Nirvana

Chapter nineteen

    As tired as she was, Vanessa couldn’t get to sleep that night. There was too much going on in her head to relax. Pryor stayed up with her. Dylan offered to stay the night, but she insisted he go home and get some rest. He hesitated, unsure if he could trust Pryor to be alone with her, however, he hadn’t tried to hurt her since she found him, it’d be foolish for him to try something now. Vanessa took the opportunity to pick Pryor’s brain for anything else they needed to know as well as all he knew about the woman in black. He stated that he did not know her name or what she looked like under the robe. He explained that he was captured several months ago where he and several of his people were caught and forced to perform slave labor for several fallen Angels near the countryside. Mimics can take on the responsibilities of any living creature regardless of gender. If they needed milk, eggs, transportation or even something sturdy to release anger he was forced to shift. His kind were peaceful creatures and often didn’t like to use violence even if it meant protecting themselves. He couldn’t even escape by turning really small considering they managed to plant a tracker in his body to keep tabs on him. He first met the woman in black when his captors sold him off as she offered to pay off a large debt they owed her. Once coming into her custody, he was subjected to brutal abuse every time he refused her orders. When she wasn’t around, he was locked away in a cold, deep underground borrow she created for him. Vanessa's heart bled for him since she too understood the fear and terror of being forced to perform unthinkable acts, being beaten, and being locked away. In a way, they weren’t so different. She agreed to allow Pryor to stay for the time being as long as he promised to stay out of sight. She had enough to worry about as it was. 

    “Vanessa!” Sarina called, shaking her from her sleep. “The bell rang, wake up.” 

    “What?” she groaned. “Give me five more minutes.”

    “The next class is coming in soon. Go to the nurse’s room if you want to sleep.” Vanessa grumbled and rose from her desk. Sarina began to say something but refrained. “Don’t overwork yourself, okay?” 

    Vanessa gave her a weak smile and exited the classroom. She wanted to take the day off and go to her room early to sleep, but she had some student council work piling up. She hated falling behind. To make matters worse, tonight was the lock in and it was important she got the documents sent in before the event. She chose to skip her next class in hopes of finishing some of her work. However, there was too much on her mind to fully be able to focus. Too much had happened within the last month, making it hard for her to sit in one place for too long. Peace was becoming somewhat foreign to her. 

    “What are you doing?” a voice came. Vanessa jumped out of her seat to look over at a snake slithering up her desk. 

    “P-Pryor?” she stumbled. “What the hell?” she pinched the bridge of her nose as the sudden movement left her with a splitting headache. 

    “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. I wasn’t aware you were afraid of snakes.”

    “I’m not...I’m afraid of random creatures popping up on me. What are you doing here? I thought I told you to stay in my room. Are you trying to get caught?” 

    Pryor lowered his head. “I’m sorry, watching everyone through your window gets rather tiring after a while. I made sure no one saw me.” 

    Vanessa sighed and slipped back into her chair. If a demon didn’t kill her, her stress would. “I don’t have time for this.” she whined. Just as she was about to pick up the snake, she heard the doorknob rattle. “s**t! Hide!” She watched in awe as Pryor shrunk down to a small ladybug and rested himself on the window seal. She turned to see Darren enter, carrying stacks of papers. 

    “Oh, sorry, I thought all the council members were in class. I was dropping off the schedule changes for next week. Apparently a lot of the freshmen aren’t happy with their course arrangements.” 

    “Oh, right...you’re fine. I was trying to get some work done while it’s still quiet here.” he gave her a weary smile. 

    “You got a lot to do?” he asked as he sat the papers down. 

    “Oh, not really. Just some last minute edits for the event tonight. A lot of people didn’t like the original food options.” she glanced back at the ladybug, he seemed to be examining Darren. 

    “Oh, can I see what you got?” Without waiting for a reply, he scooted a chair next to her. He must have spooked her, she suddenly seemed guarded.

    Despite feeling sleep deprived, Vanessa felt giddy having Darren sitting so close. His scent engulfed her nose and she found herself taking deeper breaths to take more in. Despite her efforts he caught her staring.

    “You alright?”

    “Yeah, I was just...you smell nice.” she blurted out. “Sorry, don’t know if that’s weird.”

    He chuckled. “It’s fine, I actually get that a lot, even when I’m fresh outta practice and sweaty….And I don’t know why I told you that.” she giggled and he looked away. “Still, it’s nice to know you like how I smell.” he cleared his throat to break the minute long silence. “Anyway, do you want to meet up later or should I come to your dorm room?” 

    “Why would you do that?”

    “You know...because you asked me to go with you.” 

    Vanessa pinched the bridge of her nose again. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to forget. I’ve just...been really busy.”

    “No, it’s fine. I understand. You’ve been looking as if you haven’t been getting much sleep lately. I understand if it slipped your mind. Actually, if you feel like you should stay home and sleep, we can hang out some other time.”

    Vanessa took a second to consider, but she hated letting people down just as much as she hated going back on her word. “No, I’m fine.”

    “You sure? I don’t want you passing out on the dance floor.” 

    “Well my friends also were really excited to go. We haven't all been able to hang out and have fun in a really long time. I don’t want to disappoint them, plus this will do me good more than anything. It’s about time I relaxed for a bit and stopped stressing, even if for only a few hours. I’ll be fine, promise. You should be focusing more on practicing your moves, and wouldn't want to outshine you.” she smirked and he laughed in return. 

    “Somebody’s cocky, don’t start crying when I start breakin yo ankles. Basketball is good for more than rock hard calves.”

    “I’ll be looking forward to it. Now, shoo, so I can get some work done.” 

    He leaned in alarmingly close. “Am I being a distraction?” his eyes traveled from her eyes to her lips. 

    Her heart was racing, but she placed a finger to his lips. “PDA is forbidden during school hours Mr. Walker. Do I need to escort you to the guidance counselor?” He was silent until they both heard footsteps approaching. 

    Sarina opened the door and took note of the situation. Both of them were staring at her while sitting awkwardly apart. “Should I leave?” she asked. 

    “No!” Vanessa blurted. “Darren was just on his way out. Weren’t you?”

    “Right, I was just dropping off some documents. I should head to lunch. I’ll see you both later tonight?” he asked. Vanessa nodded and he excused himself.

    Sarina continued to stare.

    “What?” Vanessa sneered.

    “Oh nothing.” she smirked. “Just a tip though, the door can lock.” 

    “Bite me.” 

    That evening, the group met up in the quad. Vanessa was relatively late. She’d decided to take a quick nap after school, but slept past her alarm.  There were a lot more people than they expected. There were even people who didn’t even attend their school and several people who looked to already be in college. Loud music could be heard as the bass shook the walls and echoed far across the campus yard. As they walked in, other students were seen standing outside, smoking and talking. Dylan was surprised that the staff hadn’t apprehended them or called security for illegal substance use. Once they entered the gymnasium, their ears felt as if they’d burst. There were people crowded in the middle of the floor as well as flying near the ceiling. The windows were opened to allow some wind to help carry their wings. Despite how cold it had gotten outside, no one seemed to notice considering how many people were packed in this one room. Thankfully the gym had plenty of room, a little larger than a football field. Girls and guys were grinding and dancing to the beat while others were either eating at the catering table or sitting down, watching everyone else. It was dark and the LED disco ball hanging from the ceiling illuminated the room with different colored lights. A DJ set up could be seen in the far back corner of the room.

    “I’m such an awesome party planner.” Sarina gloated.

    “Sheesh, how much was your budget?” Raid asked. 

    “I still have a couple hundred left. Phoenix really likes to party. Think I’ll put the rest to the side for Christmas.” She grabbed Katskai’s hand and pulled him toward the dance floor. “No wall hugging, let’s dance.” She pulled him into the sea of dancers. 

    “Well, you guys have fun.” Raid said as he turned to leave. 

    ‘Where are you going?” Dylan asked. 

    “I have something to check on. Don’t worry, I’ll let you know about it later on tonight. Toota-loo.” he winked at them and exited the gym. The music changed to something smooth and peppy. 

    “Aye, I remember this.” Dylan said as he started to snap his fingers and jerk from side to side. 

    “Since when do you dance? Last I checked, you had two left feet and no rhythm.” Vanessa teased. 

    “I have no idea what you're talking about. My body’s made of rhythm baby.” he slipped his hand in her and began to pull her, but she pulled away. 

    “I’ll meet you, I should go look for Darren. I was supposed to meet him here.”

    Dylan rolled his eyes. “He can find you himself, let’s have fun.” 

    “What if he thinks I stood him up?” she argued. 

    “Doesn’t he know how to use a phone? Besides, a real gentleman wouldn’t want his lady to wait around. If he’s as nice as you say, he’ll find you. It’s been years since we went to a party together, we asked you here first. Dance with me.” he managed to convince her and she allowed him to lead her into the crowd. 

    Vanessa let her worries melt away as she moved her body to the sway of the music. As modest as she usually is, there was a slight s****l appeal to her moves. 

    “What do you think you’re doing?” Dylan asked, amused and slightly in awe. 

    “Dancing, duh. Or have you already forgotten what that is?” she mocked.

    “Please, I practically taught you.”

    “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” she took his hand and spun under his arm. “Remind me.” Dylan danced next to her, moving his arms and legs to the rhythm of the song. Vanessa laughed and started mimicking his moves. They synchronized so well, it was as if they shared the same body. 

    Dylan liked how her body moved so easily alongside his. The way she smiled as she got lost in the music, was so mesmerizing that he couldn’t take his eyes off her. 

    Raid stood near the front entrance. “Where are those guys? They should have already been here.” Raid said. He opened his phone to call someone, but stopped when he heard someone call his name. 

    “Yo Raiden!” Michael called him. “How’s it going?” Raid turned to see two guys walking up to him. One had dreads that were tied back in a ponytail and the other had waves. 

    “Finally, you decided to show. Thought you guys bailed or got caught.” 

    “Such little faith for a literal child of God.” Michael noted (boy with waves). 

    “Last I checked, my parents were human.” Raid corrected. “Now, where’s the cooler? Is it upstairs already?”

    “Nope, still in my truck.” Khalil said (boy with dreads).

    “Why the hell is it still in the truck? Hurry up and go get it before they lock up the doors.”

    “About that-” Michael began.

    “What are you guys doing?” Renei asked. Raid jumped, startled. 

    “Jesus Rae, all the chokers you have and not one of them has a bell?” Raid scolded her. 

    “That would defeat the purpose of my whole vibe. So whatcha doin?” 

    “None of your business-” 

    “We’re trying to sneak a cooler of alcohol in the building.” Khalil admitted. “We’re planning a game upstairs.” Raid glared at him. “My bad, was that a secret? I mean, it’s not like she’s a snitch right?”  

    “Oh course not.” Renei protested. “What’s your plan? Doubt you're gonna carry it through the front door with security walking around.” 

    “s**t, what security?” Raid mocked. “There’s like fifteen guys doing meth in the yard.” 

    “I don’t know nun about that, but the headmaster surveying the parking lot.” Michael informed them. 

    “We could use those meth guys as a distraction.” Khalil offered. 

    “I ain't no square. Snitching is bad for my rep.” Raid defended. “What about the side entrances?”

    “They’re all chained.” Renei stated

    “Emergency exits?”

    “They’re rigged with an alarm. It’ll alert everyone in the building.”

    “How do you know all this?” Michael asked. 

    Renei showed them a black deck of playing cards. “The cards told me. Something I use to keep tabs on my bunny. He gets into trouble when left alone for too long.”

    “Dude, that’s sick!” Khalil basked. “Wish I had a cool power like that.”  

    “So how are we gonna get the drinks in?.” Mike asked. “If we get caught, we might be expelled. My parents would be pissed if I lost my scholarship.” 

    “Doubt we’ll get expelled for something like this.” Raid said. “Ms. Sulk and I are kinda tight so she may let us off with a few day suspensions or community service.” 

    “I heard she’s secretly a fallen Angel and has the power to torture kids in their dreams. Like Freddy but with better t**s and smoother skin. I’m not trying to go to therapy for the rest of  my life.” 

    “That sounds like a steamy pile of bullshit. Relax, the emergency exit can work, I can deactivate the alarm. Go pull the truck around. Just don’t arouse any suspicion.” 

    Darren walked into the gym. The loud music hurt his ears. He looked around, searching everyone’s face for Vanessa, but there were too many people. A part of him felt slightly out of place. He was homeschooled for a good half of his life so he didn’t go to too many parties. Would it be weird to just walk around looking for her? Who’s to say she even actually came? She did look exhausted earlier. 

    “Darren!” A boy called. “You came dude? I’m surprised.” It was one of his friends from the basketball team. “You usually don’t come to parties like this.

    “Hey Greg.” Darren greeted him back. They bumped fist. 

    “Didn’t think your old man would let you out tonight,” he teased. 

    “He doesn’t control everything I do.” 

    “Nice to finally have you out in the field Pet.” Nick said, coming up behind them (Darren teammate and childhood friend).

    “Glad to be out.” Darren said, looking around. “You guys know if Vanessa came?” 

    “Vanessa Silvers, the Angel?” Greg asked. “Didn’t know y'all talked. Haven’t seen her, but I saw some of her friends in the middle of the floor. She’s probably with them. They’re too good to hang with us normies.” 

    “You wanna say that in a room full of Angels?” Nick mocked. 

    “Whatever, last I checked, they aren’t allowed to harm humans unless completely necessary. I can say whatever I want.” as he said that, he noticed several girls eyeing them with dirty glares. Greg rolled his eyes. “Stuck up bitches.”

    “Woah chill dude. They may not touch you, but a lot of them have human boyfriends who won’t hesitate to rock yo ass for talking shit.” 

    “Whatever, I ain’t scared.”

    Nick scuffed and took a sip of his drink. “Your funeral.” he placed an arm around Darren and led him away.

    “What’s his problem?” Darren asked.

    “Dude’s just mad because he asked Renei to the dance earlier and she rejected him. No one’s more bitter than a man with a wounded ego. Don’t let him get to you. Most of the Angel’s here are pretty nice to me, pretty sure Vanessa’s one of them.”

    Darren smiled to himself. Nick nudged him and pointed to someone in the crowd. It was Vanessa. He thanked him and made his way through the crowd.  

    Renei and the guys stood out of view near the parking lot. They had hoped there’d be more people in the lot so they could get to their truck unnoticed. It didn’t help that it was parked relatively close to the door.

    “I’m just gonna walk over and pretend I’m leaving.” Mike said “Hopefully the guards are still MIA or it’d look weird if I’m driving up the side of the building. As Michael made his way to the ruck, Renei walked directly up to Mr. Cane. He looked down at her.  

    “What?” Cane asked. “What do you want?”

    “Nuh-thing, just wanted to say hi.” she said in a cutesy voice. He eyed her suspiciously. 

    “Get inside, doors will be locked in 10 minutes.” 

    “Wait! Remember that conversation we were having last month about graduation.”

    “We’re not doing this again.” he grumbled. 

    “Hear me out, I really think you should reconsider my offer to use my part bombs.”

    “They’re dangerous,” he argued. 

    “No they aren’t...Not anymore, I’ve been making some tweets, testing them, I think they'll really make the ceremony pop.” she giggled.  

    As Renei talked, Mike made his way to the truck unnoticed and slipped inside. As the car ignition turned on, Cane turned and stared. He began to list his walkie to inform the guards that a car was leaving. Panicked, Renei reached in front of his eyes, opened her palm and revealed a black and white spinning top. Cane froze as he followed the spinning top. 

    “Renei!” Raid scowled. She gave him an apologetic smile. She turned to the truck and mouthed the words “Go”. Once the truck was out of sight, her arm dropped and the top slid back up her sleeve. Cane shook his head as he came back from his trance. 

    “Did I doze?” he asked.

    “I don’t know.” Renei lied “How rude, I was talking to you. What about my bombs?” Cane sighed in annoyance. 

    “Get inside Renei, now.” with that she saluted him and slipped through the door.

    Dylan and Vanessa were having so much fun everyone else seemed to fade away

    “Hey Dyl!” she called. She started popping her legs and arms in a robotic motion. 

    “What’s that?” Dylan asked. 

    “It's Dylan, age 10.” 

    “Oh yeah, watch this.” He started moving his hips in a girlish motion and shaking his butt. She laughed.

    “What’s that?” 

    “Vanessa, age 18.” he jeered. She pushed him playfully. Someone touched her from behind. At first she thought it was another random guy, but she turned to see Darren smiling at her. 

    “Found you.” he purred. Surprisingly she hugged him.  

    “Hey, you made it!” she cheered. Instantly, Dylan’s good mood darkened and he was quickly brought back to earth. 

    “I’d be crazy to stand you up.” 

The way Vanessa smiled up to him, made Dylan’s blood boil. His eyes sparked a bright green. Darren noticed him and gave him a friendly smile. 

    “Hey, Dylan, right? It’s nice to meet you.” he offered a hand.

    “Sup.” Dylan greeted, forcing a smile and ignoring his hand. 

    “Oh right,” Vanessa noted. “I never properly introduced you two to each other.”

    “Ness, I don’t think that the dance floor is the place for formal introductions. Besides, I know who he is.” 

    Darren could sense some sort of tension coming from him, but he didn’t understand why. He chose to ignore it. Before anything else could be said, they all turned to the sudden racket coming from the catering table. It was loud enough to hear, but not loud enough to stop the party. They made their way over once they heard Katskai’s voice. They reached him at the exact moment he threw a punch at Greg, knocking him into the table. Drinks fell over on his head. 

    “Touch my girl again and I’ll beat the dog s**t outta you!” Katskai spat. Dylan rushed over to hold his friend back. 

    “Woah man, chill. It’s cool. Remember your status.” Dylan said.

    “f**k that! This jackass grabbed Sarina’s ass right in front of me!” 

    Sarina was standing a few feet behind him, her hands covering her backside. Her face was slightly red. Raid came up behind them.

    “Hey, what’s going on?” he asked. “You guys are going to alert the guards.” 

“That guy groped Sarina.” Vanessa told him. 

    “Really? He got to do it before me? I thought we were homies.” he joked. Katskai glared at him, hinting that he wasn’t in the mood for jokes. “Right, bad timing. You guys obviously need to chill out so let’s head upstairs. I got some s**t setup if you're interested. Obviously, this asshole isn’t invited.” Katskai calmed down and turned away from Greg who was slowly rising to his feet. 

    “Yeah, let's go.” he said, grabbing Sarina’s hand and leading her toward the door. Dylan and Vanessa followed after them. Greg walked angrily up to Darren, wiping juice from his face. 

    “Told you, they’re all f*****g  stuck up.” 

    Darren ignored his comment and glanced at Nick who only shrugged. “Guess we’re going upstairs.”