Dawn of the Knight Page 7

  I said nothing. We continued to walk together and he eventually calmed down.

  "Are you into sports?" he asked.

  "Sort of."

  "What kind?"

  "Football and swimming."

  "If you're thinking of playing for the football team, you're too late. The squad has already been picked and our first game is in a week."

  "We'll see about that," I replied while glancing around for Shannon.

  "What position were you going to try out for?" he asked.

  "Quarterback," I replied.

  He stopped and again stared at me while trying to decide if I was being serious or not. We continued walking and eventually we found ourselves in the middle of a large crowd of people. There was music blaring with kids milling in and around the pool while eating, drinking, dancing, swimming, and talking. This group contained both guys and girls including Shannon. Most of the guys had the physiques of athletes. Keith walked over to Shannon and beckoned me to follow him. I suddenly started to feel uncomfortable.

  "Is this the guy that upset you earlier?" he asked her.

  She slowly nodded her head yes while avoiding eye contact with me.

  "Would you believe my security found him snooping around in my bedroom?"

  A look of disbelief came over her face. Everyone within earshot also took notice. The uncomfortable feeling was growing stronger.

  "I… can explain," I said.

  "I don't care to hear your explanation again which was total BS anyways,” he replied. “You've done or said something to upset my girlfriend. She won't tell me what it is, but you listen very carefully. Stay away from her. Do I make myself clear?"

  In light of what AJ had told me about their relationship, I wanted to vocally object to his belief that Shannon was his girlfriend. I also wanted to sarcastically ask him how he expected me to stay away from her when we were living in the same house. However, not wanting to create a scene at the moment, I simply replied, "No problem."

  I turned and exited the pool area. I started to walk down toward the beach and hadn't gone far when AJ came running up to me and grabbed me by the arm.

  "What did you say to my sister back at our house?" she asked in a distressed tone of voice. "She's upset and she won't even tell me why. She's furious with you!"

  "I was simply trying to ask her questions about things she had written in her diary." I replied matter of factually.

  "Her diary? You were reading her diary? How could you, Lance? That's the most personal thing she has. Don't you know that a diary is private?"

  "Yeah, I know it's private. But I was just trying to help you guys—"

  "And then you had the nerve to ask her about things she's written in it? What's wrong with you? Why would you do such an ignorant thing?"

  She was beside herself and I was now feeling both alarmed and ashamed.

  "AJ—"

  "Did you go through the underwear in her dresser, too?" she asked sarcastically. "Why did you have to go and be such a jerk?" And off she stomped.

  I stood there speechless. At length, I decided to try and forget the whole uncomfortable incident by exploring the beach. While wandering around, I encountered mixed groups of students. Many would greet me and many of the girls would glance my way and smile. The predominant activities going on were either drinking, (mostly alcoholic beverages), smoking, (marijuana at times), making out, playing games such as Frisbee, or just sitting around chatting. I stopped to watch a mixed group of kids playing beach volleyball. After observing them for awhile, one of the guys asked if I was interested in joining in.

  "Sure," I said.

  Even though I had never participated in any kind of team sports, I was familiar with the rules of this game. The fact that I was in tremendous physical shape didn't hurt either. Our team's opponents were good and I carefully analyzed the technique their best server used. He put spin on the ball as he struck it. When my turn came to serve, I sent the ball curving inches over the net at blazing speed. It landed in the sand before anyone on their team could even move a muscle. Everyone stood gawking at me. I served a second time in the same way and again, the serve was nonreturnable. After three more similar serves the leader of the opposing team grabbed the ball and annoyingly remarked, "Game over. We came here for a fun pick-up game—not to be toasted by a pro. How long have you been playing volleyball?"

  "This is the first time I've actually ever played volleyball," I replied matter of factually.

  He let out a string of profanity mixed with accusations of lying and cheating. Everyone else sided with him. I said nothing and simply walked away. Upon reaching the ocean's edge, I plopped down in the sand to watch the sun set. It was a beautiful, semi-ball of golden-reddish light slowly disappearing into the horizon. I sat there for a good while; musing about the trip.

  "It is pretty, is it not?" suddenly asked a female voice on my left.

  I turned my head in complete surprise to see a strikingly beautiful girl whom I had neither seen nor heard approach, now sitting next to me! Collar-length, dark brown hair, sumptuous lips, and lovely brown eyes were the highlight of a gorgeous face that I surmised was of Japanese ancestry.

  "Yes it is," I replied while smiling at her. She smiled back and I got chills! Man, Peter certainly wasn't exaggerating when he said California girls are amazing, I thought. Wow!

  "Watching the sun set is one of my favorite things to do," she remarked. "It brings a colorful closure to the day."

  "I never thought of it that way before."

  "My name is Reina Kobayashi."

  "I'm Lance Rock; nice to meet you."

  She nodded and then returned her gaze to the horizon. I did the same. We sat there quietly while listening to the sounds of the tide coming in, the seagulls crying, and while watching the occasional swimmer and surfer.

  "I've always wanted to see the Pacific Ocean," I remarked—finally breaking the silence. "I think it's a lot nicer than the Atlantic."

  "You are not from around here?" she asked.

  "No. I'm from Canada. I'm here on the Student Exchange Program. I'm attending Santa Barbara Area Senior High School."

  "I am going to the same school. Who are you staying with?"

  "With a family named the Muller's."

  "You are living with a mother and her two teenage daughters? That must be an interesting arrangement," she remarked while smiling.

  I shrugged and nodded yes.

  "You say you are from Canada but to me, you sound like an American."

  "That's because I'm consciously suppressing my accent in order to fit in; in order not to draw attention to myself."

  "Oh, that is interesting" she replied while now staring at me quizzically.

  After a moment or two, she gently asked, "Is there something troubling you?"

  This question took me back and I wasn't sure if I wanted to truthfully answer it. Finally, I replied, "I guess. How did you know?"

  "I am a good reader of faces, and your expression is telling me that something is wrong."

  "I'm impressed," I conceded and she responded with a broad grin.

  What a beautiful smile she has, I thought.

  "I'm having… personal problems," I answered. "What grade are you in?" I asked in order to quickly change the subject.

  "I am a senior," she replied. "Sometimes girls can be hard to understand."

  My mouth dropped open and I stared at her. Then I nodded my head and said, "Yeah. Unfortunately, I'm finding that out the hard way. I mean…"

  She playfully laughed and shook her head.

  "I'm also a senior." I said while chuckling along with her.

  Suddenly, I felt the pinky finger of her right hand slip over the pinky finger of my left hand. Then she smiled at me while flashing her eyes—instantly sending my hormonal level straight through the roof!

  "Maybe… we'll… have some… of the same classes," I stammered with my heart pounding inside of my chest.

  "Maybe we will."

  "You have… a Japanese name and… appearance."

  "Do I? I have to go. I am sorry. I will see you around school." She quickly got up and ran back toward the house.

  "That would be nice!" I shouted after her. I regained my composure and looked at my watch. It was getting close to nine thirty and curfew was ten o'clock. I had to find the girls because according to Stacy’s rules, it was now time to head home.

  Chapter 9

  I walked back toward the vicinity of Keith's house where I had last seen Shannon. There were now a larger group of boys and girls mingling around. I spotted AJ. She looked like she had calmed down. I approached her and while pointing to my watch, I asked, "Isn't it time to go home?" She glanced at her watch and reluctantly agreed.

  "Where's Shannon?" I asked.

  She pointed in the direction of the pool. I made my way back over there.

  Shannon was standing beside Keith. He was surrounded by a large group of athletic looking boys. There were also many girls hanging out with them. Shannon glanced over at me as I approached. I pointed at my watch and silently mouthed, "Time to leave." She turned her head—ignoring me. Great, I thought. If we're late for curfew I'll bet she tries to put the blame on me. I came closer and asked, "It's time to go home, right?" Keith stopped talking to the guy next to him. Everyone else stopped what they were doing as well. Again, Shannon didn't respond but instead drew closer to Keith.

  "Come on Shannon. It's almost curfew and we've got to go home. Remember your house rules about being home by ten o'clock?" I asked with annoyance.

  At this statement everyone started to laugh. Shannon cringed, then nervously glanced around at everyone while looking embarrassed.

  "Hey, I didn't make them," I remarked while also glancing around. “And I’m not going to shoulder the blame if they’re broken.”An angry expression came over Keith's face and I could see his muscles contracting. Some guy approached me. He was about six feet two inches tall, well built, and I estimated his weight at about 185 pounds.

  "Why don't you chill out, Canuck?" he asked with irritation.

  "Please leave him alone, Greg," said Shannon.

  Greg ignored her and drew closer to me. I started to back up to try and keep some distance between us. I sensed the edge of the pool behind me. Suddenly, I felt something on the ground touch the back of my legs. As I glanced down to see what it was, Greg shoved me hard. I tripped backwards over the guy who was crouching down behind me and I went falling straight back into the pool!

  I surfaced, and then swam over to the ladder with the noise of mocking laughter ringing in my ears. Now both humiliated and angry, I climbed out of the water and strode over to Greg. I wanted to challenge him to try it again, but I saw AJ out of the corner of my eye vigorously shaking her head no with a panicked look on her face. So I just stood there contemplating what to do next. After calming down, I walked past Greg and over to where Keith and Shannon were standing. Derisive comments and a trail of dripping water followed after me. I was through with talking. I only wanted to go home, now.

  I attempted to reach out to take Shannon by the arm, but Keith pushed my hand away. I heard AJ shout, "LOOK OUT!" I turned my head in time to see Greg's fist coming straight at my nose! Her warning gave me just enough time to move my head aside and his knuckles drove into my left eye socket instead. There was an explosion of pain and lights followed by blackness.

  I awoke sputtering and shaking off the water someone must have poured on my face. My head was spinning and throbbing. I tried to sit up, but I threw up instead. I was in the aftermath of a mild concussion. I could hear muffled voices and then I felt my body being lifted up. I was carried over to a car and then gently laid in the back seat. I now clearly heard Keith, Shannon, and AJ all conversing with each other. Keith was talking about taking me to the hospital. The girls got into the car which I now surmised was Shannon's, and we started driving. There was a lively discussion about what to do.

  "Just take me home" I chimed in rather weakly.

  "We're going to take you to the hospital," replied Shannon.

  I sat up and groaned, "No. Take me… back… to your house." I fell back down in the seat. Shannon drove fast and we were soon pulling up into the driveway. I tried to crawl out of the car and the girls rushed over to help me. With an arm around each of their shoulders, they helped carry me into the house and then onto the couch in the family room. I was starting to feel light headed and detached. The telephone rang. I glanced down at my watch. It was ten o'clock. I could hear Shannon's voice saying, "Mom, there's been an accident. You'd better come home right away."

  I asked AJ for some ice. I was annoyed at Shannon and I blamed her for the trauma I was now experiencing. AJ brought an ice-pack. Then she asked me how I felt and whether or not their mother was going to hear what happened. I said that she was indeed going to hear all that happened and that I was thinking of suing them, Keith Mitterhauser, the guy who punched me, the school, and the whole state of California. I felt woozy. These remarks upset AJ, and so she went looking for her sister to spread the alarm.

  Eventually, Shannon came over to the couch and calmly asked, "What do you want? My mother is going to be home any minute now."

  Still feeling giddy I was tempted to say, "A goodnight hug and kiss." But since we weren't on the best of terms, I replied, "Nothing."

  Stacy came home and the first thing she did when she saw me was to rush over while verbalizing her concern. Being a nurse, she immediately went to work gently feeling my face for fractures or anything broken while also trying to make me feel as comfortable as possible. The girls nervously stood around watching, or, I should say only AJ stood there since Shannon did not appear worried or concerned that her fate lay in my hands. I found her nonchalant attitude intriguing. Despite the fact that I thought she was directly to blame for my pain and suffering, I decided to cover for them both—concocting a story that was false but believable. AJ verified it, but Shannon said nothing. The painkiller that Stacy had administered to me was starting to kick in and I was feeling drowsy but better. Stacy asked if there was anything further she could do for me.

  "No, I just want to go to bed and this couch will be fine." And that was that.

  ***

  During the night, I had a restless sleep that was highlighted by a semi-conscious hallucination involving the presence of what I could only describe as a "shadow being." I sensed that a black, shadow-like figure was quietly and stealthily moving in and around the house. Its presence frightened me. At one point it came and stood before me while reaching down with one of its hands to gently caress my face.

  "Please… don't hurt me, Mr. Shadow Man," I mumbled half conscious. Finally, it moved on and disappeared.

  The next morning I woke up late. According to AJ, Stacy had already left for work and Shannon had left with Keith. The two of them had gone to join others at the private beach house of a friend. This meeting involved only the cheerleading squad which was co-captained by Shannon. AJ and I had the house to ourselves. I eventually got up and then I walked over to the downstairs bathroom mirror to have a look at my face. My left eye was encircled by a wicked looking bruise that was dark blue, green, yellow, and purple. AJ came into the room and after not finding me on the couch, called out my name. I answered her and she joined me in the bathroom.

  "I want to thank you for warning me last night. If it weren't for you, my brains would have been splattered all over the pool."

  "I feel bad that you got punched like that," she remarked sympathetically while grimacing at my eye.

  "Knocked out cold," I reminded her while still staring at my face in the mirror.

  "How are you feeling? Can I kiss it and make you feel better or do anything else for you? We are all alone here you know," she suggestively remarked.

  I looked over at her while slowly shaking my head in disbelief. "Let's you and I have a little talk, alright?"

  "Okay."

  "I am never going to get physical with you again. You are a very pretty girl, you have a great personality, and I would like to get to know you better. But only as a friend; nothing more intimate than that. Is that okay with you? Can we just be friends?"

  "It's cool. We can be friends," she replied while coming over and embracing me.

  "By the way, how and why are we all alone given your mother's instructions the other night?" I asked.

  "Shannon told me to come with her, but I said I wasn't going to leave you here all by yourself with you being hurt and all."

  "That was kind of you, AJ. Thank you for your concern. Now, I'll feel a lot better when this thing goes away," I continued while pointing to the bruise around my eye.

  "It does blemish your super cute face. But I know it'll take at least a week to go away. That's how long my bruises take to heal."

  "I haven't got a week. I'm not going to go to my first day of school tomorrow with this shiner and then have the people who saw me get punched mock me like they did last night. I'm going to make it disappear right now."

  "How? You're joshing me, right?"

  "No. Sitting with my luggage is a blue duffel bag. Open it and you'll find a modified BC vest. Bring it to me, please."

  "What's a BC vest?"

  "BC stands for buoyancy compensator. The kind of vest you see scuba divers wear."

  "This is strange looking," she remarked upon returning with it and then laying it at my feet.

  I unlocked several latches on the back of the vest and then slid a briefcase out of an oversized compartment.

  "Could you open this case for me?" I asked while handing it to her.

  "Sure," she replied while turning it over and over in her hands. After studying it for a moment she remarked, "I can't. There's a handle, but I don't see any way to open it."

  "It can be opened in only two ways. One is by the concealed manual latch located on the bottom and the other is by lining up my thumbs like this." I pressed my thumbs on each side of the handle and there was a soft electronic hum as the fingerprint reader identified me. This was followed by a clicking sound as the case opened.