Internet 24

Through Marcy’s Eyes

We were supposed to go to the concert. It had been planned for months. It was for a band I’ve been wanting to see. They aren’t the headliners. If you looked at the poster of the line-up, they’re credited as “and more.” Still, I made sure to plan everyone’s days off to line up today.

You can’t plan for the rain. In the morning it can be sunshine and record heat. In a blink, the sky is black as lighting acts as your headlights, and the rattle of the thunder reminds you that you are never on stable ground.

Did I let Kate talk me into this? No, I wanted to break up. All she did was use the moment for herself. Her words, though, were valid. I love Lou, but that wasn’t enough. We changed it, and I changed how we operate. I want him happy, but I need to be happy too. The first step I need to take to get us there is to walk out the back hall’s door.

My doll lies in the crook of Kate’s arm. It’s gentle but on display. The paper is gripped between her index and middle finger.

KATE

What did you come up with?

She looks at me. Her appearance has changed more. The scalls cover more of her body, and there is a faint glow around her. Her teeth are as sharp as Lou’s, and her nails are beautiful daggers at the end of each finger. Her smile stayed the same. It’s genuine; it always was with me.

KATE

How are we getting rid of Mariana’s shallowest douche?

LOU

Once I’m freed, you’re going to be a forgotten statue in the deepest trench in the oc—

Golden flames spark from Kate’s tongue as her glare pierces his body.

KATE

Bang your head on the table.

Without hesitation, Lou drops to his knees and bangs his head on the floor. Cracks spread like webs all around the cafe, and the boom overpowers the thunder outside. Pieces of tile are speckled on his forehead.

Kate looks back at me, and her expression morphs back with the same smile. How can it still feel warm?

KATE

It must feel good watching this. Want to give it a go?

MARCY

Then can I have the paper?

KATE

Or you tell me, and I can make him do it?

I stand, making sure not to alert her. She doesn’t move away. Why would she have a reason to mistrust her? We never had. She was there for me when my father was on death's door, we were friends since high school. I trusted her words today, so why would she not trust me?

MARCY

It will feel better if I do it. Kate, don’t you trust me?

KATE

I do! It’s not that.

Kate is no longer cradling my doll. Instead, she holds it in one hand and the paper in the other. Treating them with equal importance. They are two important objects to her. Seeing this hurts, but that’s not the goal right now. I need the paper.

I place my hand on her shoulder and look her in the eye. They may have changed color, but they are still familiar. I am used to this. When Lou morphed the first time, he told me to look him in the eye. The color changed, but he was still him. She is still Kate. That’s what I want to believe.

KATE

This is delicate. If something happens to it, he’ll be set free.

MARCY

I have your back. You’re going to hand it over, right?

She gives understanding and holds out the paper. My heart beats like a drum. What do I do once I get the paper? Release Lou, but what if he tries to hurt her? Maybe there is a chance to work this out?

The thoughts battle in my head as I grab the paper. Before Kate lets go, the door to the back hall busts open, and Manny strides through.

Kate smiles and begins to hand it over.

MANNY

I will not sit in the back room as all of this happens. I won’t be passive.

Shit, Before I can pull the paper, Kate pulls away and turns to Manny. Following behind him is Adam, holding his bat. His eyes widen as he stares at the damaged floor.

ADAM

What happened to my store?

Manny strides confidently toward Kate. If this were any moment before today, I would be impressed. I was never a fan of how Kate treated him, and I told her so.

He was more of an obedient dog than a partner. She always had the last say. To see him now standing up feels me with pride, but dude, read the room; you are messing this up for us.

MANNY

You need to end this!

Kate turns sweet as she usually does when she wants him to do something for him.

KATE

Baby, I thought we talked about this.

MANNY

But I wasn’t done. What you are doing is too much.

Lou grits his teeth through a smile, not trying to draw attention to himself.

LOU

Glad to see you’re finally out of that fog, but maybe now isn’t the right time for you to grow—

MANNY

I got this.

MARCY

Can I get the paper?

KATE

One minute.

KATE

Go back to the room, and I will get you when this is all over.

MANNY

I’m not going. I think it’s best if you give me the doll and we all take a minute to relax. This isn’t you; I know you, and you’re sweet and kind.

You always treated me with kindness and never judged me. Kate, I love and trust you. So please do the same for me.

I duck behind Kate as quietly as I can. I move slowly as her attention is on Manny. He, at the same time, is reaching for my doll. He won’t be able to get it from her, but with her focus split, I can grab it and—

KATE

Don’t you touch it!

Kate pulls away from him and bumps into me. She turns and opens her eyes. The warmth fades, and a chill grows as she looks down at my hand and then at the paper. I don’t recognize who is staring back at me.

KATE

What were you doing? Were you going for the doll?

No, it was the paper. Why do you want the spell?