A Classic Case of Deja Vu

By Gift Ruremesha

A car was coming towards her. Surprisingly she didnt see it and I couldnt get to her in time. I saw it slam into her. I saw her fly into the air and land on her arm. I saw it yet I couldnt stop it.
I didnt see the driver; it didnt really matter at that moment in time. All I cared about was my mother.
But something felt odd, like dj vu.
Doli and Nymphandora are both running away from their past. They both find themselves in Chicago, and as they get to know each other, they realise they havent left their past behind; it has simply followed them.
So what are they going to do? Are they going to run again or stay and fight?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Nov 10, 2015
• ISBN: 9781504993456

Gift Ruremesha

Hello, I am Gift and welcome to my second book! Here’s a little about myself: I love to write and I love to read. On the days when I’m not strapped to my computer or lost in a book I am doing some kind of sport (these days it’s swimming and the gym), dreaming about travel and learning new languages. As I have enjoyed falling into worlds created by my favourite authors I hope you will enjoy falling into the world I created.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

[Texas, 2010]

What a long day, Cleo and Emmerald never fail to entertain me but we went a little overboard and now, well, I’m rushing to get home. Mom hates it when I’m late for dinner.

Mom, I’m home. I called out as I stepped through our golden front door.

Doli, what are you doing home so early? she called from the living room sounding weirdly panicked.

Early? Mom, it’s like dinner time. I said putting my coat on the hook.

Doli, leave, go to Cleo’s house, leave now! Mom screamed.

That’s when I realised something wasn’t right. How had I missed that low rumbling sound, like an engine motor? What was going on?

I stepped into the living room to find my mom pressed flat against the wall staring with huge eyes at something that was over my shoulder.

If this is about a spider again I’m so going to… whoa!

Turning around I lost all trail of thought for standing behind me was the biggest freaking tiger I had ever seen and I went to the zoo last week. I’m sure they didn’t get that big, am I dreaming?

Its lips were pulled back over its sharp white teeth, its ears were pressed against its skull and it was all tense as if it was getting ready to pounce and I was the only thing in its way.

Mom, go call Thumble. Go now! I told her, never taking my eyes off the animal. Then the strangest thing happened.

It spoke to me.

I am Thumble. It growled but I couldn’t believe it. How was it possible? Use your eyes Doli, you know it’s me. Now please move over so I can tear that thing you call your mother limb from limb.

Real or not I was scared. It couldn’t be Thumble. I mean really? But Thumble or not the threat was real enough and the way its growl shook the room made me nervous. I wasn’t going to wait around any longer.

So I ran away from him thinking he was the threat grabbing onto my mom as I pasted, heading for the door then our car. Mom was in no condition to drive so I would have to. At least that was what I tried to do. Until I felt his presence, his anger; I heard the growl that told me I didn’t have enough time. As I pushed Mom out the door I felt it. I felt pain. All I knew was that he’d got me.

* * *

[Chicago, 2009]

Welcome to our group, She beamed like it was the best freaking news I’d ever hear.

Guess what, it wasn’t.

I didn’t want this. I’m not ready. I didn’t want this to happen. Why did they have to spoil everything! I wanted a normal life not to join this freak crew!

I felt the anger build up and wash over me and I felt myself shift and change into something else. I heard them gasp in awe.

That’s not what I wanted either. They can’t get anything right. Too damn cheerful they are.

I don’t want this! Okay? Do you understand? Now move so I can get the hell out of here! I growled Now!

The bold and brave miss who had introduced herself as Fransina stood her ground. How annoying.

No, I won’t move. You have to stay. You have to accept what you are. You are one of us now. She insisted. I’d got it the first time around. She didn’t need to keep on repeating herself.

What is this? A cult! I will not stand by and listen to this madness. I’ll give you ten seconds to move. I spat.

I will not move. You can count to one hundred for all I care. She said, equally fierce.

I laughed, a rare occasion most would say, but I laughed. Ah well, you leave me no choice then…

I tensed and crouched low facing her. Instantly all her little cult friends jumped and shifted in mid-air, landing in front of her as if to protect her. Fransina just stood fast. It was too easy. I leaped over them all without any trouble. As big as they were, they were no match for me. Bursting out of the warehouse doors I began to run away from that cult convention. I thought I was home free, until out of nowhere, he appeared. The one whom I’d found the most interesting. And most of all, cute. With his amazingly long brown hair, beautiful reddish brown skin, and those piercing dark eyes. I could easily have jumped over him but something stopped me. I skidded to a halt in front of him.

We are not a cult, we want to help you. So stop being so stubborn. As cute as you are I will not hesitate in dragging you back in there. He said with such confidence that I couldn’t help but calm down in awe.

I doubt he could drag me back inside. He might be taller than me in my human form but in this form there was no contest. But the look in his eyes told me that he held something very mysterious and powerful, that with him size didn’t matter.

Nymphandora, He said holding his hand out to me. I shifted back to my human form.

Jack I said. I took his hand.

CHAPTER 1

[Chicago 2011]

Nymphandora

Hey ya, sweet cakes, what are you doing here? Jackanory asked me.

Buying stuff…I have a right to go to the shops you know. I replied.

You might but you’re scaring the costumers, with that spooky expression of yours. He said smiling.

Whatever Cinnamon, I scoffed. I pushed past him before he could do that thing where he reads me like a book. I paid for my item and left the shop assuming he wouldn’t follow me but he did.

Wow, I knew it! You did buy sweet cakes, so much for that diet. You know what they say: a leopard can never change its spots. He laughed, keeping up with me easily. Curse his long legs. I reached into his paper bag pulling out his purchase: cinnamon waffles.

Look whose talking Cinnamon. I said.

At least I don’t deny it. he said nonchalantly. Nothing ever bothered him. Well almost nothing, but he’s so optimistic sometimes, it’s not natural.

I ignored him as I carried on my way down the busy Chicago Street and ate one of the cakes.

Jack can be mean to me. So what if I love sweet cakes?

Come on; don’t pretend you’re mad at me. I know you’re not. I know what you were thinking earlier too. I could hear the smile in his voice.

What was I thinking? I asked looking up at him, I kind of hate that I have to do that. Jack smiled my favourite smile. The one filled with promise and mystery. He knew that smile made me melt, which is why he used it so often.

Nymphandora Jenkins, hey wait up! Fransina called from behind us. Phew, I was saved, for now at least. We stopped walking.

Fransina Makanover, how are you today? I asked.

Fantastic! Have you brought more sweet cakes? she asked.

What is it with people and my sweet cakes?

You said you were on a diet, She replied.

What are you doing here anyway? Don’t you have school? I asked.

Don’t you? I came to meet Jack, although I am kind of dreading school. Do you think he still hates me? she asked.

Oh, that whole thing with CC. When will it blow over?

Maybe, maybe not, who knows? I shrugged.

So anyway, are you two ready? Jack asked, obviously changing the subject.

I don’t know I was waiting for you. I said.

Jack grinned showing his prefect set of white teeth. Did I mention that I loved it when he smiled?

You do care about me after all.

Of course I do.

Jack looked at me expectantly.

What do you want? I asked.

I want you but right now I want a bit of your cake.

I rolled my eyes and broke of a piece off one of my mini cakes and feed it to him.

Mmm… he sighed Not as sweet as you though.

I blushed and Fransina sighed.

I am here you know. Can we go?

Sure sure. Jack and I said.

As we walked I told them about yet another girl I had to show around the school for her first day. Her name was Doli and she was coming from Seattle.

Ah, another follower to add to your collection. Jack commented. It was a running joke how many people I had to show around the school. I was always picked to do it for some reason. Jack called them my followers.

I feel sorry for the girl, she has to be shown around by you and you’re quite scary. Fransina teased.

How mean!

Fransina giggled, she can be so girly Anyway I have big news!

What? Oh don’t tell me, you’re the new–

-head Cheerleader! Isn’t that great? I rule the roost! Fransina squealed jumping up and down clapping her hands. Boy was she happy.

What good news. I said sarcastically. I wasn’t the cheerleader type.

I know, oh look we’re here. I’ll see you at lunch. She hurried off into our high school buzzing with excitement.

She’s happy. I commented to Jack.

Yeah, just remember that your opinion matters to her, okay? he said as he kissed me goodbye and walked off to his homeroom. I know my opinion matters but that doesn’t mean I’m going to lie to her.

Besides I didn’t have the luxury of going straight to homeroom. I had to stop by the principal’s office to pick up my new follower.

Hello Nymphandora, she’s in the waiting area. The principal’s secretary told me when I appeared at her door. She doesn’t have a time table until tomorrow so she’ll be going to your lessons for today. I entered the waiting area to meet my new follower.

She was different and not exactly what I had expected. She had wavy dull brown hair with bangs. She had a nose piercing and her skin looked golden as if she’d just stepped off a beach, coincidently she had eyes that were the colour of the sea and cherry pink lips. She wore a dark skirt with thick tights and grey boots; I couldn’t see any more of her outfit due to her thick silver coat. I got a bad ass vibe from her though.

Hello Doli, I’m Nymphandora. I said introducing myself. She looked me up and down as if she was scanning me for danger. She was different alright, very different.

Doli

I’m living in Chicago! I still can’t believe it. How did it all come to this point? Oh yeah, it was all Thumble’s fault. He drove us from Texas and then he drove us from Seattle, to Chicago. Although I have to say Chicago culture almost makes up for it all.

As soon as I’d stepped off that plane in O’Hare airport, I knew I would love Chicago. I even love where I’m living now in Hyde Park. The only thing I wasn’t looking forward to was coming to school and now here I am. In Apple High School and my official tour guide is standing in front of me. She said her name was Nymphandora. What a strange name but then again, I can’t exactly talk. My name’s pretty strange too, thanks Mom. She reminded me of something though, Nymphandora. Something about her just set off something in my mind, something that made me feel a bit on edge. But it was probably nothing.

It’s not like she looks weird or anything, she’s actually very pretty in a different kind of way. It was like she was bursting with life, vibrant. Her bright amber eyes shone with curiosity as she stared at me, although they were hidden slightly by her over grown fringe. Speaking of her hair it was a muddy brown colour with gold streaks; long and full. She could so be in a hair advert. Even her clothes were awesome; she wore pure black converses with purple tights, a black rara skirt which was customised and a purple t-shirt which really showed off her curves. She had a leather jacket on to complete the look.

My goodness wasn’t she cold? Didn’t she realise that it was winter right now? I resisted the urge to cover her with my hoodie. She reminded me of Cleo and Emm back home. I realised I was staring and making the girl feel uncomfortable so I said:

Hello, I’m Doli as you know. I’ve just moved here from Seattle. I really appreciate you showing me around. I smiled at her so that I appeared friendly and so that in turn she’d feel more comfortable. It worked and she smiled back at me. What a nice smile she had.

Your accent is southern, She commented.

Well, I did live in Texas most my life. We only lived in Seattle for a little while.

Cool, I love southern accents. Come on, I’ll show you to our first lesson before we’re late. They haven’t got your timetable today so you’ll be going to my lessons for now. She said. I already knew all this but I didn’t say so.

What’s our first lesson?

We’ve missed homeroom, well there’s not much left of it, so we have English first.

I love English, so that’s a good start to the day. I said.

You’re awfully optimistic. Nymphandora observed.

I know I do tend to be, it can annoy some people. I said.

I like it.

I knew she was nice.

Aren’t you cold? I asked

Nymphandora shrugged No, I don’t get cold that easily.

We fell silent as we walked the halls of the school, taking everything in. Well I was anyway. My first impression of it was that it was really warm and nicely decorate, basic but I liked it.

This is our English class, Nymphandora said as we stopped in front of a yellow door with a translucent window. My teacher is alright but I rarely pay attention so I don’t know what else to tell you.

I liked her honesty.

I don’t mind. I was the same back home.

We entered the class room and I got a little nervous as I saw all the blank faces looking back at me but they weren’t as bad as the kids back in Seattle. That had been brutal.

Hello Nymphandora, another student to join our ranks I see. Her English teacher commented. Nymphandora shrugged.

This is Doli; she’ll only be with us for a day. She said.

Aw, that is a shame. You looked like you’d actually listen to my lesson. He said looking at Nymphandora pointedly.

I listen. She lied.

Sure you do and Fransina can fly. Speaking of which, Ben move next to Fransina so Doli can sit next to Nymphandora.

A brown haired guy, I’m assuming Ben, moved. Not that he was too unhappy about it; I mean the girl, Fransina, was beautiful. She was Asian and she had beautiful long light brown hair and deep brown eyes that were just as soulful as Ben’s.

Hi, I’m Fransina. You must be Doli? Fransina said to me.

Yes I am.

Oh wow you have a southern accent? How cool, you have to sit with us at lunch. She smiled.

Sure I’d love to.

If everyone is this friendly, I think I’ll love this school.

Nymphandora:

This is where I hang out with my extended family of friends. I announced as we entered the dining hall. Doli was the best follower I’d ever had. She was polite and friendly and so optimistic it was infectious. Our dining hall wasn’t anything to be proud of but there were tables and food and an outside eating area for when it got warmer. So I guess it’s not all bad. You don’t have to stay with me you know. There are clubs and if you’ve met some other friends feel free to go with them.

You’ve done this a lot haven’t you? She asked looking at the food on offer. The people who made the menu didn’t really have much creativity, a fact I’d already apologized for.

Erm, yeah I have. Is it that obvious?

Not really but I just notice these things. She shrugged.

So you’re the observant type?

My friends say so. They used to say I shouldn’t be so observant when I first meet people because I freak them out. She laughed.

It takes a lot to freak me out.

She smiled, That’s good then, I take a while get used to.

What a joke. Let’s just wait and see who’s going to be running away screaming, I’ll bet it’ll be her, especially when she finds out what I really am, not that I’m going to tell her but… these things find a way of coming out especially if she starts to hang out with us regularly.

After we’d gotten our food (macaroni cheese, it was that or pizza and their pizza tastes like card board) I lead her to our table that my friends and I normally sat at. It was a normal table that was big and round.

Can I ask a personal question? Doli asked looking at me.

I shrugged, I didn’t care either way. Sure.

What race are you?

Oh was that it? I’m half Indian and half white. I told her.

That’s a really cool mix to have, no wonder you’re so pretty. She beamed, making her chin dimple more pronounced. If I hung around her too much I’d end up with a really big head.

You really are too nice, Doli.

I try but some days are harder than others. Yesterday I ignored my mom when she told me to turn the television channel. She joked.

Oh no, I gasped in mock horror.

She did a dramatic sniff and said: I hope one day, she’ll forgive me.

I was laughing when Jack, Sunny and Fransina came into the dining hall. Jack turned and caught my eye. I could tell he was surprised. I don’t normally warm up to people I’ve meet only once. Jack beamed and came straight over to us not bothering with the food.

I’m not hungry, He said to my unasked question when he sat down. You must be Doli?

I am and you are? Doli said extending her hand in greeting.

Jack shook her hand saying I’m Jack, Nymphandora however calls me Cinnamon.

Are you two together? she asked us.

I blushed, was it that obvious? Jack’s arm being around me didn’t help but still.

Yeah, Nymphandora begged and begged to date me so one day I took pity on her and what do you know, she was actually alright.

I elbowed him in his side.

You are so mean. I said. You’re the one who asked me out and you’re the one who seduced me.

I seduced you? he smiled. I’d landed myself into that one. Thankfully CC, Jammy and Nefertiti Fern had just entered the hall, providing me with a distraction.

Oh hey look there are some more of my friends. I said pointing them out.

Doli looked over towards them the look of amusement still on her face when her eyes locked with CC’s. Then she blushed all the way to her roots. I think our rooting tooting Doli may like our CC.

Doli

I was just sitting there making Nymphandora laugh and getting to know Jack, who is so easy to be around and handsome. The first thing you notice about him is his height; he’s so tall! I don’t know how Nymphandora manages. Then the second thing is his beautiful hair, yeah weird to say that about a guy but man is his hair awesome. Lastly it’s his easy grin that shows me why Nymphandora likes him, at least in the physical sense.

Then there were the girls who he’d left by the food counter; one of them being Fransina who I’d already met and the other being this totally gorgeous girl. She was so bright and bouncy! She even had bouncy curly long hair that was almost white blonde. She was tall but not over six foot, maybe a little taller than me. She made Nymphandora and Fransina look short. She had these bright blue eyes. The overall effect was blinding.

So anyway they were getting their lunch and I was sitting there watching Jack and Nymphandora’s playful banter with amusement when Nymphandora pointed and said: Oh hey look there are some more of my friends.

I looked in the direction expecting to see more good looking people and I was NOT disappointed. I saw the most handsome boy…man… guy I have ever seen. He was gorgeous. I blushed as his sea green eyes locked with mine. A faint smile appeared on his lips and I was transfixed. He had the same colour hair as the blonde girl and his was just as curly but it didn’t quite reach his neck… he was also a tall guy only a little shorter than Jack I’d imagine.

That is CC. Nymphandora said smiling at my expression. CC, why CC?

CC is his nick name. Jack informed me.

CC, oh wow I think I’m smitten.

CHAPTER 2

Doli

They were staring at me and talking amongst themselves. Maybe they hadn’t liked the look of me and had decided they didn’t want to sit near me. Maybe the blond Greek god, CC, didn’t like me. Why would he? He probably thinks I’m some country bumpkin with weird hair… I am just the new girl with the southern accent after all.

They eventually came over with these big smiles on their faces. He was even better looking up close especially now that he was smiling.

Hi, my name’s Calypso. The Greek god said, My friends call me CC but please call me Calypso. What’s your name?

Don’t you already know? I asked, I mean everyone seems to know what my name is already.

Erm… yeah but I wanted to hear it from you.

I’d unnerved him a little, oops.

Doli, I said looking down at my food.

Have I offended you somehow? Is it because I took too long checking you out over there by the food counter? he asked his eyes pinning me.

Despite my best efforts I blushed, I fiddled with my hair as I searched my brain for a good come back. Stupid brain for turning into mush!

One of the other boys who I hadn’t been introduced to yet cleared his throat.

Oh sorry, Doli this is Japonica but we call him Jammy. Nymphandora said pointing to the clear-the-throat guy. Jammy was Latino, and he had a cheeky grin, sharp brown eyes and curly brown hair that reminded me of Joe Jonas’ hair, you know, before he cut it all. This is his girlfriend and our friend Nefertiti but sometimes people call her by her last name, Fern. This time she pointed to an African supermodel. Are there any horrible looking people in this school? Am I the only one? Oh wait, yeah there are… but this girl was tall and she had lovely long thick curly black hair, brown eyes and legs that never seemed to end. And this is Sunbeam although her real name is Sarah, she is CC’s twin. Nymphandora said pointing to the blonde girl.

Why do you always say that? Sunbeam asked The fact that we’re twins? Isn’t it obvious?

No, some people would think you’re dating.

First of all gross and second of all he was flirting with her! Sunbeam exclaimed.

Do you remember my follower from last month; she thought you two were dating. Nymphandora justified.

She was stupid. Sunbeam shrugged causing the others to laugh.

Yes, they are the sunshine twins. The one called Jammy said to me smiling. But enough about us, how about you? Have you been in Chicago long?

Only two weeks. I said. Two long weeks of finding our new home and then trying to find a school for me. We also had to get to know Chicago and figure out what was the best way to travel. Mom and I went everywhere. It’s so… vibrant, like these people. All of Nymphandora’s friends had a vibrant feel to them, especially Nymphandora.

Kind of like what Thumble had when I think about it, he was vibrant. But I won’t think about him, I won’t let him ruin my otherwise lovely day.

Only two weeks? So where are you from? Calypso asked looking up from his lunch.

I’m from Texas but we lived in Seattle for a bit and then we moved here.

I knew I loved your accent. It’s alluring. He smiled.

CC, please, don’t scare her. She’ll think you’re a pervert. Sunbeam said playfully.

No she won’t will you Doli?

Nope

You see, he said sticking his tongue out at his twin. Nymphandora hasn’t put you off staying in Chicago has she? If she has I’d love to take you out some time and show you the sights. He said, looking directly into my eyes.

I smiled She hasn’t scared me off but I’d love it if you showed me around. I’d hate to miss out on anything.

Calypso held the eye contact for a while longer and then it happened. I felt this electric sizzle travel up and down my spine. I looked down quickly