The Legend of the Firewalker (19 page)

He glanced over at Malick. It looked like LaDonda was giving him instructions on how to set up the table he was carrying. “I know there wasn’t any lighter fluid lying around either,” Nathan muttered. “Is it possible? Yes, but highly unlikely.”

He continued his gaze back into the fire. The voices of the others were becoming secondary to his thoughts.
And where did he find the matches? I would have to check, but I don’t even think Argus left matches.

Nathan heard his name and turned to find Lafonda smi
ling at him.

“What’s up?” she said. “You’ve been really quiet lat
ely.”

Nathan gave a half smile, though he had a somber look on his face. “Nothing,” he said. “Everything is fine.”

Lafonda’s eyes scrutinized his. “Okay, then,” she said. “Fine. Don’t tell me.”

He let out a light chuckle. “It’s nothing,” he said. “Rea
lly.”

“So, there is something,” she said.

He sighed. “So, any news on how your friend is doing?”

Lafonda looked confused.

“You know,” he said, “your friend in the hospital — Leah.”

Lafonda shook her head. “I guess I’m supposed to pr
etend that you’re not changing the subject,” she said. She paused for a moment before continuing. “I haven’t heard anything, really. I tried her cell, but it goes straight to voicemail.” She had a sad look on her face. “If I don’t hear back from her soon, I’ll try her parents.”

“I hope she’s okay,” said Nathan.

Lafonda frowned. She folded her arms across her chest and crossed her legs. Nathan could see that her right leg bounced impatiently.
Oh, boy
, he thought to himself.
Here it comes.

“Okay,” snapped Lafonda. “Something is definitely up with you.” 

He stared blankly at her.

“And don’t give me that look! You are definitely acting different.” She gestured to count on her fingers. “First,” she said, “magically, you decided to start wearing your leade
rship shirt, which I know you hate.” Lafonda paused with a surprised look on her face. “And second, you’re being nice. When did you become so thoughtful and caring?”

Nathan smiled modestly. He really wasn’t trying to be different or nice or caring. The only thing that was diffe
rent was that he knew their lives were in danger, and because of that, every second counted. He hesitated. “I guess,” he said, “I guess it’s just that — I appreciate things more now.”

Lafonda’s mouth fell open; she was speechless.

He sighed. “Okay, you can close your mouth now. I do have a heart and I am human — sometimes.”

She happily placed her arm around his shoulder and grinned. “Yes,” she said. “Sometimes.”

Nathan smiled back.

“Speaking of hearts,” whispered Angela, her blue eyes wide and full of life, “I think Sam has a crush on you.”

“Who — what?” he stammered. Nathan felt his face turning red. “Samantha?”

He looked up and caught a glimpse of Samantha Darding staring at him from across the fire. She quickly broke her gaze, and Christina and Eva Marie laughed through stifled giggles. Samantha looked embarrassed, but eventually looked back and smiled at him.  

“Yup,” said Angela. “I peeped it this morning at breakfast.” She paused to gaze longingly into the fire. “Isn’t it wonderful?” she said. “Young love.”

“Oh, brother,” huffed Alan. “You sound ridiculous.”

Suddenly, she sat up straight and ran her fingers through her hair. “Speaking of love,” she said, while rolling her eyes at Alan. “Hi, Malick, I saved a seat for you.

Malick raised his eyebrows and gave a reluctant smile b
efore sitting down. He shot a quick look to Nathan, but Nathan turned his head. Lafonda followed his lead and also looked away. 

“We’re all happy that you could join us,” said Angela. She looked around the fire and noticed the disconcerted fa
ces. “Isn’t that right, Nathan?”

“Sure, sure,” he responded, barely looking up.

Angela looked like she was going to say something, but after looking at Lafonda’s and Alan’s faces, decided to sigh in defeat, instead. 

“Well, look who decided to show up!” shouted Erin. She had a cross look on her face. Everyone turned to follow Erin’s gaze, and there was Jonathan Black heading in their direction.

“I thought you guys had a talk,” said Lafonda.

Erin folded her arms across her chest and pouted. “Yeah,” she said. “That was about it; all talk.” She rolled her eyes. “Obviously, Mr. Indiana here doesn’t have a watch or is too smart to understand the concept of time.”

“Oh,” said Lafonda, diverting her eyes.

“Hello, everyone,” said Jonathan. He yawned and rubbed his eyes. “Sorry I
’m late,” he said, looking straight at Erin. He had an apologetic look on his face. “As usual, I got caught up with my research and lost track of time.”

Angela perked up, and her blue eyes sparkled. “Hey,” she said, “maybe Erin could call you or send you a text message, so you won’t be late.”

Erin loudly cleared her throat and gave Angela a cold look. Angela quickly slouched down and mouthed the words
I’m sorry
to her.

Erin uncrossed her arms. “All right,” she said. “I know you are dying to tell us: what did you find out?”

Jonathan took a seat next to Erin and then stared suspiciously at Malick. “Yes,” he said. “I took Angela’s advice and did some research on the Internet.”

Angela perked up again. “See,” she said, turning to gawk at Alan. She then turned to face Jonathan. “Did you learn anything interesting about those studly male a
ngels?” She suddenly glanced down, and her face had turned red. “I mean, the good ones, of course.”

Jonathan paused for a moment, as if he was thinking about something, and then spoke to Angela. “Good or bad,” he said, “in the Bible, a union between an angel and a mortal woman was an unforgivable sin and was the catalyst for the great flood.”

“Oh,” she responded. Angela looked embarrassed again.

Alan laughed heartily. “Don’t go causing any floods, A
ngela,” he chuckled, “because I’m not dressed for it!”

“Oh, be quiet, Alan!” she barked in frustration.

“What about the cave wall?” asked Lafonda. “And the secret chamber?”

He turned to look at Malick again. “Nothing yet,” he said. “We just started excavating with the new equipment Dr. Helmsley borrowed from a neighboring university. But in the meantime, I am finding some really interesting info
rmation on the Internet.”

“Well,” said Malick, interrupting Jonathan, “I’m sure you won’t bother us with anything that isn’t conclusive.”

“Don’t worry,” said Jonathan. “When I am done, there will be no codswallop, and everyone will want to hear what I have to say.”

“Codswallop?” asked Angela.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” responded Jonathan. “In other words, no baloney.”

12

THE SPACE BETWEEN

The elevator to the eighth floor opened, and Nathan quickly got out. He took a huge breath and waved his hand a few times in front of his nose. “Whew!” he said. “You guys definitely need to hit the showers before you go to bed.”

Jonas stepped out of the elevator first, followed by Andy and Hugo. Andy tried to take the basketball from Jonas b
efore hopping up on the common room table. The table almost toppled over, but luckily for him, Hugo had climbed up to sit on the opposite side.

Andy smiled wide and laughed. He paused to take a whiff of his underarm. “Dude,” he said, “we don’t smell that bad.”

Nathan turned around to look at him and laughed. Andy’s face was covered with sweat, and his red hair was wet and spiky. His nose also was a bright red.

“You look like a clown,” Nathan chuckled. “And you are definitely a comedian if you expect me to believe that one.”

Hugo leaned in to take a whiff of Andy. “Dude!” he shouted. “You do smell!”

Andy laughed. “Whatever, man,” he said. “I could smell you in the elevator, and it wasn’t nice.”

Hugo playfully swung his long, beefy arm at Andy, almost knocking him off the table.

“Hey!” Hugo groaned. “That wasn’t me; that was J
onas.” He grinned, revealing big, horselike teeth. “Unlike him, I actually use deodorant.”

Jonas glowered and placed his basketball underneath his arm. His shaggy, curly hair was drenched with sweat. Jonas smiled big. “Hey!” he said. “Christina doesn’t have a pro
blem with it.”

Andy quickly hopped off the table, and Hugo barely pr
evented himself and the table from falling over.

“Whoa-ho-ho,” yelled Andy. “He’s got a point there, big guy.” Andy paused to lean against the wall to scratch his back. “And unless Jonas royally screws up,” he said, “he has a for-sure date to the banquet.”

Jonas continued to dribble his basketball, but he had a confused look on his face. “Uh, banquet?” he uttered.  

“You know,” said Andy, while raising his eyebrows. “The banquet on the last day of camp.”

“Oh,” he said, before starting to dribble again.

Andy shook his head at Jonas and laughed heartily.

“How are you guys taking dates to the banquet when your parents will be there?” asked Nathan.

Andy raised his eyebrows again, and his eyes were wide. “Duh,” he said. “You have to dance with som
ebody.” He playfully elbowed Hugo in the stomach. “And in Hugo’s case, that’s nobody.”

“Grr!” growled Hugo. “Who are you taking, then?”

Andy paused before speaking. He looked proud of himself. “It’s a done deal,” he said. “I’m taking Samantha Darding.”

Nathan grinned and tried to hold back his snicker.

Hugo’s face contorted, and Jonas instantly stopped playing basketball.

“In your dreams!” laughed Hugo. “If Sam is going to dance with anybody, it’s going to be me.”

Suddenly, the bell to the elevator rang, and to everyone’s surprise — except Nathan’s — out stepped Lafonda.

“All right, guys,” said Nathan. “Enough messing around. And hit the showers.”

“Saved by the bell,” sneered Hugo. He proceeded down the hallway to his dorm room and shouted, “Girl on the floor!”

“Hi, Lafonda,” said Andy, with a huge grin.

Lafonda responded. “Hello, Andy.”

“Okay,” said Nathan. “Good night, Andy.” He gave Andy a slight nudge. “Go get your shower, and you too, Jonas.”

Andy smiled again at Lafonda, and Nathan noticed that Andy’s cheeks matched the color of his hair as he walked away.

“That guy,” she mumbled.

Nathan chuckled. “So, what’s up? What brings you up here tonight?” 

“Nathan,” she smiled, “I stop by practically every night.”

He laughed. “Yeah, I noticed.”

Lafonda protested halfheartedly and smiled. “Would you rather I came back after you’ve showered?” she said.

“Are you implying that I smell?” he chuckled.

Lafonda grinned. “Not exactly,” she said, “but you did just spend the evening outdoors; not to mention prepa
ring the bonfire.”

“Whatever,” he said, while taking a whiff of his unde
rarm. He smiled and then gave her an ornery look. “You won’t be visiting long tonight, anyway.”

Lafonda smiled. “You are correct,” she said. “I can’t stay away too long from the girls.” She too
k a seat atop one of the common room tables. “Unlike your guys, the girls on my floor can take a shower without my direction.”

He smiled wide and sat in the chair that was closest to the table.

She took a deep breath and looked around the room. “You know,” she said. “It’s always strange for me to see you up here.”

Nathan looked confused. “Why? What do you mean?”

Lafonda glanced down and gently twirled her gold locket between her fingers. “It’s nothing, really,” she said. “I’m just used to seeing Leah and Amanda when I come up here.”

“What?” he asked abruptly. “Why would they be up here?”

She looked up and blinked a few times before speaking. “What?” she asked, appearing slightly befuddled. “I know you never came over to visit me, but you know I stayed in Lawrence Hall last year.”

Nathan slowly raised his eyebrows. “Yeah,” he said. “And
…”

“And,” she continued, “Leah, Amanda and I lived on this floor.”

His mouth fell open. “You never told me you stayed on this floor, Lafonda.”

“Oh,” she said, pausing to lean back on the table. “It’s not a big deal. I thought you knew.”

“Well, it’s a big deal to me,” he said.

She sat up straight again and shrugged. “I don’t unde
rstand why it would be such a big deal to you.”

I don’t know. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I’ve only been dreaming and thinking about Leah co
nstantly for almost two months now
, he thought.

There was confusion in her face, and he knew the only remedy was to confess everything, but he decided not to. “You are right, Lafonda,” he said. “It’s not a big deal.”

She paused and her eyes looked into his. “You are hiding something again, Mr. Nathan,” she said. 

He tried to appear innocent. “What do you mean?”

She tossed her long black hair behind her shoulders. “I am going to go along with it this time,” she said. “But in all these years, I’ve never heard you tell me I was right about anything without an argument first.”

Nathan smiled wearily and shrugged. “I guess there is a first time for everything,” he chuckled. 

“Yeah,” she added, pointing at him. “Like you deciding to wear your orange leadership shirt.”

He laughed nervously. “I guess so
…”

“Anyhoo,” she said with a laugh, “you are actually sta
ying in Amanda’s old room, and Jonas is staying in Leah’s room, and Andy is staying in mine.”

“Amanda’s old room?” he asked.

Lafonda glanced down and twirled her locket again. “Yes,” she said solemnly. “Amanda became Leah’s roommate after Jamie died.”

“Oh.” Nathan looked confused. “Who is Jamie?”

She quickly looked up with a surprised look on her face. “You don’t know?” she asked. “It was all over campus and in the news.”

Nathan raised his eyebrows and shrugged.

“A story about it even appeared in our yearbook,” she continued, still sounding surprised. “It was a memorial piece.”

“Sorry,” he said, with remorseful eyes. 

Lafonda shook her head. “You know,” she said, “you really have this escape-into-your-own-world thing down pat.”

“Can you just continue with the story?”

She rolled her eyes before continuing. “Jamie’s body was found outside Grimm Cemetery at the end of our first semester, last year,” she said.

Andy stepped out of his room, and Lafonda lowered her voice. Andy had a towel in his hand and looked like he was headed for
the shower.

“From what I remember,” she said. “Leah and Jamie went to a party, and Leah left the party early without J
amie. Leah said she came back to the dorm room and fell asleep — and didn’t realize Jamie was missing until morning.”

She leaned towards Nathan and whispered, “I think they asked Leah
to identify the body.” Her voice grew thin and she looked sad. “Leah said there were deep wounds and scratches on her arms and legs. She was really shaken up about it, and I think she blamed herself — that’s probably why she was having nightmares.”

“Nightmares?” he asked. 

“Practically everyone on the floor knew. We would often hear Leah screaming in the middle of the night.” Lafonda clenched her chest. “Some nights her screams would be so bloodcurdling.”

“That’s awful!” he said.

“Yeah. And unfortunately, sometimes she would get teased by the girls on our floor.”    

“That’s messed up,” said Nathan. “Why would you tease someone who’s been through something like that?”

Lafonda shook her head. “I don’t know, Nathan. I wanted to help Leah as much as I could, but she rarely talked about it.”

Bam, bam, bam!

Nathan and Lafonda looked up to see Jonas dribbling his basketball with only a towel wrapped around his waist.

Nathan shook his head and stood up from his chair. “J
onas,” he called, “it’s late. Can you give it a rest?”

Jonas looked up, placed his basketball under his arm, and quickly secured his falling towel.

Lafonda diverted her eyes and hopped off the table. “On that note,” she said, “I’m leaving.”

Nathan laughed.

She stood in front of the elevator and pressed the down button. “Good night, Nathan,” she said, cheerfully. “See you in the morning!”

The doors opened and she stepped into the elevator. “Oh, and good night, Jonas,” she added. She gave him a quick wink and a thumbs-up. “Good catch grabbing that towel.”

Jonas raised his hand to wave good-bye, but quickly had to secure his towel again.

Nathan looked at the puddle of water that was accumula
ting at the base of Jonas’s feet. “You are a mess,” he said. He took the basketball from underneath Jonas’s arm. “Can you do me a favor?”

“Sure,” he said.

Nathan grinned and said slowly, “Go — to — bed.”

“Oh, okay,” said Jonas. 

Nathan sighed heavily and walked into his room.

Later, after his shower, he lay in bed staring at the cei
ling. He thought about what Lafonda had said about Leah and her roommate Jamie.
It had to be tough dealing with all of that. And to top things off, she was having nightmares and having to defend herself from those monsters,
he thought.

He turned over to his side and stared at the clock. It was getting late and he couldn’t fall asleep. “I still don’t know what those creatures were that I saw attacking her. And they were nowhere to be found during my last dream about Grimm Cemetery,” he said.

Nathan shivered. Just the thought of Grimm Cemetery and what might come frightened him. There was a knock on the door, and he jumped and glanced at the clock again.
Who in the world could that be?
he wondered.

He then heard someone say his name in a low whisper. Nathan shook his head. “Jonas,” he said to himself. He shoved his feet into his shoes and opened the door. “J
onas,” he snapped, but in a whisper, “do you know what time it is?”

Jonas cast his eyes away from him and hung his head down low. 

Nathan took a deep breath and relaxed his shoulders. “What’s wrong? Why are you still up?”

“I can’t sleep,” said Jonas. “I was going to the bat
hroom and then I saw that your light was still on, so I figured you couldn’t sleep either.”

Against his better judgment, Nathan nodded. “Yeah. I’m having a hard time falling asleep too.”

Jonas smiled and quickly slid past him, taking a seat on his bed.

“Oh, no you don’t,” Nathan warned. His eyes were wide. “It’s time for you to go to bed, and we’re not about to stay up late talking.”

Jonas hung his head down low again. He looked disappointed. “But you said you can’t sleep either,” he protested.

Nathan raised his eyebrows. He had a stern look on his face. “Yeah, but that doesn’t mean I am done trying.” He pointed towards the door. “Back to bed, Mr. Riley.”

“Okay, okay,” Jonas said, getting up and heading for the door. But he stopped and stared at the orange-and-black basketball that sat in the back corner of Nathan’s desk.

Nathan grinned and shook his head. “Go ahead and take it,” he said.

Jonas smiled and bounced the ball.

Nathan cringed. “Don’t bounce it,” he said. “It’s too late for that; you’ll wake everyone else up.”

“Sorry. I forgot.”

Nathan sighed. “Just promise not to do it again.”