Chapter 2: Unreliability in Fate

I woke up early and didn’t mind being first to wake the lazy teachers. I worried over Mandy, not knowing if she got kicked out again or got intimidated by the other girls. I actually didn’t truly care what would happen to her. I think she should learn to fend for herself. So I wasn’t really worried just annoyed. I slept wet and was bound to catch a cold, but I didn’t. I changed my clothes again, out of a bad habit in the short tent and managed to get out. As I unzipped the tent I noticed someone moving in the vast terrain. It was definitely a boy since he had short hair, unnoticeable muscles and was working out. He really seemed inspiring, he didn’t care about the sweat he put off or the suns blistering heat. The wet morning grass didn’t cause him to slip as he did his push-ups and his sit-ups. He was different from the other boys, he never had interest in the woman department, he didn’t wear over-sized chains around his necks and didn’t moan or complain like girls. I’ve noticed him during the field-trip’s hiking session, while the other dim-witted males we’re complaining over the humidity and the mosquitoes, he was the only was that remained quiet. . He was silent and didn’t stand out. He reminded me of myself. He had a light chocolate skin tone and light brown eyes which were beautiful. His curly dark brown hair weren’t comb able. His muscles were nice and didn’t pop out like those wrestlers on WWE. He stopped his morning workout and chuckled at my expression. I don’t know what was funny. I was just stepping out of my tent. He approached me in seconds, reminding me of Lucylle, but not as beautiful. I think he was African-American; he could have also been Brazilian. He was in a good distance for conversation and I remembered humans have morning breath so I didn’t want to make him faint the first time he met me. I don’t want to give him something to remember me by. He laughed louder this time.

“You look like a mess.” He said while laughing. His pearly white teeth were stunning.

I also remembered humans look horrible after waking up. I blushed at his remark but ended up not caring.

“Yeah, who cares?” I said vaguely. Throwing in inappropriate words for a conversation. But seriously I’m not British so who gives a damn.

“Ouch, you’re being quite cold towards me.” He said while scratching his fro’.

“Sorry. I’m not a morning person.” I said while sighing.

“You were quite fascinated by my daily workout. Weren’t you?” He asked obnoxiously.

“No.” I said briefly.

“Want to join me for a race?” He challenged me.

“Sure.” I accepted anxiously.

Don’t know why I accepted I don’t even know him, but I’m a sucker for challenges.

We headed towards where he was working out. He challenged me to a race and I wasn’t over-confident in my running abilities. We stretched out before our race.

And we were positioning ourselves to get ready. He gave signal to use our fuel and we were off like two gazelles running away from some terrifying carnivorous predator. He was in lead but I easily caught up his pace. We sprinted into the forest and jumped off the trees, large roots. We got splashed by the puddles on the ground but didn’t even seem to realize the water since our own sweat was drowning us already. I was in lead now and he was frustrated trying his best to be in first place.

“Where’s… The finish line?” I asked while gasping. It was hard to speak since the wind was making it harder to hear.

“We pass the Heron’s pond and go straight from there.” He said gasping for air. He still kept his pace and I wanted to warn him that wasn’t enough against me.

Our speed was so fast the leaves would be carried by the wind and wouldn’t fall back on the ground. I didn’t have much fuel left and I was realizing I was getting slower. He didn’t make much progress either but we were still very fast. No animal could keep up with us in this forest. We ran across the forest and I couldn’t help but glance over to the boy to see what progress he was making. He was much closer to me now and I also noticed the tree in which I met Lucylle was empty. No strange alien was resting there. I guess fate wouldn’t work. Not now anyway. I saw the light at the end of the trail. We’ve been running for an hour and I felt relief when I saw the shimmering light at the end. I won the race. Victory spread across my face and I couldn’t help but rub it in the boy’s face. We took 10 minutes to relax and catch our breath. Though it was only 10 minutes this breather seemed much longer.

“Nice race.” He said not needing to yell or gasp so I could hear it.

“Yeah, you were quite the competition.” I lied. He sucked. He was way too slow no competition at all. This race was too easy.

“Pft! Sure! You were kilometers away from me.” He said laughingly

I joined the laughter and we walked back to the campsite. He told me his name was Marco and he was from Dominican Republic. I guess he wasn’t African-American after all. He said I had a special talent in running and I had to be the best he’s ever seen. Guess he hasn’t seen Lucylle yet. I wasn’t into become a cross-country runner more of an artist. I love drawing. Nature is my best subject to draw. I wasn’t good at drawing apples though. It so simple but I can’t get the hang of it. We packed out belongings and filled the yellow bus to head back to our houses. I didn’t want to go back to school, didn’t feel like taking that French test. It took 2 hours to get back to the city. And I inhaled as much of Los Angeles air as possible. I choked on the bad industrial air and glanced at Marco just to make sure he hadn’t seen me.

I was never the lucky type so he did see me. But I didn’t mind. I haven’t met seen or talked to Lucylle ever since the day I got lost. Too bad I wouldn’t have the chance to see him anymore, too bad. He was interesting and kept me captivated, but now I’m back to my boring life that just seems to get worse every single day. I caught my dad waving. I held my heavy luggage in my hands and walked towards him.

“How was your fieldtrip?” He asked smiling. I never liked the wrinkles that wrinkled around the corner of his eyes. It made him look really old.

“Nothing special. We studied the endangered butterflies and learned that Mr. Cooper has a thing for Mrs. Rodriguez.” I said seriously.

He laughed dryly and we headed towards our old transportation. I opened the car door and didn’t stop talking about how boring the field trip was. He didn’t mind listening and I didn’t want to continue. The smelly old car was low on gas but we managed to get it into the garage. I went into the house and didn’t want to greet my brother. I was too tired for the family crap. But he was able to catch me off guard and landed a bear-tight hug on me.

“Hey, sis. How was your trip?” He said with his cheerful voice. His beautiful big browns eyes were twinkling with excitement.

“Leave me alone, Kokum.” I cut him off. I had a headache and didn’t feel like repeating what I just told Johnny.

“Aw, sis, come on! I’m just trying to be nice.” He said. I felt bad for being rude but I really couldn’t find a positive way to leave him unhurt.

“I know you are. Dad’s going to tell you anyway so ought to be more patient. Want to be nice? Unpack my luggage for me? And put my dirty clothes in the washing machine.” I asked in such a superficial way.

“I’m not that nice, sis. Good luck.” Such an irritating little brother. He grew a lot though I was seriously blind to how much he’s matured. But wasn’t ready to treat him like a teenager just yet.

I dragged my feet all the way to my room where I slumped back on my childhood bed. The bed screeched and I covered my ears. I kept tossing and turning and just couldn’t seem to fall asleep. I got off the bed with exaggerated slowness and went to grab a sleeping pill from my dad’s cupboard. I didn’t take the time to read the label so I grabbed a glass of water and swallowed my sleeping solution. My eyelids were heavy while I walked up the stairs already half-asleep. The drug was kicking in and I was too tired to get in my room. I jumped on my hard bed and could still taste the medicine. It tasted like candy, the lemony kind. Soon I wasn’t able to taste anything but my own slumber.

My head kept thumping and I had a lot of difficulty getting my lower body to listen to my orders and move. I startled myself when I saw my reflection in the mirror. I looked like a mess and quickly understood what Marco meant. I looked like those ugly trolls dolls with the flashy messy hair. I combed my and headed to the washroom to brush my teeth. Kokum needed the washroom and I told him to wait. We ended up sharing the little room I had for myself. His friend stood outside the door watching the unorganized family desperately trying to brush their teeth. Marco kept spitting on my hand and said he missed. What a liar he’s the captain of his basket-ball team. He’s the point guard, so he can’t say that he’s horrible at aiming. I think his friend’s name was Yakim, some weird Jewish kid. He had the typical curly bushy hair and had brown freckles over his nose. He was kind of cute for a kid. He kept looking at me like I had something on my face despite the toothpaste all over my arm. So I growled and he shrugged. He hid from an angle that I couldn’t see from and started laughing under his breath. He hesitated when he tried to tell my brother to hurry up. They were going to a basket-ball match so I figured he was on the team too.

“Which school are you playing against?” I asked.

“Oh. St- Joseph catholic high school.” Kokum said nervously.

“Yeah, I heard they were famous for pummeling whoever stood in there way while playing. Also heard the captain murdered this one guy-” I interrupted Yakim.

“All you talk about is rumors. Don’t worry Kokum. Just try your best, okay?” I said while patting his back.

“Thanks, sis.” He said much more relieved. “Are you coming to see me play?” He asked with his big brown eyes.

“Uh… I don’t know, Kokum. I have lots of math homework and I have to study for my science test.” I said truthfully. I seriously had a lot to do tonight but I wasn’t going to do them. I would grab a slice of yellow cake and watch the sports channel all night long.

“Stop lying, Eminity. You’re not going to study; anyway you always wing it and end up with a 90. Come see me play, please.” He pleaded.

“I know Kokum, but I have this sudden eager urge to learn, and succeed in life!” I lied sarcastically. He snorted and slapped my back really hard. I slowly walked off with a huff.

“Why don’t you go se-” Yakim insisted

“This had nothing to do with you, Yakim.” I said directly. Then I gave into the sweet brother pleas. “I’ll come and see you play on one condition.”

“Anything, name it.” He as naïve as ever..

I approached him, while squinting my eyes at Yakim; I crouched down to my brother’s ear and whispered as low as possible.

“You tell your friend Yakim over there to stop annoying me. Also, he shouldn’t dream of ending up with me. Ever.” I said in whispers. We both looked at Yakim and his dumbfounded gaze triggered an hour of laughter.

“Deal…” He whispered in my left ear.

I slipped myself into my simple grey shirt and my black shorts. I fixed my hair into a simple ponytail and wore my simple tennis shoes. Simply making things simple. Anyway we walked over to my car and I drove Yakim and Kokum to the St-Joseph high school. Kokum complained about how my car was so slow and ate too much gas. Couldn’t argue on that, it was true. Kokum met his teammates and was talking strategy with the head coach. He told me I could sit on the bench. I couldn’t do so because of the huge St-Joseph fan base filled the rusty yellow chairs. I ended up leaning on the tacky orange wall. Guess Yakim was right, those St-Joseph players were rough they kept pushing the other players and didn’t actually play like a real team. They weren’t really good at playing but they were pros at giving fouls. Kokum was great, better than the adversary team captain. Yakim was fast so he could easily go forth and back across the court. It was break time and Kokum was sweating like crazing, I handed him the cold water bottle. He drank half and rested his tired arms on my shoulders.

“You were great, Kokum.” I said in his ear. He let go of me.

“ … Thanks, sis.” He was still catching his breath. “They’re tough…” He said while eying the other’s team captain.

“Yeah, but all they have is brute strength, no brains. Use tactics and confuse them.”

He laughed and was actually acknowledging me on my advice. I knew he would never really use it though. The game ended and Kokum’s team won. This was the first time in history St-Joseph have been beaten. This is good. The team was enthusiastic and was going to celebrate their victory by going to the pizza restaurant. I wasn’t up to socializing with kids so I declined the chucky-cheese invitation and headed home with my car. I parked in the garage pavement and didn’t bother to check if the space in the garage was unoccupied. The outside lights were off, which was strange because they were automatic, maybe dad didn’t pay the bill and the electricity got cut off. I guess my theory was wrong when I noticed the lights inside were lit. Johnny was silent and didn’t react to my arrival. I abruptly took off my tennis shoes and kicked them off. They bounced off the wall and made a huge thump sound. Dad was silent and was nodding to everything Ikama said. Ikama was Johnny’s best friend and they shared everything together. I didn’t really like him because he would scare me out with his old Native American legends. From the wolf to the northern lights. From the bear to the rabbit. All the animal stories. So Ikama was probably telling Johnny his old ancestor tales. He didn’t like the fact that I didn’t believe in them. That I was a very caustic girl. He bragged about how his niece was very trendy and clannish. He believed that I should stick with my kin more often and that I should be more feminine. It’s seriously irritating to see his wrinkly face everyday of my life here.

It’s the 21st century get over it. Girls don’t listen to every word their spouses say and obey everything the others believe in. He sat casually on his favorite chair and wore a serious face. I couldn’t hear what they were whispering about but Ikama definitely noticed my presence at the front door.

“Why, hello there, Eminity.” He said while smiling.

He was such a weird person I really didn’t understand how my dad could sympathize with him. Also, his scent reminds me of dead pork. The whole house would smell like him every time he came over. We had to repaint the walls because he touched it every single time and it finally turned yellow. I’d hate to be in his shoes. Every time he greets me he always says “Why hello there.” He’s so influenced by those 70’s shows.

“Yeah, good to see you too, Ikama.” I said while fidgeting my feet.

I wanted to run up the stairs before he could hug me. I already suffocated my brother’s sweaty love I didn’t want his odor stuck on me. I walked up the stairs playing with my keys and hid on the staircase.

“Eminity, I didn’t make dinner but theirs leftovers in the fridge!” Johnny yelled.

“K’.” I simply answered.

They whispered for a while then gradually started speaking louder. This didn’t seem like a story more of a warning from Ikama. Something crapload of stuff about mythical beings. But the tone of his voice was a form of breaking news. It did seem kind of shaky. As if he was trembling but he seemed quite fine when he greeted me. Was Ikama good at deception too?

“They may be lurking in the Okama woods. You know the place where Eminity was camping.” He said in whispers. It was loud enough so, I could hear.

“Do you really believe In those legends. Don’t you think it’s quite absurd?” My dad replied back. A little louder than Ikama.

“This has been passed on from generation to generation. This is no lie Johnny. Your naivety is quite arrogant. Listen I’m only….” The rest I couldn’t hear. I think Ikama knew I was eavesdropping because nobody heard anything upstairs. Johnny kept talking anyway.

“I know you’re worried. Would they really kill innocent humans because they feel like it?” Dad reassured Ikama. Johnny’s voice was calming; he had a sweet charm to it.

“That depends. There are two kinds; I wouldn’t say the other clan is the good guys. More or less better than the other one. They live among us and don’t cause any mischief. The other kind murder humans as a pass time. As if we were deer’s. It’s a sport for them. They absolutely can’t be trusted. They’re cold blooded vipers and don’t have any mercy. They slay women and children. They devour our flesh and take on any appearances. They’re highly skilled in deception. The other clan eats dead humans instead of live ones. They’re monsters, Johnny, monsters…” I flinched at the last phrase Ikama said. This was frightening news. I didn’t believe in it, but I held my cool. What were the monsters Ikama was talking about? They ate humans? I quietly ran upstairs making sure I didn’t close the door loud enough. I opened an old coffin in my secret hidey-hole. It held many artifacts my mother’s grandmother gave her. My instincts told me to take out the century old book my mother cherished. This book was rare, I wouldn’t really call it that since theirs only one in the whole world. This book was like a dictionary. But no normal words were described. Mostly twisted paranormal legends about monsters. I searched through every pages searching for a “monster” Ikama was referring to. A story resembled this one. The story of the flesh eating devils. I flinched dropping the book. My hands were shaking uncontrollably and my cherry lips twitched at the word. I dropped to my knees and started reading the forbidden folklore stories, fearing its beliefs. “These devils have been walking among the human race without evidence of their existence. They secretly crept out at night to slaughter any humans they’re eyes would fix on. They would devour and eat your flesh under the moon’s light. They’re eyes would turn red at the smell of humans and they would pounce you before you would catch your breathe. They are the kings and queens of the demon world. Eye’s like a wild cat. Lips darker than blood. Smell as sweet as the garden fruits of heaven. They were famous for snapping your necks before engulfing your body. But just like Achilles they have a talon as a weakness, human blood. Our blood is the key to their death. Like immolating a live human, but with human blood. They have unavoidable speed, and super strength. They’re inhumanly beautiful and incredibly charming. The flesh eating devils are a force to reckon with. Pray that you never have to encounter them and never look into their hypnotic eyes. That is the source of their persuasions, they’re beguilingly eyes.” I turned white at the cruel description. These creatures were a terrifying force. What was I thinking? They weren’t real. Ikama was just trying to scare me as usual and Johnny was in on the joke. A joke. Something inadequately absurd. I threw the book on the chair in the corner and kept thinking of the gruesome story. I kept thinking of the frightening monster in the story and couldn’t order my brain to transmit the message to my pulse to calm down. My blood finally circulated in a human way and kept his usual pace. I looked at my unpacked camping bag from the corner of my bed. Memories of Lucylle came in mind and my stomach fluttered. Fate obviously didn’t like me since I didn’t meet him since. But impatience wasn’t in me. Might as well forget about him. Forget about his persuasive eyes and his lustful glimmering skin. Including his jet black hair and his tall broad body. But especially… Especially his hypnotically soothing voice. His voice still clear in my frail human memory. The voice that sent shivers through my spine, the voice I wanted to hear once more. Yes, that voice, that fascinating vibration that still had my ears eternally ringing.

Chapter 3: Baneful Reencounter

I hadn’t realized that I fell asleep while thinking of him. I shouldn’t be wasting my time thinking of some… Stranger. I felt really unenthusiastic this morning, thinking of what this negative feeling was. Oh yeah, today’s Monday. I ran to the washroom so Kokum wouldn’t get there first. He wasn’t even in the washroom which means he hasn’t woken up. He must have pulled an all-nighter bragging on the three point shot he made in the game. Kokum talks in his sleeps, and it doesn’t sound so good when he talks about girls. I would bet he was quite the center of attention in his school. He has beautiful black hair and the shiniest big brown eyes. He’s quite athletic too. Why wouldn’t the girls fawn all over him and why the boys wouldn’t praise him. I took out my blue toothbrush from the mirror cabinet and started brushing my teeth. My mind was moreover focused on the stories from yesterday night. Ikama really scared me silly. I couldn’t think straight all night long. My hands were actually shaking. I tied my hair in a ponytail and my lips were nourished from my therapeutic lip balm. I went downstairs, pecked Johnny’s left cheek and grabbed a doughnut and sprinted out of the back door. I didn’t know why I was running I just didn’t feel like staying in that cramped house anymore. Didn’t feel like looking at my camping bag and think about Lucylle or Ikama’s folklore tales. I made it to school and leaned on the front door. I was panting a lot and didn’t stop. What an idiot I was. I could have just taken the car. Since I didn’t use a faster transportation the bell was going to ring in 3 minutes. I brusquely opened my locker and grabbed my stuff and blasted off to class. Mr. Braymer was late so I was safe. The class was unusually loud today, was their going to be a substitute? Didn’t matter since the board would probably ask another teacher to fill in. Unfortunately Mr. Braymer stepped in the class and ordered the class to settle down. He said something about a new student. I wasn’t really paying attention.

“Everybody I would like you to welcome a student who studied in many countries. He’s new here so everyone be friendly… Lucylle Winters.”

My head immediately rose after hearing his name. He stepped into the front door and gracefully walked across the room. He stood 2 meters away from Mr. Braymer and didn’t make eye contact with the audience. His jet black hair moved swiftly and his orange black eyes were intimidating. He looked exactly the same as the first time I saw him. The gossip started immediately. People were whispering about his eyes, accusing him of wearing contact lenses. About his impossibly dark hair being dyed. Or him using foundation because of his pale white skin.

“Mr. Winters please take a seat in the fourth row.” Mr. Braymer said with his deep voice. “Now, please everyone take out a pen and get ready for your test. That I hoped you all studied for.”

My eyes were wide-open with surprise and they couldn’t stray away from his presence. He sat in the same row as me. He didn’t look at me at all. I took out a pen just as the teacher said and anxiously waited for the sheet of white paper being passed along to me. I wanted to look at him but Mr. Braymer would misunderstand as a way of cheating. What was he doing here? I didn’t really care but I was somewhat relieved. I concentrated on my test and understood every single question. They were all easy. A seventh grader wouldn’t have any trouble completing this. I occasionally threw glances in his directions. His perfect face was as beautiful as ever. Like a dream, but I just thought about his appearances. Lucylle was somewhat dark and peaceful at the same time. Peaceful and depressing. Quiet and interesting. All the pretty girls in my class couldn’t even complete their test because of him. I could’ve sworn that I saw hearts-shaped kisses in their eyes and could see the little sparks coming out of their empty heads. He didn’t mind their fawning and kept writing on the test. The way he held his pen was so obvious that he had nice hand writing. 10 more minutes was left before the class was over. Within those 10 minutes I handed my test and so did Lucylle. I still looked at him and hoped he wouldn’t see me. I was caught, his eyes met mine and didn’t let go of my gaze. I quickly sat down and looked at the thick olive green carpet. He kept looking at me confused. I feared he wouldn’t remember me. The sound of the bell agitated the whole class, and the group of anxious buffalo’s power walked they’re way out of the classroom. I left the class and didn’t look back. Why would I talk to him? He was confused because I kept looking at him like he already met me, when he obviously doesn’t remember my name. I slowly walked towards my next subject. I felt horrible this is either the Monday blues or I feel agitated. I turned at the last minute and I was thinking of were I was going to relax. I think skipping the rest of the day was a good option. And we weren’t going to learn anything new. Where to lay low for a while? The cafeteria was full of seventh graders, the soccer field was occupied by the soccer team, the library was full of teachers and the nurse office always smelled of blood. Why not go to the garden, it’s the perfect time of year and no class reserved the greenhouse. I kept my slow pace and felt something hard press down on my head. It smelled of axe. His curly hair tickled my cheeks and I pushed Marco off me.

“Ugh, Marco could you get off!” I said while struggling to push his muscular body off me.

“Sorry! Eminity? Eminity! How are you?” He was still on me but soon got off lending me a helping hand. Caught red-handed and didn’t even make it to the greenhouse.

I accepted his offer and he lifted me with ease. I wasn’t up to talking. So I kept my mouth shut. I’m such a mediocre and he likes that about me.

“So what’s up?” He said casually.

“Marco, I’m not up for socializing so could you leave me alone?” I said politely.

“Uh… Sure… Are you sick?” He asked. What part of no conversation does he not comprehend?

“No, just tired.” I answered plainly. Avoiding any sign of conversation.

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