Her Danse Macbre

Chapter 3

“So your mother thinks you messed up the living room? That’s crazy!” Maryanne cried as they sat outside at the lunch period. Heather had told her about the wolf creature that had destroyed her living room and about the strange man who saved her. “That guy saved your life…wow” she added and took a bite of her sandwich.

“Yeah, I don’t know who was more stupid. My mother or the cops that showed up. “She commented softly and took a sip of her flavored water. “What was worst was that I was in my the puppy print pajamas that my mother had bought me last Christmas.”

“Hey. My father told me what happened at your house. It’s messed up that someone did that to your place.” Sean was standing in front of her with his head slightly tilted to the side. Heather looked up at him knowing that Lexi had made her feelings clear about her talking to him.

“Oh yeah, your father is the chief of police. I am not surprised you heard about it. You know Lexi wouldn’t like if she knew you were talking to me.” She said bashfully.

“Lexi doesn’t own me. I can talk to whoever I want. I want to talk to you. I think you’re kinda cool” he commented and placed his bag down and sat down next to her. Heather absolutely couldn’t believe this was happening. She felt like she was dreaming. Putting all her worry aside she smiled at Sean. Maryanne was staring at Sean and adjusted her glasses on the bridge of her nose. To her surprised, Sean was really easy to talk to. They both liked comics and television shows like Vampire Dairies and Twilight Zone. When the bell rang she couldn’t believe that the whole lunch period had ended. Sean looked over at the bell tower then at her and smiled.

“Well, see you around.” He said and stood up and picked his bag up and walked back into the school building. Heather and Maryanne exchanged looks and smiles and made their way into the building.

Heather was glad that she avoided Lexi the whole day and her mother let her go to Art Club despite being grounded. The club was her absolute favorite place to be. She fitted very well with the other students, mainly girls. The class where they had art class was empty now. The members of the art club were sitting around, working on their own projects. Of course Ms. Pond was the club advisor. Heather took a seat with Maryanne and a few of her other friends. Pulling out her sketchbook she started to sketch well conversations went around with her. Fifteen minutes into the club Ms. Pond walked over and leaned over her shoulder to see what she was drawing. The image of the strange creature that destroyed her living room the night before.

“What is that?” Ms. Pond asked softly as she stared down at the picture. Heather looked at the picture then her advisor. “It’s nothing.” She said calmly with a shrug of her shoulders. “You have quite an active imagination, Heather. “She said quietly. Her teacher looked disturbed by the picture though, but smiled faintly. Heather looked down at the picture and turned the page. The world seemed to be going crazy, but she didn’t know how to stop it. Leaning her elbows on her closed sketchbook she looked around at the others.

“Hey Ms. Pond. Can I come over at some point and help with your garden again?” she asked. Ms. Pond lived in a refurbished office building and had a huge garden on her flat top roof. Her house is where she sold her pottery, paintings, and jewelry.

“Of course. I have some new roses coming in and I am working on splatter painting.” Ms. Pond said cheerfully, placing a hand on her shoulder. Maryanne was painting on a canvas and looked over when Ms. Pond walked away. “First Sean talks to you and now you’re invited to Ms. Ponds house.” She said smiling. “You could always come with me if you want.” Heather suggested then remembered she was grounded and groaned under her breath. It was common knowledge that Maryanne was absolutely in love with Sean.“Oh shoot I forgot I’m grounded.” She said with a sigh. “It wasn’t your fault though, though no one believes you. Don’t worry I do.” Maryanne said trying to cheer up her friend. Heather nodded, but she was still weary of her mother’s anger and knowing the truth of what happened.

Walking home slowly she took her time not looking forward to seeking seeing her mom, and the destruction of the living room. Getting to the end of Fowler Street that was down the street from her house she stood there letting out a soft reluctant sigh, wishing her feet were made of lead. The sound of music caught her attention and there stood the man once again.

“Are you following me?” she queried, frowning deeply. “Who are you anyway?” she followed up turning her body to face him. He was leaning against the tree with the violin resting against his shoulder lightly. It felt like déjà vu. His hair was again pulled back neatly and his suit was nicely pressed as if he hadn’t fought a wolf creature.

“My name is Fionn.” He told her in a soft voice. “If you are asking then you do not remember me. It’s a pity, but clearly you are not the same person you used to be.”

“The same person I used to be? Are you cracked in the head? I am myself! I have no idea what that wolf creature is and why it went after me.”

“It’s a EaglaWolf” Fionna corrected her, raising one finger in the air.

“WHATEVER!”she cried. “You took off and now I am grounded.” With a huff she turned and walked back to the end of the sidewalk where she would cross.

“Well forgive me, madam. I am guessing you should have expected me to tell your mother that an EaglaWolf tried to kill her daughter and I had to dispatch it. Perhaps she would have been understanding and made me a cup of tea.” He replied with a heavy note of sarcasm in his voice. Heather rolled her eyes and looked over her shoulder at him.

“I am happy you saved my life, Fionn” she said feeling sour at his attitude toward her. Pushing off the tree he stepped onto the sidewalk, dropping his hands at his side.

“I swore long ago to protect you. It was a pact I made and intend to carry out.” A frown tugged at his beautifully sculpted lips, brow knit slightly as he gazed at her under delicate eyelashes. Heather didn’t like seeing him looking like that. It caused an ache in her chest.

“I…have to go home. I’m grounded.” She reminded him, though now he had her intrigued greatly. Heather wasn’t sure what he meant about his promise to protect her. So many questions swirled in her brain as she forced herself to walk home without looking over her shoulder at him.