The Everborn - Nicholas Grabowsky [104]
Andrew’s voice on the recorder said, rather softly,
“...(something muffled, then..)...up with her, so what could make me think that you’re right? You always think you’re right, that you’re perfect, don’t you? (Then, the clatter-clank of dishes being washed, followed by a pause of silence.) I’m gonna tell her whatever I want to tell her. You knew I would. (Pause.) So why have you allowed this to go so far?”
And then, another voice responded. It was a female voice, but Melony instantly recognized that it was a voice not her own. It was different. It vibrated somehow unnaturally, like a dominant soprano synthesized by a rock band’s keyboard to sound more sexy.
And the voice that followed said, “I always think I’m right, but on your behalf. And haven’t I always proven to steer you course true? I don’t always know what I'm doing, but I always know what you’re doing...so I have ample time to advise you about things well before you know they’re happening.”
Then, Andrew’s voice: “I’m telling you, Bari...I honestly think I should tell her the truth....”
Then, the other voice: “Andrew...tell her anything but that, for now.”
And then silence, until the familiar sounds of Melony emerging from the bathroom were cut short by a sharp click!
There was nothing left recorded but a vacuous hissing noise...not to mention Melony’s comprehension…and utter disbelief.
Was Andrew having a discussion not with himself but with this confessed “imaginary childhood friend” he called Bari?
In the recording, he even called her Bari.
And Bari was talking back...?
She was not stupid.
She was merely profoundly stunned.
So much so that she couldn’t believe it.
Maybe she was tripping.
Let’s rewind that sucker and hear it again....
***
There came a pounding at Andrew’s front door, enough to somersault Melony’s heartbeat...
...and the prompt rattle-rattle of keys and doorknob....
***
The door flung open and smacked against the wall to the left of it.
Thud!
It was not Ralston’s intention to burst open the door so harshly…it was not simply a result of his temper, though it added considerable effect to his situation, but it was due to his spun-out state of mind; when one is as spun-out as he, everything is amplified even in strength, especially when the one spun-out is desperate. It’s that way all around.
And he burst into Andrew’s apartment.
Melony shrieked in response, and withered backwards behind the black recliner before she could think of covering her breasts with her arms.
As soon as she was able to acquire a mental focus on Ralston, she recognized who he was...she’d grown accustomed to Ralston Cooper’s face a great deal longer than she’d become used to Andrew’s.
He looked like a highlighted cast member of an Irwin Allen disaster film, throwing open the door and standing there all beaten and worn. He wore a raggedy gray t-shirt, which appeared shredded at the waist and faded jean shorts and tennis shoes.
He cried out, “Son of a bitch! Where the fuck are you, Andy-man, and what are you doing to my reputation!!?”
Melony was the unfortunate first and only prospect for Ralston to verbally assail as soon as his blazen eyes surveyed the room and caught sight of her. He swung loose the spare key set in his hands into the direction of Mel’s mound of clothes. Though infuriated as he was, and as panic-stricken as Melony was, Mel was able to detect a faint disclosure of amusement in his expression, telling her that he not only suddenly acknowledged who she was ---the girl who danced with Andrew at The Crow Job the other night--- but that she was naked.
“You fucking him?” he immediately accused her. Just as immediately afterward, he lapsed into what only could be described as a mock convulsion before he continued. "Of course you’re fucking him. I mean, what does it look like? I mean, I’m not barging in here because I’m a jealous lover, if that’s what you’re thinking. Listen...has he told you about me?! Did