Bloodlines

By Abbi Peters

Ezra Clarke is a pessimistic, antisocial high school teenager who goes from having zero responsibility to being responsible for the lives of those he loves-and possibly lives all across the planet of Terrah.

On the day of Ezra's 17th birthday, something powerful awakens within him: the power of telepathy. He quickly finds that

• Language: English
• Publisher: Opportune Independent Publishing Co.
• Release date: Feb 12, 2024
• ISBN: 9781636161853

Book preview

Prologue

A large man grabbed me around my waist and hoisted me into the train car. I slid forward on my hands and knees, feeling a thin layer of sand that rested on top of the wooden floor scrape against my palms. I sat there for a moment and tried to take in my surroundings while the thick metal door slammed behind me.

It was dark out, and a sliver of light from the moon made its way through a couple of openings around the door. The train car itself was large enough for me to stand completely upright and pace back and forth about 10 feet or so. A strong, musky smell of rust invaded my nose so abrupztly I could taste it.

Where are you guys? I thought to myself. No reply. These people must have kept us far enough apart that we couldn’t communicate that easily. I waited a few seconds, then cupped my hands around my mouth to try and yell. Silence.

That’s when I turned and caught a glimpse of him, sitting there with his back against the wall, staring up at me.

Oh, wow, am I glad to see you! I said as I dusted off my palms and onto my jeans. Don’t be scared; I’m not here to hurt you. Are we headed to the same place?

He tilted his head slightly but didn’t respond.

You might want to get off whenever we come to our stop in a few hours. The place that we are headed isn’t somewhere you want to be … trust me. I remarked.

I slowly sat down a few feet in front of him, being sure to give enough space not to startle him.

I sighed and rubbed my eyes. Yeah, I think this might be my last night alive. I’m pretty sure my friends are being held several carts back, but I can’t hear any of them. I paused and put my hands down in my lap. This past week has been crazy, to say the least.

Suddenly, I felt the train begin to slowly move forward and the engine begin to rev.

"We’re in for a long ride. Do you mind if I tell you about it?

Chapter 1

M y alarm went off at 6:30 a.m., but I had already been lying awake for the past 20 minutes. I woke up from some weird dream, and most of the details vanished as soon as my eyes opened. I do, however, remember being outside, hiding behind some trees and watching what looked like a bonfire in the distance. I could smell the smoke in the air and heard whispering amongst a small group of people. It almost felt like I was spying on them because I had the feeling I wasn’t supposed to be there. In the dream, it seemed like I knew these people, but I don’t think I’ve ever met any of them in real life.

After waking, it took a while to shake the feeling of déjà vu. Once my alarm went off, I could hear footsteps coming up the stairs. My door slowly opened, and my mom peeked her head in.

Ezra, are you up, honey? she asked softly.

The light from the hallway behind her hurt my eyes a bit, and I squinted for a moment.

Yes, I’m up, I whispered.

My words came out raspy, so I cleared my throat. She smiled at me and closed my door. I hopped out of bed and began my usual morning routine of simply brushing my teeth, putting on deodorant, and changing clothes. Once I rubbed a bit of sleep from my eyes, I grabbed my backpack and headed downstairs. At the table sat my dad, who had already started eating breakfast.

Good morning, son, he said without looking up from his plate of eggs and bacon. He was dressed in his usual work attire, a pale white button-down and freshly ironed black dress pants.

Morning, I replied.

My mom walked over to me from the sink, kissed my forehead, and put her hand on my head.

These curls are going to get out of control pretty soon! she said with a bit of playfulness in her voice.

I shot her a half-hearted smile. Yeah, I know.

I got my hair from my mom. Dark brown, curly, and often unmanageable. She seemed to know the secret to taming her hair, but girls are good at that stuff, I guess. And the fact that her job requires her to know everything she can about hair probably helps, too.

What’s going on at school today, son? my dad asked as he got up from the table and began scraping the remnants of eggs from his plate into the trash can.

Not much, I don’t think.

I honestly couldn’t even remember if I had anything due. I’m a bit of a procrastinator, but somehow, I managed to get good grades. School had always come very easily to me. I didn’t usually have to try too hard to at least get a B on assignments. I’m like my dad in that way. He was an honor roll student all throughout school and didn’t have much of a social life. I guess I get that from him, too.

I sat down at my spot at the table, and my mom had already made me a plate of food, as she usually does.

I think Ezra can start fixing his own plates from now on, Sherri. 17 years old tomorrow, and you still treat him like he’s two.

My dad wasn’t wrong. She did a lot of things for me that I could do on my own, like taking me to school that’s just a couple of miles up the road when I could easily walk or bike. I think me being an only child must have something to do with it because I didn’t know many people whose mom still folds their underwear. Then again, I didn’t really know that many people at all.

She narrowed her gaze at him. I don’t treat him like he’s two, Paul. I know he can do things for himself, but I enjoy it. I think you’re just jealous I don’t do the same for you. She smiled proudly and winked at me.

Dad does have a bit of a point, Mom. You do go out of your way for me a lot. I think I’m going to start taking my bike to school, starting tomorrow. Since, you know, I don’t have my own car.

They both looked at each other, then looked at me.

Do you have some sort of secret stash of money that we don’t know about for you to buy one? my dad asked, raising an eyebrow above the top of his glasses.

My eyes wandered around the room. No.

I knew where the conversation was going. I set myself up for it, though. I don’t have a job like a lot of the kids at my school.

Dad crossed his arms and leaned his back against the counter. Well, once we see that you are taking interest in more responsibilities, like getting a job, then we can think about cars.

My mom interjected, Is Luke’s job looking to hire anyone, honey? It would be so nice for you two to be able to work together, and his job seems like it can be pretty fun!

She had suggested that countless times before. She doesn’t care or not if I get a job, but she knows my dad does.

I don’t know. And as much as I like Luke, I don’t know if I necessarily want to work with him, I replied.

Luke’s my best friend, and he works at the movie theater. We’ve known each other for years, and we are different in a lot of ways. Luke has a bigger circle of friends than I do. He’s into sports like pole ball and football. His hair is way better than mine. Dirty blonde and always has the right amount of hair gel. His blue eyes and tan skin are apparently much more appealing to girls than pale, freckled skin like I have. However, his skin was often painted with bruises from playing sports.

I guess I could say he’s a little popular. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like him. We met doing a group project in middle school, and we just kind of clicked. He’s into the same types of video games I am. We both like Frank Sinatra and classic rock. He also brings over comic books for me after he’s read them. We have similar tastes, so he knows that if he doesn’t like one, I probably won’t, either.

My mom circled back to what I’d initially said. Sweetie, I don’t know if I’m very comfortable with you taking your bike back and forth from school. Aren’t one of the reflectors missing, anyway? she asked with a bit of a worried tone.

Yeah, but it’ll be light outside when I leave here and when I come back, so it should be fine.

"He will be fine Sherri, Dad added. He offered a comforting smile to my mom and motioned for her to go and give him a hug. I’m heading to work, you two. I love you both. Have a good day."

After he hugged her, he gave me one, too, and left out the front door.

My dad works at the bank, handling loans for people. I always joke with him and call him a nerd because he likes numbers. The glasses and high-waisted dress pants he wears only further prove my point. That, and the model trains he keeps in the garage.

I started inhaling my food as soon as he left. My mom was almost done cleaning up the kitchen from breakfast. She ate a couple of pieces of bacon, made a to-go cup of coffee, and gathered her things.

I’m going to go start the car. I have an early appointment coming in for a cut and color today. This woman tried to dye her hair at home right before a job interview she has later today. Sometimes, I’m still surprised at the amount of people who try and do their own hair at home. She rolled her eyes and chuckled. I’ll be waiting in the car, honey. Don’t forget your jacket.

I quickly finished my food and put my plate in the sink. I grabbed my lunch she made me out of the fridge and threw on my backpack. On the way toward the door, I stopped and glanced at myself for a moment in the hall mirror.

I had on one of my favorite shirts—a dark green, short-sleeved button-down. The texture of the shirt was a little fuzzy, showing the years of wear it had gotten. It was simple, but that’s what I liked. My mom said it gives her a ‘90s vibe. I guess that’s a good thing.

I then brushed a couple of bacon crumbs off myself and wiped my hands on my faded jeans. I grabbed my jacket and locked the door behind me.

We pulled up at the front entrance of my school, and I hastily leapt out of the passenger’s-side door. I wanted to be quick because I knew Mom was in a hurry to get to work.

Bye, Mom! I’ll see you after school.

Before I could shut the door, I heard her yell.

Hey! Jacket! She was leaning over the seat with my old, worn-out zip-up in her hand.

It wasn’t too cold outside for mid-February in my opinion, but she thought the complete opposite. She had on a long red-and-white striped sweater dress, insulated boots that met the top of her calves, a cardigan, her big black overcoat, and fuzzy gloves. It seemed a little excessive to me. I could comfortably be outside in a shirt and shorts if it wouldn’t give her a heart attack.

I grabbed the jacket from her and shut the car door.

Walking on the way to my classroom, I tried to avoid bumping shoulders with other people, which is almost impossible. I catch myself saying sorry way too many times to people who aren’t paying attention to where they are going, while I get treated like an inconvenient speed bump. But for the most part, I didn’t mind being invisible.

I made my way to my desk for my first-period algebra class. Math first thing in the morning was absolutely as awful as it sounds. I got out my notebook and textbook that costs too damn much, according to my dad. The bell rang, and the morning announcements started on the intercom.

"Good morning, Harrison High students and staff. Today is Wednesday, February 16, year 3022, and this is Mrs. Webster with your morning announcements. Please stand for the Citizen’s Vow. I vow to stay loyal and true to my country of red and blue. Blue are her oceans, surrounding the land our ancestors died for. Red is the blood they shed, staining our history to its core. My loyalty to my country shall never waver ...".

I usually tune out during the morning announcements. It’s always the same stuff, and none of it really pertained to me. I don’t need to know what the cafeteria is serving because my mom makes my lunch. I’m not in any sports or extracurricular activities, and I don’t need to know anything about the spring formal coming up at the beginning of April.

My day continued on like it normally did. Math class first period, followed by history, and then I have economics right before lunch. During lunchtime, I sit with a group of five people, including myself.

I’ve known those guys for a little while, but I still wouldn’t really categorize them as my friends because we’ve never hung out outside of school. There’s Toby, who sits to the right of me. He’s a little hefty and has curly hair like mine. I often feel bad for Toby. Not a lot of people take the time to talk to him because you can’t help but stare at all the acne on his face. But he knows a lot of interesting and random facts that make for good lunch conversation. One day, we spent our whole lunch listening to him explain how bananas are technically radioactive. I found it a little interesting. However, everyone else at the table were visibly holding back yawns.

Next to Toby is Robert. He stands about shoulder height to me and always wears pink shirts and cargo shorts. I met him in gym class a couple of years ago. He doesn’t say much, and always has the same ham and cheese sandwich every day.

Across from me are Harry and Henry. I’ve sat with them since the end of my freshman year. They are twins, and I’d say they are the funniest ones out of all of us. With their fiery red hair, freckles, and braces, a good sense of humor is almost necessary to survive high school.

After lunch, I made my way to chemistry. I somewhat enjoy chemistry. The labs we do are entertaining, and I like using simple ingredients to make complicated things.

Hey, Ezra!

Luke was coming up in front of me from down the hallway. On the way to my chemistry class was the only time I got to see him at school.

I met him halfway. Hey, Luke. How’s it going?

My day is going pretty well! I aced my math test, and later today at work, I start my first day as shift supervisor!

I swear sometimes that Luke has the personality of a golden retriever.

That’s awesome, man! You deserve it, I said with one hundred percent sincerity. I might come off as a little jealous of him, but he does work hard for what he has.

Thanks! Hey, are we still on for your birthday dinner at your place tomorrow night? I found a new comic book I think you’ll enjoy, and you know I like a good excuse to eat cake. He laughed and adjusted his book bag on his shoulders.

Yeah, we are still on. Just be there around 6 p.m., I replied as I smiled at him, making my way toward my classroom.

Sweet! I’ll see you around!

He turned from me, and we parted ways.

We didn’t have a lab in chemistry that day, which I was a little bummed about. I liked doing more hands-on work instead of listening to lectures. Even though I enjoy chemistry, it was hard for me to pay attention and take notes at the same time.

After Mrs. Lewis did roll call, she automatically continued her lesson on ionic bonds. About 10 minutes after the bell rang, one of my classmates walked through the door.

Jordyn, you’re late again, Mrs. Lewis griped. She hobbled over to her desk and marked on the attendance sheet.

Jordyn didn’t say anything and took her spot at her desk a couple of seats behind me. She was odd, to say the least. She had long brown hair with tight curls. She had pretty mocha skin, but it was always covered up with layers of black clothing.

She wore a bunch of bracelets on both wrists. I think some were like those rubber ones people hand out at fundraisers. Others were just random, and a few neon ones were the only colorful things on her body.

She had on skinny jeans and black platform boots that sometimes squeaked when she walked. She also had a hearing aid in her right ear. It’s hard to notice because her hair is always covering it, but I saw her adjusting it one day. I heard some rumors that she lost her hearing in some type of accident about six months ago. That’s when her and her family moved to the area, and she started school here in the fall.

I’ve never talked to her. I don’t even think I’ve ever heard her speak, except when she is actually on time and says here during roll call.

I can hope that you got your homework done for class, Jordyn? Mrs. Lewis asked while raising her graying eyebrows.

Jordyn didn’t reply. She just nodded her head and handed her the assignment.

I finished the day in English class and made a beeline for the freedom that awaited me outside the school. My mom was parked out front for me in her old black sedan. I opened the door, and she had some weird ‘80s music with synthesizers playing.

On the way home, I saw Jordyn walking down the street. I almost didn’t notice it was her because she was walking quickly with her head down. I didn’t realize she lived so close.

Once we got home, I went upstairs and started on my homework. I liked to do it as soon as possible so I didn’t have to worry about it later in the evening. Thankfully, I didn’t have much, just a few math worksheets to do and a couple of chapters in my economics book to read.

Before going upstairs, my mom told me not to bother her for a while so she could wrap my birthday presents. By the time I finished my homework and simultaneously got distracted on my computer, Mom yelled up to me that dinner was ready. I’d been smelling baked ham for over an hour, and the growling from my stomach was getting hard to ignore.

Dad usually arrived home right at 5:30 p.m., and we’d all have dinner together. A lot of the time, our dinner table conversations are a bit mundane. My parents take turns asking each other how their days were. Sometimes, there is an entertaining story that can grab my attention for a few minutes, but usually not. I’ll nod my head every once in a while, making it seem like I’m paying attention when my mind is elsewhere. My mom likes to think most of her stories are entertaining, but I can never tell if my dad is actually interested in hearing them or if he has learned over the years how to appear like he is truly engaged.

Some nights, we will watch a movie or play a card game. I tend to enjoy my evenings playing video games. It’s relaxing and a good way to escape. I tend to lean toward more role-playing games where I can be someone completely different, so I feel better about my boring life for a bit. If Luke isn’t too busy with after-school activities, he’ll join me in some online gaming. That’s one of the things I seem to be better at than he is.

That night after dinner, I finished one of the comic books I’d been reading. It was about a guy who could create money out of thin air. A mix of science and magic. He starts off with good intentions and helping the underprivileged, like most heroes do. Of course, someone finds out his secret and uses it against him for their own personal gain. It was one of the better ones I’d read recently, even if it was a bit predictable.

After dinner, I headed back upstairs to mess around on the computer. My dad often reminded me how fortunate we were to have a computer in the house. It wasn’t very common, and initially, their main purpose was for businesses to use to type and save documents instead of writing them.

Computers had a lot of success and grew in popularity just within the last few years, and a thing called the internet was created. There wasn’t much on the internet; at least, there wasn’t much that interested me. There are places on there known as websites, and from what I have been able to tell, a website can pretty much be anything the person created it wants it to be. All kinds of websites could be found—ones with games, forums for people to talk and ask questions, some news, or even ones that just have a bunch of pictures of cats. Not a lot of people used the internet, though.

The news was what most people who owned computers were interested in. It was always straight facts about different things happening around our town of Alora, like local sporting events, weather, and community gatherings. There was sometimes news regarding countries outside of Revere, but it didn’t happen often. Other countries on Terrah would be considered much less developed as far as technology goes, so they wouldn’t have a very efficient way of getting news out. Sometimes, it felt like we were cut off from the rest of the planet.

I found a large chat forum on one of the websites I liked to frequent. It had everything—news, science, politics, comics, you name it. I got wrapped up in one forum specifically that seemed to be gaining a bit of popularity on the page. Some investor was getting a lot of attention about his contributions to the medical research field. Several of comments on there were of people saying how he was one of the few people left on Terrah that actually gave a shit about everyone’s well-being. I may be a pessimist, but it was nice to read about someone positively contributing to society.

After a long evening of staring at a screen, my eyes began to feel heavy. I glanced over at the clock, and it was already close to 10 p.m. Time had really slipped away from me. I took off my shirt and pants, turned out my light, and crawled under my thick blue comforter.

My alarm went off the next morning at the usual time. I threw on a light blue, collared shirt; jeans; and some old white tennis shoes with scuff marks decorating the sides. I wasn’t one to go shopping for new clothes that often. I liked to get good use out of my things and didn’t buy any replacements unless I absolutely had to.

After