The Bloodied Phantom [Chapter 13] Revised

Phantom couldn’t help smiling to himself, as he sat here, thinking about that surprise kiss that Raiya had bestowed upon him the previous night.

He hadn’t expected it, although he had enjoyed it. It was a brief, sweet kiss, filled with passion. Never had he kissed someone so passionately, and he barely knew her. That was an understatement. He knew everything about her, but he didn’t know her on a personal/emotional level. The previous day had begun under harsh conditionals, but ended with heart felt conversation, and a kiss to seal the deal. He felt a sense of pride, but that pride was short-lived. When he arrived back to his single roomed apartment, no sooner had he made himself comfortable, did his amulet glow intensely.

His father.

“What is the meaning of this?” Revenant asked, his deep voice resonating throughout the small room.

“Father. Please, let me explain.” he said. The expression on his fathers’ face told him that he meant business. Phantom held the amulet out in front of him, so he could see his father, and his father could see him. “I apologize for not being there the moment Raiya was assaulted, but I can assure you that I won’t let anything else happen to her.”

“I know for a fact you won’t let anything else happen to her. This wouldn’t be the first time you weren’t there to protect her, but I trust you.”

A year ago, Phantom hadn’t been there to protect Raiya. She had gone through the same dilemma a year ago, that had once again played out the previous night. He hadn’t known that she had been assaulted, because at the time, Saint was being sent into exile. A year ago, when life wasn’t what it used to be, when his family was in shambles, when everything began falling apart, he hadn’t taken his duty of being guardian as seriously as he did now. He only knew that she had been assaulted; no other details were given. After he learned what happened to her, he made a vow to himself that he would not let harm come upon her. Once again he had failed, but now he was determined more than ever not to make the same mistake.

Phantom sat, and listened as his father continued.

“Since you’ve already let yourself be known to her, I am allowing you to get close to her. For one reason, and one reason only, and that reason is to protect her. In doing so, you can keep a closer eye on her. I warn you not to form too close of a relationship, and whatever you do, do not tell her about your true self. There’d be total chaos. Promise me that you will not fail me.”

He’d heard this question twice before. Twice, he’d given his promise that he would not fail him. Twice, he’d failed.

“I promise father. I shall not fail you.” he said, bowing his head.

That conversation got him to thinking.

If only he could get her to tell him about her dreams, maybe then he could figure out what Saint is planning. If these dreams were somehow used to lure him out into the mortal world, what would be the reason?

He then sat up in his bed, and looked out the window. Today would be an exceptionally warm day, with the high of eighty-six degrees. A vast improvement from the past few days, with temperatures as high as ninety-eight. This would probably be the only moderately warm day all summer long. He didn’t want to spend the entirety of the day cooped up inside these four, suffocating walls on a Saturday morning. He was used to exquisitely decorated rooms, with cashmere comforters, lace and silk upholstered furniture, and decadent culinary cuisine being served to him. He’d have to leave that behind for now; keeping a low profile was a key factor in pulling off the role of a mortal. Besides, he would give up anything just to be with Raiya.

He hopped out of bed, pulled on some clothes, and exited the room; closing and locking the door behind him.

A warm summer breeze rushed over him, and he smiled to himself thinking about Raiya.

Making his way along the tree-lined street, he noticed two little boys, playing with a bright yellow ball, in the front lawn. One of the boys had fire red hair and wore glasses, while the other had wavy black hair. They reminded him so much of himself and Cypress as children, when they used to play out in the courtyard on warm summer days such as this. Back when Saint was carefree and happy. Back when their family wasn’t in shambles.

He watched the boys for a few more seconds, and then continued on his way. As he turned onto Maple Street, and made it to Raiyas’ house, he was greeted with unfortunate news. Ryan informed him that she and Zia had gone to the library to study. They were cramming because summer classes would begin early Monday morning.

“I could give you a ride there. It’d be no problem.”

“That’s alright. I wouldn’t want to impose.”

Ryan laughs. “Come on man. I’m not that bad of a driver.”

“I didn’t mean it like…”

“I know what you meant, but I won’t take no for an answer. Just consider this a ‘thank you gift’.

He didn’t want to seem ungrateful, so he accepted the ride. The sooner he could see Raiya, the better.

ª ª ª

I placed my book on the table, becoming more nervous with his every step. My heart thudded like a shutter during a windstorm. My face was burning red, both from the swelling and my uncontrollable blushing. Most of the swelling had gone down, but it was still noticeable. I knew that I shouldn’t be concerned. He’d told me that I shouldn’t let what’s on the outside deter what’s on the inside. Just remembering his touching words made my stomach flutter. My face deepened another shade of red.

“It’s nice to see you two again.” he says, as he approaches our table. “This time, not under such harsh conditions.”

“Yeah. We’re both glad to see you again as well.” she says in her most sophisticated tone. “Isn’t that right, Raiya?”

I don’t answer. I’m too mesmerized by this handsome creature who seemed to be sculpted from the finest marble, to answer her. He has a calm and sophisticated demeanor; elusive, mysterious, which attracted me like a moth to a porch light. I was curious to know what he was like. What he enjoys to do in his spare time. Personal things about himself. We’ve talked, but never about each others’ personal lives. So I knew practically nothing about him, and he knew practically nothing about me.

“Are you alright?” he asks, with a slight grin, confusion in his eyes, as to why I was just sitting here staring at him with a dazed expression upon my face. I instantly snapped out of my trance, and my face deepened another shade of red. I thought I was going to die from humiliation.

“I’m sorry.” I say quickly. “If you’ll excuse me, I think I need to go to the restroom.”

“It’s fine. Really.” he said, smiling.

“Hurry back.” Zia says, smiling from ear to ear, enjoying my moment of embarrassment. I gave her a look that signified that I wanted her to come with me. That agitated me. Agitation + Humiliation don’t make for a good combination.

“Excuse us, Phantom. It seems like I have to use the restroom as well.” she says, hurriedly getting up from her seat. I practically drag her toward the restroom, leaving Phantom there, looking confused I’m sure.

“Boy. You just made yourself look stupid; ogling him like a piece of meat.” Zia says, as we enter the restroom.

“I was not.”

“You were so, Raiya.” she says, looking at herself in the mirror. “It was like you were in some kind of trance or something.”

I couldn’t argue with her, because she was right. But I seriously doubt I was ‘ogling him like a piece of meat’ as she had stated. I watch her as she primps herself; fixing her hair and reapplying lip gloss. She looks at me in the mirror and says, “What I’m wondering, is why you’re so nervous.”

“Who said I was nervous?”

“Oh come on, Raiya. It’s written all over your face. It’s lit up like the Fourth of July.”

“It’s that bad?” I ask, focusing on myself in the mirror.

“It’s worse than bad.”

The truth of the matter was, I hadn’t told Zia about my kiss with Phantom. She wasn’t exactly known for keeping secrets; more like telling them.

“If I tell you the reason why I’m so nervous, you have to promise not to tell anyone.”

“Tell me first, and I’ll think about it.”

“Zia, I’m serious. Promise?”

She looks at me with a devious grin playing across her lips. As if she already knows what I’m about to say.

“Cross my heart and hope to die.” she says, making a cross over her chest.

“Well, last night I…”

“Yes?” she asks, egging me on. “I… I…”

“You what?”

“I… I kissed Phantom!”

“Oh my God! I knew something was going on between you two, ever since that day he gave you that peculiar purple rose. So? How was it?”

“Huh?” This caught me off guard. I was hoping she would just leave it alone.

“Do I have to spell it out to you? Is he a good kisser?”

I lean against the wall, my mind playing back that moment where our lips touched. Where the magic began. Back to the moment where the day’s troubles were erased and my mind was eased. “Let’s just say it was the best kiss I ever indulged in; which is the reason I’m so nervous. I kissed him, and now I don’t know what to do or say. Every time I see him, I think about that surprise kiss, and my heart beats uncontrollably in my chest. What do I do?”

“First, you need to calm down. He obviously enjoyed it since he came to see you. Second, stop staring at him. Yes, he’s a total hunk, but sooner or later you’re going to freak him out” I had to laugh at this suggestion. “And third, just relax. I know it’s pretty much the same as the first suggestion, but I couldn’t think of anything.”

I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself down, as she had suggested.

“I’ll just peek out and see what he’s doing while you’re mentally stabilizing yourself.” She cracks open the door just a tad, and gasps. “OMG!!! You are not going to believe who I see talking to Phantom.”

“Who?” I ask, running over, peeking out the door.

“Well, it isn’t the infamous painted up bimbo, Stacey.” I say dryly.

Here’s the 411 on Miss Stacey. She’s the most popular girl at our school, but what did you expect from the captain of the cheerleading squad? She’s a fiery red head armed with an attitude. Every guy wants her and every girl wants to be her, except for Zia and me. We both dislike her because she uses people to get what she wants, something she’s used to. Her father is a high-profile litigator who gives her anything and everything she wants. She’s a spoiled, rich snob, and doesn’t care if you get hurt .

I instantly feel like I had lost. Any guy would go crazy to be with Stacey. I had nothing on her.

“Excuse me, Zia.” I said, pushing past her.

“Where are you going?” she asked, following me.

I walked back toward our table where Phantom and that painted up bimbo sat. He looked uncomfortable, with her being so close, but I didn’t care. I was mad. I didn’t exactly know why I was mad. It wasn’t like he was my boyfriend or anything. I walked over, picked up my book, and walked toward the main desk where Ms. Ethel sat. I was definitely ready to check out now. Before I can reach her desk, Phantom grabs a hold of my arm. “Where are you going?” he asks. I look toward Stacey, who seemed to leer at me.

“I’m leaving. I no longer feel like being here.”

“To tell you the truth, I don’t either.” This catches me off guard. “I have no interest in that girl, there. I only have eyes for you. If you leave then I shall go along with you.” All of my anger melts away. I now realize that I was foolish to have been mad over something so trivial. “Listen. How about we visit the park? It’s a nice warm summer day. Let’s make the best of it.”

“Sure. Just let me check out this book.”

“I’ll do it for you.” I hand him my book, and my library card from my back pocket, and he makes his way toward the main desk.

“Aww. That was so sweet. I’m on the verge of tears.” Zia says, jokingly. I playfully nudge her and smile to myself, but that smile turns upside down when Stacey walked by.

“This isn’t over yet. I don’t know what he sees in you, but I can assure you, he’ll be mine before the summer is over.”

“In your dreams.” Zia says. “Just to give you a word of advice, you are so NOT his type. He doesn’t interested in stupid, two-faced, painted up bimbos like you.”

Right before Stacey can utter a word of retort, Phantom returns. “Are you two ready to leave?”

“I’m quite ready.” I say, rolling my eyes at Stacey.

“Well, let’s be off.” he says, slinking a firm arm of ownership around my waist. We exit the library, leaving behind the infamous painted up bimbo, Stacey, to wallow in her gloom.