mika snake eyes I: MIKA, #1

By ghesia morett

Mika knows she isn’t normal, but fighting against her own hell can lead her to places and situations that are difficult to overcome. The force of her spirit and heart guide her and she mustn’t lose the battle against other forces, because it would be too violent and catastrophic. It’s based on the love for her family, true friendship, and all the love she feels to support herself.

Coming to understand what Mika is, can cause more harm than good. She will need all the strength of her indomitable spirit and the courage of her heart to be able to resist past whatever good or evil it may cause.

• Language: English
• Publisher: ghesia morett
• Release date: Sep 18, 2019
• ISBN: 9781547559824

Book preview

MIKA

SNAKE EYES

I

NIGHTMARES

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BY

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GHESIA MORETT

PROLOGUE

START THE DAY

FAMILY THINGS

MORE THAN NIGHTMARES

BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT

WITH OPEN EYES

A WAY OUT

STAMPEDE

THE MOST IMPORTANT REASON

THE PROMISED JOURNEY

FLOWERS IN PARADISE

LIFE PROMISE

WHEN THE WORLD COMES CRASHING DOWN AROUND YOU

EPILOGUE

PROLOGUE

YEAR 2028

THE SEEKER

Night was falling, and a couple of matters still needed to be resolved. After spending the day stuck in his enormous office, all he really wanted to do was leave and enjoy the charms of his beautiful girlfriend. He had just found a new film where she would be able to show off her talent. She would be waiting for him excitedly and more than grateful, or at least he hoped so. The good news from the stock market and the successful launch of the new hologram air screens made it seem like that day would end better than it had started, despite the unbearably long meeting he had during the evening. 

Everything is going too well to last, he thought, somewhat pessimistically.

At the sound of knocking on the door, he froze before he immediately put on glasses to hide his new cat eyes.

Laura, his secretary in that complex, poked her head in a little timidly.

Pardon me, Mr. Newman, she said, entering. A teenage boy and girl have just arrived. They're saying that they're your relatives. She hesitated for a moment, seeming skeptical. Though they don’t look a lot like you.

He cursed his luck. The day had been going too well, he thought, convinced that everything has a price.

Yes, I forgot to tell you, Laura, he told her. He couldn’t come up with a better excuse for the appearance of two kids who looked nothing like him. He really would have preferred to never see them again. Please, let them through. I’m dying to see them, he said with a strained smile.

Sir. A little puzzled, she suggested, You should turn the lights on. You can’t see anything.

Thank you, Laura. I was so into the computer I hadn’t noticed. He gave the voice command and the lights turned on, making the office seem even bigger. His eyes worked better than he had expected. He had spent a small fortune on them, so they had better be worth it. Now he was going to be able to test them. He got up from the leather ergonomic chair and went around his desk to welcome his relatives while Laura smiled at him charmingly and left the office. He sat in front of the desk waiting for them. It had cost him so much to get away from them.

In his mind, the memory of his stepfather’s small office with the little door bells seemed more real than the luxurious and enormous office he was in. The painful memory of his early life, lost so long ago, came back as he saw Luci walk through the door. She was still as beautiful and angelic as that night. Her wardrobe had changed, but not her face and her almost divine beauty. He still remembered her coming in with her chiffon dress and her elegant updo full of ringlets, too beautiful for even that era. In that moment, she had mesmerized him. His downfall had been plainly written in her pale blue eyes. Even after a couple of centuries, she still seemed as charming and beguiling as ever. The teenager that came in after her had also been behind her on that ill-fated night. The sight of him was startling and just as upsetting as it had been back then. He looked as angelic and beautiful as her, though he was taller and slimmer. They honestly looked like siblings. Their eyes were the same icy blue and their hair was so blond, it was almost white. If you looked hard enough, you could tell their facial features were different. They were both so good-looking and delicate that it was hard to say which one was more beautiful. They were dressed elegantly and formally despite their adolescent appearance.

He felt a chill seeing Héctor come in behind Luci, smiling at Laura and thanking her charmingly. Héctor fixed his eyes on Laura, making her blush a bit as she was drawn in by his gaze. She smiled absentmindedly as she shut the office door.

When the door was finally closed, the three studied each other for a moment. Excited, Luci threw herself at him straight away to kiss him on the cheek.

My dear friend, so much time has passed, she said, smiling at him after she kissed him. The smoothness of her cold lips no longer made him feel the same fire inside, maybe because he knew her nature too well. Despite everything, he still adored her. She took his hands affectionately and looked at him with delight.

Are you not happy to see your favorite cousins? Héctor asked, approaching from behind Luci with a somewhat cynical tone.

With Luci it’s always a pleasure, he said, looking at her and returning the kiss on the cheek. With you, I’d prefer to see you impaled and with a severed head.

Oh, Del, Luci scolded, slapping him lightly on the hand while Héctor looked at him scornfully. Don’t be mean. We’ve come to see you because you’ve had us very worried and this is how you welcome us? You’re still angry at him? she said, sweet and lovely.

I’ll always be angry at him, love, he clarified without caring about Héctor’s cold and furious face.

Don’t test me, Del, Héctor grumbled, restraining himself.

I don’t go by that name here, he answered arrogantly, knowing that it was going to irritate Héctor even more. Here, I’m Mr. Luis Newman.

Héctor glared at him, but now his new eyes protected him incredibly well. His look couldn’t fill him with terrible pain.

Don’t bother, darling, Luci told Héctor, smiling and looking back at his eyes curiously. She carefully took off his glasses and smiled at him knowingly and with astonishment. It seems impossible to believe. So, this is why you disappeared for all this time?

Héctor was in a state of furious silence. He, on the other hand, felt so satisfied that he even seemed happy.

For this, and because I needed a vacation, he told Luci calmly.

Ah, dear. You look ravishing with that look, though I’ll miss your black eyes, she insisted, with a conspiratorial smile, knowing that Héctor would be about to explode at his small act of revenge. 

Meanwhile, you’ve been losing time and money? Héctor asked in a cold and condescending tone, still holding himself back.

Héctor must have wanted something much more important than money if he was restraining himself enough to not start hitting him. 

I would say that I’ve earned more than expected, he stated lightly. The best investment of my vampire life.

A knock on the door brought them to a standstill as Laura entered with a tray in her hands. Pardon me, I figured you all would like a cup of tea, she said, carrying it in. She carefully left it on the coffee table between the huge sofas in the middle of the room. They were oriented towards the desk and the large window behind him, which was still covered by metallic blinds. I hope it’s to your liking.

Thank you, Laura, he said, smiling. It’s already very late. You can go home.

As you wish, Mr. Newman, she said kindly, though I don’t mind staying, if you need me.

His young and pretty secretary didn’t know what she was getting herself into. He urged her to go since his guests weren’t a business matter. Luci sat on the sofa, dropping her big and heavy bag next to her. She looked at the teapot and the set of cups, amused, while Laura said she would see him tomorrow and left the office. The blinds of the window started to slide open, letting the weak artificial light from the street come in.

Night has already fallen, he thought, disappointed.

His beautiful girlfriend would have to wait longer than he wanted. He hoped he wouldn’t find her asleep when he arrived because his cousins didn’t seem ready to leave any time soon.

Can we cut to the chase already? he asked, annoyed and impatient. I have a date and I’d rather not miss it.

Is that the new device for the hologram air screen that has been announced with such great fanfare? Héctor inquired curiously, pointing at the long flat device on the table next to him. It seems very large and a little heavy. People are accustomed to smaller devices.

He was surprised that Héctor would be interested in it. He usually didn’t care much about those kinds of things. Maybe Héctor was just trying to waste more of his time.

That’s right. Physical screens will soon disappear. However, within a decade the air screens will be obsolete, and the devices will be almost invisible. Everything will be connected to the web, he informed them, pleased with his investment. As a matter of fact, the engineers are already finalizing the first prototypes for the mobile receivers and data transmission. It was all financed together with our dear government. It’s the main stakeholder. This is just the first step in the evolution of new technology.

I guess, like your new eyes, Héctor noted, without paying the device any more attention. Actually, evolution is why Luci and I came to talk to you.

He stared at Héctor, not liking his enigmatic tone and his mocking smile. Meanwhile, Luci seemed to be enjoying herself pouring tea in the cups and playing with the teaspoon. She liked pretending to be a normal human.

It’s a thrilling subject, Luci continued, leaving the teaspoon on the plate of her steaming cup of tea. Though I suppose that you keep up with the latest breakthroughs being made in genetic engineering. 

How are our investments in that field going? Héctor asked with feigned interest. His smile was a little mocking again, and it made him nervous knowing that they were broaching a subject he didn’t like.

Quite well, he responded, looking at them surprised by their interest and calm behavior. You’ve already seen my eyes.

Héctor looked at him and smiled condescendingly, not batting an eyelash.

Have you heard talk of a Dr. Hans Zastler? Luci asked, looking at her tea cup thoughtfully. He shook his head. He’s a young, charming German with an excessive obsession for the search of a genetic molecular change in the human being.

He supports the theory that there are hidden genes in some human genetic codes, much stronger than normal. He would just have to find suitable donors to create a new human evolution.

What’s your point? he asked, not understanding what caused their sudden interest or the purpose behind such a fruitless search. That field had been done away with and prohibited in almost the entire world. It was too dangerous for humans. Genetic research was limited to regeneration and cures to illnesses.

You’re our seeker, Héctor told him, shooting him a look. You should understand our interest. The blood of Nosferatu is still lost in the generations of people that don’t even know where they come from. We’re tired of waiting. If the beings we’re looking for don’t appear, then we’ll create them.

Héctor said it with such conviction it truly scared him. His fixation of dead legends had hit rock bottom.

Are you crazy? he asked, still unable to believe Héctor’s words. It’s impossible. The chances of finding a genetic descendant are one in two million. You want me to find them just to create a being that only existed in a vision more than a millennium ago?

Nosferatu existed. We’re proof of that, he affirmed, sounding even more determined. His genetic code remains hidden, passing from generation to generation. His face loosened up and he glanced at Luci. She smiled at him too, as if only they understood a joke that no one else knew. Then they laid their eyes back on him. In fact, our friend Zastler has been more efficient than you. Not only has he found it in some humans, but he’s already testing it on some volunteers.

What are you trying to say? he asked very concerned. This is what he had been afraid of since they started talking about the subject. He looked at Luci angrily. You told me I would be the one to find the child.

And you will, she confirmed simply. Zastler is merely playing with unknown forces. He thinks he can create a new and more evolved race, but he’ll only get as far as we let him.

Luci’s utter calmness left him stunned. She was the one that had told him a thousand times that it was better if such powerful beings never appeared in the world because they would bring chaos and the destruction of everything that could support life. Héctor’s obsession of bringing back the blood of the most powerful vampires had seemed insane, but this was beyond all reason. Sometimes Luci’s visions were more confusing than helpful. He didn’t know what she was trying to get him to understand.

He needs better facilities, a specialized work group, and an inconspicuous location free from government surveillance, Héctor stated seriously, with a restless look.

Now I understand your interest in me and your unexpected visit. He smiled, finally catching on. Even his interest in the device made sense. You’re completely crazy, Héctor. I don’t want any part of this.

You don’t have to do it, Héctor informed him coolly. I think I’ve put too much on your plate. I only need you to bring him to this great country, our beloved United States, and find him some facilities and a discreet team. Far from annoying burdens and distractions.

That’s just bureaucratic paperwork. My employees will take care of that, he said more relaxed, and went to sit back in his armchair.

Actually, I’m more interested in you dedicating your efforts to something easier to find. He stared at him calmly, while Luci took out a blue plastic folder. She stood up and placed it in front of him on the desk.

He looked at her surprised to see that folder again.

I thought that it had been decided that searching for those swords was one of your bouts of madness, he said with some cynicism. They don’t exist. Never have.

Héctor smiled easily and with confidence.

You should see our latest findings. We were more surprised than anyone, he declared, trapping Luci in an affectionate hug.

Héctor knew perfectly well that doing it in front of him like that would annoy him, but Luci only had eyes for him, curiously waiting for him to open the stupid folder.

Upon opening it, he didn’t understand what the big deal was. There were only photos and documents of the border guard in Tibet. Though the last picture caught his attention. A boy wielded something that glimmered in his hands, like shiny golden sabers, fighting against the guards. The photo wasn’t great. It was too grainy, probably taken by some old satellite. He stared at it, not really knowing how to take it. He raised his eyes and looked at them. They were still watching him anxiously, waiting for his reaction.

It could be anything, he pointed out, not wanting to get into the matter. He stuck the picture back in the folder. The photo leaves something to be desired.

It’s from a few months ago, Héctor said, letting Luci go. She glanced at him, nodding slightly so Héctor wouldn’t notice, confirming his worst fears. There would be no way to get it out of his head this time. But there are a thousand ways to...

Oh, come on, Héctor cut him off, impatient and angry. They are right in front of your eyes, but you don’t want to see them.

They don’t exist, Héctor, he said, getting angry too. He was confident in what he was saying. There isn’t a single legend or clue that indicates they ever existed in any moment in fucking history. Don’t let it consume you any more than it already has.

In a burst of wind, Héctor was on his desk, seizing him by the throat and squeezing with so much force that if he had needed to breathe, he would already be dead.

They exist and you’re the crazy one, he said ferociously. He felt like his bones were going to shatter inside him. Those swords are traveling out there somewhere in the hunter’s hands and you’re going to find them before they can reach their destination.

Héctor slowly released his throat and calmly got off the desk, carefully straightening his clothes out. He could feel the bones in his neck mending themselves, though he still wasn’t able to talk because of the disaster his throat had become.

You’re our seeker. That’s why we found you and gave you eternal life. Find them or we won’t have anything to negotiate with. Our children will need them sooner or later. I don’t care how long it takes you, but find them, Héctor ordered, glaring at him.

Héctor turned around and offered his arm to Luci. She grabbed her bag from the sofa with her eyes fixed on him and then she took Héctor’s arm.

We will look forward to hearing from you, Héctor said, smiling at Luci, who was still looking scared. Don’t forget about Mr. Zastler.

They left quietly, like they had entered, and left him with an insane order, making him furious again and disconcerted by the events. He wondered when he would be able to free himself from Héctor for good. He looked out the window, annoyed and defeated. But, after a bit, he devised a thousand ways that he could end his personal nightmare. Maybe the search for the swords would be more useful to him than to Héctor. It could help him get lost in the world and maybe spend some time in his homeland. He needed to remember the smell of the flowers at night in his beloved Seville. It always cheered him up to find the most sensible way to continue biding his time. If Luci was right, he would end up finding a lot more than the child. He just hoped it was in an inevitable future and not just a potential one. Luci used to warn him that the future was full of movement, with both decisive and changing moments. Though some were fixed, others were less reliable or wrong. Only time would tell, and vampires were the lords of time.

He thought of looking for a hunter again, but they were too thorough in their work. They killed first and asked questions later. They were too dangerous. He would need to lay a good trap to get someone and convince them to help him. He had helped Héctor steal a few old scrolls from the Vatican. They hadn’t made themselves very popular among the few people that knew about the incident, but they were the only ones that could give them any real information about a hunter.

His throat had completely returned to normal. He thought it’d be good to put it in the back of his head for now. The problems and worries would still be there tomorrow. Sandra was waiting for him. He started to feel stronger again and decided to head to the parking lot for his Porsche. When he arrived at the apartment he had bought for his gorgeous friend, he was surprised to only find the first bolt on the door locked. It was probably because she was expecting him and had left it, so he could come in without any problems. The elegant lounge was dark, so he clapped. The lights came on smoothly and he saw a bottle of champagne on ice and a couple of glasses on the table. There was a load of rose petals trailing from the table to the bedroom. He smiled, thinking Sandra was a lot more grateful than he had imagined. He followed the path and entered the bedroom, but she was asleep in bed, where the petals ended. He approached her and called her name softly. He needed her kisses and caresses more than ever. After he bent down to kiss her forehead, he was petrified. She was cold, almost frozen. If he had a heart beating inside of him, it would have stopped immediately. He put his fingers on her neck to confirm what he feared.

He didn’t have a heart, but he felt such intense sorrow that his knees buckled, and he collapsed beside her, studying her face. It seemed like she was peacefully sleeping. So pale and lovely that she looked even more beautiful than before. Calming down, he caressed her pallid face. If he could cry, his tears would have flooded the room. He looked at her wrists and immediately noticed the bite marks, invisible to a mortal, but clear to his cat eyes. In her hand she had a balled-up piece of paper. Rigor mortis was already taking over her body. He had to remove it carefully, so it wouldn’t rip in her hand. He smoothed it out and read it, recognizing Héctor’s intricate handwriting right away: Don’t waste any time, Seeker. A deep rage consumed him. He balled the note up again and left the apartment, desperate and full of pain.

Damn it! he said furiously, walking down the hall unaware that he was barely a halo of wind with his vampiric speed.

He calmed down once he reached the street. He didn’t even know where to start, but one thing he was sure of was that Héctor was going to pay dearly. Before he knew he it, he found himself in Central Park. He’d find the sword hunter, but it wouldn’t be for Héctor. He’d never see them. He was ready to negotiate with the devil himself to protect them from that crazy arrogant bastard. He’d never have what he desired and if Luci played her part, Héctor would get to suffer the same fate. The Swords of Destiny would never be in his frail, corpse-like hands. His dream of having the blades would disintegrate into cold ashes as dark as his lifeless heart.

He felt a hand on his arm and he quickly spun around, irate. Luci looked at him with a profound sadness, abruptly cutting off his rage.

I’m so sorry, Del, she said sincerely. I couldn’t prevent it. You know how it is.

He sighed, knowing perfectly well what she was talking about.

I’ll find a way to get rid of him, he promised, decisively. You’ll know what to do.

I know, but it won’t be you. Though death will come by your hand, she warned him calmly, looking into his eyes.

I don’t actually understand anything you say, Luci, he admitted, confused.

My friend, most of the time I don’t understand it very well either. She smiled captivatingly with a hint of shyness. I just know what the images in my head show me.

You told me that I would find the strongest being in this world, he reminded her, hurt, and now that idiot has sent me to find the Swords of Destiny, which you said never existed.

She shrugged her shoulders.

They can just change fate and erase any traces of themselves, she affirmed nonchalantly. I don’t think you’ll find them. It’s not your destiny, but you can have fun looking for them. She smiled, slyly. That’s why I convinced Héctor to order you to find them.

Well, well, he said, smiling amused. So, you’re still his lover and worst enemy.

She smirked and winked at him.

Someone has to control his bad temper, at least as much as they can, she added, sighing.

Yes, he agreed, partially understanding. According to your latest visions, how much longer until I fulfill my destiny?

I suppose in a couple more generations. We’re already close, she suggested, smiling at him. Then she became more serious. You might not like it so much when you find that child. It could be more than what you’re looking for. A lot of pain follows her, and sometimes I see monsters by her side. She’s beautiful and brunette, with eyes full of fire and hate. However, other times I see a scared, sad girl. Brunette sometimes, blonde in others...Like I said, I don’t understand it either.

What she said convinced him even more that they should leave the matter to more dependable hands.

You’re obviously incredible, he stated, smiling incredulously.

The world moves and the visions with it, she said seriously. Though it’s too soon for them to come true or fade into nothingness. It could be both or neither. Human decisions are what mark fate, nothing else.

He kissed her on the cheek. He didn’t care to continue talking and worrying about a destiny that might not ever come true.

Until the next time we see each other, and you can tell me something more concrete, I don’t plan to concern myself, Luci. He smiled. And thank you for the free time you’ve given me. I’ll use it well, believe me. Héctor will pay for what he did to Sandra.

I’m sure of that. The lunatic searches for his final death with every step he takes to create that being. She’ll be his end. But he only hears what he wants to hear, like always.

In that case, I’m sure that I’ll find her as soon as that possibility can exist, he said resolutely.

Luci held onto his arm and smiled at him happily.

I’m very sure of that, believe me. She looked at him and then nodded towards the street. "Come on, accompany a lady for a stroll. We’ll find someone worthwhile and drink a bit of their blood... I’m thirsty.

Only she could dispel all the pain he felt in such a strange way and without hardly realizing it. Despite the centuries that had passed, it was impossible not to adore her. His friend and the one who had made him a vampire, was so odd and rare with her visions and her precious eyes. She was always able to give him hope.

I’m going back home, to one of my estates in Spain, he explained, while they started to walk down the street from the park. I need to rest and recover a little from all of this.

You’re making me jealous. She let him go, sulking a little. Héctor has insisted on us staying here to follow the research of that idiot. She sighed, annoyed. I hate this cold climate. The people are much nicer in the south where they have the sun in their favor for a longer time. Just send him some stupid thing from time to time and he’ll leave you alone."

I will, he said calmly, but he was still angry. But I guarantee that he’ll never have the swords or the girl if I can help it.

She smiled and nodded to a couple of boys walking in their direction.

They smell very good. She smiled, mischievously. 

YEAR 2066

START THE DAY

Once she opened her eyes, she realized that she wasn’t in her room and was scared to see an arm draped over her body. After looking and noticing that it was Patrick Harris, half naked at her side, she was at the point of throwing up. It couldn’t be possible, she thought, jumping out of the bed and realizing with horror that she didn’t have any clothes on, just her panties.

Shit, shit, she mumbled, pissed off, as she desperately looked for her clothes. She didn’t want to wake him up. She just wanted to get out of there as quick as she could, Damn it, I screwed up. Shitty green pills.

She remembered taking the stupid experimental pill, but other than that she could hardly remember anything about last night. Then she remembered that she had mixed them with the maroon ones, which were the ones she usually took. She also realized something even more important; she hadn’t dreamed. She had slept and hadn’t had any nightmares or anything that she could remember.

Smiling happily, she found her jeans underneath the bed and put them on as fast as she could. She put on her T-shirt, which had been thrown in the middle of the chaotic room, and her tennis shoes, which had been tossed to the side under Patrick’s T-shirt. All her clothes were filthy and covered in dirt and dried mud. She had no idea why. It had been really cold, and her jacket wasn’t there. She grabbed a white hoodie with black stripes that turned into squares. As she was stepping out the front door of the house, his mother yelled, Bye, honey, see you this afternoon!

That made her run even faster. She had no idea what time it was or even what day it was, but it didn’t matter. She had to go back to the high school and talk with Mr. Scott and the guys from the science club. She had finally gotten what she was looking for. It just needed a few small improvements and then she could have an almost normal life. She flew, more than ran, down the streets thinking that she would have to deal with Harris as soon as she caught him awake and sober. She didn’t know what happened in his bed, nor how Steve had let it happen, but she was sure that it hadn’t been out of her own free will. Patrick was decent looking, but he was a complete idiot and liked to brag too much. If he happened to tell anyone around here, she would have to give him a good beating. She didn’t remember where she had run into him either. It was all an absolute mess, but if she was lucky it would all be over soon.

She went down the wet streets full of puddles. It was a bleak day, but she was happy and couldn’t wait to share her discovery with her geniuses.

Once she arrived at the high school, she realized the doors were locked and that everything was quiet and empty. She bitterly thought that it could be Saturday or Sunday. She wasn’t sure. She had spent almost the whole week trying the drugs the guys had prepared and was at a complete loss. She didn’t know what to do. She couldn’t go look for Steve. His mother would kick her out, since she had fought with her the last time, calling her a whore and some other worse things.

I have to go back home, she thought with an ache in her chest. She would have to deal with being scolded and accept the punishment they gave her. She deserved it. It was very likely that her father would have been looking everywhere for her. Her worst fear was realized as she crossed the street from the high school. She saw her father’s small green van, coming back around the corner. She still wasn’t sure if she should take off or wait and put up with the hurricane that was waiting for her as soon as he saw her. She was super hungry anyway and starting to feel really tired, so she stayed there on the sidewalk, waiting for the van to get closer. Her father slowed down and stopped by her side. He was looking at her seriously with concern, but it turned into a look of exasperation as soon as he saw her up close.

Get in, Mika, he ordered. He appeared calm, but she knew him well enough to know that the yelling would start as soon as the door to the house closed behind them.

She got in without daring to look at him. She fastened her seatbelt and stared straight ahead. She felt too guilty to give him a cheap excuse or tell him a white lie. She had already caused him too much trouble and he wouldn’t believe anything that she could come up with. Her father wasn’t stupid, and he would have been imagining a lot of things that might be true. She didn’t know if she would be able to explain or even what she needed to explain. Her father didn’t look at her either and drove with a sour look on his face.

Right before they arrived home, he looked at her for a second and slowed down, which seemed like a prelude to the scolding she’d get at home.

Two days, Mikaela, he said furiously, trying not to shout. We went almost two fucking days without hearing anything from you. Your mother is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. I went two days without sleep, thinking that they were going to find you dead in a ditch. Mikaela hid further in her hood, feeling like a disgusting bug as her father continued talking. I know you’re not going to tell us anything, but this is over. Don’t even think about having a shouting match like you did last time. As soon as you get in, give your mother and sister a kiss, since they’ve gone half-crazy, and then go to your room. You’re not to leave it all day or I swear that this time I’ll go back to beating your ass. From here on out, I'm going to be the only to drop you off and pick you up. No one else. I’ll talk to the principal, so they’ll keep an eye on you and make sure you don’t skip a single class. No Laps, and no communicator, understood?

Her father stopped the car in front of the entrance to the house and she agreed without looking at him. She didn’t feel like fighting over the obvious. Plus, now that she had found her cure she could start over and get her family back. She’d have to make it up to them for her bad habits and the backlash from her short temper. She didn’t know how to do it, but she would try. Though it was way too soon to be sure, the potency of the pills they had made were too strong. She wasn’t sure of the side effects. If she was lucky, it’d be Sunday and she’d only have to wait a day.

She got out of the car and saw her mother with heavy bags under eyes, looking worried, but she lit up when she saw her arrive. Her mother hugged her and kissed her, while complaining about her behavior. Without saying anything, Mikaela let go and quickly went upstairs to shut herself in her room, not wanting to see her sister. She felt bad enough already.  She didn’t want to deal with seeing the reflection of herself in her sister’s body, which was a lot more perfect and charming, with her blond hair and the blue violet eyes of their father, reprimanding her and punishing her with her affection. It made her feel like scum again, like everything bad had stuck to her when she had come out of their mother’s body. She wished she hated her, but her sister was too stubborn and determined to try and understand her. She couldn’t let that happen, it was too dangerous. It was only a few months now until she turned eighteen and she could leave and let them live in peace.

She took off her clothes and left them on the floor. She didn’t want the smell to linger in her closet, especially with the stench of Patrick’s jacket. It made her want to puke. She put on a robe and took her underwear with her to go shower. As she was heading down the hallway to the bathroom, her sister was coming out of it, wearing her blue velvet pajamas, looking beautiful and lovely.