The Cross's Curse

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Be Safe

The hearse was waiting for us. A song I recognized was on the radio. I sang along.

And I still wonder

Why heaven has died

The skies are all falling

I’m breathing but why?

In silence I hold on...

"You have a lovely voice," Salem commented.

"Thank you. Do you sing?"

"Sometimes. Why are you so convinced I'm not a demon?"

"You're too good to be a demon. Besides, what business would a demon have with me?"

"Any creature would try to see you, just to be able to boast about the Light of Lucy."

He paused for a moment as the meaning of his words sunk in.

"Why am I too good to be a demon?"

"You asked Roger to bring me places, you haven't taken my soul, and you're not ugly."

"Thank you for the compliment, I guess."

"You're welcome. Have you eaten dinner yet?"

"No, why do you ask?"

"My mom loves cooking for guests."

"Well, I'm ready."

We pulled up to my house. I looked at Salem as we walked up the long path. The way he held himself reminded me of royalty. Hopefully, no one would take that as arrogance.

"Salem, how old are you?"

"Many years your senior.It doesn't show, does it?"

"No, don't worry Momma will like you."

"I hope so."

I held his hand and he didn't let go as we made it to the door. As soon as I put my key in the door, my mom opened it.

"Lucy Marie Laurents," she paused as she caught her breath. "Do you know late it is? Nine o'clock on a Friday night. You know I was about to call the police?"

"Momma, I'm sorry. I was studying at the library with Salem."

"Good evening Mrs. Laurents, I'm sorry Lucy is late. I wasn't paying attention to the time and French isn't one of my strengths."

"Please call me Miss Marie. Next time,be mindful, okay."

"I promise I will."

"Good, will you be joining us for dinner?"

"I'd love to if that's okay. My parents are out of town and I left my key again."

"It's fine sugar, we'll just set up another place at the table and clean up the spare room," she said from the kitchen. "Lucy, y'all can finish studying in the parlor."

"Yes ma'am."

"What are you if you're not a demon?" I asked as we sat down.

"He is darkness, yet light clings to him."

"Stop giving me riddles. Tell me what you are."

"I will eventually, but now it's time for dinner."

I relented. "You came on a good night. We're having baked chicken."

"Shall we?" he offered me his arm.

"We shall."

As we walked into the dining room, I heard a car pull up. Salem started to question me, but he just looked at me confused. I cringed as the door slammed closed. My mom came in and put the food on the table. The subtle scent of bourbon quickly filled the room.

"Lucy come see. Salem take a seat at the table, we'll only be a moment."

"Lucy," he called as we walked out of the room.

"Yes?"

"Be safe."

I walked out before a tear could fall. Why was he worried about my safety? Was the fear on our face that readable? Momma stopped in front of her bedroom door.

"Call Aunt Liz in thirty minutes and try to distract Salem, okay?"

"Yes ma'am. I love you."

"I love you too Lucy. Now go eat, you know I don't like my food being served cold."

As soon as the door closed, a glass bottle was thrown against a wall. I flinched as I heard a belt hit skin.

“Lucy, are you alright?”

I jumped as I heard his voice.

“I’m fine. You just surprised me is all.”

“Where’s your mom?” he asked, confused. “I thought we would all be having dinner.”

“She had to leave, but she'll back soon.”

He looked at me, trying to see if I was lying. I held his gaze until he looked away.

“We should eat. She told me to tell you that you’re welcome to stay here for a while.”

“I’ll tell her thanks soon.”

We sat across from each other. The chicken lay in between us, untouched.

“Is there something you want to talk about?”

“Y’all should turn him in, your dad. He shouldn’t be taking out his anger on your mom or you."

“I don’t know what you're talking about." My palms started sweat and I played with my cross.

He reached across the table and held my hand. An electric current ran through our hands, but I didn’t let go. I saw myself reflected in his eyes. Brown eyes wide with fear and curiosity. He knew the truth about my parents. What was going on between us?