Talent

  Chapter 3.

  Keterlyn looked about the lecture hall at the room. The anthropology teacher, as engaging as she was, had still managed to lull a number of students into a state of catatonia. Sporadic heads would bob in a sudden jerk as they were thrown from their daydream that had turned to sleep. Inevitably, this was accompanied by a reshuffling in their seat, an express effort to force their eyes wide open and the amused smirks of those who sat closest to them. Keterlyn gazed past them. If their attention span was so short, or their nights so exciting, that they couldn’t make it through the lecture, she didn’t want them.

  Relatively speaking, she had had some success since starting semester so late. It had taken forged ID, as usual, and a fairly convincing effort on her part to be accepted into the semester so late, but nothing a little mind meddling hadn’t accomplished in the end. She hated doing that, messing about in people’s heads, but it was a necessary means to an end. Since starting Keterlyn had met Micala, an early twenties hippy-esque character who almost reminded her of Marianne back in the day. Micala was actually quite the activist and a closet socialite, which meant she had helped Keterlyn become familiar with the campus set up and some key persons in record time. Through Micala, she had met Anise and Will who had already agreed to experimenting by attending a full moon ritual. She had also found out that the lecturer, Zara was in the middle of a research topic for her book on modern pagan rituals, which had meant that approaching her to attend another ritual to add substance to her collection of case studies had been a relatively easy event. To add to these potential candidates, Micala had found out the local emo, Diana, whom Katerlyn remained dubious about to say the least, but also Jake, an ardent student, with a painfully introverted streak, as well as Ashleigh, a cheerleader who actually cared more for study than looking pretty and batting lashes. That still left an awful lot of spots to fill but here she was working on it.

  Keterlyn eyed off someone who had arrived just as late as she had, Daniel. Also in his early twenties, she sensed something about him. He was definitely someone to add to her list of must meet in the next 48 hours, but what peaked her curiosity the most, was not being sure how he had managed to waltz in so late in the semester when it had taken her so much effort. She watched him sitting there looking so astute, serious and taking notes as Zara continued addressing her class. He was curious. She tried to read his face, his stoic expression and slightly tired looking grey eyes. He had seen some difficult times, Keterlyn decided. What a shame, almost, to have someone so appealing feel weighed down by something in his life. Still, she reasoned, that might make him a viable option for targeting. Essentially, if curiosity was not something she could appeal to, Keterlyn wasn’t above bribing people to join their group with money, fame, health, or love. Those were the front contenders, but unless someone was in some kind of emotional pain, or just plain greedy enough, bribery didn’t hold water for the long run.

  Speaking of, the anthropology lecturer, raised her voice to draw the attention of Jake who had been watching Ashleigh with a painfully pining look in his eye. Clearly he had been lost in thought about her, and a flush rose in his cheeks at the attention the lecturer brought towards him. It was no secret that Jake had been interested in Ashleigh for some time, but being the shy and slightly insecure type, coupled with the social pressures of Ashleigh being in the cheerleading squad and thereby perceivably unattainable except by the social elite, Jake had yet to act on his wants. Zara’s uninvited attention to his gawking had caused Ashleigh to notice of course. With a friend giggling beside her and jotting something on paper, Ashleigh had simply smiled back at him and given Jake a cheeky wink. Jake went a marginally deeper shade of crimson in response, and looked diligently at his notebook.

  Keterlyn smiled to herself as the bell went and there was a flurry of scattering people picking up books and bags as they fled through the two lecture hall doors at the top of the steep incline towards the back of the room. Micala, who had been waiting outside in the hall, caught up with Keterlyn, heading straight for her as soon as she spotted her. In her wake followed a demure looking, thin girl with a shock of bright red curls and green eyes.

  Almost without any greeting, Micala launched into introductions. “This is my friend Molly I was telling you about. She used to be in like a coven before she moved here.” Micala had taken an avid interest in setting up this full moon ritual with Keterlyn. So much so, she was continually on the hunt for prospective members to introduce Keterlyn to. At first, Keterlyn being Keterlyn, she had been highly suspicious, but Micala liked to talk, and in her constant ramblings, Keterlyn had become aware of a few points about her newfound comrade.

  Micala had grown up the daughter of a well known business man who was perpetually busy. Her mother had been equally well known as a mid range model for a successful clothing line, but after having Micala, and as she aged, moved in to lesser known brand shampoo commercials and eventually began investing her time and money into eco-friendly initiatives and charitable campaigns. Following a much unmentioned affair her father had, Micala had ended up trying to make her own unique mark for herself by incorporating what she felt was the best of both her parents – the conservationist and the entrepreneur. How aware Micala was of it, Keterlyn wasn’t exactly sure, however the toll of hearing about how her mother’s life had changed post Micala was evident in that although it wasn’t expressly mentioned that Micala was to blame for her mother’s downturn in career, her loss of social status and the seemingly inevitable affair brought about through her mother’s neuroticism, and her father’s ethical failings, the insinuation that things had ‘changed’ was enough to leave Micala with a slightly unhealthy insecurity she fought with abandon to hide from others and ignore in herself. Keterlyn then had become in a very short span of time Micala’s pseudo mother figure whom Micala was currently working overtime to please.

  Keterlyn rewarded Micala’s latest effort to find people for her ritual with a well earned look of pride. Keterlyn almost wished she could tell Micala why she needed these people, why twelve exactly, but all things in good time. Extending a hand out to Molly, Molly grabbed it back, giving one formal shake before retreating back to clutching books to her chest. Molly looked as serious as they came. Staunch, tight lipped and an ever present accusing eye roaming over the people passing them by. When she spoke though, Molly had a lush, rich voice that instantly won over Keterlyn.

  “I hear you are putting together a full moon celebration.” Molly began.

  “I am.” Keterlyn replied.

  “Cool, I miss the coven in my home town, but there hasn’t been anything decent around here for me so far. I’m looking forward to it. If you need help calling the quarters, I’m your girl.”

  Keterlyn fought smiling on the off chance Molly might find amusement displeasing in others. Her intensity even beat Diana’s, but only, Keterlyn supposed, because Molly could easily pull off glamour queen over Emo, and at least with Emos, Grunge-ers or Goths you could see it coming. Keterlyn decided keeping it brief now would be a good thing for later. “I’ll keep that in mind Molly.” Another one down.

  In an unexpected about turn, Molly gave Micala a sudden smile, bright teeth glinting behind her blush rose lips. “Great. See you then - Ciao Micala.” With that Molly departed and Keterlyn and Micala walked together down the corridor.

  “What’s her story?” Keterlyn queried.

  “She is a little intense.” Smiled Micala. “I’m not sure but once you know her and she can tell what’s going on with you, she seems to be a little more….”

  “Amicable?” offered up Keterlyn.

  Micala nodded. “And a little less….”

  “Asinine?” finished Keterlyn causing Micala to bump her shoulder into Keterlyn.

  “I was going to say staunch.” clarified Micala. “How was class?” she redirected. “Zara is amazing isn’t she.”

  “She knows her material, that’s for sure.” Keterlyn added to the conversation.
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  “It’s been so great having someone else who is taking this class to actually learn something. One of these days I’ll have to get you to tell me about how you got to know so much already. I swear Zara winced when you corrected her at the start of the lecture.” Keterlyn hadn’t meant to of course, but Zara had referenced something regarding the timelines for the Moorish invasion of Spain that had seen her dates mixed up. On automatic pilot, distracted by taking in those persons around her, Keterlyn had mumbled under her breath the correction. Zara had taken note and quickly corrected herself, however the apparently random piece of knowledge had earned Keterlyn more that a few impressed looks amongst her classmates.

  As they walked in pleasant discussion, Daniel rushed past Keterlyn, accidentally brushing past her and pushing her out of the way. When his shoulder made contact Keterlyn received an electric shock, like static only worse. She rubbed her shoulder in response, recognizing the feeling well.

  Also bothered by the electric shock, Daniel held his arm, and half looking back at Keterlyn, he made a near inaudible sound that resembled an apology, as he continued walking ahead of her and Micala.

  Micala, being the verbal equivalent of an inner monologue called after him. “How rude! Who does he think he is doing that – just pushing past!”

  Rebecca, a quiet girl, not quite 19 yet leaned forwards from behind them, voicing concern in a hushed tone. “Hey don’t insult him – he just got released from jail – for killing someone no less.”

  Keterlyn and Micala turned their attention to Rebecca. Keterlyn had met her once at the library where Rebecca had been immersed in researching the paranormal. Micala didn’t know it yet, but Rebecca had been her first recruit for the ritual.

  Keterlyn couldn’t help but smile. “Killing someone? He only looks like he’s twenty.”

  “He just got out of Juvie.” Rebecca insisted. It could be true reasoned Keterlyn. Juvenile detention and parole might explain why he had been let in so late in to the semester. Maybe someone had brokered him an opportunity to be busy when he was released. Something else to think about. Regardless, she had to meet him now. The only other times she had felt that spark of a connection was when people were already working on developing their natural gifts of the seemingly unnatural. Missing a heart beat, Keterlyn wondered how much success he had already experienced in using his skills.

  Micala clearly didn’t have the time of day for Rebecca. It made sense. Something had happened earlier in the year that had made Rebecca a social outcast, and Micala couldn’t help but respond negatively to her. “You would know I suppose, you do see dead people – maybe the ghosts of his victims came back to tell you their stories.”

  An indignant Rebecca glared at Micala. “Fine, don’t believe me, go insult him some more.” At least Keterlyn knew something now about Rebecca being ostracized. Before she had a chance to defend Rebecca, the girl was gone leaving a smug Micala behind her.

  “Dead people?” asked Keterlyn hoping for elaboration.

  Keterlyn got her explanation. “She got wasted at a party last semester,” expanded Micala. “She ended up freaked out saying she was seeing dead people around her. Since then she’s been stuck with everyone reminding her.”

  “Hmm. I think she might still be under the influence, he doesn’t look like a killer to me.” Keterlyn put forward.

  “You seem interested in him. You want his email?” Micala had a knowing tone to her voice that made Keterlyn chuckle on the inside. This girl thought she knew so much.

  No use denying it, thought Keterlyn, though her interest wasn’t for the same reason Micala surmised. “You happen to have it handy?”

  “No but I know a guy who knows a guy…”

  “Don’t worry – I have my own sources.” Keterlyn announced before moving on to another topic. No need to worry about Daniel. She would find him later, and in the meanwhile she had a few others to meet and confirm the get together. Full moon was just around the corner. Three nights before she had to have everyone lined up, and so far she only had Micala, Rebecca, Zara, Molly, Anise, Diana and William. Five people still remained outstanding and she had her eyes on Jake, Ashleigh, and Daniel tonight and tomorrow as well as a girl named Lily. Lily worked the local bar where she happened to be meeting Anise tonight. That would just leave one more to find and seal the deal before the full moon.

  At the bar, Keterlyn waited patiently to order her drinks as the post lecture five thirty throng of students crammed the place from door to door. The Est. as the name above the door identified it was a medium sized, student – oriented locale with dark wooden furniture, orange and beige walls and an array of license plates posted up on the walls by graduating students. It had become a right of passage for the college, and the owners had jumped right on board. Keterlyn watched Lily as she waited. Lily was another who interested Keterlyn, and Keterlyn had done her research. Lily had graduated high school 18 months early and been granted a scholarship. Lily also had passed up on said scholarship however, mainly due to the fact she cared for her mother during the day while her father worked, and tended bar at night for extra cash. Lily’s mother had been in a particularly bad car accident just 14 months ago, and when it became clear that they would have to move to accommodate the wheelchair and access ongoing medical assistance, they had sold the house and moved nearby. Goodbye scholarship, because there was no way the family could afford either a nurse, or a tertiary education for Lily. Putting two and two together, Lily, now only just eighteen had opted to miss out on the key to a better life in order to care for her mother and relieve her father to work days at the local processing plant. She was brilliant though, hence the scholarship, but furthermore, Lily exuded a confident, self contentment that Keterlyn almost couldn’t resist. She had given up so much, yet didn’t regret it, did not resent it. Lily was just a kind person with a sense of honor and duty. Keterlyn couldn’t wait to see what she could do with what she could give her.

  Rounding the corner, Lily came up to Keterlyn, who smiled pleasantly back at Lily. “Hi Lily, I’ll have three vodka Red Bulls.”

  Lily looked slightly surprised. “Do I know you?”

  Keterlyn stole a glance at the tattoos that snaked their way around Lily’s body. A delicate lily flower curved around her upper arm and a Chinese dragon peeked out from under her singlet shirt and over her shoulder. Her blond hair was pulled back in a ponytail that gave the definition of her face clarity. That and the dark eyeliner which showcased her blue eyes caused Keterlyn to be almost envious of her.

  “We haven’t met, but I’m hoping I can help you with your deepest, darkest.” Keterlyn knew Lily would appreciate her candor.

  Keterlyn slid a flyer over to Lily, the same she had opted to place around the campus. ‘Full Moon Circle, Don’t Dream it Do it!” The flyer read. The details of the time and place followed the title. Lily took a quick glance, smiled like Keterlyn was a kook, and repeated. “Red Bull and Vodka times three.”

  Lily left to accomplish the task and as she waited for her drinks, Keterlyn let her attention be drawn over to the pool tables in the far right of the bar. Daniel was there with two non college friends, one of whom was clearly winning the game and looking smug. There was a sudden cheer and Daniel, looking chivalrous in his defeat, headed to the bar a few people down from where Keterlyn sat.

  He was served much faster than she had, by the six foot two bartender who wore a white Calvin Klien shirt just tight enough to make the college girls sigh as they waited for their drinks. By the time Keterlyn was given her drinks and left a $50.00 note on the table so Lily could pocket the ample tip, Daniel was just balancing three beers in his hands. “Keep the change Keterlyn said and she left the note purposefully on the flyer. Lily looked after Keterlyn inquisitively but she had already left, set on a path to intercept Daniel as he headed back towards the pool table.

  Keterlyn cleared her throat and summoned confidence. “I know you. You’re the guy who ploughs into women in the corrid
or.” As the words left her lips she could feel the warmth creep up her neck and face. Almost one and a half thousand years old and she could still look like an amateur when it came to introducing herself to males. She willed the moment to still, but of course she couldn’t do that for real yet.

  Daniel stood partially open mouthed as though he was tying very hard to tell if Keterlyn had made a joke, or meant it as it sounded. After what felt like an eternity to Keterlyn a faint curve of his lips was evident. “Excuse me?”

  Basting in mortification, she stammered to save the interaction. “That absolutely came out wrong.”

  Still smirking, Daniel nodded in acknowledgement. “I am actually glad to hear that.”

  “Shit. Usually I am a lot more competent than that.” she apologised.

  “Start again?” he offered, smiling broadly now. “I’m Daniel.” He looked different to this afternoon. More upbeat, more engaging, more appealing than she remembered.

  “I’m Caitlin.”

  “Nice meeting you Caitlin, but I have to go – I’m in the middle of a game and I have to redeem myself.” Daniel motioned behind him towards the table. Keterlyn glanced over to see his two friends waiting impatiently.

  Thrown by her own sudden loss of social skills, Keterlyn was all too happy to part. “Sure, sorry. See you around.” With that. Keterlyn left, holding her drinks and shaking her head at her own behaviour as she approached the table that had Will and Anise sitting at it.

  Daniel cast a brief look at Keterlyn before getting involved with his friends again, and picked up the pool cue as soon as he left the drinks on the table.

  Keterlyn sat herself next to Anise, a young dark haired Indian girl, dressed in name labels and brandishing a face well maintained by a team of skin professionals. She came from money, she didn’t apologise for it, and cared less for people who mentioned her well off background. Attending college had been an expectation for her family but also an essential component of her ongoing financial support by them. In fact, as recently as today, her aunt and uncle had been in her ear complaining bitterly of her lack of commitment, her sense of privilege and entitlement , as well as making it clear her boyfriend Will was an unacceptable choice for her. Will, like her however was the one thing she truly did care about, and Anise wasn’t about to give him up. He understood how she longed for her parents company, how growing up with pseudo parents left a space for her that remained unfulfilled until she met him, and how his adoring and uncompromising love made her feel like she had already accomplished everything she needed to. Anise did however still recognize that in order to gain access to her family wealth she would have to meet certain criteria, so attending school, obtaining a degree was one of those steps. Anise was far from superficial, though to the casual onlooker she did appear to be. She cared about the environment, business and competition, market shares and of course Will’s happiness. As much as he doted upon her, she wanted to take care of him the same way. She wanted Will to never have to worry about anything, so the two of them could be blissfully and ridiculously in love, happily ever after, and quite frankly, she didn’t think that was all too much to ask for.

  Will held her hand even as Keterlyn slid the drink across the table towards Anise. The two of them nearly always touched eachother, and Will didn’t care what other people said. Since he met Anise, he had known she was the only thing precious to him, wth his own and his brother’s life a close second. If people made comments about him holding her hand, wrapping his arm around her, he simply shot them a look that said Yep, she’s mine, and I’m the luckiest bastard on earth, and I know you wish you had this, to which there were very few who would continue to be a thorn in his side. Those who did he simply cut out, a skill he had learned a long time ago.

  “So we’re all on for Friday night then?” Keterlyn confirmed.

  “Of course!” Anise replied eagerly. “Did you get enough people?”

  “Not yet, I’m still short, but I’m working on it. It can work with less, but I prefer 13 – I’m a traditionalist.” While Keterlyn spoke, Will kissed Anise’s fingers and Keterlyn had to fight the urge to roll her eyes. It was sweet, but love like that just didn’t last forever.

  “I am so excited. My first witches meeting.” Anise could hardly contain herself, actually jumping up and down on the seat.

  “I haven’t seen you this worked up in months.” remarked Will.

  “It’s exciting don’t you think Will? So different. A full moon ritual. I can’t wait.”

  “Then I can’t wait.” Will said and Anise leaned into him, he kissing her in response.

  Keterlyn sipped her drink and looked over towards Daniel as much out of curiosity as to have something else less gushy to look at. Keterlyn almost longed for the restrictions placed on emotional displays and touching that dogged the Victorian era.

  Keterlyn had spent a little longer on staring at Daniel than she had expected though. Anise’s voice drew her back to the table at hand. “You aren’t thinking of asking him are you? I heard…”

  “I know, I heard too. Fact is, I still need more people.” Keterlyn confessed.

  “If you are considering Daniel, you should ask Abel. He certainly is desperate enough to try anything.” Will chimed in.

  Keterlyn frowned. “I don’t know him.”

  “He was some rising star footballer they took on last year. Word is he is losing his scholarship, and that’s all he has keeping him away from a lifetime of working behind the register of some small town burger shop.” Anise added.

  Keterlyn turned her attention back to Will. “So you think he’ll come if you ask?”

  Will made an unsure expression. “I can ask. He’s tried every psych trick and protein concoction in the book so far. I’ll catch him in the morning.”

  Keterlyn considered she may have sold William short. He was astute, wiley, street smart as well as book smart. That was a difficult combination to achieve. In his spare time Will, William, tried to fix his car which should have been on the condemned list when he first bought it, but which, aside from the frequent break downs, actually had been brought back from the brink of death. When he wasn’t studying, and wasn’t spending time adoring Anise, he worked at a local garage for cash and parts. Will had also been one of the few white foster boys in the area he had grown up in for the last few years until he turned 18 and realized he had no plan or place to be.

  Although his foster parents had taught him the basics, his older foster brother Tempe had been the one to guide him, and Tempe, standup guy that he was, had never had a plan. He had wished he had one, and at times he had even believed that he did until he realized otherwise, but again Tempe had difficulty with the follow through, because really, no one had ever shown him how. William had always looked to Tempe for support, so when he turned 18 and was asked where he was moving out to the following week, with no plan and no ties, William had joined Tempe just in time to save him from losing the rental unit Tempe had been holed up in. Now the two brothers had managed to stabilize eachother, Will had started studying and with Anise, there wasn’t a lot of down time for the two to get in each other’s way. Both still managed to get into equal measure of trouble though.

  Whereas Tempe carried himself to meet his six foot built build, laboured long hours during the day, and only had to give a stern look to silence a man, he also had a tendency to enjoy female company. Many mornings he had woken up to Will asking who the latest conquest was, only to barely recall the night before. Tempe never meant harm though, and reveled in the chance to connect with people. He spent so much time shutting off to those who called him family over the years, people who had lied and manipulated him, and those who he worked with and expected him to act a certain way because of his large size and tough look. It had become an art, and it took people to be as close as Will to really know him.

  To the contrary, William carried his heart on his sleeve, and got carried away on a whim, most lately drag racing to the detriment of his
license. Now, William was dependent on Tempe for pick ups and drop offs for the next six months, a situation William resented, and Tempe endured – barely. William’s similar experiences with a string of poor interpersonal relationships with parental figures and peers meant he was suited to take in good stride Tempe’s variable moods.

  Daniel walked past drawing Keterlyn’s attention again and the three at the table finished up their drinks. Exiting into the brisk night air, Anise and Will stepped to the curb awaiting Tempe to give them a lift home. Keterlyn took a step down the road. “You’re waiting for your ride?” she asked.

  Will obliged by answering. “Yeah, he’ll be here in a minute. Need a lift Caitlin?”

  Keterlyn shook her head. “Nah, I’m going to visit a friend before I get home.” Walking down the street and into the fog, Keterlyn was looking forward to the rest of the night, and regaining some even ground.