When the Rain Comes
By:
Chapter 1: Morning Glory
"Candi? Are you up yet?" I heard my mom, Anne call from down the hall.
"I'm working on it." I yelled back as loud as my dry throat would allow. I turned my head to look at the electronic clock on my nightstand. It read it bright red numbers: Seven-Fifteen AM. Great. I would be late again today.
I forced myself to sit up at the very least to start off my already not-so-good day. My black cat Perry whined softly at the sudden movement. He stretched and then curled up at the end of my bed again, away from my body.
"Good morning to you too," I muttered to him. I moved off the bed to get ready. My room was the same as always. White walls, wood floor, dainty blue curtains on my window, my one dresser pushed against the wall, and my bed were all still there. I walked to my desk beside the dresser and grabbed my bathroom necessities from between the two and staggered toward the bathroom.
After showering and freshening up, and decided on what to wear today. Faded jeans with rips in the knees, a black tank top, and a red track jacket. I pulled my wet hair back into a messy pony-tail and stalked out of my room.
I yawned as I entered the kitchen. Anne was at the table, hovered over work papers I assumed. Claire, my seven-year-old sister sat across from her playing with a bowl of cereal. Looking at the clock again, I realized I had little time to stay here if I had any hope of being on time to school. So, I just grabbed a packet of pop tarts and my backpack and headed out the door.
Once in the apartment lobby, I was able to quicken my pace in the openness. The woman at the front desk eyed me suspiciously as I sped through the lobby. I murmured a low greeting to her and strode out the door.
I was so determined to get to school on time I nearly ran into someone just outside the apartment. I stopped short before I hit him. Apparently, he didn't even realize that I had nearly walked into him. He stood their staring up at the apartment complex. Had he not been breathing he would look exactly like a statue. His expression was somewhat confused. I ignored him and walked around him towards Minneapolis High.
I was late. This didn't surprise me. I tried to be as inconspicuous as possible as I walked into the building. The halls were silent; everyone was already having their first period class. I was in luck, the receptionist as the desk wasn't paying attention so I was able to creep by her unnoticed.
Once out of the school lobby I hastened to my locker so I could dump my bag and grab my things for first period. History was my worst subject.
When I entered the class, Mr. Leone was in the middle of his lecture. Not even a late student could interrupt one of his infamous lectures. I received a few stares from my classmates as I took my seat in the back of the class. Right when I took out my notebook to take notes on the last of his speech he had already finished. I mentally braced myself for the punishment.
Mr. Leone walked over to my desk and in a low tone he asked. "Do you know who the president of the United States from nine-teen forty-five to nine-teen fifty-three, Miss Randall?" I racked my brain for the answer. Nothing came to mind. I bit my lip in defeat. I heard Tonya Halley giggle quietly from the front of the class. Mr. Leone shook his head, "I suggest you open your book for the answer and start working on the assignment on the board." He said sternly and walked away.
I examined the board. 'Read Chapter Seven – Answer Questions 1-5 on page 214.' Simple enough. I opened my book to Chapter Seven. Harry Truman was the president from nine-teen forty-five to nineteen fifty-three. I sighed and flipped to the page with the questions. Easy one sentence answers would be good enough. For the rest of the class time I read through the chapter and was able to complete the first three questions. At last the bell rang and I was one of the first out the door.
Second Period was much easier. I sat again in the back of the class. My English teacher, Ms. Connery was giving us an introduction on Urban Legends, our next unit. To me it was just a bunch of superstitions that famous people made up. I spent most the time doodling on my notebook when my friend Lynn passed a note to me.
Hi Candi,
This is so boring. What are you doing next week?
I turned it over and scribbled in my horrible handwriting:
Nothing. Why?
I knew she probably was looking for a girlfriend to go shopping or something, but I had to ask just to make her happy.
Do you want to go downtown to see a movie? Maybe have dinner at the Palazzo?
It sounded fun. What else could I do? Sit at home with my little sister?
I'll go, but I need a ride.
I passed her the note. In seconds she had eagerly written back and passed it to my desk.
Don't worry. Tom is taking the Sienna so we can all fit.
This caught me by surprise. Since when was Lynn hanging out with Tom Dashfield?
Who all is going?
You, Me, Tom, Jason, Alex, Tonya, and Jasmine.
I felt a little relieved. If Tom, Alex and Jason would be going then shopping was out of the question. I had only seen Tom's Sienna Van Once when his truck had broken down one Friday morning. It looked like it should belong to a soccer mom.
Where are we meeting?
We'll pick you up at 5pm on Friday. We'll probably get back around 9pm. Bring money for dinner and the movie. Tom doesn't like moochers.
That comment made me smile. It was true. Last time I went with a party that big Alex didn't bring any money and tried asking Tom if he could borrow some. Of course, Tom got mad at him and I just ended up lending him money. He still hasn't paid me back.
What day exactly?
The 27th
I nodded to Lynn and attempted to return my attention to the lesson. It didn't work, so I continued to doodle until the bell for lunch. Lynn and I walked to lunch together, she was babbling on about how much fun it was going to be this Saturday and what movie to go see.
Most the gossip at my table was about next week. Lynn continued to bring it up every time the subject changed to something else. Every now and then Jason would add a nasty remark about the Sienna and Tom would punch him in the arm.
By the end of the lunch period it was decided that Tonya had shotgun, we would go see The Team, and everyone had to bring at least fifteen dollars. Tom made that part quite clear and Jason walked out of the lunchroom rubbing the bruise on my arm. Boys will be boys.
Third and Fourth period went by pretty slow. Art and Spanish were painfully too easy for me. I was relieved when the final bell rung. On my way out of the building I caught up with Jasmine.
I only met Jasmine this year in my Spanish class. She had dark auburn hair that stretched to her shoulders and somehow it fitted her pale skin.
"I'm so excited for the Urban Legend unit in English." Jasmine said as we walked out of the building. She had always been one for the supernatural world. "I wonder if we'll be doing any cool projects." She was practically shaking with excitement.
"Sure. You can do mine." I offered. She glared at me.
"What is with you, Candi? This will probably be the best unit of the year."
"You said that about poetry." I defended. "It was terrible."
"That's because you didn't like it. Did you pay attention at all?"
"Nope."
"Ugh. That's your problem!" Jasmine snorted. I grinned at her frustration.
"I don't have a problem with poetry. I already know English; it's Spanish that I have a problem with."
"Very funny." She replied humorlessly. Now she was giving me the silent treatment.
"You know, there's always that movie next week." I stated to break the sudden silence. She didn't answer. Jasmine just glowered at the ground. "Are you coming?" Still no reply. "Jasmine?"
Finally she looked up with me, trying desperately to keep a straight face. Too late. We both burst into laughter. Everyone knew Jasmine too well to think that she'd ignore you.
"Yes, I'm coming." She answered, still giggling. " Lynn cornered me in the halls. How'd she get you?"
"English." I said.
"I should've guessed that." Jasmine replied. "You sit next to her and she knows you don't pay any attention in English." She added, mockingly.
"I pay some attention." I said defensively.
"Right." Jasmine rolled her eyes.
We trudged up the street to the intersection where we would have to part.
"Bye Candi, say hello to Claire and Anne for me." Jasmine said as she began to take down 4th Avenue.
"Will do." I called after her before she was out of earshot and walked down Boulder Street.
Chapter 2: Bored Stiff
I entered the apartment building a few moments later. I was in no hurry. All I had to do for the rest of the day was watching Claire and do my homework. Nothing too exciting. Claire was easy. I didn't really have to keep a constant eye on her. She was a good kid. Usually when I arrived she'd be watching TV or drawing something. Occasionally working on what little homework she received every now and then.
My already low mood was forced lower when I entered apartment number 204. Dave Showers was sitting on the leather couch watching a football game. I never really liked Dave. I just put up with him because he was my mother's boyfriend as of six months. I can't see how she stands him. I shut the front door nosily to announce my arrival. Dave turned his head to look at me.
"Hey Candi." He greeted cheerfully. Ever since he's been here he's been trying to become at least friends with me. I resisted his efforts with a passion.
"Candice." I corrected him irritably. I've never allowed him to call me 'Candi'. He's most likely one of the only persons who are forced to call me by my real first name. He ignored my discourteousness.
"Brittany and I were going to see a football game at the stadium on the twenty seventh and I was wondering if you'd want to join us." He asked casually. Ew, Brittany. Brittany was Dave's daughter. She was only a year younger than I was. At least she went to a private school and I only had to see her when Dave was around. I tensed realizing that she was probably lurking around here somewhere. Good thing I had already made plans.
"I've already got plans on the twenty seventh." I informed him.
"But I already bought to ticket." He complained. Then his expression changed. "Maybe, I'll take Claire."
"No." I said, a little too loud. "She hates football." Dave raised an eyebrow at my sudden outburst. After a while he shrugged and returned his attention to the game. Couldn't he just give the ticket to someone else? There had to be some poor little boy who would give anything to go to the game.
As I entered the kitchen the front door opened again. There she was. Brittany walked through the door carrying a shopping bag and her backpack.
"There was a sale at my favorite store." She explained in her preppy voice. Patricia had long bleached blonde hair and usually wore very girly clothes. Luckily I had the chance to grin at her today. She was still wearing her school uniform, which were very businesslike and navy blue. She gave me a disgruntled look and eyed my casual grungy clothes.
Dave looked at her thoughtfully. "What did you get?" He asked. Most likely just to start a friendly conversation. Brittany beamed at him.
"Oh, just some new make-up, a cute headband, and gorgeous earrings." Brittany answered. She emphasized the word gorgeous. I rolled my eyes when the two of them weren't looking and grabbed a granola bar. I lugged my backpack to my room and deposited it on my bed. I'd work on it when I knew Claire was busy.
When I entered Claire's purple bedroom, she wasn't there.
"Claire?" I called through the apartment.
"She's not here." I heard Dave call back. I could almost picture Brittany sighing as Dave turned the spotlight to me. "Anne said that she was going to take her grocery shopping when she got out of school."
I had nothing else to do but submit to my homework. Maybe if I procrastinated more, my life might be a bit more interesting. When I returned to my room, I unloaded the backpack on my bed and grabbed my history book, notebook, and pencil pouch from the pile and set them heavily on the desk. The friction caused a small treasure chest shaped box to fall to the floor and scatter everything that was inside it onto the floor. I sighed and began to collect the little items. Most of the items where things I had found off the street that seemed pretty cool to me. Like lucky charms. A silver ring with sapphires, a bottle cap from nineteen ninety-three, a few foreign coins, an Indian arrowhead, and a small chain necklace fastened around a silver key with a fire opal encrusted in the handle.
I examined the key thoughtfully. It belonged to my real dad. I had found it in his secret vault after his death. I thought it was the prettiest thing in the whole world and wore it constantly around my neck. I dropped that habit a year later because it caused me so much pain to look at it and remember my dad. It didn't hurt to hold it now. Somehow it made me feel happy as I stroked it gingerly. I was surprised that I hadn't even flinched when I saw it. The fire opal reflected rainbow colored light as the sun glinted off it from the window. I placed the treasure chest back on the desk, but kept the key and strung it around the lamp.
As I worked on my homework I continuously stole a glance at it. Just to make sure that the pain wouldn't come back and it was just numbed temporarily. I felt no pain looking at it.
Unfortunately, I finished my homework early. I leaned back on my chair and sighed. What could I do to keep myself busy for an hour? I could call someone, but whom? I'd think of someone when I got to the phone.
I exited my room and headed toward the kitchen to grab the phone when I heard Brittany's bubbly voice. She wasn't talking to Dave. I peeked into the kitchen. Crap! She was using the phone already. Knowing Brittany, there was no way I could get it from her.
Defeated I walked into the living room. The news was now on the TV. Reluctantly I sat in a chair, far away from Dave. He smiled at me and by unintended impulse I smiled back. It was short lived. I composed my face to look exceedingly bored as I tried to concentrate on the TV. The only thing that caught my eye was one headline. Someone had been reported missing since this morning. They were last seen somewhere around 5th Avenue and Darby Road. I realized that wasn't too far from here. Boulder Street ran into Darby Road. And only two blocks from that intersection was 5th Avenue. I shuddered involuntarily. Dave hadn't noticed.
Finally, Claire and Anne came through the front door carrying grocery bags. I immediately seized the chance to get away from Dave and helped Anne put things away. Tonight Anne would be cooking Meatloaf.
Even though Meatloaf wasn't my favorite, I helped Anne as best as I could. She was grateful for the extra help and dinner was served sooner than she expected. Now came the gauntlet.
Brittany had finally given up the phone to join the dinner table. Everyone ate in silence. It bugged me, but I was too cowardly to start a conversation. Dave tried to start it first.
"So Candice." He began. I winced. At least he got the name right. "What are you going to do next week?" It seemed innocent enough, except that Anne might disapprove if she found out that I would be traveling with three boys in tow.
"Some friends and I are going to see a movie." I answered, keeping my voice even. Please don't ask questions. I begged mentally.
"What movie?" Dave pursued. I bit my lip. The name of the movie didn't matter… right?
"Um… I think it was The Team." It sounded more like a question. I know Dave would approve. It was a sports type movie.
"I've been waiting to see that all week, who all is going?" Dave looked me in the eye. There was the dagger. The question I'd been dreading.
"Just me, Jasmine, Lynn, and Tonya." It was half true. My voice broke a little on the last name. Probably because Tonya wasn't completely my friend. I hoped he would just drop that subject.
"That's all?" He asked.
"Yep." I lied. Dave just nodded and took another bite of meatloaf. I exhaled silently, relieved. It was silent again, but I didn't mind anymore. As long as we weren't talking about next week it was all good.
I felt a little lighter when Dave and Brittany left after dinner had been cleaned up. It still wasn't too late to make a phone call. Only eight thirty. I grabbed the phone and dialed Lynn first. The line was busy. Of course. I gave up and dialed Jasmine instead. It rang twice before she answered.
"What's up?" She answered informally.
"I'm bored." I replied honestly.
"I am too, but I'm also busy." Jasmine said. I could almost hear the irritation in her voice.
"With what?"
"I'm babysitting two little monsters."
"Oh." It was an inadequate answer.
"Hey! Keep it down over there, I'm on the phone!" Jasmine yelled. I guessed she was talking to the 'two little monsters.'
"That bad?" I asked.
"You have no idea." She said exasperated. "I have to go, they won't go to bed, see you tomorrow." She hung up before I could try to make her stay on the line. I sighed and put the phone back on the receiver.
"Who was that, Candi?" Anne asked when she walked into the kitchen.
"Jasmine." I answered automatically. "She told me to say 'hi'."
"She's such a sweetheart." Anne said. "I hope you girls have fun next week. I heard that The Team is a pretty good one. You'll have to tell me all about it when you get back." If there's one thing about my mom that I really like, it's the way she doesn't dig for more information. She's not too keen about me getting involved with boys though, so it's a good thing. She had married twice before she met Dave. The first one only last three years. She married him at nineteen. Anne met my dad, Steve Randall a year later and they were married when she was twenty-two. I knew my dad since I was six, but he was killed in a deadly car accident. It had taken years to get by without the pain. At least she was happy again. Even with Dave, I would do anything to keep her that way.
"I think I'll go to bed early." I stated.
"Rough day?" She asked.
"Not too bad, I'm just tired." The last part was a lie. I was wide awake.
"Okay, I'll put Claire to bed so you can sleep." Anne said and went to do just that. I smiled and walked towards my room.
I could try to sleep. Getting ready for bed might make me tired. I changed into flannel pajama bottoms and an oversized t-shirt, kicking my dirty clothes into a corner. After I combed through my hair and brushed my teeth I was a little tired, but not enough to sleep. So I grabbed my CD player and put in my favorite CD. Once I was in bed I turned the volume on the player up until it hurt my ears. After I listened to the CD at least twice I was beginning to feel sleepy. It worked. I turned the music down to a reasonable volume and drifted into unconsciousness.
Chapter 3: Another One
I woke the next morning to the sound of rain. I groaned as I sat up. The headphones left my hair in an awkward position. I ripped them off and the player fell noisily to the floor. I dropped the headphones next to it, it clattered a little less nosily on the wood floor.
Today was Thursday. Only two more days until the weekend. I immediately went to the bathroom to see the damage done to my hair. It wasn't too bad. I took a quick shower and dressed in khaki pants and a light green shirt. I let my blonde hair fall over my shoulders. It soaked my t-shirt a little.
I only realized how early it was when I looked at the clock. It was six fifteen AM. I stared at it for a while. At least wasn't going to be late for school this morning. I dumped my school things from my desk back into my backpack and noticed the key dangling from my lamp. I was surprised again that it didn't tear me apart. I picked it up and decided that it wouldn't do any harm to wear it now and then. I strung it around my neck and examined myself in the full length mirror that hung from my closet. Even in the dim light of my room the fire opal on the handle sparkled brilliantly. I smiled satisfied and carried my backpack to the kitchen for a decent breakfast.
Anne was already in there making coffee. "You're up early. Did you sleep well?"
"Yeah." I answered. "The rain was part of it." Anne grinned.
"It's going to be a wet day." Anne said as she poured herself a cup of coffee. "Coffee?" She offered me a cup.
"No thanks." I declined and hunted for a bowl. After I found one I prepared myself a bowl of cereal and sat at the table. Anne joined me with the newspaper in her hand. I watched her anxiously as her forehead creased. "What is it?"
"Someone went missing yesterday morning." She informed me.
"Oh, I heard about that." It was on the news the other day. Anne nodded, still absorbed by the paper.
After I finished my cereal, I put the bowl in the washer and went to watch TV until it was time for me to leave. Anne continued the read random columns in the newspaper. Nothing was on TV but news in the morning. I watched one channel forecasting the weather. It was going to rain today through tomorrow morning. I'd have to live through two soggy mornings. Ugh. At least it would quit by tomorrow afternoon.
When it was time for me to leave I said goodbye to Anne and grabbed my bag.
"See you later Candi, Tell Jasmine 'hi' for me." Anne replied. I nodded and grabbed my blue rain jacket and left the apartment.
I put my hood up over my head and stepped out into the rain… and nearly ran into someone. It was the same boy that I had nearly run into yesterday. Startled, I jumped back, almost falling over. This time he wasn't ignoring me. His face was expressionless as he watched me carefully, but he didn't speak. He had long blonde hair that went past his shoulders. He was wearing a black trench coat without a hood. Normally when you stare back at someone, they usually turn away quickly. He didn't look dangerous, but then it might be for show. His hands were tucked into his coat.
I was just paranoid. I was the first to turn away as I retreated down the street toward my school. After a couple feet I looked back over my shoulder. He was walking a safe distance away from me, but still toward me. I panicked and darted down another street. I just would take a more complicated route to school. Every street I turned down I looked back over my shoulder. He was following me, always keeping the same distance between us. I hastened my pace and went straight to the school.
Surprisingly, I was early. I took my time as I walked down the hallways to my locker and shoved my dripping jacket and backpack inside. Eventually more students began to fill the halls, making their way to their first period class. I was on a day 1-day 2 schedule. Day 1 was History, English, Spanish, and Art; Day 2 was Algebra, Biology, Gym, and Photography. I grabbed my Algebra things and made my way to Mr. Richards' class.
Most my friends were in this class with me. Jasmine sat next to me, Lynn in front, Tom across the room, and Alex in the far corner away from me. I liked it that way. Then again, my 'enemy' since I came to this school was also in this class. Charlotte Manson. She had brown hair and was almost as preppy as Brittany. Though she was allowed to wear such skimpy clothes instead of a uniform, it might have made her ten times worse.
"I'm super excited about the movie night." Lynn stated, bouncing up and down in her seat.
"Yes, Lynn. We know. You've said that a hundred times yesterday." Jasmine replied in a dull monotone. Lynn glowered at her.
"Alright, alright, settle down." Mr. Richards called and the class quieted. Lynn turned to me.
"Aren't you excited?" She whispered.
"Yeah, extremely." I replied. I knew that would make her happy, but it also would provoke her to ramble.
"It's going to be so much fun! Can you believe Jason is coming?" Lynn gushed. I rolled my eyes.
"Do I need to get a straight jacket, or will you be able to keep you hands to yourself?" I asked sarcastically. That wiped the smile from her face. Lynn crossed her arms and with a quiet 'hmph' she spun around to face the front of the room. The rest of the period dragged on relentlessly.
Biology wasn't much better; my lab partner was Jason Cross. I probably should warn him about Lynn before the movie night, but Lynn would never speak to me again. No doubt she was still angry about my sarcasm in Algebra.
I didn't have to communicate to Jason today. We were having a quiz on cells. I slid as far away from him as the desk would allow. Jason was known for cheating, especially in Biology.
The quiz was too easy. I was one of the first to finish and for the rest of the period I was doodling on my notebook. I quickly erased one of them. It was a poor sketch of that boy who was following me this morning. At least, I think he was following. He could have been consequentially been going somewhere else and had to come down the same roads to get there. He did go away after I got to school. I decided that he was still creepy, but not following me by the end of the period.
Lunch seemed shorter than usual. Maybe because the entire entourage was sitting at our table and there was this aura between the girls and the boys. I sat on the boys' side, earning me a disapproving look from Tonya. I smirked back at her. I haven't been able to hold onto a crush since the fifth grade. That was embarrassing. My crush had found out about it and decided to be a jerk and exploit the news all over the school. I cringed at the memory.
Gym was a nightmare. They were arming me with a tennis racket. I'm not the best sports player. Sometimes I just try to hard. Tom Dashfield and Alex Cooper were in my class and were always looking for a reason to laugh at me when I ran into someone or tripped. Today I agreed to barely try. Maybe that way I, or anyone around me, couldn't get hurt.
Brilliant. The first serve was sent directly to me. I cautiously raised my racket, mostly to warn everyone else I was going to try to hit the ball. Once it was in range I swung the racket. I heard the clap of the ball hitting the racket… and then it running into the net. I could hear my partner, Tyler and Alex on the sideline sniggering behind me. I blushed as I retrieved the ball and threw it over.
For the rest of class, I managed to stay out of firing range. I changed quickly and hurried to photography. At least the only 'weapon' they gave me was a camera. Couldn't do much damager if I really tried here.
This class went by way to fast and I was walking out of school before I realized it. It was still raining as hard as this morning. Jasmine was getting a ride home from her mom so I was on my own. I only remembered this morning when I was out of sight from the school. I stopped on the intersection crosswalk and surveyed the area. I didn't find him anywhere. I'm just paranoid I told myself. Or was I?
I continued down Boulder Street and I saw two figures standing in front of the building. One I recognized as the boy with the long blonde hair. Next to him was another boy. He was slightly taller and very pale. He had black hair that reached down to his chin. They were talking to each other quietly. I slowed my pace to try to listen, but with every step I took they seemed to get quieter. Paranoid I told myself again. When I was close enough, the black haired boy stopped talking and looked at me casually. After a brief moment he started to walk away. The blonde boy took one glance at me and smiled warmly, and then followed his friend down the street.
The next few days went by in a blur. I saw the blonde boy often, either walking a distance away from me or just watching me. His black haired friend occasionally accompanied him on muggy days. It was finally Thursday the 25th when both of them were following me home on this rainy day.