Shifting Shadows

The Host

Stale. The word would normally be used to describe a poorly ventilated space. Stale air can be uncomfortable, almost suffocating, an agitator to the senses. It can make you feel trapped, prickling the skin like a thousand invisible needles. Whether a house or car, the impulse is always to crack a window, breathe deeply or flee from the sensation altogether. But for Tiffany, it wasn't the car or a bad smell that was the onset of her discomfort. The scent inside the lush Mercedes Benz was actually quite delightful - an Amber aroma with faint notes of Jasmine and Rosemary. No, the staleness didn't come from the air at all.

It radiated from the man seated beside her.

While Tiffany had no problem with shared silence, it was the unspoken rejection that put her on edge. She shifted in her seat, smoothing the fabric of her indigo dress, its shimmering sequins catching the dim glow of the moonlight. Was it too flashy, too revealing, for his taste? Every glance Michael had spared her since they'd left the lounge had been as flat as his expression. What about her hair? Perhaps her blunt cut bob was out of place in a world full of Jheri curls. She turned her head towards the window, breathing into her palm, masking it with a cough as she discreetly checked for any offensive odor. Nothing but the faint scent of her mint bubblegum. After that, she dropped the visor, pretending to fix her makeup, but secretly questioning whether she simply didn't measure up to whatever impossible ideal he held for women.

And through all of her anxiety, Michael sat like a statue in the driver's seat, his gaze fixed rigidly ahead, doing his best to block out the conflict stirring inside her. During the ride from the lounge, he at least attempted to make conversation. From that brief exchange, he learned that the girl worked for an airline, had a pet cat and preferred coffee with no cream. Sure, it wasn't the most interesting discussion, but it was something. In his mind, there was no reason to delve deeper. What mattered now was keeping her out of the way while his brothers carried out whatever plans they had in mind.

Now, they waited. Parked in a secluded campground, the soft murmur of the radio comforted their silence. The other brothers were in cars nearby and had already begun getting acquainted with the ladies. From the corner of his eye, Michael caught a glimpse of Tiffany, fidgeting yet again as she reapplied the same pink lipstick, each swipe more meticulous than the last. He turned to face her completely, his eyes trailing from her face to her body. She was a cute girl, petite with a curvy physique. Under different circumstances, and maybe a different century, he may have found a lot more interest in her.

But now, she was merely an obligation.

"You look fine, you know? You don't need all that."

Tiffany's eyes shifted from the mirror to Michael, her hand freezing mid-application. Slowly, she screwed the lipstick cap back on, and dropped it into her purse. Pushing the visor closed with a bit more force than necessary, lips pursed as she stared at him.

"You know I was beginning to think I'd turned into a ghost," she replied coolly.

Michael's brow furrowed in genuine confusion. "What's that supposed to mean?"

She leaned back, crossing her arms. "Since we've been in this car, you've said a total of forty-six words to me. Yes, I counted." she added, noticing the look of amusement on his face. "Anyway, I know I don't need it, but you should know us women do things because we like it - not out of necessity."

"Fair point. I'm sorry... for that and not speaking to you," Michael scratched his head bashfully.

Silence fell between the two as they stared into the night sky. Michael considered saying more, but he was unsure of what. More than that, he was hoping his brothers would go easy on the other women so they could get them all back home in one piece. In the distance, their figures were faintly visible, getting close and personal with the women. Even from here, he could sense the blood lust thickening the air and knew they'd be getting started any minute now.