Goodman - The Dance

The Dance

By

James Goodman

Resplendence Publishing, LLC

http://www.resplendencepublishing.com

Resplendence Publishing, LLC

P.O. Box

Edgewater , Florida, 32132

The Dance

Copyright 2008, James Goodman

Edited by Tiffany Mason

Cover art by Rika Singh

Electronic format ISBN: 978-1-934992-89-0

Warning: All rights reserved. The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

Electronic release: January, 2008

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and occurrences are a product of the authors imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, places, or occurrences, is purely coincidental.

Table of Contents

Dedication

I dedicate this novel to Shelly and Tyler. You are my light. You are my hope. You are my salvation. Thank you for all youve given me. Without you both in my life, I would never be the person I am today.

I would also like to thank Tiffany Mason for her wonderful vision, her kind words, and of course, her keen eye. Last but not least, I would like to thank Leigh and Jess for believing in my work and giving me this magnificent opportunity.

Youre not real, Kyle yelled at the shadows as they swirled in the corner of the room.

He sat in a worn leather recliner. Watching television, he tried to ignore the faces that mocked him in the darkness. They giggled at him from just inside his peripheral vision, but if he dared to turn and look at them, the shadows would solidify against the wall.

Guilt could play tricks on the mind, at least thats what his shrink kept telling him. Kyle was sure his grip on reality was slipping. The faces taunted him everywhere he went, and no amount of Haldol was going to make them go away.

The fact that I know they cant be real should be enough to tell me Im not crazy, right? he asked the TV.

My dear boy, we have seen what youve done. We see them as they go, as they transition. We are always with you. We are always watching, they called from the corner.

Go away!

But, we want to see more. We needto see more. Entertain us.

Stop it! Stop bothering me, Kyle barked at the wall, hoping to quell the voices. Why couldnt he have a moments peace in his own house?

We want to be entertained. Dance for us. Do your Dance so we might see, they called from the shadows behind the TV. Dance so we might live.

For the love of God, just leave me be! he cried, clasping his hands over his ears while squeezing his eyes shut.

Your strength gives us strength. Your life gives us purpose. The Dance gives us pleasure.

The light from the TV prevented his closed eyes from shutting out the images of the room. Shadows danced in that glow, penetrating the comfort of his palpebral shield. He strained harder to keep them sealed tight for fear of what he might see. How could they be between me and the TV? Dont they live in the shadows?

Open your eyes, a womans voice urged, the sound slithering its way between his fingers.

Kyle began to whimper as fear gripped him. This isnt real. This cant be real. Youre all in my mind.

Then open your eyes. If it isnt real, you will still be alone in your living room, the lady said. He could feel her breath against the fingers of his left hand.

Why wont you just let me be? Kyles voice broke as he began to sob.

He had seen things he knew he shouldnt for years. But it had never been thisbad before. Seeing things that werent there was one thing, but feeling them, now that was something all together different.

Because, no one else can do those things you do. Dance for me, lover. Make an old souls heart go pitter-patter. She caressed his cheek. The touch sent shivers through him.

A shadow was now blocking every inch of light from reaching his face. He let his left eyelid crack open, just a sliver. He glimpsed a luscious mouth hovering before him. He let his eyes open fully, hoping to end the illusion. She didnt disappear. Her skin was so pale it was almost translucent. The only color in her face was the red in her lips. Look at those beautiful lips, so inviting, so moist, so tasty . What I wouldnt do for a taste of those lips

Of course, lover if you will but Dance for me, I will let you taste anything you desire. She tossed her head, her long black hair swung over her right shoulder.

But I dont want to do your Dance anymore. It is only a matter of time before someone figures out what Im doing. They will come for me. It will be like it was before.

Her face hardened into a scowl. Do you really think its a matter of want? You will Dance for me.

Kyle hung his head in shame; her words rang true. He needed his Dance like his mother needed heroin.

He didnt have the strength to argue. What shall I call you?

You may call me whatever you want, but my name is Nina, she whispered as she sat in his lap.

He could feel her there, but she was light as a feather. This isnt real. Im just sick; my mind is still jacked. I should call Dr. Pearlman.

Your mind is fine, more than that its brilliant. She attempted to quell his unspoken fears. Will you Dance for me?

Ill try, but these things take time. I have to find the right partners. I have to plan and prepare. I have to

I have taken care of all that for you, lover. I found the perfect couple. They are waiting for you, anxious to see what wonders you have to share with them.

How did you

Shh, she interrupted, placing a finger over his lips. Now is not the time for those sorts of questions.

Kyle relented, not sure if he had a choice. Ill get my things.

That would be splendid, lover, she said, rising to let him pass. I will be here, waiting with baited breath.

He went to his bedroom, stepped into the closet, and emerged with a large canvas duffle bag slung across his shoulder. He couldnt help but smile when he saw Nina sprawled seductively across his chair. He knelt beside her, intoxicated by her fragrance as it floated on the air.

He stared at her expectantly as she ran her fingers across his bare chest. If were really gonna do this, lets get started. Where do we need to go? he asked.

Come I will show you, lover. She sprang from the chair with an almost feline ease, extending her hand to him, smiling.

He took her hand as he rose to stand before her. Something in her smile gave him the overwhelming urge to drop to his knees and grovel at her feet. Ive never seen anything so beautiful in my entire life. He fell to the floor, his entire body trembling. He let his hands stretch out, praying she would deign to let him feel her.

She lowered into a crouch, placing a finger beneath his chin. Her touch stilled his tremors. As she helped him to his feet, calm washed over him, the likes of which he hadnt experienced in years.

If you will just focus on the task at hand, I will do everything in my power to make your dreams come true.

He would have prayed for guidance, but he was sure his words would fall on deaf ears. They always had. Im yours. Do with me what you will. His voice was tiny, a stark contradiction to his massive frame.

This is only the beginning. Many people could benefit from your talents. You know we mustnt keep them waiting.

*****

Kyle scrubbed his hands in his bathroom sink. He cranked up the hot water in hopes of letting the steam obscure his reflection in the mirror. He didnt want to see the scratches on his face.