be sufficient time to do everything I wanted. Em offered to come over and do my hair, but I graciously declined. Sometimes Em’s hair creations were a bit too fuzzy for my taste. Besides, she had to get ready too. Max had finally gotten a clue and asked her out. She was giddier than me, if that was at all possible. I couldn’t wait to see them and show off Ian.

       I took an extra long shower, applying all sorts of creams to my skin. I had so many different fragrances going on that I smelled like a florist shop. Hopefully, it would dissipate a bit. Makeup was a total mystery to me; I didn’t wear enough to know the latest and greatest makeup trends. I decided my best feature was my eyes, so I played them up with a charcoal pencil. I loved earth tones, so warm and inviting. I had read somewhere that understated lips were back in. Good thing too seeing that I only owned lip gloss.

       “What to do with my hair?” I said to my reflection in the mirror. “Up or down?” I decided on pulling up both sides with some bobby pins, and leaving a few wispy tendrils around my face. The finishing touch was the pearl earrings that my mother had given me. “Well, it could be a lot worse,” I said, as I glanced over my appearance and smoothed my dress down.

***

       Ian didn’t know why he had agreed to go to a dance. He was too old for such silly traditions, but it seemed to make Sophie happy. He couldn’t deny her these rites of passage, similar to ones from his day.
Teenagers
! Ian never thought of Sophie as a teen. She was almost nineteen, which justified his desire for her. She had an old soul—one far beyond that of anyone’s paths he’d crossed. Ian felt confident that he could keep his appetites under control tonight. “I better,” Ian mumbled, leaning his head on the driver’s seat headrest.
I hunted all night and day practically.
Thoughts of Sophie were clouding his sight. Ian looked at his watch…
time to fly.

***

       I was so excited to see Ian that I about flew out the door when I saw him pull up in the black M3
.
“Grams, quick. Do I look okay?” I asked nervously, picking at some lint on my hem.

       “Sophia Marie, for the tenth time, yes. I believe that Ian wouldn’t care what you are wearing,” Grams replied.