Temporary Goddess

The Importance of The List

Back at the Castell residence:

                “Mom! What the hell?!” I called out as soon as I shut the door.

                Cleo popped her head out from the kitchen and made a ‘I’m sorry face’. “What’s wrong, babe?”

                I shook my head. “You know what’s wrong! How could you just have me walk into that place like an i***t? I love you, but damn.”

                “Now, Cairyn. I know it’s an unconventional situation, but…did you make friends?” Cleo asked as she smiled.

                “Your serious?” I face palmed as I sighed. “Yeah, mom. I made four friends. Well, three confirmed. One I’m working on.”

                Cleo smiled and did a little happy dance. “That’s great baby!”

                “They are not human! And you knew this!” I yelled trying to get my mother back on track.

                Cleo shrugged. “So? I knew it was something you could handle. Plus, if I told you, you wouldn’t have believed me.”

                I rubbed my temples. “Mom, I got into a verbal fight…with a dragon girl! Do you hear me?! I was almost burnt to a fricking crispy piece of bacon!”

                “Well, that’s not too promising.” Cleo said as she sighed. “What about your friends? Are they watching out for you?”

                “Mom, this crap shouldn’t be put on them like this. Always having to make sure I’m safe? Why did you bring me here? Was there a point?” I asked, I was getting overwhelmed.

                Cleo nodded. “Yes, baby. This place, with these people, it’s where we belong. I knew you would make friends because of this. I know it’s all stressful right now, but I promise that it will get easier.”

                I shook my head. “Were not human, are we mom?”

                “Yes…no…for the most part. I can’t explain it to you yet.” Cleo said as she put a finger up. “I sense a boy all over your aura. A very…very strong person. Who is he? Fess up.”

                “Mom…” I tried to remain calm. A few inches short of having an entire meltdown. “I was attacked three times! Vivian the dragon lady, a guy named Gunner who wants to break my bones, and then my P.E. teacher who hit me in the face with a football intentionally to make me bleed. This ‘boy’ is the only reason I’m looking at you right now. He’s been watching out for me, god knows why, he shouldn’t have to do all of this. If it wasn’t for him…I would be…”

                Cleo sighed. “I’m sorry, baby. I can’t explain anything to you yet, but when the time is right I’ll tell you everything you need to know. Hold the phone, do you like this boy? Oh yeah, what’s his name?”

                I shook my head. “I hate you sometimes.”

                “I love you too, my beautiful girl.” Cleo said as she laughed, knowing her daughter all too well. “Tell me his last name.”

                “It’s Lyle. I’m going to a party with my new friends, so I’m going to take a shower.” I said as I turned and went down the hall to my room.

                Cleo frowned when her daughter was gone. “A Lyle? I didn’t think they were still here…He’s going to get her killed…fuck…”    

                “Are your friends coming to get you?” Cleo asked as she made myself a cup of spiced tea trying to get over what I decided to dress in tonight. Black skin-tight skinny jeans, dark grey heeled boots that went over the knee, a black see-through off the shoulder crop top with a tube top bralette underneath.

                I shrugged. “I wanted to drive myself, but I need the address and can’t seem to get anyone to answer my calls.

                Cleo stopped for a second and gestured to the front door. “Someone is in the driveway.”

                “Now that I know there are things that aren’t human, your weird premonitions and crap make sense now, mom. I’m glad at least that was cleared up.” I said, rolling my eyes as I hopped off the chair and headed to the front door.

                I yanked it open right as I saw someone stepping up onto my porch. With a mischievous smile, I crossed my arms and leaned against the doorframe.

                “How do you know where I live? Are you stalking me?”

                Jacek shook his head. “Everyone knows where you live, dolcezza. Your grandmother and mother are famous around here.”

                I nodded as I looked him over. Jacek was in all black. Black t-shirt. Black riding jacket. Dark wash jeans. Black shoes, and black riding gloves. “Ah, yeah I forgot about that. Speaking of my mother, she’s coming this way.”

                Cleo stopped when she was behind me and smiled. “Hello. Oh yeah, definitely a Lyle.”

                “Mom, really stop talking like Jacek isn’t here.” I said as I let out a deep sigh.

                Jacek was looking over my head. “Not too happy about it myself either, ma’am.”

                Cleo smirked. “Fair enough, please bring her back in one whole piece? I would greatly appreciate you for that.”

                “No one will hurt her.” Jacek said as he never broke eye contact with Cleo, feeling her challenging gaze and not giving in.

                “Then why is her lip messed up?” Cleo retorted.

                I rolled my eyes. “It’s not his job to protect me. Plus, it was a football thrown directly for my face.”

                “I didn’t think Torrance was going to do something like that.” Jacek said responding to Cleo not me.

                Cleo debated in her mind for a moment before nodding. “It’s a school night. So, if you stay up all night, that’s your ass that’s going to be exhausted tomorrow, Cairyn.”

                “I know mom. Love you, bye.” I quickly said over my shoulder before gesturing casually to Jacek for us to leave.

                When Cleo closed the door, I turned to stare at Jacek. “If my family is so well known around here, then you should know who my father is, right?”

                Jacek shook his head. “I don’t. I can ask my dad about it.”

                I nodded. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I just asked you that. But, she knew. She knew the school’s students were all like you and never warned me or anything. I guess I’m just mad.”

                “You don’t have to apologize to me. Can I say something?” He asked as they stepped off the porch.

                I looked over at him and huffed. “Mr. Bad Wolf, you’ll never have to ask for permission from me ever. What’s up?”

                Jacek gestured over his shoulder with his head. “You’re mom. She’s not human.”

                “I fricking knew it!” I shouted, nearly spinning around and heading back to the house to yell some more. “You know what. I don’t even care tonight.”

                He raised an eyebrow. “Why is that?”

                Then with the moon shining behind me, I shot him a flirty wink. “Because I’m with you.”

                “Smooth, dolcezza.” He said as he handed me a solid black matte helmet.

                “You know it, babe.” I laughed a little. “It gets smoother than molasses from here on in.”

                Jacek shook his head, swinging his leg over the side of his cross-sport bike while I put on the helmet. “That’s good to know.”

                I watched him hold out a hand for me. “I could get used to this.”

                “Could you now?” He held my weight effortlessly in one hand as I climbed on behind him.

                I nodded as I got settled in the small seat. “Oh yeah, my heart’s in my throat and I can’t stop my leg from shaking.”

                Jacek glanced over his shoulder. “What’s that from?”

                I rolled my eyes at him. “It’s either from the bike or from you. I can’t decide which one it is.”

                “While you decide, make sure you hold on.” He said as he started up the engine.

                The purr from the motor echoed through my bones, making me shiver with excitement and nervousness. I hadn’t been lying when I said I didn’t know which was making me giddier. Both the bike and being so close to Jacek was making me squirm in my seat, and I was doing my best to seem completely cool and calm. His whole helmet smelled like fresh citrus and cypress wood from his hair products, and I could feel his body so close to me. I swallowed hard as I leaned forward, placing my hands on his back to warn him that I was going to be touching him. With a deep breath in my chest I slowly slid them to his sides and then around to the front of him.

                “Like this? Or should I hold on tighter?” I asked, knowing how seductive it sounded.

                Jacek didn’t say anything for a moment as he tapped the kickstand up and supported the bike. “Yeah, like that. You’ll know how strong to hold. Just don’t let go.”

                “I bet you say that to all the pretty girls.” I said jokingly as I felt him rev the engine.

                “Nope.” He dropped gears, sending the bike forward.

                Riding with Jacek was like riding on the longest, sexiest, most threatening roller coaster ride ever. I panicked for the first ten minutes as I got used to the bike and how it moved. It wasn’t like riding a bicycle. I was expected to lean and focus on the road without being able to usually see around Jacek. He took a turn faster than what I thought he was going too, and held on for dear life as I felt the wind rip around me. My nails dug into his shirt, gripping the fabric tightly as I let out a slow breath. As if knowing I was freaking out, Jacek’s gloved hand covered mine for a minute or two to calm me down. The act was simple, but effective. From that moment on I didn’t freak out. I trusted him.

 Third P.O.V.

                “I still don’t think this is a good idea.”

                Casey rolled his eyes at Gwyneth while Derek texted someone on his phone. “Stop saying that. Everything is going to be okay. Plus, didn’t Jacek say he was coming?”

                Gwyneth shook her head. “Not to us. Only Cairyn knows if he is coming or not.”

                “Why would Jacek come with us to a party? You guys realize that he has never, ever, done anything like he has today.” Derek said, never looking up from his phone. “He is like a completely different person.”

                Casey shrugged. “It would be hard not to notice that, Derek.”

                Gwyneth nodded. “He’s right though. Jacek doesn’t seem like the same person we all know. I wonder why that is.”

                “Isn’t it obvious? He likes Cairyn.” Derek looked up, sliding his phone back into his pocket. “Who doesn’t like her?”

                “Vivian, Gunner, Torrance…” Gwyneth rolled her eyes.

                Casey shrugged. “Derek’s got a point though, Gwyn. From the moment she got here, it seems like the entire school came to life. I don’t remember it ever being this lively or fun. I mean, were kind of popular now. Besides you Gwyneth. You were already popular.”

                Gwyneth snorted her frustration. “You two are ridiculous. Why would you want to be popular? It’s not all it’s cracked up to be.”

                “Your saying that because you are popular. Do you have any idea how it feels for everyone to ignore you and laugh at you? Me and Casey have been the laughing stock of the school since forever. Don’t act all high and mighty, Gwynie. I remember a time of two where you, even mocked us.” Derek said as he glared over at her.

                “You’re right, and I’m sorry. I’m trying to be better, but it doesn’t happen overnight. I’m standing here with you two now, aren’t I?” Gwyneth said, clenching her jaw, knowing full well that they were right.

                Up until last year she was cruel, high-strung, and even torturous to her fellow students. But then, something happened to her. Now, Gwyn was desperate to try and change as fast as she could.

                Derek nodded. “Which is weird enough, but do we think there is something wrong with Jacek? Or are we thinking…there is something up with Cairyn?”

                Casey huffed as he looked off. “I think that’s going a little over board. Have you even considered that maybe they just like each other?”

                Derek shook his head while Gwyneth rubbed her arm as she thought to herself.

                “I think you need to see the bigger picture here, Casey.” Derek said as he patted his friend on the back. “This is going to be really good for us either way. One way, Cairyn gets onto the List because of being the only human in school and puts us in the spotlight. Or Cairyn and Jacek have a fling and then a massive breakup which gets us into the light anyways. It’s a win-win.”

                Gwyneth’s nose curled. “Derek, that’s a horrible way of thinking. What is wrong with you?”

                “Hush up, Gwyn. I don’t understand why you’re having a problem with this. You’re a master manipulator, and love seeing people being twisted around and bent to someone’s gain. What’s the problem?” Derek said as he shrugged.

                Casey shook his head. “What is wrong with you, dude? I’ve never seen you like this before.”

                “You two just don’t get it. Cairyn and Jacek are our ways to the top, we need to use them before they figure it out.” Derek stepped forward to get in Casey’s face.

                “The top of what? The List? Are you joking right now?” Casey took a step back, away from his friend.

                Gwyneth’s eyes narrowed. “He’s not. He’s serious. Has your friend always been this manipulative?”

                “No.” Casey said as he moved around Derek to stand next to Gwyneth. “Either you are with us and you drop all this s**t about using Cairyn and Jacek, or you leave. Pick what the hell you want to do dude. We’re not going to sit by and listen to this crap.”

                Derek rolled his eyes. “Whatever, Casey. Don’t act all high and mighty. The only reason you wanted to talk to Cairyn this morning was because you thought she was hot and an easy lay.”

                “That was you dude!” Casey shook his head. “I told you that Cairyn was going to treat you like a friend, and you were all ‘no, she’ll fall for me’. That was you, not me.”

                “If this is how it’s going to be, then walk away Derek. No one needs your kind of thinking around here. Go.” Gwyneth gestured with her hand for him to go anywhere else but there they were.

                Derek huffed. “Fine, but I know you two were thinking the same thing. I’m just the one who said it.”

                Gwyneth’s eyes narrowed. “I bet you won’t be spitting out this crap when I tell Jacek what you said. How do you think he’s going to feel about you trying to use him for the stupid List? You are incredibly lamer than I thought you were. Come on, Casey. Let’s go over to the street to wait for them to show up. Don’t follow us, Derek.”

                Casey nodded as he looked over to his former best friend and sighed as Derek held out his arms. “It’s me or them, Casey. Which side are you going to pick?”

                “There are no sides, Derek. That’s what you can’t seem to understand. I’m coming, Gwyn.” Casey shook his head at Derek before tuning to follow after Gwyneth.

                When they both were away from Derek and his psycho talk, Casey and Gwyn stopped to look at each other like they hadn’t slept in days.

                “Do you want to talk about it?” She asked his as she smiled a little.

                Casey shook his head. “Not right now. But on a side note, did I tell you how pretty you look tonight?”

                Gwyneth smiled, laughing. “There’s the Casey I’ve come to know. Always flirting with me.” 

                He smiled, but was entirely serious. She was in a second skin miniskirt with a light blue low-cut halter-top adorned with an assortment of different length chain necklaces and fishnet’s. Her make-up was a simple black that highlighted her light brown eyes and colored hair.

                “Do you hear that?” Gwyneth asked as she tilted her head to the side as if it helped her hear better.

                Casey nodded. “It sounds like…a motorcycle.”

                She smiled, placing her hands in a preying like position. “Jacek went and got Cairyn! Holy hell, Case!”

                “Cairyn is incredible for a human.” He said, while they both looked down the street to see one solid headlight heading towards them.