Indwell (Chasing Natalie's Ghosts) (16 page)

“What’s wrong?” I asked, prepared to have to leave.

“I’m sorry honey. I didn’t mean to upset you. Let’s just have some fun while we can. Mark darling, can you get us a couple drinks please,” Ava asked him.

“Yes, of course,” he said getting up and walking over to the bar. The club was starting to fill up quickly. There were some really interesting people here.

“Natalie!” Ava grabbed my hand.

“Yes?” I replied.

“Apparently Hayden has been asking around all day if anyone around here has seen you. Up until now, of course, nobody has. I can’t guarantee Hayden hasn’t put out some sort of compensation for your safe return. I just thought you should know he will probably show up before the night is over,” she warned. Mark reappeared and put my drink down in front of me.

“Thank you. I owe you,” I said, starting to chug it. Mark hooted. “You go girl.” I jumped up and headed to the dance floor. Ava was quickly behind me. We danced with everybody around us. Millicent was right about it getting warm in here quickly. I was so happy just bouncing around the floor with everybody else. I was so grateful Ava lent me her boots. When the first band started we quickly moved away from the crazy mosh pit forming in front of the stage. I loved watching the boys bounce into each other. I have never seen such an energetic crowd before. The uniform of the club included spiked black belts, jeans full of rips and tee shirts begging to be ripped off. The hair was a mix of Mohawks, shaved heads and so many numerous colors. I couldn’t help but wonder if Hayden would actually show up here.

I met some of Ava and Marks friends. Everyone was very friendly and in good spirits. I accepted all their offers for drinks. My head was starting to spin and Johnny, one of Marks friends, I think, put his hand around my waist and walked me over to an empty table.

“I think you need a rest,” he said smiling. Millicent and Joshua sat down at the table with us. I smiled at them and they shook their heads, warning me I think not to talk to them or him. Why didn’t they speak?

“Right,” I said nodding. Johnny looked at me.

“I’m sorry, did I miss something?” he asked.

“No, I’m sorry, I’m fine,” I said looking back to the dance floor. I couldn’t see Ava or Mark. I was beginning to feel a little nervous. Johnny was starting to make me nervous. His whole head was covered in spikes. I had never seen so many. How could he possibly lie down with hair like that?

“I like your hair,” I said, touching one of his spikes. It was so unbelievably stiff. “Wow!” I said. His smile was odd as he moved closer to me.

“You like that do you?” he said grinning. Oops, I shouldn’t have said anything. I think he took that as an invitation. Ava where are you?

“So where are you staying tonight?” he asked, really starting to creep me out now. Millicent and Joshua disappeared. I looked around frantically for Ava and Mark. How could they leave me like this? He put his hand on mine and was looking at me with a strange look on his face, like he was thinking of what he might like to do to me. I was starting to panic when I heard a familiar voice behind me.

“You can excuse us now. I’m taking her home,” he said as he reached under my arms to help me up. The man with the spikes was about to protest, but Ava and Mark finally appeared beside me. He quickly got up and jumped out into the mosh pit. As I stood, I slowly turned around to see Hayden standing there. I was completely drunk but seeing him seemed to sober me up a lot. I tried to stop the tears from coming, knowing my mascara would start to run and I would look a mess. He saw the tears in my eyes. He smiled at me and reached a hand around my waist pulling me closer to him. I eagerly wrapped my hands around his neck. He kissed my forehead. He nodded at Ava and Mark. Smiled at Millicent and Joshua and then led me out of the club. I turned to wave goodbye to my new friends. Ava whispered the words, `I’ll see you soon.’ I nodded. Millicent smirked, like she knew all along that I would be thrilled to see Hayden again.

12. DIAMONDS

As he unlocked the passenger door and helped me in, I noticed he was grinning. Once he was seated in the driver’s seat, he helped me with my seat belt then he just stopped moving and stared at me. I already had mascara running from my eyes. I must have looked hideous, I thought, feeling self-conscious.

“I really like that dress on you,” he said, touching the bare skin that was showing above my long black sock. I smiled and put my hand gently on his as he drew circles on my leg. I started to tremble. His touch sent shivers throughout my body. He pulled his hand away and started to drive.

It didn’t take long to reach his apartment. He put his black coat around me as we walked to the elevator to ride up to the seventeenth floor. He held me close, probably thinking I would fall if he didn’t. He led me inside and locked the door. I took off Ava’s boots and walked to the couch. Hayden came over and sat beside me.

“I’m sor—,” I was about to say sorry, but he put his finger on my lips.

“I’ve told you before, never say sorry for your feelings. I know I handled it all wrong. I should have been so much more delicate with all I needed to tell you. I am the one that is truly sorry Natalie. I have been so lost without you all day,” he said, looking away. I almost thought I saw tears in his eyes. I reached over and put my arms around him. He suddenly pulled me into his arms and kissed my neck.

“Please don’t leave me again,” he whispered in my ear. He picked me up and carried me to his bed. He set me down and left the room for a second, when he returned he had a warm wet cloth.

“I have to wash your face,” he said smiling. I laughed, remembering how horrible I must have looked. I grabbed the cloth from him and wiped my face. He took it from me, smiling as he washed the remaining bits of makeup off my eyes. He left again and came back with a new nightgown. This one was creamy white.

“Oh, thank you Hayden. You really shouldn’t spoil me, I might get used to it,” I said.

“I’ll let you change,” he said as he turned to leave.

“No please don’t, I need your help actually,” I said slowly turning around, holding my hair up.

“Do you mind?” I asked. He slowly walked back over to me. As soon as I felt his fingers on my back I shivered slightly. I knew he felt it. His hands lingered on the small of my back. I heard him sigh as he walked out of the room. I remembered what Joshua had said about Hayden loving me, but I was still having trouble seeing it. I quickly changed and folded Ava’s clothes in a pile on his dresser. He came back into the room and gave me a glass of water. I went to brush my teeth and was about to go to his study when he grabbed my hand.

“Would it be okay if you shared my bed tonight?” he asked so sweetly.

“I promise I’ll keep my hands to myself, I just want to know you are here and safe.”

“I’d like that,” I said and followed him. His bed was so comfortable. I stretched out on his silky smooth black sheets and sighed.

“Will it be comfortable enough?” he questioned my sigh, as he snuggled up beside me.

“Oh yes, this will be perfect,” I answered, inching a little bit closer to him. He was so warm. I felt so safe and wanted, finally. I never wanted to leave again. Hayden kissed my shoulder gently and whispered, “Good Night Natalie.”

“Good Night Joe,” I whispered back as I drifted off to sleep.

When I awoke the next morning, I realized I’d had a wonderful sleep. I didn’t have a single nightmare. I stretched my hands up over my head and rolled over to look for Hayden. His side was empty. I reached my arms and legs across the bed to his side, but it was cold. I started to panic, thinking maybe he regretted having me share his bed. I stood up and put on his robe that was hanging on the back of the door. I slowly walked out towards the living room. I didn’t see him anywhere. I looked in the kitchen and his study. He was gone. I went back to the kitchen to grab a glass of water when I saw the note on the fridge.

Darling Natalie

I had to run out to take care of an emergency. Please stay and make yourself comfortable. I’ll be as quick as I can. I really want to spend the day with you.

Love Hayden

I waited patiently. I began to read one of his ghost stories that had been left lying on the coffee table. After an hour or so passed I decided to shower. I dried my hair and wrapped myself up in a towel. I opened the door to get my clothes in the study when I saw Hayden standing there with a bouquet of red roses. I smiled forgetting I was in a towel and ran to him. I wrapped my arms around his neck and held him tightly.

“I’m so happy you’re back. I was worried,” I said, as I thought again about waking up alone.

“I’m sorry I snuck out so quietly, but you were sleeping so soundly. I couldn’t wake you,” he apologized.

“These are for you. Let me find a vase,” he said as he quickly kissed my cheek. I released my hands from around him and caught my towel just before it completely fell. Hayden grinned slyly.

“Maybe I’ll let you look for the vase and I’ll watch.”

“Funny.” I wrapped myself up tightly.

“I’m just going to go change,” I said as I walked towards the study. When I returned I saw the roses where in a beautiful black vase on the coffee table. The red was so vibrant, so captivating and as I knelt down to smell them I felt Hayden kneel down beside me on the rug. I turned to look at him. He held my hands and began to explain how sorry he was for yesterday.

“I was so scared when you disappeared. I thought for sure I would be able to catch you before you managed to get too far. When I finally made it to my car, I searched every alley, but I guess I missed one. I started to panic. The thoughts that entered my head were starting to drive me mad. As the hours passed I realized you could be completely out of my grasp. I asked everybody I knew to keep a watch out for you. I even offered a reward for you, knowing that would get people talking. You have no idea how much I wanted you back.

I am sorry that you felt like you had to get away from me so frantically. My fear now is that you may still want to leave. If you do, I will drive you home or somewhere safe, please just promise me you won’t disappear like that again. I don’t think my heart can handle it.” He finally finished his apology and I felt so guilty.

“Hayden, you have been nothing but wonderful and so generous. I have never been treated so well in all my life. I don’t deserve you, really. I’m the one that is so very sorry. I panicked and acted foolishly. My pride was hurt and I didn’t give you a chance to explain. I just threw my guard up to protect myself and Adam. I have learned a lot since I left you. I don’t want to leave you Hayden.” He leaned over and held my face with both his hands and he gently kissed me, softly at first and then he became more intense. I placed my hands around his neck and I ran them through his hair. He gently pulled away from me. He picked me up and carried me over to the couch. He cradled me in his arms, just the way Adam used to, but being held by Hayden felt different. He felt calm, or I should say I felt more at ease with him holding me. He kissed me again. His hands slowly ran down my back and towards my legs. He carefully shifted me around so I was straddling him now. He pulled me closer to him. He lifted my chin and kissed my neck and chin, sending shivers everywhere. He breathed lightly near my ears. As he held my face close to his, he looked searchingly into my eyes.

“I am so happy you’re here with me,” he closed his eyes.

“I am so happy you want me here,” I told him.

“I have to tell you more Natalie,” he said seriously as he reopened his eyes.

“No. Not now,” I said kissing him again, but he seemed distant now.

“I don’t want to upset you. I don’t want to ruin this moment but I have to finish explaining myself. I can’t allow myself to be with you unless I am completely honest. You have to understand and time is unfortunately not on our side,” he said, carefully watching for my reaction.

“I know a lot more now than I did yesterday,” I informed him, remembering what Millicent and Joshua had told me.

“Can I ask you something about last night, at the club?”

“Sure,” this seemed like such an odd question, I was curious now.

“Could you tell the difference between the living and the ghosts that were roaming around at the club?” he asked slowly, trying to approach the subject cautiously. I was surprised by the question and wondered if it was a trick. I decided I would just be honest with him.

“Well, Millicent and Joshua were there. Mark and Ava are alive. I am assuming everyone else in the club was too, but to be honest I was having a lot of fun most of the night that I really didn’t pay attention to such details,” I explained.

“I have been tricked in the past though,” I whispered more to myself than Hayden, although I knew he heard me.

“What about that last character I saw you with, I believe his name was Johnny?” he asked. I was shocked.

“Of course he was living, wasn’t he? I felt his spikes,” I told him as I remembered how he made my skin crawl.

“No my darling he wasn’t. Ava and Mark couldn’t see him. They didn’t know you were in trouble. Millicent and Joshua couldn’t help you because Johnny is one of the others, he is a Geist. He was stronger than them. I believe they tried to watch you, but when it seemed like there might be trouble they went to try and get Mark’s attention. I’m thinking you’re lucky that I showed up when I did. As soon as you touched his spikes he knew that you were special. He wanted to know how much he could make you feel and that frightened me so much. I could have caught him on my own last night, but all I wanted to do was take you home and keep you safe. I’m just worried that the rumors of you being here are spreading. They will come looking for you now. They will seek you out. Geist’s crave the attention of the living.” I stood and walked towards the window, trying to understand the danger I may be in.

“I’m in a bit of shock or something right now. I don’t know how to respond. I haven’t always known at first that I was in the presence of a ghost, but I usually figured it out, eventually. I suppose if there was a group of them I wouldn’t know,” I said more to myself as I tried to wrap my head around it all. Hayden reached for my hands again and I rested my head on his shoulder. All of this was starting to scare me. I didn’t want creepy ghosts looking for me, like I was some kind of science experiment. Why would they want to do such a thing to me? I guess that’s the reason they call them a Geist, which explains why it’s Hayden’s job to capture them. Who does he deliver them to? What do they do with them? Hayden’s work and his employer were still a mystery to me. Right now I couldn’t handle knowing anymore. I moved closer into Hayden’s arms and shivered. He held me close, rubbing my back.