Hope Striders: To the End of Ones Mean

By Ellyssa Muniz

“What possible history could you have with this one girl?” I heard the sound of the blade cut the air, but I also heard shortly after a small laugh coming from the old woman. “'Your toys do not threaten me.”

“Fix her.”

“And unlike your toys, she is not one of them. She cannot simply be fixed on the spot like you ask.” The old lady lifted her glasses from off her chest and onto her face at the tip of her nose. She bent her head down to my neck and placed her hand there. She leaned back to her straightened position. “I’m sorry, I cannot—”

The blade slammed down onto the table, and the sound of a large thump echoed the small room. His voice was very threatening as each word spilled out of his mouth with hatred. “Do something.”

The Chinese lady tilted her head almost in inquisition. “Who is she to you?”

“No one.”

“Oh, she is someone indeed. What is her name?”

“Katie, but she likes to be called another name.”

“Which is what?”

“Kay.” He tried to avoid saying.

“Kay what?” The lady continued, determined to find the motive behind this guy’s actions.

“Kay Wormwood,” he submitted.

He knows me?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 23, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524509781

Ellyssa Muniz

Ellyssa Muniz is excited to release her second book to her series Hope Striders. She has been overwhelmed with the support she has been receiving through the course of her release of her first book, Hope Striders: A New Beginnings End. She’s currently writing the third book and looks forward to hearing back from her readers. Ellyssa is currently working on her bachelor’s degree in social psychology at Southeastern University and continues to stay headstrong in her faith to drive on the force by giving God all the glory in all of her endeavors.

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Copyright © 2016 by Ellyssa Muniz.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 04/22/2020

Xlibris

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CONTENTS

Prologue

CH1

CH2

CH3

CH4

CH5

CH6

CH7

CH8

CH9

CH10

CH11

CH12

CH13

CH14

CH15

CH16

CH17

CH18

CH19

CH20

CH21

CH22

CH23

CH24

CH25

CH26

CH27

CH28

CH29

CH30

Epilogue

A Letter To My Readers!

PROLOGUE

The wind whirled my slick brown hair around my face and behind my neck. I lifted my head to watch the green leaves attached to the trees rub against each other as the breeze rushed over and under each individual branch. The sun was barely tipping over the horizon as the sky was manifesting large blue and orange clouds. The birds chirped loudly, flying free in the sky; soaring in the sixty-degree weather. Everything seemed peaceful and everything seemed in place, except while something so beautiful was happening above, something more tragic was happening below.

Funerals.

Nothing ever changed with them. It was the same unbearable silence between everyone that could never be heard anywhere else other than a funeral. The dreadful stained color of black on everyone’s clothes. The constant heads tilted downward; too afraid to stare into the pastor’s eyes, let alone the family that stood lifeless in the thoughts of their lost one. Everyone had their place, even the casket. It lay in the middle of everyone as people dropped flowers and notes as if the person was ever going to read them.

A good majority of people would declare that they’ve been to a funeral, but I’m the only one who could honestly say they’ve been to a funeral twice for the same person. While people struggled to make eye contact with the casket, it was me who couldn’t keep my eyes from it. Both of them. Austin’s casket laid adjacent to Liam’s as the pastor went on with the funerary rites. Everything seemed muffled against my ears as he continued to talk. I could see my reflection from the casket and I couldn’t help but notice my dad, Tom, who stood with his black and white suit and his hair slicked to the side. His gaze was fixed on the pastor’s mouth, seemingly captivated by every word he spoke. He nodded in agreement as if he was paying attention to any of it. But I knew his heart. Despite my hatred for his past decisions for making me believe that he and my brother died when they really hadn’t, I knew his true feelings. I knew this because I felt the exact same way. My heart was empty, alone, drained, and even tired.

For the first time since the service started, I took my eyes off the two caskets in front of me to look down at my green dress. Everyone was surprised to see me wearing it at the funeral, but I had my own reasons for doing so. It was when Liam and I were at my mom’s funeral that I remember Liam leaning into me and whispering, ‘‘If I had my own way, I would want everyone to wear green at my funeral.’’ Before I could ask him why, Tom had hushed us in silence. I never liked dresses, but I was willing to do this for him. Thinking of his name almost destroyed the facade that I’ve been building ever since I broke down at the Foundation. I straightened up my posture and blinked several times to push back the tears that began to well up. I looked over to the side of me and saw Tom for all that he was.

Tom was different this time around. He barely spoke to anyone since he found out his son was stoned by Peace, the leader—or former leader of the Bystanders who had died by my hand. I looked up to see everyone I considered family and people whom I never seen in my life. Next to me on my right, with hands intertwined with mine, was Noah. His face was unreadable, but I knew he was sad for me. He held my hand as his thumb circled around the top of my palm to comfort me. Next to him was Jake, who for the first time in his life was serious. It was weird seeing him this way; it only made this time that much more unbearable. After Kai, Peace’s son, escaped from the holds of the Foundation, Tom asked for anyone who was willing to stay and help capture him. I thought it would be great at the time for Jake and Noah to go and investigate Kai’s disappearance, but at the same time find a way to get a cure for my brother. Unfortunately, what I thought would be a couple of days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months and months turned into years. And I hadn’t seen or heard from them ever since.

Ryan, who chose not to attend the funeral left closely after them. I knew he wasn’t going to stay for long, but I thought he would at least stay longer than he originally had. And then there were Tray and Destinee who announced their ongoing relationship. They stood hand in hand with their heads lowered in sorrow. Destinee kept her head on Tray’s shoulder as silent tears ran down her cheek. It didn’t take too long for them to lose hope in my plan to bring back my brother. Probably a week after Jake and Noah left, Tray and Destinee went their own way.

Next to them was Crystal; she wore black jeans and a black blouse with her hair pinned up in the back. Her face was stoic as she focused intently on Austin’s casket. We all knew she hated Liam, but it was nice of her not to express it around me. Her patience was wearing thin long before Ryan had left, and I was a little surprised she stayed longer than him. After another failed attempt to find the cure, she decided to leave without letting any of us know where she went.

My eyes scanned the crowd and found a smaller figure wearing a black dress. Kim...sweet Kim.

I could barely look at her without shedding a tear. She kept a tissue to her eyes so that she could catch the tears that were coming down. I truly believed she’d stay with me to the end, but I knew deep down she didn’t believe we would have any more luck of finding the cure. I saw the way she looked at me every time I came to her with another plan. Early one morning she had come to my bed-side with her little bag and told me that she was going to go with Ms. Heckler’s friends to get better hold of her gift. She told me it might help her get some insight to creating a cure if she was able to better grasp her power. At first, I believed her, but as time passed, I figured she was only there to train and not find a cure after all. Days became weeks and weeks became months.

I watched as I saw the people I didn’t know fade away and one by one, what I called a family had disappeared.

I was alone...again.

I had insisted on a human burial outside of the Foundation instead of having it on their grounds. Tom had agreed willingly, which surprised me. Here I was again at my brother’s grave, but this time Austin was by his side. I kneeled between the two tomb stones and just cried. I had been so obsessed with finding the cure for my brother, that I detached myself from the real world and the only family I had. I blamed myself when everyone had finally left me. So, finding the cure for my brother became that much more important. The search was no longer about Liam’s life anymore; it was about bringing back the people that I loved together again.

I lowered my head and cried in my hands. Before long, I heard footsteps approaching me, making a hard crunch from the dead leaves beneath their feet. I looked up and shielded my eyes from the blinding sun that glared down in my face. A guy bent down to my level so the sun was no longer in my eyes. He stared at me with concern, ‘‘Are you okay, miss?’’ He was cute but seemed young. He had brown messy hair with hazel eyes shining bright through strands that covered part of his forehead. He wore a green shirt with khakis. The shirt had a small picture on the left side of it with two white doves flying across a tree. Below had the words, ROBERTSONS CEMETERY. ‘‘I see you come here every day, and every day you cry your heart out until you fall asleep.’’

I wiped my tears from my face and stood up. I watched as he straightened his posture with the shovel he held in his hand. He held it in front of him with both hands on top of the handle waiting for me to respond. ‘‘Sorry,’’ I said, softly.

‘‘Don’t be sorry miss, just a bit concerned for ya.’’

He had some kind of accent, but I couldn’t pin-point from where. ‘‘I’ll go.’’

His hand stretched out to stop me from leaving. ‘‘No miss, you don’t have to. I believe it was me who was intruding. I’ll be the one to leave. I was just concerned for you.’’ He nodded his head once, ‘‘Have a great day, miss.’’ He pulled the shovel out of the ground and smiled at me before turning around.

‘‘Wait.’’ He turned his head to look at me. ‘‘Thank you.’’

‘‘For what?’’

‘‘For your concern.’’ I concluded.

‘‘It’s the least I could do Ma’am.’’

I smiled at his politeness. ‘‘You sound so proper.’’

‘‘Just the way I was brought up, I guess.’’ I watched his mouth curve into a smile. He walked two steps towards me before nodding to the tombstones next to me. ‘‘So, who were they?’’

I looked down and read both the names of the loved ones lost. ‘‘My brother Liam and my good friend Austin.’’

‘‘If you don’t mind me asking miss, how did they pass?’’

I couldn’t tell him they died from people who had special abilities during a battle that could’ve exploded onto the human world. So, I said, ‘‘Car accident.’’

‘‘I see. I would say that I was sorry for your loss, but I’m sure you had enough people say that to you.’’

I nodded. ‘‘But thanks.’’ I looked at him curiously. He smiled again with his hazel eyes almost making my heart skip a beat. ‘‘Um...I better go.’’

His face changed so quickly it almost hurt. His joyful smile turned into a frown. He nodded in agreement as he tried to hide his disappointment. He said, ‘‘See you tomorrow then, same time.’’ He turned on his heels and walked away.

‘‘Hey!’’ I yelled trying to catch up with him—almost tripping over a rock. He turned his head and looked at me. ‘‘What’s your name?’’

His smile was like no other as he said, ‘‘Roman.’’

‘‘That’s a nice name.’’ I nodded, almost awkwardly.

‘‘Thank you, Miss.’’

‘‘You don’t have to call me Miss or Ma’am.’’

‘‘Then what is it that you would like me to call you?’’

I struggled with this. If I told him Kay, it made me feel like I was still stuck in the past. So, I decided to change and move forward. I said, ‘‘Katie.’’ Nothing too drastic, but definitely different in my book.

He looked at the ground and then back at me with his beautiful hazel eyes fixed on mine. ‘‘Katie.’’ He said to himself. ‘‘It was nice to finally meet you.’’ His smile was contagious.

‘‘It’s nice to finally meet...the cemetery gardener?’’

He laughed under his breath, ‘‘I guess you can say that. This Cemetery belongs to my dad’s side of the family.’’

‘‘So, he must be the priest at the church then?’’

He laughed again. ‘‘Absolutely not. My dad may own this property, but he hasn’t stepped foot on these grounds his entire life.’’

‘‘So why do you work here?’’

‘‘It’s a job. Pays the bills. You know how that is I’m sure.’’

‘‘You have bills? You don’t look older than sixteen.’’

‘‘That wouldn’t be the first time I’ve gotten that.’’ He smiled. ‘‘I’m actually twenty-one.’’ My eyes widened in disbelief.

I tried to keep my face in check but by the way he smiled at me made it even more confident that my face must’ve looked weird. ‘‘So, what do you normally do here?’’

‘‘Talk to the dead.’’ He said flatly. I stood there staring at him, but he laughed again under his breath as if my face was priceless. ‘‘I’m just kidding. I just make sure the tombstones are kept up and make sure everyone is off the property when the cemetery closes.’’

‘‘Wow, that doesn’t seem boring at all.’’ I said, sarcastically.

‘‘It’s not, but it does come with a cost. Not many people want to be friends or let alone interact with someone who works at a cemetery.’’ He shrugged as his shoulders fell forward slightly in defeat.

‘‘Hey, Roman I know this may be forward, but would you want to get a cup of coffee some time?’’ I had no idea what I was doing.

His mouth widened into a huge smile. ‘‘I’m getting off work in five. Hold on right here and I’ll go get my jacket.’’ I was startled by his answer. I had not meant right now, but he had already left.

I bent down to the two tombstones I had known too well. I kissed both my hands and placed them both on top of their headstones and whispered, ‘‘Wish me luck.’’

CH1

TWO YEARS SINCE THE FUNERAL

I watched the last car drive by so that I could walk carefully across the street to the small cafe La Bumba. I lifted the collar of my jacket so the cold wind could be redirected away from my face. As I strolled across the street my focus refused to stay constant on one thing. I refused to be negligent about what and who was around me. I didn’t know when this paranoia hit me, but the moment I stepped out of my house that small voice that questioned everything got louder.

Already my mind was leaning into a possible threat when I noticed two different people seemingly out of place. One stood leaning his left shoulder against the lamp post. Though his head was casted downward I could see his eyes lift when someone walked past him. The other was across the street sitting at a bench with a newspaper spread open.

I squinted my eyes.

Everyone knew our local newspaper was never any good. I kept to myself unless I felt threatened, but when I continued walking forward toward the cafe, another small voice arose. The one I’ve been ignoring ever since the funeral. The voice insisted I step in and get involved; keep people safe. I looked away refusing to focus on those men anymore. It got easier to ignore that voice. I just wish it didn’t hurt as bad.

I quickly grabbed the long wooden handle to the café and swung the door open. I stopped for a brief moment when my face was smacked with that enticing warmth only a coffee shop could provide. Entering in, I took my gloves off one finger at a time and shoved them both in the side of my pockets. I rubbed my hands together so that the friction could finally warm up my hands properly. I looked over the crowd of people in line and then shifted my gaze over to the couples sitting at the tables, only to focus in on one person who sat alone. He looked at me and followed my gaze with a smile as I walked over to the table that held two cups of hot chocolate. His grin was so contagious, I couldn’t help but continue to smile as I ran into his open arms for a big hug. ‘‘Hey! How you’ve been?’’ I asked, so excited to see him.

‘‘I should be asking you the same thing,’’ he said, as he scooted my chair closer to the table with me in it.

‘‘I’ve been good,’’ I smiled, still dazed to see one of my close friends again. ‘‘It’s really good to see you, Roman.’’

‘‘Trust me, the feeling is mutual,’’ he breathed out with relief, looking down at his cup of hot chocolate. ‘‘So, how’s the new job at the gym treating you?’’

‘‘Awesome, thanks to you. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you getting me this job. Ever since I lost my other jobs it’s been hard to pay the rent.’’

‘‘It was nothing. I used to work there before I started working at the cemetery,’’ he smiled, sweetly.

‘‘I’ve missed your smiling face.’’

He tried to keep his cheeks from blushing, but there was no point. ‘‘Well, that’s why I asked to meet with you. I wanted to tell you the good news in person.’’ He paused for a second before continuing as if he were trying to create a dramatic effect. ‘‘I was rehired as a manager at the gym.’’

‘‘Oh my gosh, you’re kidding me!’’ I almost spilled the hot chocolate in front of me. ‘‘I’m so happy you’re coming back. When you left to your grandfather’s house in Texas, I was for sure I wasn’t going to see you again.’’

‘‘I told you it was only for a few weeks, and besides I could never leave my best friend here by herself,’’ he smirked. He took a sip of his chocolate and the foam that was around the rim of the cup stuck on his upper lip. He smiled as the foam created a mustache. We both burst into laughter after a few silent moments.

‘‘Man, I’ve missed you,’’ I said slowly losing my laugh.

‘‘It hasn’t been that long,’’ he said.

‘‘A few weeks felt like years.’’

Roman finally looked serious. ‘‘I’m sorry I left, Katie.’’

‘‘It wasn’t your fault. Things happen.’’

‘‘I know. I just figured you’ve dealt with a lot of people leaving you and I promised that I wasn’t going to be one of those people.’’

I smiled as I watched the foam fade away in my cup leaving only the hot chocolate exposed. ‘‘You’re here now.’’ I looked back at him as he continued staring at me with hurt eyes. ‘‘So, when is your first official day back?’’

‘‘Today actually.’’ His face contorted to a more joyful expression. ‘‘I moved into my apartment yesterday. It’s actually not too far away from your house. I have this room with a weird name. They call it Requiem Palace.’’ He placed his hand on the rim of his cup as he said, ‘‘I’d show it to you, but it’s not ready right now. You know—not clean and stuff,’’ he said under his breath.

‘‘Well, that’s okay. Maybe another time. I’m just happy you’re here.’’ I chugged the rest of the hot chocolate down my throat and smiled at him once more. ‘‘It’s getting late I should get going. I have one last stop before I head home, and I’d rather not stay out too late.’’

His smile faded. ‘‘But you just got here. We have so much to talk about.’’

‘‘Trust me I’d rather be here talking to you. But I just have to be somewhere and pick up a few things and I don’t want it to get too dark before I get home.’’

‘‘Is Ms. Katie Wormwood still afraid of the dark?’’ he said, teasing as he squinted his eyes at me.

I smiled as I stood from my chair and shook my head. ‘‘It’s not the dark I’m afraid of. Just the people in it.’’

‘‘I agree.’’ He said in all seriousness. ‘‘Don’t ever be out at night alone. Do you want me to keep you company?’’

I shook my head reluctantly, ‘‘You don’t have to do that. I’ll be fine, and besides, you have to get home and clean up your apartment. I want to see your new place.’’ I smiled.

‘‘Yeah, okay.’’ He nodded as he sat up from his chair and came around and gave me a hug. He still smelled like fresh winter and cinnamon. He pulled his head away from mine to say, ‘‘It was great seeing you again, Katie.’’ His hazel eyes glazed as he smiled. He took a step back and placed his hands in his pockets—unsure of what to say next, ‘‘I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then?’’

I nodded and turned around. My stomach turned with butterflies. It was still odd seeing him. Though he looked the same and smelled the same, something about him had changed, something about him was different.

We said our last goodbyes, and I walked out of the cafe with both my hands in my pockets. I kept my head down, but my eyes were fully aware of who and what was around me. My stride had a purpose as I walked eagerly through the park. I ambled down the hills and around long shaved bushes only to come up to one of the old built-in grills at the park. I stood next to it for a moment looking ahead to see the beautiful lake that glistened with sparkles as the moon’s light bounced across it. I quickly grazed my surroundings and found no one in sight. I bent down quickly and took the yellow envelope away from the dirt that splattered on top of it. Before I did anything more, I had this feeling that I couldn’t shake off. I looked around one last time to confirm I was still alone.

I opened the envelope and slid the white paper out to skim the words I dreaded to read once again,

...another dead end, Kay. Sorry.

I sighed heavily and ripped the paper up only to crumble the remaining pieces in my hand. I took a few steps away from the grill, only to trash them in the bin. I placed my hands around the rim and dropped my head in exhaustion, not necessarily physically drained, but just mentally flustered. I was tired of this feeling of having no hope.

I heard a few laughs from some kids coming around the hill, so I quickly turned to leave, but not before one of the girls saw me.

‘‘Hey, it’s that freak!’’

I sighed a heavy breath knowing that even though I’m older and out of high school I’m still addressed as a ‘freak’. I could hear their footsteps quicken, so they could catch up to me. I didn’t bother to run or even walk faster. I just stopped and turned around. There were three of them; two girls and one boy. They looked to be at least juniors in high school, though the girl in the middle—the ring leader I’m guessing, could definitely pass for a freshman. I had no energy for these delinquents, and yet I found myself stopping just so I could hear what they had to say. ‘‘She looks like a homeless person,’’ the taller boy said. He wore a black leather jacket with his tight, dark, skinny jeans. His hair was blonde and fell to his shoulders, and even though he had a nice complexion, he was no attractive model. I looked down at myself to understand his comment. I wore my green cargo jacket with a grey long sleeve tee underneath. I also had on black leggings with my black boots. I had no idea what he was talking about. I thought I looked good.

The girl in the middle—the ring leader, crossed her arms over her chest. She had short curly blonde hair. She wore bright red lipstick to brighten her blue eyes. ‘‘I wouldn’t doubt it, Jared,’’ she said in disgust. ‘‘So why were you looking in the trash? Lookin’ for your next meal?’’ She laughed, and the others joined in.

‘‘Maybe she was looking for another place to sleep,’’ the tall brunette said. She wore tight jeans which made her legs look super skinny and long, almost model length. Her wavy hair fell to the middle of her back. The others laughed at her comment.

‘‘Good one, Jeannie!’’ the ring leader said.

‘‘Do you kids have anything else better to do?’’ I asked, not at all amused by their insults, but not necessarily touched by them.

‘‘Ewe, she speaks!’’ the ring leader said, almost repulsed by my voice.

I knew if I were to retaliate, I would be acting just like them, so I turned and started to walk away. It was only when I felt two hands push my back making me trip to the ground, that I started feeling something. I wasn’t sure if I was angry that this girl pushed me or happy that I could actually do something about it.

Only in defense, of course.

I placed my hands flat on the ground so that I could lift my head from the dirt. I turned my head so that I was able to look over my shoulder to see them laughing hysterically with one another. I stood up from the ground and turned around, only to see a fist heading towards my face. I contemplated what I should do. On one hand I could catch the fist in mid-air and punch her back probably knocking her out cold, while on the other hand I could take one for the team and not stoop to their level.

I stumbled back after the impact of her small fist. My nose throbbed, and a small ooze of blood came down just like it was supposed to. The ring leader smiled with joy. I wiped the blood off my face as I looked back up at them. I knew the ring leader wasn’t done with me, now that she knew I didn’t do anything to fight back. I watched her take another step forward ready to land another punch in my face again. This time I took a step toward her, and that’s when she hesitated and stopped. ‘‘Punch me again,’’ I said, ‘‘and we’re going to have a problem on our hands.’’ Her eyes scanned my face to see that I was serious, but the other two weren’t buying it, and they aided her on. This time around I saw the ring leader hesitate but kept on. She threw her punch like before, but this time I caught it with no effort. Her eyes widened in fear, and even despite her tug to get out of my hand, there was no use. I pushed her fist forward using her weight against her. She fell back and onto the ground.

Her friends helped her up as she continued to stare at me in disbelief. ‘‘You really are a freak,’’ she said, softly.

‘‘Why?’’ I asked. ‘‘Because I stood up to you bullies? Maybe you should think twice before you belittle someone. Have you ever wondered if you guys were the freaks? The three of you come around here thinking you’re above everybody else and you decide that you have the right to downgrade someone. Stop wasting your time and the other persons. Find a life and own it.’’ I turned and left leaving them behind in their own thoughts.

Dealing with those kids kept me from getting home at the time I wanted. Just as I took a step on my driveway, I saw the lamppost flicker on. I smiled thinking; I was home just in time. My smile faded as I opened the front door to my empty house. The inside of the house was dark, lonely, and pretty much all-around depressing. I kept my head down too afraid to look up at all of the picture frames of Lisa and me. I’ve been meaning to take them down but haven’t gotten the courage to do it. Before I headed upstairs, I turned to the door and locked all the latches from top to bottom. It was sad that it had come to this, but my mind had to be fooled in order to believe I was truly safe in my own home. I sighed and turned to my room. I got myself ready for the night and I laid my body stretched out across the bed. I stared at my ceiling fan as it twirled onward repeatedly. It felt like hours passed and my eyes were still wide open. In one hand I held my cell phone. I didn’t want to call him, but at the same time my mind yelled at me to.

My phone vibrated and immediately, without even looking to see who it was, I picked up the phone. ‘‘Roman?’’

I heard a low voice on the other side. ‘‘Yeah. Did I wake you?’’

I smiled as the butterflies in my stomach fluttered away. ‘‘No. I can’t sleep.’’

I heard him sigh in relief, ‘‘Me neither,’’ he said, almost shyly.

‘‘I guess it wasn’t the same.’’

‘‘What wasn’t?’’ he said confused.

‘‘Your voice being the last thing I hear before I go to sleep.’’ I may not have seen it, but I knew he was smiling. ‘‘So, where did we leave off in your story?’’

I heard him laugh on the other end. ‘‘Are you sure you’re not bored with my made-up stories? I feel like you’re just letting me tell you them just so you can make fun of me.’’

‘‘I was never read bed time stories when I was younger, so hearing your stories that were told to you makes me feel like a kid again.’’ I waited for him to answer, but there was still silence. ‘‘Please, Roman.’’

‘‘Okay. So where were we...ah yes, so there was a dimension called Silver Linings...’’

*     *     *

The sun shined brightly through my window. As my eyes adjusted to the new lighting, I saw my phone near my head still clearly connected with Roman’s. I checked to find that I’ve been on the phone for seven hours and twenty-three minutes and counting. I thought to myself, my bill will be ridiculously high. But when I heard Roman’s gentle snore on the other end, all my worries disappeared, and I didn’t care. This was totally worth it. ‘‘Roman?’’ He continued to snore under his breath. I put my phone on speaker as I got ready for work. When he spoke words, I couldn’t help but laugh.

It wasn’t until I heard a loud shuffling sound that I knew he was finally awake. ‘‘Hello? Katie, are you still there?’’

‘‘Yeah, I’m still here,’’ I smiled.

‘‘So, was it my turn or your turn this time?’’

‘‘For what?’’

‘‘Breakfast.’’

I kept my phone close to my ear as I placed my feet inside my slippers. I stood up and did a quick stretch, ‘‘Oh...you of course, so hurry up and get down here.’’ I took two steps forward before my legs buckled under me and I fell forward onto my knees. The phone bounced off the floor as my hands grabbed both sides of my face. I yelled in pain as my head felt like it wanted to explode.

‘‘Katie? Katie!’’ Roman said, from my cell phone. I could hear him running as he spoke. ‘‘What’s wrong? Tell me what’s happening? Is it another panic attack?’’ I couldn’t answer him. I was in too much pain, and at this point my whole body was scrunched into a ball on the floor with my hands still grasped to my head. The pain was unbearable. Everything was a blur to me as I tried to see what was in front of me. ‘‘I’m coming, Katie. Hold on!’’

Tears fell down my cheek as I knew the reason why this was happening. Ever since I left my necklace with Ms. Heckler, I’ve had these attacks. My body was going through some kind of withdraw without it. I picked my head up slowly as I crawled to my desk where I knew the necklace was. I never saw Ms. Heckler drop the necklace off at my front door but I knew it was her doing. I thrashed my hand around, looking for the necklace I tried to hide from my view. When I saw it curled up in a corner near some of my candy wrappers, I quickly threw it around my neck and slumped back to the ground. I hoped it would subside anything I was feeling but the pain raged on. I looked down at my necklace as it glowed brightly across my heaving chest. I locked my eyes shut, trying to take the waves of pain. I thought I did it. I thought I could live without this thing. It was the longest it has ever been without needing to have it on me. This didn’t make any sense. My body jerked as the pain somehow traveled throughout my body. First at my head and now down my legs. My vision became unclear and everything seemed to slow down in slow motion. I watched as my door to my room opened and Roman ran over to me. The moment he lifted my head from the floor everything stopped. I gasped for air as I finally got control of my lungs.

Roman lifted me to a sitting position as he watched me in confusion and concern. He looked over me for some kind of sign that would explain the reason why I reacted this way, but for the first time he was clueless. He hugged me as my breathing came to a consistent rhythm. ‘‘Was it another panic attack?’’ I shook my head still unable to capture the words in my throat. I watched as his eyes shifted to my necklace hanging loosely and exposed for him to see. As if in a trance his hand slowly came to it. I pushed his hand away and stood up before he could touch it. He followed without even thinking. ‘‘I’ve known you for a while now and I’ve never seen that necklace on you before.’’

‘‘I don’t normally show it to people,’’ I said, surprised at my steady voice.

‘‘Why not? It’s beautiful.’’

‘‘Trust me it’s not.’’

‘‘It looks powerful,’’ he said.

I looked at him suspiciously. ‘‘Do you know what this is?’’ I hoped with all my heart he didn’t, because if he did then he’d be another person I could no longer trust. I don’t think I could handle that lost.

‘‘Should I?’’

He didn’t notice but my inner me sighed heavily in relief. ‘‘This has been in my family for a long time.’’ I lied. I would never want to drag him into the world I’ve been trying so hard to forget.

Roman took a step back to get himself together. ‘‘What was all of that about back there?’’

I breathed in heavy, ‘‘Honestly, I have no idea. I haven’t had one of those migraines since...’’ My eyes shifted to his as he stared, waiting for my response. ‘‘Since, well, before you left, I guess.’’

‘‘So why is it starting up now? Was there something that triggered it before?’’

‘‘Not that I know of.’’ I said, dismissingly. I put my necklace inside my shirt, so he could no longer see it, as well as my own eyes. I knew that I hid the necklace to avoid being asked about it, but I believe deep down I was trying to ignore it ever being there. I knew having the necklace on for a moment helped re-stable my body. I didn’t need it on all the time. Just when…just when it happens.

I tried to walk around him, but his hand grabbed onto my upper arm. When I looked at him, he was still staring at me with concern.

‘‘Are you sure you’re okay?’’

‘‘Yeah, I’m fine. I’m just starving,’’ I smiled, half-heartedly. I thought for a moment as I looked at him standing in my room, ‘‘How did you get in my house?’’

‘‘You told me you had a spare key under the mat if anything were to happen. I didn’t understand what that meant then, but I do now. This is what you were talking about, right?’’

‘‘Yeah, something like that,’’ I said, still thinking of all the locks I placed last night. I passed him up to go through my door and headed downstairs to the kitchen.

When Roman saw the pile of dishes stacked up in the sink, he could only stop in his tracks to look at me, ‘‘Is your water off or something?’’ He shook his head in disappointment, not waiting for my response to defend myself. He automatically investigated the cabinets for a pan to make his special omelet. Nothing was ever special about the eggs, but I made him believe there was something extra about it.

As the food began to cook, the aroma flooded the whole kitchen. I could hear my stomach craving for the food. ‘‘So how was it at your grandfathers?’’

‘‘It was good, I guess.’’ His back was toward me, but I could still see his shoulders tense up when I asked him the question.

‘‘What did you guys do?’’

‘‘Stuff,’’ he said, flatly.

‘‘Roman.’’

He turned his head to look at me with his hazel eyes shining bright. ‘‘Yeah?’’

‘‘Are you not telling me something?’’

He casted his eyes down to the omelet sizzling in the pan. ‘‘He’s dying.’’

My heart dropped with sympathy. I stood up immediately and came over to him. I shifted his shoulders to face me so that I could embrace him in a hug. ‘‘I’m so sorry. I know how much he means to you.’’ I felt Roman’s arms wrap around my back in a tighter hold. We stood there for a while until a burning smell engulfed the pleasing smell of a beautiful omelet. Both of our heads shot up and looked at the pan that held a half black, half yellow smokin’ omelet. We quickly let go of each other and he ran to lift the pan off the stove as he waited for me with the plate.

‘‘Katie, a plate would be nice right about now,’’ he said, still staring at the burning omelet, not sure what he should do with it.

‘‘I’m trying,’’ I said looking into the cabinets. ‘‘I can’t find a clean one anywhere.’’ Just as I said the last word, I saw a clean glass plate in the very back. ‘‘Found one!’’ I ran over to him, but as I came over to Roman, a flash of Kai’s face came to my mind. It was as if I was watching a movie, and I couldn’t seem to close my eyes at the scary parts. I watched as Kai came over to me with a blade, just like the one he stabbed me with at his house. He came forward slowly, and then all at once. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t run. I was there only to watch my own death. I screamed my head off, and the sound of breaking glass shattered across the kitchen floor. Finally, when the image faded away Roman was there holding my hands trying to calm me down. I don’t even remember him touching me. I was hyperventilating, and I couldn’t control myself. My eyes were everywhere, and I didn’t want to be touched. I pushed him away as he continued to grab on to me again. He tried to comfort me, but my body wouldn’t listen. I felt hot and light-headed. My chest felt tight and my lungs weren’t cooperating with me.

Roman grabbed my face gently on both sides so that my eyes were locked on his. ‘‘Look at me, Katie. I need you to listen to me. Breathe.’’ He inhaled and then exhaled out for me to mimic. ‘‘I need you to breathe, Katie.’’ He inhaled and then exhaled just like before. ‘‘Now again.’’ I didn’t notice myself mimicking him until my chest lessened its grip and my lungs opened and closed normally. My forehead was sweating, and my hands were clammy. When I finally got myself under control my head dropped onto Romans chest. I was tired and exhausted. I felt his arms wrap around me.

After a minute I stood up silently. ‘‘I’m okay.’’ I looked over at the black omelet on the stove. ‘‘But I can’t say the same for the omelet,’’ I smiled, but he didn’t.

‘‘Don’t do that,’’ he said.

‘‘Do what?’’ I tried to say light heartedly, hoping he wouldn’t continue.

‘‘You almost choked to death because you couldn’t breathe. First, the incident in your room, and now this panic attack. You can’t just shrug that off. Not this time. You’re going to tell me what’s happening here, because for some reason I think you know very well what’s going on.’’

‘‘I don’t.’’

‘‘Don’t lie to me! You have been shrugging off your random panic attacks ever since I met you. You told me a month before I left that you hadn’t had a panic attack and now suddenly, you’re getting them? You either was lying to me over a month ago or something is happening to you, Katie. The worst part about it is that you refuse to get yourself checked, and that can only mean one thing. You know what’s wrong.’’ I looked at him confused. ‘‘Don’t think I haven’t noticed. I didn’t address it then because you seemed comfortable not telling me. I thought maybe if I gave you space, you’d tell me on your own, but it seems that wasn’t the case. I need you to tell me something now. Anything! Just not another lie.’’ His face was firm, and his hazel eyes were locked on mine. What could I tell him? I really didn’t know why this was happening to me now, but I knew he wouldn’t buy that. Not anymore. Not when I truly meant it this time.

‘‘There’s just certain things I’d rather not say,’’ I whispered.

He smiled, but not in a good way. In a, I give up, way. ‘‘Well, when you rather say, let me know.’’ He turned and left out the door and out of the house.

I started cleaning up the kitchen convincing myself we would talk again over the phone that night.

I was wrong.

He didn’t answer his phone. He didn’t answer his phone twenty-three times. I sat on my bed till three in the morning still hoping he’d call me back, but he didn’t. It took forever to fall asleep, but eventually did. Lately, I’ve been having weird dreams ever since Roman came back. Dreams that never made any sense to me and that never ended with a conclusion.

That night this dream was different. I wasn’t watching myself like I normally would. I was actually part of the dream and I could see it through my eyes. I was in a dark gloomy room that smelled like dried blood—a smell all too familiar. I could see there was a door on the other side of the room. When I tried walking toward the door, I found myself being pulled back. I looked to see there were chains clamped around my ankles. I looked at my feet and I gasped in revulsion. My feet were bloodied and dirty. It wasn’t until I truly looked at my body that I saw that my arms and legs matched what my ankles looked. This dream turned quickly into a nightmare.

When I finally realized my condition, the pain began to fumble right after. Everything hurt. No one should ever endure this kind of pain.

The door to the room opened and the light blinded my eyes so I couldn’t see the face of the figure that came up to me. I saw a brief smile before he pulled something behind his back and the sound of electricity engulfed my eardrums. I saw the blue and purple lights flash across my eyelids, and it was only until I felt the pain against the side of my ribs that I cried in agony. However, it wasn’t a girl’s cry like I expected, it was a guy’s voice.

I woke up quickly, almost falling out of my bed. I was drenched with sweat with the strands of my hair sticking to the side of my face.

Two days had passed with this.

The nightmares weren’t always the same. I was tortured differently every time. What was consistent was how I woke up. I dropped my head in exhaustion and found the necklace around my neck swing back and forth in front of my face. I grabbed it and lifted it over my head. I threw it against my desk, watching it bounce against the wall before it came to a stop. I closed my eyes tight in sadness.

I needed Roman to be here, but I still hadn’t said a word to him, let alone seen him. I came into work at the gym and I asked Ricky, one of the associates, if he’d seen him. He said he was supposed to work today, but he called out an hour before his shift. With that bit of advice, I was able to know that he was at least still alive and he hadn’t died. ‘‘Do you know where he lives now?’’

‘‘You know I can’t give out vital information like that.’’

‘‘I’m really worried about him.’’

‘‘He seemed fine on the phone,’’ Ricky said.

‘‘Please,’’ I pleaded.

Eventually he gave in. ‘‘Don’t rat me out.’’ Ricky scribbled some writing on a piece of paper and then gave it to me.

‘‘I won’t. I owe you one!’’ I ran out the door as I plugged the address into my phone. G-P-S was one of the best things ever invented. The sun was finally setting, and I could see the beautiful color muse together before the final navy-blue covered it all up. An image of Ryan’s royal navy-blue eyes flashed into my head and I immediately stopped my thoughts in their tracks. Memories of my past had somehow crawled up from my mind, and I had to focus to bury it all over again. I looked back at my blazing lit phone to keep my mind off my past. Two more miles away. ‘‘Two more miles?’’ He told me it wasn’t that far from my house. I followed my G-P-S two miles out and it took me to a deserted landfill. ‘‘He gave the gym a false address?’’ That doesn’t seem like something Roman would do. I walked back towards my house with an empty heart. I was really looking forward to seeing Roman—talking with him, feeling his warmth around me. I truly missed my best friend. My only friend for that matter.

It was almost eleven at night and I was walking home alone. If Roman found out about this, he would’ve given me a huge lecture about how unsafe it was to walk alone by myself, and I’d have to call him immediately so he could escort me back. I looked at the dark sky and yelled, ‘‘Well you’re not picking up the phone!’’ I placed my hands in my pocket as the breeze began to pick up. As I was passing up a tight alley between two buildings, I saw two different shadows move and then go still. I kept my head down hoping nothing came from them, but of course I’m always wrong. I could hear laughter coming from behind me and footsteps walking faster to keep up with my stride. When I turned around, I saw two older men with two heavy leather jackets on. One was African American, and the other was Caucasian. ‘‘Look, I don’t want any trouble. I’m just trying to get home.’’

I saw them smile in the lighting of the moon, and right off the bat I knew they meant trouble. I could think of pain, but when I really thought about it, I haven’t used my powers in such a long time, I almost forgot how they worked. One of the guys spoke, interrupting my reverie. ‘‘We can help you get home. Ain’t that right, Paul?’’ He smiled, as he elbowed his friend in his arm.

They both rushed forward, ready to snatch me up, but I thought of pain and they immediately dropped to the floor. When I thought they had enough, I stopped…or at least I thought I did. I only wanted to hurt them enough for me to run away but I quickly realized that wasn’t what was happening. I ran over to them as they screamed in pain, unsure of how to help them. Why were they still hurting? Fear set in as the image of me using my powers on Jake and Noah for the first time. I looked around hoping I could get someone’s attention, ‘‘Help!’’ I yelled. If I couldn’t stop what I was doing, then they were going to die. Their faces were turning blue, and their eyes were rolling over so only the white walls were shown. ‘‘Help! Someone please, help!’’ No pain, No pain! I thought. All at once they stopped squirming. Their bodies went limp, but I could still see their chest rise and fall slowly. I stood up and stepped back in relief. What’s happening to me? I quickly turned on my heels and ran back home.

I locked the door to my house and ran upstairs to close my bedroom door behind me. I slid my back down the opposite side of the door and onto the floor. I brought my knees close to my chest, so my arms could wrap around them for comfort. I leaned my head forward and planted my head on my knees. A tear fell down my cheek as I sat there alone. I quickly brushed it off before another one fell behind it. My eyes darted around the room as my thoughts got the best of me. It wasn’t until I saw shadowed spots underneath my bed that drew me back to reality. I quickly came over to it and slid out the box I hid for years. Realizing it was the past I tried to forget.

I opened the top and saw a picture of me...and him. He was looking at me with love and affection as if we had the whole world in front of us. I placed the picture of Noah and I on the other side, so I wouldn’t see what was, and what will never be. I dug my hand back into the box to the very bottom of it. I grabbed hold and pulled out the most beautiful clean-cut blade ever crafted. It seemed almost alien in appearance. The hilt was navy-blue and the blade stung with a beautiful silver. On the blade itself had a beautiful engraving of navy-blue symbols that replicated something like the Dividers birthmarks. It was heavy and deadly. This blade was Ryan’s and I had no idea why it was in my room the night he left, but it was. He didn’t seem like the forgetful type. I looked back into the box and saw the blade holster that went with it. I quickly wrapped it around the lower part of my calve on my right leg and then placed the blade in its rightful place. The blade weighed heavily on my leg as I stood up. I almost killed two people today because my powers didn’t cooperate. If I couldn’t use them properly then there was no point in using them at all. I’d just have to defend myself another way.

I put my pajamas on and laid in bed with my blade still in tack on my leg. For some reason it gave me comfort enough to fall asleep with ease. Even without Roman’s voice.

That night I had only images instead of a full-blown nightmare, but I guess they weren’t nightmares either. They were memories that I didn’t want to relive. They were mostly of Kai trying to kill me. I dreamt of Kai stabbing me in the back and when I turned, I saw him smile. I was most shocked when I saw him lean his head forward and say, ‘‘You can’t hide from me. I will kill you.’’

This was not a memory.

CH2

I woke up at the crack of dawn; dressed and ready to go for the day. There was no need to go to the gym today because they were over hours, so I had the whole day to myself. Which gave me time to learn a few things. I went down to the nearest knife and gun shop to inquire on blade combat lessons; if that was even possible. I opened the door to the shop and saw a guy examining a shotgun by the counter. The guy behind it looked at me with interest. I’m sure it was a first for him to see a young lady enter in his shop. He leaned both hands on the glass counter and watched me as I approached next to the guy who held the gun. ‘‘Are you lost, miss?’’

‘‘Do you teach lessons on handling blades?’’ The guy who held the gun laughed simultaneously with the owner behind the counter.

The owner placed the side of his face on his fist as his elbow leaned heavily on the glass table. He smiled, ‘‘You would need a blade for that. Do you have one of those?’’ His eyes shifted to the guy who continued to laugh under his breath. I pulled out the blade from the holster that wrapped around my ankle and stared back at him as his eyes widened in shock. He didn’t touch the blade, but just stared in awe and admiration as if he never saw anything like it before. ‘‘Where did you get that?’’ The guy who held the gun placed the shotgun on the counter ready to reach for the blade, but the shop owner slapped his hand away, as if it was a hundred-year-old artifact that was ready to break at any second. He picked it up slowly as his eyes gazed upon its beauty. He looked under and above it as if there has never been anything quite like it before. Was it that unique and unseen to get such a reaction? ‘‘I’ve never seen anything like this before.’’ He finally looked at me. ‘‘Where does someone like you get something like this?’’

‘‘A friend gave it to me.’’

‘‘Where did your friend get this?’’ he said intently, as if he was ready to accuse me and my friend for stealing.

‘‘I don’t know. It’s been in his family for years.’’ I lied, not sure if that’s where Ryan really got it from.

‘‘I would love to see your friend someday.’’

‘‘I would too. If you see him, you can let me know.’’ I took the blade out of his hand, but the guy kept his hands lifted as if the blade stood in the same spot. I slipped the blade into its place on the side of my ankle. ‘‘Can you help me or not?’’

‘‘I would love to. Classes start tomorrow at five. It’s a three-week class.’’

‘‘I need classes to start now. And I need it to be a thirty-minute class.’’

He looked at me, and then nodded to the guy next to me to leave his shop. The guy followed him out and locked the door to the store. He carefully turned the sign around so that people can read that the store was closed. ‘‘Well then, let’s get started.’’

I smiled as I took the blade back out of the holster and into my hand. ‘‘What’s first?’’ He showed me basic techniques. I was ecstatic to not only know them, but actually put everything into practice. I was so impressed with myself at how easy it came to me.

The guy brushed his forehead full of sweat on his grey shirt and looked at me and smiled. ‘‘Tell me something, why is it that you needed to know these skills now?’’

‘‘I need to protect myself.’’

‘‘I understand that, but why so quickly? Was the three-week class too long?’’

‘‘Yes. I need to defend myself now, not three weeks from today.’’

‘‘Is there someone after you?’’ He seemed concerned.

‘‘No. I just prefer to be ready when I’m walking alone at night. It seems I’m a magnet for the wrong crowd.’’

He nodded as he continued to catch his breath. He took a sip of his half empty water that sat on the glass counter. ‘‘Where did you really get that blade? I’ve lived for a very long time, and I’ve never seen anything like that before. For someone who collects blades for a living, you must understand that I haven’t been surprised by a blade in over forty years.’’

I looked at the blade and saw its delicate detail of the symbol that matched the Dividers birthmark. ‘‘My friend left it when he...’’ I stopped, still unsure of what to say.

‘‘Did he die?’’

I placed the blade back into its place on the side of my ankle. ‘‘Something like that.’’

‘‘Sorry to hear. I would’ve loved to have asked him a whole lot of questions about it. You’re very lucky he left it with you. That’s very rare, maybe the only one of its kind.’’

‘‘I will. Thank you for your time, I really appreciate you closing your store to teach me the simple basics.’’

‘‘Oh, it was my absolute pleasure. I’m only worried for the next person that wants to mess with you.’’ I smiled as I walked toward the front of the entrance. ‘‘Hey, I never caught your name.’’

‘‘Katie.’’ He nodded as if he agreed to remember me the next time. He locked the door behind me as the early breeze of the night air came across my face. The street lights were bright, and the moon was set. The stars twinkled in the sky and there were barely any cars out driving around. What I hoped to be a thirty-minute lesson turned out to be a whole day training class, but it was totally worth it. The day was definitely worth spent. I walked home with my head held high ready to defend myself without using an ounce of my power and confidently knowing that I will win.

I was almost five minutes away from my house when a small light caught my eye. If you weren’t looking for it, you would’ve missed a small apartment complex hiding behind thirty-foot trees. It covered a good majority of the complex. I walked around until I saw a clear path to the apartments. It was quiet and dark, but there was one light on. I didn’t think to bother on with it until I saw the light illuminate one of the names of the room.

Requiem Palace.

I squinted my eyes in thought, remembering the room name Roman had told me he was staying in. At least he was telling the truth about where he lived. He was