The Parallelists: Day of Alignment

By Keira Simon

A troubled Portland teen has to make tough choices when he discovers that he is the link to the survival of Parallel Worlds. He embarks on an adventurous journey filled with wonder, friendship, revenge and betrayal. Can he sacrifice everything to save Worlds he has never known and the lives of those he holds dearly?
Jake Winslow, reticent and bullied all his life, always believed that this was how he would spend the rest of his life, until a mysterious girl named Amberly enters his school... and his life. Jake had no idea that this encounter would set off a chain of events that would transform him from a weak, misunderstood boy into one of the most powerful beings on the planet. Through Amberley, Jake learns of parallel universes, called the Parallels. Guarding these Parallels is a race of powerful individuals known as the Parallelists. Jake’s family is abducted by the fearsome Reapers, an evil sect of the Parallelists, led by the sinister and ruthless Ruben Alistair.
Jake and his friends set off on a perilous journey to rescue them. Each of these companions have their own journeys of discovery along the way and none of them will ever be the same again....

• Language: English
• Publisher: Keira Simon
• Release date: Dec 20, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005489595

Keira Simon

Keira Simon is a student in Johannesburg, South Africa and a budding new talent in the fantasy genre. Day of Alignment is the first in a 4-book series and her first attempt at being published.“The idea for this book originally came to me when I was eleven years old, and I had to write an activity page short–story for my English teacher. Being a huge fan of science–fiction and fantasy, I knew immediately that I wanted to write something in that genre. Voila! Jake Winslow was born.”“There was a boy I was sitting next to in class at the time. I had known him for many years, and he had this confident, fun and mischievous personality. I thought that he was the perfect blueprint for Jake’s quirky best friend. And that was how Ethan Wayland came to life.”“As the years went by, new ideas took root in my mind; ideas spanning more than one book. I was always fascinated with the idea of different universes and worlds full of mythical beings and strange creatures. Characters began materializing from my real-life observations; characters struggling with their own demons and growing pains. The Parallelists is the consequence of my love for all things fantastical as well as my observations of and experiences with my fellow humans...”More from this author:The Parallelists: Trials of The Four (coming soon)The Parallelists: Traversal (coming soon)The Parallelists: Universe of Dark (coming soon)

Book preview

The Parallelists: Day of Alignment

By Keira Simon

Copyright 2021 Keira Simon

Smashwords Edition

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Title

Chapter 1 – Being Jake Winslow

Chapter 2 – As Red as Lava

Chapter 3 – The Past Never Truly Leaves Us

Chapter 4 – Hunted

Chapter 5 – Runaway

Chapter 6 – Parallels

Chapter 7 – Alistair

Chapter 8 – The Vision

Chapter 9 – The Cave

Chapter 10 – Where it all began

Chapter 11 – The Phone Call

Chapter 12 – Family Blood Ties

Chapter 13 – The Other Wayland

Chapter 14 – And the Training Begins

Chapter 15 – Parallelist Training 101

Chapter 16 – 3 days

Chapter 17 – Like Father Like Son

Chapter 18 – Patience

Chapter 19 – Attack

Chapter 20 – The Shattered Circle

Chapter 21 – Trust

Chapter 22 – The Hole

Chapter 23 – A Deal

Chapter 24 – The Winslows

Chapter 25 – On the Train

Chapter 26 – After Ten Years

Chapter 27 – The Eternal Rift

Chapter 28 – Battle of the Parallel

Chapter 29 – An Expedition to New Lands

Chapter 30 – The Fifth Parallel

About the Author

More from this author

Chapter 1

Being Jake Winslow

Jake didn’t expect the week before his fifteenth birthday to go the way it did, but then again, nothing was normal for him.

People thought he was imperfect; that there was something different about him. In truth, he was different.

Personally, Jake didn’t know what made him different. Maybe it was because he was the only kid in the school with hair the colour of fire, or that he had a birthmark in the shape of a word, in a language not even the most accomplished linguist could fathom.

All the other kids in his school called him ‘Freak’ or ‘Witch boy’. They would make fun of him, leave him out of practically everything and even abuse him by throwing rocks, spitballs and even basketballs at him. Jake felt all alone……….

But he wasn’t entirely alone. The only friend he ever had was the most popular kid in the whole school, Ethan Wayland.

Ethan was popular because his dad was the owner of one of the richest mechanical solutions companies in the entire United States. But Ethan never really cared about the rich life he was born into.

Ethan wasn’t like those typical archetypes of popular quarterbacks who made fun of everyone who was different. He had many popular friends in school, but he preferred to hang out with Jake and stood up to all the kids who bullied him.

Jake appreciated Ethan’s loyalty, but it made him feel like he was a coward. Ethan always helped him in tight spots, yet he had never helped Ethan when he was in trouble. Ethan had so many friends and was a favourite of the teachers. Yet he chose to hang out with a nobody like Jake.

Jake was tired of being so different, he wanted to be normal and popular like Ethan.

He craved a change.

And then one day, that change came……….

Jake’s school, Winston High, was a large building that sat just outside of Portland. To Jake, it looked like hell. It was hell, if you considered that half the school were mentally unstable sociopaths and delinquents. Most people placed Jake in the delinquent category, because he got into trouble almost all the time. The school was painted a murky grey colour and had windows that looked awfully like the ones you’d see in a prison; there were bars on every single one of them. It was surrounded by a large wire fence with spikes on the top in case any student tried to escape.

The only thing that was green in that school besides the grass was a huge old oak tree. Jake and Ethan always sat under this tree at break. They had been sitting together there ever since they first came to the school.

On a particular day, Jake and Ethan were sitting with their backs leaning against each other under the oak tree.

Ethan was talking about a new comic book his mom had got him for his birthday, but Jake wasn’t listening. His eyes were fixed on the sky, watching the birds flying over them.

Suddenly, he heard a car’s horn honking. Jake looked at the school gate and noticed a large black car that had stopped outside the school. The back door opened, and a girl stepped out onto the sidewalk.

She looked like she was of South Asian descent, with her dark skin and doe eyes. She had long, cinnamon–coloured hair that hung by her waist. Her tanned skin framed her almost silver eyes. She glanced at Jake and gave him the slightest of nods.

Whoa! said Ethan, which made Jake jump. He had completely forgotten he was there. Who is that?

Why are you asking me? snapped Jake. You really think I’m supposed to know?

Before Ethan could reply, the school bell rang. He and Jake jumped up and ran inside.

As they rushed down the corridor, a boy twice the size of Jake suddenly moved in front of them.

He was a podgy boy with pitch–black hair, chocolate–coloured skin and red eyes that glowed like hot lava coals.

He glared at Jake and smirked. Well, well, if it isn’t Freakula!

What do you want, Norbert? sighed Jake, crossing his arms.

Nothing, just wanted to say that you’re great to make fun of. And how you will never be like any of us. sniggered Norbert. You’re a nobody who shouldn’t have been born. The world would’ve been a better place if you didn’t exist.

Jake glared at him. He could feel the tears welling in his eyes, for he knew it was true.

Hey! said Ethan sternly putting his hands on his hips. Leave him alone!

Norbert turned and looked down at Ethan. Ethan, why would you want to hang out with the Witch boy when you could be living like a king with the kids who actually have a purpose on this planet?

So I can go to parties, get drunk and take drugs like you? Sure, Jake is different, but at least he’s in his right mind, unlike you Norbert Waterloo! He is sensible enough to know what those foul substances do to you and not take them. He focuses on his work and going to college, and that’s what I want to do in my life.

Norbert seemed taken aback. He stood there with his mouth opening and closing like a fish, struggling to find a retort. He shook the look away.

Yeah… whatever! he said grumpily marching away.

Jake looked down at his feet. His face was as red as an over–ripe tomato.

You don’t have to keep doing that for me, Ethan. he mumbled.

Ethan turned and looked at Jake solemnly. Ethan was very handsome. He had tousled dark–brown hair that was cut in waves on his forehead; his eyes were a kaleidoscope – changing colour at different angles (right now it was bright blue, like the ocean), his skin was perfectly tanned, and his body was so slim and muscular it made Jake jealous, as he was always a skinny, needle of a boy. Nobody makes fun of my best friend!

Best friend…. Jake had never ever had a friend, much less being someone’s best friend.

He nodded slowly and played with his thumbs awkwardly.

Come on. smiled Ethan patting Jake’s back. We’ll be late for class … again!

*************************

As Jake and Ethan got to their seats, their teacher – Miss Bentley – came into the classroom with a small figure creeping behind her. It took Jake a moment to realize that it was the girl he had seen at the gate. She stood awkwardly behind Miss Bentley with her hands behind her back.

Good morning class! chirped Miss Bentley merrily.

She was a young woman with blonde hair and a slim figure. She always wore pink glasses on her big button–nose and daring tight skirts and blouses. She was the closest the students would ever get to calling nice and the only teacher who didn’t punish Jake too harshly.

Good morning, Miss Bentley! said the class in unison, except for Norbert, who sat grumpily in the corner.

Kids, I’d like to introduce a new student who will be joining us. This is Amberly Godwin. said Miss Bentley putting her arm around Amberly.

Hmmm……Amberly, thought Jake, That’s a pretty name.

Hi. Amberly said softly, pushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Now, I want you all to make Amberly feel at home. I would like a student to show her around … Jake, would you do the honour? But please don’t try to do anything … unnatural.

Jake stared at Miss Bentley in disbelief. He never got picked for anything!

Y…y…yes Ma’am. he stuttered, his cheeks red with embarrassment.

The whole class began to giggle. The girls made teasing, kissy–kissy noises behind him, all except for Ethan and Kelly Monarch.

Kelly Monarch was a quiet, reserved girl who was always by herself; she always sat alone in the cafeteria. She was the cleverest girl in the school, and also one of the pretty ones…well, she was pretty in Jake’s opinion. And she, along with Ethan and a couple of the teachers were one of the very few people who didn’t treat Jake like an outcast. Actually, she and Jake had never had an actual conversation, so Jake didn’t know her real opinion of him, but she didn’t laugh at him or paid much attention to him … so that has to be a sign that she doesn’t think of him as a freak.

Jake looked around at Kelly, who sat at the far end of the class, gazing out the window next to her. Her silvery–blonde hair was plaited down to her shoulder, her violet eyes focused on a bird sitting on the windowsill. She lifted her hand to push her glasses up her freckled nose. She didn’t seem to care about the new girl and how everyone was laughing. Jake was relieved about that.

But then Deacon Eastwood, a tall, haughty boy who loved to torture Jake, snapped Jake out of his thoughts and leaned over to him and whispered, Hey Freak, looks like you’ve got a new girlfriend. You know she’ll dump you when she finds out what a weirdo you are.

Jake glowered at Deacon; he could feel the rage boiling inside of him. And before he could stop himself, Deacon suddenly jumped out of his seat and screamed shrilly.

Miss Bentley shot an angry glance at Deacon and said, Deacon, this is no time for jokes. Sit down!

But Ma’am, cried Deacon. Something poked me. It felt like … like … like a knife!

Mr. Eastwood! shouted Miss Bentley, crossing her arms. Pack your things and go to the principal’s office. Amberly will sit in your seat.

But … began Deacon.

And now that’s detention! said Miss Bentley pointing to the door.

Deacon sneered at Jake and grabbed his bag and stormed out of the classroom.

There was an awkward silence. Miss Bentley took a deep breath and smiled at Amberly.

Why don’t you take a seat, dearie? Next to Jake. she said.

Amberly nodded slowly and walked calmly towards the desk and sat quietly in the seat next to Jake.

Hi, she whispered shyly.

Hello, gorgeous! smiled Ethan, who leaned over Jake’s desk, blocking his view of the board. Name’s Wayland. Ethan Wayland. I’m Jake’s best friend and partner–in–crime. You know, I can always give you the Wayland tour of the school. Show you all the sites. The Prison Cafeteria, The Rooftop Lookout Point, The Auditorium, and my personal favourite … Make out Corner!

Ethan! said Jake slouching in his chair. Don’t even think about it!

He pushed Ethan back into his seat and smiled at Amberly in embarrassment. Sorry about him. He has a tendency to be … flirtatious with almost all the girls in the school. It’s actually shocking how he’s still single.

I heard that, Winslow! Ethan hissed from his seat next to Jake.

It’s okay. said Amberly calmly, unfazed by Jake’s overly confident best friend. So, about that tour. When can we meet up?

Jake felt his cheeks blushing. Nobody besides his sister Roxanne was this nice to him.

M…m…maybe after s…sch… school? stammered Jake.

Great.! I can’t wait.

Jake turned to look at what Miss Bentley was writing on the board. His cheeks were still flushed, and his heartbeat had elevated.

This girl was … different from the other girls he’d come across, and he liked that. Plus, she was beautiful and didn’t see him as a weirdo, maybe …

Stop it, he said in his mind, Don’t get any ideas. She’ll soon know what you really are!

Chapter 2

As Red as Lava

The school bell rang for the end of the day. Jake and Ethan stood by the lockers, talking about Amberly. Jake was busy putting his books away in his locker while listening to Ethan complain.

She is so hot! cried Ethan flaying his hands about. And you’re telling me she’s off limits!

I’m just saying. replied Jake holding his hands up to calm Ethan down. Something about her seems off. I think it’s best if we don’t get too frisky with her. And by ‘we’ I mean you!

Ethan buried his face in his hands, groaning in frustration. Then, suddenly he looked up with a look of realization and smiled mischievously at Jake.

Oooh! chuckled Ethan, crossing his arms. I see what’s going on. You like her, and you don’t want me to flirt with her, because you want her all to yourself, Romeo!

What! cried Jake, his cheeks burning. No, I don’t!

Yes, you do! Oh, my little boy is all grown up. Finally! said Ethan hugging Jake so hard his ribs almost cracked. I thought this day would never come.

What are you talking about? wheezed Jake as Ethan let go of him. Anyway, aren’t you supposed to be at baseball practice?

A look of horror appeared on Ethan’s face. He grabbed his gym bag and ran, calling back to Jake. You win this round Winslow! But we will continue this conversation later!

We’ll see about that! Jake shouted back, watching Ethan disappear around the corner. He laughed softly and said to himself. He’ll forget within five minutes.

He looked around to see if Amberly was around. But there was nobody in sight.

She must be outside, he thought to himself.

He took his backpack and placed it on his shoulders. And then, just as he was about to walk outside the main doors of the school, he accidentally bumped into someone coming inside. Just as the person was about to fall, Jake grabbed them around the waist and pulled them towards him. He moved his head to get a better look at the person he had bumped into, and felt his cheeks heat up.

For there, pressed up against his body with her hands on his chest, looking up at Jake with big violet eyes was none other than Kelly Monarch.

Jake looked into her gorgeous eyes. They shone like amethysts in the sunlight. He noticed her glasses were skew and lifted his hand and straightened it onto her delicate nose. He smiled awkwardly at her, but he then noticed that she was avoiding his eyes, and her cheeks had turned a light shade of pink.

Then it hit him.

He looked and saw how tightly he was holding onto her, if someone were to walk by and see them like this, they would think that ….

Jake immediately released Kelly and pushed himself away.

Ummm, sorry about that, Kelly. he said, awkwardly shifting from one foot to another.

He waited for Kelly to shout at him and call him a freak or witch boy. But he heard nothing. Then he heard a soft, but steady voice say:

No worries, Winslow. I was the one who wasn’t watching where I was walking.

Jake looked at Kelly in shock, he had never actually heard her speak before. Her voice was so calm and there was a sense of authority in it, which matched her calculating eyes along with her fingers tapping constantly at her side. She looked at him with a very calm expression, her rosy lips forming a straight line. But it was slightly off, like he was a ticking bomb or that his hair was on fire (which was easy to assume as his hair did resemble fire). But she shook herself out of her daze and gave Jake the slightest of nods before turning and walking out of the door, unaware that she had dropped something on the ground. It seemed to be some sort of bracelet with an amethyst in the shape of a heart engraved on it (it was actually ironic that Kelly had purple eyes, and now she had an amethyst bracelet). Jake knelt down and picked it up.

Jake thought he should go outside and try and give it back to Kelly.

He was about to get up when suddenly he heard a foot scraping on the tiles. He turned around and saw nobody in the corridor behind him, for everyone was outside waiting for their parents or guardians to pick them up.

Hello? Jake called out, but there was no answer.

Then suddenly, he heard loud voices coming from the end of the corridor. Jake got up, slipping the bracelet into his blazer pocket, and crept quietly back down the corridor, listening to the voices.

As he arrived at the end of the corridor, he heard the voices coming from the door on the left, the entrance to the auditorium. Jake leaned against the doorframe, carefully opening the door just a tiny crack. He peeked inside and what he saw made his face turn pale.

Amberly and Norbert were standing on the right of the auditorium. Norbert had Amberly cornered against the wall.

So, first Freakula; and now you – Witch! shouted Norbert smiling happily as he brushed his hand against Amberly’s cheek, but Amberly smacked it away.

She was trembling like mad, with panic in her beautiful silvery eyes. I’m just here to learn at school.

Don’t lie! screamed Norbert in a voice that wasn’t his. It was deep and raspy, like a coin grating against metal. I saw you today. You managed to convince Miss Bentley into making Jake Winslow show you around. Why do you want to gain his trust?

His father and my father were friends. I thought it would be nice if Jake and I were friends as well. said Amberly with a guilty look on her face.

Liar! I know what you’re up to. You’re a Parallelist, just like Winslow! screeched Norbert.

Jake swallowed back a scream. What was Norbert talking about? What’s a Parallelist? And why was Norbert saying that Amberly is just like him?

I wanted to kill one Parallelist, but I think two Parallelists will be better. said Norbert.

He stretched his hand towards Amberly.

Jake was horrified. Norbert wasn’t just a bully. He was a homicidal maniac who was about to kill Amberly and then soon … him!

"Take him down. a quiet voice seemed to echo in his head. Take him down……."

Before Jake knew what he was doing, he had kicked the door open and rushed to Norbert and punched him in the gut.

Norbert stumbled back, clutching his stomach and gasping. He glared at Jake with such hatred.

You! he moaned angrily.

Leave her alone! shouted Jake in his most heroic voice. Or I’ll call the police.

Norbert threw back his head and laughed with an eerie, unholy cackle.

Amberly clutched Jake’s arm and whispered, Jake, you have to go. You don’t know what Norbert’s capable of. I can look after myself!

But he’s threatened to murder you and me! said Jake, his voice cracking. We have to call the police.

Jake looked back at Norbert and screamed with horror.

Norbert wasn’t there anymore! What stood in his place was a huge creature that looked like it had crawled out of hell. It looked half–hound and half–man, a werewolf.

It loomed like a huge black dog twice the size of a normal bloodhound. Its fur was as dark as coal, its eyes burning like hot molten lava, exactly like Norbert. It had fangs as sharp as daggers and black like its fur. The huge creature that used to be Norbert bared his teeth at Jake and Amberly.

Amberly. breathed Jake, shakily edging towards the door. I think we should … RUN!!!

He grabbed Amberly’s wrist and ran just as Norbert lunged for them. Norbert hit the wall with a loud crash.

Jake and Amberly raced out of the auditorium.

Jake, I can explain. Amberly called after Jake. Norbert he ………

Don’t! snapped Jake between pants as he dragged Amberly along. You can explain later. We need to find Coach Bryson.

Coach Bryson?

Yes, he’s Ethan’s baseball coach and the Physical Ed teacher. He’s the only teacher here in the afternoon.

Jake was interrupted by a loud roar as the door of the auditorium was thrown off its hinges. Norbert pounced out of the huge hole that used to be the entrance. Saliva drooled from his mouth, dripping to the floor. He turned his gaze towards Jake and Amberly, a deep growl emanating from his throat.

Jake grabbed Amberly’s wrist again and dragged her along the corridor, running as fast as his thin legs could carry him, with Norbert galloping right behind them.

The corridor split into two sections, but Jake knew which way to go. When you’ve spent almost every day being chased by the school bullies after you accidentally hit out with a really bad comeback, you tend to learn to navigate your way through a school as large as Winston High. And that had happened to Jake more than once.

He skidded to the right so suddenly that Amberly almost flew into the lockers.

They raced past all the classrooms and locker rooms until they came to a large sliding door that led outside to the baseball pitch, where a bunch of large, muscular boys were playing.

Jake scanned them, looking for Ethan or Coach Bryson.

"Where are they? he thought. You couldn’t miss someone as tall and athletic with really good hair like Ethan."

Just then, he heard Norbert roaring behind them, something that sounded a lot like, You’re dead Winslow! which he said practically all the time.

Finally, Jake could see Ethan’s tall and athletic body outline on the far side of the field. Even better, he was standing next to the hefty, slightly paunchy build of Coach Bryson.

Coach Bryson! Ethan! Jake screamed as loud as he could.

Ethan and Coach Bryson both turned to look at him, lifting their eyebrows wide with surprise.

Jake stopped with such a halt that Ethan had to grab him by the arm to stop him from skidding into the first row of benches. Amberly smacked into Coach Bryson’s large stomach.

Ethan held Jake by the shoulders and looked him in the eyes. They had turned an odd shade of golden brown, which always happened when he was anxious.

Jake? he said with a calm expression, but judging by the sound of his voice, he was trying to hide his trembling. What happened?

We … need … to … call the police! Jake panted; his voice was hoarse from screaming so loud. He turned and said to Coach Bryson. You need to call them! Norbert ……

A roar so loud that the ground shook came from across the field. Norbert came pouncing out of the school.

There was utter chaos as the baseball boys started screaming and running in different directions. Coach Bryson was frozen to the spot, with a look of horror on his face. Ethan stood staring at Norbert; his perfectly tanned skin had turned the shade of freshly fallen snow, and his eyes had turned a brilliant green. Amberly was the only person who seemed sane in the situation; she stood perfectly still with an almost … bored expression on her face.

Jake’s head was spinning. Everything and everyone had become a blur of noise and colour. He felt like he was going to pass out or vomit on something, or both. His breathing had become so heavy, and his heart felt like it was going to explode right out of his chest.

Norbert’s large, dark shape was barrelling towards him at a rapid pace; his eyes looked like two blazing balls of red light.

Suddenly, Jake felt a sudden surge of energy, like an electric current coursing through his body, flowing through his veins like a shockwave that had taken control of his body.

"Strike now!" – the voice in his head, only it was sounding more like a scream now!

Before he knew what he was doing, Jake found himself bounding in Norbert’s direction. He heard Ethan’s voice screaming behind him, but he couldn’t make out what he was saying, it sounded all muffled like the rest of the crowd.

Jake tried to stop himself, but his limbs weren’t responding. It was as if someone else was controlling him. And he was running faster and faster towards Norbert.

Then Jake shouted something that sounded like some sort of made–up language. It was either that, or it was just him saying "Double Chocolate Banana Split Swirl!", which was a very weird thing to say when you are running straight into a demonic creature twice the size of you!

There was a sudden flash of blinding blue light, so bright that Jake had to shut his eyes tight, but it even pierced through his eyelids like a shard of glass.

Then Jake heard Norbert, wailing with unholy terror.

Then there was nothing……. but silence.

He felt something hard against his back. It felt like the ground.

Jake didn’t care, he just wanted to sleep. The one thing he dreaded most, the place where he couldn’t escape the memories of the past. His past. They just came flooding back.

The happiness. The peace. The pain……

Chapter 3

The Past Never Truly Leaves Us

Jake remembered when he was five years old.

He was lying on bright green grass, the wind blowing in his face as he gazed up at the blue sky above him. He looked beside him and saw his mother smiling cheerfully at him.

She was stunning. Her flowing locks of hair hung at her shoulders like a freshly lit fire. Her eyes of the deepest green gazed down at Jake with such love and compassion. Her blossom–coloured lips were shaped in a crooked smile, the way she always looked when she was happy.

Solar Flare. she said, her voice soft like the pitter patter of rain. She called him ‘Solar Flare’ due to his hair resembling fire, and she used to say that he shone like the Sun in her eyes. Are you ready to meet your new baby brother?

She rubbed her swollen belly gently. She had been pregnant for nearly nine months. Jake’s new brother was due any day now. He did have an older sister, Roxanne, but she was already going to high school. This new child would be closer to Jake’s age, so he would have someone to play the games he wanted to play.

Jake nodded. Mommy, do you think I’ll like him?

His mother laughed. Well, it took your sister a while to get used to you. But I’m sure you’ll love him the moment you see him.

She kneeled down carefully and stroked Jake’s hair, picking out loose twigs and leaves. Jake closed his eyes.

The scene shifted.

Jake was lying in his bed. His new baby brother, Ben, lay in the crib beside him, snoozing peacefully.

It was the middle of the night, but Jake couldn’t sleep. Even at a young age, he had a feeling when something was wrong.

Suddenly, he heard angry voices coming from downstairs. Jake climbed out of bed and crept towards the door.

Then he remembered that Ben would be all alone in the room. He went to the crib and switched on the baby monitor so that if Ben was in trouble, his mom or dad would be able to hear.

Jake went outside his room and tiptoed down the corridor all the way to the top of the stairs.

One of the angry voices sounded like his dad, but the other voice he’d never heard before. It was deep and husky.

Jake? said a voice behind him.

Jake swung around and saw his mom standing in a black sweater, denim jeans, hiking boots and her lucky red baseball cap. She was carrying a black gym bag that looked very heavy. Her eyes were red like she’d been crying.

What are you doing up so late? she asked, dropping her bag and kneeling down in front of him, which was really impressive since she had just given birth just a few days earlier.

I couldn’t sleep, and then I heard voices downstairs. Who’s Daddy arguing with? whispered Jake.

His mom’s expression was unreadable; she placed her hand on Jake’s shoulders and looked him straight in the eyes.

Solar Flare, I need you to be strong. Don’t ask me why I’m doing this, but I promise I will explain when I come back. Her voice was cracking. Stay upstairs. Take care of your brother and sister. I love you.

Jake’s mom kissed him on the cheek, stood up and took her bag, giving Jake one last smile before going down the stairs.

Jake stood there in silence. The voices downstairs seemed to grow louder and louder. Then suddenly, it stopped. There was a hushed muttering and after that, silence filled the house.

"Mommy said stay upstairs. thought Jake. She didn’t say how long I should stay…"

With that he glided swiftly down the stairs and into the kitchen. What he saw really confused him.

His dad was standing by the door that led outside to the garden. He was leaning against the doorframe, his back facing Jake. And he seemed to be … sobbing.

Daddy? squeaked Jake tugging on his dad’s shirt sleeve.

Jake’s father jumped with fright and turned around, tears tracing down his cheeks.

Jake. he said awkwardly, looking down at his small son. Aren’t you supposed to be asleep?

I couldn’t sleep. asked Jake looking right back at his dad with big green eyes. Where’s Mommy?

Jake’s dad picked him up and held him in his arms. Mommy had to go away. She’ll be back … one day.

He hugged Jake tightly. Jake looked out of the open door and saw a car’s headlights disappearing around the corner.

Everything went blank…

Chapter 4

Hunted

When Jake woke up, everything was a blur. He could see only indistinct shapes and muffled voices that sounded very far away.

As his vision slowly started to clear, he realized that he was in a hospital ward and was surrounded by several people.

Two of them Jake had never seen before – a man and woman who were dressed in standard hospital uniforms.

The other five were faces he knew too well. They were the faces of Ethan, Amberly, his dad, his sister Roxanne, and his brother Ben.

Guys…? Jake wheezed, cautiously sitting up.

Jake! cried Ben, rushing up and jumping onto Jake’s lap. He wrapped his arms around his neck and squeezed so tight that Jake thought that he might break his neck. His shaggy chestnut–brown hair tickled Jake’s face.

"Tami, you’re murdering me." wheezed Jake, patting Ben on the back.

After one last squeeze, Ben let go of Jake and sprang off the bed. Roxanne bent down and placed her hands on Ben’s shoulders.

Dr. Gale! cried Ethan, grabbing the doctor by the arm and shaking him. Is Jake going to be alright? If he dies, my father will sue this hospital. Please, I will even donate organs to save him! How many pints of blood does he need? Does he need a kidney transplant?

The doctor pushed Ethan’s hands away and held him steadily. "Mister Wayland, Jake is alright. He was just suffering from a rapid increase in heartbeat and adrenaline for some mysterious reason. But he’s perfectly fine; he’ll be out of hospital by Thursday.

So back to your story, a rabid animal, probably a stray dog came charging towards you, Jake and Miss Godwin – he turned to Amberly, who stood in the corner, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed. Jake runs to the dog to stop it from attacking, but the dog pounces on