Vision of Shadows (25 page)

“It’s not as much need as want,” Payne answered. “Don’t you have something you can’t get enough of?”

“Like what?” I asked.

“I don’t know,” Payne said. “How am I supposed to know what girls collect?”

“Like purses,” Hunter said from the back seat.

“You’re kidding me, right?” I said.

“I
love
purses,” Hunter said as Payne slowly took a sharp turn onto the highway entrance ramp. “Look at this one. It’s a Louis Vuitton.” She held up a small but cute black and white checkered purse. It had slender straps made of brown leather. “I’ve got about a dozen or so Louie Vuitton’s. I’ve also got Prada, a few Coach, some Gucci, one or two Channel, Uggs, a few Versace.” Hunter kept listing names, but a strong feeling of danger distracted me.

“Payne
,” I yelled. “Stop the car.”

“What?” Payne asked.
His eyes went wide in surprise.

“Stop the car now
,” I insisted, certain it was absolutely imperative.

I tensed as Payne hit the brake, carefully trying to bring us to a stop on the dark, curvy road. I pressed myself into my seat to steel against the momentum, but Hunter
, who had been leaning forward, hit her head into Payne’s seat. With a squeal, the Mercedes finally came to a stop. I looked back to see if Hunter was all right. She seemed dazed but otherwise unhurt. 

“What the hell?” Payne said.

“I’m sorry,” I said. “I had this feeling something bad was going to happen.”

“Yeah,” Payne answered and pointed forward. “Look
.”

A
big cow stood in the middle of the road. It was one of those adorable black and white cows. Only it didn’t look so adorable right now. It just stood there, staring at us.

“It’s not mooing,” I said. “Cows moo. Why won’t it moo?”

I reached for my door handle, but Payne stopped me. “Where the hell do you think you’re going?”

“I’m going to take a look,” I explained. “There’s something up with that cow.”

We all looked back at the cow that continued to just stare. It was ridiculous, but there was something about the cow’s stare that seemed wrong. 

“If you’re right,” Payne said, “then there’s no way you are going out there.”

“What is it going to do?” I asked. “It’s a cow!”

Payne looked like he wanted to object more. Within a few seconds
, the three of us were outside the car. The cow just stared. Hunter had climbed out on the left side behind Payne, so I was alone on the right. Payne seemed to be aware of this and moved toward me, but I told him to stop. He wasn’t happy, but he did. 

The cow didn’t move or make a sound. It continued to stare
—directly at me. 

“Bristol?” Payne called. 

Something shadowy passed over the cow. Like smoke rising from within it. And then for the first time, the cow mooed.

“It’s ok
ay,” I said. “Did you two see that?’

“See what?” Payne asked. “I heard the cow moo. Is that good?”

I moved toward the cow. It was not only mooing, it was moving. It seemed to be looking around. Like it was trying to figure out how it got there. Or maybe I was just reading much more into it than I should. It was, after all, just a cow. Now that it didn’t seem so fixated on me, it was much more adorable.

“There was something inside,” I explained, “like smoke. I saw it leave the cow right before the cow started to act like a cow again.
”

“You’re kidding?” Hunter said.

“No,” I insisted, “I’m not.”

Payne looked back and forth between me and the cow. I think he was trying to decide if the cow was really acting like a cow. “This is weird.”

“I know,” I answered.

“You’re telling me the cow was…” Hunter waved her hands
. “Possessed?”

The cow mooed again, as if to say
it found that quite distressful.

“More or less,” I answered.

Payne took the cow’s head in his hands and looked it in the eyes. The cow pulled its head away and mooed again. Now that it was mooing, it wouldn’t shut up. 

“Now what?” Payne asked. “What do we do with a cow that was possessed?”

“Well, whatever it was is gone now,” I answered. “I don’t think we have anything to fear at this point from the cow. We need to figure out what to do with her. We can’t leave the poor thing out here on the road like this. It must have come from somewhere.”

“The cow?” Payne said. “You’re worried about the cow? Bristol, if you hadn’t told me to stop when you did, we would have crashed into
it. We could have been killed.”

“Wow,” Hunter murmured. “Murder by bovine. What a way to go. I don’t even eat red meat.”

“That’s irony,” I said. “How do you move a cow?”

Payne tried to pull at the cow, but the cow pulled away and gave him an offended moo. “Stupid, stubborn cow! We need to call someone
, or we’re going to be here…”

“Until the cow comes home?” I offered. That little comment earned me a baleful stare from Payne, Hunter
, and the cow. “Why don’t I call my uncle? He’ll know what to do.”

“Good idea,” Payne said. “In the meantime, I’m going to get a couple of flares and put them on the road so no one
—”

A squeal pierced the night.
We turned in time to see a red truck come around the same bend we had traveled moments ago and smash into the back of the Mercedes. The two cars skidded to a halt as the airbag exploded into action. Thankfully, we were several feet away and out of danger. The same could not be said about the Mercedes. 

“Uh oh,” I said.

“Oh hell!” Hunter said.

“Grandpa’s gonna kill me,” Payne said.

The cow mooed.

“What the hell are you doing stopped in the middle of the road?” the driver said as he emerged from his damaged truck. “Is that a cow?”

I pulled out my cellphone and dialed my uncle’s number. “Hey, Uncle Mark. What do you know about cows?”

Within the next ten minutes, both my uncle and Varick McKnight were on the scene. Uncle Mark had one of his deputies direct traffic to avoid another collision. After another twenty minutes, both the red truck and the Mercedes had been towed. The man got a ride from someone after being assured by Varick that any damage from the collision would be paid for. When Varick McKnight tells you he’s going to pay for something, you just smiled and accepted his word. 

My uncle found out where the cow came from and arranged to have it brought home. While the farm in question wasn’t very far, it still seemed incredible the cow had made its way here on its own. Pinky, the deputy that had been directing traffic, wondered out loud if the cow had been planning his escape for months. Finally, the only thing left to deal with was the three of us. Uncle Mark and Varick McKnight approached.

“Ok
ay,” Uncle Mark said. “What happened?”

“Don’t ask us,” I told him. “Ask the cow.”

“I’ll take the cow’s statement later,” Uncle Mark answered, ignoring the cow mooing in the background. “Right now, I’m asking you.”

“Sherriff,” Payne said
. “It’s not Bristol’s fault. I had my grandfather’s permission to use the Mercedes to take Bristol home. I didn’t think it would be a big deal to stop for dinner.”

“Wait,” Uncle Mark interrupted
. “I thought Bristol was having dinner at your place tonight.”

“She was,” Varick McKnight interjected. “However, my grandson Archer was injured earlier. He fell and hit his head. I took him to the hospital.”

“Is Archer okay?” I asked.

“No permanent damage done,” Varick said. “He has a slight concussion. He’s spending the night in the hospital, for which he’s not happy. But nevertheless, he
is
staying.”

“Good,” Uncle Mark said. “So you went to eat and then…”

“Then we left,” I answered. “Payne was driving. We were going the speed limit. We stopped because there was a cow in the road. We have no idea how Bessie got here anymore than you do.”

“Bessie?” Uncle Mark asked.

I shrugged. “I feel bad calling her
the cow
. Bessie seems like a good, solid cow name.”

“Right,” Uncle Mark said. “Well then, I think you’ve had enough excitement for now. I can take Bristol home from here.”

“And I’ll take my grandchildren,” Varick said. “Bristol, we shall have to have you over for dinner soon.”

“Sure, thanks,” I said. “Just don’t serve steak, ok
ay?”

Everyone except the cow laughed. 

An Unexpected Visitor

There was music playing. Really old music from the late fifties or early sixties.
It was a female voice, one I wasn’t familiar with, crooning out a melody, begging for her lover to let her go.

I
thought the girl singing was a wimp. If you felt that way about your boyfriend, just break up with him. Still, it was a pretty enough tune.

The music poured out of the radio in an old car. Only the car didn’t look old. It was a Corvette, black, slick
, and brand spanking new. The car was idling on the side of the road somewhere off the beaten trail. It looked like the perfect setting for two teenagers to make out, but the pair in the Chevrolet weren’t locking lips. Instead of being snuggled next to each other in the back seat, they sat silently in the front seat. The girl seemed to shrink away from the boy. She was pretty in an understated sort of way with her dark brown hair that was tied up in a pink bow. In fact, she looked a lot like me.

The boy’s face was masked by shadows as he reached his hand out to take hers. Every time he did, she would give it a gentle squeeze and then pull away. She wasn’t scared of him, but whatever affection h
e might feel was definitely one-sided.

“We can’t go on like this,” she said. “It’s not fair to either of us.”

“Why not?” he said. “I love you. I know you love me. You’re just… confused.”

“I’m not confused,” she said. “I don’t love you. I know that sounds cruel, but it’s just how I feel. I’ve been honest with you. I told you it’s over. You need to accept it. It’s not that I don’t think you’re wonderful, it’s just not right.
”

He was silent for a moment as her words hung in the air
. I couldn’t help but notice his hand was now clenched into a fist. After a few seconds, he relaxed his hand. “It’s him, isn’t it?”

“It’s not,” she responded. “It’s never been about him. Yes, I like him. If he asks me out, I’ll say yes. But even if he wasn’t in the picture, I
’d say the same thing to you. We weren’t meant for each other.”

His fist was back. Still, she showed no sign of fear. “I think we’re meant for each other. I can give you so much
. Be mine, and you’ll never want for a single thing”

“I’ll want for love,” she said. Wow, that was a corny line. I don’t think I could say it with a straight face, but she managed to pull it off. Kudos. “It’s never been about money. You should know that. He makes me laugh. He listens to me. He respects my opinion.”

“He
respects
your opinion?” the boy repeated. “How is that possible? He is the living embodiment of sarcasm! Don’t be absurd. No, you belong with me. It’s as simple as that.”

She laughed. “I think he’d like that description. Oh, I hope we can still be friends after tonight. I really, truly do. But that’s all I feel for you. Friendship.”

“No, you can’t have it both ways.” The boy’s tone had changed. The hopefulness in his voice was gone, replaced by anger. “You cannot be with him and be friends with me. You know how this works. One family or the other! It can’t be both ways. There’s no in-between.”

“Well, now that’s just silly,” she answered. “I certainly don’t plan on taking sides
in your ridiculous family feud. Neither does your brother. Which is convenient since your brother seems smitten with my best friend. I want to look forward to seeing you. As friends.”

“You’re wrong,” the boy spat. His fist shot out, punching the radio into silence. “You belong to me
. That is how it’s supposed to be. You cannot have it both ways!”

“Stop it
,” she insisted. “You’re scaring me!”

He grabbed her arm. “You have no idea how frightening I can be
.”

For a moment, tears fill
ed her eyes as she stared into his face, a face still hidden in shadow. Then anger set in as her hand struck out and slapped him. She reached for the handle on the door and jumped out. 

He sat stunned, his hand feeling his face where she’d struck him. Then he bolted out of the car.

“Leave me alone,” she shouted. “They warned me, but I wouldn’t listen. Your brother told me that you could turn mean. I thought I knew you. Clearly, I was wrong.”

“You’re not leaving
,” the boy screamed. I wanted to shout at her to run, but I knew I couldn’t. This was all the past. A horn sounded as a second car drove up, skidding to a halt between them. Its lights were on, and I got a full view of the couple. She looked about my height and age, her hair a bit longer. Her eyes were just like mine. She was thinner than I was, and I think a little more beautiful.

He was tall, blond
, with deep blue eyes. Stunning to look at, if not for the fury on his face. A face that I’d seen before.

It was Jay.

I woke covered in sweat. The look on Jay’s face was truly frightening. The same look I’d seen on his face ever since I’d rejected him myself.

He’s just a ghost
, I told myself over and over again. As a ghost, he could hate me all he wanted, but he couldn’t do to me what he clearly wanted to do to that girl.

Still, for the first time in my life, I was scared of a ghost.

* * * *

I had to hand it to my family; they kn
ew how to rise to an occasion. It started last night when I walked in the door. Grandpa said he’d heard what had happened and thought it was “
udderly
ridiculous.” I groaned.

He asked Uncle Mark if he’d given Payne a ticket.

“For what?” Uncle Mark asked.

“A moo
-ing violation.” Grandpa snickered. Simon and Zack found it hysterical. Even Uncle Mark grinned.

Later in the evening, Zack brought me a plate of cookies and glass of milk. I thought he was being sweet until he asked, “You’re not afraid of the milk, are you?” More fits of laughter from them, more lethal stares from me.

I think Simon was the worst because he had that way of talking that made you believe he was being serious at first.

“Really, it’s not
surprising,” Simon said. “Clearly, she was on her way to the
moo
vies.” Later Simon said most likely the cow would not be able to produce any more milk due to the fright of what happened.

“Why?” I asked. “A traumatized cow can’t make milk? Really?” 

“Yeah, but don’t worry,” Simon added. “She can make milkshakes instead.”

It was now open season on me. I could only imagine what it would have been like
if they knew I believed the cow had been possessed.

It was about one thirty in the afternoon when the doorbell rang. Zack ran to get it. I knew it was Payne when I heard the slew of cow jokes.

When Payne stepped inside, I gave him a hug. “You better be ready. I’ve been the recipient of bovine humor since last night.”

“Yeah?” Payne said. “My grandpa doesn’t know any cow jokes. I’m just waiting for my cousins to start. It’s gonna be brutal.”

“So you came to rescue me from cow hell?” I asked.

“I would be happy to rescue you,” Payne answered
. “But that’s not why I came by.” 

Payne stepped forward to stand in front of my grandfather who, as usual, had managed to avoid eye contact. “Mister Blackburn, I was wondering if I could have a few moments of your time. I’d like to speak to you in private, sir.”

The room went dead silent.

“Payne,” Uncle Mark said
. “Is there something I could possibly help you with?”

Payne smiled. “No, but thank you.
I really think I need to speak with your father if that’s all right.”

Uncle Mark responded with a small shake of his head. “Can’t say I didn’t try and save you, son.”

“Hold on,” Grandpa said as he struggled to his feet. “You,” he pointed to Payne with his cane, “want to have a private chit chat with me?”

Payne nodded. “Yes
, sir.”

Grandpa glared at Payne, then at Uncle Mark
, and then finally at me. “You sure you want to do this, boy? Think real careful before you answer me.”

“I’m sure, sir.”

Grandpa smiled one of his most wicked smiles. “All right, Payne. I’ll admit. I never saw this coming. Let’s go out to the back and have ourselves a little pow-wow. I have to warn you. I may be old, but I’m also a mean S.O.B. So you take your chances. Make yourself useful and grab me a cup of coffee on the way. Black is fine by me. You may want something for yourself. You’re probably going to need it.”

Grandpa started for the back porch. “And don’t the rest of you try and eavesdrop. Boy said he wanted private. You’ll hear him scream if he needs help.” 

“Payne, what in the name of all that’s holy are you doing?” I asked. “Are you insane? You must be insane. That’s the only explanation for this. Where in the world did you get the idea to do this?”

“From you,” Payne said while I stood there bewildered. “You said our families had to learn to trust one another. I’m taking the initiative.” He stepped around me and through the back door. 

I turned and stormed into the living room, plopped down on the couch, crossed my feet and arms, and proceeded to pout. “I don’t know what the hell’s gotten into him.”

“Well, I think it’s pretty clear,” Simon offered
. “He’s got mad cow’s disease.”

They laughed. I continued to pout. 

Pouting didn’t seem to do anything, so I paced. But that just made Simon and Uncle Mark watch me like a ping pong ball going back and forth from one side of the living room to the other. It got worse when Zack jumped up and started to pace with me, matching me step for step.

So I sat, reached for the TV control
, and started to flip channels.  Simon wanted to watch either a science program or a show about robots pretending to be human so they could wipe us out. Zack wanted to watch a cartoon with some really weird looking kids with humongous eyes. Uncle Mark wanted sports. So, naturally, I found the cheesiest chick flick I could and turned the volume up.
Yes, I can be that cruel
.

But even the story of a single mother with an alcoholic father, kidnapped daughter, and dying goldfish couldn’t keep my attention. I flipped the TV off and started to pace again, yelling at Zack to sit when he got up to join me.

“What could they be talking about for so long?” I asked. “How long have they been out there? An hour? Two hours?”

Uncle Mark looked at his watch. “Not quite fifteen minutes yet.” I glared at him
, and he put his hands up in mock surrender. “Bristol, calm down. Look, your grandfather loves you. He would never do or say anything that would—”

“What?” I interrupted. “Are y
ou really going to tell me Grandpa wouldn’t do anything to embarrass me? Are you?”

“No,” Uncle Mark continued
. “He’ll humiliate you for laughs and not think twice about it. I was going to say he would never do anything to hurt you. He knows what Payne means to you.”

“Is that supposed to make me feel better?” I asked.

“I don’t know.” Uncle Mark shrugged. “It’s all I got. Sorry.”

“Hey guys,” Simon said
. He was standing at the edge of the living room. “I think they’re done. They’re coming inside.”

I shot over to where Simon was. Grandpa and Payne were indeed on their way in. Payne carried the two coffee mugs to the sink. Grandpa walked right up
to me, grinned, and then snatched the remote out of my hand. 

“Did she put on home and garden?” Grandpa asked.

“No,” Simon answered. “A chick flick.”

I walked over to Payne. “Are you ok
ay?”

“I’m fine,” he answered. “You feel like heading out? I’ve got my grandfather’s BMW.”

“You have your grandfather’s BMW?” Zack asked.

Payne smiled. “Right outside.”

“And we’ve been sitting here watching some girlie show?” Zack complained. “I wanna see!” He raced for the door.

“Wait for me
,” Simon yelled.

“Ah hell
.” Uncle Mark shrugged. “I’m in.”

“Now look what you’ve done,” I said to Payne. “You coming?” I asked Grandpa.

Grandpa grumbled, clearly wanting to go but not wanting to admit that he wanted to go. Still, underneath the old curmudgeon surface, there was enough little boy left that he gave in. “You better not tell your grandpa that I was outside ogling his car.”

“Your secret is safe with me,” Payne said.

I waited until Grandpa walked through the front door before I whispered to Payne, “Not me, I’m saving this for a special moment in time.” 

* * * *

It took a while for us to get out of there. First Uncle Mark and Grandpa made Payne pop the hood. They nearly genuflected. Zack and Simon played with the soft closed doors, the iPod dock, the satellite radio, and the G.P.S. system. Since it was a convertible,
everyone
wanted the top down.