Chapter Twenty-two: Sacred

Juliana

 

 

With unseen forces and higher powers stalling us at every given opportunity, we somehow manage to flip them the bird and arrive on time. Nathaniel thinks it’s his fault we almost didn’t make it, but I’m not convinced. It’s true that once he left with Harmony, I had no problems and sailed down the highway without a hiccup of misfortune. Could he be delaying us?

First things first, find Jared. Standing near the stage and staring up at the hundred rows of tiered seating, I pull out my phone and hit the speed dial for my brother. Around me, the theater fills with eager ticket holders as the sun dips over the western horizon. It’s hard to tell how much daylight remains since the clouds are dubiously thick, but I would guess we have less than an hour before night arrives. Rain threatens to let loose at any moment, but the concert is a “rain or shine” event, and Mostly Mayhem and The Shy Lights will play tonight regardless of the weather.

“Are you here?” Jared asks.

“Finally,” I say, and tears well up at the sound of his voice. I guess I’m going to have to come to terms with the fact that I’m a blubbering emotional mess after all, even though I still hate crying.

“I’ll come out and bring the back stage passes. Can’t believe you made it. I thought you might ditch me again.”

“Very funny. And thanks, J. We’re standing at the front row by the railing.” I disconnect the line and attempt a smile at Nathaniel.

“Jared has backstage passes for both of us,” I say.

“Cool,” he says, watching me closely.

I know he sees the sadness hovering over me like a halo, but there isn’t a lot I can do about it. Star skirts past the security guard, spots us, and waves a couple of badges at us.

“Jared is bouncing down there. He’s so happy you’re here,” she says.

As usual, Star radiates with all her girlie awesomeness. You can’t help but notice her pale heart-shaped face with those gold eyes, her goth queen clothes, and her allure when she enters a room. The nice thing about her though, is she never acts as if she notices every eye in the room follows her, and she’s not stuck up. She’s so much like Jared in that way.

I take a stage pass and loop the lanyard over my head. Nathaniel does the same. Obviously, I’m thinking about why Jared didn’t come to get us if he’s so thrilled to see me, but Star answers my question before I ask.

“He told me to tell you he didn’t want his shadow to scare you guys off. Come on. This place is rockin’. You’ll love it.”

I nod in agreement and glance at Nathaniel to see his reaction.

“Jared’s right. Marcus isn’t going to let me anywhere near him. The way today has been going, I don’t think I should push it.”

I notice three girls, high school age or maybe younger, giggling and nudging each other.

“That’s Star Quillin,” one whispers.

“You ask her,” another one says.

We can’t help but turn and look at them.

Star says, “Looking forward to the show?”

The one on the left steps forward, looking star struck — no pun intended — and giddy. “Hi. You’re Star, right? Will you sign my shirt? We love your music.”

Her friends see how approachable Star is, move forward, and begin to gush about everything they know, love, and adore about The Shy Lights and about Star’s crazy gorgeous outfit and jewelry.

Star is the perfect example of graciousness as she handles her fans. The security guard monitors our situation. When one of the girls reaches forward to touch Star’s sleeve, Nathaniel inserts himself at her side.

“Star, are you okay out here?” he asks.

“Oh, sure. Meeting people is what it’s all about.”

They ask her a million questions and I step back. Star must notice because she turns to me and says, “Go past Chuck over there and down the ramp.” She points at the broad-shouldered guard. “Any of the crew can show you if you get turned around, but you won’t. You can’t miss it.”

“Thanks,” I say.

She smiles and turns back to the fans and a few new people who noticed her standing out here. The amphitheater is quickly turning into a bustling anthill and it’s going to be crowded very soon.

“Come on,” I say.

“I think it might be best if I hang out here. I’ll keep an eye on Star.”

“Wow! Now, I get a personal bodyguard,” she jokes as she signs a guy’s arm with a fat-tipped marker.

Disappointed, I stare at my dusty shoes. I know he’s right about keeping his distance from Marcus, but I don’t have to like it.

His fingertip brushes my chin and I glance up. “Take this time to be with your brother. I’ll be right here and I’m always close enough to hear your voice.”

I bite my lip and nod just enough to get him to smile.

Our situation can’t be compared to anything. Will I always have to worry about other angels’ disapproval of our relationship? I guess after Jared and Marcus are no longer hanging around, it won’t be as obvious a problem. But what about Harmony? Will she continue to distract Nathaniel when we’re spending time together? I don’t have time to linger on this right now. I shake off my sudden abstractions and practically run to the backstage area.

Jared bearhugs me as soon as I’m downstairs. He lets up enough to stuff me under his arm and swing me around to look at the tables of food and drinks.

“The catering’s here for The Shy Lights, but they’re sharing with us because we’re all cool like that.”

“Hell yeah,” Derek says, and stuffs a sandwich in his mouth. “Best tour we could’ve ever booked.”

“Lance De’Lao is in love with us,” Jared says. “Now, we have to sell some records so he keeps booking us.”

“Hey! Our manager finally decided to show up,” Caleb says to the entire room as he notices me suffocating under Jared’s armpit.

“Is that the excuse you used to get me a backstage pass?” I ask.

“That was totally Star. The headliner can have family passes, so you and Nathaniel are using hers.”

“Really?” I look up at my brother.

“She’s pretty awesome when she’s sans wicked magical blade.”

The mention of the incident where my neck was sliced open tightens my throat and I begin to cough.

Seeing my distress, Caleb pries Jared’s arm off me and pats my back.

“I’m fine,” I say, even though I’m far from fine.

The moment is starting to sink in for real. I’m backstage at my favorite venue in the whole world with two of my favorite bands. My brother is living his wildest dream and yet he’s about to have it all ripped away from him. The weight of the truth and the buoyancy of the excitement are at such odds that I begin to feel lightheaded.

“Get her a drink.” Caleb steers me to a couch.

The back wall of the room is a giant red rock. The place is built right into the boulders. The partially underground structure with the stage overhead is amazing and adds to the swimming feeling inside my brain. Jared hands me a bottle of water as soon as I sit down.

“I know, right?” Caleb says, looking around the room. “I thought I was going to pass out when I got here, too.”

“You did not,” I say.

He winks at me.

I gratefully sip, then guzzle the water and notice someone waving to get Caleb’s attention. The man wears a headset and has a walkie-talkie in one hand. He motions for Caleb to come over.

“We’re glad you’re here, Jules,” Caleb says, lightly slugs me on the arm, and walks across the room to speak with the guy.

Jared plops down onto the couch, all smiles and bouncy, like Star mentioned.

I take a few more drinks and try to steady my nerves.

“Best day ever?” I finally ask.

“Better than best,” he confirms as Derrick, Dan, and Alex devour about a third of a large cake laid out on the table. They’re ridiculously happy about being able to fit an entire piece of cake in their mouths with one bite.

“Cake?” I ask.

“The caterers are awesome,” he says with a shrug. “You should have some before those pigs eat it all. And I like the cake. It’s like celebrating my non-birthday.”

His eyes meet mine and I get the instant knowledge that Jared and I are thinking the same thing. Death day is more like it. He knows his time is about to come to an abrupt end. Not weeks or days now, but today. The realization of his awareness is like a slug to the chest. My breath is stolen from me again and the pain is indescribable. Is this what a panic attack feels like?

“You don’t have to worry, sis. It’s not the end for me.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Everything you’ve told me about spirits. I saw my body separate from my soul once. I know this isn’t all there is.” He gestures at himself. “It’s a damn waste, though. I’m killing the good looks over here,” he says with joking regret. “I plan to come see you whenever I can. Star told me how you were able to talk to her sister.”

I hesitate trying to put newly discovered pieces of this strange puzzle together. “Star’s sister told me that sometimes when people are very close, their emotional connection becomes like a block. Star can’t tell when her sister is around, even though she senses other spirits.”

“But you’re not Star,” he says. “I know you’ll see me.”

He’s confident enough for the two of us. I guess one of us should be.

“Let’s not talk about that part, okay? I’m here to see you play tonight and that’s it. And what about some new tattoo?”

He scoots forward on the couch and rolls up his sleeve exposing his biceps. A vast amount of gauze covers a new tat and I hold my tongue about how large it is. Jared pulls off the tape on one side and peels the bandage back.

Black ink covers most of his upper arm. It’s a tribal design, but not like anything I’ve seen before.

“I was kind of skeptical when you told me about it on the phone, but I love it. It’s just like you. And like me. It’s Native looking and Celtic together. Just like us.”

“Look closer, Jules. It’s infinity taking flight on musical notes.”

His interpretation could be missed easily, but once he said it, I see a winged serpent rising from a Celtic infinity symbol. There are music notes and arrows twisted into the artwork.

“It’s fantastic.”

“Hell yeah, it is,” he agrees.

I roll my eyes at his lack of modesty, but he just smiles. Jared peels off the rest of the tape and removes the gauze.

“You think it’s a good idea? It might get sore while you play.”

“I don’t care. I won’t even notice if it hurts.”

“His inflated opinion of himself is by far his most endearing quality,” Marcus says as he sits on the arm of the couch.

“I was hoping you were on a mandatory leave of absence,” I say.

Jared looks confused so I say, “Marcus is here.”

My brother looks at where I’m scowling then back at me. “He’s not been here this whole time?”

Our voices automatically drop as we try to converse in private about the unseen angel in the room. I shake my head.

“I’ve been taking a self-guided tour. Great location,” Marcus says.

“Can’t say I’m glad you’re back.”

“It’s not so bad. At least, I know there’s someone who cares about what happens afterward,” Jared adds.

“Your brother is coming around nicely, Juliana. He’s not wrong about me, you know?”

Marcus appears to be scanning the room — no doubt for Nathaniel.

“Nathaniel’s keeping his distance so Jared and I can talk,” I whisper, and give him a look that I hope says, why don’t you do the same thing?

“He’s a thoughtful one if he’s anything. Possibly to his detriment.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” I ask.

“He spends too much time thinking about the future. It’s always a mistake to live anywhere but the present.”

“Maybe he’s dreaming about something better,” I retort.

“I’m here to assist. I wish I could say more, but the rules require me to hold back until the appropriate time,” Marcus says with his resonating voice.

“I’ve seen how you help. By smashing Nathaniel into the ground.”

“That’s for sport. Nathaniel likes the challenge. He’s enjoyin’ how strong he is now.”

My anger is about to reach its peak when Jared says, “Come on, Jules.” He rises to his feet. “Let’s walk.”

“Juliana, don’t try anything foolish tonight,” Marcus says to our backs.

I nearly growl and extend my claws, ready to pounce on one stupid giant Angel of Death no one in the room can see. A couple members of Star’s band give me odd looks as Jared drags me out of the room.

“Check it out,” Jared says.

We’re in the stairwell that leads to the backstage area. Hundreds of famous and not so famous signatures of musicians and crew members decorate the walls and every other available surface.

This could be the perfect soundboard for the screams I want to unleash. Instead, I will myself to calm down.

“I think Marcus doesn’t want you to use the flower petals Star gave you on me,” my brother says as we move up a few stairs and look for more recognizable names. Jared points to the faded letters of one of my favorite bands.

Flooded with a multitude of sensations and emotions all at once, I’m unable to respond for a long moment.

The chill in the air tingles my skin and I shiver. Wrapping my arms around myself, I look to the exit and see nothing but the huge beams overhead. The excited buzz of the crowd filters in from the stairway tunnel.

“How long till you’re on?” I ask.

“Soon.”

“Jared,” I mumble.

For some reason, I look over my shoulder. Marcus is following us. He stays out of earshot, but close enough to keep Jared in his line of sight.

“The flower petals from Star are gone,” I say.

That’s another reason for the sudden onset of sensation overload and the resulting zombie-esque brain and body. How had it escaped me? I could have used to petals to protect Jared tonight.

“What happened? There was a lot packed into the vial.”

“I’m… I,” I stumble, but Jared is quick to keep me on my feet.

We approach the stage. A crewmember glances over at us, then turns back to the guitar in his hands.

“Why didn’t she make you some?” I ask.

“Witches can’t willingly change someone’s death. They have a whole bunch of laws they have to follow.”

“She’s broken their laws before,” I say, thinking about the obvious misuse of the coven’s Athame.

“She’s on probation and is trying to do better.”

“Of course, she is,” I say sarcastically and bite my tongue. “Sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. This is my fault for not thinking of it. Jared,” I hesitate and lean my head into his side.

“It was only an idea, Jules. It may not have made a difference. And Marcus wouldn’t let you, anyway.”

“And the petals only work when I’m right there. You would have to stay glued to my side for them to be effective.” Looking back, I see the hulking shape of our spirit stalker running his hand over the wall. “He’s hovering,” I say.

“I’m not surprised,” Jared says. “About the magic or Marcus staying close by.” He shoves a hand through his hair and looks across the stage. “So, this is it. The holy temple. The sacred ground of sacred ground where us lowly musicians lay it out there for the gods to hear.”

“It couldn’t be any better,” I say, staring out at the sea of faces. Much of the audience is already wearing plastic rain ponchos. The sky is nearly dark. Only a tinge of fading dusk remains.

“I’m glad my last show is outside. The sound waves will reach for the stars. It’s going to be brilliant. I wouldn’t want anything to be different.”

“Damn it, Jared. I can’t do this.” I pull away from his side. I’m about to collapse right here and start begging and pleading to the heavens that Jared’s last day isn’t today.

“Your foul mouth is improving, grasshopper. I’ve taught you well.”

His joke increases the ache in my chest. I press my palm to my forehead and tip my head forward, wishing my hair was loose so I could hide my face. Every muscle in my body tightens as I try to hold myself together.

“Hey, man,” a voice says from nearby.

“What’s up?” Jared answers.

“Five minutes till you’re on.”

Jared rubs my back. “The band will want me to walk up with them.”

Swallowing, I manage a sharp nod and walk side by side with my brother to the ramp that leads backstage.

“The best adventures are the most mystifying,” he says.

“Absolutely,” I say with what I hope is my brave face.

“See you when it’s all over.” He presses a quick kiss to my forehead.

His eyes meet mine for a quick but penetrating moment where our connection is well beyond the physical world. See the real me as I see the real you, brother. No matter what happens, we’ve been together since the beginning and we will know each other past death. This is what my soul says to his in our final moment together.

Jared jogs down the ramp to join his band. I’m honestly surprised when I find myself able to move. How my feet are able to carry me in the other direction, I will never know.