THE MOONLIGHT CIRCLE

PREFACE


My name is Alliona Storm. I am from this time, although some may say it seems as though I am from a time long ago. When I was young my mother told me about The Burning Times. Which is what most people refer to as the time of the witch trials? I was scared to ask, but I had to.” Do they still burn witches at the stake, Momma?” I asked her.


"No sweetie” she replied” you have nothing to worry about anymore.” Then she laughed almost like a giggle.


I was confused; having been born a witch, then her telling me about The Burning Times scared me, enough that I learned to practice in secret. To this day I find it hard to celebrate certain holidays, much less perform many rituals. I feel as if the whole world is watching and waiting for a witch to screw up and bring the Burning Times upon us again.


I promised myself that won’t be me.


CHAPTER 1  Alexa


Today was my first day of school. The rest of the student’s had been in school for the last 3 months already. Like most new students I do my best to not be noticed.

I won’t be here long either. I choose to move around fairly often as to not allow my activities in one place to become associated with me.

As I was headed to my first class I noticed a kid with wire frame glasses, a long nose, and a friendly smile walking toward me. It immediately occurred to me he was headed my way. I pivoted trying to find another route to my homeroom class when I felt a hand brush my shoulder. “Hey my name is Anthony Hawkins, you must be Alexa Boudrogh, the new student am I right.” he said rather sure of himself.

"Yeah” I replied hoping my quick response would make him move along. Of course, just one look at him told me other wise.

"Sweet I must be getting better at my job then” he laughed. “Oh yeah I’m the welcoming committee. Sorry there isn’t more to it, but with being such a small school no one else volunteered. “He said with another shy smile. I stood there for a second before turning to walk to my classroom
"Hold up a sec I'm suppose to give you a tour of the school” he said.

For the first time I looked up into his eyes so I could will him away. Then I noticed how crystal blue they were; almost like staring into a moon reflected pool. His eyes appeared soulful as though they emitted kindness. I realized at that moment I wasn’t going to get rid of this tall lanky boy who almost resembles most story book nerds.

"OK thanks” I reply as he gently grabbed my arm and began leading me down the hallway. He points out each of the classrooms with enthusiasm. As we turn the corner he points out the gym and tells me that it is the cafeteria as well. “The tables just fold into the walls. The school is to cheap to build a gym for the high school but most of us don’t mind.” he paused.” that is until the jocks decide they need to play basketball and the ball lands in your food.” he laughed a little.” Just don’t sit under the hoops and you should be fine.” Then we turn again, and continue down the hallway.


"So who’s your homeroom teacher? Maybe we’ll get lucky and have the same one” he said suddenly excited at the thought.

"I have Mr. Barns. “I replied. A frown came over his face. “Oh well, I have Mrs. Duncan. That’s OK though let me see your schedule for a sec.” He responded. “Alright we have fifth period together though so we can head straight to lunch right after if you want?"

I thought for a second and replied “Sure that would be cool.”

“Well here's your class see you in science.” he replied and hurried back down the hallway as though he were already late.

I took a deep breath, sighed and walked into the classroom. It was loud until the bell rang and the teacher walked in. “OK class we have a new student. Her name is Alexa Boudrogh.” And in a more hushed voice he said “You can take a seat next to Alliona,” then said "Alliona Storm raise your hand so Alexa knows who you are.” I turned as saw a fairly pretty girl with almost fire engine red hair and a bright friendly smile already waving me over to the seat next to her.

I walked over and set my bag next to the desk and turned to sit. When I heard her say” Welcome to Sagebrush High, so as you know already I'm Alliona and I'm almost positive you've meet Tony, He's been my best friend since third grade. That’s when we moved to town. He’s just the sweetest don’t ya think?” she just kept rambling on as if she truly thought I was paying attention.

I couldn't help but think if everyone in this town was this nice I was probably going to choke on my own vomit. It’s going to be really hard to feed in this town.


CHAPTER 2  Alexa


Lunch appeared to go off with out much of a hitch. I had Anthony on one side. He told me to call him Tony as we sat down to the table. Alliona sat on the other side of me, just jabbing her jaw as I pick at my food. I have never been very fond of what is known as school lunches, the meat always resembles heavily seasoned dog food, and the vegetables always have a wax coating.

Alliona was telling us all about how her day has gone. Barely hesitating to ask us how ours was. Apparently the captain of the football team had been being very nice to her this last week, and today he asked if they could be study partners.

Tony cuts in “You can't possibly think Bobby Marks is actually interested in you. He's only using you so he can keep his grades up for football.”

She said “yea I know; but who knows there could be a spark, like the ones in movies. Where one person happens to catch the others eye and it's like wham, soul mates.” she looked away all dreamy like. I am always amazed at how humans can act sometime especially the young ones.

Tony rolls his eyes with sigh “only in your dreams. I’m so sure Stephanie Ann would be just thrilled with that idea.” I gathered from the conversation she must be Bobby's girlfriend.

Nonchalantly I ask if she was and am immediately informed that not only is she Bobby's girlfriend she ;s also the captain of the cheer-leading squad. I make a mental note to avoid both her and Bobby. They are too much in the limelight for my taste; although I’m sure they would taste really good.


Finally, the bell went off marking the end of the day. I tried rushing out the door hoping to avoid my new friends, but as I came around the corner they were waiting for me. Good lord you have got to be kidding me, what's up with them? I couldn't help but think, I'd need to find an excuse for them not to want to come over to my house. It seems as soon as someone finds out I have my own apartment it brings out all types of questions usually involving parties at my house and then somewhere in the conversation I get asked about my parents. I am so not in the mood for that today. I only enroll myself in school because it makes it easier to find willing food. I laugh at the thought, well not necessarily willing as easier to prey on. I smile and wave to them.


“So what part of town do you live in maybe we could walk home together.” Alliona says with a gleaming smile, the kind that makes her whole face light up.


I reply “Over on the south side but I drove, would either of you like a ride home.” With the look on their faces you would a thought I'd offered them my car. Then with both of them beaming as they look at each other.

In unison they say “Wow that would be great, where are you parked at.”

I point over at my mustang. It is a cherry red convertible with a little rust on the front fender and in a few other places. I had the windows tinted real dark a few towns back, or should I say a few schools back. I couldn't help but grin when I see the shock on both their faces. Tony almost had to pick up his jaw. “Sweet ride you got there.”

“Thanks she could go for a new paint job, but she gets me from point A to point B very nicely.” I say.

With excitement Tony tells me the auto shop teacher is looking for an older model car that they could restore. “I bet if you let us rebuild the engine and a little body work on her, I might be able to talk him into allowing us to throw on a fresh coat of paint. What do ya think.”

“Sounds like a winner to me just keep me updated.” I comment. Besides what harm could it be. I can always pick up a Junker for pretty cheap to get me around till my baby is up and running again.

Alliona squeals something that sounded like “Shotgun.” Tony dropping his head and crawled into the back seat. We head up north first to drop Alliona off. As we pull into her neighborhood it is what one would call quaint. Some of the houses have two stories, and a few have those little white picket fences. It was almost nauseating I thought. She told me which house is hers and as I pull into the drive way I swear I see someone staring out the front picture window. Her house is with huge two stories and a picket fence, and what appears to be a flower garden wrapping its way around toward the back side of the house.


Alliona looks almost embarrassed as she sees her mom waiting for her to get home. As she opens the door she says “thanks for the ride I'd invite you in but my mom doesn't look to happy, maybe next time.” She smiles and waves to Tony as she closes the car door and heads toward her story book house.

Tony doesn't hesitate to scramble over the seat, suddenly smiling. I can't help but think he looks like a kid who got caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

“I hope she doesn't get grounded.” He says. “She knows better then to get into vehicles with people her parents haven't approved of yet.”

“Oh” I say “I hope I didn't get her in any trouble.”

“Na her moms fairly cool just don't be surprised if you have to go in with all your paper work next time.” He says calmly.

We make a left out of Alliona's neighborhood onto the main highway and headed south. I turn on the radio as to avoid anymore conversation. The radio cranks out some new form of what the teenagers in this day call grunge rock. In other words some guy screaming into the microphone with lots of drums for a hateful beat. I reach over to change the station when Tony's hand reaches over and brushes mine. Saying “wait it is just getting to the good part.” I'm not aware that kind of music has a good part. I laugh at the thought and made a right into shoddy looking trailer court where vehicles on jacks in the front yard almost appear to be the lawn ornaments. We pull up to a trailer house that has a small pickup truck for its lawn ornament with overgrown weeds surrounding it.

Tony points over at it and said “that's my baby as soon as I finish rebuilding the carburetor and get some new tires on her. She's a beauty isn't she” I nod. It really is a nice mini truck although with his long legs it almost seemed too small for him.

He gestures for me to come inside his house and comments “only my dads home and he's probably passed out drunk in his chair but you can come in for a few, we just have to keep it down a little.


I thank him and tell him maybe another time I have some homework I have to get done. Plus I have to find me a job. I ask him if he knew of anyone hiring and he says to check the gas station. “Talk to James Wolf just let him know I sent you. I hope you can run a register and help out with oil changes, you don’t really appear to be one of those girls afraid to get her nails dirty.”


I tell him thanks as he closes the car door and heads for his house I see him turn around and wave. I wave back and peel out of the driveway sending gravel flying all around my car. I guess I hit the gas a little too hard. I holler “sorry” and continue out of the trailer court.


It isn't even twenty minutes later that I'm pulling up in front of the gas station with a makeshift garage on the side and get out of my car. May as well get all the unpleasantness out of the way all in one day I saunter up to the door of the store part and holler in but I get no response. I start around to the side of the building over to the garage. It's looks remind me of one of the sheds most people put up out back in their backyards all made out of tin only much bigger. There is some good classic rock music billowing out of it getting louder as I walk up.

“Excuse me is anyone out here” I holler over the music. Then I notice someone sliding out from under a 1965 Chevy on one of those creeper things.

“How can I help you Miss?” The voice replies. The man was standing up wiping his hands on a shop rag and reaching out to shake mine. “The name's James. James Wolf Ma'am what can I do for you.” He is handsome in a rugged kind of way, if you don't mind the grease all over. He is tall with blond hair that flows down right past his shoulders. I can tell, even though most of it is in a ponytail. His blue green eyes seem to sparkle under the shop lights. His jaw line was strong which enhance his cheekbones. He can't be much older then my supposed 17 years; although I was really a lot older.

“Tony Hawkins said you might be looking for some help around here and I'm in need of a job.” I reply. “I have done my fair share of auto repair and can run a register, whatever work you got I sure could use it.”
Giving me a once over,He says “I'll give you a shot but just to let you know in advance I can only pay you minimum wage for being a cashier and 20 percent commission on all repairs you do. How's that sound?”


I reply “I'll take it but I can only work after school, I'm a senior this year I hope that won't be a problem. So when can I start?”

“Be here tomorrow 3:00 pm. Sound good? I'll have you stay till close, which is about ten pm unless we get busy.” He laughs at the thought. The gas station usually dies around nine ,but what the hell, he could use a friendly face to talk to. Not to mention the fact that she is gorgeous. Her dark brown hair that surrounds her high cheekbones and falls past the middle of her back, she has nice full lips that almost beg to be kissed and the lightest blue eyes he's ever seen that had a slight lavender tint to them. Wow he thought she almost looks like one of those models in the magazines, but he knew he couldn't think anymore about that with her being an employee now and all.

I thank him for the job opportunity and tell him I'll see him tomorrow then head out to my car. As I walk out the door it occurs to me I didn't tell him my name so as I turn I catch him checking out my rear. It makes me smile and I say “By the way the name names Alexa Boudrogh. Nice to meet you.” I am really intrigued by him although there is something different about him, I just can't put my finger on it.


CHAPTER 3   James


As Alexa leaves I turn around and get back on the creeper and sliding under the car. But my thoughts weren't on repairing the transmission right now. They are on that girl. I can't help thinking, she is hot. Whispering to myself “just your luck James, a pretty girl finally moves to town and you gotta have her working for you. That's all you need sexual harassment charges.”I shake my head trying to drop the thought and start focusing back on the car. Bob is expecting it at the end of the week. There's still quite a bit to do.

At a quarter to nine I start closing shop. The rest of the transmission will have to wait. I lock the front door and head over to my motorcycle and fire it up,revving the engine to get the juices flowing. I throw my leg over, slap on my helmet and speed off to the trailer court.


As I whip around the turn I see Tony sanding out front of his pad., so I pull to a stop at the end of his driveway. He runs over quickly. He is always so excited to see me ever since that altercation with his dad last summer.

“So did she come by and see you yet?”Tony asks ; grinning even bigger.

“Who?”I reply acting as though I have no clue as to what he's talking about. He is easy to tease especially with him this excited.

“Alexa man I told her you were looking for hand around the shop. She really didn't stop in to see you?”He says with a confused look on his face.

“Oh her ya she stopped in for a sec.”

“Well did you give her a job?She is so exotic looking compared to most of the girls around here don't ya think?”he's barely remembering to breathe as he spouts off the questions.

“Ya I gave her a job. She starts tomorrow , man., and I guess she's kinda cute for a teenager.”

“Ah man don't lie dude, you think she's just as hot as I do,Its written all over your face. Besides she'll be 18 in two weeks. So she' ll be legal man. ,Your telling me you ain't the least bit interested?”He says watching me close looking for a reaction.

“Well in that case ya she's hot but I can't make a move on her anyways dude. She works for me! Sexual harassment ring a bell for you pal? I don't need any trouble with the law; besides she's probably into those preppy guys anyway.”I say ,shaking my head.

“Not a chance man. There's no way she'd be caught dead with a jock. She's to much of a loner to be into the likes of them. Dude you would so be her type. Could be fate you know.? Not everyday someone moves into town looking like that and just happens to find a job working for you man. Think about it anything's possible.”He say with a snide little grin.

“OK bro whatever you say. Anyways you coming over tonight so I can kick your butt in some more Full Auto? I'm so in the mood to blow stuff up right now.”I ask trying to take my mind off her.


“Dude I'd love to but I already promised Alliona I'd help her with some homework tonight. Maybe I could take you up on it tomorrow night.”He says trying to sound nonchalant.

“Sure dude. I'll swing by after I close up shop tomorrow night sound good?By the way its your turn to bring the sodas don't forget.”I say as I grab the handlebars and hit the gas,speeding down the street.

Five houses down from Tony's,off to the left is my shabby little trailer. Pulling into the driveway it occurs to me I'm the only one on the block without a vehicle up on blocks. I think I'm also the only person with grass instead of weeds,but then again I try to pride myself on the shape I keep my grandpa's property.

I hop off my motorcycle,And hang my helmet on the handlebars. As I walk up the drive to the porch I notice something move in the bushes. I stop and sniff the air a second when I catch the sent of a small feline. No threat there I think as I turn the key in the nob letting myself in the trailer.

Before walking in I stop,and reach down to scoop up the paper. Step inside the door and head straight for the kitchen. Opening the cabinet I reach in for a bag of chips. Then as I turn to the refrigerator the front door swings open. Tony steps inside with blood all over his face.

“Hey dude you got some ice and maybe some peroxide?The old man woke up in one of his moods while I was out talking to you. I guess I should know better by now.”he says as I hand him some ice.

“Dude I think you might need some stitches for that eye. Looks like he nailed ya pretty good this time. Want me to go have a little talk with him about this?You know I would love to right now.”

“Na dude its all good,He'll probably pass back out in a few. I think he found some whiskey cause the bottle was turned over next to his chair.”

“I don't know man,seriously. I warned him. One of these days he's gonna kill you. If that happens I'm going to jail you know that right Tony.”I tell him as I'm cleaning the gash that runs along his eyebrow.

“Chill man it's gonna be alright. I'll be 18 in four months. Then I'll be able to move in with you man.”


“Whoa dude what are you talking about. A little presumptuous don't ya think. I never said I needed a roommate.”

“I know man I was giving you crap. Anyways I gotta get out of here I was suppose to meet Alliona 20 minutes ago. Thanks dude I appreciate the help tonight. Oh yea you wouldn't happen to have any of the herb stuff you put on my cuts and bruises last time do ya. I think the school may frown on anymore injuries.”he says with a pleading look in his eyes.

So I reach in to the cabinet above the stove and pull out a small jar that contains a pasty like substance. Its my granddads recipe,a mixture of various herbs used for healing. Its known to heal all scrapes and bruises over night,and usually begins working in minutes repairing all damage down to the the area. After I apply a little over his eye,on his nose,and the massive rising bruise on his right cheek. He gives me a quick hug and heads for the door.

“Thanks for patching me up again Doc.”he says walking out the door.

“Not a problem dude,next time remember to duck and dodge. It does you know good being his punching bag.” I holler,knowing he probably couldn't here me through the closed door.

I plop down on the couch to catch a quick nap before I head out to catch some dinner. Lying there I find it hard to clear my mind. It keeps bouncing between that girl Alexa and Tony. After about an hour of tossing and turning I give up throw my boots back on and head out the back door,running straight towards the forest.


CHAPTER 4   Alliona


“Alliona get in here” I hear my mother calling from the kitchen.

“I'll be right there one sec.”I say tossing my shoes and bag in the hall closet. Strolling down the hallway I cant help but see all the pictures of me growing up. Everything from my Wiccaning to my 16th birthday party,all my most precious memories on display for the world to see. Rounding the corner I can hear my mom huffing and puffing away at something in the room on the other side of the door.

“Ya mom”I say while pushing the door open.

“Who drove you home today young lady”she says with a scowl.”You know my rules and I didn't recognized that young lady who drove you home”.

“I know Momma I'm sorry but today was her first day. Her name is Alexa Boudrogh. She offered to come in and meet you momma but you seemed a little upset so I told her to come by in the morning. Please don't be mad at her.”I say with a pleading look in my eyes.

“I'll let it slide this time young lady but if it happens again I will drive you to and from school just like you were in elementary school again. Am I understood?”She says with that look, you know the one where her hand is on her hip and her mouth so thin it looks almost nonexistent. That look always tels me exactly how serious she is.


“Understood. Thank you Momma. Can I help you with dinner?


“Sure honey, can you run outside and snip me some basil,sage,and oregano I want to spice up the spaghetti I've been working on all day.”with a smile she continues working on the meatballs,humming “The mystics dream” with such compassion and vigor I couldn't help but begin to dance as I headed out to the herb garden through the back door.


I always love coming out here the smell of all the herbs combined is so relaxing. I don't think there is a herb out there that we don't have out here in this sanctuary. I think my mom became a chef to hide the fact that we are descendent's of the Salem witches.

continued Alliona

My mom has always been so careful with every spell she does. If there is a way she can bake it into something she will. She says it makes it less obvious, needless to say I have tried some nasty tasting works in progress. Thank the goddess today its just her famous spaghetti. While I was lost in my thoughts I gathered everything she needed without even realizing it. I head back inside to help mom finish dinner. 

 

Tonight is a full moon and I have a ritual waiting for me in the woods. About two years ago Tony caught me performing a ritual while he was out testing these new abilities he was developing. At the time Tony didn't know his mom was a unique person before she died. When Tony told me he was able to see almost three times father and could hear a mouse squeak three blocks away. I thought he was going nuts or that his dad had hit him one to many times in the head. That is till I got home and talked with my mom,she told me Tony's mom Angelica was special.

 

I recalled mom saying "She was a Shifter Sweetheart a unique one at that. Most shifters are Werewolves but Angie came from an almost extinct race of Hawk shifters."

 

 "Are you kidding me mom. I'm not a little girl anymore I don't believe in monster's" I shouted angrily.Standing up to walk away. I remember thinking my mom was making a joke out of my friend being sick.I was so mad. Before I could say anything else my mom gently grabbed me by the arm pulling me back down on my bed. 

 

"Honey I'm not making a joke about this I'm being serious. Angie knew when she got sick someone would need to be able to tell Tony about his heritage." Mom stood up and walked toward the window before she continued. "If and when he started showing signs he had inherited it from his mother. Angie made me promise when the time came that I would tell Him. Then she showed me the full transformation it looked so painful.As an empath I could feel how each bone broke and reformed. It was magnificent and excruciating all at the same time."

 

"Mom are you saying Tony is going to become a hawk during the full moon." I asked.

 

"No Sweetheart he will be able to shift at will, that is once he gets he hang of how to shift." She said almost in a giggle. " Now Sweetheart there is something you can do for him. He's going to need someone there for the first few times, and he trusts you. So your going to need to be there for him. I would do it but he doesn't trust me like enough for something like that." She sighs with a frown. Then said "Heck honey he doesn't even trust me enough to tell me his dad has been beating on him since Angie died."

 

I gasp " Mom you knew and you did nothing. What's wrong with you, he's already broke his arm in three places. Not to mention the fractured cheekbone."

 

"Oh honey but I've done all I can without his permission. I've already made hank pass out if he has more then a beer. Sweetheart you know the rules." She took a deep breathand quotes from the Wiccan Rede. "And harm none do what ye will." She paused in deep contemplation. " Aliona you also know we aren't suppose to perform magic for anyone without their permission. When hes here I've done a block on the house so Hank forgets about him for 24 hours. What else do you want me to do."

 

"You could let me tell him about us, when I tell him about his mom. At least maybe then he will feel its safe enough to ask for help. Goddess mom, I can't believe your just now telling me all this.

 

 

 

Every phase of the moon we do something special as a family.After dark decends Mom allows me to venture into the woods.We have a small plot of land that is deep in the woods.Mom dug a deep firepit in the middle, with a shed that faces north, to help me with directions and element.When I was younger Mom use to join me out there and she would make each ritual seem like a game so I would learn them faster.

 

While I gather the herbs my mom needs,I start gathering the herbs I'll need for my Ritual tonight in a seperate bag.Tonight being a New moon,I make sure to grab a little extra Vervain,Rosemary,and I also grab a White Sage wand handwrapped by my mother and I last fall.The New Moon is a time for New Beginings,Positive Changes,and some say New adventures.In the back of the Greenhouse we have a small walk in cooler to keep some of the harvested herbs fresh, we also keep our main suply of homemade candles we use for all rituals.After collecting one for each of the element.I grab small black one to dispel all negitive energy,a silver one to represent the Goddesses,and a gold one to represent the Gods.I already feel energized and can't wait for tonight.

 

I rush back in the house dropping moms herbs on the counter,before rushing to my room to finish gathering the rest of my supplies I'll need for tonight.Tossing them all in my portable Magick kit(actually an old black leather laptop bag my dad weatherproofed for me)reaching into my nightstand to get my Book of Shadows,and my Athame'.One more quick check to make sure i have everything.I head back downstairs to help mom with chopping and preparing the herbs for dinner.I set the table as mom is getting the salad ready adding in a few extra tomatoes my favorite and some garlic cheesy croutons dads favorite before tossing it lightly and setting it on the table.

 

We finished eating and chatting at about the days events,I dominated the converstion talking about Alexa the new girl and how totally cool she was my dad seemed impressed and wanting to meet her.Mom still a little gun shy, agreed she would meet her the next morning.I look up out the front picture window and notice the sun has set.Jumping up I hurry and clear the table befor turning to my mom and asking "Do I have to do the dishes before I go or can I please do them after."

 

Mom glares at me"No young lady,they need to be done first."Apparently still mad at me.

 

"Oh come on honey,don't be so hard on her.It was just one ride. You know how she looks forward to the new moon."My dad scoops her up kissing her lightly, pleading with her.Coming to my defense like always.My dad has always been my hero against mom.

 

Moms expression softens as it always does when dad is sweet to her."Fine this time you can do them after,but dont let it happen again Alli."

 

"It won't Momma,I promise."Rushing for the front door grabbing my bag.Carefully closing the door behind me to not upset mom any more.I rush to the side of the house where keep my mountian bike fully equipped with headlight,tailights,bag rack and to my horror a set of button opperated blinkers my dad made just for me.I can still hear them in unison"Safety first sweetie, or no night riding you better use them."Seriously its so embarrassing.Then again so is the helmet with refletive strips all over it.I guess it could be worse my dad could have put a big flashing yellow light on it.I almost said that to him but thought i better not give him any ideas.Hopping on my bike I head toward the woods.I know Tony will be waiting on me at our ussual spot.

CHAPTER 5 Tony

 

"Son of a ....." I whisper to myself. "Alli is going to kill me. I can't believe I'm going to be so late." Running through the woods headed for the thicket I always meet Alli at. I can feel the burning sensation of the healing paste James put on my face. Always a good sign its working. Hopefuly the shadows will hide my face. Alli always freaks when she see's new bruises, from my P.O.S. Father. Thinking back to what happened after I seen James earlier.

 

I had walked back in my house hearing stuff breaking, knowing it would be a bad idea. Still he is my father I had to make sure he was ok. As I open the door a bottle wizzes past my head, landing in the weeds barely missing me and the door. Profanity's spewing out the door, mostly a garbled drunken mess, I'm barely able to make out half of them. Plain as day I understood the next words that came out of his mouth as I closed the door.

 

" God dammit Tony what the fuck was that asshole doing here. I warned you what would happen to you if I caught him near my door again." My dad screamed at the top of his lungs charging toward me. He stumbled a few times before he took a swing at my face. His fist connected with my eye causing me to see spots. I stumbled backwards a bit before he swung agian this time nailing my cheek. The next blow spun me around toward the door when he punched me in the jaw. I reached for the door and in full sprint high tailed it for James's house. I could hear the obscenities trailing behind me. My only comfort was knowing he wouldn't come after me. My dad was a firm believer in " Not airing our dirty laundry in public." One of the only things that stuck after my mom died in childbirth. Everyone always said my dad was a great guy before my mom past. I guess that man is long gone cause I've never met him.

 

As usual James patched me up, still wanting to put my dad out of my misery. I giggle at the way James always refered to it. "Focus tony" I think to myself. I know Alli is going to beat me to the thicket if I don't hurry. Just at that moment I feel a burst of speed as my legs start running faster. I almost feel like I'm flying as everything speeds past me in a blur. I start to slow as I realise at this speed I'm going to zoom right past the thicket. Coming to a stop at the edge of the thicke I scan the area. Alli is no where to be seen. She should be here already. I glance down at my watch wondering how late I am. Its only been 5 minutes since I left James house.

 

"How is that possible?" I say outloud. It ussually takes at least 20 minutes, even if I'm running. I'm still shaking my head in utter confusion. Something is going on with me, but im not sure what. Last month when we came out here, my eyes were different. I didn't need my glasses anymore. In fact I could see things more then clearly. When I took my glasses off, I could see things miles away. My peripheral vision was outstanding. At first I thought I was hallucinating. Until I started researching vision changes. Either I was some mythical supernatural creature or I have a brain tumor. I was willing to bet on the latter. Alli doesn't know about any of this. Nor does she know exactly how much I'm in love with her. No one does.

 

"Who are you talking to ,Tony" Alliona says as she pulls up on her bike, Looking like a space invader with all the getup her parents make her wear to ride her bike at night. "I thought we agreed we would come alone, you know the stories Tony..... If anyone finds out I could be burned as a witch." Her voice shaking as she looks around, totally freaking out.

 

"Nobody Alli I was taking to myself . I got here alot faster then I thought I would. Sorta caught me offguard." I say trying to reassure her that everything is ok. "Do you got everything you need? If so lock up your bike so we can head in." I say softly trying to get her mind off my crazy moment.

 

I grabbed her bag off her bike, keeping my head down hoping she wouldn't see my face. She finished clicking the lock in place. Stood up and put her arm through mine and tried smiling at me. Pulling me to a stop when she felt the tension coming off me.

 

"Tony, is everything OK? You seem really tense. Why won't you look at me? She says sounding deeply concerned. "Are you mad at me? I'm sorry I freaked out. I know I'm probably paranoid for no reason. But please don't be mad at me."

 

I sigh "I'm not mad Alli, I promise. Just thinking is all. Don't worry I'll always protect you." I shoot her a smile keeping the left side of my face to the shadows.

 

She smiles that beautiful smile that always warms my heart. The same smile I envision right before I fall asleep. Always hoping someday she will only smile like that for me. Lost in my thoughts I almost didnt hear her when she said "Good I'm glad. I always feel safe when your with me."

 

We slowed as we reached the edge of her moms property. She releases my arm and lights the sage. Walking clockwise around the circle stopping at each point marking the 4 directions. East,south,west,and north saying a little chant at each spot, before slowly walking to the center. Last night I came out here and gathered firewood and set it up in the pit. Hoping to have everything ready for her. As she got closer to the pit she stopped. Lifted her gaze to mine and she smiled.

 

"Did you do this? When did you find he time?" Her smile this time I knew was just for me. " Goddess I love you Tony, You know that." Oh if only she meant that as more then just friends I could die a happy man.

 

She bent down to light the fire. My eyes unable to stop staring at her. As I watched her go over to her bag I set on the natural table, made out of a tree stump by the firepit. She bagan setting everything up. Softly I could hear her begin to sing or chant. I began focusing on the sound and i swear my hearing sharpened. I could make out every pitch, every tone. Off in the distance I heard a rustling in the underbrush dismissing it as a rabbit, or some other nocturnal wildlife. I tried focusing back on the the beautiful music coming from the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen. Alexa might look like a model but Alliona looked like an angel in my eyes.

 

There it was again the rustle in the brush but i couldn't quite make out if it was coming towards us or away from us. Tree branches broke this time I was sure it was to high up in the trees to be a rabbit. Something was out there chasing a smaller creature. Taking my eyes off Alli I reached up and removed my glasses. Focusing hard in the direction of the noise. I saw what looked like a rabbit first then what appeared to be a person hot on its trail. Cunfused I rubbed my eyes, Positive that blow to the head earlier must have knocked something loose. Focusing again in that direction, there was nothing there. Staring for a few more minutes about to shake my head. When my peripheral vision caught somebody walking back from the direction the creatures were headed. The person had long black hair, shaking their head and running fingers through their hair, trying to remove leaves and twigs. The person was petite about the size of Alexa. Stop it Tony she can be out here. I'm sure she is at home unpacking or sleeping it is late afterall.

 

I start to turn away when the person stops sniffs the air, and slowly turns to look in our direction. No freaking way. What the hell is she doing out here. Our eyes meet and she brings her finger to her mouth in the shhh fashion. I nod to let her know I wouldn"t say anything. She turns and disappears almost I can see the blur and th bend of the tree branches but to normal eyes that would look like the wind blowing.

 

I hear my voice being called gently at first, then louder and a bit more frantic. "Tony what is it? Whats out there? Are you ok?" Alli is trying to get my attention almost to a full panic. "Tony answer me." she screams.

 

"It was nothing. I thought I seen something. Maybe im just seeing things." I say as I put my glasses back on. "How goes the ritual sorry if i interupted or distracted you."

 

"Are you sure?" she says with that questioning look in her eyes. I nod in reply. "OK good cause we are done for the night the circle is closed. Now we can go." she walks slowly toward me pausing to look at me closely in the dying firelight. She rises on her tiptoes and kisses me on the cheek. "Thank you Tony for always watching out for me. Your the greatest." her right palm caresses my left check.

 

Oh my god do I want to kiss her and just as I'm abut to lean down to try. She jerks her hand back "Tony whats on your face? What happened?" she gasps as she see's the bruising on my cheek. "He hit you again didn't he? Tony I have to tell my mom. He's going to kill you one day if I don't protect you,like you've always protected me."

 

"It's OK Alli. Don't worry I'm going to crash with James tonight. Please don't say anything. They will take me away from you." I say pleading wih her. I'll be lost without her.

 

"But Tony I love you and I can't live without you. You are my world can't you see that." she turns away with tears in her eyes. I try to reach for her but she brushes my hand away and walks over to gather the last of her things.

 

"Alli wait, please." I hurry behind her. I reach for her hand and as I grasp it I spin her around. Knowing this could be the nail in my coffin. I can't stop myself. My other hand comes up below her chin. I tilt it up so I can look into those beautiful green eyes at least on last time. I lean down and press my lips gently to hers. As I begin to pull away, I feel her hands close behind my neck. Lifting up on her toes to kiss me more feircely then I ever could have imagined. I wrap my hands behind her waist. Pulling her closer to me.Her lips are so soft and I don't want to stop kissing her ever. I slowly come to my senses and realise my dreams are coming true, or my world is about to come crashing down. Either way I Could die a happy man. I pull my lips away from hers and rest my forehead on hers.

 

Trying to catch my breath I whisper " I'm so sorry. I couldn't help myslef any longer." Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves before I contiued.

 

" Alliona Storm I love you. I always have." Pausing to look into her eyes to see if there is any regret.

 

"Tony, I have to tell you something." she starts to say looking deep into my eyes I swear she can see my soul.

 

I raise my finger to her lips trying to stop her before I could finish. "I know you probably dont feel the same about me. And I know you could do so much better. But..... If there is even the slightest bit of love for me besides just being friends. Please Alli give me a chance." I know I sound like I'm begging but if I let her walk away right now without knowing a piece of me will go with her.

 

 

"Can I speak now?" she says with a slight giggle. " Anthony Hawkins, we have been best friends since the 3rd grade. I have had the worlds biggest crush on you since I first seen you on the playground when we were registering me for school." She lets out a sigh of relief before continueing.

 

"Tony you will be my boyfriend." she says without remorse. " I can't wait anymore for you to ask me. So I'll just declare it. Now please grap my bag my gorgous boyfriend, so you can take me home."

 

I'm shocked, stunned, bewildered, so many emotions but the thing I choose to focus on is she called me her gorgous boyfriend. I stagger to the stump throw her bag over my shoulder, when I turn around I catch her staring at me smiling. OMG that smile is for me she is mine finally.

 

I walk her back to her bike, but instead of getting on it she grabs it and starts pushing it. We walk in silence,stealing glances at each other. Our feelings are now out in the open, yet both of us are speechless. I stop her at the corner of her street for one last kiss before I walk her the rest of the way home. When we get to the end of her driveway she stops and looks at me. I know her parents are watching but it doesn't stop her from taking my hand and pulling me close. She places so soft gentle kiss on my lips.

 

As she pulls away she whispers " I love you. I'll see you tomorrow." Then sets her bike on the side of the house.

 

"I love you too." I call after her softly. Walking toward the end of her block. Dazed I think today has got to be the best day of my life. My mind keeps replaying everything that happened in the woods. As I round the corner in my trailer park my mind drifts back to Alexa and what the hell she was doing in the woods. Did I imagine it.

Impressum

Tag der Veröffentlichung: 23.01.2010

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