Chapter Three:
"Freedom! The evil professor has finally let us go!" Kaitlin Peters shouted as she burst out of class.
"Kait! Can't you try to act your age just this once?" Matthew Covington, her best friend, asked innocently.
"Well, what do you think, Tina? Should I try?" Kait inquired, turning to her newer friend.
Tina, really a disguised Nefer-Tina, laughed. "Nah!"
"I rest my case. Matt, now you must be punished for your sin. I sentence you-"
"Please, not that! Anything but that!" he playfully cut her off.
"-to dinner duty! For a whole week!" she finished triumphantly.
"No!" Matt howled in mock distress.
Nefer-Tina swatted at Kait. "How could you be so cruel?"
"Easily. He's the only one of us who can cook, silly. Besides, I do love to see a man sweat," Kait said.
"But, Kait, I don't see any men here," Nefer-Tina deadpanned, looking straight at Matt.
"Tina! Who's the cruel one now?" Matt retorted.
The threesome burst into hysterics. Kait was laughing so hard she bent over, clutching her stomach. People passing by just shook their heads. This had become routine for the trio in the last six months.
"Hey, what did you think of that legend we studied today, the one about the girl who turned into a spider?" Matt finally managed, catching his breath.
"Who, Arachne? She deserved everything she got. She had the audacity to think she was better than a god. Although, I think Athena let her off too easy," Kait declared.
Matt shook his head. "I disagree. Athena was overreacting. She let the petty boasts of one mortal bother her so much. She should never have lowered herself to Arachne's level."
"Why not? A goddess has every right to defend their reputation from being soiled. Arachne was the bad guy in this story, not Athena."
"You guys, I hate to break up this little debate of yours, but I have to go to work. Much as I'd love to stay and hear you finish, I have a tuition to pay," Nefer-Tina interrupted.
"That's right. The mysterious job you got back at the beginning of last semester. So, when are you gonna tell us what it is?" Kait asked.
"I'm not. You'd laugh, " she told her.
"You're right. She would," added Matt, who received a nasty glare from Kait. "However, the two of us took matters into our own hands and followed you one night."
"You what?!" she gasped. Oh no, she thought. How much had they seen?
"We saw the nightclub," Matt told her. "Moon Zone, I think it's called."
"If it make you feel any better, we didn't go in. We both had early classes the next morning. But, we've been trying to guess what you're doing there," Kait chimed in. "So, we've narrowed it down to two jobs."
Nefer-Tina let out the breath she didn't realize she was holding. They didn't know the truth. Her identity was safe for now. "Really? All right, let's hear what you really think of me!"
"And the winners are: stripper or hooker!" Matt announced.
"What?! Oh my gods! How could you say that?" she exclaimed. "Trust me, no man would ever want to see that much of me."
"Are you kidding? Tina, take it from me, a hot-blooded, all-American male: you are a total babe," Matt told her.
"Thanks. I think. I gotta go now. Bye!" She started to walk away.
Kait and Matt waved good-bye to her and then hugged each other. Kait started to head for her car and then changed her mind. She ran after Nefer-Tina, shouting, "Hey! Wait for me!"
Nefer-Tina turned around and let her catch up. "Come to finish what you started?"
"Nah! Man, I'm telling you, I'm gonna kill him! I had nothing to do with it! Honest! It was all Matt's idea!"
"Uh-huh. And, I'm the daughter of a Nile crocodile. We both know who's the fearless leader of this bunch."
Kait grinned. "Darn! I was this close to fooling you."
"I'm ashamed of you. Blaming everything on your 'true love.' What is this world coming to?"
"Tina! Say it a little louder, why don't ya? He might hear you!" Kait exclaimed.
"Get real. He's all the way across campus by now. Besides, don't you think it's time you told him how you feel?" she asked her.
Kait blushed, "I don't know. I mean, we've been best friends since we were really little. I've only started feeling this way about him two months ago. It'd be too weird."
Nefer-Tina weakly smiled. She knew exactly how Kait felt, probably more than anyone else ever could. At least Kait had a chance at finding true happiness with the one she loved. She did not have that luxury. She would be alone for as long as she existed. She felt the depression returning.
Kait noticed the sad expression on her friend's face. "Are you all right? Is there something the matter?"
"It's nothing. I-I'd better go now. I'll be late," she told her. The tears were coming back and she did not want Kait to see her cry. She never wanted anyone to ever see her cry.
Kait was worried. Tina never acted like this. Something was terribly wrong. She had to find out what and see if she could help. She hated seeing anyone she cared about so sad.
As Nefer-Tina walked away, she let the tears begin to fall. She was a fool for still loving him after all this time. She knew he would never return her feelings. It was just not meant to be.
"Tina, please, don't leave yet," Kait pleaded as she caught up with her. "Tell me what's wrong. Maybe I can help."
She quickly stopped crying and wiped her face before turning around to face Kait, hoping her make-up had not come off. "There's nothing you can do. Nothing anyone can do," she quietly said. "I'm all alone in this."
"Can't you at least tell me what it is?"
She smiled sadly. "I can't. I'm sorry. I have to go."
With that she turned away and walked off into the night. Kait soberly watched her go. Maybe, when she was ready, Tina would open up to her. Until then, there really was nothing she could do to help.
Kait slowly started walking to her car.
Ja-Kal had witnessed the entire exchange. First, the giddy trio leaving a class in good spirits and then, the conversation that ended with a very sad Nefer-Tina evading her friend's questions. He had known that something was very wrong with his teammate. Now, his suspicions were confirmed.
In all the time he had known her, Nefer-Tina had never acted this way. She was generally in a fun mood, ready to take on any challenge. This behavior did not fit her at all. He hated seeing her this way.
Ja-Kal continued following her. He could tell she was fighting back tears as she walked along. What could possibly be bothering her? What could have happened to turn such a normally happy individual into this emotional wreck? He resisted the urge to go and comfort her.
He caught himself thinking about her in an inappropriate context again. Why was he feeling that way towards her? He knew he loved his wife and family with all his heart. He longed to be reunited with them beyond the Western Gate once his duty ended. But, he still could not deny his attraction to Nefer-Tina.
He watched her walk, an aura of sadness and depression surrounding her. The only woman he had ever had romantic feelings for besides Tia, his first love and his beloved wife. His own feelings aside, he needed to know what was causing her this pain. In her current state, she would be of no use as a guardian to the young prince. That was the reason he was following her. At least, that was what he kept telling himself.
She finally appeared to reach her destination. It was indeed a nightclub, as her friend had said. And, it was called "Moon Zone." A long line wrapped around the building, many people waiting to get in. It was obviously a very popular gathering place. There were advertisements for a singer named Tina Niles performing nightly. He wondered if this artist was the main draw of the establishment.
Nefer-Tina avoided the line and circled to the back of the building. Ja-Kal followed and saw her stop in front of a door marked "Staff Only." She pulled it open and disappeared inside. He had no choice but to return to the front and get into the line. He hoped he would be able to find her once inside.
Twenty minutes later, he was in. Luckily, the bouncer was lax about checking identification of prospective customers. It was a glitzy affair, with low lights and loud music. The theme appeared to be the moon and planets. The only strange part was that the waitresses were dressed in short sailor suits. The significance of this was lost on him.
He looked around for Nefer-Tina. She was nowhere in sight. People were dancing wildly on the dance floor, but she was not one of them. He finally gave up for a while and took a table in the rear. He had a clear view of the entire club and would be able to see her when and if she appeared.
Suddenly, the lights got even lower and a spotlight lit up the stage. A man wearing a caped tuxedo complete with top hat and a mask stepped in front of a microphone.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the Moon Zone is proud to present an extraordinary talent. A singer who will captivate you as she takes the stage. Put your hands together for a very special lady: Miss Tina Niles!"
The man stepped off to the side as the curtain parted. The stage was very dim. The band was silhouetted as they began to play. Upbeat intro music filled the room as a female form walked to the center of the stage, keeping her back turned to the audience. Male hoots and hollers were emitted from all over the club. The singer tapped her foot and rocked her body with the beat. Finally she turned around and began to sing. Ja-Kal was shocked. It was Nefer-Tina.
Did you see,
Was I obvious?
Could you tell?
I did try to hide it.
We can't have,
Can we try to share?
I did try to take it.
When I look,
I see you in me.
I don't want to fight it.
Shelter us from the storm.
It's so warm,
I get lost inside it.
As she sang, she sauntered off the stage and into the audience. She was wearing a very short, tight skirt with a equally tight tank top which was covered by a sheer blouse. Her long hair tumbled down over her shoulders. On her feet were high-heels. She exuded sex appeal and confidence as she moved. Ja-Kal could not believe this was the same Nefer-Tina he had just seen a short while ago. This woman acted like and knew she owned the stage
As she reached the first chorus, she stopped at a table with two men sitting at it. She put her hands on the shoulders of the first one and leaned over to the second one as she sang:
Out of my mind,
Into yours.
She quickly moved to the next table, this time occupied by two couples. She looked at the first man and pointed to him as she repeated the choral verse.
Out of my mind,
Into yours.
As she continued into the next verse, she went from table to table, always toying with the men sitting there even if they were with a date.
Take it slow,
We got time to find it.
We don't have to chase it.
Got no push,
Got no shove.
We just got love,
We don't have to force it.
Ja-Kal sat watching her every move. He was entranced by her performance. He had no idea that she possessed this kind of talent. The only other time he had heard her sing was when he had ordered the team into a nightclub to hide from the police. He had not paid attention to where he was going and had ended up at the stage entrance during an open mike night.
Desperate for money to take the subway, he had "volunteered" the entire team to perform. Nefer-Tina had not hesitated once on stage and headed directly for the microphone. She had improvised a song on the spot, displaying a cool head in a hectic situation. She had been good, even stuffy Rath had admitted that. But, that performance paled in comparison to this. This was a polished presentation in which she was extremely relaxed. She was excellent.
She finished a longer version of the chorus and started heading back to the stage. Luckily, she had not reached the back of the club. Ja-Kal did not know how'd she react if she saw him. He was glad he did not have to find out.
We got change,
It's changing all the time.
You got yours and I got mine.
Promise me that you won't promise me.
Revelation sunshine.
Because I'm....
This time the chorus repeated several more times than before. As she worked her way back to the front, she still flirted with every man she came across. That bothered Ja-Kal. It bothered him a lot.
Nefer-Tina finally reached the front of the club and ascended the stage stairs. She entered the last verse and finished her song.
Love
Love is
Love is all
Love is all around
Love is all around us
Love is all around us
Look
Love is all around us
Look around
As the song faded away, the audience went wild. Nefer-Tina bowed and motioned for her band mates to stand up and receive applause as well. This went on for a few more minutes before the curtains closed, indicating the end of the performance. This was a one-song show.
Ja-Kal was in his seat, his mind racing. How had she had managed to pull off this double life for the past six months? Every night she left the Sphinx to go to college and then sing for her tuition. It was an amazing feat, something very few could ever handle.
He was also angry at himself for letting her innocent flirting bother him so much. Why was he jealous? She was not his lover, only his friend and teammate. I'm married. I have no right to think of another woman like that, he thought.
His emotions confused him. How could he feel this way towards Nefer-Tina? He still loved his long-lost family. A family he had ultimately failed, as he had failed his pharaoh.
He wished he knew what happened to Tia. He had left her a widow with a young son. Did she hate him for leaving her alone? How had they managed? Where had they gone? Did Padjet grow up to be a better father and husband than he had been? These questions plagued him endlessly. Questions he knew would never be answered.
His thoughts returned to Nefer-Tina. Could he risk hurting her the same way? She deserved more than he could ever give her. Besides, what kind of a life could they have together? They were mummies reanimated with one purpose: to protect the reborn prince from Scarab. They had no time to worry about affairs of the heart. They had a job to do.
Ja-Kal rose from his seat. It was time to return to the Sphinx. There was nothing more he could do this night.
Chapter Four:
Dr. Miranda Larson approached the main entrance of the San Francisco Bay Area Art Museum. She had a meeting with the woman in charge of the Xena Scrolls Exhibit, someone named Carnovan. They had briefly spoken on the phone a few times over the last four months.
As she entered the building, Miranda noticed how small it was. Again she wondered why Janice and Mel had insisted on this particular one. The two founders of IAXS, Janice Covington and Melinda Pappas, must have had their reasons, but Miranda could not figure it out. There were so many larger and well-known museums all over the city. What was so special about this one? How had they even known about it?
She spotted the information desk and headed towards it. A woman in a business suit was standing in front of the desk. Miranda approached her and tapped her shoulder.
"Can I help you?"
"Yes, I have an appointment to see Amanda Carnovan."
"You're looking right at her. I'm Amanda," the woman replied. "Dr. Larson, I presume?"
"Please, call me Miranda," she smiled. "Shall we get started?"
"By all means. Follow me to my office. I think you'll be more comfortable there."
Amanda led her down several hallways until the reached an office door with her name on it. She opened the door and motioned for Miranda to proceed her. Miranda entered and took a seat in front of the desk. She looked around and saw that there was a lack of any personal touches. The office appeared to only be functional, nothing more.
"I know it's not much, but it serves its purpose," Amanda commented as she sat down. "I want people to focus on me, not the room. It's good for business."
Miranda nodded, "I never thought of it that way. It makes sense. The less distractions, the more time to get down to business. I like it."
"Thanks. How about you? How do you keep your workspace? Is it covered with pictures of your family?"
"I don't have a family. I'm divorced," Miranda told her.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to offend you."
She smiled, "You didn't. Craig and I separated a long time ago. We didn't have any children. We were married only two years. And you?"
"Divorced," Amanda said. "I have one child, a son. My pride and joy," she said while opening her purse. "The bane of my existence." Miranda laughed as Amanda handed her a small photo.
"Oh, he's so cute! What's his name?"
"Presley. He's thirteen years old."
"Ooh, the teenage years! I remember those. Unfortunately, so do my parents."
The two women laughed as a knock sounded at the door. Before Amanda could respond, the door was swung open. In the frame stood a tall, imposing older man.
"Mr. Stone! This is a complete surprise. When did you get back? People have been worried about you."
"I assure you, Ms. Carnovan, no one was worried about me. I returned last night from a personal trip. I have found the reports of my alleged disappearance to be quite amusing," Harris Stone said.
Amanda turned to Miranda. "Dr. Miranda Larson, I'd like you to meet Mr. Harris Stone, one of the museum's greatest patrons and benefactors. Mr. Stone, this is Dr. Larson of the International Association of Xena Studies. She's here to help with our newest exhibit."
Stone reached out to shake Miranda's hand. She took it. His skin was ice cold. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Larson. I hope your dealings with Ms. Carnovan have been most pleasant."
"Likewise, I'm sure," she answered coolly. There was something about this man. He sent shivers down her spine. Miranda had a very strange feeling about him.
Turning back to Amanda, Stone said, "What is this new exhibit I have been hearing about? It must have come during my vacation."
"The Xena Scrolls. Yes, they arrived about two months after you, um, disappeared. If you'll both follow me," Amanda gestured.
Amanda led them back to the central part of the museum. Then, she herded the two of them down a closed off passage way.
"We were ordered to keep this exhibit hidden from the public until the official unveiling. So far, we've been pretty successful. You two will be the first members of the public to see it," Amanda told them as they walked. "We have been putting this together for four months now. We're rather proud of how it turned out. Here we are."
They had stopped in front of a black curtain with a "Do Not Enter" tape blocking any attempt at entering. Amanda lifted the tape up and stepped under it. Her companions did the same. She then parted the curtains and walked through.
The room was dark except for the faint glowing of electric security panels. Amanda reached out and switched on a light. The sight that greeted them was spectacular. It was the finished Xena Scrolls Exhibit.
"This is the most expensive exhibit we have ever hosted at this museum. Mr. Hepplewhite expects this draw a lot of publicity for us. And that usually also brings unwanted attention as well. So, we have installed an extensive security system to protect our investment," Amanda explained. "The number of break-ins have been astronomical for the past year or so. Luckily, the past six months have been rather quiet."
"Break-ins? Which exhibits have been hit the most?" Miranda queried.
"Mostly the Egyptian ones. We never had any problems until the arrival of the Prince Rapses Exhibit over a year and a half ago. It's almost like it was cursed or something."
Stone smiled slightly at the mention of this. "I wouldn't be surprised if the mummies came to life as well."
"Let's hope they never do," Miranda added.
"Getting back on track, I'll show you the entire exhibit and explain all the security measures to you. You should be quite satisfied with the finished product," Amanda told Miranda. "These scrolls are a remarkable discovery that the entire world should see."
"Yes, quite remarkable," Stone murmured to himself.
Presley stepped off the school bus and shouted good-bye to his friends. He reached into his pockets and found his house key. He only planned to dump his school books before going to visit the mummies. He had to tell them about the exhibit.
Five minutes later, he was skateboarding towards the bay. He loved the feel of the pavement under his wheels. This was truly the best way to travel. Well, the best for another three years, that is.
Presley stopped outside the front of the Sphinx. He jumped off his board and used his Eye of Ra amulet to open the door. He hoped they weren't recharging in their whatchamacallits. After all this time, he still couldn't pronounce that word right. He entered the main chamber. There was nobody around.
"Guys? Anybody here? Ja-Kal? Rath?" There was no response. He decided to check the garage next. Maybe Nefer-Tina was working in there. She'd love to hear about the new exhibit.
Presley continued on deeper into the Sphinx. Finally, he saw somebody. It was Ja-Kal. He was standing just outside the doorway into the garage. As far as Presley could tell, he appeared to watching something intently.
"Hi, Ja-Kal," Presley greeted the head guardian.
Ja-Kal, startled out of his private thoughts, turned to Presley. "Greetings, my prince."
"What's going on in there? What are you looking at?" Presley asked, trying to see past the large man.
"Uh, nothing of importance. Let us go and talk. Tell me of your day," Ja-Kal said, steering the boy back towards the main living space.
Presley, still too young to notice certain things, shrugged and went with him. As they arrived at their destination, Rath and Armon were already sitting in front of the "magic box," watching some talk show in which chairs were being thrown.
"Hi, Presley," Armon said cheerfully. "Bring anything to eat?"
Rath snorted. "Isn't there anything else you ever think about?"
"Uh, no. Food is just about it," Armon responded matter-of-factly.
Presley laughed as Rath rolled his eyes skyward in disgust. "Sorry, not today. I do have some really cool news though. Where's Nef? She'll like this."
"What will I like, young prince?" Nefer-Tina asked as she entered the room.
"This new exhibit at the museum that opens tomorrow night. There's going to be a huge opening celebration. My mom put it together, so she's dragging me to the opening."
"Then we will be there as well," Ja-Kal announced. "There is no telling what dangers may be there."
"Or, you could just go and enjoy yourselves," Presley added. He grinned, "But, I knew you'd say that." He sat down on the floor next to a sleeping Kahti. "Here's the real cool part: the whole exhibit is dedicated to the adventures of a warrior woman from ancient Greece named Xena."
"Xena, the Warrior Princess?" Nefer-Tina breathed excitedly. Ja-Kal turned to look at her. She looked happier than she'd been in days.
"Yeah, how'd you know?" Presley asked, surprised.
Nefer-Tina shrugged. "I read about her in a magazine. She was supposedly one of the greatest warriors in history."
"A woman warrior? What sort of primitive culture allowed a woman to become a warrior?" Rath wanted to know.
Presley noticed Nefer-Tina tense up, but she did not give Rath an argument. It was not like her to pass up an opportunity to give him a piece of her mind regarding his sexist comments, but Presley made nothing of it.
Ja-Kal, however, did. This was another indication that she was not herself. After what he saw the night before, he was even more determined to find out what was bothering her. His next question, "What time is this event?" was designed to get a reaction from her.
"It starts at seven-thirty, but Mom has to be there real early. I don't think I have to be there until the doors open. Mom trusts me to come on my own," Presley told them.
Ja-Kal watched Nefer-Tina. This was during her class. He expected her to make some excuse to get out of guarding the prince so she could go there. She didn't. In fact, she seemed to be genuinely excited about seeing the exhibit. This was like the Nefer-Tina he knew.
He decided to follow her again that night. He had a plan to get her to finally talk to him.
Chapter Five:
The classroom was rapidly filling up as Nefer-Tina walked in. She sat down at her desk and took out her notebook and text. She was ready for another night of learning.
She loved going to school. It was another thing she was not allowed to do when she was in Egypt. Women were taught at home by their mothers and hers had instructed her in the musical and domestic arts. She had always wanted to gain knowledge and learn. Now, in this modern world, she had her chance.
Entire new worlds were being opened up to her. She felt like she was a whole new person, the person she was always meant to be. She truly belonged in this time. She had been born in the wrong time and place. She was getting a second chance at the kind of life she had dreamed of for so long.
Kait and Matt finally arrived, plopping into their seats and giggling wildly.
"What's so funny?" Nefer-Tina wanted to know.
"Mr. Master Chef here made a little mistake while preparing my dinner," Kait told her.
"It's not my fault!" Matt defended himself. "Anyone could do the same thing."
"This I gotta hear. It better be good," Nefer-Tina said.
"Oh, it's good. Trust me," Kait told her confidently. "Well, I made Matt come over to make me dinner since that's his punishment for this week. Anyway, he told me to put out certain items he needed for this dish he was gonna make. One such item was some cooking wine, which I keep in a glass jar."
"She also forgot to mention she keeps her liquid soap in a glass jar next to the sink," Matt added.
Nefer-Tina gasped, "You didn't!"
"Yep, the idiot put soap in my food. I knew he was mad, but this is ridiculous," Kait said.
"Ew! Remind me to never ask him to cook for me," Nefer-Tina stated.
"Thanks for the confidence, Tina. Some friend you are," Matt said.
"At least I don't think you take off your clothes for a living," Nefer-Tina reminded him.
"Very funny. Are you ever gonna let me live that down?" Matt wondered.
"Not if she's smart," Kait put in. "I, for one, will never let you live anything down."
"Miss Peters, if you're through," Dr. Michelle Raymond said as she entered the classroom. " I have an announcement to make."
"Sure thing, Doc Raymond. The floor is yours," Kait told her.
The professor smiled at her before turning back to the class. "As I'm sure all of you are aware, there is an exhibit opening at the Bay Area Art Museum tomorrow night. Since it deals with our current unit of study, I am canceling class tomorrow." A chorus of cheers erupted from the audience. Dr. Raymond cleared her throat," I didn't say you were getting off that easy." This was followed by a burst of laughter. "You all must go to the exhibit and stay for the lecture being given by Dr. Miranda Larson, the woman responsible for bringing the Xena Scrolls to San Francisco."
Kait and Matt high-fived each other. "Aunt Miranda's giving a speech? Cool!" Kait said excitedly.
"You two know her?" Nefer-Tina asked surprised. "Is she really your aunt?"
Matt shook his head. "No, she's just an old family friend. Our grandmothers own the organization she runs, the International Association of Xena Studies. They kind of 'adopted' her when she came to work for them. She's only about ten, fifteen years older than us, but we call her 'Aunt Miranda' as a joke."
"You'll like her," Kait added.
"As I was saying," Dr. Raymond continued, ignoring Kait, Matt, and Nefer-Tina, "you all must attend the lecture tomorrow. Expect a quiz on Monday."
The class groaned in unison.
Dr. Raymond let class out a few minutes early and most of the students ran out the door, hoping to take advantage of their extra free time. Kait, Matt, and Nefer-Tina walked out together as usual.
In the middle of the conversation, Kait remembered something she wanted to ask Tina. "Matt, hold up a second. I think I left something in the classroom," she lied. "Tina, keep me company."
Nefer-Tina shrugged at Matt and followed Kait back into the building. "What did you forget this time?"
"Nothing. I just wanted to talk to you. I was worried about you last night. Are you sure you're okay?" Kait asked. "You looked terrible when you left me."
Nefer-Tina smiled gratefully at her friend. "I'm fine. I was having a bad day yesterday, that's all. I'm sorry I worried you."
"Hey, what are friends for? I just wanted to make sure you were okay. Next to Matt, you're my closest friend," Kait told her. "Speaking of that guy, he's probably wondering what's taking us so long."
"Yeah. Who knows what kind of trouble he'd get himself into without us," Nefer-Tina grinned.
The two women headed back outside. Matt was waiting for them on a bench.
"Hey, what took you so long? I was beginning to think you were ditching me," he complained lightheartedly.
"Kait couldn't find anything, so we had a little girl talk," Nefer-Tina told him.
"Oh, is that all?" he said.
They talked for a while longer. They were all excited about going to see the new exhibit. Kait was especially looking forward to seeing Miranda again, since she was the one who inspired both she and Matt to study archaeology and ancient cultures.
Finally, it was time for Nefer-Tina to head off to work. The threesome said their good-byes and they split up. However, neither girl saw Matt linger and start after Nefer-Tina.
"Hey, Tina, can I talk to you a minute?" he called after her.
Nefer-Tina stopped and turned to see Matt coming up behind her. "Sure. What's up?"
Matt cleared his throat and looked at his feet. "Well, uh, I was wondering, since, you know, we're all going to that exhibit, uh," he stammered nervously.
"Yes?" she asked expectantly.
"Um, would like to go with me?" he finished shyly.
Nefer-Tina was stunned. "Matthew Covington, are you asking me on a date?"
"Uh, yeah," he said. "I guess I am."
She could not believe this. Matt liked her, but Kait liked him. How could she not have noticed it before? And, she thought she had romantic problems.
"Oh, Matt, I don't know what to say. I'm flattered beyond words," she began.
"I hear a 'but' coming," Matt said. When he looked up at her, he smiled weakly. "I'm right, aren't I?"
She put a hand on his shoulder. "Yes. I'm sorry. I didn't know you felt that way about me."
"Hey, don't sweat it. Most girls I like never do."
"That's not true. I know for a fact that there's a very special girl waiting for you to notice her."
"Really?" Matt asked surprised. "Who is it?"
Nefer-Tina grinned mischievously. "I'm sworn to secrecy. You're on your own. Good luck."
"Thanks a lot. You're a real pal," he told her sarcastically.
"And you're a sweetie for thinking of me. It's not often I get asked out."
"Are you serious? I'd think there'd be a ton of guys knocking down your door to go out with you. I meant everything I said about you being a babe last night," he told her truthfully. "Plus you're smart, funny, and nice. Qualities all guys want in a girlfriend."
"Thank you," Nefer-Tina smiled.
"I just can't believe a gorgeous woman like you is all alone. There has to be someone waiting somewhere for you to come along."
"Well, there actually is someone special out there," she admitted quietly, a sad look in her eyes. "Someone I care about a great deal."
"Does he know?"
She shook her head. "No, and he never will."
"Why not? Why can't you ever tell him? It's pretty obvious you got it bad for him. I'm a guy and even I can tell," Matt said seriously. "Are you afraid of what he might say?"
She avoided his eyes. "Please, Matt. I-I can't talk about this anymore. I have to go now. I'll see you at the museum tomorrow night."
"All right, Tina. See you then," he agreed.
For the second time in two days, Ja-Kal was left deeply disturbed by Nefer-Tina's behavior. Tonight's episode was not as bad as the previous one, but he could tell something was still very wrong. His earlier hopes that she was feeling like her old self died listening to her speak with her friend. What was wrong? And who was this "special someone" she could never admit her feelings to?
He felt the jealousy coming back at the thought of Nefer-Tina's secret love. What was wrong with him? He had no right to feel this way about her. He had the memory of his wife and son to hold on to. His love for them was what should matter most. Besides, it was clear that she had found someone that she loved very much. So, why didn't he feel any differently?
Ja-Kal followed Nefer-Tina back to the club. As he watched her, he couldn't help but wonder who this man that was causing her pain was. Why couldn't she tell him how she felt? The Nefer-Tina he knew wouldn't hesitate to let a man she liked know how she felt. What kind of power did this one hold over her?
He again wondered what was causing this unusual behavior in his friend and teammate. Nothing made sense in this whole situation. The only part that fit was that she was avoiding him to keep him from finding out her nightly activities, but that was not everything. The rest seemed to be connected, but he could not figure out how. Something was depressing her deeply. He needed to find out what so he could try and help her if she'd let him.
Hopefully, if his plan worked, he would soon know everything. Then, maybe things would go back to normal between them. He hated the fact that she was avoiding him. All he wanted to do was help her. The gods knew, she could be as stubborn and secretive as he was.
Ja-Kal got into the line that would let him enter the "Moon Zone" once again.
Nefer-Tina bowed to the audience and listened to the applause as the curtains closed. It was a rush like no other to be on stage. She wished it could go on forever. It was the only time that she felt totally free and happy.
Larry, the club owner and tuxedo-wearing emcee, was waiting for her backstage. "Great show, Tina. The audience just loves you."
"Thanks. I just wish my schedule allowed me to stay and sing another song."
"So do I. You're probably the best talent we've seen in this town for a long time. It's a shame you're wasting it on a nothing job like this," he told her.
Nefer-Tina sighed. "This is just temporary to help me get through school. I hope you know how much I appreciate the way you're accommodating me. Most people would think I was crazy for only wanting to sing once a night."
"I never said I didn't, but it was the only way to get you to accept the job. Like I've mentioned before, I've seen a lot of singers come through here. You are the finest performer I have ever had the privilege of hosting. You'd be foolish to give it up," he said.
"I'll keep that in mind. If I could, I would do this full time. It's just not in the cards for me right now."
"Well, I'm sorry to hear that. I'll see you Monday night then."
"Good night, Larry. And, thanks again."
Nefer-Tina smiled as she walked back to her dressing room. Singing was a hobby she adored, but she knew that her true love was racing. It would be a dream come true if she could do both for the rest of her days. But, that was another thing not meant to be. As soon as Scarab escaped from wherever he was, it would be back to protecting Presley at all times. No more school or singing. She would just have to enjoy it while it lasted.
As she approached her dressing room, she noticed that there was something hanging on her door. She got closer for a better look. It was a single red rose with a note tied around its stem. Nefer-Tina pulled it off and gazed at it in her hand. Who could it be from? A secret admirer perhaps?
The thought of a secret admirer excited her. Someone she had most likely never met was interested, maybe attracted, to her. It was mysterious and oh so romantic. She wondered who it could be from. Well, there was no time like the present to find out. She went into the room and sat down at her vanity. She eagerly removed the note from the rose and spread it out so she could read what it said.
The note was written in very crude handwriting, as if the author was new to using a pen, but it was perfectly legible. It said: "Dear Miss Niles, I have seen you perform and your singing has captivated me. I must meet you in person. Come to the Crystal Room Saturday night at seven sharp. Wait for me at the bar. Dress elegantly. I look forward to seeing you." There was no signature.
Nefer-Tina leaned back in her chair. This was too much to take in all at once. First, Matt had asked her out. Now this, a letter from a stranger wanting to meet her. She was overwhelmed. Yet, she felt strangely compelled to do as the note asked. She needed to meet this mysterious man.
This was a chance to make a fresh start with someone new. She had been flattered by Matt's interest in her, but she could never do that to Kait, no matter her own feelings on the issue. This man only knew her as Tina Niles, the nightclub singer. He could not judge her for what she'd done in her past. Maybe he could be the one that she had been waiting so long for. Someone to love her. Someone that she could possibly one day love in return...
She knew she was just fooling herself. There was only one man she could ever love. The one man who could never love her in return. There was nothing that could ever change that, no matter how much she wished it were so. Ja-Kal would never belong to her.
Nefer-Tina gathered her things and left to go home.