Talisman 01 - The Emerald Talisman

a little distressed.
    “Well, no,” I began finally. “I’m just having some challenges in my life right now and my dad doesn’t think I’m balancing work and school well. He’s asked me to quit, just until I can get a handle on things.”
    “I see,” she said, disappointed.
    “I know that you’ve got me scheduled for the rest of the week and I’ll be happy to work my shifts. I know you’ll need to hire someone new and I can train them,” I said quickly, hoping to lessen the sting.
    “That’s thoughtful of you, Julia,” she said. “But if your father thinks it’s best you quit, then I don’t want to impose. Plus, with the criminal activity and curfews, I’m going to have to change everyone’s schedule anyway. We can handle things in your absence. We managed when you were out after your fall.”
    “Yeah . . . I guess you did,” I said, feeling rejected. “I’m so sorry. Really, I am.”
    “So am I, but you need to do well in school. You can always come back this summer when business picks up.”
    I sighed and stood up, prepared to make the best out of my last day. I’d almost completely forgotten about Phil’s presence until later in my shift, a wave of his angst hit me. He was still outside, waiting for me. Impatiently. I reached for my cell phone ready to text Nicholas, when I realized it wasn’t in my pocket.
    It must be in my car.
    I took the mistake as a sign. It slipped my mind that I didn’t want them to meet until I had a chance to talk to Phil first. Nicholas wasn’t going to be patient with Phil and I knew there would be a fight, especially if Phil acted remotely close to the way he did in the tunnel.
    But I was already prepared. And I wanted to do this on my own to prove I was right about Phil. The thought made me feel exhilarated and petrified all at the same time.
    My shift seemed to take forever as I worked diligently behind the counter. It didn’t help make things go faster when Linda made a scene by telling a regular customer that today was my last day. The onslaught of questions from fellow workers afterwards made me kick myself for not waiting until the end of my shift to tell Linda I was quitting. All the questions meant more lies.
    “Julia, I’m not going to have you close tonight because I need to take your keys,” Linda said sadly when the time came closer for me to leave.
    The relinquishing of my keys made leaving feel more permanent, and I got this foreboding feeling that I wasn’t going to return.
    At the door, I said goodbye and timed my exit so I could walk out with Megan, a bubbly, talkative, fellow co-worker. I appreciated the fact that Megan acted as if we were best friends because she didn’t leave my side until I got to my car.
    Once I got in, I locked my car door and prayed that tonight I didn’t run out of gas while driving home.

19 - TRICKED
    P hil followed me as planned, and I led him straight to my house. The chase electrified me. As I felt his curiosity grow stronger, I shook my head, amazed I actually enjoyed this game of cat and mouse .
    So far things were right on course, the last part of my plan being the easiest. The only sketchy part was whether or not Luke would be home. But I just counted on the fact that Phil would not want to be seen, and hoped he’d hide if Luke happened to come outside.
    The little tires on the Quantum screeched as I took the last curve on my street a little too quickly. The house, only a few yards away now, would be my safe haven once I entered the garage.
    I pressed the magical button on the opener I’d taken earlier and waited for the door to ascend. To my horror nothing happened. Dumbfounded I pressed it again, this time aiming it directly at the garage. Again, nothing happened. I panicked. The opener worked when I tested it earlier. What was wrong?
    I pulled into the driveway, continually pressing the button over and over. Then he was there; standing right between my car and the garage door, my headlights illuminating his vibrant skin.
    “Hello,” he said with a devilish smile. He looked radiantly pleased with himself, as he stood wearing a similar trench coat to Nicholas’, apparently the vampire fashion of choice.
    I frowned back.
    “What’s wrong? The door not opening?”
    To my horror, he held up a 9-volt battery. I flipped over the remote and opened the cover. The battery was missing. My mouth dropped open.
    “How did you know?” I said stunned, instantly afraid. “Can you read minds?”
    “I