Go Away (#TheWattys2015)

Chapter 20: A glimpse at peace

When I got home my mom was sitting on the couch, staring at the TV, which was turned off. A box of tissues was on her lap and used tissues were all over the cushions. The door closed behind me with a soft click. My mom shot up to her legs and spun around, a metal baseball bat clutched tightly in her hand. Her eyes were wet and puffy and she looked fragile and sick. Has she been eating? I thought.
"Mom?"
"Daija?"
She dropped the bat and came rushing towards me, wrapping me in a bone crushing hug. I hugged her back and I felt her trembling in my arms as she burst into sobs. I patted her head gently. She muttered something against my shoulder and I realized she kept repeating the same thing to herself over and over again.
"My baby's okay. My baby's okay."
I burrowed my head into her shoulder, hugging her even tighter.
"It's okay mom. Everything's going to be okay now."
She pulled away from me.
"You're just saying that."
I sighed. "Maybe you're right. But we can't live in fear mom. I need you."
My voice cracked and I cleared my throat trying not to burst into tears.
"Bella needs you. We have to fight this together to survive mom. I can't have you scared and worried all of the time."
"I'm your mother," she said firmly.
"It's my job to worry about you." I smiled at that. She placed her hand gently on the side of my head where the big bandage was and shook her head. "I swear if I find what did this I-I'll kill it."
The doctor had told her the claw remnants were not human and they were unlike anything he'd seen before. So of course she knew it wasn't human.
I grabbed her hand and pulled her close to me, hugging her once again.
"I love you mom."
"I love you too sweetheart."
She sighed and pulled away from me after a while. "Alright off to bed."
I smiled and walked up to my room. Taking off my shoes and socks, I collapsed onto the bed, slipping into the sheets.
To my surprise, my mom walked in a few minutes later and tucked me in, the way she would when I was five years old. I couldn't help giggling and she smiled down at me.
"Has somebody caught a case of the giggles?" she said in a goofy voice that she would use on me when I was really small.
She reached forward and I screamed knowing what was coming. She tickled me until I laughed so hard that tears spilled out of my eyes and onto my pillow. We laughed together and for the first time in a long time, I was satisfied and happy. My mom was okay and so were my friends. That was all I needed. Of course I still felt slightly incomplete without Bella's small frame curled up against me, but it was a start. I made a mental note to visit her tomorrow and fell asleep once my mom kissed my cheek and closed my bedroom door. Dreaming of the good times when I would lay down on abandoned roads with my mom and Bella while staring up at shining stars, going camping, and losing each other on Black Fridays. Things are finally getting better, I thought.
For now.

•••

Tasha plopped down next to me on my bed and we stared up at the ceiling. Not needing to say anything, just enjoying each others company.
"Wanna go for a jog?" I asked.
"Nah," she said.
"Lets study first."
I grabbed our back packs and threw them on my bed.
"Where do you want to start? History, Science, ELA, Math?"
"Definitely history."
I pulled out my history binder when suddenly my phone started ringing. I frowned and Tasha looked over at me.
"What's up?"
"Zacks calling me."
She squealed.
"Pick it up! Pick it up!"
"Okay, okay. Chill out."
I tapped answer and put the phone to my ear, smiling uncontrollably.
"Hello?"
"Hey! Daija?"
I frowned. He sounded shaken up and he was talking faster than usual.
"Yeah it's me. Are you okay?"
"Yeah I think so just um. Could you come over? Like right now."
"Yeah. Is everything okay?"
Tasha looked up at me. She wore a frown on her face too. What's going on? She mouthed. I shrugged in response.
Zack went quiet for a few seconds and he finally said: "No, not really."
"Okay I'll be there in a few minutes. Is it okay if Tasha comes along?"
"Yeah that's fine. I just don't want to be alone right now."
"Oh ok. Well we'll be right there. Take some deep breaths okay?"
"Yeah. Thanks. Please hurry."
"Of course. I'll be right there."
I jumped off of my bed and grabbed my shoes.
"C'mon Tasha. Field trip time."
"YAY!"
I laughed and we ran down the stairs and I grabbed my moms car keys off of the kitchen counter.
"Mom," I shouted, in no particular direction.
"Tasha and I are going out. We'll be right back."
My mom came rushing down the stairs from her room with two baseball bats and a butchers knife.
"Mom what the-"
"You need to be protected at all times. Don't question it."
She handed me the knife and handed Tasha the baseball bats.
"Keep these with you. Do you understand?"
"Yes ma'am," we answered in unison.
She hugged us both tightly and whispered
"Be safe" before opening the door and waving us out.
We hopped into the car and sped off to Zacks house.
•••
Once we pulled into the driveway we were welcomed by Zack who practically ran out of his house.
"Daija, Tasha, thank God."
"What happened?" I asked.
"I don't know. Are those...baseball bats? What-"
"Just a little protection," I said, quickly adding "Don't worry we're not going to hurt you."
He shrugged.
"Why don't you guys come in?"
Tasha practically bounced inside, clearly excited. I walked in slowly after her, Zack staying close behind.
The house was a mess.
His couch was flipped over, a giant hole was smashed in the wall and also in a nearby window, broken glass scattered around it. Some of his clothes were torn and scattered all over the floor along with the shattered remains of what looked like it was once a very pretty vase. The rest I the clothes looked like they belonged to his mother.
"Whoa."
Tasha whistled.
"Yeah it's pretty bad," Zack said, scratching the back of his head. I found myself biting my lip as I stared at him and I stopped as soon as he looked up. I cursed under my breath. Now was no time to be getting aroused. I walked over and touched the deep claw marks on another wall. "Sure you didn't see anything?" I asked.
"Yeah I just came home and the house was trashed. My mom and my little brother aren't here yet so do you guys think you could help me clean some of this up?"
"Yeah sure."
Tasha groaned and I nudged her.
"We should tape up the window. You could just say that some drunk guy punched a hole through it and that you called the cops so he won't be here again," I suggested.
"Wow. I like the way you think."
I smiled. "Thanks."
We started cleaning and when we finished Zack seemed reluctant to let us go. He offered us food, asked if we wanted to watch a movie, and even asked if we wanted to go to the park with him. All of which I answered with no. Tasha stared at me like I was insane half of the time. Finally he pulled me aside and told Tasha that we'd be right back. Once we were alone he turned to me and said:
"Do you have to go?"
His eyes were pleading.
"Yes. I don't want my mom to worry. Are you okay?"
He took a shaky breath and ran his hand through his hair. "I don't know. I-I just don't want to be alone right now." I felt a stab of pain in my chest.
"I'm really sorry Zack," I said with some trouble. "Why don't I call you when I get home? We can chat then."
He looked down at the ground and sighed. I felt a pang of guilt when he looked back into my eyes looking sad and helpless.
Like a puppy. I took his hand in mine and looked into his eyes. "You're going to be fine Zack. Everything's going to be fine. Just go relax okay?"
He nodded and his grip tightened on my hand.
"Okay. Just call me as soon as you get home."
"Yeah of course."
He took my other hand and pulled me closer slipping his fingers through mine.
"Promise?"
I could feel my face growing extremely hot.
"Yeah. I promise."
"Pinky promise?" He held up his pinky and I laughed linking my pinky with his.
"Pinky promise." I smiled at him and he smiled back. I tried to stay as calm as I could possibly could but inside I was spazzing out thinking: THERE YOU GO DAIJA. GRAB THAT PINKY!
I giggled and he chuckled softly. "What?" he asked.
"Nothing. Just thinking about something."
He bit his bottom lip and smiled down at me pulling me even closer to him. OH DEAR LORD HELP ME!! I was slowly losing my calm. My heart was racing and I couldn't breathe. My knees started to feel weak and my legs were like twigs, they felt thin, wobbly, and unsteady. Our bodies were nearly touching.
"Thanks for coming," he said softly. He gently guided my arms up to his shoulders, where I placed my arms around his neck, my fingers just barely touching his skin, then he wrapped his arms around me, hugging me tight. I savored the smell of his cologne, enjoying the warmth and security I felt with his arms wrapped around me, letting myself melt into his embrace. I hugged him back tighter and I could feel him smiling on my shoulder.
I held in a laugh and let go of him, instantly regretting it. His hands lingered on my waist and I fought down the fireworks exploding inside of me.
"Um, I'll call you."
He slipped his hands away from my waist and slid them into his pockets. Smiling down at me the entire time. "Yeah."
I walked out into the living room, slamming into Tasha who had been peaking from behind the wall.
"Were you spying on me?" I asked.
She laughed.
"Maybe a little."
We walked out of the door saying bye to Zack and hopped into the car. I started to back up and stopped when I saw something move in the bushes. A pale bald head stuck out of them and I stared back into the dark purple eyes staring at me. Tasha froze next to me. "You see it too?"
She nodded. Without thinking I grabbed the butchers knife from the glove compartment and hopped out of the car.
"ZACK!!" I screamed at the top of my lungs.
Tasha came up next to me with a baseball bat in her hands clearly trying her hardest not to appear scared. Zack came running out of his house and stared at the knife gripped in my hand.
"Daija what the-"
"Zack," I said quietly.
"Get in the car. Now." He walked over to the car, staring at me with a worried expression, and hopped in the back seat.
The creature stood, emerging from the bushes and it snarled, staring directly at me.
"Step away from the boy you idiots."
I stared at it slowly feeling anger boil up in my chest. Bella's pale face clouded my mind and only one emotion was clear. Anger.
"Hmm. How about...hell no," I said as calmly as I could. The creature growled and bared its razor sharp rows of teeth.
The car door slammed behind me and I glanced over to see Zack coming to stand next to me, holding the other baseball bat. I narrowed my eyebrows at him.
"Zack get back in the car."
"No. What the hell is that?"
"I don't know. Now please, get back in the car."
He didn't answer. I watched as the creatures claws extended outward, dripping in venom.
"Zack. Get in the car. Now."
"I'm not going anywhere without you Daija."
His voice was low and firm. The expression on his face told me he was being dead serious. He also looked a bit angry.
"Fine. I'll get in the car," I said. "But you have to get in first."
"No."
"Zack," I turned to him, begging with my eyes.
"Please."
He sighed and backed up slowly.
"Stay where you are boy!"
The creature hissed. Zack froze where he was. I turned back toward the creature, a low growl forming in my throat.
"Shut up!" I shouted. It's eyes narrowed at me, pure hatred obvious in its expression. I gripped the handle of the butchers knife and held it close.
"Tasha you too, get in the car."
"Daija-"
"GET IN THE FREAKING CAR TASHA!"
Tasha ran in and slammed the door behind her. The creature stepped forward and snarled at me, it's lips curling upward exposing more of its blood splattered teeth.
"Are you really ready to die little girl?"
"No. Are you?"
It tilted its head in confusion and I flung the knife at it, landing it perfectly into its chest.
"AAARGH!!!" It's roar thundered through the sky and exploded into my ears. I pushed Zack's frozen body towards the car.
"Get in!"
I hopped into the drivers seat and backed up out of the driveway speeding out onto the road.
"Whoa what just happened?" Zack asked, finally snapping out of his frozen state."What the hell was that thing? Since when could you throw a knife like that?" Zacks questions practically spilled out of his mouth.
I simply answered the last question with: "Adrenaline" and hit the gas.
Tasha patted my shoulder.
"You were amazing."
I gave her a weak smile. "Thanks."
"Is anyone going to tell me what just happened!?"
Zack shouted.
I reached my hand into the back and grabbed his hand, already feeling sparks and tingles crawling up my arm. Without looking back at him, I said:
"Just calm down. I'll explain when we get to my house, but I need you to stay calm right now okay?" He was quiet for a moment. Tasha looked back at him.
"Okay?" She repeated. He squeezed my hand gently and turned to Tasha, mumbling:
"Okay" before letting my hand go.

Tasha glanced back at the road behind us and did a double take.
"Uh oh...might want to drive faster Daija."
I looked up at the review mirror and my blood turned to ice.
The creature was catching up. The butchers knife still protruding out of its chest which oozed with blood. I stomped my foot on the gas. With insane speed and agility it climbed up a tree and took a giant leap, landing with a thump on the roof of the car. Tasha screamed and Zack was yelling a long stream of curses that would've given his mother a heart attack. I looked back at him and saw that a dent the size of a fist had been punched into the roof of the car, right above his head. I swerved around the road but nothing was working. The creatures claws slid into view on Zacks window. He crawled as far away from it as he could and his eyes widened in terror as the creatures hand became a fist and it prepared to smash through the window. I gripped Tasha's shirt collar and stared into her panicked brown eyes.
"Grab the wheel!"
"What!?"
"Just do it!"
I grabbed her baseball bat and climbed out of my window. The monster snapped its head in my direction and roared. It bolted forward with lightning speed at my face raising its claws to strike me. The car swerved to the right and it was thrown off balance, gripping onto the roof with its claws. I swung the bat at its head and it was thrown off guard for a second. I saw my chance and took it, hitting the creature on the head repeatedly. Finally when it looked weak enough, nose bloody with a dent in its head, I grabbed it by the collar and threw it over the road. It went tumbling down the other side smashing into trees.
The car swerved and I heard Tasha screaming, clearly watching the creatures body go flying instead watching the road. I pushed her aside and took over, my heart racing.
"Okay that was insane!" She screamed.
"No duh," I hissed through gritted teeth.
I ran my hand through my hair and took a deep breath. I felt like I would throw up any second. Gripping the wheel tightly with both hands I focused on the road ignoring the look on my friends face. She was terrified. And without even looking I knew Zack was concerned. That was obvious.
"Daija, why don't we pull over and I can take the wheel," Tasha suggested slowly. With slight stab of pain and irritation, I realized that she said it as if she were talking to a mental patient. I pulled over and we switched sides. I went to sit in the passenger seat but Tasha locked the door. She rolled down the window and stared at me.
"Open the door Tasha," I said, trying to hide the anger in my voice. Was she really going to kick me out of the car after saving her life?
"Sit in the back with Zack. Zacky boy," she said turning to him. "Scoot over and keep an eye on her. If she starts to look faint, let me know." I smiled at Tasha knowing exactly what she was doing. Zack nodded and I sat in the seat next to him. My hands were shaking extremely hard. I clearly did a terrible job of hiding it because Zack took my hands and placed them on my lap, putting my seatbelt on for me. He sat in the middle seat, scooting closer to me and wrapping his arm around me. I fought down the butterflies in my stomach with difficulty and rested my head on his shoulder, slowly starting to drift off within seconds. Tasha looked back and winked at me.
"You guys rock." I whispered. Tasha turned to me and smiled and Zack held me closer to him, giving my shoulder a gentle squeeze.
"We know."