“I came in like a wrecking ball.”
Tiffany shot up from her bed. Clutching her pillow as a weapon, she twisted her head from side to side. Heartbeats later, running water through the pipes finally registered. She stood frozen, then exhaled and collapsed onto her bed. Grabbing her phone from the bedside table, Tiffany groaned. 4 a.m. burned into her retinas, showing up even when she closed her eyes. What the perpetrator considered singing continued, echoing around the room. She could not even muffle the racket with her pillow over her head. Tiffany huffed, rolled out of bed, and threw her pillow onto it. She stumbled through her dimly lit room to the door. Opening it, she blinked at the brightness of the hall lights.
Steam floated past her on its way down the hall. Quickly glancing at the fire alarm, Tiffany shook her head when she saw it was disabled. Stepping out into the hallway, she began banging on the closed door.
“Barbra, keep it down in there. Are you trying to wake the whole floor?” Hearing no answer and no stopping of either water or singing, Tiffany opened the door. Steam billowed out, heat and moisture hitting her face. The shower occupant did not indicate they knew they were no longer alone. Stepping to the toilet, Tiffany pushed the handle down. A scream erupted from behind the curtain and frantic sounds of knobs turning. Grabbing a towel, Tiffany handed it to the searching hand.
“ Did you have a great time serenading everyone, Barbra?” Barbra threw back the white and blue shower curtain. Hazel eyes glared from behind blonde hair.
“What the hell, Tiff? Why would you freeze a girl out like that?”
Tiffany put her hand on her hips.
“Oh, I don’t know. It could be that you were holding a concert at 4 a.m.”
Towering behemoths of steel, iron, and glass dominate the skyline. Towers were made so humanity could keep expanding because once you run out of room from left to right, the only place to go is up. Light barely reaches the ground, making it nearly impossible for nature to have a foothold. Tiny places of refuge stand out, showing that not all is lost. Woven between, keeping the giants in their place, are paths of stone, concrete, and asphalt. Take a walk down the wrong path, or if you are looking for it, the right one and you will find the Other.
Tiffany is 5’8” with long red hair that she mostly keeps in a braid. She tries to keep it out of her face, but a few strands always escape. Emerald green eyes always look around, trying to spot trouble before it sneaks up on her. Her soft, round face helps lessen the sting from her sharp tongue. She sees more of her mother’s features when she looks in the mirror, but there are reminders of her mysterious father. Ears that are not as round and eyes that slit when angered speak of Other blood running in her veins.
Walking down the right alley, you can find yourself with the Other that hides between towering apartment buildings and skyscrapers. Tiffany must step into their world to find answers when a new danger appears. Keeping her wits and her temper under control, she navigates the treachery of Other politics to expose the truth. Being Other, they think they have everything hidden. But Tiffany always finds what she’s looking for.
They marched down the street, past the cheers and cries of the crowd. Each man held their head up and stared forward. Their feet marched in time, with no hesitation. Items were flung in their path, but no one man paid any attention. They continue their climb up the street ever closer to the castle in the distance. It loomed large, imposing spires jutting from its peaks. Guards watched the procession's progress along the walkways until it reached the castle gate. The frontman called out, and the gate rose.
Continuing forward, the men passed the guards at the gate into the courtyard. Activity stopped as all watched the men walking to and through the castle’s front doors. People cleared the halls, hurrying from the march. Maids peaked out of doors, and whispers followed in their wake. The halls seemed to stretch until they finally reached two large doors. Guards on either side struck their spears on the floor twice, then opened the doors. Another crowd of people could be seen through them, separated on two sides. Leaving a path down the middle, all the way to a dias with a lone figure waiting.
The men stepped through the doors and walked past the people. Coming to an end, they dropped to their knees, with some having more grace than others. Heads bowed as they waited for the figure to speak.
“You have returned, my captain.” A soft but strong voice rang out.
“Yes, m’lady.”
“I take it that these are the men that have been spoken about throughout my country.”
‘Yes, m’lady.”
“I see very few men in front of me. I thought there would be more?”
“There were some looses, m’lady, and we thought it would be more prudent to bring only the leaders to you. ” “That seems like a wise decision, but it leaves few to be seen. Well, we will have to bring the others here slowly.”
“Yes, m’lady.”
“Yes, I would hate to deprive my people of the spectacle of their deaths.” Whispers of excitement rippled through the crowd.
“As you decree, m’lady.”
“Yes, all is I wish it. Rise now so I may look at all of them.” Ropes were pulled, and five men were forced to their feet. Looking up, they saw the face of their condemner.
“It is said a queen is supposed to be merciful.” She sat tall on her throne, poised and regal. A smile spread across her lips. “But in this world, being Queen means blood.”
“Aw hell, not again,” was not the words Pam expected to hear. To be honest, Pam was not sure what she thought would happen when she finished the chanting. The website online outlined how to set up the ritual. How to draw the containment circle, what herbs were needed, the right amount of blood, and the words to summon a devil were all laid out in detail. It even listed substitutions for the hard to get ingredients. Pam glanced back down at her notes, trying to see if she missed something. That is the only reason she could come up with why a woman in a housecoat and hair curlers was standing in front of her. Tapping drew Pam’s eyes back up.
“I don't have all day, dear,” stated the devil. “ There is a realm-wide address I need to finish getting ready for, so what did you call me?”
Pam gaped at the devil, not believing what she saw. The devil threw her hands up and stepped forward. She passed the lines of chalk as if nothing was there. Bending down, she snapped her fingers in front of Pam’s face. Pam jumped and scrambled backward. The devil tilted her head as if she was trying to complete a puzzle.
“You do have a reason, right dear,” a smile crossed the devil’s face. “It would be a shame if I was dragged up here for no reason.”
No words escaped Pam’s mouth, only frantic puffs of air. Her eyes darted back to her notes and then to the circle. Pam looked around the circle design and then back to the devil.
“You’re not supposed to do that.”
“Do what, dear?”
“The circle,” Pam pointed at the chalk on the floor. “It’s drawn perfectly. You should not be able to cross it.”
“It is a beautiful woven drawing, but there is a flaw.” The devil picked up Pam’s notes, held them up, and pointed at a section.
“I am not sure where you got your information, dear, but this part is wrong. Instead of a properly closed containment, it symbolizes a more fluid circle. Which is okay for a lesser being, but not for myself.”
“What?”
“Were you not aware of daemon hierarchy?” The devil stood and put her hands on her hips. “Where did you get your information? And why were you summon a daemon in the first place? Be quick, dear, because I do not have all day once again.”
“They left me,” Pam whispered.
“Who left?”
“My parents. When I was ten, they dropped me off at boarding school and never returned. They have traveled all over the world for the past eight years without contacting me. Now, as I finally start to find myself, they come back.” Pam jumped up and started pacing. “And you want to know their first words to me after being gone. It’s not we missed you, or we’re sorry. No, we have a husband picked for you, and here is the date of your wedding.”
Pam stops in front of the devil, with frantic puffs of air stopping her words. The devil reaches out and tucks a stray cul behind Pam’s ear.
“Why have you called me?”
“I don’t care if he is rich, handsome, or the nicest man on this planet. I do not want this wedding to happen.”
“So you called a devil, that is pretty extreme, dear.”
“This is my last hope. If you can’t stop it, then tomorrow I’m wed.”
“There is a price.”
“I’m willing to pay.”
“So you shall, dear.” The devil cupped Pam’s face. “Now, say my name and complete our contract.”
Pam whispered the devil’s name and watched it smile before everything went black.
It was hard to breathe. Trees thinned out until all they could see was white, but they continued on. No longer firm and stable, snow gave way to paws and feet.The sky was clear, with the clouds being behind them. Winding around another bend Ayla knew they were getting close, she could feel it. Perran no longer lopped beside her, instead he kept a steady pace in front. They climbed on, hoping that over the ridge they would see their destination. Rumbling could be heard all over, Ayla hoped they would not get caught in an avalanche. Ayla felt the pack she was carrying slid a little. Escaping from an avalanche would be hard. Even if they did, there was no guarantee that their supplies would last or make it also.
“ Just a little farther, I can see the summit.” Perran called out. “Hopefully it will be an easy climb down.”
“Do we need to take a break? You have been breaking the way for a while now Perran. I don’t want to have to treat you for frostbite.” Ayla adjusted the pack a little higher on her shoulder.
“I’m fine, we will rest when we get to the top. I just want to finish this.”
“How are your reserves? If an avalanche..”
“Stop fretting. I’ve been reinforcing the path in front of us as we climb. It should hold if the mountain decides to move.” Perran picked up the pace.
Ayla chuckled “Stubborn cat” and trudged on, knowing that there was no arguing with him. She could understand his reluctance to stop with their goal so close. It would be nice to be descending when the sun started to sink. Hopefully they would have enough time to dig into the mountain and set up a camp. If all went well maybe they could have something warm for dinner. A shout came from the front.
“Ayla, you have to see this!”
“What is it?” Ayla picked up the pace, she was not sure how Perran got so far ahead.
“Just get up here and look.” Perran turned and looked down at her.
“I’m going as fast as I can. I know you lighten the pack but it is still cumbersome.” By this time Ayla was almost jogging up the slope, the pack in mention bouncing behind her. Just as she was about to reach the top Ayla slipped and started to fall backwards.
“You idiot.” Perran darted forward and caught Ayla’s arm in his mouth. Grabbing Perran’s fur with her hand, Ayla steady herself. Once he noticed she was stable Perran let go. Ayla collapsed onto the snow, her chest heaving trying to take in as much air as she could. Time went slowly as Ayla leaned forward into Perran, the stark realization that she almost fell headlong down the alp was all to real.
“Are you okay?”
“I think I will be”
“Can you stand?” Ayla sat up then stood. Dusting the snow off her pants, she shouldered the pack once again.
“What is so amazing, that I had to see right away.” Perran turned his head and looked down.
“That.”
Looking down Ayla gasped. In the bowel shaped valley below was a forest. However unlike the tepid forest they passed through on their way to the mountain, Ayla could see tall jungle trees. Many of the trees seemed like they could reach twenty to thirty feet. Vines twisted around tree trunks and the ground was covered in many plants. Cutting down one side of the mountain a river disappeared into the jungle.
“How is that possible?”
“I don’t know, but we better start making our way down if we do not want to be caught on the peak at night.” Picking a spot Perran slowly started his way down the slope, Ayla following close behind him. By the position of the sun in the sky, they did not have much time until sunset. Even with the warning of oncoming darkness they took their time. Slowly cutting a path through the snow, just as they did on their climb up. As the sun started to dipp lower on the horizon, Perran stopped.
“Let’s make camp here.” Jutting his head to the left “Over by that ledge, I think there is a cave. We will be able to make a much easier camp for the night in it.”
“If we are lucky we can get a fire going. We still have soup left and it should go well with the bird you caught.” Ayla shifted her weight and changed direction, the promise of a nice warm meal was enough to put a pep in her step. The cave Perran spotted was more of a hole, but it looked big enough to fit them both and that was all that mattered. Dropping the pack, Ayla started digging through it. After finding what she was looking for, Ayla moved toward the entrance. Two metal spikes were used to hang a large sheet. Perran stood watch, looking at the valley below.
“Come in from the cold you crazy feline.” Ayla shuffled back to the pack, once again looking though it. Finding the items she was looking for, a clay bowl and a wrapped bird, Ayla turned back to the middle and made a pit using rocks and sticks.
“Can you light it or do I need to try with the flint?”
“I’ll light it, but we can not leave the fire going long. There is no good way to funnel the smoke out.” Perran stared at the pit, took a breath and blew. Flames sprouted to life, causing shadows to sway and dance along the walls. Ayla nestled the bowl closer to the pit and began unwrapping the bird. Looking around she found a flat rock that she placed into the middle. Carefully Ayla laid two pieces of meat on the rock to cook. Leaning back Ayla watched Perran lay on the other side of the fire, closets to the entrance. Listening to the sounds of the fire and meat cooking, a peace finally settled over the two. It had been such a long journey to this point and conscious that an end was a near eased worries that both had. A pop came from the fire, bits of flames shooting up to the ceiling.
“Are you going to burn our dinner? I think Sophia would be disappointed if you forgot all of her cooking lessons.” Ayla glared at Perran, while carefully scooting the rock out of the fire. Peeking at the bowl, Ayla quickly moved it also to avoid more liquid boiling over. Perran buried his head in his paws, trying to muffle little huffs of laughter. Ayla’s head shot back to Perran.
“Laugh it up furball and see if I don’t eat your portion.” Perran quickly raised his head.
“You would not dare.”
“Keep it up and I will.” Perran moved a paw and snagged part of Ayla’s pants. Tugging on it, he gave her his most saddest eyes. Ayla shook her head and tossed Perran one of the cooked pieces of meat. Immediately letting go of Ayla, Perran began devouring his portion. Grabbing a cup from the pack, Ayla began to eat.
“Do you think we will make it to the jungle tomorrow?” Perran consumed the last of his meal. Resting his head on his paws, Perran hesitated before answering.
“I think we can, as long as the weather stays calm.” Training his eyes on Ayla, Perran asked. “Is the pull you felt still guiding you down the mountain.”
Ayla closed her eyes, breathed deeply and centered herself. It was still there, the tug that she felt many weeks ago back at the Northern Outpost. A deep pull that seemed to become stronger the further they traveled. No change in direction, unlike in the beginning when they were first trying to find the right path.
“It is. It has grown but no feeling of being led another way.”
“Well we better get some rest then.” Rising to his feet Perran turned to the entrance. “I’ll make sure we have a good ward set up so we don’t each have to take a watch.”
Ayla nodded, it was a good idea, both of them needed to be sharp for any pitfalls ahead. She watched Perran scratch a circle into one of the entrance walls. Speaking softly, a hum surrounded Perran and the circle began to glow. Tearing her eyes from Perran and his work, Ayla began cleaning up the mess from their dinner. After cleaning and rewrapping the leftover meat Ayla stored them into the pack. She then grabbed out of it a large, thick blanket. Standing she grabbed the cup and used water to douse the fire. Once the flames had died, Ayla spread the blanket out and sat down. Perran joined her, wrapping himself around her back near the edge of the blanket. Ayla grabbed the sides of the blanket and wrapped as much as she could around herself. Snuggling as close as she could to Perran, Alya closed her eyes.
Dawn creeped its way in, casting its light on to the sleeping pair. Perran opened one eye, then let out a yawn. Standing he stretched, then shook his entire body from his head to the tip of his tail. After shaking off the remnants of sleep, Perran looked at his still sleeping companion. Ayla had not woke, even though most of the blanket was no longer covering her. Perran took the time to study Ayla, taking notes of the deeping shadows under her eyes. He so wanted to let her sleep a little longer, but knew that they needed to get moving as soon as possible. With a heavy heart Perran nudged Ayla with his nose. Ayla groaned and waved him away.
“Come on Ayla get up. We are losing daylight.” Perran tried once more to wake Ayla, this time grabbing her shirt and shaking her.
“Stop, stop, I’m awake you crazy cat.” Perran let go of her shirt, causing Ayla to flop back onto the blanket. “Was that way of waking really necessary?”
“You are the one that did not want to budge”
“I’m sure you could have thought of something else.”
“I could have dragged you outside.” Perran looked over to the sheet that still covered the entrance. “I’m sure a nice dip in the snow would have been a great way to start this day.”
Ayla shook her head and stood. Feeling the muscles in her back tighten, Ayla stretched her arms behind her back until she could hear popping. She then walked over to the sheet and removed it. Replacing it along with the spikes back in the bag, Ayla pulled out two wrappings. She broke off a piece of bread for herself and threw some meat to Perran. They ate quickly then started back down the mountain. Steam rose off the forest below, filling the air around them with heavy moisture. Slipping and sliding they crept down the mountain until they finally reached the forest. Snow and rocks gave way to lush foliage and titanic trees. Where before there was nothing to see, now it was impossible to see everything. Perran and Ayla both walked through the forest marveling at all the sights. Pausing at a stream, Ayla bent down to refill her canteen when a noise came from her left. Before she could fully turn Ayla found herself on her back looking up at a furry head with massive fangs.
“Ayla!”
The wind rushed past her and danced along the feathers on her back. It was so freeing to play among the clouds that Tabitha never wanted to land. She could spend the rest of her life in the sky and use the clouds as her bed. Closing her wings, Tabitha dived down to the ocean below. Her wings opened and skimmed along the surface before she hit the water. The tip of wings barely touching before Tabitha shot back into the sky. This was such fun that Tabitha decided to do it repeatedly until one time; she came back up in the middle of a flock of Geese. They honked their displeasure and told her off for being reckless. Tabitha apologized and quickly flew away. Hiding behind a cloud, Tabitha waited for the flock to leave before resuming her play. No more diving; instead, Tabitha jumped and twirled, moving to the music she could only hear. Clouds swirled around Tabitha forming shapes that joined her. It was a performance with every dancer in sync. They all spun around and around, causing funnels of air down to the ocean. When they jumped, water would be funneled up and spray everywhere. Tabitha danced on and on, unaware of the effect she was having on the environment.
Below the ocean became violent and unstable. The creatures that lived under the water fled to escape the chaos. Some were not fast enough and found themselves pulled up with the water. Most birds avoided flying were the winds were choppy. A few brave ones tempted fate to partake in the feast before their eyes.
The dance did not seem like it was going to end, and its effect spread further. Creatures of both sea and sky cried out in despair at the destruction around them. Their cries echoed to the bottom of the ocean, where a great dragon slept. Hearing the echoes of terror reverberate around his lair woke the dragon. He uncurled his body, left his shelter, and swam to the surface. Seeing all the destruction around him, the dragon called out.
“Who is the cause of this turmoil above my home?”
“Oh great dragon, it is the one that dances in the clouds,” replied a goose.
“Is that so.” The dragon swam over to one of the air funnels and used it to climb into the sky. Breeching the clouds, he spotted Tabitha dancing. Riding the clouds as he would the waves below, the dragon closed in on Tabitha and grabbed her with his talons.
“It is you that is causing destruction,” the dragon stated.
“I am sorry, I do not know what you mean.”
“Look below, you foolish child.” Tabitha’s eyes followed where the dragon was pointing, and she gasped. She saw the once tranquil scene destroyed.
“How did this happen.”
“You caused all of this.”
“No,” denied Tabitha.
“Yes, your focus on only your enjoyment has caused all you see.” Tabitha covered her face with her hands.
“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. I did not think something like this would happen.”
“You young ones never do.” The dragon looked down to the ocean below. “Maybe after a long slumber, you will be more considerate.”
Tabitha had no time to contemplate the dragon’s words before he dived. They both fell and crashed into the water below. She was dragged down to the bottom by the dragon, and once they were in his lair, he curled around Tabitha. The dragon’s breath slowed, and he drifted off to sleep, with Tabitha enclosed in his talons. Peace returned to the sea, except on the occasions the dragon’s grip loosened.
There is only one cashier, and it is Mr. Williams today, that explains the long line. Grace sighed and looked down at the items in her basket and wondered if it would be better to come back later. She still had cheese and crackers she could eat, and the milk was not spoiled yet. Looking up and seeing that Mr. Williams was still talking with Mrs. Snyder, Grace decided. Abandoning her basket, she made her way out of the market. On her way out, Grace noticed a chip display by the doors. Pretending to look for her keys in her purse, Grace snagged a bag and kept walking until she got in her little white four-door sedan and drove off. When she stopped at a light, she opened the chips and savored the barbeque flavor. The bag was halfway gone by the time Grace arrived home.
Walking up to her front door, Grace looked around before unlocking it and entering. Grace placed her keys in a bowl and went into her living room, where she flopped onto the couch. Pulling her computer onto her lap, she began to answer emails. She deleted multiple emails without opening them, and others she replied to with referrals. All was quiet, except for the melody of her neighbor’s wind chimes, which caused Grace to freeze and sit her computer down on the coffee table. She removed a drawer and grabbed the gun she had hidden. Making her way slowly and methodically, Grace cleared her first-floor rooms. That just left her second floor. Slowly creeping up her stairs, she avoided all the steps that creaked until she came to the top. She once again cleared each room. No one was in the spare bedroom or the small office she never used. The only room left was her bedroom, and as she got closer, the chimes got louder. Taking a deep breath, Grace opened the bedroom door and cussed in her head when it squeaked. The door opened, revealing a cracked window, along with a sleeping figure on her bed. Grace laid the gun on a table and walked over to the window, where she lammed it shut. The sleeping figure jolted up and frantically looked around until they spotted Grace.
“What the hell, Grace! Why did you do that?” Grace placed her hand on her hips.
“You don’t get to speak to me like that since you broke into my home. What are you doing here, David?” David stood up from the bed, stretched, and smiled at Grace.
“Can’t a man visit a good friend?”
“That is a load of bull. Now tell me why you are here before I show you the door.” Grace took a step forward and poked David in the chest. David raised his hands.
“I’m telling you the truth. I decided to take a nice relaxing vacation, and your town was my first thought. I figured you would have a spare room I could borrow.” He gave Grace another smile, and she poked him again.
“When have you ever wanted anything to be relaxing. I’m serious David, why are you here?” David lowered his hands, and the smile left his face.
“I’m just looking for a spare room as I reevaluate what I want to do going forward.” Grace took a step back and looked at David. He was not wearing his customary suit, and his hair was not slicked back. When they worked together, Grace never saw him in jeans and a t-shirt.
“You are thinking of leaving the group,” Grace stated.
“I am.”
“What has changed?”
“Leadership is moving us further in a direction that I don’t agree with.”
“You were okay with it a few years ago.”
“I know, and I am here admitting I was wrong.” David hung his head. “I realized the ideals we started everything with are gone, and I just left.”
“They don’t know, right. You made sure no one followed you here.” Grace reached out and grabbed David’s shirt. “If you bring them here after all I did to disappear, I will kill you.”
David looked at Grace and pried her hands from his shirt, but he did not let go of them. Instead, he brought them to his lips and kissed them.
“I promise, I covered my tracks.”
“I am going to hold you to that,” Grace whispered. Grace removed her hands from his grip and walked to the door. Grabbing the gun from the table, she motioned for David to follow. They both walked down the hallway to an open door. “Here is the guest bedroom. Fresh linens and towels are in the closet, and the bathroom is right across from the stairs.”
David walked into the room and turned back to Grace.
“Thank you.”
“Thank me by not staying long.” Grace turned to leave but stopped. “Also, if you want something better than cheese and crackers for dinner, I hope you have the money for pizza.”
Etta pushed on the door but it did not budge. Leaning against it she pushed with all her weight behind her. The door slowly opened and a wave of cold hit Etta in the face. Continuing on she had to shield her eyes when the door fully opened. All she could see was white. Stepping out her doorway, Etta felt and heard the crunch under her feet. She hesitated for a moment before venturing out further. The snow nearly reached her waist, making it hard for Etta to move. She kept moving forward toward the barn in the distance. Every breath she took left Etta feeling like ice was piercing her lungs. Her breath came out faster as she struggled to her destination. It took an eternity, at least that is how Etta felt, but she finally made it to the barn. Pushing one of the barn doors slightly open, Etta slipped in. Closing the door behind her Etta leaned against it.
Etta stood there for several minutes, catching her breath and trying to warm her hands. When she felt that she could go on she made her way over to a table in the corner. Grabbing the lantern, Etta prayed the matches she had in her pocket were not soaked. Letting out a sigh of relief Etta stuck a match across the box and a flame ignited. Using the flame Etta lit the lamp. Light filtered through the barn, allowing her to see the stalls that lined the walls. A horsehead poked out of one of the stalls and greeted Etta as she came closer. She reached out and stroked his muzzle.
“How are you doing old man? Did you finish everything?” The horse bobbed his head and let out a neigh. Etta’s hand undid the latch on the door. “Back up York or I won’t be able to check your food and water.”
York did not move until she pushed on his shoulder. Walking over to the two buckets she saw they were both empty. Taking the buckets from their hooks Etta exited the stall. York stood at the door of the stall whining as she walked away.
“Come on out you big dope. I have to clean your stall anyway.” She grabbed his halter and the lead line. Approaching York she tried to place it on his head but he raised his head. She kept trying and he kept moving his head out of reach.
“You idiot, do you want to keep standing in your own filth. Let me put this on you.” York finally cooperated and she got the halter on. Tying the lead to a ring, Etta began cleaning out his stall. It took a while but she finally finished. Turning back to York she saw that he had dozed off. Letting out a chuckle Etta filled his buckets with water and food. Walking back over to York she nocked on a board close to him. His head shot up.
“I’ve got your stall ready. Let’s get you back in it.” Etta led York back into the stall and removed the halter. York immediately went to his food and ate. She left him and moved on to the other stalls, where she cleaned and fed the other housed animals. After taking care of everyone Etta headed to the barn doors and left. The snow had started again while she was tending to York and the others. She created a new path to her house. Halfway there she noticed something by her house. As she got closer a man and a horse came into view. Etta stopped and wondered if she should go back to the barn, but quickly dismissed that thought. Continuing on she walked past him and to her front door.
“Are you not going to say hi Etta?” She ignored him and reached for her door handle. Turning the knob she tried to open it but found the door would not budge. Looking up she saw that a hand was keeping the door shut. Etta turned back to the man.
“What do you want James?”
“For you to stop playing and to come back home.” Etta crossed her arms and leaned back against her door.
“I am home and you are unwelcomed.”
“Are you serious Etta? I mean look at this place.” James gestured toward her house. “Is this how you want to live, in this rundown place.”
“It has been repaired and I am quite happy here,” Etta stated still leaning against the door. She glared at James as he leaned over her.
“Come on Etta it’s time to stop playing. Your family…”
“Don’t.” Etta cut him off, uncrossed her arm, and got into his face. “Don’t mention my family. They have no say in my life or decisions.”
James leaned back and studied Etta. He saw the anger on her face and how she stood there trembling. Shaking his head he reached out to touch her but she stopped him.
“Etta you can not run forever.”
“I’m not running, I’m living.” They both study each other.