Saving Me

Chapter 11: I Was In Too Deep

Chapter 11
I Was In Too Deep

Sometimes having advanced hearing is a blessing. Other times it's a curse. Laying in my fluffy fortress of hotel pillows the night I read Michael to sleep, the alarm clock's glowing red numbers whispering that the time was perfect for secrets, 2:17 a.m., I couldn't decide which one it was.

"Michael, what the Hell are you doing?"

The voice on the other side of the door, not detectable to any human, was recognized by me immediately. It was the woman from the check-in desk downstairs.

"Nothing," said the voice I'd heard more than anything besides my own sobs the past few days. "I just don't want to talk right now, it's late."

"Well I do. Why won't you let me in?" By her tone, I could imagine the 100 watt, 100% fake smile was long gone. "Who's your friend?"

"She's no one."

Okay, ouch.

I was no one to him now? What was all that stuff the day before about him enjoying my company and only caring to be around me? Lies, that's what. And there I was, stupidly finally admitting to myself that he was kinda my friend. How naïve of me.

I wished my newfound angry emotions would make an appearance then, maybe beat out the ridiculous sadness tugging on my heart. But they didn't. I was completely awake now and very aware of the unwelcome feeling of loneliness. Michael wasn't my friend. Why would he be? I didn't have any friends anymore.

I was no one.

"Why can't I talk to her?"

"Because I don't even want you talking to me."

"You came to my hotel, remember?"

"It's not like I knew you'd still be here, Jezebeth. Trust me, I'll be out of this place in the morning."

"What's wrong, Michael-boy, can't travel in the dark anymore? You need some sleep?" Her voice made me break out in chills. It was beautiful, but it dripped something venomous. "Is our little former neighbor getting soft?"

"No!" he hissed, trying to keep his voice quiet. "No, I'm not soft, I'd stop your twisted heart right now if I could. You're part of the reason I'm here now, anyway. It's your fault I can't go back to Hell."

What? Can't go back? I knew he'd been here for awhile, but why...

"Like Hell you can't go back to Hell. The option is always there, Mikey-"

"Do not call me that."

"-you just say the word. You could come with me right now. Lucifer has a Welcome Home muffin basket with your name on it."

That explained the deadly bewitching voice. I had gone forever without ever seeing a demon. Now I was in the presence of two.

I was on a roll.

"I'm not going back with you. I'm not going back. Forget it."

"Is it the girl?"

No, I'm no one, remember?

"No. She has nothing to do with anything. I told you, she's nobody."

Yeah, I thought. Don't mind me, I'm just a nuisance.

Maybe the angry emotions were making a slight appearance.

"Oh, I get it. Pretty girl, no possessions, you're taking her to hotels every night..."

"It's not like that."

"She's your whore."

The loud smack made me jump and it took my racing mind way too long to realize what had just happened. There was silence for a minute, and I could imagine her standing there, rubbing her flaming cheek with eyes wide with shock.