The Balcony

Chapter 1

Oh, not again! Come on! What does a girl have to do to get some peace and quiet?

All Emma Lauren wanted to do was to sit out on the balcony of her third-floor apartment and put her feet up. She wanted a nice peaceful moment to enjoy what little outdoor space she had after a long day at work. Yet here she was again, forced to hide behind her blinds while her neighbor and his scraggly friends sat outside, lounging on his balcony. It wouldn’t be so bad if his balcony wasn’t right next door to hers. Then, at least, she could go outside without having to listen to their annoying comments, and put up with their leering eyes.

A week ago today, had she known about her undesirable neighbor and his mooching friends, she would never have signed the lease on her new apartment.

As a matter of fact, a week ago today, this apartment seemed ideal. Situated on nice tree lined street in the Hollywood Hills, it presented itself as the perfect place for her to live. It was close to everything, like the grocery store, restaurants and most importantly it was affordable. It was also conveniently located near a bus stop that she could easily walk to and from on her way to her job at Mr. Yen’s Flower Shop.

The space itself wasn’t all that impressive, but it was well laid out. The fact that it was nicely furnished and in move-in condition helped too. Eventually, she would like to paint the walls a brighter color than the dull gray and neutral taupes that now dominated the rooms. Other than that, the place itself was perfect. She had a small kitchenette and living room to the left of the entrance and a nice bathroom with a classic claw foot tub across the hallway from her cozy bedroom. The bedroom faced the street with a sliding door that led out onto a gorgeous little balcony.

The same balcony that she no longer felt comfortable sitting out on due to her ungainly neighbor and his entourage of misfit friends. It wouldn’t be so bad if they’d simply ignore her but she knew better than that. The other day, she made the mistake of assuming that she could sit outside and quietly read her book when out of nowhere they showed up and made it literally impossible for her with their constant snickering and attempts to get her attention.

Every day this week, she had come home, hoping to spend some time outside, only to find him out there strumming his unplugged electric guitar while one or two of his friends rambled on about anything and everything into the late hours of the evening.

She couldn’t help but listen in on their sordid tales. Even with her door shut tight and blinds closed, she could hear them go on about everything from crazy ex-girlfriends, drunken exploits, and bar fights.

She thought about the other tenants from the first and second-floor apartments and wondered why she’d gotten so unlucky with her neighbor. She had run into them now and then. They seemed nice enough. There was a busy young couple on the first floor who were never home. Beside them, lived a single guy in his early thirties who walked dogs for a living. On the second floor, there lived a single forty-something mother and her eight-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, who often greeted Emma on her way to and from school. Next door to them, lived two spinsters, Maria, and Carmella, both in their late fifties who on more than one occasion had invited Emma along to their church meetings to which she had politely declined.

Darn it all, though, tonight was different. It was Friday evening and she’d worked a long day getting flower arrangements ready for three different wedding parties tomorrow. She was physically exhausted. Her boss, Mr. Yen, had kept her busy up to her elbows in roses and baby’s breath. Now all she wanted was a couple of stress-free hours out on her balcony with a tall glass of lemonade in one hand and her book in the other.

This is ridiculous! She was determined to reclaim her right to her balcony. Grabbing her lemonade and reaching for her book, she made up her mind and drew back the blinds with every intention of going outside.

At the last minute, she hesitated. She almost lost her nerve, seeing them out there, hanging all over his balcony. What a disheveled bunch of ragamuffins, she thought to herself. Who exactly were these guys with the long black hair and tattoos, and why didn’t they just go home? It was hard to tell them apart really, other than the fact that her actual neighbor had the longest hair, his bangs hanging over his eyes. He also seemed to enjoy being shirtless most of the time, wearing little more than a pair of well-worn black jeans with chains hanging from his pockets, and an electric guitar around his neck.

Another thing she noticed was that he was the quietest of the three. Actually, he barely said a word in comparison to his two mouthy friends. For the most part, he sat staring off expressionless on a ratty old couch he must have dragged out on his balcony.

The one guy, sitting up on the rail nearest to her balcony had his shoulder-length black hair shaved on the left side of his head. He was the loudest of the three. The third guy, leaning with his back toward the street, smiled a lot and wore his hair shaved on the opposite side of his head. They looked like bookends actually, both tall and lanky. They couldn’t be more than twenty-five or twenty-six years old, she guessed, covertly observing them from inside her room.

Determined to reclaim her balcony, she took a deep breath, unlatched her door and stepped outside. She hoped to go unnoticed, but of course, the moment she appeared, they instantly halted their incessant nattering to watch her as she sat down in her comfy wicker chair. All too aware of their unwanted attention, she subtly turned her chair away from them while purposely avoiding eye contact. Perhaps they’d get the message and leave her alone this time.

As if… Before she could even get her book open, they started up once again.

Look, Angel, cutie’s back. Told you she’d be back.

Come on, Phantom, leave the girl alone. Apparently she’s too good for us. Isn’t that right, sugar?

Hey, Wraith, aren’t you going to introduce us to your hot new neighbor?

Shut the fuck up, losers, he grumbled in response.

Yes, shut up! Just shut up! Emma grumbled to herself, ignoring them. Who did these clowns think they were, anyway? Wraith, Phantom, and Angel… Really? Come on! They couldn’t possibly be serious about those names.

Hey, sugar, what are you reading there? A romance novel? Angel asked, taking a good guess.

A romance novel? Hey now, if it’s romance you’re looking for, I can help you out there, Phantom snickered. Even better, Wraith’s in need of little romancing these days. What do you think, Wraith? The girl next door… it’s perfect.

That was it, the last straw. She had heard enough. This was her chance to speak up and tell them exactly what she was thinking. I’m sorry, but could you please just leave me alone, she stated, standing with her hands on her hips. I’m not interested in your commentary and I would appreciate it if I could be allowed to enjoy my balcony uninterrupted! She glared at the three of them. There, that should do it, she thought, watching their expressions as the information processed through their minds.

Ooh, she speaks, Angel said with a gleam in his eyes.

And she’s none too happy, is she? Phantom said, leaning back over the rail at her. In his enthusiasm, he all but slipped in an attempt to maneuver into a better position.

Watch yourself! she gasped nervously, taking a step toward him. Maybe you shouldn’t sit up on that rail anymore, she warned as he regained his composure.

Oh, how sweet, she worries for you, brother. Angel chuckled. It’s all right, baby. Phantom’s got nine lives. Mind you, he’s probably already on his third or fourth by now. 

Maybe so but I don’t want to have to watch Phantom break his neck. I just want to be left alone, if you don’t mind, she said, looking at the three scraggly albeit unsettlingly handsome scoundrels.

Oh, don’t be that way, Phantom said with a mischievous smile as he twisted and turned so that he sat facing her with his legs dangling precariously over the edge of the rail. We’re just trying to be friendly.

Come on, man, don’t be reckless. Angel slowly shook his head.

Who me? Phantom shrugged, unbothered. It’s not that big a drop, he snickered, raising his eyebrows at her. Anyway, maybe I just want to see if I can jump this small space. He made a point of mentally measuring the distance to her balcony.

Don’t you dare! Emma shouted, backing away. You’re not welcome here. Besides, you’ll fall.

Angel and Wraith exchanged knowing glances. Phantom was always taking chances in the spirit of fun but this time, they both knew that there was little danger in jumping the small space between the balconies. In fact, they had each done it so often they could do it with their eyes closed. Of course, she couldn’t have known that. She had been fast asleep while they’d taken turns doing so. Boys will be boys after all and the three of them could never turn down a dare.

Emma watched and held her breath as Phantom readied himself to pounce. I’m warning you… I’ll… she said nervously.

Sorry, what was that? Phantom teased, standing upright on the rail, stretching one long leg over the small space between the balconies with ease. 

Phantom, don’t be a dick. Angel chuckled. Can’t you see you’re scaring Wraith’s pretty little neighbor?

You back off right now! Emma shouted, taking another step back, glancing sideways at her sliding door. Wraith, is it? She hoped he might have some control over his jackass friends. Would you mind telling your friend to get off my property!

"Oh, Wraith," Phantom mocked in a high pitch voice. Aren’t you going to save this damsel in distress from the likes of me? He giggled ruefully, stepping brazenly over onto her rail, balancing himself like an alley cat.

Poor girl, you’re mistaken. Wraith’s no hero, Angel said in a saddened voice. In fact, he’d just assume not get involved at all. He let out a despondent sigh while stealthily crouching on the balcony rail. I, on the other hand, may be persuaded to intervene.

True, Wraith wasn’t the type to get involved in anything much these days. So who was he to deny his friends a little bit of fun? Maybe she should just relax. If she wasn’t so damn uptight, they might have just left her alone after a while, but no, she had to go ahead and make it way too much fun for them to resist.

Please… don’t, Emma pleaded as Phantom jumped down into her balcony.

Hey, how about that? Phantom said with a wicked smile, standing a mere three feet away from her.

What’s that? Angel asked as he too jumped down beside him.

Wraith’s neighbor sure is pretty up close like this, he said, turning his head to and fro.

Please… Emma begged, frozen with fear as the two spooky bookends studied her like a menu with their peculiar gray eyes.

Pretty? Angel repeated, standing up straight, reaching all of six-foot-three. Not just pretty, she’s beautiful. Skin like a little porcelain doll. She’s as delicate as a butterfly.

That’s sweet, Angel. Phantom giggled.

A freakier pair, Emma’s eyes had never seen. That they stood so brazenly on her property was enough to make her want to scream. In fact, it surprised her that she hadn’t already. Especially since dusk had started to set in, making it hard for her to tell them apart. Twins? she whispered. What else could they be? They looked so much alike.

Twins? Phantom repeated, looking offended. Come on now, I’m way better looking than this freak, he said, pointing at his brother.

Is that right? Angel balked, shaking his head, flashing her a killer smile. "What do you think, butterfly? Him or me?"

Neither. Now go away! She’d had enough of them. Leave me alone, she said with a nervous quiver in her voice. She quickly went over her choices in her mind. She could make an attempt to run inside, but what if they came in after her? She wouldn’t have time to lock them out. At least out here on the balcony, someone might hear her scream.

Hey come on, that’s no way to be neighborly, Angel purred with a pout. Is it, butterfly?

Angel, I believe she is truly frightened, Phantom cautioned with a concerned lilt to his voice.

Of what? Of whom? Angel whispered, looking around himself. "Ghosts?" he teased. "I assure you, butterfly, if there be ghosts we would know."

Go away. Leave me alone! she shouted, having trouble focusing on them as the shadows obscured their features.

In fact, we know a real live ghost, Phantom said with a wicked smile, his teeth reflecting the moonlight. His name is Wraith. He pointed over his shoulder.

Yes, that’s right, Angel interrupted. You see, Wraith used to be a really cool cat back in the day. He sighed, slowly shaking his head. Until he went dark, that is, he explained, glancing mischievously behind him. Wait a minute. He was just back there, wasn’t he?

Emma looked back toward Wraith’s balcony seeing nothing but darkness, realizing that his guitar had gone eerily silent. Focusing back at the space where Angel and Phantom stood, she shuddered when only their outlines remained visible, and to her dismay, she realized, where once there were two, now there were three. Losing sight of them altogether, she started to shake.

No, please! Go away, she cried, sensing them all around her, their cool breath on her skin, their fingers in her hair. Making a run for the door, she rushed by them one by one. To her surprise, they made no attempt to stop her. Counting her lucky stars, she quickly ran inside, slid the door closed and locked it shut.

Just as she breathed a sigh of relief, their pale faces suddenly appeared up by the door, one by one. Phantom and Angel smiled with their gray eyes and blew her a kiss from outside. Taking a step back, her eyes grew wide as a third face appeared in the glass, this time, a reflection from inside.

Wraith? Is that you? she gasped, spinning around, eyes wide, searching the darkness. Come on now. This isn’t funny anymore! She listened for his breathing.

Shush, keep quiet, whispered a voice from somewhere in the bedroom.

Huh? Where are you? she cried out in a panic. Wraith! How did you get in here?

I said, be very quiet, he warned, creeping up close to her. They’ll go away if you stay quiet.

What? Who? Emma turned around toward the balcony, seeing nothing but darkness, hearing giggling and shuffling from outside.

Sh… they’ll soon grow tired of this game, Wraith said quietly from behind her.

Game? This is a game? She had reached her breaking point. Bastards! You have no right! she shouted, running for the light switch by the bedroom door.

Stop! Don’t do that! They’ll see you. Wraith cut her off mid-run.

Leave me alone! she shouted, crashing into him, then falling backward on the bed.

Emma… he whispered from where he stood. Just hold still a while longer.

How do you know my name? Suddenly paralyzed with fear, she watched his shadowy figure cross the room, and look out the balcony door. He made no sound as he moved. He truly must be a ghost, she thought with a frown. Or maybe she was dreaming, having a nightmare!

They’re gone now. Sleep well, Emma, he said after a moment before sliding the door open and stepping outside.

Chapter 2

Emma awoke the next morning in the very same position as the night before. She must have been exhausted. Had it all been a dream? A nightmare? She sat up quick, realizing that she still wore her shorts and t-shirt from last night. Stepping tentatively toward her balcony, she stopped short. Hearing the incessant strumming of Wraith’s guitar, she determined that it had not been a dream. He had been in her room last night. His creepy friends had dared to leap onto her balcony. She shuddered, seeing her glass of lemonade and book sitting neatly just outside her door.

Ridiculous! She chastised herself for letting them get the best of her. It was all a big game to them. Obviously, they were just out to give her a good scare. Well, that wasn’t acceptable and she was going to let him know exactly what she thought of him and his two rude friends.

Excuse me? she called out, stepping up to the edge of her balcony. He wasn’t so scary in the daylight, she thought, watching him pull on the strings of his unplugged electric guitar. Hello? she repeated when he didn’t acknowledge her, his tousled dark hair obscuring his features. He continued to methodically play the repetitive melody undisturbed. What was with this guy? She was really getting annoyed with his lack of acknowledgment.

Look at him sitting there on that ratty old couch. Did he not own a shirt? What was with all the chains hanging from his pockets, and the safety pins fastened along his jeans from his ankles to his knees?

"Fine, ignore me if you like. Actually, I would prefer it that way from now on. And I would appreciate it if you would tell your two rude friends that the next time they step onto my property, I will call the police! She crossed her arms in front of her. Oh, so you can hear me, she said, seeing him slowly pulling his guitar strap over his head. And another thing, I want you to know that you had a lot of nerve entering my apartment last night." She backed away as he stood up and stretched. Good lord, he was tall, excruciatingly slim with every muscle plainly visible under his pale skin.

You had no right to invade my space like that. She took another step backward as he turned and faced her. She held her breath when he stepped toward the edge of his balcony and leaned casually over the rail. Have I made myself clear? she asked as he slowly swept his silvery gray eyes over her, from her feet to her face, his expression unreadable as he continued to stare. Well, what do you have to say for yourself, Wraith? she demanded, hoping to get an answer to her question.

He closed his eyes and took a calming breath as though she caused him great pain with the sound of her voice. Emma… he spoke, no louder than a whisper.

Yes, that’s my name, she said haughtily. By the way, how do you know my name? She had never introduced herself. She frowned, warily studying his drawn expression, his gaunt features and the dark shadows under his desolate eyes. Despite it all, he was strangely breathtaking, a handsome devil to be sure.

Welcome home, he said, reaching into his pocket and handing her a card.

She hesitated, took a few steps forward and snatched the card from his outstretched hand. Sure enough, it became all too clear as to how he would have known her name. She studied the identification card with his blurry but unmistakable image and read his name. Rafael? Rafael Lake? That’s your name? You’re the landlord?

The name is Wraith, he clarified.

Emma’s mind raced. If he was the landlord then who was that other man in the overalls and baseball cap who had shown her the apartment last week? To whom had she given all her information? But then, who was…? She’d been so enamored with the place that she truly couldn’t recall the man’s features.

Phantom perhaps, or maybe Angel, they like to help, in their own way. You must have met their approval. They’re very particular about who moves in next door.

They live here too? she asked, searching her mind, realizing just how careless she’d been that day. She’d been so excited about the apartment and the great balcony that she hadn’t even thought to ask for proper identification.

They visit, he said. Often…

Well, be that as it may, Rafael. She handed him his card. You can just tell them that they have no right to keep me from enjoying my balcony.

My name is Wraith, he clarified. I can tell them anything you want, but they won’t listen. He shrugged apathetically.

What do you mean they won’t listen? You’re the landlord, aren’t you? She frowned, getting frustrated. "By the way, Wraith, that does not give you the right to enter my apartment without permission."

Emma, be calm, he said, slipping his card back into his pocket. And enjoy your new home. Without so much as a backward glance, he disappeared into his apartment.

Checking her watch, she realized that she’d be late for work if she didn’t hurry up and get ready. Deciding to deal with Wraith later, she cut her losses and went inside.

On her way out of the building, she ran into Carmella and Maria on the front steps. She felt she should apologize for any noise they might have heard the night before.

***

Noise? No, I didn’t hear anything at all, Carmella said, looking over at Maria.

You didn’t hear anything? Emma asked, surprised.

Like what? Maria asked.

Voices, laughter, footsteps? she said, recalling Phantom and Angel pouncing onto her balcony. Surely being directly downstairs, they must have heard something.

No, nothing like that. Why, did you have a party and not invite us? Maria asked with a wry smile.

A party? No, but the guy next door, Wraith, the landlord, had his annoying friends over again, Emma explained.

Wraith had friends over? Carmella said, surprised.

Yeah, I’m sure you must have seen them by now. I mean, they’re kind of hard to miss. They’re usually hanging out on his balcony, laughing and talking into all hours of the night, Emma explained.

No, we haven’t seen them. What do they look like? Carmella asked skeptically.

Well, they kind of look like him. Except they have their heads shaved on opposites sides. I think they’re twins.

No, we haven’t seen anyone like that. Actually, until you came along, we haven’t seen anyone other than Wraith go up to the third floor in over two years. How is it up there anyway? That apartment’s been empty for as long as we’ve lived here, Carmella said.

I don’t understand… Emma frowned, confused.

Are you sure you weren’t having a bad dream, dear? Maria asked with concern. You know if you’re lonely up there, you’re more than welcome to join us at our next church meeting. Perhaps you just need to make some friends of your own.

Oh, wow, um… thanks. That’s very kind of you, but I’m not much of a church-goer. I’m sorry to have troubled you. Now if you’ll excuse me, I really have to get going, Emma said, feeling foolish.

By the way, Emma, if and when you see Wraith could you ask him to have a look at our plumbing? We’ve called and left countless messages but he never responds. He’s always been elusive, but lately, he hasn’t even come downstairs to collect the rent. We’ve just been leaving it at the bottom of the steps… and well, anyway we wouldn’t dare knock on his door, Maria said.

Why not? Emma asked. He’s home now.

Oh, no, we just couldn’t. He’s a very private person, she said, glancing sideways at Carmella.

"What’s his