A Dance with Old Nick

I enjoy watching the grackles hunt for insects. Many people might not care for these birds- or at least I have never met anyone who talks about them- but I find them fascinating. The large males always seem on high alert tilting their heads abruptly with their breasts puffed up, showcasing the color palette of little oil on a puddle of water in front of a black canvas. They are always here at the park during the warm months, that and robins- I see a lot of robins all the time. Beautiful days like this help me relax and my excessive writing soothes the nerves. I guess the priest was correct, jotting down my thoughts and anything that comes to mind helps. I’ve been praying my rosary more, although not as much as I would like to, but I can always sense the peace that consumes me like a warm blanket when I do it. I know this is for my eyes only but even now writing down these words seems silly yet helpful. If anyone ever does read this or finds my journal somewhere- I’m talking about you, Cassy! I guess, I should let you know.

As you can see throughout the pages of this journal, I have been writing excessively about my random thoughts. What I ate for breakfast, my boredom at work, the drama between the girls' group and my sisters. Everything and anything that comes to mind for the past couple of years. It is not exciting and nothing noteworthy of some great novel, but there is a reason for it, a reason for all this madness and journalling.

Five years ago, five years to the date to be exact. Something happened, many people know actually, but only I know EXACTLY what transpired. And for the first two years, I isolated myself because I hated how people always asked me about the incident. I never wanted to talk about it, never wanted to relive it. People would bring up the topic from different perspectives and rumors of what they thought that I witnessed. Every time I would just shut down letting anger consume me. My anger would build up within me for letting myself get too sensitive. I felt like I lost friends just because I wouldn’t open up. I hated how my own family would come up to me with a glistening in their eyes as if waiting to hear the greatest story ever told. 

I don’t know why it happened to me, I am no saint and I believe what happened is no divine warning. Sure, I grew up in a religious household and have always believed in the afterlife. But I feel more like a victim to some sick prank- well deep down in my heart I have hoped for it to be a prank. But if what I encountered is true, then why me? Am I damned? Was it a sign of where my soul is headed when I die?

Over time, the priest at my parish has assured me that my soul is not condemned over the events that transpired. I go to confession once every three months, and the other parishioners have been quite supportive recently. Yet now and then, I can see teens or younger kids wanting to ask questions or listen to some tall tale about what goes bump in the night to scare their friends around a campfire. It fascinates me how people like horror and the supernatural…but I guess even evil can be used as a means to get people closer to the truth and the light of what is good in the world.

I am going to pick on you Cassy because I know you like to go through my stuff, and if I ever see you holding or reading this journal. I am going to make sure mom sends you away back to the dog pound where we adopted you from, stupid girl!

I jest!… I love you, sis, even though you are annoying, I love you. I might not have the courage to tell you now but perhaps this might help you when you’re older. Your eleventh birthday is fast approaching, you’re understanding more and growing up so fast. I don’t want you to experience what I experienced, learn from me to always be weary of the vices where the devil likes to play.

Five years ago on a brisk September Saturday the day my friends and I had planned three weeks prior had arrived. Los Sementales Del Norte- one of my favorite norteño bands was playing that Saturday. I doubt you remember, but the day began like any typical Saturday morning. Mom woke us up with the vacuum cleaner on full blast while the dishwasher was making its usual noises. I have always hated waking up at 7:30 am on a Saturday, but that day was different. I remember waking up at peace with myself. I was not stressed nor angry that I had awoken so early for a weekend day. I had messaged the girls on the group chat stating how excited I was for the dance and I felt a surge of motivation to get out of bed and get my day started.

Nothing unusual occurred throughout the bright first hours of the day; I finished my chores, watched a couple of episodes of Friends, and did my nails, lashes, and hair before getting ready for the dance. I remember Jennifer messaging me while I was getting ready about how excited she was at the possibility that Emilio might be at the venue. She was in love with him then and is still in love with him now. I am happy for them, I don’t talk with Jennifer as much as I did back then, we’ve both been busy living our lives but I digress. I decided to wear a lime green sleeveless bodycon and waited patiently for Vanessa to pick me up. It is strange when I reminisce, I remember how much of a good day that was. Vanessa had already picked up Jennifer and Alejandra, and we all sat in that SUV giddy and joking with each other. Alejandra kept talking about the boys she hoped she would see, and the possibility of getting asked out to go on dates. I never really cared about being asked out, I enjoyed going to dances because I loved dancing. Dating wasn’t on my mind although I have to admit, I always enjoyed being the one to be asked to go and dance.

We then picked up Lexi and Theresa, now Lexi I do remember her being boy-crazy. If she left a dance without a boy's number then to her it was a failure of an outing. Theresa being who she was, had brought some tequila from her dad's liquor cabinet and was already pouring herself shots. We arrived at the Jalisco Music Hall and only waited about twenty minutes outside before making our way into the venue. The first band was playing and a good number of people were already flowing with the beat on the dance floor. The atmosphere was jovial and we greeted some other girls that we were acquainted with from school. Vanessa approached our group and informed us of who to talk to for some free drinks. She was very close to one of the bartenders in this music hall and her charming eloquence was hard for most men to resist. It was always a good dance when we were able to get free drinks, although they knew we were underage, they always turned a blind eye as long as we did not get belligerent.

The opening two bands played very well and for the first hour and a half that we were there it was a wonderful time. I had danced three songs with this guy named Xavier. I didn’t know him well but I always thought he was cute when I would see him around school or at the grocery stores. I was escorted by Xavier back to the table we had reserved and was catching my breath alongside Lexi. I was watching Jennifer and Theresa holding tightly to the men they were dancing with and for those brief moments, feeling the bass pounding on your chest, the snare and kick drums attuned with your pulse, the wonderful accordion filling your ears with joy. Those moments are when life stops and all the stress washes away from you like an emotional cleanse. Those moments that last only briefly before being interrupted by curiosity and awe, for it can always be better. The band, the drinks, the company, the men courting you… it is never enough when you see what can possibly be and you wonder if you will ever be able to relive such moments for the rest of your life. 

Lexi tapped me on my shoulder, I followed her finger pointing towards a spot that was in the middle between the entrance and the edge of the bar. Countless men standing around each other with beers in their hands I could not see what Lexi was pointing at for there was nothing strange to my eyes. Lots of women playfully caressing the men’s arms and chests, being courted, danced with, and getting their drinks paid for. However, after a minute or two I started to notice the expressions of various females along with a few males. In expressions of wonder and excitement, the women blushed and covered their smiles as if embarrassed to be grinning so wide. Some men could not direct their gaze away from what they were witnessing as if intimidated by the splendor that sauntered among them. I remember seeing Lexi mouthed ‘wow’ in silence then turned to look at me to make sure I was seeing the same thing. The most beautiful, handsome, gorgeous man I have ever witnessed…I must take a few minutes, these are the details I have refrained from you Cassy, and everyone else. But I must do this for my sanity and your sake.

His light brown hair glossed like fine satin reflecting the lights fixed on top of the dance floor. I was drawn to his defined jawline and lifted cheekbones. He had sunken eyes but they had a sparkle in them while he fluidly gazed at the dance floor. He was tall and well-built like a renowned athlete, and his dress shirt fit him perfectly. I automatically thought he had it specifically tailored. I tried not to stare too much as I noticed I was already breathing through my mouth gawking at the handsome man. “Wow, he’s hot!” Said Lexi directly in my ear. I nodded in agreement and slowly turned my sight towards him again watching him ask the bartender for a drink. He wore a liquid-cotton black shirt that was impressive to my eyes for I noticed from a distance how perfectly ironed and wrinkle-free it was. The dress shirt looked expensive and his hair was freshly trimmed. I had never seen him at any of the dances held at the music hall or at any of the other local venues. Both Lexi and I were mesmerized and quickly started to ask each other who had he come with and what lucky gal had the honor and privilege to be with such a specimen. 

I was then approached at that moment by a young man and was asked to dance. I accepted the offer and enjoyed a few songs. However, I noticed I couldn’t help but fantasize me dancing with that stranger instead. In fact, I thought about it in those moments- I had not seen him dance with anyone at all. Such a handsome lad surely must have many suiters and friends no? I wasn’t seeing him on the dance floor. I thought strange of it but also thought about how his face was new to me. Never seen him around town, I thought perhaps he was shy and barely moved into town, or he was just a fan of Los Sementales that were playing later in the night and he made the drive from some other place. Nevertheless, I was getting nervous just thinking about the idea of asking him to dance with me. I also had doubts and my self-esteem started to drop as I realized I wasn’t the best-looking girl in the club. I know I’m pretty but why would he agree to dance with me when I was seeing better-looking girls? Alejandra has the curviest body out of all of us in the friend group. She has a slim hourglass figure with track-star thighs and firm C-cups. Heck, we always joke about Theresa’s wide hips and her huge rump. And Vanessa has one of the most gorgeous faces I have ever laid eyes on. I am average compared to them, and some of the girls there were more voluptuous than I am.

My mind wandered off for a brief moment just thinking about other girls and comparing myself to them. I danced a few more songs with the boy I was with and he then escorted me back to the table. The other girls were talking about the strange man and even Jennifer seemed more perplexed on him than on Emilio. I have to admit I wanted to see where he was in hopes of getting a good glimpse of him. I was able to find him with my gaze and noticed he was still at the bar, albeit in another spot. He was more towards the corner chatting with a few men. It seemed like he was doing most of the talking and others were fixated on what he was saying. At that moment from where I was sitting, I was able to see two girls approach the strange man and his friends. I could tell they were nervous but it seemed they were able to pull off the courage to ask him to dance. Something that I wanted to but felt a pit in my stomach just thinking about the rejection. To my surprise, I was shocked when he rejected them. Both girls were very pretty and they walked away embarrassed. I was confused but curious as to why he was not dancing or had a girl with him. Part of me made me happy thinking that perhaps I could be that girl he doesn’t reject and dates. But these thoughts were easier said than done, as I was still not so sure of myself to ask him. It is strange, usually we want the men to chase us, but with him, I wanted to be the one to get his attention and not pass on the opportunity to talk to him. These thoughts only lingered for a few minutes because I later told myself as a reassurance that perhaps he was already taken. Perhaps this was his little escape from relationship problems and the last thing he wanted to do was to dance with other girls.

I eventually fixated my eyes on the dance floor and focused more on chatting with the other girls. The group we all came to see was close to performing and people were anticipating as the last opener said their thank you and crew members came out on stage to rearrange instruments and do final checks. Roughly twenty minutes passed by and Los Sementales came out. We all cheered, I was excited and enjoying the moment. They opened up with a few of their more famous tracks and my friends and I went to dance together. I was thinking about going to go dance with some of the boys I had already danced with earlier but we were all excited we just stormed the floor together. We were having fun and had no care in the world. Of course when you have been dancing all night as much as I have, four songs in and you’re beat. They had a lot of time left to play but I needed my breather before jumping back in. I went to go sit at our table and rested for a while.

I was suddenly startled by a soft tap on my shoulder, I turned around to see who had tapped me and I was then struck with awe as I made eye contact with light hazel eyes and a white smile. It was the stranger in the satin black shirt, I was shook to see him standing in front of me leaning against my ear with his hand extended. He spoke directly into my ear asking me if I would do him the honor of a dance. I was baffled at first and even thought it was a prank. The whole night, I did not see him engage with any other female. Why me? I remember I quickly said yes out of instinct hoping that he would not change his mind or brush me off. I did not know what he saw in me but I did not care at the moment. I stood up and followed him to the floor feeling the soft skin of his palm. I immediately felt eyes on me, on us as we engaged and he held me tight against him. Within his first step, I quickly followed. He was good…darn good. For someone who had not danced all night, he moved as if his muscles were already warm and well-stretched. I have never danced with anyone like him, his rhythm and timing were immensible compared to others. His face resembled no blemishes or scars. He was older it seemed by a few years than I, but his skin was smooth and well taken care of. He did not puff or heave, he had good stamina and I let myself loose to show that he was in full control. His smell was unique and sweet, his cologne was not overbearing and was pleasant to the senses. In the middle of our dance, he looked at me with a sparkle in his eye and asked me my name. I had to swallow some saliva as I could not believe my fantasy of earlier was coming true. I told him my name, “Nevaeh, what a wonderful and fitting name." His gentle intoxicating baritone voice had me swooning.

I felt myself blush and swayed my hair behind my ear. I was nervous but felt it was uncouth to not ask him his name or where he came from. “You can call me Nick,” he said. “Old Nick is what my friends call me.” He smiled and I chuckled back as my nervousness was overcoming me. We continued to dance and I could see Theresa, Lexi, and Jennifer give me a thumbs-up as we were making our rounds on the dance floor. I was smiling and trying to enjoy the moment, his touch was soft and he was not too firm with his grasp. I noticed on his neck that he had not broken a sweat, he was moving so eloquently I was impressed by his dancing prowess. I then made the mistake of looking down so I could better follow his rhythm. To this very day, my memory does not deceive me. My eyes have never deceived me either, although I wish they had that night. I felt a surge of fear course through my spine like having ice water dumped on me. In front of my very face was one long, giant leg of a rooster. The dirty scaly hock and shank were about the length of my leg with a spur and sharp claws at the end of the toes. The other leg was that of a goat, the dark fur looked as real as the skin I feel on my palm right now. The hoof clopped as we were moving, and the rooster claws rapped as Old Nick moved without a care in the world. I screamed at that very moment, I did not know my lungs were capable of such frequencies. The last that I remember was, as I was screaming I lifted my head and saw where the once light hazel eyes were. Were now overtaken by greenish sclera and vertical black pupils, like that of vipers.

I later awoke in a hospital bed surrounded by the girls that I had gone to the dance with and my family. According to my friends and the nurses, I fainted and was not responsive. They had to call an ambulance once the lights in the music hall came back on. Vanessa said the last thing anybody heard was my screaming before there was a power outage. Once the property owners were able to get the lights back on they found my body lying in the middle of the dance floor. They were surprised nobody had trampled me and I was too. They kept asking me if I knew the stranger I was dancing with and if he was the one who did something to me. There were no signs of trauma on my body. I was too afraid to even mention what I saw. The nurses said I fainted due to dehydration and that I lost a lot of fluids while dancing. Although I know that is not the case. One thing I did not know, and at the time didn’t dare to tell anyone was the source of the stench. The girls and everyone that I have met who was also there that night have said there was a foul odor as soon as the lights went out. An odor of carrion and sulfur filled the air. It lasted a few minutes and later went away as soon as the power came back on and the ambulance arrived. People have said it was a burnt fuse and the wiring caused something to burn real quick and caused the stench, but now you know the real culprit.

For a brief moment, many thought I was attacked by this stranger, but soon after, people started to talk. Some say they witnessed the stranger flee after I screamed and felt him rush out the doors, some say he vanished into thin air. I heard that the bouncer saw a giant owl fly slowly as if carrying heavy wings appearing out of nowhere over the roof of the music hall. It didn’t take long for people to start speculating the supernatural considering no one has seen this stranger since, and although they are correct. It has taken me all this time to finally open up about it. I continue my life normally the best I can but I no longer go to dances. I have avoided large gatherings and now and then I get paranoid. I hope you heed these words, Cassy, please be careful out there. I can’t stop thinking and fearing that Old Nick is still out there somewhere dancing away the night.