Phoenix Element Collection: Phoenix Element, #0

By Jennifer Kibble

Anya has discovered that she could use magic and she wasn't alone. In more ways than one. Attached to her soul was a Rayasha, a being from another plane of existence. A new comer, Kyle, knew more than he was letting on, especially a way to stop Ashima. Would he risk an innocent life just to keep the galaxy safe?

Phoenix Element Collection is compiled of the first three books in the Phoenix Element series: Normality Twisted, Mages of Vane, and Reality Break.

Normality Twisted: Could an entity from another plane of existence be inhabiting a teenage girl? The lines between good and evil are blurred when one wants to be freed. JB must discover who she once was and learn how to control her new founded magical abilities.

Mages of Vane: Mages of Vane takes place at a magic school where our hero, Anya, is taking classes more or less against her will. In order to protect her friends and family, Anya sought out the mages of Vane to free her body from a powerful, and corrupt entity. The entity known as Ashima isn't the only being corrupt at Vane. Soon Anya must battle Blood Mages, and her own conflictive thoughts in order to keep the school from crumbling down. The mages of Vane must protect their home and school from The Order of Blood and their hidden leader. If Vane falls, other worlds will follow suit.

Reality Break: Anya and Kasiff will be pushed to their limits in book three of the Phoenix Element book series. In Reality Break, morals will be tested as the team search out a means to stop a powerful alien from another plain of existence. Ashima thinks herself as a God. She is willing to prove her might by trying to rip reality into pieces. Anya must locate an ancient relic that will hopefully put a stop to Ashima. With her sight set on Earth, time is running out.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jennifer Kibble
• Release date: Feb 19, 2019
• ISBN: 9781794317406

Book preview

The Phoenix Element Collection

Part One: Normality Twisted

Part Two: Mages of Vane

Part Three: Reality Break

Jennifer Kibble

Copyright © 2019 Jennifer Kibble

This book is protected by the copyright laws of the United States of America. Any reproduction or unauthorized use of the material and/or artwork is prohibited.

For my family and friends. And to everyone who helped to make all this possible.

Table of Contents

The Phoenix Element Collection

Part One Normality Twisted

Chapter One: Connection Established

Chapter Two: Who to Trust

Chapter Three: Ozma

Chapter Four: My Name is Anya

Chapter Five: Back in Rotation

Chapter Six: Manifestation

Chapter Seven: Trying to Hold On

Chapter Eight: Enter the Clone

Chapter Nine: Homecoming

Chapter Ten: Don’t Live in the Past

Chapter Eleven: But Never Forget

Chapter Twelve: No More

Part Two

Mages of Vane

Chapter Thirteen: Welcome to Vane

Chapter Fourteen: No Magic Makes for an Angry Anya

Chapter Fifteen: Raine on the Parade

Chapter Sixteen: That Happened

Chapter Seventeen: The Truth of Kasiff

Chapter Eighteen: Not All Mages

Chapter Nineteen: Just Blood Magic

Chapter Twenty: Gaze into the Precipice

Chapter Twenty-One: Still Not a Butterfly

Chapter Twenty-Two: For This I Should Give up Trying

Chapter Twenty-Three: Take One and Call me in the Morning

Part Three

Reality Break

Chapter Twenty-Four: A Suggestion Goes a Long Way

Chapter Twenty-Five: How Far

Chapter Twenty-Six: Broken

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Bittersweet

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Stubborn Human

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Understanding

Chapter Thirty: Strength From Weakness

Chapter Thirty-One: RIP in Time

Chapter Thirty-Two: There Will Be Repercussions

Part One Normality Twisted

Chapter One: Connection Established

I

went to bed at midnight, again. Wait, scratch that, I turned off all the lights in my bedroom and closed my eyes at midnight. I was certain I didn’t fall asleep until two a.m., if I was lucky. My alarm clock was set for five forty-five a.m. Three hours of sleep was fine, just fine for someone like me. Who actually cared what grades I got in high school? You’re told that your permanent record follows you for the rest of your life. I had never met anyone older than I that confirmed that to be true.

Don’t get me wrong, I loved to sleep. The best part were my dreams. Have you ever had a dream that you knew was a dream, yet you were unable to wake from it? Everything you experienced in that dream felt real, from the deep emotions to touching a tree. I would have these types of dreams all the time. Even during a power nap. It felt like a past life was trying to reach out to me from the deepest, darkest corners of my subconscious. What didn’t make sense to me was that it would be the same feelings and the same people in those dreams. Didn’t normal people dream of different things each night? Could someone have reoccurring dreams all the time? There were times I would love to escape to this dream world. To live there permanently because, let’s face it, real life was boring.

I wondered if I ever met someone from my dreams in real life. Once I awoke, their features became a jumbled blur to me. I knew who they were in my dreams but once I awakened, those people became strangers once more.

A rustle came from the kitchen, my father was getting ready for work. A few moments went by before he knocked on the door. You’re going to be late.

It couldn’t be morning already. I tossed the covers off my head. The sunlight poked through the vertical blinds to greet me. Fantastic.

I rolled over to my side. My cat gave a loud screech and scratched my face before he jumped to the floor. Why would you sleep on my pillow? I threw my blue blanket off after giving the cat a stern look. He meowed at the door. Fine, fine. I walked to the door, picking up a pair of jeans on the way. I opened the door just enough to let the cat out. After putting on the jeans, I flopped back into my bed. Why can’t school start later on in the day?

There was a second knock at the door. I know you’re awake. Sebastian is out here.

I dragged myself to the bathroom to freshen up. Looking in the mirror, I saw my wavy brown hair a mess, gunk in my eyes, and a nice scratch on my cheek, which was already bleeding. Too bad I couldn’t wear a hat in school because of a silly dress code. I didn’t see what the big deal was, it was just a hat. My hair could get a bit wild, thanks to the humidity in Florida and on those days, I just wanted to hide it. Today, I also wanted to hide the scratch. I fashioned my hair into a ponytail, washed my face with warm water and soap, and inspected myself again. My shoulders slouched as I got the disinfectant from the medicine cabinet. The scratch from my cat was still red, and I just knew someone would point it out at school today.

After getting ready, I finally emerged from my bedroom. It was a tiny room, and I loved my personal space. The room was always kept messy, but I knew where everything was. My coffee-colored walls were filled with posters from various video games and cartoons. Most girls would have pictures of boys on their walls but not me.

I went to meet Dad in the kitchen.

Jack Prowler sat at the kitchen table, eating toast with some brown sugar oatmeal. He dipped the toast into the oatmeal. He worked every weekday, a nine-to-five job at a soda production plant where they put the soda into plastic and glass bottles. I had seen the place a few times before during ‘bring your child to work day.’ My first time there, I thought the machines were magic. Now, that I was older, I knew better than that. Regardless, those machines moved quickly, and it was amazing to see. Dad runs the machines along with several others. Everyone that works in his department wears dark gray work pants and shirts to match. Dad tended to smell of oil and something awful when he got home from work. He should have been made supervisor ages ago since he worked hard enough to earn a promotion. Maybe if he did get a promotion, I wouldn’t have to smell the strong odor every night. It was worse when the smell hung around the car overnight.

Dad didn’t talk much, but he meant well. He had always been like that Are you all right? Jack looked at my face, concerned about the red mark.

Sebastian slept on my pillow again.

He laughed. You wanted him in your room.

I found Sebastian on the street and took him as my own. Because of that, the cat had always wanted to sleep in the same room I was in. Particularly on my pillow.

I can’t ignore his meowing all night long. I reached for a red plastic cup to pour my cereal and milk in. It was just easier to eat this way. Especially if I had to make a run for the bus stop, like this morning. I opted out of pouring the milk into the cup. More room for the fruity cereal.

Don’t forget we’re having dinner at Raven’s tonight.

We had gotten closer since my mother left Dad and me. For the most part, we did our separate things. Dad and I tended to only eat breakfast together if I awoke on time. I ate when I was hungry, no schedule needed. Dad wasn’t always on the same schedule as me because of work and my babysitting duties. Most of the time, I would eat my dinner sitting in front of the TV watching cartoons.

I’ll try not to get full on the school’s lunch. I kissed Dad goodbye. I’ll meet you at Raven’s.

I took my leave, quickening my pace toward the corner of the street where my best friend waited.

You’re late. I was about to leave.

I wasn’t sure when Teresa and I became friends. It happened out of the blue one day. Teresa being a huge introvert took me in and dubbed me as her friend. We later became best friends.

We walked in silence as I finished my breakfast. Have you ever had a dream that you knew was a dream, but you were unable to wake from? I blurted out once I was finished with my meal (if you could call it that).

What are you going on about now? Teresa Yates rolled her dark eyes.

Just listen. I slowed my pace to keep up with Teresa. Hear me out, okay? I’m talking about dreams that feel real. The smell, the emotions, like, like a past life trying to tell me something.

Teresa stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, her hands on her hips. "Which video game did you fall asleep playing last night?

I continued to walk forward, my ponytail swaying from side to side. Just forget it, we’re going to miss the bus.

Teresa let out a laugh. Oh my God, you’re serious, JB! Spill it. Any cute guys?

I blushed, the redness warming my cheeks. Yes, I mean no. Again, forget it.

You know I won’t.

I looked at Teresa. A little jealous that she managed to get her curls under control while my hair turned into a giant puff ball in the south Florida humidity. We walked down the sidewalk toward the bus stop, apartment buildings on both sides.

The yellow paint had faded on the buildings since last summer. These apartments were off the main road, which meant the landlord didn’t care.

I mean, it doesn’t matter since their faces are a blur once I wake. Dreaming of a cute boy is a little irrelevant.

Says you. Let’s skip and head to the beach. Teresa smiled at the temptation.

Not again. Remember the last time? Dad found out. Dad did show a little discipline when I skipped school to go to the beach. Last time, he took my video games away for a week.

I know. You wouldn’t stop complaining about it. But at least it wasn’t your uncle who found out. He’s a bit creepy.

Because he wears all black?

The school bus pulled up to us. The door opened. Late again, ladies?

Teresa pointed at me. JB’s fault.

We climbed the steps to get into the bus. I tossed my red plastic cup into the tiny trash can and followed Teresa to the seats in the back. The bus was empty since we’re the first stop.

I’m not the only one who thinks your uncle is creepy. Teresa dug into her pink backpack and pulled out a brush. He is handsome.

That’s just weird.

And isn’t he rich too? The bus hit a bump on the road, causing Teresa to hit herself in the head with her brush.

That’s what you get. I took out my headphones and only covered one ear, so I could hear Teresa go on about my uncle. Again. Uncle Raven is a private man. I think he feels obligated to look out for me and Dad. I’m a fan of his cooking.

So, he’s handsome, rich, and can cook? Teresa dropped her brush back into her bag.

Cause everyone knows you failed home ec.

I got a D.

Whatever. I covered my other ear and got comfortable in the seat. With luck, I could get a forty-minute nap before the bus pulled into East Shore High School.

Feeling a poke on my arm, I opened one eye.

Dream of any cute boys?

We at school?

Yes, sleepyhead, we just pulled in. I need to talk with Jason before class, so I’ll catch you in the gym.

I might as well get to class early.

Nerd.

I shrugged off the comment. The less people that see this scratch on my face, the better.

I wasn’t going to say anything about it. It does look good on you, like you got into a fight.

Yea, with my cat, and I lost.

I wouldn’t tell people that. Teresa walked off toward the cafeteria with a skip in her step.

The bell sounded ten minutes after I had arrived to my seat. P.E. always started out in a classroom, so the teacher could take rollcall. It was one of my favorite classes, just not at the start of the day.

The instructor stood at the head of the class with a fellow student next to her. We have a new student joining us. His name is Kyle Roberts. Please make him feel welcomed.

I looked over to Teresa who gave me a thumbs up.

That’s not why I looked at you, I whispered to her.

Murmurs sounded throughout the classroom. Why was a student starting on the last day before Spring Break? Why not start fresh on a Monday?

I found myself looking at this new student, and Teresa noticed. Yea right, that’s not why you looked at me.

I shot her a look. He looks familiar, that’s all.

Where have I seen him before?

The brown-haired new student looked confident as he stood in the front of the class. Not the norm as new kids went. Most looked like a deer caught in someone’s headlights. This Kyle had a certain air about him. His eyes, for a second, locked onto mine.

Teresa threw a piece of paper at me.

I broke off the stare to look back at Teresa. What? I mouthed.

Teresa, Jennibelle, do we have a problem? the teacher cut in.

No, ma’am, I replied.

Good. Today, we will be in the gym. Volleyball and basketball will be available.

The class walked out of the room toward the gym. The usual cliques got together. All eyes were on the new kid to see which clique he would meld into. There were the normals. The popular crowd. The science geeks. And the bullies. Most students in the bullies category lived in the same trailer park as me. Teresa was part of the popular crowd while I was considered one of the normals.

The walk from the classroom to the locker room wasn’t a long one. The high school was the type where you had to walk outside to get to the next class. It was early morning, but the humidity and heat was already kicking in.

Teresa nudged me in the ribs. Go talk to him.

What are you talking about? I stammered over my words.

I saw you looking at him.

We entered the female locker room.

I thought I knew him. I opened my locker to pull out orange gym shorts and a white top.

Teresa placed her hand on top of the locker door. You won’t know unless you talk to him. Don’t you think I know about these things?

Says the person who just broke up with her fifth boyfriend in two months.

You didn’t like Jason anyway. Teresa changed into her gym clothes. If we would have skipped, you wouldn’t have seen the new kid until a week later.

Your point?

Are you still not over Alfonso? That was last year! Teresa closed her locker with a bang.

Teresa had also liked Alfonso, causing a small ripple in our friendship for a few months.

I walked toward the exit that led to the gym. Of course, I’m over him. Don’t be silly.

Teresa followed but instead of engaging in one of the activities, she walked over to a small group of her popular friends. Every time one of us brought up Alfonso, Teresa would get angry and storm off.

A basketball hit my foot. I searched for the owner of said ball, only to discover it belonged to the new kid. My heart jumped into my throat as I battled the anxiety.

Hey there, do you mind?

Catching the ball I threw back, Kyle walked over. Hey, didn’t we go to the same elementary school together?

I didn’t normally approach people. Teresa came to me and tagged me as her newest friend and the rest was history. Now, this new student was doing the same.

The echo of basketballs around the gym were almost in sync with my heartbeat.

A slightly audible, Yes? escaped my lips.

He looked to be older, mostly because of his eyes. Old eyes in a young body.

I wasn’t there long, just until after first grade. I’m Kyle. He awkwardly extended his hand to me.

I scratched the top of her head. They do handshakes where you’re from?

He retracted his hand and placed both in his jean pockets.

I’m sorry. First dumb remark to come out of my mouth while speaking to the new kid. Point for me. I’m JB.

Is that short for something?

Yes. I’m sorry, I think I remember you but, I don’t know. I felt my ears growing hot. Why won’t Teresa walk over?

Kyle brushed a piece of brown hair that had dropped in front of his eyes. Don’t worry about it. I have a good memory. So, who scratched you?

My cat. I sort of rolled over on him this morning.

Poor cat.

Poor cat? Poor me. I’m the one left with the battle scar.

Kyle opted to change the subject. Do you want to play?

Huh?

Basketball. Unless you don’t know how to play?

Of course I know how to play. I took the ball from Kyle’s hands and walked over to the net.

He laughed as I walked away. It wasn’t the type of laugh I heard from someone who didn’t believe you. His laugh was more of an impressed laugh, and I didn’t know how to process that.

The rest of the school day went by quickly. Most of the teachers weren’t up to assigning homework over the break and played a movie instead of teaching.

He takes the same bus as us! I jumped as Teresa snuck up behind me to deliver the message.

How do you know?

I have my sources. Plus, he’s getting onto our bus.

I looked over to our school bus and spotted Kyle boarding. Why wasn’t he on the bus this morning?

I’ll do you the favor of sitting away from you. Teresa smiled as she walked toward the bus.

I quickly followed, placing my hand on Teresa’s shoulder. Oh, no you don’t, you’re sitting with me.

I looked the other way as I passed Kyle, who sat in the middle of the bus.

Once the bus moved, I noticed a lot of the seats were empty compared to this morning.

I told you we should have gone to the beach. Teresa looked out the window to gawk at the seniors getting into their cars.

One of them waved to her. A redheaded senior I’ve seen a few times in the hallways. I bet Robbie is going to the beach tonight. You sure you don’t want to go? She didn’t pull her eyes away from the senior as she said that.

I can’t tonight. I dug into my purple backpack and pulled out my headphones. Dad and I are eating at Raven’s tonight.

Why are you putting on your headphones? Bet you ten bucks he walks over.

I put the headphones on anyway, pushing down loose strands of hair. Even if the music weren’t playing, headphones worked great as a headband. Why do you say that?

You’re the only one he talked to today.

I looked at Teresa. Were you spying on him? Look, if you want to talk to him, go right ahead.

No thanks, not my type.

Maybe I was the only one to talk to him today.

Teresa could have sent Kyle a telepathic message because about five minutes later, he walked over to our seat.

Can I help you? I pulled down my headphones, so they hung around my neck.

Teresa kicked my foot.

Kyle proceeded to sit in the seat in front of us. He adjusted his body, so he could face the seat Teresa and I were in.

Headphones on was the universal sign to leave someone alone. The bus wasn’t full. Why switch seats in the middle of the bus ride?

Any plans for the break? Kyle asked me.

Coming off brash and avoiding eye contact, I answered with a yes. I’m sorry, it’s just that I’m babysitting.

Sounds like fun.

Teresa coughed the words, Seriously.

Actually, it is. Miles is a great kid. Miles was a seven-year-old prodigy. At least according to his mother and myself. His father had died in Kuwait just before he was born. I’d known Miles for his entire life. He was the little brother I never had. What about you?

I have a lot of unpacking to do. Kyle shifted in the seat, trying to find a more comfortable position.

I wasn’t able to hold a laugh. Now, that sounds like fun.

You really don’t remember me, do you?

This question brought me to finally look at Kyle. His brown eyes seemed to twinkle. Get a grip, it’s just the sunlight. Should I?

I felt a pinch on my right thigh thanks to Teresa, who said, I’m sure she does. But who remembers elementary school?

I do, he replied.

Teresa was the one who could flirt her way out of any situation. It wasn’t working this time.

It was a long time ago. Disappointment washed over Kyle’s face. I had to have been six or seven when Kyle was at the same school as I.

I do remember biting a kid for taking the tire swing, I recalled.

You will never let that story die, will you? Teresa rolled her eyes and looked back out to the window. You would bring that up.

I looked at my friend. It’s a good story.

Kyle folded his arms and rested them on top of the seat. What happened?

I leaned forward in the seat to tell the story. Friend of mine wanted me to watch the tire swing for him, so I did. Then the class bully steps up and tries to take it. I told him no, and he got pissed. Then I bit him on his arm.

That really happened?

Yep. Of course, I was the one who got into trouble.

You took a bite out of another kid. Teresa looked at me, an eyebrow raised. What did you think would happen?

I was defending the tire swing. I wasn’t about to let the bully take it from me when I was asked to watch it for someone who was coming right back.

And did he? A question Teresa has asked before.

No, but that didn’t matter. It was all about the principle of it.

Yea, and you did see the principal that day.

Kyle, who had been listening closely during the tale, finally spoke, I think what you did was very honorable.

She was six.

I stuck my tongue out at Teresa.

She slow clapped. Congratulations! You managed to impress one person with that story.

I looked to Kyle, whose smile made me smile, and blush.

✽✽✽

The three of us got off at the same bus stop.

Tell your uncle I said hi! Teresa said as she walked toward her house. I’ll call you about when we can hit the beach.

I’ll have to bring Miles, I said but with the wind blowing my voice in the other direction, I doubt she heard me.

Do you live with your uncle? I had forgotten Kyle was still behind me.

I walked away from my home, toward my uncle’s. No, but Dad and I are having dinner with him tonight. Nothing special. I think he feels guilty because his sister left us when I was a kid.

I’m sorry. He followed, walking at my side.

No worries. So, you live around here?

Yea, near a park. Nice view. We reached an intersection that took Kyle and me to different directions. I’ll see you around, I guess.

Give him your phone number, I heard Teresa’s voice in my head. Sure, I said instead.

The walk to my uncle’s place was a little further than to Dad’s from the bus stop. I didn’t mind as long as I had music playing in my ears. The wind was nice too. Instead of being a hot and sweaty afternoon, it was instead a tolerable one.

I had to walk by my old elementary school to get to Raven’s two-story home. I stopped in the middle of the sidewalk to look at the white and brown building. School had been out for about an hour. That didn’t stop the screams of laughter coming from the field and playground. I saw my favorite tire swing, swaying in the breeze. I think the kid I had bitten was named Tim.

I kept walking, not thinking about maybe-it-was-Tim but of Kyle. He said we went to the same school together, but my memory wasn’t confirming that notion.

I reached my uncle’s place and knocked on the black door. I never used the wolf’s head door knocker. Or the doorbell. I never understood why Raven never gave me a key to get in. I wasn’t interested in his artsy stuff anyway. Raven opened the door with a smile, which always looked fake to me. Not that he wasn’t happy to see me, but my uncle wasn’t the type to smile, even when he was in a good mood. His smile looked crooked.

Hey, sorry I’m early. Bus didn’t have a lot of stops today.

He ushered me in. No problem, I just started the prep for dinner. You can watch TV if you want.

Dad wouldn’t be here for another hour or so. Since I didn’t have any homework, I took Raven up on the offer.

I took my sneakers off and left them by the door. Their odor hopefully wouldn’t follow me.

Raven went toward the kitchen while I walked by several bookcases to get to the living room. Raven had books, on top of books. From classic novels, to history, he had more books than the library at my school.

I flopped onto his leather couch. I had to remind myself to not put my feet up on his oak-made coffee table.

I switched on TV and flipped through the channels until I found my afternoon cartoons. Teresa hated that I still watched cartoons. But she didn’t know what she was missing.

I watched two thirty-minute shows before Dad arrived. The door opening and closing caused me to get out of my TV zombie state. My stomach growled as smells from the kitchen wafted through.

Hey, Dad. I got up from the couch to greet him. How was work?

The usual. Went through the entire day without an accident.

That’s good! Dad told me a story once about an employee who lost a finger in one of the machines.

Wait, I smell eggs.

My uncle answered as he went back into the kitchen, You would be correct.

That egg smell takes forever to come out of my clothes! I cried out while pointing toward the kitchen. Can we just get ice cream instead?

Raven poked his head out from the doorway, You need your protein and vitamins. Don’t tell me you get that from your school lunch.

Urg, whatever.

What did you have for lunch, JB? Now, Dad questioned my school eating habits.

Mexican pizza. I muttered. So, I got plenty of calcium today.

Dad agreed before going into the kitchen. Your uncle is right.

I helped set the table for the three of us. I was used to eating on paper plates, my uncle did not. I placed three porcelain plates onto the table. Their design made zero sense to me as I gazed at the swirls and ripples occupying most of the center of the plate.

Once we were all settled, the plates were filled with one steak each that had an egg on top of it. Next to them were a small stack of baked eggplant fries.

Looks good, as always, Dad complimented.

Thank you, Jack. The eggplant fries are a new recipe I wanted to try out. Raven turned his attention to me. How is school going?

Okay, I simply answered, which wasn’t true since I struggled in math. I did way better in history and those classes that needed a hands-on approach. Let me fail and learn by using my hands instead of giving me a lecture. As far as history class was concerned, I loved writing essays which was how I was passing that class. Everyone groaned when the teacher gave out a report to do, but I loved it. The smell of the library did give me a headache if I spent too much time there. A lot of their books were old and had that musty smell to them that liked to remain in your mouth for hours after leaving the school’s library. I had to wonder if the library had been flooded before because the smell was dreadful. Or it could be just me and my sensitive nose. At least Raven’s books didn’t smell like that.

Anything going on? My uncle took a sip of his red wine.

Having my uncle ask me twenty questions every time I saw him, was enough to make my shoulders tense. Plus, there was almost never anything going on with me. I wasn’t about to bring up Kyle to the conversation, so I mentioned the beach. A lot of kids skipped school to go to the beach today.

My uncle paused with fork in hand.

Don’t worry, I didn’t go. I don’t smell like the beach. I smell like eggs instead.

JB, be nice.

Sorry, Dad. Raven, the eggs are good, but you know I hate the smell. I poked the remaining egg with my fork.

Eggs are better for you than that fake Mexican pizza they served you.

Mexican pizza was yummy though, fake cheese or not.

Any plans for the break?

Just babysitting Miles. I looked to Dad. If it’s okay, and I run it past Sara, could I take Miles to the mall tomorrow?

Do you need money for the bus?

Sure, just in case. I really didn’t, but extra money for the arcade was extra money for the arcade.

Allow me, Raven interjected. A reward for not skipping out on school today. He pulled out a leather wallet and took out a twenty to give to me.

Thanks!

I got stuck with the dishes while the two adults talked out on the patio. At least I got twenty dollars out of it. Plus, the steak was good, if not slightly undercooked to my liking.

✽✽✽

The next day, I awoke at ten a.m. Still early for me but at least I wasn’t getting up for school. I threw my blanket back onto my two-mattress bed and got ready for the day with Miles.

Dad had already left for work by the time I emerged from my room. I decided to take my bike over to Miles’ instead of walking.

The breeze from yesterday was gone and replaced with a hot April day. The bike was a good choice as it provided a breeze for me as I peddled on the sidewalk.

I had my own key for Miles’ house just in case of emergencies. There wasn’t a car in the driveway, which meant Miles’ mother had already left for work. This happened sometimes, and his mother knew I would be over shortly after leaving for her job. Dad and Sara had known each other since before I was born, which was why she trusted me to watch her son, but that wasn’t the only reason.

Miles Winder never knew his father. I met his dad and knew him briefly before he was killed in action. Miles’ parents used to live next door to me and my parents. I remembered being dropped off to be watched by them when my parents wanted to get out, be it for a movie or they were too busy with their jobs. Miles’ father wasn’t home much due to his military career. Sara was busy as a nurse, so I knew I was lucky to be watched by Sara and Vincent when they did have the free time.

When I was born, I was the motivation for Sara and Vincent to have a child of their own. Perhaps that was why they loved to babysit me during their free time. They wanted to know what it would be like to have a child. From what I was told, I wasn’t the easiest baby to look after.

Trying to conceive a child proved a challenge for them. After a few years of trying, Sara finally became pregnant. Two months later, she miscarried. It wasn’t until several years later, they tried again. This was after my mother had left me and Dad. Sara was there for us, and we were there for her when she became pregnant once again. During the eighth month, Miles gave signs he wanted to be born earlier than scheduled. Once he was born, he spent countless months in the hospital since he was born too early and was too tiny to be allowed to go home.

I must have spent a good chunk of my time at that hospital, which was the one Sara worked at, her second home. We were each other’s company while my father was busy at work. I had lost my mother, and she was worried about losing another child after losing her husband a few months before. That was the moment I thought Sara as my mother and Miles as my younger brother.

Miles rushed over as soon as I unlocked the door and stopped promptly at my feet, a blue backpack on his back. Can we go to the bookstore?

Who told you we were going to the mall today? I didn’t bother to take the key out of the keyhole.

Mom did. Grinning from ear to ear. The only place Miles went to while at the mall was the bookstore.

Have you been waiting the whole time with your backpack on?

Yep.

But what If I would have said no?

Your dad told my mom that your uncle gave you money for the arcade, and you would never pass the chance to play games on someone else’s dime.

Okay, breathe, Miles. Breathe, we’re going. What’s so important at the bookstore?

Books.

You have a library at your school.

Comic books.

Right, well, okay then. Time to go. Locking the door to their house and to my bike, we walked to the city bus stop.

During the ride to the mall, the rain started to fall. As we got closer and closer to the mall, the rain hitting the window of the bus had grown stronger. The bus stop at the mall provided no cover. We dashed into the mall as we tried to get away from the rain that had now gone sideways.

We might have to wait here until one of our parents gets off. I don’t want us to walk home in that mess.

Do you mean we’re stuck at the mall all day? Miles’ blue eyes shone with excitement.

Afraid so.

Can we eat first?

Didn’t you have breakfast?

Of course, I did... at seven.

You wake up too early, my young friend.

We walked by teenagers and young adults alike who were more interested in hanging out than actually buying something at the mall. We had no trouble walking along the brown marble floor since the mall wasn’t that crowded. Either it was too early, or the weather kept the masses at home.

After paying a scrawny-looking female at the counter, Miles and I took our pizzas to a nearby table. Both chairs screeched loudly on the floor as we pulled them out.

Do you think anyone heard that?

I don’t think anyone cares. I looked around the food court to find the majority preoccupied with their own business. And with the TVs outside the music store.

I looked over to one of the TVs placed around the food court. They were hung from the ceiling and played random pop music videos and ads for the stores.

Miles was almost done with his slice of pepperoni pizza. A book was in his other hand as he ate. The book was a hardcover with a silhouette of a pig and a spider on the front.

Trays fell to the floor as a cry echoed through the food court.

What’s going on? a male voice from behind me wondered.

Hey, Miles? Can you put that book away? We might have to leave soon.

Miles gulped the rest of his pizza, cleaned his hand before putting his book into his backpack. What’s going on? Do you think it’s a tornado?

I hope not, I hate those things. I did the same with my pineapple slice of pizza.

Then my life changed forever, as cliché as that sounded.

We’re under attack!

I turned around in my chair again. People left their food and made a dash to the nearest exit, which was right by the music store. Do you want to see what’s going on? I turned back to Miles.

Miles was already standing and set to go.

Before we got the chance to leave our table, a news broadcast played on all of the TVs, including the ones in the food court. Reports are coming in all around the world about these mysterious holes appearing at random. There have even been accounts of large robots emerging from these portals. The military is on full alert and has advised everyone to remain calm and to remain in their homes. The president will be speaking shortly, and we’ll bring you his speech live as soon as it becomes available.

Miles took my hand in his. Is this a joke? Like that radio program?

I heard people screaming. Their footsteps clamoring through the mall. Glass broke as panic grew. People screamed about the world ending and to confess sins. I could hear Miles speaking, but it wasn’t registering.

JB! Miles called out, pulling my arm downward. The pizzeria, look!

I snapped out of my daze. Why does it look fuzzy over there? I only wore glasses a few times when I was around eight years old. It wasn’t my eyes playing a trick on me because Miles saw it too.

I want to go home, Miles reiterated my thoughts.

A loud pop echoed throughout the entire mall. People screamed as they fell to their knees. I barely heard anything as my ears rang, creating an instant headache. Another loud pop. It sounded like a gunshot mixed with the pop of giant bubble wrap. This occurred five more times and now, it seemed my hearing was completely gone. I struggled to open my eyes, tears hindered my vision.

Both of my hands were empty. I spun around to locate Miles. Miles! I cried, knowing if I couldn’t hear, there was a good chance that he couldn’t either. I called out to him again before I saw his body curled up on the floor. I rolled him onto his back. His eyes were closed, passed out from the noise. The blood rushed to my head as I bent down to pick up Miles. My heart beat out of my chest and ears as I struggled to stand with Miles in my arms. I gulped in a large amount of air as I tried to keep myself from passing out. I slowly looked over to the area where we attempted to focus on before. There seemed to be a circular pool standing vertically ten feet tall and five feet wide now. The hole—portal, I guess you could call it that, rippled, but it looked like there was something on the other side, and it wasn’t the food court. A dark purplish-blue light shined around the outside of the portal as it focused on its own. Was this just one of my dreams?

Did I fall asleep on the school bus again?

Move! I heard a voice screaming out. It was enough to take me out of my train of thought, and I looked around to find the source. You need to get out of there now!

As I took a step back, the middle of the portal cleared up. Before I could figure out what was on the other side, a large beam of energy escaped the portal. It passed over our heads and destroyed the entire music store.

Glass flew in all directions. I felt a stinging pain on my lower leg. A small amount of blood trickled down.

This way! I looked right and left but saw no one. Then I realized I could hear again. The popping sound was still present but fainter than it was before.

Someone grabbed my arm and spun me around. Can you hear me? I was met with a pair of sparkling brown eyes with golden specs swirling within.

What is he doing here? Yes?

Good. Follow me. I can get you guys out of here.

What the hell is going on?

Kyle took Miles from me. I’ll explain later. We need to get somewhere safe. There has to be an access hatch to the roof. He scanned the food court. There, the stairwell.

The three of us, as fast as possible, dashing between scared mall goers, made our way to the closed double doors marked ‘roof access: employees only.’

What’s going on? And who are you?

Miles, it’s okay. He’s a friend. Kyle placed Miles on the floor, then immediately walked toward another set of doors within the hallway.

Do you remember what happened?

I think so. There was a loud noise. That was the last thing I remembered.

That sounds about right.

It was louder than the monster trucks we saw last month. What’s going on? Miles asked again.

I’m not too sure, but Kyle here said we will be safe on the roof.

Safer, he said over his shoulder.

Or we could just hide in this hallway. Seems safe enough. Then we heard it, a loud boom, unlike before. It sounded more like giant footsteps. Steps shaking the ground. Do I even want to know what that is?

No, now come on. Kyle pushed open the double doors in desperate need of oil. Straight ahead of us was a single metal ladder going up.

You have to climb to the top of the ladder, so be careful. I’ll stay here to make sure no one follows you.

Miles, you go first. I’ll be right behind you.

The ladder was sturdy enough to hold two people at once. Yet I hesitated. You’re coming too, right? The roof was your idea.

That’s the plan.

Hey, Miles called down. The door is locked.

We both looked up to confirm what Miles was looking at. There was a lock keeping the door to the roof restricted to those without a key.

Miles, Kyle called up. I need you to take a few steps back down and close your eyes, okay?

What are you doing? I asked as Kyle took aim, with his finger, and shot a bolt of yellow flash at the lock.

A slight smell of ozone filled my nostrils. I coughed as I continued to stare at Kyle. What?

Okay, Miles, you should be able to get outside now.

What? How? Wait.

You need to go now. The footsteps grew louder. Loud enough for Kyle to raise his voice.

I stammered over my words. The things happening right now weren’t supposed to happen in real life. I couldn’t calm down my heart or my hands that refused to stop shaking. How was I supposed to climb up a ladder?

I felt Kyle’s hands on my shoulders. You need to protect Miles.

Without saying a word, I climbed the ladder. No matter what was going on, Kyle was right about Miles. I took a nonverbal oath to look after Sara’s son. I had to focus on only that. I looked up at a  gray sky, and Miles looked down at me.

I reached the top of the ladder. Come on.

Kyle was already walking back into the food court area.

Yea, I’m pretty sure this is one of my crazy dreams.

I want to go home. Miles took my