Chosen: Zeph's Awakening

By Miranda Storm

Bonds that havent been tested, cant be trusted.

Zephaniah Washington has always fit comfortably in the background. Thats just how she likes it, being part of the scenery. She never steps out to be noticed, constantly staying by her best friend Kais side. Ever since they were little it has always been Kai and Zeph, and thats all shes ever known. Life has taught her that Kai is the only one she can trust. Shes been happy with that existence until she meets Aaron. A tall, smart funny, gorgeous member ,of the academy that she and Kai have just transferred to.

As she gets to know Aaron ,Zeph begins to develop a whole new outlook on life. She starts wondering is it ok to let others into her tightly closed bubble. Then, Zeph has a chance encounter with someone that brings her to the realization that there is something different about her. Something that makes her very special compared to her other classmates. That there is something unique brewing on the inside of her that is about to come to the surface. Some wont believe it, while others will kill for it. Little does Zeph know that those others may be closer than she thinks

Come embark on this journey that will question the bonds of loyalty , friendship, love, courage, and strength. We all have something within us waiting to be awakened. Whats within you?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Nov 8, 2011
• ISBN: 9781463415921

Miranda Storm

Miranda Storm was born in Cincinnati , Ohio. She grew up in the small town of Wyoming, Ohio. Miranda has always had a passion for writing even as a child . Which only escalated when she entered into middle school. In middle school she began writing many different stories as her creativity blossomed. After graduating from high school Miranda shifted her scope of writing to plays. Miranda wrote, directed, and produced the play Learning How To Love. This play was performed at various venues in Cincinnati. It was featured at Cincinnati State College, which she attended for a brief period of time. Miranda began working on the Chosen Series in 2010. The first in that series, Zeph’s Awakening was completed last year after months of hard work, sacrifice, and focus. Miranda continues to work on completing the Chosen Series and her readers can look forward to many more books to come as Chosen unfolds.

Book preview

Chapter 1

KAI WALKS AHEAD OF ME as we walk into the office. While I am walking into her office I notice the pictures on her walls. There are these pictures of this man. He has long brown hair and brown eyes.

In one of the portraits he is standing there in all white. He is standing up straight and looking above him. Above his head is a halo. The halo surrounds his whole body. On the opposite wall there is another picture. It hangs in a giant silver picture frame. In the portrait the same man is laid against a cross. He is bleeding and has what looks like a crown on his head.

Most crowns are gold and have jewels encrusted in them. The jewels in the crowns usually display the wealth and royalty of the king. His crown isn’t jewel encrusted. His crown is pointed, jagged, and rusty.

It must be awful for him to have that pointed crown on his head. I can’t imagine how painful it must be to wear that on his head. I watch his expression in the painting. His expression is one of tranquility. I find that fascinating. Even though his body is twisted and bleeding, his eyes are peaceful. They are almost glowing.

I keep gazing at the portrait. I continue to study it. My eyes focus in on the brush strokes. They are vivid and explosive. I can tell the painter is passionate about what he is painting. I wonder what he was he thinking when he made the portrait of this man. What could have inspired him to paint the last few moments of his life? Nevertheless I am drawn to this picture. My attraction to this portrait is of a moth to a flame. I am drawn helplessly and whole heartedly.

I can’t take my eyes off of it. I keep walking towards it. I never stop gazing into his eyes. It feels like he can see into my soul. I want him too. I want him to see me and me to see him. It amazes me that even though his eyes are on canvas, they feel real. It feels as if we are watching each other.

I keep walking until I hear a loud screech. Instantly a sharp pain radiates on the tip of my knee. In an effort to appease it I bend down and start rubbing my knee. I realize I bumped into a chair. That is embarrassing, I thought. I laugh it off in an effort to forget what just happened. I quickly sit down in the chair next to Kai. Kai looks over at me and starts chuckling.

Smooth move Zeph, he teases me. I can see at that point my effort to ignore my embarrassment has gone unrecognized. Kai’s chuckle changed to an uproar of laughter. He continues to laugh at me with a big smile on his face. Not amused by his reaction I look at him, and frown.

Kai is always making comments about me. He always enjoys mocking me. Kai looks over at me. He can tell that I am upset and winks at me. He leans over and rubs my knee. Slowly I start to smile again to ease the moment.

I look up and see there is a woman behind the desk. She is tall and statuesque. She has long golden red hair that rests off her shoulders. She is wearing a blue suede jacket. She has black thin glasses with black rims. She smiles slightly, and starts speaking to Kai and me.

Zephaniah Washington and Kai-ichi Somara I presume, she replies. I respond without hesitation.

Yes that’s me, I reply. Kai interrupts the lady while she is talking.

My name is Kai not Kai-ichi, and she is Zeph not Zephaniah, he replies.

I watch her as she starts to glare at Kai through the frames of her glasses. I know that she is offended by Kai’s boldness. I am a little irritated by Kai’s response but that is a typical Kai response. Why can’t he let the lady finish talking I wonder? It is our first day here and he is already ticking off the principal. That is a smart move Kai.

The lady continues to glare at Kai. I know she is irritated by his audacity. However she forces a smile on her face and continues her speech.

"Now then Kai-ichi and Zephaniah, my name is Ms. Baker. I am the principal of Blessed Salvation Christian Academy. This is a private campus. This campus is not like any other school in Michigan. Blessed Salvation is different from other private schools in that we have dormitories for our students. You will have class, extracurricular activities, and then you will return to your dormitories at night.

Every Friday night we have a mandatory group youth activity, and then the weekend is yours. Some go home to see their families. Others can do what they may. We have a very advanced curriculum here. We mix academics with spiritual teachings. You two should consider yourselves very privileged to have been sponsored to come to our prestigious academy," she says.

It didn’t register to me what was really going on until Ms. Baker said that we were sponsored. We are a charity case. Sponsored, I know what that means. It means that we are losers and somebody decided to lend a special hand in efforts to redeem our lives. Well I don’t need your pity sponsor. Kai and I don’t need you. My mind races as I think about who our possible sponsors could be? Kai and I don’t know anyone, except each other. I wonder who it can be. I try to think of any possible people but I draw a blank. So I decide to ask Ms. Baker.

Who sponsored us Ms. Baker? I ask.

To be honest, I don’t know. Your sponsor requested to remain anonymous, so we are respecting their wishes. I don’t even know. However I would take full advantage of this opportunity, she says.

Kai starts slouching in the chair, and gazing off into space. I can tell Kai didn’t want to be here. I didn’t either, but at least I’m trying to remain somewhat positive about the situation. I am trying to hear her out, but Kai is too stubborn. I know he isn’t listening. It didn’t surprise me though. That is how Kai responds to anything he wasn’t trying to do. I know Kai is going to make trouble for us here. Ms. Baker starts to look at me, so I decide to pay close attention to what she is saying.

Outside this office to the left is the bookstore. That is where you’ll get your books, she says. I watch Kai as he tilts his head back and blows a large bubble of gum from his mouth. Ms. Baker has had enough of Kai’s behavior. Her lips are tight. I can see a blood vessel bulge over the top of her glasses.

Many start with our academy, only a few will finish. Welcome to Boot Camp, she exclaims.

Kai and I get up from her office and walk into the hallway. As soon as we get out the door Kai starts laughing, and mimicking Ms. Baker.

Welcome to boot camp, he repeats. Give me a break. That bookworm is a joke. This whole place is a joke, he smirks. So what classes do you have? Kai asks. Kai and I make our way down the hallway. I look down at the piece of paper in my hand.

Umm I have English, World History, Biology, and Christian Ethics 101.

Good we have all the same classes, he responds.

Kai and I start walking down the hallway trying to find where everything is. As we walk down the crowded hallway I notice each classroom looks the same. They have the same brown desks and green chalk boards in every classroom. As we continue walking down the hallway, I see these girls and guys walking in their matching blazers. As we walk pass them their heads turn and look at us sharply.

I look over at Kai. Kai glares back at them. They snap their heads back forward and then walk pass us. Walking down the hallway almost felt as if I am immersed in a symphony. Everything is in perfect rhythmic motion. The students are opening and shutting their lockers in an up tempo. The teacher’s feet are stomping on the ground as they rush pass, us on their way to class. Everything exists in rhythmic harmony.

From the corner of my eye I see a girl at the end of the hallway. I notice she is walking towards me. I watch her as she continues to saunter up the hallway. She walks with such a confidence and self assurance. As she walks I notice her posture. Her back is arched and her shoulders are back. I know she has to be somebody around this school.

Everybody she walks pass acknowledges her presence in some shape or form. A brunette girl she walks by waves at her. A tall guy whistles as she switches pass him. I try to look away but I can’t help but to stare at her. There is something about her that causes me to pay attention. As I watch her I start to study her.

She is about five feet, five inches tall. She has long blonde hair and is a size zero. That must be nice, I thought. While I am watching her, I notice she is looking at me. I know she is sizing me up. As she walks pass me she flashes a joker like smile. I could tell it isn’t genuine. I don’t smile back. I just watch her as she glides past me. Once she passes me a dark haired girl joins her on her left side. The blonde haired girl whispers something to her and she looks back at me. Both of them start laughing hysterically. I know they are laughing at me.

At first I’m not annoyed by this. Ok guys I get it. Ha, I know I’m fat. What is it my shoes? Is it my hair? The more I think about it the angrier I become. Why are they still laughing? I’m not that funny. I want to punch her in her tanned face.

Instead I just keep walking until we make it to the dormitories. The dormitories are located on the other end of the campus. Kai and I stand in front of two tall brick buildings. One of the buildings is painted brown and is striped. That is the dorm for the guys and then there is one for the girls. The dorm for the girls is yellow and orange striped. Kai walks me to my dorm room, and helps me unpack.

Hey you’ve been pretty quiet today. Are you alright? he asks. I look over at Kai as I shove clothes into my dresser drawers. I have to reply quickly. Kai can tell something is wrong. I don’t want to lie, but I don’t want him to know how I am feeling. I am not sure how I am feeling.

Yeah I’m fine, I reply. It’s just a lot to take in you know. We’re the new kids. Everybody is staring at us, and watching us. I feel like I’m a lightening bug trapped in bottle. I feel like we’re being shaken around for their amusement." I watch Kai as he shrugs his shoulders.

Relax Zeph, besides if they were staring at you it might be because of that piece of hair sticking up like alfalfa, he giggles. Instantly I reach up and feel my head. I frantically run my fingers through my dark mane, for any sign of bulge. I can’t find anything.

Where is it Kai? I ask him.

I’m just kidding Zeph. Relax your hair looks fine, he reassures. I sink down onto my bed and fold my arms. I look over at Kai and frown.

I’m serious Kai. They were looking at us today like we’re from mars or something. We don’t fit in here, I sigh.

Let them stare. Who cares? he asks. He comes over and puts his arm around me. We don’t fit around here because we are real people. They’re the aliens. We are surrounded by a bunch of stuck up jerks born with silver spoons coming out their butts. They couldn’t make it five minutes where we come from. They don’t matter, Kai says. I laughed at Kai’s declaration. Kai always knew how to make me feel better.

You’re right, I tell him.

I know it. It’s a good thing you have such a brilliant person in your life, he smiles.

Yeah, that’s true, I smile.

All that matters is that we have each other’s back. We’ll make it. I know it, he declares.

Well I’m glad one of us is sure, I shrug. Kai gets up from the bed and stands in front of me. He leans his hand down and rubs it on my shoulder, as I gaze up at him. While his hand rests on my shoulder I feel a wave of relief through my body. Kai always knew what to do to ease my tension. He is like my own time release pain tablet. Kai always makes me feel safe.

You know what’s up. Well I better head to my room before the warden Ms. Baker comes looking for me, he jokes.

Ok, I’ll see you tomorrow, I reply.

I’ll be waiting downstairs for you tomorrow so we can walk down to class together, he says.

Ok, bye.

Bye, he says. Kai closes the door behind him. After he left I start looking around the room. I notice a brown dresser with six drawers in it. On top of the dresser is a lamp. It is golden with dark initials of the academy on it. There is a mirror hammered onto the wall above the dresser. I stare at my reflection in the mirror.

I look at my brown eyes, and creamy honey coffee skin. I stand up and stare at my figure. My curves and full figure glare back at me. They are taunting me and laughing at me as I try to suck in my stomach.

I’m so fat, I tease myself. I look over at the clock. It is ten thirty. Well it’s past my bed time. I need to get some rest. With a figure like this I need as much beauty sleep as I can get. I pull off my pants and hop into bed. I turn the light off. Good night Blessed Salvation Academy.

I am awakened the next morning by a loud bang against my window. Startled I rush over to the window and snatch back the curtain. It is Kai.

What are you doing here? I whisper.

Let me in Zeph, he requests. I fumble with the window, trying to unlock the screw to let him in. As I am pulling the window open I hear a knock at the door. I feel myself panic as I look over at Kai. Kai is barely in my room, when I see the door starting to open. I look back at Kai with my eyes wide.

Quick hide, I whisper. Kai rushes and slides under the bed. In the process I notice a napkin drop out of his pocket. I reach down to pick it up when the door swings open.

Are you okay? she asks me.

Yes I’m fine, I reply. I anxiously stand right in front of my bed where Kai is hiding.

I’m sorry to just burst in on you, but I heard the banging on the window. I thought someone was trying to break in, she explains.

Break in; no I just had a big spider on my window. I had to kill it, I explain. I hold up the crumbled up napkin. He put up a fight, I gesture. I throw the napkin in the waste basket by the bed.

Oh, I see. Well I’m glad you got him. I’m deathly allergic to spider bites, she confesses.

Are you really? I ask her.

Yeah, one bite and my body balloons up. If I don’t make it to the hospital I will die, she says.

Wow! I never heard of anyone being that allergic, I sigh.

I know. It’s weird huh? Well anyway my name is Mandy, she says. She reaches out her hand and I reciprocate.

I’m Zeph, I smile.

Well nice to meet you Zeph. I live in the room right next to you. If you ever want to hangout or whatever just come by, she says.

Ok thanks I will, I reply.

No problem, well I’ll let you get dressed. I’ll see you later, she says.

Bye, she waves.

Bye, I repeat. As soon as the door closes Kai emerges from under the bed. He walks up to me. Instantly he starts to mock and make fun of Mandy.

I’m Mandy, and I’m afraid of spiders. What a lame, he laughs.

Shut up, besides she looks just like your type of girl, I joke.

My type of girl, all of the sudden you know what I like? Kai asks.

Yeah she’s a redhead, and probably more hotheaded than you. I don’t know if that’s possible, I tease him.

Whatever, he smirks. I can see a smile forming on Kai’s face, even though he tried to hide it. I walk over to my dresser and starts searching for clothes to wear. I grab a pair of jeans and a long blue shirt. I look over at him, and I can’t believe what he is wearing. Kai is six feet tall, and has light olive tanned skin. He has short black hair, and deep green slanted eyes. I love Kai’s eyes. They are so intense. Kai hates his eyes.

He has hated them since kids teased him about them in school. He says his eyes make him feel like a Martian, but I always told him that is what makes him unique. I told him not to ever let anyone make you feel any different. Kai tried, but the kids would still tease him.

Ever since that point Kai developed a complex that he walked around with. He’s always looking for someone, anyone to prove himself to. My eyes start to focus in on his outfit. Kai is wearing a black muscle shirt. He has on dark ripped jeans and his favorite chain hanging from the buckle.

Is that what you’re wearing to class? I ask him. He looks down at his clothes, and shrugs.

"Yep, it’ll be the new fashion statement of sunny pastures. I just look at him and giggle. Kai walks up to me. He glances at me up and down.

You can’t talk about fashion. Is this what you slept in? he asks. I realize in that moment I am still in just my tee shirt! Kai looks at my long shirt again. It’s nice, he teases. I punch Kai’s shoulder as he laughs.

Be serious Kai, I request. I look at the clock on the wall and it says it is fifteen till seven.

Will you get out of here? I ask. I have to get ready.

Alright I’ll go, but I’ll be waiting for you outside the academy. Hurry up slow poke," he urges. I watch Kai as he walks back over to the window. He slides it open and climbs out. I quickly jump in the shower and get dressed. I can’t leave Kai by himself too long. Kai likes to start trouble. I grab my book bag and run towards the academy. When I get to the steps there is Kai waiting for me like he said he would. He glances down at his watch.

It’s seven o’clock on the dot, he says.

Of course I’m on time. You know I’m always on time, I smile.

That’s true. Let’s get this party started, Kai requests. Kai and I walk up the stairs and into to the academy. We walk in the doors and start walking through the hallway. While I am walking my head is buried in my book bag. My fingers roam through my bag, but I can’t find it. It’s got to be here, I keep thinking to myself. After a few moments of frantic searching I realize it isn’t there.

I can’t find it, I sigh.

You can’t find what? asks Kai.

My history book, we have history in ten minutes. I don’t have the book, I confess.

Don’t worry about it. You can use my book, suggests Kai.

No Kai, you need your book. I’m going to get my book, I frown. Kai takes a deep breath in and sighs.

I’ll be right back, I tell him. I rush down the hallway, and into the bookstore. Thankfully there is no line. The lady behind the counter goes in the back and comes back with my history book. She also gives me a calendar puzzle. I stand there are she starts rambling about how she loves puzzles. I stand impatiently as she informs me that they are a good way to pass time. I can’t believe how much she is talking. All I can think about is Kai waiting for me, and that I’m going to be late.

Slowly I start backing away from the counter. I pick up a little pace. Once she is out of sight I turn around and Wham!! I knock heads right into this guy. In the process I drop the puzzle on the floor, and all 1000 pieces go flying. My head starts to spin. I feel dizzy. I start holding my head as I kneel on the floor to pick up the pieces. This is great, just what I need. I’m going to be late my first day of class. Everybody is going to see me. My hopes of slipping into the back and being unnoticed are dissolving. I can’t believe he bumped into me. Can’t he watch where he is going, I thought?

I’m sorry about that, this voice says. He starts to kneel down and scoop up pieces of the puzzle. I look up at him and our eyes meet. Nothing matters anymore. I don’t care about being late. I’m not concerned about Kai waiting for me. I’m not worried. I just see him. I’m looking at him for what feels like an eternity. My eyes won’t leave his. I keep thinking say something. Say something Zeph. My mouth is stuck. I can’t say anything. No words can express what I am feeling right now. As I stare at him I notice his features. He is white. He has blonde hair. It is kind of curly. He has beautiful hazel eyes.

I continue to gawk at him as he starts smiling at me. His skin is creamy like milk. I feel my mouth droop open as I continue to stare at him. He continues to smile at me while I stare at him. I find his friendliness unsettling.

Why is he smiling at me? I’m staring at him. A normal person would ask me why you are staring at me. When he smiles at me I see his teeth. All of his teeth are straight and shining. They look so perfect. They can’t be real. His smiles are starting to annoy me. I glance back down, and continue scooping up the pieces.

Uh it’s ok, I stutter.

I’m always clumsy like that, he smiles. Finally after I get all of the pieces back in the box I start to stand up. I go to get up and stumble back. I feel lightheaded. Nevertheless I try to collect myself. I stand up straight against the wall. He looks at me and knows I am dizzy.

Are you okay? he asks me. My head is killing me. I lift my hand up to my forehead and rub it. Instantly he puts his hand over mine. What are you doing, I thought to myself? I look at him confused. He looks at me patiently. He walks a little closer to me. Within seconds my nose is bombarded by his fragrance. He smells so good. I wonder what kind of cologne he is wearing. It may not be cologne, maybe it is aftershave. Whatever it is he has me hooked in. His smell is saturating my nose as he stands in front of me.

Are you sure you’re okay? he asks again. I look up at him and realize this guy is a tree. He is way taller than Kai. I know he has to be six feet four inches tall at least. He has broad shoulders, and long arms. I have never seen someone so tall before. I never saw anyone like him before. I thought I am in high school. Aren’t we all supposed to be teenagers? I notice he is waiting for a response so I answer him.

Yes, I’m fine, I reply. The blonde haired girl from yesterday emerges from around the corner. She stands there and looks at him as he smiles at me. After a few moments she glances back over at me.

There you are. I’ve been looking for you, she replies. He looks back at her and grins.

Well you found me, he says. I look down at the ground, as the two of them look at each other. Ana there is someone I want you to meet. The guy points towards me. This is Ana, he replies.

She slowly lifts her hand up to mine. As soon our palms touch I feel a strange sensation. The sensation is cold at first. Within seconds a wave of heat pulsates against my hand. The vibration is streaming from her palm. The vibration radiates from my hand up through my arm. It circulates within my chest.

The heat feels like fire burning through my body. I feel sweat forming at the top of my forehead. I look over at her bewildered. I don’t understand what is happening. Does she know she is doing this to me? What is happening to me I thought?

She glares at me as she shakes my hand. Her eyes are probing through to my brain. I want to look away but can’t. I am powerless to look away as she continues to search my mind. I wonder why she is looking at me like that. The glare of her eyes is so vivid. I look back at her as her eyes burn holes into my sockets. I don’t know what she expects to find in my brain.

What could she possibly want to know about me? As she continues to probe I feel the heat in my hand accelerate. I can’t take much more of this. My blood is boiling, as my temperature runs hot. The droplets of sweat start to pour down my face. The heat is burning through my veins the longer she shakes my hand. I have to break free. I snatch my hand free from her grasp. She looks at me blankly as I gawk at her.

It’s nice to meet you, she responds coldly.

Likewise, I reply. The bell goes off in the distance. I realize I am going to be late to class. I grab my book bag and start walking away from them. I can hear him calling from behind, but I keep going.

Thanks for your help, I yell back. I finally make it back to Kai at the other end of the hallway.

What took you so long? The warning bell just went off, he scolds.

It’s a long story. Let’s go into class, I request.

Chapter 2

WE WALKED INTO CLASS AND sat down. I watch Ana walk into class. She is with the guy from earlier. I watch them as they sit in the second row. He sits up against the wall. As soon as they sit down the bell rings.

Our teacher walks in and introduces himself. He says his name is Mr. Foster. He will be our teacher for all of our classes this quarter. He tells us that each class is one hour and forty five minutes long. When the bell rings we get a fifteen minute break in between classes and then we switch classrooms. At three o’clock we will dismiss for the day.

The first week was pretty easy, and very basic. Mr. Foster gave us a test every day in each class except for Christian ethics. In that class he started teaching on the principles of Christian faith. He gave a power point presentation to us about god and the bible. Before that day I never heard of either of those words before. He explained to us who he was and what he was sent here for.

I find myself focusing in on every word he spoke. It is interesting yet perplexing at the same time. Before I knew it the bell rang and our first week is over. Kai and I walk out of the classroom and into the hallway. I look back and see the guy from the other day. He is talking to Ana and walking her over to her locker.

I should have known they were together. They make the perfect little couple. They are both blonde and thin. They make me want to puke. I got a sharp pain in the corner of my forehead. I start feeling my head to find the source of the pain. I feel a slight knot. It must have come from earlier this week. It should be gone by now. Great how am I supposed to keep this from Kai? In an effort to conceal the lump I start moving my hair over top