Night World : Dark Angel Chapter 7

Gillian felt triumph, wild excitement-and something deeper. An emotion she couldnt describe becauset present werent whatsoever ordinary words for it. David was flavour at her, and it was almost as if she could construethrough his dark eyes. As if she could assimilate inside him see the way things looked to himWhat she felt was a little equal discovery and a little equivalent deja vu and a little like waking up and shortlyrealizing its Christmas. Or like being a kid lost in a fantastical place, cold and bewildered, and and indeedsuddenly hearing your m some others percentage. But it really wasnt like any of those things it was more.Unexpected welcome strange recognition the shock of belongingShe couldnt instead put it all to blendher, becausethere was nothing like it in her experience. Shed neer heard of anything like this. But she had the feelingthat when David kissed her, shed figure it all forth and it would be the revelation of her life.It was qualifying to happen- like a shot. He was moving clser to her, not fast, but as if slowly compelled bysomething he couldnt control. Gillian had to look down, but she didnt move bottom or turn her present remote.He was close enough now that she could hear his breath and feel him. Her eyes shut of their own accord.She waited to feel the touch of heating on her lips And then something in her mind stirred. A tiny whisper, so far back that she could barely hear it, and shecouldnt tell where it came from.Tanya.The shock went through Gillian like ice on bare skin. Part of her tried to ignore it, but she was alreadypulling away, putting a hand up, turning to stare at the window.Not out the window. It was too steamed up now to see anything outside. They were in their owncocoon of whiteness.Gillian verbalize, I cant. I mean, not like this. I mean-it isnt fair, because you already-and you scorent Imean Tanya.I know. David sounded as if hed been hit with ice on bare skin, or as if hed come up from deep watera nd was flavour around dazedly. I mean, youre aright. I dont know what I wasIt just-it was like I forgot Look, Im sure that sounds stupid. You dont believe me.I do believe you. At least he sounded as incoherent as she did. He wouldnt think she was a total foolher facade wasnt broken.Im not that kind of guy. I mean, it looks like I am, right here, it looks exactly like I am. But Im not. Imean I never-Im not like Bruce Faber. I dont do that. I made a previse to Tanya and Oh, God, Gillian thought. And then a sort of inward scream (Help)(I was wondering when youd remember me.)(He made her a promise)(Im sure he did. Theyve been going together a while.)(But thats terrible)(No, its admirable. What a guy. Now say youve got to get to tame.)(I cant. I cant think. How are we going to-)(School first.)Dully, Gillian said, I guess wed better get moving.Yeah. There was a pause, and then David put the car in gear.They drove in silence, and Gillian sank deeper and deeper into depression. Shed tho ught it would be soeasy-just charge David her new self and everything would fall into place. But it wasnt like that. He couldntjust dump Tanya.(Dont worry more or less it, kid. I have a cunning plan.) (But what?)(Ill tell you when its time.)(Angel-are you mad at me? Because I forgot about you?)(Of course not. Im here to arrange things so you can forget me.)(Then-because I forgot about Tanya for a while? I dont want to do anything thats premature)(Im not mad Heads up. Youre there.)Gillian couldnt carry on away the feeling that he was mad, though. Or at least surprised. As if somethingunexpected had happened.But she didnt have time to dwell on it. She had to get out of Davids car and gather herself and face thehigh school.I guess-Ill see you later, David said as she reached for the door handle. His voice made it a question.Yeah. Later, Gillian said. She didnt have the energy for anything more. She glanced back- once-to seehim staring at the steering wheel.She could see people star ing at her as she walked to the school building. It was a new sensation and itgave her a spasm of anxiety.Were they laughing at her? Did she look silly, was she walking wrong somehow?(Just breathe and walk.) Angels voice soundedamused. (Breathe-walk-head up-breathe)Gillian somehow got through halls and up stairs to her U.S. hi point class without meeting some otherstudents eyes once.There, arriving just as the ships bell rang, she realized she had a problem. Her history textbook, along with allher notes, was floating somewhere down toward West Virginia.With relief, she caught Amys eye and headed toward the back of the classroom.Can I share your book? My whole backpack went in the creek. She was a little afraid Amy might bemiffed or wishful at the way shed run off with David, but Amy didnt seem to be either. She seemedmore-awed-as if Gillian were some force like a tornado that you might fear, but that you couldnt get madat.Sure. Amy waited until Gillian had scooted her desk closer , then whisper, How come it took youso long to get to school? What were you and David doing?Gillian rummaged for a pen. How do you know we werent woof up Tanya?Because Tanya was here at school looking for David. Gillians heart flip-flopped. She pretended to be very interested in history.But she gradually noticed that some of the other students were looking at her. specially the boys. It wasthe sort of look shed never imagined getting from a boy.But these were all junior(a)s, and none of them was in the really popular clique. All that would change inGillians undermentioned class, biology. Half a dozen of the most popular kids would be there. David would bethere-and Tanya.Gillian felt, with a sudden chill, that she might not really care anymore. What did it matter what otherpeople thought of her if she couldnt have David? But she had a fundamental faith in Angel. Somehowthings had to work out-if she just stayed calm and played her part.When the bell rang, she hurry away from Amys questioning eyes and into the bathroom. She needed amoment to herself.(Do something to your lipstick. It seems to have gone away somehow.) Angel sounded as puzzled asany human boy.Gillian fixed the lipstick. She ran a comb through her hair. She was somewhat reassured by the sight ofherself in the mirror. The daughter there wasnt Gillian at all, but a slender, ethereal femme fatale sheathedlike a dagger in black. The girls hair was silky, the palest of all possible golds. Her violet eyes weresubtly shadowed so they looked mysterious, haunting. Her mouth was soft, red, and exuberant perfect, like themouth of a model in a lipstick commercial. Against the stark black of her clothing, her skin had the slightlytranslucent look of apple blossoms.Shes beautiful, Gillian thought. And then to Angel (I mean, I am. But I need a Look, dont you think?An expression for when people arestaring at me. Like, am I tire or Slightly Amused or Aloof or Completely Oblivious or what?)(How about Thoug htful? As if youve got your own inner introduction to pay attention to. Its true, you know.You do.)Gillian was pleased. Thoughtful, absorbed in herself, listening to the music of the spheres-or the music ofAngels voice. She could do that. She settled the canvas bag on her shoulder and started toward herlocker.(Uh, where are you going?) (To get my biology book. I still have that.) (No, you dont.)Gillian maintained her Thoughtful expression, while noting that heads turned as she walked down the hall.(Yes, I do.)(No, you dont. Due to circumstances totally beyond your control, you lost your biology book and allyour notes. You need to sit with somebody else and share his.)Gillian blinked. (I-oh. Oh, yeah, youre right. I lost my biology book.)The door of the biology testing ground loomed like the gate to hell, and Gillian had trouble keeping Thoughtfulpinned to her face. But she managed to walk through it and into the quiet buzz that was a class before a bell was about to ring.(Okay, k id. Go up front and tell Mr. Wizard you need a new book. Hell take care of the rest.)Gillian did as Angel said. As she stood beside Mr. Leveret and told her story she sensed a newquietness in the classroom behind her. She didnt look back and she didnt raise her voice. By the timeshe was done, Mr. Leverets pouchy, pleasantly ugly face had gone from a startled Who are you?expression (he had to look in the class register to make sure of her name) to one of pained sympathy.Ive got an extra textbook, he said. And some outlines of my lectures on transparencies. But as fornotes-He turned to the class at large. Okay, people. Jill-uh, Gillian-needs a little help. She needs somebodywhos willing to share their notes, perhaps xerox them-Before he could finish his sentence, hands went up all over the room.Somehow that brought everything into focus for Gillian. She was standing in front of a classroom witheveryone staring at her-that in itself would have been enough to terrify her in the old day s. And sittingthere in front was David, wearing an unreadable expression, and Tanya, looking rigidly shocked. Andother people whod never looked directly at her before, and who were now waving their handsenthusiastically.All boys.She recognized Bruce Faber, who shed always thought of as Bruce the Athlete, with his tawny-brown hair andhis blue-gray eyes and his tall football build. Normally he looked as if he were acknowledging theapplause of a crowd. Just now helooked as if he were graciously extending an invitation to Gillian.And maconnais Kingsley, who she called Macon the Wallet because he was so rich. His hair was brownand styled, his eyes hooded, and there was something cruel to the sensual droop of his mouth. But hewore a Rolex and had a new sports car and right now he was looking at Gillian as if hed pay a lot ofmoney for her.And Cory Zablinski-who was Cory the company Guy because he constantly seemed to be arranging, goingto, or just recovering from parties. Cory was wiry a nd hyper, with foxy brown hair and dartingfox-colored eyes. He had more character than looks, but he was always in the middle of things, and atthis moment he was waving madly at Gillian.Even Amys new boyfriend Eugene, who didnt have looks or personality in Gillians opinion, waswiggling his fingers eagerly.David had his hand up, too, despite Tanyas cold expression. He looked polite and stubborn. Gillianwondered if hed told Tanya he was just trying to help a poor junior out.(Pick Macon.) The ghostly voice in Gillians ear was thoughtful.(Macon? I thought maybe Cory.) She couldnt pick David, of course, not with Tanya looking daggers at her. And she felt uncomfortable about picking Bruce for the same reason-his girlfriend Amanda Spenglerwas sitting right beside him.Cory was friendly and, well, accessible. Macon, on the other hand, was vaguely creepy.This time the voice in her head was patient. (Have I ever steered you wrong? Macon.)(Corys the one who always knows about parties) But Gilli an was already moving toward Macon.The most important thing in life, she was discovering quickly, was to trust Angel absolutely.Thanks, she said softly to Macon as she perched on an empty stool behind him. She repeated afterAngel Ill bet you take secure notes. You seem like a good observer.Macon the Wallet barely inclined his head. She noticed that his hooded eyes were moss green, anunusual, almost disturbing color.But he was nice to her all period. He promised to have his fathers repository photocopy the thick sheafof biology notes in his spiral-bound notebook. He lent her a highlighter. And he kept looking at her as ifshe were some arouse piece of art.That wasnt all. Cory the Party Guy dropped a ball of paper on the lab table as he walked past to get ridof his maunder in the trash can. When Gillian unfolded it she found a Hersheys kiss and a questionnaire R Unew? Do U like music? Whats yr retrieve ? And Bruce the Athlete tried to catch her eye whenever sheglanced in his direc tion.A warm and heady glow was starting somewhere inside Gillian.But the most amazing part was yet to come. Mr. Leveret, pacing in the front, asked for somebody toreview the five kingdoms used to categorize living things.(Raise your hand, kid.) (But I dont remember-) (Trust me.)Gillians hand went up. The warm feeling had changed to a sense of dread. She never answeredquestions in class. She almost hoped Mr. Leveret wouldnt see her, but he spotted her right away andnodded. Gillian?(Now just say after me) The soft voice in her head went on.Okay, the five classes would be, from most advanced to most primitive, Animalia, Plantae, Fungi,Protista and Eugene. Gillian ticked them off on her fingers and glanced sideways at Eugene as shefinished.(But thats not nice. I mean-) She never got to what she meant. The entire class was roaring withlaughter. Even Mr. Leveret rolled his eyes at the ceiling and shook his head tolerantly.They thought she was hysterical. Witty. One of those types who coul d dissipate up a whole classroom.(But Eugene-) (Look at him.) Eugene was blushing pink, ducking his head.Grinning. He didnt look embarrassed or hurt he actually looked pleased at the attention.Its still wrong, a tiny voice that wasnt Angels seemed to whisper. But it was drowned out by the laughter and the rising warmth inside Gillian. Shed never felt so accepted, so included. She had thefeeling that now people would laugh whenever she said something even marginally funny. Because theywanted to laugh they wanted to be pleased by her-and to please her.(Rule One, dragonfly. A beautiful girl can tease any guy and make him like it. No matter what the jokeis. Am I right or am I right?)(Angel, youre always right.) She meant it with all her heart. She had never imagined that guardian angelscould be like this, but she was glad beyond words that they were and that she had one on her side.At break the miracles continued. Instead of hurrying out the door as she normally did, she found herselfw alking slowly and lingering in the hall. She couldnt help it, both Macon and Cory were in front of her,talking to her.I can have the notes ready for you this weekend, Macon the Wallet was saying. Maybe I should dropthem by your house. His heavy-lidded eyes seemed to bore into her and the sensual droop to his mouthbecame more pronounced.No, Ive got a better idea, Cory was saying, almost dancing around the two of them. Mac, mman,dont you think its about time you hadanother party? I mean, its been weeks, and youve got that big house How about Saturday, and Illround up a keg and we can all get to know Jill better. He gestured expansively.Good idea, Bruce the Athlete said cheerfully from behind Gillian. Im free Saturday. What aboutyou-Jill? He draped a casual arm around her shoulder.Ask me Friday, Gillian said with a smile, repeating the whispered words in her mind. She shrugged offthe arm on her own volition. Bruce belonged to Amanda.A party for me, Gillian thought dazedly. All shed wan ted was to get invited to a party effrontery by thesekids-shed never imagined being the focus of one. She felt a stinging in her nose and eyes and a sort ofdesperation in her stomach. Things were contingency almost too fast.Other people were gathering around curiously. Incredibly, she was at the center of a crowd andeveryone seemed to be either talking to her or about her.Hey, are you new?Thats Gillian Lennox. Shes been here for years.I never saw her before.You just never noticed her before,Hey, Jill, how come you lost your biology book?Didnt you hear? She wing in a creek trying to save some kid. Almost drowned.I heard David Blackburn pulled her out and had to give her artificial respiration. 1 heard they were put on Hillcrest Road this morning.It was intoxicating, exhilarating. And it wasnt just guys who were gathered around her. She would havethought that the girls would be jealous, spiteful, that theyd glare at her or even all walk away from her inone mass snub.But there was Kimberlee Cherry, Kim the Gymnast, the bubbly, sparkly little dynamo with hersun-blond curls and her baby-blue eyes. She was laughing and chattering. And there was Steffi Lockhartthe Singer, with her cafe au lait skin and her soulful amber eyes, waving an expressive hand and beaming.Even Amanda the Cheerleader, Bruce Fabers girlfriend, was in the group. She was flashing her healthy,wide smile and tossing her shiny brown hair, her fresh face glowing.Gillian understood suddenly. The girls couldnt hate her, or couldnt show it if they did. Because Gillianhad status, the instant and unassailable status that came from being beautiful and having guys fall all overthemselves for her. She was a rising star, a force, a power to be reckoned with. And any girl whosnubbed her was risking a nick in her own popularity if Gillian should decide to retaliate. They wereafraid not to be nice to her.It was dizzying, all right. Gillian felt as beautifulas an angel and as dangerous as a serpent. She was r iding on waves of energy and adulation.But then she saw something that made her feel as if she had suddenly stepped off a cliff.Tanya had David by the arm and they were walking away down the hall.