The torturous dream had been the first manifestation of her gift. When she was younger, she used to try to stay awake to avoid the mayhem that might await her at sleep’s threshold.
As her gift progressed, she’d begun to have difficulty venturing into crowded places, as she would be bombarded by images and emotions from those around her. Her parents had done a fair enough job of making life easier for her. She’d been tutored at home and provided with therapists and prescription medication, which had served to diminish her experiences for a time. Her mother had always tried to comfort her, telling her that her gift was something to be cherished and embraced. She’d told stories of women within their family who’d also had this talent. But considering the countless psychiatrists who’d described her condition as a rare case of psychosis and the fact that her own mother hadn’t possessed any of the psychic traits, Alexandra had always been skeptical.
As she’d gotten older, she’d gained better mental control and could block out the imagery and emotions enough to fully function in everyday life, though she’d always been reluctant to date. There was no way to get close to someone without revealing some degree of her talent, and being rejected for being weird was painful. But she was tired of being alone, and a virgin.
Ring! Ring!
The sound startled her and she groaned, pulling the sheet over her head. Today was Sunday. Who the hell was disturbing her at this hour? The ring chimed again and she reached onto her night table, feeling around until she found the phone then bringing the receiver to her ear.
“Hello?” The dial tone greeted her.
She sat up as she realized it was her doorbell ringing. Tossing the receiver aside, she slipped into her robe and hurried to the door. The bell sounded two more times before she spied through the peephole. Her best friend, April, stood on the other side, looking quite impatient.
Alexandra unbolted the door and swung it open. Before she had a chance to say anything, the other woman swept in.
“Do you know how long I’ve been standing out there?” April asked.
Alexandra closed the door then headed toward the kitchen. “Sorry. I’m just tired.” She opened an overhead cupboard and reached in for a bag of coffee beans. “I haven’t been getting enough sleep lately.”
April seated herself on one of the counter stools, crossing her long, slender legs. “Still having those night mares?” she asked.
At five-foot-seven, April was an inch shorter than Alexandra and a year older. She also worked at the Daily Sun.
“Yeah.” Alexandra sighed. “And those pills Dr. Peters prescribed aren’t helping. I think I need a stronger prescription.”
“What you need is to get out of this apartment. When was the last time you did something fun?”
Seating herself on the stool opposite April, Alexandra slumped over the counter. “I think you’re right,” she agreed.
“Of course I’m right! You’ve been working too hard. Oh, and speaking of work, did you see my Friday article?” She reached into her shoulder bag and pulled out a copy of the Daily Sun, tossing it onto the counter. “It made front page.”
The newspaper landed next to Alexandra’s head with a flop and she looked up, reading the bold black letters that comprised the headline.
Winged Creature Sighted for Fifth Time in Central Park.
April turned the paper sideways so that they both had a correct view of the image. “Some guy was filming his kids when the thing appeared. He managed to get a few shots. It’s not a good picture, but it’s proof that something is out there.”
Alexandra looked closer at the picture, which showed a huge dark shadow with wings. “It’s a wonder I haven’t spotted this thing. I have a perfect view of Central Park from my bedroom window.”
The coffee machine bell went off. April hopped off her stool, waving a hand for Alexandra to remain seated. “I’ll get it.”
She smiled her appreciation then returned her attention to the article. “A pterodactyl? I heard the same thing on the news last night. Thanks.” She took the mug from April.
April retook her seat. “Yeah, but I don’t think it’s a dinosaur.” She took a sip from her own mug. “I mean, such things don’t just appear out of nowhere, especially not in New York City.”
“Well, what do you think it is? You’re the one following the story. Have you come up with any conclusions yet?”
April looked pensive, her sleek brows furrowing together. “Either it’s an elaborate hoax, or some government experiment gone wrong. Anyway, enough talk about work. It’s Sunday. Right now you need to get cleaned up. There’s this huge fundraiser luncheon starting at twelve, and we have to be there.”
Alexandra regarded her with suspicion. “When have you ever been interested in any fundraisers?”
“Well …” She stood, adjusting her short chiffon dress. “Ever since I learned that this one is collecting money for scholarships and that all the powerhouses of this city will be in attendance, many of whom are eligible bachelors.” She checked her hair and makeup in the mirrored finish of the toaster.
“I should’ve known.” Alexandra laughed.
“Oh, and speaking of eligible bachelors, have you met your new neighbor yet?”
“New neighbor?”
“Yeah, I spotted him with some boxes while I was standing out there. He’s moving into the apartment next door, and he’s gorgeous.” She took Alexandra’s hand and pulled her from her seat then proceeded to drag her toward the front door.
On tiptoe, April spied through the peephole. “He’s there again!” she said, then motioned for Alexandra to take a look.
Alexandra followed suit and caught the blurred image of a tall man standing near a pile of boxes in the hall. A flutter of excitement danced in the pit of her belly. The only other male resident on her floor was shy Mr. Winston, who preferred the company of his eight cats to that of a woman.
“I can’t believe someone is finally moving into 13A. It’s been vacant forever,” she commented, feigning indifference.
She continued to watch him and wished her hazy peephole was a proper spyglass. She could see only his obscured image as he lifted what appeared to be a crate of books from the top of the pile. He paused suddenly and turned, his eyes riveting to her small vantage point.
Alexandra gasped and spun away from the door. “He saw me!”
April raised a brow. “Please. You’re behind a door,” she scoffed.
“I know, but he looked right at me—well not at me, but at the peephole.” She grimaced when she realized how ridiculous her claim sounded.
April folded her arms with a sigh. “Do you see what I’ve been telling you? You need to socialize.” There was a brief moment of silence then a smile crept to her lips. “And I know just how to get you started.”
Alexandra’s
